The Scholarship GPS Podcast: Your Directions to a Debt-Free College Degree

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The Scholarship GPS Podcast features Dave The Scholarship Coach, who brings you the latest scholarship information, interviews with college-prep experts, and much more. It is perfect for students and parents who want to earn a debt-free college degree.

  1. 9h ago

    The Impact of SAT, ACT, and PSAT For Scholarships and College Admissions + A Scholarship With $2,500,000+ in Awards!

    Jackie Pollina founded J&J Test Prep with the intention of making test prep fun and manageable for students. Jackie also co-developed No B.S. SAT® Prep, an online digital SAT® prep program that is used by tutors, programs, and schools nationwide. In our conversation, Jackie explains: Why students should take the SAT/ACT. The timeline goal that students should have to achieve their best score. How students can reverse-engineer a prep timeline so that they hit that timeframe. The opportunities that may still exist when students don’t hit their desired goal by that timeframe. Where the PSAT fits into all of this. The impact that test scores have on scholarships and merit aid, and much more. J&J Test Prep offers numerous ways to work with your student. Plus, they offer my readers a special discount. To learn more about J&J Test Prep’s programs, click here. And, be sure to take advantage of J&J Test Prep’s FREE diagnostic to help you decide whether the SAT or ACT is the best option for your student. Click here for this complimentary program. ---------- Featured Scholarships: Silver Law Group $1000 Investor Advocacy Scholarship $1000 Follow Your Own Path Scholarship $20,000 Coca-Cola Foundation Scholarship Elks Most Valuable Student Scholarship ($30,000 Top Prize, $2,500,000+ in Prizes + Local & State Awards) $3000 CollegeXpress August Scholarship Giveaway ---------- Nnotice the categories that the applicant must list on their application for the Coca-Cola and Elks Scholarships, as well as the topic of the essay: • Academics • Extracurriculars • Volunteering • Work Experience • Leadership These are the same categories that I refer to as The Five Pillars of a Student’s Personal Narrative. Students don’t need to have experiences in all five of the Pillars, but they do need to know how to tie their experiences together in a compelling way that grabs the judge’s attention. That is what I spend so much time helping students with in the Scholarship Navigator programs. With programs for students in the Classes of 2027, 2028, 2029, 2030, middle school, and college students, students get personalized assistance building their Personal Narrative, essay reviews, editing, and suggestions, a custom list of scholarships that match the student’s profile, and much more. If you would like to learn more about the Scholarship Navigator programs, I am offering a limited number of free 15-minute Zoom meetings to answer your questions. To book your free consultation, click here.

  2. Aug 3

    Launch Your Student Into College Success + 5 Scholarships

    Jennifer Gershberg is a campus and keynote speaker and a former University of Maryland professor. Through her campus programs, keynotes, trainings, and online courses, she helps prospective and current college students build confidence and competence by teaching them the fundamental skills they need for academic and professional success. While on the faculty at the University of Maryland, Jennifer won numerous teaching awards, including the highly coveted Allen J. Krowe Award for Teaching Excellence. She has been a featured guest on multiple podcasts, including Real Housewives of New Jersey Margaret Josephs’ “Caviar Dreams, Tuna Fish Budget.” Jennifer attended Cornell University and the George Washington University Law School. Jennifer’s speaking career is a product of her deep concern for and commitment to student wellbeing. As a professor, she observed a continuous decline in student competencies and mental health following the pandemic and felt compelled to broaden her impact, leading her to this work. Jennifer is known for her natural ease and connection with students, relatability, genuine investment in student success, and being “nurturing but tough -- exactly what students need.” (source: a student) In our conversation, we discussed: • How students build confidence and reduce anxiety • Some of the academic challenges she noticed college students commonly face • Advice for students who need to ask for letters of recommendation  • Advice for parents to help their children launch into college successfully ---------- The bad news: Let’s be honest—the transition to college comes with challenges. As summer arrives, many students and parents are feeling the pinch of college costs. The merit aid offered by colleges is often less than hoped for, and concerns about students thriving without the guardrails of high school are increasing. Now, here’s the good news: I’ve partnered with former college professor Jennifer Gershberg to help you turn these hurdles into opportunities for success. Jennifer is passionate about equipping students with essential skills—from time management to building strong relationships with professors—that set them up for college and beyond. Her “Welcome to College! Bootcamp for Incoming Students” is specifically designed to prepare incoming students for the demands of college life, making the transition smoother and more confident. For just $159—a tiny investment compared to the staggering costs of college—this course offers immense value. And here’s the best part: when you enroll through this link only, you’ll receive the Scholarship GPS course for free! (That’s a $197 value!) This comprehensive guide walks you through every step of securing scholarships—from finding scholarships, prioritizing the right ones, to crafting standout essays. Don’t let the financial stress or fear of the unknown hold you back. Take advantage of this limited-time offer to give your student the tools they need for success. Once you purchase, I’ll send you instructions to access your free Scholarship GPS course. Act now—your student’s brighter college journey starts today! ---------- When Sarah's son experienced a medical emergency during his first semester of college, she suddenly found herself navigating an unexpected situation no family plans for. Fortunately, she had purchased GradGuard Tuition Insurance when her son started at Denison University. What began as a simple precaution became an invaluable source of support during a difficult time. In this testimonial, she shares how the claims process was straightforward, responsive, and easy to navigate, allowing her family to focus on what mattered most: her son's health and recovery. The tuition refund provided the flexibility and financial relief they needed while he took time away from school to heal before successfully returning to continue his education. Like homeowners or car insurance, you hope you never need to use it but it's comforting to know it's there if you do. Listen to her story and learn how tuition insurance helped provide peace of mind when the unexpected happened. 🎓 To learn more about GradGuard Tuition Insurance, click here. ---------- Featured Scholarships: $1500 Make Me Laugh Scholarship $1000 Achieve Today Scholarship $1000 Capital Auto Auction Scholarship Driver Education Initiative Award $2026 ScholarshipOwl No Essay Scholarship

  3. Jul 27

    What Students Can and Can't Control in College Admissions + 6 Scholarships

    When Cheryl’s daughter’s junior year became overwhelming, her family was faced with a difficult situation. What started as a challenging semester soon became too much to manage, making it difficult for her daughter to continue attending classes and complete the term. Having purchased GradGuard Tuition Insurance before the semester, Cheryl’s family was able to navigate the process with support, compassion, and clear communication. Cheryl shares how simple the claims process felt, how helpful the team was along the way, and how receiving a tuition refund gave their family the time and flexibility to determine the best path forward. With the pressure of the semester lifted, her daughter was able to move at a pace that better supported her needs and is now doing fantastic. 🎓 To learn more about GradGuard Tuition Insurance, click here. ---------- Our Most Popular Program! The Scholarship Summer Camp is for high school students in the Classes of 2027, 2028, 2029, and 2030. Your student will learn the skills required for scholarship success by applying for real scholarships, including a $35,000 scholarship capstone project! Every Monday through Thursday, a new, pre-recorded lesson will be released. On Thursday evenings, we will be live (but recorded for future viewing), discussing the week’s lessons and taking Q&A. Here’s the agenda: Week 1: The Tools For Scholarship Success Week 2: Your Personal Narrative Week 3: Finding The Right Scholarships For You Week 4: Why Do You Deserve To Win This Scholarship? (Apply for a Real Scholarship This Week!) Week 5: Topical Scholarships (Apply for Another Real Scholarship This Week!) Week 6: $35,000 Capstone Scholarship Project! The Scholarship Summer Camp starts on July 27th, and registration will remain open through August 1st. Don’t worry, your student will easily be able to get caught up. Click here to learn more and to register today. ---------- Join Juno’s team of student loan experts as they offer guidance on the best approaches to pay for college in this webinar. We’ll cover how to increase your financial aid package, maximize scholarships, and decide between different loan options. Plenty of time will be allotted to questions, so bring yours! Click here to register for this free session on July 29, 2026 at 8pm ET. ---------- Featured Scholarships: $2000 World's Only Minecraft Scholarship Gen & Kelly Tanabe Think About Your Future Scholarship $1000 Courage to Grow Scholarship $1000 MoolahSPOT Scholarship $35,000 VFW Voice of Democracy Contest $10,000 Scholarships360 No Essay Scholarship ---------- Subscribe to our free newsletter, Your Daily Scholarship, here: https://nodebtcollege.substack.com/

  4. Jul 20

    Student Insights Into How to Safely Use AI + 5 Scholarships

    Kami Wanous, The Freedom Scholar, works with homeschool families to help their students become lifelong learners. Kenyon is Kami’s son, and he has been studying AI for many years. Keyon is working on a book on how young people can use AI safely. In our conversation, we discussed: How Kenyon got into AI How students can use AI safely Ways to use AI properly as part of a student’s education The role parents play in how their kids use AI Plus, Kenyon shares about his experience going through the Scholarship Summer Camp. Click here to learn about Kami’s next Inspire Lifelong Learners Masterclass. ---------- The Scholarship Summer Camp is for high school students in the Classes of 2027, 2028, 2029, and 2030. Your student will learn the skills required for scholarship success by applying for real scholarships, including a $35,000 scholarship capstone project! Every Monday through Thursday, a new, pre-recorded lesson will be released. On Thursday evenings, we will be live (but recorded for future viewing), discussing the week’s lessons and taking Q&A. Here’s the agenda: Week 1: The Tools For Scholarship Success Week 2: Your Personal Narrative Week 3: Finding The Right Scholarships For You Week 4: Why Do You Deserve To Win This Scholarship? (Apply for a Real Scholarship This Week!) Week 5: Topical Scholarships (Apply for Another Real Scholarship This Week!) Week 6: $35,000 Capstone Scholarship Project! The Scholarship Summer Camp starts on July 27th. Click here to learn more and register today. ---------- Featured Scholarships: $1500 Flavor of the Month Scholarship $1000 CardRates.com Financial Futures Scholarship $1000 Spirit of Giving Scholarship $1000 Future Business Leaders Scholarship $2000 Better Financial Future Scholarship

  5. Jul 13

    Behind the Scenes Insights from a Scholarship Provider + 8 Scholarships

    Ingrid Moats of The Math Gift recently offered a scholarship, and in our conversation, she explained what it is like on the other side of the scholarship process, as a scholarship provider. From our conversation, you’ll gain a better understanding of why organizations offer scholarships and why they choose to host them on scholarship websites. She also provides insight into just how much (or how little) competition there really is for scholarships, and how students can stand out as scholarship applicants. In our conversation, we discussed: Why she offered a scholarship Why she chose the website she did to host the scholarship How many applicants they received How many of those applicants were actually eligible The most common mistakes that students made when applying What made the selected winner stand out How she worked with her son in his scholarship journey How math is having an impact on college admissions To connect with Ingrid, visit TheMathGift.com. Get our free list of recommended scholarship websites here: ScholarshipGPS.com/scholarship-websites ---------- Featured Scholarships: Burnett Injury Group $1000 Strength Through Recovery Scholarship $2000 Office Chairs Unlimited Scholarship $2500 Joy Cappel Innovation Scholarship $1500 “First Step” to Distraction-Free Driving Scholarship $2000 Bachus & Schanker, LLC Scholarship $5000 Christian College Scholarship $2,000 Protestant Faith-Based College Scholarship $2,000 Catholic College Scholarship Drawing

  6. Jul 6

    Gain Confidence for the College Admissions Process + 5 Scholarships

    Abbie Metzler is a PhD student in psychology, a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania, and someone who believes the college admissions process should not take away your sense of confidence and calm. Abbie started Confident College Admissions because she’s seen how overwhelming and confusing this process can be. But with the right guidance and support, it can actually feel manageable, meaningful, and even exciting. Her approach combines evidence-based tools from psychology with clear, step-by-step strategies to help students feel prepared and empowered. Over the last 3 years, she’s worked with 200+ students on their essays, applications, and interviews, helping them tell their stories in a way that feels both authentic and impactful. With a background in positive psychology and mental health, she also supports students in managing stress, building confidence, and staying grounded throughout the admissions journey. In our conversation, we discussed: What makes students successful in the college admissions process The biggest misconception students have about personal statements and what actually makes an essay memorable How Abbie’s background in psychology has influenced her approach to the way admissions and applications are handled How strong college essays help students with scholarship applications And much more… Abbie and I are teaming up with an amazing offer! Get lifetime access to the Scholarship GPS course, where you and your student will learn: How to identify the best scholarships for your student Best practices for scholarship applications, essays, and projects The importance of crafting your student’s Personal Narrative -- a key element in winning scholarships Additionally, you will have access to helpful tools such as: A scholarship tracking tool preloaded with quick and easy no-essay scholarships for immediate application A scholarship checklist template to ensure completion of applications An activity log to track your student’s volunteer experiences As an added bonus, you’ll get Abbie’s Write Your Personal Statement with Confidence Course, a step-by-step course to help you write a personal statement that’s honest, powerful, and true to you. With clear lessons, real examples, and a companion workbook, you’ll go from stuck to submitted, feeling proud and confident every step of the way. Get lifetime access to both programs at a special, limited price. Go to ScholarshipGPS.com/confident to learn more. ---------- Campuswink.com gives students and families direct access to hundreds of current college students nationwide for personalized campus tours and virtual Q&A sessions. Ask the questions that official tours won’t answer and get insider insight before stepping on campus. So, choose your school. Choose your Guide. Ask anything. Personalized tours and live student connections are available nationwide. Go to CampusWink.com to learn more. ---------- Featured Scholarships: $1000 Conflict Conqueror Scholarship $1000 Digital Justice Scholarship $2500 Mesothelioma Cancer Victims Scholarship $2000 GeneTex STEM Scholarship $2500 Cheers to 250 Scholarship

  7. Jun 29

    Get The Real Scoop on College Tours + 5 Scholarships

    A conversation with one of Alex’s friends completely altered his college search process. His friend just started his first year at Duke University and was raving about the campus, the culture, and the opportunities. At that time, Duke wasn’t super high on Alex’s list, but that conversation set him on the path of becoming a life-long Blue Devil. As Alex’s college experience played out, he came to realize the influence of those words and see that the most valuable thing a prospective student could have during a college visit was insights to someone who genuinely lived the experience they were imagining for themselves. Someone with similar interests, goals, and concerns not too long ago. So Alex started Campus Maven to connect prospective students with current university students who just went through the process themselves, creating private, personalized tours that go beyond what any official campus visit could offer. In our conversation, we discussed: How to best approach the college tour process How college tours help multiple aspects of the admissions process How “real” official campus tours are How a tour with Campus Maven gives a different perspective And much more… To learn more, visit Campus-Maven.com ---------- Featured Scholarships: $1000 Future in Family Law Scholarship $1000 Making the Leap for Transfer Students Scholarship $1000 KB Delta Scholarship $2000 Legal Marketing Scholarship $2500 "No Sweat" Scholarship FREE Premium Cirkled In Student Portfolio Platform & Scholarship Database! Students in any of the Scholarship Navigator Programs get a FREE premium CirkledIn membership! So, in addition to benefits like a custom list of scholarships that match the student’s profile, scholarship application and essay help, and access to the Scholarship GPS course to learn scholarship best practices, students will also get a premium Circkled In profile which they can share with colleges, internships, employers, and scholarships. Plus, students can access the scholarship database with over 6000 vetted scholarships, updated daily! Click here to learn more about the Scholarship Navigator Programs.

  8. Jun 22

    Parents Still Matter in the Scholarship Process + 6 Scholarships

    When families begin the scholarship journey, many parents assume there are only two options: Top of Form Bottom of Form Either parents take over the process completely, or they step back and let students handle everything on their own. Neither approach works very well. The most successful scholarship families usually find a healthier balance... ---------- Student Loan Rates Drop! Last Monday, one of Scholarship GPS’s partner organizations, Juno, saw a significant rate drop for undergraduate loans on Juno’s platform. Juno leverages collective bargaining to negotiate lower student loans. After receiving input from families, they shared feedback with their partner lenders who then lowered rates compared to previous weeks. For many people who need to borrow for college, rates may now be lower. If you’ve completed a rate check before, it is worthwhile to do it again. We don’t know how long these rates will last, and are encouraging families to lock in a rate now. After completing a rate check, if you submit a full application and are approved, your rates are generally locked for 30 days. You can check your rates by clicking here. ---------- Featured Scholarships: $1000 Public by Default Scholarship Maschka Personal Injury $1000 Safety Advocate Scholarship $1000 Jeanne Murphy Scholarship: Compassion in Action $1000 “Commencing at Community College” Essay Scholarship $1000 No Essay Scholarship by Sallie $2026 ScholarshipOwl No Essay Scholarship ---------- Free Resource: Click here to download our list of recommended scholarship websites. ---------- Click here to learn more about the Scholarship Navigator program.

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The Scholarship GPS Podcast features Dave The Scholarship Coach, who brings you the latest scholarship information, interviews with college-prep experts, and much more. It is perfect for students and parents who want to earn a debt-free college degree.

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