Getting In: A College Coach Conversation

Bright Horizons College Coach
  • 4.6 (284)
  • Education for Kids
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Planning for college? Tune into Getting In: A College Coach Conversation to learn what colleges are really looking for and how to highlight your hard-won achievements for the best chance at success. Every week, we gather former admissions and financial aid officers as well as other expert guests for candid, behind-the-scenes talk. New episodes drop every Thursday.

  1. 3d ago

    The Anxious Generation

    Host Sally Ganga is joined by College Coach counselors Joy Biscornet and Robin Khadduri, along with finance expert Aimee Yorsaner, for a discussion of The Anxious Generation by social psychologist Jonathan Haidt. In his bestselling book, Haidt explores how the rise of smartphones, social media, and a shift away from real-world experiences have contributed to increasing levels of anxiety and mental health challenges.   The panel examines how the themes of the book intersect with today's college admissions process. From the pressures of building a resume and maintaining a social media presence to navigating academic expectations, extracurricular involvement, and the cost of college, students face a unique set of challenges that contribute to stress.   Whether you're a parent, student, or educator, this episode offers practical strategies for fostering resilience, maintaining perspective, and supporting students as they navigate one of the most important transitions of their lives. Tune in for an engaging conversation about mental health, technology, and how to help students thrive during the college admissions journey.

  2. Aug 20

    The University of California & California State University Application Systems

    Host Kyra Tyler takes a deep dive into two of the largest and most popular public university systems in the country, providing essential updates for students applying to California colleges this year. From application requirements and recent changes to financial aid considerations, this episode offers a helpful guide for families navigating the University of California (UC) and California State University (CSU) application processes.   In the first segment, Kyra is joined by College Coach Cesar Contreras for a UC Application Refresher & Updates. Cesar reviews the key components of the application and highlights recent updates that applicants should be aware of while sharing strategies for effectively presenting their achievements and experiences.   Next, College Coach Gabbi Tobias joins Kyra for a Cal State Application Refresher & Updates. Gabbi breaks down the CSU application process, explaining what students need to know about eligibility requirements, academic reporting, impacted majors, and campus-specific considerations. She also discusses recent updates to the application and offers practical advice to help students avoid common mistakes.   The episode concludes with finance expert Patricia Pineiro-Goodenberger, who provides a Cal State & UC Financial Application Overview & Update. Patricia explains the financial aid processes that students and families should understand when applying to California public universities, including key forms, timelines, and considerations for maximizing aid eligibility. She also reviews recent developments related to financial aid and shares tips for staying organized throughout the process.

  3. Aug 13

    Common Application Updates

    The college application season is underway, and with each new cycle come updates that students and families need to know. On this episode of Getting In: A College Coach Conversation, host Dina Birmingham sits down with several College Coach colleagues to break down some of the most important application changes for the year ahead.   First, College Coach Mikhail Filarski joins the show to discuss updates to the Common Application, which mainly occurred in the Activities & Experiences List and making which colleges accept fee waivers more transparent.   Next, College Coach Landis Fryer tackles supplemental essays in a segment called "What's Supp?" Landis reviews key supplemental essay updates and trends emerging this admissions cycle. While future episodes will take a deeper look at the essay requirements for specific colleges, this conversation provides a broad overview of the changes students should be aware of.   Finally, Finance Expert Russell Seidelmann addresses merit scholarships. Are separate applications required? When do students need to apply? He shares what families should know about the process and how to maximize opportunities for scholarship consideration.

  4. Aug 6

    The Ivy + Schools

    Host Ian Fisher examines the realities of admission and affordability at the nation's most selective colleges, separating headlines and misconceptions from the facts families need to know. From admission trends and testing policies to financial aid and paying the bill, this episode takes a practical look at the institutions often referred to as the "Ivy Plus" colleges.   In the first segment, Ian is joined by College Coach Scott Alexander to discuss admission trends among the Ivies and other highly selective institutions. Together, they cut through the noise surrounding elite college admission and focus on what the data actually shows. Scott explains what colleges are typically included in the "Ivy Plus" category, explores recent admission trends, and discusses the growing movement among many highly selective institutions to return to standardized testing requirements. The conversation also tackles one of the most talked-about topics in higher education: the U.S. News & World Report rankings. Scott breaks down what these rankings do and do not measure, helping families understand how much weight they should really give to rankings when building a college list.   In the second segment, finance expert Parisa Salavitabar addresses a question many families ask after seeing attention-grabbing headlines: Can you really get free tuition at an Ivy? Parisa takes a closer look at the increasingly generous financial aid announcements coming from Ivy League and other highly selective institutions, helping listeners understand the fine print behind the press releases. She explains who typically qualifies for these programs, how colleges define family income and assets, and why "free tuition" does not always mean "free college."   The episode concludes with finance expert Michelle Smoley, who examines how families pay for an Ivy League education when they do not qualify for the most generous financial aid programs. Michelle reviews the range of options available, including savings, current income, payment plans, student and parent loans, and other funding strategies. She also explains why private scholarships, while valuable, are often not the most effective strategy for covering the full cost of attendance at highly selective colleges.

  5. Jul 30

    What Does The Common App "Roll-over" Mean?

    Host Sally Ganga explores financial aid and college applications before launching an exciting new series that celebrates the traditions  that make campuses unique.   In the first segment, Sally is joined by finance expert Beth Feinberg-Keenan for a look at the history and current state of the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). Beth traces the evolution of this critical financial aid form, explaining how it became the gateway to federal, state, and institutional aid for millions of students. She also discusses recent changes to the FAFSA process, the challenges and improvements that families have experienced in recent years, and why completing the application remains one of the most important steps in making college affordable.   In the second segment, Sally welcomes College Coach Brittany Preston to discuss the annual Common Application rollover and why August 1 is such an important date. Brittany explains what happens when the application system transitions from one admission cycle to the next, what information carries over for students who have already created accounts, and which sections may need to be updated or completed again. She also highlights changes for the new application season.   The episode concludes with the debut of a new series, "Traditions," which highlights some of the memorable experiences that define college communities. Sally is joined by College Coaches Kimberly Ortiz and Carrie Lewis, who share stories from institutions that have played important roles in their lives. Kimberly discusses some of her favorite traditions from Harvey Mudd College, reflecting on the creativity, camaraderie, and distinctive culture that characterize the campus. Carrie then turns the spotlight on Drake University, sharing traditions and campus experiences that foster school spirit and lasting connections among students and alumni. Together, they illustrate how college traditions can help create a sense of belonging and become some of the most cherished memories of the undergraduate experience.

  6. Jul 23

    What Do I Need to Do this Summer If I'm Starting College in the Fall?

    Host Sally Ganga brings together admission and finance perspectives for a timely conversation about preparing to start college this fall, followed by another installment of our "Meet an Educator" series featuring one of the newer members of the Bright Horizons College Coach team.   In the first segment, Sally is joined by College Coach Tova Javetz and finance expert Alex Gonzalez to discuss what students and families should be doing during their senior summer. Tova and Alex walk through the key tasks to tackle, from completing required paperwork to using college-provided checklists to stay organized and on track. They also discuss the financial side of the transition, including understanding the full cost of attendance and ensuring a solid plan is in place to cover expenses. The conversation also explores the legal realities of students turning 18, including situations where families may want to consult an attorney to better understand issues such as privacy rights, medical decision-making, and state-specific regulations that could affect their student once they arrive on campus.   In the second segment, Sally continues the "Meet an Educator" series with College Coach Katie Phung. Katie shares her path from working in admission most recently at Boston College to joining Bright Horizons College Coach. Sally highlights the value that new team members bring when they arrive directly from college admission offices, offering fresh perspectives on current trends and practices while benefiting from the collective experience of longtime College Coach colleagues. Katie also looks back on her own college search process and her decision to attend Bryant University, where she took advantage of the network she built to explore the administrative side of higher education after graduation during what she describes as a "professional gap year." The conversation provides insight into both the admission profession and the experiences that shaped Katie's career helping students navigate their own college journeys.

  7. Jul 16

    How to Become a College President

    Host Dina Birmingham makes her debut as a podcast host with a special episode featuring a guest who has played an important role in her own life: her older brother, Roger J. Thompson, the 31st President of Saint Mary's College of California. Together, they explore educational leadership, student support, and the many resources available to help students succeed on campus.   In the first segment, Dina continues our "How to Become" series with a conversation about how to become a college president. Roger reflects on his journey from high school and college through a career in higher education that included working in the registrar's office at the University of Southern California and holding a variety of administrative leadership roles before becoming president of Saint Mary's College. Along the way, he shares the experiences and mentors that shaped his path, discusses the challenges and rewards of higher education leadership, and explains what he enjoys most about helping students from the administrative side of the institution. His story offers a fascinating look at the many career paths available within higher education and the impact that dedicated professionals can have on students' lives.   In the second segment, Dina is joined by finance expert Parisa Salavitabar for a practical discussion on campus offices: who to go to for what. College campuses can be filled with unfamiliar offices, titles, and jargon, leaving many students unsure where to turn when they need help. Dina and Parisa break down some of the most important resources available to students, including academic advising offices, financial aid departments, registrars, student support services, and the bursar's office—yes, the same term that gained newfound popularity thanks to Hamilton. They explain the role each office plays and offer guidance on how students can quickly find the right support when questions or challenges arise during their college experience.

  8. Jul 9

    Changes to Student Loan Repayments

    Host Ian Fisher welcomes listeners for an episode featuring two familiar faces and one new voice.   In the first segment, Ian continues the "Meet an Educator" series with College Coach Stacey Badger. Stacey reflects on her career in admission at the University of Southern California, where she worked with applicants across multiple academic divisions, including both Viterbi Engineering and the Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences. She shares insights into how applications are reviewed for different academic programs, what students often misunderstand about the admission process, and how her experiences as an admission professional shape the guidance she provides today. Stacey also discusses her own undergraduate journey and what she enjoys most about helping students and families navigate the college process as part of the Bright Horizons College Coach team.   Next, Ian sits down with finance expert and longtime member of our Finance Team Dina Birmingham who will be the podcast's newest host starting next week. Dina shares about why she is excited to take on a hosting role and the unique perspective she hopes to bring to future episodes, helping families better understand how financial planning and admission decisions intersect throughout the college journey.   The episode concludes with finance expert Michelle Clifton, who provides an update on the latest developments in federal student loan repayment. Michelle explains recent changes affecting borrowers, including the end of the SAVE plan forbearance, and discusses practical steps families and graduates can take to understand their repayment options, such as using available loan repayment calculators and planning tools to evaluate payment strategies and make informed decisions as the student loan landscape continues to evolve.

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Planning for college? Tune into Getting In: A College Coach Conversation to learn what colleges are really looking for and how to highlight your hard-won achievements for the best chance at success. Every week, we gather former admissions and financial aid officers as well as other expert guests for candid, behind-the-scenes talk. New episodes drop every Thursday.

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