Tom Talks College

Tom Kleese (Owner of OnCampus College Planning)
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Tom Talks College

I’m Tom Kleese, founder of OnCampus College Planning, and my job is to help your family take positive steps on the journey to an incredible college experience.

  1. APR 24

    Episode 24 - How do I find the right colleges, and where do we start?

    Not sure where or how to start? Here are the two best ways to jumpstart your search for the University of You. Head over to the OnCampus blog for the graphic version of the U. of You Matrix.

    13 min

  2. MAR 20

    Episode 23 - How do college applications work?

    The first installment of our Hey, Juniors series helps students take a simple but powerful first step by choosing their 30-45 day "work window" for college applications. A condensed version of this episode can be found in this blog which includes the easy to follow graphic and a nice nod to Dwight Schrute.

    6 min

  3. 03/26/2024

    Episode 22 - 8 Takeaways from 11 Campus Visits

    Just back from my Pacific Northwest Expedition, I have 8 takeaways: time-tested, Tom-tested pro tips for better campus visits and college exploration.  Your backup may be a better fit than your top choice.A sunny day on campus is just one sunny day. Comparisons = connections Listen to what they’re saying. Get off campus. Every campus visit is about being a college student. Spend some time now where you’ll spend a lot of time later. Visit early. Visit often.

    34 min

  4. 03/14/2024

    Episode 21 - Pacific Northwest Expedition (or How I Traded My Credit Card Miles for Campus Visits)

    It's been a minute since you've heard from me, and even longer since I've visited any new campuses. Time to kill two birds with one stone on a three-day, eleven college tour of Washington and Oregon. View my itinerary and campus visit wish list in the accompanying blog.

    16 min

  5. 08/29/2023

    Episode 20 - Why Essays Matter

    Here's the skinny:  Why and how much essays matterEssay myths, misconceptions and harmful half-truthsThe real reasons colleges make you write essaysTwo primary types of essays Two quick tips for every writer

    27 min

  6. 06/30/2023

    Episode 19 - Three Reasons NOT to Freak Out in the College Admissions Process

    When a Mom asks for your help, you better deliver. Here's something parents can share with stressed, panicky students pondering seriously scary college and life decisions.

    37 min

  7. 05/08/2023

    Episode 18 - Estimating College Costs with Net Price Calculators

    Part 3 of our College + Money series digs into a tool you can find on (almost) any college website called a Net Price Calculator. The best versions help you estimate merit and need-based aid, and I'll show you how to spot the good, the bad, and the potentially game-changing ones.    As with parts 1 and 2, you can access key information on our blog and get an added bonus of "why my fictitious third son is going to Vanderbilt on a sweet deal".

    37 min

  8. 04/24/2023

    Episode 17 - Merit Aid: Your Teen's Best Part-Time Job

    Merit aid is the best tool you have to reduce the cost of college, and it expands options you didn't know existed. It's also one of the least understood pieces of the college admissions process, so here's a quick introduction into what it is, where to find it, and how to lower costs by turning in your homework.  This is part 2 of a 3-part series on College + Money and just like episode 16 "College Costs Simplified", you'll find a condensed version with all links and graphics on our blog.  I'm proud to report that Tom Talks College was just named to the 15 Best College Planning Podcasts by FeedSpot. Thank you, loyal listeners!

    28 min
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About

I’m Tom Kleese, founder of OnCampus College Planning, and my job is to help your family take positive steps on the journey to an incredible college experience.

Information

  • Creator
    Tom Kleese (Owner of OnCampus College Planning)
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2025
  • Episodes
    22
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Tom Talks College
  • Show Website
    Tom Talks College

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