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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Host Sally Ganga continues our "Deep Dive" series with a closer look at Rollins College , a private liberal arts institution located in Winter Park, Florida , just outside Orlando. With approximately 3,000 undergraduate students , Rollins combines the personalized attention of a small college with the opportunities and resources of a vibrant metropolitan area. Sally is joined by Dr. Faye Tydlaska , Vice President for Enrollment and Marketing; Dr. Anne Stone , Interim Associate Dean, Cornell Chair of Social Impact, and Professor of Communications; Joseph Pool '26 , a P ublic Policy and Political Economy major, Alfond Scholar, Ginsburg-Phoenix Fellow, and founder of Breaking Bread ; and Valerie Mandel , Executive Director of the Center for Career and Life Planning. Together, they explore what makes Rollins unique, from its distinction as the oldest college in Florida to its student-centered approach and strong sense of community. The conversation highlights the close relationships students build with faculty (not quite to the level of texting back and forth… but close!), the individualized support available both inside and outside the classroom, and the ways the college encourages intellectual curiosity, leadership, and engagement. Along the way, listeners will learn about one of Rollins' most famous alumni— Mr. Rogers (yes, that Mr. Rogers) —and how his legacy of connection and care continues to reflect many of the institution's values. The guests also discuss how Rollins prepares students for life after graduation. Valerie shares how the Center for Career and Life Planning helps students connect their academic interests to meaningful careers through internships, employer partnerships, and career exploration opportunities. Joseph offers a student perspective on taking advantage of the college's resources, while Drs. Tydlaska and Stone discuss the balance Rollins strikes between academic rigor, close faculty mentorship, and real-world preparation.
Host Kyra Tyler celebrates the 40th anniversary of Bright Horizons with an in-depth conversation with CEO Stephen Kramer and a look back at the company's remarkable journey. In the first segment, Kyra continues the "Becoming" series with How to Become a CEO , sitting down with Stephen to trace his path from student to leader. He reflects on what he was like growing up and during his college search, including his focus on strong business programs and the early connection he made with a future business partner. Stephen also shares what life looked like immediately after graduation (including plenty of job rejection letters ) and how attending business school helped open doors and shape his trajectory. The conversation follows his career through to leadership at Bright Horizons, including navigating one of the company's greatest challenges: the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on a business centered around child care and in-person services. In the second segment, Stephen is joined by Stacy Raddock , Vice President of Educational Counseling at Bright Horizons, to reflect on Bright Horizons at 40 . Together with Kyra, they discuss the company's growth, evolution, and impact over four decades. Stacy shares insights into her role and the unique challenges the College Coach team faced during COVID, when students were no longer able to access support in their school counseling offices. The conversation also highlights a defining strength of Bright Horizons: a workplace culture that fosters long-term commitment and connection , with Kyra, Stacy, and Stephen each having spent more than 20 years with the organization and what keeps them motivated in their work and their life.
Shannon Vasconcelos takes the mic for her final episode as host . Don't worry though, she'll be back as a guest at some point! In the first segment, Shannon is joined by College Coach Kara Courtois to share essential tips for the senior summer . From managing logistics like dorm room shopping and campus prep to pausing and reflecting on the emotional transition ahead, Kara highlights how students can stay organized without letting this meaningful summer slip by. Next, College Coach Julia Jones introduces "Reuse & Recycle," a helpful guide to navigating college essays. Julia breaks down the different types of essays students may encounter and explains when it's appropriate to repurpose or adapt existing content and when it's better to start fresh. It's a practical look at how to work smarter while still crafting thoughtful, authentic responses. The episode concludes with finance expert Michelle Smoley , who unpacks "Trump accounts" and their potential role in college savings. She explains how these investment accounts work, along with their benefits and drawbacks , and helps families understand when they might make sense compared to more traditional savings tools. (Note: The $1,000 seed money is available for any child born January 1st, 2025 or later, not July 1st, 2025 as stated in the segment.)
Host Ian Fisher opens this episode with College Coach Lisa Albro to tackle what students should (and shouldn't) ask their high school college counselor . Lisa shares the questions counselors wish students would ask more often, those that spark meaningful exploration and help students better understand their goals, while also addressing the questions that are difficult to answer or ultimately don't provide much value. It's a practical guide to making the most of this important relationship during the college planning process. In the second segment, Ian is joined by College Coach Jonathan Wickremasinghe‑Kuhn for a new installment of the "Major Interest" series. Using a recent news story about a Hantavirus outbreak on a cruise ship , they break down how one headline can connect to a wide range of academic interests and career paths, from immunology and public health to communications and marketing . The conversation encourages students to think more deeply about what aspects of real-world issues capture their attention and how those interests might translate into a college major. The episode wraps up with finance expert Laurie Peltier , who shares practical financial tips for college-bound high school seniors and their parents . Laurie outlines the key expenses families should plan for and important steps to take now to set students up for financial success as they transition to campus life.
Host Sally Ganga kicks off this episode with members of the Bright Horizons College Coach High School Planning Team — Lauren Randle, Caroline Damon, and Robin Khadduri —for a conversation focused on how students and families can make the most of the middle school years . They discuss how to strike the right balance between early preparation for potentially competitive college paths and avoiding unnecessary pressure too soon. The team emphasizes an important takeaway: what students do in middle school has little direct impact on college admissions , making this an ideal time for exploration, skill-building, and simply enjoying being a kid . In the second segment, Sally is joined by finance expert Patricia Pineiro‑Goodenberger for a closer look at California-based financial aid opportunities , including the Cal Grant and the Middle Class Scholarship Program . Patricia explains who may qualify for Cal Grants, how much aid they can provide, and key timelines to maximize eligibility . She also breaks down the Middle Class Scholarship, including who qualifies and where it can be used , helping families better understand how these programs can make college more affordable.
Host Shannon Vasconcelos dedicates this special, all‑finance episode to National College Savings Day (5/29, 529 - get it?) , beginning with Jonathan Hughes , Associate Director of College Planning and Content Creation at the Massachusetts Educational Financing Authority (MEFA) . Jonathan explains how MEFA, a not‑for‑profit state‑chartered organization founded in 1982, helps families plan and pay for college through savings programs and loans, as well as its expanding focus on postsecondary pathways beyond college. The conversation dives deep into 529 plans —their history, purpose, how they work, and why they remain a cornerstone of college savings strategies. In the second segment, Shannon welcomes Finance Expert Beth Feinberg‑Keenan to explore alternatives to 529 plans . Beth outlines other ways families can save and invest for education, including Coverdell Education Savings Accounts, taxable investment accounts (in either a parent or student's name), Roth IRAs , and even real estate strategies . She highlights the pros, cons, and flexibility of each option to help families determine the best fit for their financial goals.
Host Kyra Tyler explores the world of college consortiums in this episode, starting with College Coaches Shayla Bezjak‑Martinez and Geraldine Castaneda . Drawing from their experience with the Five College Consortium and the Claremont Colleges , they break down how these models compare: from campus proximity and walkability to differences in institutional style. They highlight the many benefits consortiums offer, including access to shared academic, social, and extracurricular resources that can give students a true "best of both worlds" experience. They also explain how the admission process works within consortium systems and what students should understand before applying. In the second segment, Kyra is joined by Andrea Breen , Senior Associate Director of Admission at Emmanuel College , for a closer look at the Colleges of the Fenway Consortium . Andrea discusses what makes Emmanuel distinct within the group and how students take advantage of cross-campus opportunities, from intramural sports to performance groups that bring together students from across the consortium.
Host Ian Fisher begins this episode with Josh Tobias , former professional baseball player and current scout, for an inside look at the path to competing at the highest levels of college and professional sports. Josh describes the work it took to reach his goals and what it was like playing at the University of Florida while balancing the demands of athletics and academics. He also discusses the increasing pressure college athletes face due to the rising business side of college sports and highlights the wide range of career opportunities within athletic organizations . In the second segment, Ian is joined by finance expert Russell Seidelman as part of the May‑day series with a focus on finding scholarships beyond the first year of college . Russell explains why students need to carve out time to continue applying for scholarships even while managing college responsibilities, and how to identify opportunities for current students on financial aid websites.
Host Sally Ganga opens this episode with Ben Baum , Vice President of Enrollment at St. John's College , and Maggie McGuinness for an in‑depth look at what makes St. John's a truly distinctive institution. With two campuses and a reputation for "great books and great conversations," St. John's centers its entire academic experience on small classes and shared inquiry. Rather than offering traditional majors or interdisciplinary programs, the college rejects the idea of academic disciplines altogether—every student reads the same texts and wrestles with timeless questions like "How do I live a good life?" Ben and Maggie discuss why this approach can be powerful for students, the skills it develops, and the outcomes graduates experience. In the second segment, Sally is joined by finance expert Zachery Gries to address a common concern for families: what to do if you don't have enough money saved to cover all four years of college . Zachery walks through different ways families pay for college, the need to reassess resources as a student progresses (since costs and need‑based aid can change), and the tradeoffs between maintaining flexibility and making choices that could reduce overall costs.
Host Kyra Tyler kicks off this episode with College Coach Joy Biscornet for a practical guide to college visits . Joy shares how to plan visits effectively, what to do once you're on campus, and which questions are worth asking, as well as which ones aren't. Most importantly, she explains how visits can help students decide whether a school truly feels like a good fit by seeing if they can picture themselves there. In segment two, Kyra is joined by College Coach Scott Alexander to tackle a common spring concern: being waitlisted . Scott breaks down what actually happens after a waitlist decision, what students can do beyond simply waiting, and how to weigh options between a school you've already committed to and one that might admit you later. He also explains why trying to decode why you were waitlisted is rarely productive and how colleges use waitlists strategically. The episode wraps up with finance expert Laurie Peltier , who walks families through everything they need to know about May 1st . Laurie covers the true costs of committing (from deposits and meal plans to immunizations) and explains how to officially accept financial aid offers and notify outside scholarship organizations where funds should be sent. And more!
Host Ian Fisher hosts several staff members from Oglethorpe University during a deep dive exploration of the school. In the first segment, Ginger Fay , Vice President of Enrollment, and Dr. Gabriel Barreneche , Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs explore what makes Oglethorpe unique as a small university rather than a college and how the university's Core Experience shapes students' academic and personal paths. They also discuss Oglethorpe's long‑standing common reading list , which connects students across generations, and share what has surprised them most as relatively new members of the campus community. In segment two, Ginger Fay is joined by Chris Summers , Director of Financial Aid (and an Oglethorpe alum) for a conversation about athletics and affordability . They unpack the role athletics plays on campus (including the surprising fact that student‑athletes make up about a third of the student body), along with an overview of merit and financial aid , including two major programs tied to institutional support. To close the episode, Ginger Fay continues the conversation with Dr. Meredith Raimondo , Vice President of Student Affairs, to focus on student life at Oglethorpe . Together, they discuss the characteristics they see in students who thrive there and how the campus environment supports engagement, growth, and success.
Host Shannon Vasconcelos opens this episode with College Coach Blair Dixon and finance expert Chrissy Foran for a deep dive into Early Decision . They explore how to determine whether applying ED makes sense for you or your student from both an admissions and financial perspective. It can sometimes be the bump a student needs to be admitted, but committing to one college so early requires sacrificing a lot of the exploration process as well as a complete understanding of how you'll pay for it. In the second segment, Shannon is joined by College Coach Shayla Bezjak‑Martinez to talk about teacher recommendations . Shayla offers guidance on how to choose teachers who will best support your application, why recommendations from core curriculum classes are recommended, the importance of knowing if schools specify which subjects they want represented, and more.
Host Kyra Tyler kicks off this episode with College Coach Brian Swann , who introduces listeners to the Classical Learning Test (CLT) . Brian explains what the CLT covers, who it's designed for, how it assesses students—and why its flexible format (including the option to take it at home) makes it an appealing alternative for some families. In our second segment, Kyra welcomes College Coach Michael Yager for Transfer Admissions 101 . Michael walks through how to decide whether transferring is the right move, from realizing your current school doesn't offer the major you want to navigating family changes that make being closer to home a priority. He also cautions against chasing a "better" option without fully understanding what you might be giving up. Finally, finance expert Dina Birmingham joins the show to break down the cost considerations of transferring colleges . Dina explains how financial aid forms are reviewed differently by each institution, what to know about merit awards for transfer students, and the limitations that sometimes come with them.
Host Sally Ganga wraps up another pivotal admissions cycle with a two-part Year in Review episode, tackling the questions and trends families cared most about over the past year. In Segment 1 , Sally is joined by finance expert Michelle Smoley to revisit the most common financial planning questions families asked throughout the admissions process. They break down whether applying Early Action or Early Decision has a financial impact, clarify when and why students should complete both the FAFSA and CSS Profile, and share practical strategies for finding and securing scholarships and grants—along with other key insights to help families plan wisely for college costs. In Segment 2 , college coaches Zaragoza Guerra and Mary Sue Youn reflect on the admissions landscape and the biggest shifts they observed this year. The conversation explores why more students are submitting standardized test scores even as roughly 90% of colleges remain test-optional (or don't consider scores at all), what happens when decision season brings multiple denials due to a top‑heavy college list, and the growing popularity of Southern universities, especially SEC schools.
Host Ian Fisher kicks off this episode with finance expert Pati Pineiro‑Goodenberger to unpack some California‑specific financial aid and residency questions. She explains how the Cal State and UC systems determine California residency , how the Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) program interacts with California colleges, and whether UCs offer merit scholarships . In our second segment, Ian welcomes first-time guest College Coach Maya Gee for a conversation many students face this time of year: how to choose the "best" college from the schools they've been admitted to. Maya shares guidance on weighing fit, academics, finances, and personal priorities to make a confident final decision. Finally, College Coach Kristine Sawicki joins the show to address a common source of frustration students face: Why are colleges sending me so much mail? (And emails… and maybe even texts.) She explains how they get contact information and how they choose who to reach out to. She also discusses how to manage the onslaught of communication by making a plan that works for you.
Host Shannon Vasconcelos kicks off this episode with College Coach Lauren DiProspero , who pulls from her experience in both undergraduate admissions as well as her work with Columbia and Stanford's medical schools . Lauren breaks down BS/MD programs (accelerated pathways where students are admitted to both a Bachelor of Science program and medical school simultaneously) and explains why they're so appealing while clearing up some common misconceptions families often have about these highly selective options. In our second segment, Shannon is joined by College Coach Sara Calvert-Kubrom and Finance Expert Zachery Gries to answer listener questions. Together, they tackle timely topics such as how to navigate a waitlist, what to do if you earn a lower grade fall of senior year after being admitted Early Action, and how to compare financial offers from different colleges. If you have a listener question, please submit them so we can answer them on a future episode!
