When families start thinking about college admissions, they often focus on test scores, extracurriculars, and essay strategies. But the most essential factor in getting accepted to college is so obvious that it’s often overlooked: your high school transcript. Colleges don’t just look at grades or the number of AP classes you’ve taken—they consider …

Many students rely on ineffective study habits—like highlighting, rereading, and cramming—without realizing they don’t work. In this episode, we bust 7 common study myths and reveal research-backed strategies that actually improve learning. What You’ll Learn: • Why rereading and highlighting don’t help with retention • How cramming tricks students …

Everyone who wants to go to college can. (And not just community college!) Despite the headlines and fear-driven narratives, the truth is that most students get into one of their top three choices—and many even their first choice. According to data from the Higher Education Research Institute (HERI) at UCLA, approximately 75% of college freshmen we…

When in doubt, eliminate! The Process of Elimination (POE) is one of the most powerful strategies for SAT, ACT, and multiple-choice test success—but are students using it the right way? In this episode, we break down: —What the Process of Elimination is and why it’s a game-changer for test-taking. —How it helps students save time, reduce stress, an…

Taking notes isn’t just about writing things down—it’s about learning effectively. Yet, many students fall into ineffective note-taking habits that make studying harder instead of easier. In this episode, we break down a crucial study skill: how to take better notes. Whether you’re a student looking to improve your learning, a parent helping your c…

Today we’re diving into a lister question! A parent asks: How can students decide if AP, IB, or dual credit classes are worth taking? With so many options, it can be confusing to know which courses will actually count for college credit—and which might not be worth the extra effort. In this episode, we break down the key differences between AP, IB,…

Should legacy admissions still exist in 2025? For decades, many colleges have given special consideration to applicants with alumni parents, but now, this practice is under fire. With more schools eliminating legacy preferences, critics argue that it unfairly benefits privileged students—especially as affirmative action faces new restrictions. In t…

Did you know your professors are one of the most underutilized resources on campus? In this episode, we explore why building a relationship with your professors is a game-changer for your college success. You’ll learn: How to confidently approach professors during office hours Why these connections can lead to BETTER GRADES, internships, career adv…

Summer break is just around the corner! Don’t let it slip away. This episode is packed with valuable advice for high school and college students (and their parents/educators) on how to make the most of their summer break. We explore 6 key activities that can boost academic performance, explore career interests, and ease the transition to college: –…

A new semester means new beginnings, but you don’t need to revamp your entire process to reach your goals this semester. In fact, just a few small changes to daily habits can make a HUGE difference in how students learn and perform. In this episode, we break down a few easy-to-implement habits that add up to big impact: Become friends with the text…

Get ready to tackle the SAT or ACT in 2025! In this episode, we break down the latest changes to these college entrance exams and provide expert guidance on how to prepare for success. Learn about: Whether you’re a student, ... Read More » The post 560: SAT/ACT Tips and Updates for 2025: What You NEED to Know appeared first on The College Prep Podc…

If you’re ready to tackle the new year and achieve your academic goals in 2025, your syllabus holds the key! In this episode, we break down how to use your syllabus as a powerful planning tool for a successful semester. ... Read More » The post 559: Your Semester Success Plan: It’s On the Syllabus appeared first on The College Prep Podcast.…

Join us for a thought-provoking conversation about the impact of cell phones on student mental health and learning. Inspired by “The Anxious Generation” by Jonathan Haidt, we explore: —The rise of anxiety among today’s youth —The potential link between cell ... Read More » The post 558: Unpacking the Impact of Cell Phones on Students: “The Anxious …

Regardless of how fall semester went, the winter break is a great time to prepare students to succeed in spring and finish the school year strong. In this episode we explore the power of mid-year reflection. We’ll share a simple ... Read More » The post 557: Mid-Year Reset: Reflect on Fall Semester to Thrive in Spring appeared first on The College …

Feeling lost in the maze of college financial aid? This episode breaks down the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) clearly and concisely. Join us as we discuss: —What is the FAFSA and who needs to fill it out? ... Read More » The post 556: Financial Aid 101: Expert tips for navigating the FAFSA and paying for college appeared first on…

Finals week can be a pressure cooker for most students. But conquering exam season doesn’t have to involve all-nighters and endless anxiety! In this episode, we break down three actionable tips to help students stay calm, focused, and productive during ... Read More » The post 555: The Stress-Less Guide to Finals: Three Simple Tips to Stay Calm and…

The transition from the rigid structure of high school to the freedom of college can shock the system. Many students struggle to manage their time effectively when suddenly faced with unscheduled days and the responsibility of deciding how to spend ... Read More » The post 554: Beyond the Bell Schedule: Equipping Students to Survive the Time Freedo…

How do we guide the student who almost has too many interests and too many passions? They are likely feeling overwhelmed by the endless possibilities of majors, campuses, and careers, especially in the run-up to admissions letters. In this episode, ... Read More » The post 553: How to Guide Multi-passionate Students to Choose the Right Campus or Ma…

Overwhelmed by what to do after receiving college acceptance letters? In this episode, we tackle a listener question about the pressure to commit to a university, especially when facing a mountain of options and looming deadlines. We’ll uncover why schools ... Read More » The post 552: Beyond Accepted: Navigating the College Decision Maze appeared …

Imagine applying the strategies of FBI hostage negotiators to your interactions with students. In this episode, we delve into Chris Voss’s book “Never Split the Difference” and explore how its principles can transform communication with young people. Discover why giving ... Read More » The post 551: Never Ask Why: FBI Secrets for Negotiating with S…

Choosing the right college is much more complex than affordability, location, and fit. Join us as we introduce our new co-host and explore how our unique upbringings influenced our college decisions. We’ll share our contrasting perspectives – one of us ... Read More » The post 550: Unpacking the Hidden Influences on College Choices appeared first o…

In this episode, Megan is joined by Phil Black of the ServeWell Academy who helps students and families interested in service academies and ROTC scholarships. Find out how this former Navy SEAL Officer with four sons — two at Yale ... Read More » The post 549: Phil Black: How our family saved $1M in college expenses appeared first on The College Pr…

In this episode Edward Coronado III joins Megan to discuss his Three Pillars Framework of the key areas that impact college success: learning & study strategies, productivity & executive function, and mindset & motivation. We’ll dive deep into each pillar, ... Read More » The post 548: Three Pillars of Academic Success appeared first on The College…

Building friendships and community is so important, but can also be a challenge. Alexis Moore Eytinge from The Confidence Society shares strategies including: We also talk about bad relationships and what peers, mentors, and family members can do if they ... Read More » The post 547: Healthy Relationships with Alexis from The Confidence Society app…

Join Megan as she speaks with guest, Edward Coronado III, founder of Alma Modern about a trap many students fall into this time of year. This is a phenomenon where students can be lulled into a false sense of security ... Read More » The post 546: Danger Time for Grades: “I Got This” Thinking appeared first on The College Prep Podcast.…

Erin shares about a big decision she has been struggling with. Hearing about others deal with tough things can sometimes help us deal with our own. Megan is a loving support as Erin shares that she will be leaving the ... Read More » The post 545: Erin’s Big Decision appeared first on The College Prep Podcast.…

College is expensive, but there are bargains to be had if you do your research. Megan outlines: Then she helps brainstorm some cost saving ideas that go beyond taking community college classes or living at home: The post 544: College Costs & How to Find Affordable 4-Year Options appeared first on The College Prep Podcast.…

Megan and Erin go through questions that students ask about Extra Curricular activities. The post 543: The Lowdown on Extra Curricular Activities appeared first on The College Prep Podcast.توسط Megan Dorsey & Edward Coronado III

Maureen Anderson from the Sorority Success Academy shares how as a first-generation college student, who after a injury found she didn’t have many friends outside of cheer, she was able to fill that social void through Greek life on campus. ... Read More » The post 542: Greek Life Tips from the Sorority Success Academy appeared first on The College…

It’s time for college applications! How do we strategize with our college apps to make sure we are applying for the schools we want and not wasting time and effort on our lowest priorities. Erin provides a sample of her ... Read More » The post 541: How to Time Your College Applications appeared first on The College Prep Podcast.…

A listener writes in with a question about how to prep for the SAT/ACT on the cheap. Megan uses her expert advice to go through a variety of resources and help vet what might be helpful and what might be ... Read More » The post 540: The Cheap/Supplemental Test Prep appeared first on The College Prep Podcast.…

This may be our most controversial episode ever. Megan shares the importance of style guides and Erin throws a fit. Regardless, knowing what a style guide is and how to use one is a necessary skill for any student. What ... Read More » The post 539: Short Summer Series: Megan–Style Guides appeared first on The College Prep Podcast.…

Yes, the all-caps is intentional–Erin is a HUGE fan of school supplies. So much so that she even wrote an entire blog post about it (here is that post)! What are your favorite school supplies? What are the things Erin ... Read More » The post 538: Short Summer Series: Erin shares SCHOOL SUPPLIES! appeared first on The College Prep Podcast.…

Megan introduces us to the big one–the Fiske Guide–where you can find a ton of information about colleges. Find out the history, the stories that make the colleges unique, and hear from ACTUAL students. Fiske guide is great for research ... Read More » The post 537: Short Summer Series: Megan–Fiske Guide appeared first on The College Prep Podcast.…

Want to get to know yourself a bit better? Curious what careers might be best for you? How do you determine what you might want to major in during your time in college? Erin shares a variety of personality tests ... Read More » The post 536: Short Summer Series: Erin shares about Personality Tests appeared first on The College Prep Podcast.…

Megan is sharing a special book that is perfect for those who aren’t sure what colleges they might be interested in. Colleges That Change Lives by Loren Pope covers some great colleges that might not be known because they are ... Read More » The post 535: Short Summer Series: Megan–Colleges That Change Lives by Loren Pope appeared first on The Coll…

Erin’s back with more tech stuff for your summer resources! Habit trackers, anti-distraction apps, and an app to help you get out of bed! Understood.orgHabiticaFinchI can’t wake up!Cold TurkeyFB erradicator The post 534: Short Summer Series: Erin Suggests Websites and Apps appeared first on The College Prep Podcast.…

Spending your summer doing some test prep? Megan tells us why it is important to check out the SAT & ACT Official Guides. Get yourself ready for the test if you are a junior and if you are a senior, ... Read More » The post 533: Short Summer Series: Megan–SAT & ACT Official Guides appeared first on The College Prep Podcast.…

Whether you are traveling to visit colleges, attending a summer program, or just enjoying some time with family, it is good to travel with the right gear. In today’s episode, Erin shares some of her favorite travel stuff. Many of ... Read More » The post 532: Short Summer Series: Erin Suggests Travel Stuff appeared first on The College Prep Podcast…

You may have noticed the list of “new Ivys” from Forbes this spring. In today’s episode, Megan discusses two resources with a similar approach: Greene’s Guides: Public Ivies & Hidden Ivies. These books highlight “how to get an Ivy League ... Read More » The post 531: Short Summer Series: Megan–Greene’s Guides: Public Ivies & Hidden Ivies appeared f…

In this episode, Erin shares some of her favorite podcasts. No Stupid Questions — Research psychologist Angela Duckworth, the author of “Grit” and tech / sports executive Mike Maughan ask lots of questions. Hidden Brain looks into the underlying patterns ... Read More » The post 530: Short Summer Series: Erin Suggests Podcasts appeared first on The…

Megan’s resource for the week is a book that was very influential to her early in her career: The Gatekeepers by Jacques Steinberg. This non-fiction work reads like a story and follows admissions officer Ralph Figaroa through a season of ... Read More » The post 529: Short Summer Series: Megan–The Gatekeepers by Jacques Steinberg appeared first on …

We’ve made it to June! Hang in there if you have a few more weeks of school. We typically do shorter episodes in the summer and this year, Megan and Erin will take turns sharing different resources to help you ... Read More » The post 528: Short Summer Series: Erin Suggests Books appeared first on The College Prep Podcast.…

Megan and Erin did some reading and have a book report on The Price You Pay for College: An Entirely New Road Map for the Biggest Financial Decision Your Family Will Ever Make by Ron Lieber. What does this book cover? ... Read More » The post 527: The Price You Pay For College appeared first on The College Prep Podcast.…

Students are told that dropping a class will ruin their future prospects–the dreaded W on the transcript is the scarlet letter. Erin argues that sometimes dropping a class is the best and most strategic choice. She also discusses what other ... Read More » The post 526: Drop That Class! appeared first on The College Prep Podcast.…

Why does this college application question elicit blank stares from students? How do we help students to figure out what they might bring to the college experience or what sets them apart from other applicants? Megan and Erin discuss how ... Read More » The post 525: College Essay Question: “What Will You Bring to the College?” appeared first on Th…

Megan is back from a whirlwind tour of college visits and is sharing her notes and secret tips. When should you go? Is it worth it to time your visit to coincide with their “special” day? Lots of tips like ... Read More » The post 524: Tips for Visiting Colleges: Notes from Megan’s Recent College Visits appeared first on The College Prep Podcast.…

How do you get plugged-in? What goals should you have for socialization? What factors should you consider before accepting a delayed admission? What questions should you be asking? What should you do prior to your delayed start? Megan and Erin ... Read More » The post 523: Spring Start / Summer Start / Transer Students: What to do when you don’t en…

Maybe you are interested in participating in your sport in college. Or maybe you haven’t thought about it at all. Or maybe you are confused as to what the Divisions mean. Wherever you are in the college athletics process, Megan ... Read More » The post 522: NCAA & Athletics in College appeared first on The College Prep Podcast.…

Approach with Caution! When you see these red flags, it may be a sign that the college on your list could be more of a gamble than you were looking for. These are factors to watch for as you research ... Read More » The post 521: Warning Signs when Researching Colleges appeared first on The College Prep Podcast.…