President of Kettering University; Getting Organized for the School Year; Saving Smart at College Orientation
Getting In: A College Coach Conversation
Release Date: 08/21/2025
Considering an HBCU in D.C.? Admissions, Student Life, and Merit Aid Explained
Getting In: A College Coach Conversation
If you are interested in attending an HBCU (historically black college or university) or being in Washington, D.C. for your college years, be sure to tune in to this show when host Sally Ganga will be interviewing Associate Director of Undergraduate Admission Rahsaan Ellis and student Aniyah Gaffney from the University of the District of Columbia. In addition, Sally will be welcoming College Coach finance expert Beth Feinberg-Keenan about what negotiation for merit scholarships really means. Learn More About
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Direct Admissions Demystified: Insights from Pacific Lutheran University
Getting In: A College Coach Conversation
Today’s podcast is very exciting because host Ian Fisher will be interviewing Hillary Powell, Director of Admissions at Pacific Lutheran University, to discuss both Pac Lu and explain what direct admissions is. Direct admissions is increasingly being used by colleges as a process by which applicants are essentially pre-admitted to colleges without even having to apply, thus greatly reducing the stress of the admissions process. In addition, College Coach finance expert, Michelle Clifton, will be on to discuss next steps for federal loan borrowers enrolled in the SAVE plan. Learn More...
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Applying Abroad? Your Essential Guide to Studying in the UK
Getting In: A College Coach Conversation
Are you considering applying to schools in the United Kingdom? If so, definitely listen in on this episode when Host Ian Fisher interviews Mubarik Ibrahim of University of York, Amanda Lunberg of University of Roehampton London and Haley Drogus from The University of Sheffield, all schools within the UK. Our guests will be discussing completing the UK application and other important information about attending college in the UK. Also, listen in to learn more about some excellent schools that are not as well known in the US but still provide a wonderful education. In addition, College Coach...
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Steps to Stay Safe on Campus, Homeschooling and Interpreting Financial Aid Package
Getting In: A College Coach Conversation
While college campuses are, by and large, very safe places, we know that crime can happen anywhere. Host Sally Ganga will be joined by Jessica Mertz of the Clery Center, an organization dedicated to helping colleges create the safest possible environment on campus and to advising families on campus safety. Jessica will be giving Sally some tips about students should be concerned about. Hint: it isn’t what most people think about! Have you been homeschooled? Nicole Doyle, College Coach colleague, will be jumping on to discuss what homeschooled applicants and their parents need to know, not...
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Common App; D3 Athletic Recruitment; Paying for College: Let’s Talk
Getting In: A College Coach Conversation
Join us for an in-depth conversation on navigating the college admissions process and financial planning. In this episode: Common App Deep Dive with Michaela Acorn from Common App – Learn tips and strategies to make your application stand out. D3 Athletic Recruitment: The Ins and Outs with Dylan Sanchez – Understand what it takes to succeed in Division III recruitment. Having “The Talk” on Who Pays for College with Michelle Smoley – Practical advice for families on discussing and planning college costs. Learn More About
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Setting Your 2026 Goals; Undecided About Your Major?; Scholarships Without the Stress
Getting In: A College Coach Conversation
Merry Christmas! As soon as you’re done opening presents, consider your New Year’s Resolutions with host Sally Ganga and College Coach colleague Kimberly Asselta, who will be addressing 2026 goals for high school students. Also, are you undecided? Or, have you picked a major because you think you need to but you aren’t sure it’s right for you? College Coach colleague Christine Kenyon will be there to discuss when it is and isn’t okay to be undecided. And last, if you are still...
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EF Language Abroad Programs; National Merit Scholarship Program
Getting In: A College Coach Conversation
Are you interested in experiential, educational travel? Listen in, as host Kyra Tyler will be talking with Durban Rose Ripley of EF Language Abroad programs about their philosophy and offerings, which include trips all over the world, inclusive of both service and culture focused tours. In addition, College Coach finance expert Laurie Peltier will be discussing the National Merit Scholarship program and what that does for students. Learn More About
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Unusual College Mascots; Early Decision Results—What’s Next?; The Financial Side of Early Decision
Getting In: A College Coach Conversation
Did you know there is a college whose mascot is the Banana Slugs? And another whose mascot is the Poet? Listen in to the December 11th show when host Shannon Vasconcelos discusses college mascots with College Coach colleague Tova Javetz. They aren’t all eagles, lions, and wolves. Early Decision round one results are out. New College Coach colleague Jenni Gargano, former Associate Director of Admission at Dartmouth College, will be on the show to discuss what students can do now whether they were admitted or not. And finally, guest and College Coach finance expert Beth...
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Honors Programs; Computer Science Majors; Student Loan Grace Period: Now What?
Getting In: A College Coach Conversation
Are you looking for a big university with of lots of school spirit but also small class sizes and lots of research opportunities? An honors college at a large university may be your best bet. Listen in as host Shannon Vasconcelos, herself a graduate of the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Honors College, talks about what honors colleges are and their benefits with colleague Jen Simons. Then, new colleague who came to us straight from the Carnegie Mellon admission office Lauren Savage with be here to discuss the difference between various computer science majors. And last, if you were...
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Earning & Learning During Holiday Breaks; The Engineer’s Guide: Finding Your Perfect Fit
Getting In: A College Coach Conversation
Many students are interested in an engineering career, but some don’t know what studying to be an engineer requires or about the different kinds of engineering, from traditional ones like mechanical to newer fields like biomedical. Host Sally Ganga will be joined by colleague Mary Sue Youn, who has been advising aspiring engineers professionally on their college applications for years. But first, Sally will be joined by finance colleague Michelle Smoley who will expound on the virtues of working during holiday breaks...
info_outlineFor this episode, Host Sally Ganga is so honored to have guest Dr. Robert K. McMahan, here to tell us about the institute where he is president, Kettering University in Michigan. Formerly General Motors Institute, Kettering continues to focus on engineering, computer science, and business and is known for it’s coop program in which students get two and a half years of paid work experience before graduating. Perhaps there’s no surprise, then, that it’s also recognized for student innovation.
Next, for the high school juniors and seniors listening, College Coach colleague Elyse Krantz is joining Sally to discuss how to get organized before starting your school year. Elyse is an organizational marvel, so listen in!
And last, College Finance Consultant Dina Birmingham will be here to talk about getting the best bang for your buck at your college orientation. How do you chose the best bank? What about in-network ATMs? And all the other seemingly little decisions that can add up.
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