Getting In: A College Coach Conversation

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.

Common Application Updates 08/13/2026

The Ivy + Schools 08/06/2026

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. /episode/index/show/9e3cf7ff-fd93-4d1e-b791-451c9d22d699/id/42329110

What Does The Common App "Roll-over" Mean? 07/30/2026

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. /episode/index/show/9e3cf7ff-fd93-4d1e-b791-451c9d22d699/id/42246050

What Do I Need to Do this Summer If I'm Starting College in the Fall? 07/23/2026

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. /episode/index/show/9e3cf7ff-fd93-4d1e-b791-451c9d22d699/id/42190980

How to Become a College President 07/16/2026

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. /episode/index/show/9e3cf7ff-fd93-4d1e-b791-451c9d22d699/id/42108650

Changes to Student Loan Repayments 07/09/2026

Rollins College: "Won't You Be Their Neighbor?" 07/02/2026

Rollins College: "Won't You Be Their Neighbor?" 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 Public 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. /episode/index/show/9e3cf7ff-fd93-4d1e-b791-451c9d22d699/id/41927580