College Planning Simplified

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In this episode, Stephanie talks with Anne Morano from Colleges That Change Lives about what a liberal arts and sciences education really is and why it still makes sense for careers, grad school, and a fast-changing economy. She shares a student-centered way to build a college list by focusing on fit, mentorship, and outcomes rather than rankings and name recognition.
• What CTCL is and why the organization highlights overlooked colleges
• What “liberal arts and sciences” means and why STEM belongs in it
• Common myths about cost, rigor, and employability
• Why “multi-decided” beats “undecided” for most teenagers
• The real skills employers want like writing, critical thinking, teamwork, and adaptability
• How AI and shifting industries make human-centered learning more valuable
• How small colleges create access to internships, research, publishing, and mentoring
• What kinds of students tend to thrive in tight-knit learning communities
• Questions families can ask now to clarify goals beyond “a good job”

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We encourage families to add one crucial filter when building a college list: how a student prepares for life after graduation through hands-on experience. In this episode, Stephanie chats with Drexel University’s Ian Sladen, who breaks down experiential learning, what separates co-op from internships, and how to spot programs that deliver career outcomes. They discuss:
• Defining experiential learning beyond marketing language
• Comparing study abroad, undergraduate research, project-based learning, and co-op
• Explaining why co-op is more valuable than a typical internship
• Unpacking curriculum integration, assessment, and what employers evaluate
• Deciding who should prioritize co-op and when to start based on readiness
• Considering majors, graduate school plans, and why work-integrated learning still helps
• Identifying traits that drive co-op success like initiative and comfort learning from mistakes
•Walking through Drexel’s co-op application, interview, and matching process
• Correcting misconceptions about guaranteed placement and paid roles
• Choosing skills and responsibility over brand-name employers
• Connecting experiential learning to ROI, outcomes, and long-term earning potential
• Resetting expectations for a first job and starting career thinking early in college
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In this episode, Stephanie and Lindsey break down the supplemental essays that impact admissions outcomes, from Why Us to Why Major to the short quirky questions students are unsure how to answer. We share how we help students sound authentic, show real fit, and stop writing what they think colleges want to hear. We also cover:
• The difference between the personal statement and school specific supplemental essays
• The biggest signs a Why Us essay is generic and how to fix it
• When it helps to mention professors, programs, classes, or campus visits
• How to write honestly when you chose a school for “vibes”
• Coaching undecided students through Why Major prompts with intellectual curiosity
• How to avoid empty name dropping and instead show what you have already explored
• Addressing practical majors and ROI without sounding shallow
• Approaching quirky short answers as high impact personality signals
• Finding real “community” and “identity” stories without forcing a diversity narrative
• Setting boundaries on vulnerable topics and avoiding trauma dumping
• The misconception that essays should be brag sheets instead of reflection and growth

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We talk with Brooke Willette, Assistant Director of Admissions at the University of Vermont, about why the Common App activities list is one of the most underestimated parts of a college application. We share how admissions readers scan it, what makes descriptions stand out, and how authenticity and context can matter more than a long list of titles.
• The real purpose of the activities section as a window into excitement, belonging, and campus fit
• How quickly readers review activities and why strong headers and roles matter
• Why quality beats quantity and how to move from “should” to genuine passion
• How to choose which ten activities to include when you have more than ten
• Whether the order of activities matters and how categories can help readers
• Common mistakes in 150-character descriptions and how to be clear without repeating yourself
• When and how to quantify impact with numbers without obsessing over exact hours
• Redefining leadership beyond formal titles and highlighting quiet leadership
• Valuing jobs, caregiving, and non-school responsibilities as real involvement
• Including unique hobbies to add dimension and memorability in holistic admissions
• What students overthink versus what admissions officers actually weigh
• Adding context in Additional Information so changes in activities make sense
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We talk with productivity coach Gigi Miller about why college admissions can trigger overwhelm, procrastination, and shutdown even for high-achieving teens. We share practical ways parents can support executive functioning and ADHD challenges while still keeping ownership with the student.
• Executive functioning as the brain’s management system for planning, organization, time management, focus, decisions, and follow-through
• Common signs of executive functioning struggle such as missed deadlines, procrastination, overwhelm, and difficulty starting
• Why the college application process strains executive functioning with too many moving parts over months
• Perfectionism, emotional regulation, and mental clutter as hidden drivers behind “overwhelmed”
• Difference between typical procrastination and executive functioning gaps in planning and prioritizing
• How ADHD shows up during admissions including time blindness, lost requirements, and inconsistent follow-through
• Misconceptions about productivity, motivation, willpower, and intelligence masking executive functioning needs
• Support strategies that work: smaller steps, external structure, calendars, and simple accountability
• Parent role shift to coach not project manager through weekly check-ins and better questions
• Signs of over-functioning and how to reduce tension by moving from reminders to conversations
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In this episode, Jamie Pack, Director of Content at Advantage College Planning helps break down what the Common App personal statement is really for, then she walks prompt by prompt through how students can write an essay that reveals character instead of chasing the “most impressive” story. We focus on voice, tone, and reflection so admissions readers finish your essay feeling like they’ve met a real person they want to know. We also cover:
• Why colleges use the essay to understand who you are and how you think
• Building two lists: what the application already shows vs what’s missing
• Avoiding sample-essay pressure and the myth that one essay decides admission
• Prompt 1: choosing one essential thread rather than a full life story
• Prompt 2: picking a healthy topic and using the one-third challenge, two-thirds growth formula
• Prompt 3: handling disagreement with nuance, not arguments
• Prompt 4: keeping gratitude essays focused on the student’s change and actions
• Prompt 5: separating internal growth from external achievement and showing evidence
• Prompt 6: writing curiosity essays that follow a rabbit hole instead of listing interests
• Prompt 7: using topic of choice to reveal values and consistent traits without recycling work

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In this episode, Stephanie sits down with test prep expert Jenny Cochran from ArborBridge to break down what the SAT and ACT really measure and why “easy” depends on the student. We debunk four testing myths and share practical ways to choose a test, plan retakes, and use scores strategically for admissions and merit scholarships. The topics include:

• How SAT and ACT differ in timing, structure, and skills
• Why Algebra 2 is a key readiness marker for both tests
• How Desmos can help boost math scores
• What the ACT Science section actually tests
• Why taking both diagnostics can reveal best fit
• Why there is no magic number of retakes
• How to spot a score plateau and use self-reflection to improve
• How to balance test prep with AP classes and activities
• What score choice and superscoring mean for reporting
• Why test optional still makes strong scores valuable
• How SAT or ACT scores can impact merit scholarship money

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A big welcome to our new host, Stephanie D’Souza! In this episode, Stephanie shares what she learned reading applications inside multiple admissions offices, including Duke University. She explains why highly selective decisions hinge on mission fit, real impact, and character, not just perfect grades and “checking the boxes.”
• Stephanie’s admissions background across research universities, junior college, and a highly selective office
• What admitted students show beyond stats: mission alignment, impact, authenticity
• The academic baseline and how readers evaluate rigor by high school context and the school profile
• Building extracurricular depth, initiative, and community impact instead of stacking activities
• “Fit to major” and ways to prove academic curiosity through classes, research, and credible exploration
• Helping undecided students find authentic interests by tracking what they choose in free time
• Why pay-to-play summer programs do not move the needle and when they can still be useful
• How character shows up in recommendations, including why “the B class” can reveal grit
• Essays as a “whisper in the ear” that adds reflection and voice beyond the activity list
• Test optional reality, when strong scores help, and when not to submit
• Institutional priorities that students cannot control and how to interpret confusing outcomes
If today's episode resonated with you, please subscribe, leave a review, and share this podcast with someone who needs study guidance right now.

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In this episode of College Planning Simplified, Arielle breaks down four key tasks every rising senior should tackle before senior year begins. From starting your Common App and building a strong activity list to brainstorming your personal statement and balancing your college list, she'll walk you through how starting early sets you up for a smoother, more confident application season.

✅ Actionable advice you can use today—so you’re not scrambling later.

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In this episode of College Planning Simplified, Arielle is joined by Jamie Pack, Director of Content and a college consultant at Advantage College Planning, to discuss the nuances of writing college essays. Jamie highlights the value of an authentic voice in essays and provides practical advice on brainstorming and drafting compelling personal statements. The episode also offers guidance for parents on how to support their children without overshadowing their voice. Listeners receive tips for overcoming writer's block.

00:00 Introduction to College Planning Simplified
01:20 The Role and Importance of Supplemental Essays
02:34 Diving into the Personal Statement
05:35 The Significance of Authenticity in Essays
12:08 Common Mistakes in College Essays
19:04 Parental Support in the Essay Writing Process
23:30 Encouraging Self-Reflection in Students
27:11 Overcoming Writer's Block
28:29 Finding Unique Essay Topics
35:55 Conclusion and Additional Resources

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In this episode of College Planning Simplified, Arielle is joined by Clay Alexander from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, to discuss the evolving admissions landscape at UTK. They cover key topics like what the admissions review process looks like, how students can stand out beyond GPA and test scores, and what out-of-state applicants should know, especially in light of Tennessee’s auto-admit policy for in-state students. You’ll also hear about UTK’s most popular majors and how the university is managing a surge in applications.

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In this episode of College Planning Simplified, host Arielle and Lindsey Roy discuss how students can make the most out of their summer. They emphasize the importance of intentional planning and the value of part-time jobs, authentic personal projects, and volunteer experiences. They also highlight the significance of early application processes, like starting the Common App, creating an activity list, and reflecting on personal interests and achievements. The episode provides practical advice for students and parents on how to use the summer effectively to enhance college applications.

00:00 Introduction and Summer Excitement
00:56 The Importance of Summer Planning
01:57 Valuable Summer Activities for Students
02:38 Personal Stories of Summer Jobs
03:51 Authentic Summer Experiences
05:31 Encouraging Student Independence
14:40 Mistakes in Summer Planning
18:45 Tips for Rising Seniors
22:41 Conclusion and Summer Fun

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In this episode of College Planning Simplified, Arielle is joined by Jared Rosenberg, the Interim Director of Admissions at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Jared shares valuable insights on the university's admissions process, including application statistics, acceptance rates, and the importance of extracurricular activities. He clarifies common questions about geographic quotas, intended majors, and the influence of extracurriculars on admissions. Jared also offers advice on writing impactful essays and managing the competitive nature of college admissions. This episode is packed with valuable information for prospective students and families navigating the college application process.

00:00 Introduction
00:36 Early Action Insights
01:21 Application Trends
03:53 County-Specific Admission Trends
06:48 Intended Major and Application Review
13:31 Extracurricular Activities and Their Importance
18:17 The Role of Essays in Applications
25:20 On-Campus Competitiveness and Resources
30:23 Future of Admissions and Final Thoughts

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In this episode of College Planning Simplified, Arielle is joined by Simrat Arora, a fourth-year medical student at UNC Chapel Hill, to discuss her journey from high school to medical school. Simrat shares valuable insights about building a strong foundation in high school, the importance of networking and gaining exposure to medicine early on, and the criteria she used when selecting an undergraduate institution.

00:00 Introduction to the Episode
00:47 High School Reflections and Advice
01:48 Decisiveness and Career Choices
05:35 Balancing Academics and Extracurriculars
08:22 Gaining Relevant Experience
11:36 College Search and Criteria
17:46 Study Skills and Adaptability
21:21 Final Thoughts and Future Plans

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In this episode of College Planning Simplified, Arielle and Advantage College Planning team member Gina Wilner discuss important steps for high school juniors as they prepare for the college admissions process. Key topics include setting goals, selecting rigorous senior year courses, preparing for standardized tests, and planning college visits. The episode also offers strategies for obtaining impactful letters of recommendation and narrowing down college choices based on fit!

00:00 Introduction to College Planning Simplified
00:09 Setting Goals for Juniors
01:20 Course Selection and Rigor
08:27 Understanding Testing Timelines
12:37 Campus Visits and Criteria
17:09 Letters of Recommendation
26:18 Building a College List
30:25 Conclusion and Resources

Podcast Links:

Building a College List

Exploring Campus: Insider Tips for College Tours and Open Houses

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In this episode of College Planning Simplified, Arielle chats with Martin Fisher, Director of Campus Visit and Orientation Programs at the University of Mississippi, affectionately known as Ole Miss. Hotty Totty!

Discover why USA Today hails the Ole Miss campus and the charming town of Oxford as the best in the nation. Martin shares what makes Ole Miss unique, from its vibrant sense of community and supportive transition programs to standout academics like the Patterson School of Accountancy and the Honors College.

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In this episode of College Planning Simplified, Arielle focuses on the college recruitment process for student athletes with Amy Bryant. They cover key aspects of preparing for collegiate sports, including understanding the recruitment timeline, balancing academics and athletics, and navigating commitments. Whether your student is aiming to play a sport in college or you’re simply curious about the process, this episode offers practical advice to help guide athletes through their journey from high school to college competition.

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In this episode of College Planning Simplified, Arielle is joined by Sam Cady from UNC Charlotte to explore the university’s innovative initiatives, including its R1 research status, AIR institute, and Honors College. Whether you’re considering a business degree or looking for a robust honors program, this episode offers valuable insights into what UNC Charlotte has to offer.

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In this episode of College Planning Simplified, Arielle covers five key tips for parents during the college application process, from filling out parent education information to preparing for the FAFSA. Learn how to provide the right support and stay organized as deadlines approach.

Create an FSA ID: https://studentaid.gov/sites/default/files/creating-using-fsaid.pdf

Who is a Contributor?: https://studentaid.gov/sites/default/files/is-my-parent-a-contributor.jpg

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In this episode, Arielle and her teammate, Arrin Dutton discuss how seniors can prepare for the application season. They chat about deadlines, essays, testing, and letters of recommendation. This is a jam-packed episode with everything students need before they apply!