Getting In: A College Coach Conversation

Join host Dina Birmingham for an episode focused on life after your undergraduate career by thinking about preparing for graduate school and understanding the financial realities of advanced degrees.

In the first segment, Dina welcomes Career Counselor Ari Emanuel-Wright for her first appearance on the podcast. Ari shares her professional background and the experiences that led her to join Bright Horizons College Coach before diving into the topic of exploring and preparing for graduate school as an undergraduate. She discusses how students can determine whether graduate school is the right next step, when to begin r...

Join host Ian Fisher for a special episode devoted entirely to insights from the recent NACAC Conference in Minneapolis. Ian is joined by College Coaches Kyra Tyler and Abigail Anderson as they reflect on thought-provoking discussions from one of the most influential gatherings in college admissions.

A central theme throughout the episode is authenticity, a word that appears frequently in college admissions advice but is often misunderstood. Ian, Kyra, and Abigail discuss what admissions professionals actually mean when they encourage students to be authentic, and why some families mistakenly interpret authenticity as a strategy rather t...

Join host Kyra Tyler for an informative look at the journey to becoming a physician, from identifying as a pre-med student in high school to planning for the significant financial investment required for medical school.

First, Kyra sits down with College Coach Mary Sue Youn to discuss Being Pre-Med as an Applicant. Mary Sue explains what it really means to be "pre-med" and dispels some common misconceptions about the term. She explores what colleges look for in applicants interested in pursuing medicine, and why there is no single "correct" undergraduate path to medical school. The c...

Join host Dina Birmingham for a comprehensive introduction to the U.S. Service Academies. From the unique admissions process to the opportunities these institutions offer, this episode provides valuable insights for students and families considering a military academy education. Along the way, listeners will also meet several guests who are appearing on the podcast for the first time, including some of the newest members of the College Coach team.

In the first segment, College Coach Alison Hildenbrand explains the fundamentals of the Service Academies. She discusses what makes these institutions different from traditional colleges and u...

Join host Sally Ganga for an in-depth look at college admission interviews and video introductions. As colleges continue to offer applicants multiple ways to share their stories beyond the written application, understanding how to present yourself authentically and effectively has never been more important.

First, Sally welcomes Gloria Crawford, Co-Founder and COO of InitialView, to discuss Glimpse & InitialView. Gloria explains how third-party interview platforms can help students showcase their personality, communication skills, and interests to colleges around the world. She shares what admissions offices hope to learn from these interviews and why authenticity is often m...

Join host Ian Fisher for timely conversations celebrating the launch of this year's financial aid application season.

First, he welcomes finance expert Jennifer Wilcox for a discussion on FAFSA: Do We or Don't We Complete It? Jennifer provides a practical overview of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid and explains its role in determining eligibility for federal, state, and institutional financial aid. She addresses a question many families ask: Is it worth completing the FAFSA if you believe you won't qualify for need-based aid? Jennifer explains why the answer is often yes, noting that m...

Host Sally Ganga welcomes guests to discuss college admissions, campus exploration, and financial opportunities through the lens of Hispanic and Latinx student experiences.

In the first segment, Sally is joined by Gerardo Ochoa, a higher education executive, nonprofit founder, and nationally recognized leader focused on access, leadership, and student success. Together, they explore Crafting Narratives in Identity Essays, discussing how students can thoughtfully write about culture, heritage, family, language, and personal experiences in their college applications. Gerardo shares insights on telling authentic stories that highlight growth, resilience, and perspective.

Next, College Co...

In celebration of National Arts in Education Week, host Kyra Tyler explores the unique opportunities and challenges facing students pursuing college pathways in the performing and visual arts. From preparing competitive portfolios and auditions to understanding scholarships and budgeting for application expenses, this episode offers valuable guidance for aspiring artists and their families.

In the first segment, Kyra is joined by Alaire Naedele, Director of Recruitment and Enrollment for the School of Drama at Carnegie Mellon University, for a discussion on Drama Portfolios. Alaire shares insights into what selective theater and drama programs look for i...

Dina welcomes College Coach Ian Fisher, a familiar voice to podcast listeners, for Tales from the Road: A Day in the Life of an Admissions Counselor in the Fall. He pulls back the curtain on what life is really like for college admission counselors during travel season and shares how students can make a positive impression and keep admission representatives engaged in productive conversations by asking questions that go beyond the surface level to help them determine whether a college is truly the right fit.

Next, College Coach Craig Brauner makes his podcast debut in T...

Host Ian Fisher welcomes three experts for a practical conversation designed to help students and families get organized and make informed decisions about their college application process.

In Segment 1, longtime College Coach counselor Marj Southworth breaks down the various early rounds of college admissions, including Early Decision, Early Action, and Rolling Admission. Marj explains the strategic considerations behind each option, discusses the benefits and limitations of applying early, and explores situations where students may be better served by waiting rather than rushing to meet an Early Action "soft" deadline.

Next, first-time gu...

Host Sally Ganga is joined by College Coach counselors Joy Biscornet and Robin Khadduri, along with finance expert Aimee Yorsaner, for a discussion of The Anxious Generation by social psychologist Jonathan Haidt. In his bestselling book, Haidt explores how the rise of smartphones, social media, and a shift away from real-world experiences have contributed to increasing levels of anxiety and mental health challenges.

The panel examines how the themes of the book intersect with today's college admissions process. From the pressures of building a resume and maintaining a social media presence to navigating academic expectations, e...

Host Kyra Tyler takes a deep dive into two of the largest and most popular public university systems in the country, providing essential updates for students applying to California colleges this year. From application requirements and recent changes to financial aid considerations, this episode offers a helpful guide for families navigating the University of California (UC) and California State University (CSU) application processes.

In the first segment, Kyra is joined by College Coach Cesar Contreras for a UC Application Refresher & Updates. Cesar reviews the key components of the application and highlights recent updates that applicants s...

The college application season is underway, and with each new cycle come updates that students and families need to know. On this episode of Getting In: A College Coach Conversation, host Dina Birmingham sits down with several College Coach colleagues to break down some of the most important application changes for the year ahead.

First, College Coach Mikhail Filarski joins the show to discuss updates to the Common Application, which mainly occurred in the Activities & Experiences List and making which colleges accept fee waivers more transparent.

Next, College Coach Landis Fryer ta...

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 t...

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 ex...

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 o...

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 h...

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 s...

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...

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 g...

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. Ju...

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...

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.

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...

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.

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 s...

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...

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 a...

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...

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 B...

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 ma...

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 he...

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 p...

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 q...

Host Ian Fisher kicks off this episode with BH finance expert Marina Zaretskiy, who shares what financial aid offices wish rising senior families understood before application season begins. From emphasizing that they are accessible to families with questions or who have updates to their financial situations to the differences between the applications, she offers a helpful behind‑the‑scenes look at how it all works.

In our second segment, Ian welcomes BH College Coach Robin Khadduri to dig into what colleges wish rising seniors knew. She talks through how to ask thoughtful questions, how demonstrated inter...

Host Ian Fisher kicks off this episode with BH College Coach Carrie Lewis, who answers a question many families have this time of year: Are colleges still accepting applications? Carrie walks listeners through the process of applying outside the traditional fall and early‑spring deadlines, which usually involves rolling admission.

In our second segment, Ian welcomes colleague Kennon Dick for a conversation about one of the most common academic questions students ask: How many APs do I need to take to get into college? Kennon breaks down what curriculum rigor really means, how to find bal...

Host Kyra Tyler kicks off this episode with BH College Coach Caroline Damon, who breaks down February admit programs—those special events colleges host for admitted students to help them dig deeper into academics, campus life, and overall fit as they make their final decision about where to enroll.

In our second segment, Kyra welcomes colleague Lisa Albro to tackle a question many families are asking this spring: "How are all the college tours already booked, and how can I still demonstrate interest?" Lisa offers practical strategies for staying engaged even when campus calendars are full.

...

Host Ian Fisher kicks off this episode with BH College Coach Cesar Contreras, who talks about what juniors should be doing right now in the spring semester to stay on track. Spoiler alert: It's definitely not the time to slack off.

In our second segment, Ian welcomes colleague Karen Spencer for a similar discussion, but this time focused on seniors in their last semester. You may have guessed it, but they also shouldn't slack off.

Finally, College Coach finance expert Russell Seidelman joins the show in recognition of February as Financial Ai...

Are you one of the 99% concerned about how to pay for college? If so, the great news is that this episode of Getting In is devoted entirely to that topic. Host Shannon Vasconcelos will be joined by College Coach finance colleagues Michelle Smoley and Chrissy Foran to discuss financial aid methodologies, appeals, and, in honor of February: Financial Aid Awareness Month, do a broad and deep dive into financial aid. 

Here at College Coach we have a resident college list expert, Nial Rele, who is joining our host, Kyra Tyler, to discuss how to create your list of colleges. This is more complicated than you may anticipate, as it should include colleges that are reach schools, target schools, and safety schools, and figuring out which is which can be challenging. In addition, colleague Christine Kenyon will be there to discuss what students should be thinking about doing over the summer, and why it's important to discuss it already in February. Last, College Coach finance colleague Zachary Gries will be talking about Feb...