College App 101

A college bound student has important relationships with several people during high school. When it comes to academics and the role of academics in creating compelling college applications, the most important is the student-teacher relationship. In this episode, Dr. Riley (from collegeapp101.com) addresses the student-teacher relationship, offers tips on enhancing it, and describes an ideal teache...

High achieving college bound students easily get overwhelmed by extracurricular activities, part-time work, a robust social calendar, not to mention academics. In this episode, Dr. Riley (from collegeapp101.com) shares some stories and tips to help students avoid getting overwhelmed. Other topics include the current climate in college admissions, America's view on the importance of a college...

Financial savings to pay college expenses is a daunting topic. Yet it is crucial that parents and college bound students address finances before attending college, so everyone's expectations are realistic. In this episode, Dr. Riley (from collegeapp101.com) tackles financial savings and related topics like the FAFSA, being proactive, avoiding the victim mindset, and much more. 

The 2027-2028 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (or FAFSA) opens on October 1, 2026. Current college bound seniors and their parents must submit the FAFSA if they wish to be considered for federal, state, and many college financial aid programs. In this episode, Dr. Riley (from collegeapp101.com) provides an overview of the FAFSA, offers several tips on financial success in college, address...

The typical college student has quick access to many talented professionals on a college campus. These professionals devote their days to assisting college students achieve their goals. In this episode, Dr. Riley (from collegeapp101.com) continues to explain this topic. Other topics covered in this episode include current events in higher education and tips on time management. 

A college campus is a veritable goldmine with extraordinary resources at students' fingertips. One resource is very talented people, who are eager to help college students achieve their goals. In this episode, Dr. Riley (from collegeapp101.com) uses typical illustrations and anecdotes to explain this topic, framing it as one of his reasons why he helps college bound students win admission to...

To be human is to err and make mistakes. People do well, when they find ways to see the good in past failures, setbacks, and loss. In this episode, Dr. Riley (from collegeapp101.com) uses the life of Sir Winston Churchill to conclude this topic. Though extremely successful in life, Churchill also endured several setbacks. This episode focuses on the bright side of some of them and is encouragement...

Failures, weaknesses, defeats, and loss characterize the human experience. In this episode, Dr. Riley (from collegeapp101.com) uses the life of Sir Winston Churchill to introduce this topic. It is true that Churchill enjoyed many successes, but setbacks also were his reality. College bound students do well, when they learn to leverage their failures and mistakes throughout high school and in their...

Over the years, College App 101 podcasts have provided many tips on taking the Preliminary SAT, also known as the PSAT. Elite performance on the PSAT during junior year can result in arguably the most prestigious academic honor for high school students: National Merit status. In the present episode, Dr. Riley interviews Elliot, a National Merit student from the high school class of 2026, giving sp...

Over the years, College App 101 podcasts have provided many tips on taking the Preliminary SAT, also known as the PSAT. Elite performance on the PSAT during junior year can result in arguably the most prestigious academic honor for high school students: National Merit status. In the present episode, Dr. Riley interviews Caroline, a National Merit student from the high school class of 2026, giving...

Over the years, College App 101 podcasts have provided many tips on taking the Preliminary SAT, also known as the PSAT. Elite performance on the PSAT during junior year can result in arguably the most prestigious academic honor for high school students: National Merit status. In the present episode, Dr. Riley interviews Dharshan, a National Merit finalist from the high school class of 2026, giving...

Over the years, College App 101 podcasts have provided many tips on taking the Preliminary SAT, also known as the PSAT. Elite performance on the PSAT during junior year can result in arguably the most prestigious academic honor for high school students: National Merit status. In the present episode, Dr. Riley interviews Jack, a National Merit student from the high school class of 2026, giving spec...

Over the years, College App 101 podcasts have provided many tips on taking the Preliminary SAT, also known as the PSAT. Elite performance on the PSAT during junior year can result in arguably the most prestigious academic honor for high school students: National Merit status. In the present episode, Dr. Riley interviews Steven, a National Merit student from the high school class of 2026, giving sp...

College App 101 podcasts often provide tips on taking the Preliminary SAT, also known as the PSAT. Elite performance on the PSAT during junior year can result in arguably the most prestigious academic honor for a high school student: National Merit status. In the present episode, Dr. Riley interviews Noah, a National Merit student from the high school class of 2026, giving special emphasis to the...

Highly selective colleges want to admit young scholars to their student ranks. A love for learning and intellectual curiosity characterize such scholars. These attributes flow naturally from some learners, but need to be cultivated in others. In today’s podcast, Dr. Riley (from collegeapp101.com) discusses these topics with special reference to the importance of March 15 in history. Indeed, today,...

Conversations between parents and their college bound students about prospective college majors should happen throughout a student's high school experience. It is true that many college applications require applicants to declare an intended major prior to submitting an application. In this episode, Dr. Riley (from collegeapp101.com) interviews a current college freshman about her major, her p...

Mistakes are a part of life. Yet, some common mistakes made during freshman, sophomore, and junior years can work against compelling college applications during senior year. In this episode, using his typical anecdotes and illustrations, Dr. Riley (from collegeapp101.com) explains how college bound high school students tend to go astray in GPA, standardized tests, and extracurricular activities. 

Parents want their high school senior to win admission to dream colleges. Oftentimes, these institutions are elite (Ivy League, Public Ivies, and other top-tier colleges). When an applicant demonstrates that she is a scholar (as opposed to a student), her chances of admission increase. In this episode, using his typical anecdotes and illustrations, Dr. Riley (from collegeapp101.com) explores (1) h...

Today, parents have an array of K-12 schooling options for their student. Public, private, traditional, homeschool, online, charter, parochial, and more. In this episode, Dr. Riley (from collegeapp101.com) interviews a classical school teacher, who also attended a classical high school and liberal arts/great books college. The classical model is an outstanding option for parents, who are intereste...

Problems pervade a high school student's academic experience: too little time to study, disappointing grades, relationship troubles with teachers, and more. Many students are skilled enough to find solutions to their problems. But in too many cases, these solutions are good for today, not tomorrow. In this episode, Dr. Riley (from collegeapp101.com) provides tips on identifying and implementi...

Several factors are required to help a student succeed financially in higher education. FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) submission is a key factor, as is personal financial responsibility. This year's FAFSA opens on October 1. In this episode, Dr. Riley (from collegeapp101.com) provides tips on the FAFSA, cultivating financial responsibility in a student, generosity, and more...

Now that this year's admissions cycle is underway, it is fitting to hear from a college student, who recently navigated the process. In this episode, Dr. Riley (from collegeapp101.com) interviews a returning guest about her experience preparing for college apps throughout high school, with attention given to her parents' role in the process. Topics include preparation in middle school, t...

Recently, Julie Ray published an article for Gallup: "Gen Z, Parents Lack Knowledge of Post-High School Options: Less awareness contributes to students feeling unprepared." The article possesses important reminders for parents of college bound students. Using Ray's research as the basis for a larger discussion, Dr. Riley (from collegeapp101.com) explains the timeframe for preparing...

College admissions offices are preparing to receive applications from members of the class of 2026 in a few weeks. Writing essays, completing applications, and submitting them are daunting tasks for a college bound high school senior. What is the role of parents, as they guide their student in writing and submitting college applications? With his typical stories and illustrations, Dr. Riley (from...

What should a college bound senior in high school be thinking about at this time of the year? High school graduation and beginning college are on the near horizon. Should a senior stop applying for scholarships now that senior year is winding down? What about her official transcript - what is its relevance to the next stage? In this episode, Dr. Riley (from collegeapp101.com) uses his typical stor...