Inside College Admissions

In this episode, we sit down with Celena from Test Innovators, our test prep partner!  We cover the testing landscape, the main differences between the digital and paper SATs, how to prep, what colleges require, how to determine which test you should take (SAT v ACT), managing test day anxiety, and the role parents/guardians play in the testing process. Check out these resources from Test Innovato...

In this episode we're joined by former Dean of Admission, Peter Van Buskirk, who shares key takeaways from this year's No Name Conferences. We dive into the digital SAT, upcoming changes to the FAFSA, the impact of ChatGPT, learning environments, and more!  Follow us on Instagram! Learn more about Scoir

In this episode we're joined by SEL experts, Dr. Dana Godek and Kelly Dolan Sapp for a conversation about the youth mental health crisis. We dive into what this means, how parents/guardians can approach checking in with their students, and practices we can take advantage of to support our students. Find Dr. Dana Godek & Kelly Dolan Sapp at edu-solve.com (@weareedusolve). Helpful Resources...

GRWM for a college visit 🤪 jk it's your college visit BUT I will be sharing questions that I definitely wish I had asked on my college visits! Whether you're listening in the car or are prepping in advance, this episode will give you things to look out for and questions to ask on your tour! Follow us on Instagram! Learn more about Scoir

College Decision Day is right around the corner! Still making your final choice? We've got tips for you! ⭐ We'll talk with college expert and former Dean of Admissions, Peter Van Buskirk, about what to do if you've been admitted OR are on the waitlist for schools, important things to consider (like fit and the financial aspect), and what you can do NOW before making your final deci...

Before you make your final choice for college, listen to this episode! We are debunking the myth that students have to accrue a mountain of debt to go to college. 🙅‍♀️💰 Together with college expert and former Dean of Admissions, Peter Van Buskirk, we'll share tips and exactly what you and your family can do NOW in order to avoid burdensome college loan debt!  Follow us on Instagram! Learn m...

Get your pen and paper out because in this episode, we're pulling back the curtain on all things financial aid! 💰 In this fifth and final episode of our family mini-series, Elena and Peter Van Buskirk will share Financial Aid terms, helpful strategies, and even the exact questions you need to ask in this financial aid process. IMPORTANT NOTE : Since recording this episode, the Department of...

Is your junior beginning to build a college list? This episode is a great place to get started! 🌟 In this fourth episode of our family mini-series, Elena and Peter Van Buskirk will discuss how you can advise your student, with lots of tips including what kinds of colleges and how many students should have on their lists! Follow us on Instagram! Learn more about Scoir

To test or not to test? That is the question! 📝 In this third episode of our family mini-series, we explore how you can advise your student in the standardized testing experience! We'll go over the difference between the SAT and ACT, what super scoring and self-reporting mean, and tips for test preparation. Follow us on Instagram! Learn more about Scoir

Should my student take another year of language classes? What about AP and Honors classes? 🤔 We'll answer these questions and more in this second episode of our family mini-series! Elena and Peter Van Buskirk will explore how your student's selection of high school classes can benefit them in college, and how they can help their academic record to stand out!  Follow us on Instagram! Lea...

Want to guide your student in their college application journey but aren't sure where to start? With this episode (the first in our Family Bootcamp mini-series), you'll learn about the best way to engage your student, important things to look for on college campuses, and mistakes to avoid as both students and parents/guardians! Follow us on Instagram! Learn more about Scoir

Winter break may be short but there are a LOT of fun things to do! ❄️ In this episode, Elena and her sister, Andrea, talk about how your favorite songs can help with scholarship apps and how the childhood magic of sledding can make your winter break :,) Follow us on Instagram! Learn more about Scoir

Through a conversation with Admissions Mom, we talk about why it's important to celebrate the big milestone of submitting your applications (and not just celebrating acceptances). Join us as we discuss ways to celebrate, what you can learn from this experience, and more! Admissions Mom Website Admissions Mom on Instagram Admissions Mom on Reddit ApplyingToCollege Reddit Community Follow us on...

⚠️ TIME TO BE REAL ⚠️ in your college application! It turns out you can use humor and show your personality in your application (?!) and we'll tell you how! In this episode, Elena and Tom (from College Essay Guy Team) talk about the secret things you're probably worrying too much about and the things you don't want to forget in your college apps. Tom Campbell is a Community Manager...

Looking for that unique twist to make your college essay stand out? 🌟 It might be in your niche laptop stickers or celeb fandom! In this episode, we'll talk with Tom from the College Essay Guy Team about how the little things in your life can be essay inspiration, and small tweaks to make your essay really stand out. Tom Campbell is a Community Manager with the College Essay Guy Team. With y...

Are you looking to study someplace new? In this episode, Elena and Tushar continue their conversation about Tushar's experience studying in the U.S. from India! Plus, Tushar will share his advice for other international students beginning the application process! 🌏 The information and recommendations shared in this episode are based on Tushar's personal experience, and your experience m...

Applying to college in the U.S.? 🌏 We're here for you! In this episode, Elena chats with her friend, Tushar, who is studying in the U.S. from India. They’ll talk about the motivations, challenges, and positive mindset that you may find as you begin applying! Stay tuned for part two! Follow us on Instagram! Learn more about Scoir Follow us on Instagram! Learn more about Scoir

Summer is for pizza bagels, long drives with friends, and doing... something cool? Not sure how to spend your summer? In today's episode, Elena chats with a recent grad (aka her sister, Andrea!) about how to get creative with your summer plans! Check out this blog to learn more about making the most of your summer! Follow us on Instagram! Learn more about Scoir Follow us on Instagram! Learn m...

Dorm Essentials is BACK with new additions to your Ultimate College Packing List! In this episode, we talk about college must-haves, like photos from home, microwavable food (hello Kraft Mac & Cheese!), and more. :) Timestamps below! 0:58 Conversation with D’Lanna about how pictures can make a space feel like home and always making sure you have medicine. 7:43 Conversation with Ashley about sa...

Here’s the tea about college: your Future Self will thank you for packing bandaids and a box of Cheez-its, and you’ll NEED to bring flip flops for the shower! 🙏  In today’s episode, we’re spilling the Dorm Room Essentials and the things you’ll definitely want to bring with you to college! Timestamps below : 2:22 Conversation with Caroline about bringing the right snacks to school with you. 5:25 C...

Scoir welcomes back Peter Van Buskirk to the podcast with a discussion about how colleges are continuing to evolve through COVID, how they're evaluating students, waitlists, the pending enrollment cliff, and more. Follow us on Instagram! Learn more about Scoir Follow us on Instagram! Learn more about Scoir

College 101 is BACK with more of the secret tips that colleges definitely didn't tell you on the tour! We reveal the truth about late nights at the library, getting creative with your meal plan, and the secret to sleep in college. Timestamps below! 1:07 Conversation with Caroline about the importance of sleep and how making lists can help you stay on track.  6:17 Conversation with Paul about...

We're bringing you to college early with today's episode about College Hacks and the secret tips that colleges definitely didn't tell you on the tour. We'll talk with grads about how to spice up classic dining hall meals, the class times to absolutely avoid, and the truth about switching majors. Timestamps below! 2:11 Conversation with D’Lanna about organizing and taking advant...

Join us and our special guest, Carolyn Caplan (aka Admissions Mom), for a discussion about how parents and students can come together for a meaningful, collaborative, and transparent admissions journey. Admissions Mom Website Applying to College (A2C) subreddit Admissions Mom on Reddit Email Carolyn: carolyn@admissionsmom.college Follow us on Instagram! Learn more about Scoir Follow us on Instagra...

And we're back with Part 2 of "What I Wish I Knew Before College!" Y'all loved our first episode in this series so in today's episode, we talk with 5 more college grads about their biggest tips & advice for you. Time stamps below! Time Stamps: 1:10 Conversation with Shohom: 1:45 Social media  6:30 Not getting caught up in what you think you’re “supposed” to be doing  1...