College App 101

When a high school senior applies to college, they often need to submit teacher letters of recommendation or evaluation forms. College admissions offices use teacher letters and evaluations for insight into an applicant, seeking information, perspective, and stories that only come from a teacher. In this episode, Dr. Riley (from collegeapp101.com) uses his typical stories and illustrations to disc...

Each year, during the spring, many high school seniors hear admissions decisions and receive financial aid packages from their prospective colleges. Sometimes the news is welcome; other times it is not. Some seniors find themselves at a loss, confused, and frustrated by their colleges' decisions. In this episode, Dr. Riley (from collegeapp101.com) uses the typical anecdotes and illustrations...

A high school guidance counselor is an important resource that college bound students and their families should consult for advice and information on the path to college. Indeed, a guidance counselor's contribution to a student's college applications is multifaceted and vast. In this episode, Dr. Riley (from collegeapp101.com) uses his typical anecdotes and illustrations to discuss the M...

When a high school student applies to college, their academic profile understandably receives the lion's share of attention. But college admissions recruiters are eager to know more about an applicant than only their grades and standardized test scores. An applicant's character and personal attributes are also important. In this episode, Dr. Riley (from collegeapp101.com) discusses the i...

College students face many financial demands throughout the course of higher education: tuition, room, board, books, and many more. When unprepared for these demands, a student gets frustrated, overwhelmed, and even drops out sometimes, unfortunately. How should high school students and parents prepare financially for the cost of college? In this episode, Dr. Riley (from collegeapp101.com) uses hi...

Life constantly throws curveballs, challenges, and difficulties at high school students. And, sometimes, they get injured along the way. How do students move ahead without getting bogged down by their injuries? The answer: by embodying perseverance, resilience, fortitude, stamina, and willpower. In a word, they need grit. In this episode, Dr. Riley (from collegeapp101.com) discusses the importance...

Successful people have learned to create goals and establish a plan to achieve them. And January is a great time for high school students to reflect on goals for the calendar year. In this episode, Dr. Riley (from collegeapp101.com) discusses small and large goals that high school students (especially members of the class of 2024) should consider for the new year.

A September 2022 College App 101 episode explains the connection between the PSAT and the National Merit Scholarship Competition. In the present episode, Dr. Riley interviews a National Merit Scholar. Episode topics include PSAT preparation tips, applying to college with National Merit Scholar status, the role of parents/guardians in PSAT preparation, financial dividends of a National Merit Schola...

Each semester, College App 101 receives questions from students and parents about college admissions, academics, success in high school, and so forth. In this episode, Dr. Riley answers some questions from fall semester 2022. Topics addressed are optional essays on standardized tests, the benefits of applying to college earlier than later, the resume, and more.

A previous College App 101 episode provides an overview of earning college credit in high school, with special attention given to College Board's AP Program. In the present episode, Dr. Riley interviews a current AP student. An academically elite program, College Board's Advanced Placement (AP) curriculum has dozens of college-level courses that come with the opportunity for high school...

Students like to take college level coursework in high school, because it is challenging, an opportunity to earn college credit before ever enrolling in college, and an honor. Parents like it, because it is often more affordable than college tuition costs. With his typical descriptive stories and anecdotes, Dr. Riley (from collegeapp101.com) provides an overview of earning college credit in high s...

"Don't put all your eggs in one basket" is a famous saying that encourages people to pursue a variety or diversity of options in life. How should high school students apply this principle to college admissions and scholarships? What are the benefits of various options in college admissions/scholarships. What are the detriments of not having options? With descriptive stories and anec...

The two most popular standardized tests used for admission to college are the SAT and the ACT (though there are others). What is the difference between the SAT and ACT? What does "test optional" mean in college admissions? When should a high school student take the SAT, ACT, or both? With his typical descriptive stories and anecdotes, Dr. Riley (from collegeapp101.com) addresses these an...

Colleges want to admit intellectually curious students, who love to learn. A love for learning is inborn in some students. It needs to be cultivated in others. In today’s podcast, Dr. Riley (from collegeapp101.com) discusses how to develop a love for learning, by explaining the importance of November 4 in history. Indeed, today, Friday, November 4, 2022 is the anniversary of a major world event. J...

The teacher is the main person in a student's schooling. And relationships with teachers require care and attention. In this podcast, Dr. Riley (from collegeapp101.com) provides several tips on staying on good terms with teachers. Topics include work ethic, class participation, letters of recommendation, and Dr. Riley's personal anecdotes and stories.

Colleges often require at least one essay as part of a student’s application. It is easy to overlook the elements that form a good essay. In this podcast, Dr. Riley (from collegeapp101.com) concludes his comments about application essays with advice on grammar, structure, content, the writing process, virtues to highlight in an essay, and more.

Colleges often require at least one essay as part of a student’s application. Many elements come together to create a good essay. In this podcast, Dr. Riley (from collegeapp101.com) discusses six distinct elements: establishing a connection with the audience, obeying the word count, keeping the essay honest, and more.

Colleges often require at least one essay as part of a student’s application. Good essays have a compelling narrative. In this podcast, Dr. Riley (from collegeapp101.com) discusses what makes an essay interesting, sample essays from the Common App, and more.

This fall's FAFSA (the Free Application for Federal Student Aid) opens on $at, Oct 1. $eniors and a parent/guardian should set aside $at, Oct 1 and $at, Oct 8 to complete and submit the FAFSA, a step toward receiving financial aid in college. In this podcast, Dr. Riley (from collegeapp101.com) discusses college billing, personal savings, avoiding student loans, "4 for 40," and more....

This fall's FAFSA (the Free Application for Federal Student Aid) opens on $at, Oct 1. $eniors and a parent/guardian should set aside $at, Oct 1 and $at, Oct 8 to complete and submit the FAFSA, a step toward receiving financial aid in college. In this podcast, Dr. Riley (from collegeapp101.com) discusses the FAFSA, tips to prepare for the FAFSA, the CSS Profile, and more. 

This fall's FAFSA (the Free Application for Federal Student Aid) opens on $at, Oct 1. $eniors and a parent/guardian should set aside $at, Oct 1 and $at, Oct 8 to complete and submit the FAFSA, a step toward receiving financial aid in college. In this podcast, Dr. Riley (from collegeapp101.com) discusses college costs, searching for scholarships on goingmerry.com, personal savings, and the FAF...

This fall’s PSAT is on the near horizon with Oct 12, 2022 as the primary test day; alternate dates are Saturday, Oct 15, 2022 and Tuesday, Oct 25, 2022. The PSAT is important, especially for juniors, because they compete for a National Merit Scholarship® during their PSAT administration. Dr. Riley (from collegeapp101.com) provides four tips on effective PSAT preparation for high school students. 

The weeks, months, and terms of the typical high school student are filled with tests. Tests come in a variety of formats: written, take-home, open note, oral, closed note, standardized. Sometimes students use a pencil and paper; other times a computer. Dr. Riley (from collegeapp101.com) offers practical strategies for effective test preparation for high school students. 

Dr. Riley (from collegeapp101.com) explains GPA, the most important feature of a student's college application, and provides tips on earning a high GPA.