College Planning Simplified

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of College Planning Simplified, Arielle explores common mistakes students often make and provides valuable insights to help students better understand the application process.

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of College Planning Simplified, Arielle and Leslie Sharpe explore the difference between registering for an 'official visit' through admissions and casually walking around with a friend. They share key factors students should consider when planning a visit, including optimal times of the year and special events that can enhance the experience. They also d...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of College Planning Simplified, Arielle is joined by Dr. Rick Barth, Director of Admissions at Clemson University, to delve into the application process. Together, they discuss the self-reported academic record, the significance of course rigor, and the support services available to Clemson students. Join them as they offer valuable insights and advice on establish...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of College Planning Simplified, Arielle, and Lindsey talk about hot topics in the world of college admissions. They explore the latest trend of test-optional policies and how they impact the admissions process. They’ll also discuss the importance of finding the right college fit, chat about holistic admissions, and how extracurricular activities can make all the di...

Send us Fan Mail In our latest episode of College Planning Simplified, Arielle sits down with Maggie Murphy, Assistant Director of Admissions, at the University of Tampa to chat about how college applications are reviewed by admissions officers! 

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Arielle talks to Justin Richardson, a Senior Associate Director of Admissions at NC State. They discuss the role a student’s major plays in the application process and address the age-old question of whether students should choose a major or apply undecided.

Send us Fan Mail On this episode of College Planning Simplified, Arielle speaks with Lauren Sefton from Rhodes College in Memphis, Tennessee. Lauren shares her approach to demonstrated interest and provides insight into the true “engagement” of the process through genuine connection!

Send us Fan Mail On this episode of College Planning Simplified, we hear from Gina Wilner from our Advantage College Planning team. Arielle and Gina talk about what being deferred means, what students can do to continue to express their interest, and how to refine the college list.

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Arielle discusses the benefits of an ECU honors college experience with Dr. Todd Fraley and Margaret Turner, they chat about what criteria are reviewed in the application process, scholarship details, and who is a good fit for ECU’s Honors College.

Send us Fan Mail On this episode of College Planning Simplified, Jordan Richards, College Consultant at Advantage College Planning, will share her best tips on crafting a balanced and realistic college list.

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of College Planning Simplified, Arielle interviews Laurén Carter, author of Mindful Admissions, former Director of College Admissions at NYU, and current Director of College Counseling at Sidwell Friends School. They talk about students’ self-discovery, activities lists, and strategies for interviews. 

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Arielle gives seniors five things to take action on in five minutes! Get your senior in good shape before school starts with her tips! 

Send us Fan Mail On this episode of College Planning Simplified, Arielle catches up with Jeff Levy, an educational consultant and financial advisor at Grown & Flown. They discuss how families should factor affordability into their college search, why every family should apply for financial aid, and explore the differences between financial aid and student loans.

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of College Planning Simplified, Arielle chats with Kyah Stewart from the University of Richmond about her experiences as an Admissions Counselor. They discuss Kyah’s approach to reading applications, and how Richmond evaluates contribution to the community, and Kyah will share some admissions advice for students and families. 

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of College Planning Simplified, we'll share how to create an application essay that an admissions office won't be able to stop reading. We will discuss how a student’s voice, thoughts, and core values are important factors that can be shared through a college essay. We’ll dive into the power of reflection and wrap up with our experiences in helping studen...

Send us Fan Mail The SAT is changing! In this episode, Arielle speaks with Megan Stubbendeck and Morris Kohanfars from ArborBridge about the new digital SAT and what changes you can expect! 

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of College Planning Simplified, we will talk about different college application deadlines, with Gina Wilner, from Advantage College Planning. We're hoping to give students and families an opportunity to get a head start on understanding admissions deadlines to plan the best strategy to apply.

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of College Planning Simplified, we will talk about how middle schoolers start preparing for high school, with Lindsey Ringenbach, Director of College Consulting, from Advantage College Planning. We'll discuss summer planning, the transition to high school, and encourage reading for fun.  At the end, we will share how you can access our book suggestion list for...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Lindsey talks with colleagues, Jamie Pack and Gina Wilner, about how to approach the activity list in the Common Application. Listen for tips, hacks, and general guidance about how to create a story within the activity list section in the application. 

Send us Fan Mail Lindsey interviews Rose Thompson, Volunteer Programs Manager for Activate Good. Lindsey and Rose discuss how and why students should get involved in community service projects now and in the summer. 

Send us Fan Mail  In this episode, Lindsey Ringenbach and colleague, Jamie Pack, discuss what to do if your application for admission was deferred. 

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Lindsey interviews Brooke Daly, founder of Advantage College Planning, to discuss how both students and parents can set and achieve their goals in 2021. 

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Lindsey talks with Advantage College Planning team member, Gina Wilner, about how selective colleges review the essential elements of the high school transcript. 

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Lindsey interviews her step-son, Bode Ringenbach, about the trials, tribulations, and excitement of the athletic recruiting process. 

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Lindsey talks with rising high school seniors about their involvement in the Black Lives Matter movement and how issues of equity and social justice are impacting their college search and application process.