The College Prep Podcast

Imagine your student getting into their dream school, only to realize your family can’t afford to send them. It’s a soul-crushing reality that can be avoided with proper planning and communication. In this mini-episode, we cover: Why affordability should shape a student’s college list from the beginning The importance of having honest, early conversations about cost How to factor finan...

Where your student sits in class matters more than most people think. Research shows that students who sit in the T-Zone —the front rows and down the center aisle—tend to outperform their peers. In this mini-episode, we break down: Why professors pay more attention to students in the T-Zone How sitting in these seats encourages accountability and focus The connection between seating, engagement, a...

A strong work ethic matters—but in college admissions, it’s not enough. Many students (and families) fall into the trap of thinking that showing up, trying hard, and staying positive will carry them through every challenge. But when it comes to building a college list or writing standout essays, effort alone won’t cut it. In this mini-episode, we explore: Why “fit” matters more than prestige when...

Most college students don’t know how to use a syllabus, and that can lead to confusion, missed deadlines, and a rocky start to the semester. Even on Day 1, when some professors may expect them to come in having already read, completed assignments, etc. In this mini-episode, we explain: What a syllabus is and why it matters The key questions it answers—grading, deadlines, materials, support Why rev...

Strong grades don’t always equal strong test scores—and that disconnect can be frustrating for both students and parents. In this mini-episode, we break down why the SAT and ACT are their own skill set , not a reflection of intelligence or identity. We talk about: Why test scores don’t always match classroom performance How over-prioritizing test prep can hurt other parts of the application Why ev...

College admissions are behind us and it’s time to check out and enjoy summer, right? Wrong. This summer is your secret weapon . Why? Because getting into college is just step one. The next challenge is making it all the way to graduation—and most students aren’t ready. In this episode, we break down the five core skills every student needs to build before they step on campus , based on what...

Your college application isn’t just paperwork—it’s your personal sales pitch. It’s how you present your academic story, your values, and your potential to admissions committees who may only spend a few minutes reviewing it. In the fourth episode of our College Admissions Essentials playlist, we break down what really goes into an effective application—and how students can approach it strategically...

Getting accepted to college is a huge milestone, but getting in and graduating are two very different challenges. The truth? Most students spend months preparing college applications and almost no time preparing for what happens next. In this episode, we break down why getting into college doesn’t mean you’re ready for college—and what to do about it before day one. We introduce the three essentia...

For students with learning differences or executive functioning challenges, the transition from high school to college can be exciting—but also overwhelming. That’s why we invited Cindy Palmer of Threshold Coaches to share her most essential, experience-tested tips to help neurodivergent students feel confident and supported as they step into college life. With over 25 years of experience as an ed...

Most students think they’re ready for finals—until they try to explain the material out loud and suddenly blank. That moment? It reveals more than hours of rereading ever could. This episode introduces the Feynman Technique , a simple, research-backed method for turning shaky understanding into real clarity. It’s also a preview of the kinds of strategies students will learn in Alma Modern’s upcomi...

Choosing the right college isn’t just about rankings or prestige—it’s about finding the best fit . In this special episode, Megan shares the story of how her son made his final college decision for next fall. Along the way, we reflect on what this process looks like in a family of multigenerational college graduates—and how that experience compares with Edward’s perspective as a first-generation c...

When it comes to college applications, extracurricular activities often feel like a mystery. Are leadership titles essential? Do you need to be in five clubs? What actually matters? In this episode, we break down how students can move beyond simply “getting involved” to building an extracurricular profile that stands out for its depth, authenticity, and impact . The truth is, colleges aren’t looki...

It’s that time again—the final weeks of the semester, when papers, projects, presentations, and exams all pile up at once. But what if our students could spread out the work now and avoid the stress later? In this episode, we walk you through five simple, science-backed steps to students stay ahead of the chaos and finish the term strong—without pulling all-nighters or melting down the night befor...

Between economic uncertainty, political shifts, and institutional changes, students and families planning for college in 2025 are facing new pressures—and many old ones that have become more urgent. In this episode, we explore how current events are directly impacting college-bound students, from FAFSA delays to program cuts and campus climate concerns. While many of the strategies we recommend ar...

When families start thinking about college admissions, they often focus on test scores, extracurriculars, and essay strategies. But the most essential factor in getting accepted to college is so obvious that it’s often overlooked : your high school transcript. Colleges don’t just look at grades or the number of AP classes you’ve taken—they consider both together to understand your academic potenti...

Many students rely on ineffective study habits—like highlighting, rereading, and cramming—without realizing they don’t work. In this episode, we bust 7 common study myths and reveal research-backed strategies that actually improve learning. What You’ll Learn: • Why rereading and highlighting don’t help with retention • How cramming tricks students into thinking they’re prepared • The truth about l...

Everyone who wants to go to college can. (And not just community college!) Despite the headlines and fear-driven narratives, the truth is that most students get into one of their top three choices —and many even their first choice. According to data from the Higher Education Research Institute (HERI) at UCLA, approximately 75% of college freshmen were accepted to their first-choice institution. Ho...

When in doubt, eliminate! The Process of Elimination (POE) is one of the most powerful strategies for SAT, ACT, and multiple-choice test success —but are students using it the right way? In this episode, we break down: — What the Process of Elimination is and why it’s a game-changer for test-taking. — How it helps students save time, reduce stress, and boost accuracy —especially on tri...

Taking notes isn’t just about writing things down—it’s about learning effectively . Yet, many students fall into ineffective note-taking habits that make studying harder instead of easier. In this episode, we break down a crucial study skill: how to take better notes . Whether you’re a student looking to improve your learning, a parent helping your child study, or an educator teaching effective st...

Today we’re diving into a lister question! A parent asks: How can students decide if AP, IB, or dual credit classes are worth taking? With so many options, it can be confusing to know which courses will actually count for college credit—and which might not be worth the extra effort. In this episode, we break down the key differences between AP, IB, and dual credit courses and explain how eac...

Should legacy admissions still exist in 2025? For decades, many colleges have given special consideration to applicants with alumni parents, but now, this practice is under fire. With more schools eliminating legacy preferences, critics argue that it unfairly benefits privileged students—especially as affirmative action faces new restrictions. In this episode, we dive deep into the debate. Inspire...

Did you know your professors are one of the most underutilized resources on campus? In this episode, we explore why building a relationship with your professors is a game-changer for your college success. You’ll learn: How to confidently approach professors during office hours Why these connections can lead to BETTER GRADES, internships, career advice, and research opportunities Practical tips for...

Summer break is just around the corner! Don’t let it slip away. This episode is packed with valuable advice for high school and college students (and their parents/educators) on how to make the most of their summer break. We explore 6 key activities that can boost academic performance, explore career interests, and ease the transition to college: –Fill in the Gaps: Address academic wea...

A new semester means new beginnings, but you don’t need to revamp your entire process to reach your goals this semester. In fact, just a few small changes to daily habits can make a HUGE difference in how students learn and perform. In this episode, we break down a few easy-to-implement habits that add up to big impact: Become friends with the textbook: Discover the power of pre-reading and...

Get ready to tackle the SAT or ACT in 2025! In this episode, we break down the latest changes to these college entrance exams and provide expert guidance on how to prepare for success. Learn about: The essentials of the SAT and ACT: We cover the basics of each exam, including format, content, and scoring. Important updates for 2025: Stay ahead of the curve with insights into the latest changes and...