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PODCAST

College App 101

Hosted by Dr. Riley, the College App 101 podcast provides expert guidance on college applications and academics for college bound high school students and their parents. Dr. Riley has more than a decade of experience in higher education (Xavier University, University of Oregon, and The University of Texas at San Antonio) and secondary education (as Director of College & Career at a large San Antonio private high school).

education self-improvement

All Episodes

15:01

Preparing Financially for College: Saving, FAFSA...

College App 101 ·

2026/10/08

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.

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15:56

Preparing for the FAFSA 2026 #78

College App 101 ·

2026/09/21

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, addresses some current events in higher education, and suggests some time management strategies.

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14:29

Why I Help Students Get Admitted to College Part 2 #77

College App 101 ·

2026/08/25

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.

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15:22

Why I Help Students Get Admitted to College #76

College App 101 ·

2026/08/10

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 college.

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14:55

Finding the Good in Failure Part 2

College App 101 ·

2026/07/20

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 for college bound students to focus on the bright side of their own failures.

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14:01

Finding the Good in Failure Part 1

College App 101 ·

2026/07/10

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 college applications.

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19:13

Interviews with Class of 2026 National Merit Students...

College App 101 ·

2026/06/20

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 special emphasis to the role of a classical, great books, liberal arts education in preparing teste...

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18:01

Interviews with Class of 2026 National Merit Students...

College App 101 ·

2026/06/10

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 special emphasis to the role of a classical, great books, liberal arts education in preparing tes...

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22:14

Interviews with Class of 2026 National Merit Students...

College App 101 ·

2026/05/20

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 special emphasis to the role of a classical, great books, liberal arts education in preparing te...

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22:36

Interviews with Class of 2026 National Merit Students...

College App 101 ·

2026/05/09

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 special emphasis to the role of a classical, great books, liberal arts education in preparing testers...

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24:16

Interviews with Class of 2026 National Merit Students...

College App 101 ·

2026/04/20

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 special emphasis to the role of a classical, great books, liberal arts education in preparing teste...

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20:03

Interviews with Class of 2026 National Merit Students...

College App 101 ·

2026/04/11

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 role of a classical, great books, liberal arts education in preparing testers for the PSAT. Episo...

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22:59

Developing a Love for Learning Part 3

College App 101 ·

2026/03/15

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, Sunday, March 15, 2026 is the anniversary of a significant world event. Join Dr. Riley on a journey

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16:51

Interview with a College Student about Major

College App 101 ·

2026/02/14

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 path toward that major, her current experience in the major, and her professional hopes for the future....

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12:36

Avoiding Common High School Mistakes

College App 101 ·

2026/01/16

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.

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10:01

The Importance of Wonder in Education

College App 101 ·

2025/12/15

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) how a learner becomes a scholar and (2) the role that wonder plays in that process.

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32:30

The Case for a Classical Education (K-12) Part 1

College App 101 ·

2025/11/15

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 interested in developing and sustaining their student’s (1) sense of virtue and (2) wonder in the classroom.

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10:23

Foresight's Role in Academic Success

College App 101 ·

2025/10/15

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 implementing solutions that are good for the short-term and long-term.

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12:07

Fall 2025 Financial Tips: FAFSA, Generosity, and More

College App 101 ·

2025/09/15

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.

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16:25

Admissions Advice from a College Student

College App 101 ·

2025/08/15

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, the underclassman years, junior year, and the flurry of senior year.

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79 results

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