Loading...

PODCAST

Getting In: A College Coach Conversation

Bright Horizons College Coach

Planning for college? Tune into Getting In: A College Coach Conversation to learn what colleges are really looking for and how to highlight your hard-won achievements for the best chance at success. Every week, we gather former admissions and financial aid officers as well as other expert guests for candid, behind-the-scenes talk. New episodes drop every Thursday.

kids & family education for kids

All Episodes

52:23

Good Form: FAFSA & CSS Profile Explained

Getting In: A College Coach Conversation ·

2026/10/01

Join host Ian Fisher for timely conversations celebrating the launch of this year's financial aid application season. First, he welcomes finance expert Jennifer Wilcox for a discussion on FAFSA: Do We or Don't We Complete It? Jennifer provides a practical overview of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid and explains its role in determining eligibility for federal, state, and institutional financial aid. She addresses a question many families ask: Is it worth completing the FAFSA if you

en-us

49:48

Celebrating National Hispanic/Latinx Heritage Month

Getting In: A College Coach Conversation ·

2026/09/24

Host Sally Ganga welcomes guests to discuss college admissions, campus exploration, and financial opportunities through the lens of Hispanic and Latinx student experiences. In the first segment, Sally is joined by Gerardo Ochoa, a higher education executive, nonprofit founder, and nationally recognized leader focused on access, leadership, and student success. Together, they explore Crafting Narratives in Identity Essays, discussing how students can thoughtfully write about culture, heritage,

en-us

57:35

There's An Art To It: National Art in Education Week

Getting In: A College Coach Conversation ·

2026/09/17

In celebration of National Arts in Education Week, host Kyra Tyler explores the unique opportunities and challenges facing students pursuing college pathways in the performing and visual arts. From preparing competitive portfolios and auditions to understanding scholarships and budgeting for application expenses, this episode offers valuable guidance for aspiring artists and their families. In the first segment, Kyra is joined by Alaire Naedele, Director of Recruitment and Enrollment for the

en-us

01:02:20

Fair Questions: Navigating College Fairs

Getting In: A College Coach Conversation ·

2026/09/10

Dina welcomes College Coach Ian Fisher, a familiar voice to podcast listeners, for Tales from the Road: A Day in the Life of an Admissions Counselor in the Fall. He pulls back the curtain on what life is really like for college admission counselors during travel season and shares how students can make a positive impression and keep admission representatives engaged in productive conversations by asking questions that go beyond the surface level to help them determine whether a college is truly the

en-us

53:56

Get It Together: Organizing Your College Apps

Getting In: A College Coach Conversation ·

2026/09/03

Host Ian Fisher welcomes three experts for a practical conversation designed to help students and families get organized and make informed decisions about their college application process. In Segment 1, longtime College Coach counselor Marj Southworth breaks down the various early rounds of college admissions, including Early Decision, Early Action, and Rolling Admission. Marj explains the strategic considerations behind each option, discusses the benefits and limitations of applying early, and

en-us

55:52

The Anxious Generation

Getting In: A College Coach Conversation ·

2026/08/27

Host Sally Ganga is joined by College Coach counselors Joy Biscornet and Robin Khadduri, along with finance expert Aimee Yorsaner, for a discussion of The Anxious Generation by social psychologist Jonathan Haidt. In his bestselling book, Haidt explores how the rise of smartphones, social media, and a shift away from real-world experiences have contributed to increasing levels of anxiety and mental health challenges. The panel examines how the themes of the book intersect with today's college

en-us

56:19

The University of California & California State...

Getting In: A College Coach Conversation ·

2026/08/20

Host Kyra Tyler takes a deep dive into two of the largest and most popular public university systems in the country, providing essential updates for students applying to California colleges this year. From application requirements and recent changes to financial aid considerations, this episode offers a helpful guide for families navigating the University of California (UC) and California State University (CSU) application processes. In the first segment, Kyra is joined by College Coach Cesar

en-us

59:38

Common Application Updates

Getting In: A College Coach Conversation ·

2026/08/13

The college application season is underway, and with each new cycle come updates that students and families need to know. On this episode of Getting In: A College Coach Conversation, host Dina Birmingham sits down with several College Coach colleagues to break down some of the most important application changes for the year ahead. First, College Coach Mikhail Filarski joins the show to discuss updates to the Common Application, which mainly occurred in the Activities & Experiences List and making

en-us

53:01

The Ivy + Schools

Getting In: A College Coach Conversation ·

2026/08/06

Host Ian Fisher examines the realities of admission and affordability at the nation's most selective colleges, separating headlines and misconceptions from the facts families need to know. From admission trends and testing policies to financial aid and paying the bill, this episode takes a practical look at the institutions often referred to as the "Ivy Plus" colleges. In the first segment, Ian is joined by College Coach Scott Alexander to discuss admission trends among the Ivies and other highly

en-us

51:23

What Does The Common App "Roll-over" Mean?

Getting In: A College Coach Conversation ·

2026/07/30

Host Sally Ganga explores financial aid and college applications before launching an exciting new series that celebrates the traditions that make campuses unique. In the first segment, Sally is joined by finance expert Beth Feinberg-Keenan for a look at the history and current state of the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). Beth traces the evolution of this critical financial aid form, explaining how it became the gateway to federal, state, and institutional aid for millions of

en-us

51:17

What Do I Need to Do this Summer If I'm Starting...

Getting In: A College Coach Conversation ·

2026/07/23

Host Sally Ganga brings together admission and finance perspectives for a timely conversation about preparing to start college this fall, followed by another installment of our "Meet an Educator" series featuring one of the newer members of the Bright Horizons College Coach team. In the first segment, Sally is joined by College Coach Tova Javetz and finance expert Alex Gonzalez to discuss what students and families should be doing during their senior summer. Tova and Alex walk through the key

en-us

58:41

How to Become a College President

Getting In: A College Coach Conversation ·

2026/07/16

Host Dina Birmingham makes her debut as a podcast host with a special episode featuring a guest who has played an important role in her own life: her older brother, Roger J. Thompson, the 31st President of Saint Mary's College of California. Together, they explore educational leadership, student support, and the many resources available to help students succeed on campus. In the first segment, Dina continues our "How to Become" series with a conversation about how to become a college president

en-us

53:16

Changes to Student Loan Repayments

Getting In: A College Coach Conversation ·

2026/07/09

Host Ian Fisher welcomes listeners for an episode featuring two familiar faces and one new voice. In the first segment, Ian continues the "Meet an Educator" series with College Coach Stacey Badger. Stacey reflects on her career in admission at the University of Southern California, where she worked with applicants across multiple academic divisions, including both Viterbi Engineering and the Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences. She shares insights into how applications are reviewed for

en-us

51:09

Rollins College: "Won't You Be Their Neighbor?"

Getting In: A College Coach Conversation ·

2026/07/02

Host Sally Ganga continues our "Deep Dive" series with a closer look at Rollins College, a private liberal arts institution located in Winter Park, Florida, just outside Orlando. With approximately 3,000 undergraduate students, Rollins combines the personalized attention of a small college with the opportunities and resources of a vibrant metropolitan area. Sally is joined by Dr. Faye Tydlaska, Vice President for Enrollment and Marketing; Dr. Anne Stone, Interim Associate Dean, Cornell Chair of

en-us

53:19

How to Become a CEO

Getting In: A College Coach Conversation ·

2026/06/25

Host Kyra Tyler celebrates the 40th anniversary of Bright Horizons with an in-depth conversation with CEO Stephen Kramer and a look back at the company's remarkable journey. In the first segment, Kyra continues the "Becoming" series with How to Become a CEO, sitting down with Stephen to trace his path from student to leader. He reflects on what he was like growing up and during his college search, including his focus on strong business programs and the early connection he made with a future

en-us

51:28

Can I Reuse Essays For My College Applications?

Getting In: A College Coach Conversation ·

2026/06/18

Shannon Vasconcelos takes the mic for her final episode as host. Don't worry though, she'll be back as a guest at some point! In the first segment, Shannon is joined by College Coach Kara Courtois to share essential tips for the senior summer. From managing logistics like dorm room shopping and campus prep to pausing and reflecting on the emotional transition ahead, Kara highlights how students can stay organized without letting this meaningful summer slip by. Next, College Coach Julia Jones

en-us

54:47

Financial Tips for Collegebound HS Seniors & Their...

Getting In: A College Coach Conversation ·

2026/06/11

Host Ian Fisher opens this episode with College Coach Lisa Albro to tackle what students should (and shouldn't) ask their high school college counselor. Lisa shares the questions counselors wish students would ask more often, those that spark meaningful exploration and help students better understand their goals, while also addressing the questions that are difficult to answer or ultimately don't provide much value. It's a practical guide to making the most of this important relationship during the

en-us

01:01:01

Navigating Middle School

Getting In: A College Coach Conversation ·

2026/06/04

Host Sally Ganga kicks off this episode with members of the Bright Horizons College Coach High School Planning Team—Lauren Randle, Caroline Damon, and Robin Khadduri—for a conversation focused on how students and families can make the most of the middle school years. They discuss how to strike the right balance between early preparation for potentially competitive college paths and avoiding unnecessary pressure too soon. The team emphasizes an important takeaway: what students do in middle school

en-us

54:59

Happy (Early) National Saving for College Day!

Getting In: A College Coach Conversation ·

2026/05/28

Host Shannon Vasconcelos dedicates this special, all‑finance episode to National College Savings Day (5/29, 529 - get it?), beginning with Jonathan Hughes, Associate Director of College Planning and Content Creation at the Massachusetts Educational Financing Authority (MEFA). Jonathan explains how MEFA, a not‑for‑profit state‑chartered organization founded in 1982, helps families plan and pay for college through savings programs and loans, as well as its expanding focus on postsecondary pathways

en-us

51:46

Who Wore It Better? Consortium Style

Getting In: A College Coach Conversation ·

2026/05/21

Host Kyra Tyler explores the world of college consortiums in this episode, starting with College Coaches Shayla Bezjak‑Martinez and Geraldine Castaneda. Drawing from their experience with the Five College Consortium and the Claremont Colleges, they break down how these models compare: from campus proximity and walkability to differences in institutional style. They highlight the many benefits consortiums offer, including access to shared academic, social, and extracurricular resources that can give

en-us

1,515 results

Similar Podcasts

Kids Learning Lab - Science, History, and Technology for Kids and Family

Eshaan Buddhisagar, young podcaster

Nighttime Nathan: Stories For Kids

RockMedia

Who Smarted? - Educational Podcast for Kids

Atomic Audio

Games and Giggles - A Podcast For Kids by Momma Bear Audio

Momma Bear Audio

What If World - Stories for Kids

Eric O"Keeffe / Starglow Media