Getting In: A College Coach Conversation

Elizabeth Heaton

About

Planning for college? Tune into Getting In: A College Coach Conversation for tips, techniques, and insider perspectives. Hosted by Elizabeth Heaton, a former admissions officer at the University of Pennsylvania, and featuring her fellow admissions and college finance experts from Bright Horizons College Coach, the show shares what colleges are really looking for and how to highlight your hard-won achievements for the best chance at success. New episodes air every Thursday at 4 PM Eastern Time, 1 PM Pacific Time on the VoiceAmerica Variety channel.

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1425 episodes

A Deep Dive on Union College

Go Union! This show is all about Union College in Schenectady, New York. We are lucky enough to have Matthew Maltesta, Vice-President of Enrollment, Ashok Ramasubramanian, Dean of Engineering and Co-Director of the Templeton Institute, and Linda Parker, Director of Financial Aid, on the show today. Host Ian Fisher will be interviewing all three about their roles and insight on Union. Tune in, as it’s a wonderful college that we recommend frequently to prospective students!

1h 0m
Mar 21, 2024
Should I Attend Admitted Student Day; Listener Q&A

This will be a fun show, as College Coach admissions expert Tova Javetz will be here to answer listener questions with our host Shannon Vasconcelos. Seniors, are you considering attending some admitted student programs? College Coach veteran admission expert Steve Brennan is here to discuss the pros and cons (hint: mostly pros) with Shannon.

1h 0m
Mar 14, 2024
Standardized Tests; Choosing Your College; Financial Aid Appeals

Juniors, are you confused about whether or not to take the SAT or ACT? You’re not alone. There have been lots of changes in recent months, and our host Beth Heaton will be joined by Megan Stubbendeck, CEO of ArborBridge, an online test prep service and one of College Coach’s trusted partners, to discuss everything you should know about standardized testing. For our seniors, we know many of you have heard from colleges or are anxiously awaiting your decision, so we’re here to help with a segment on how to choose the right college as an admitted student and what to do if you’ve been waitlisted. College Coach admissions expert Jen Simons will be talking over all of this with Beth. And we haven’t forgotten finance concerns! Our colleague Aimee Yorsaner will be here to answer questions about when it makes sense to appeal your financial aid package.

1h 0m
Mar 07, 2024
Standardized Tests; Choosing Your College; Financial Aid Appeals

Juniors, are you confused about whether or not to take the SAT or ACT? You’re not alone. There have been lots of changes in recent months, and our host Beth Heaton will be joined by Megan Stubbendeck, CEO of ArborBridge, an online test prep service and one of College Coach’s trusted partners, to discuss everything you should know about standardized testing. For our seniors, we know many of you have heard from colleges or are anxiously awaiting your decision, so we’re here to help with a segment on how to choose the right college as an admitted student and what to do if you’ve been waitlisted. College Coach admissions expert Jen Simons will be talking over all of this with Beth. And we haven’t forgotten finance concerns! Our colleague Aimee Yorsaner will be here to answer questions about when it makes sense to appeal your financial aid package.

1h 0m
Mar 07, 2024
Standardized Tests; Choosing Your College; Financial Aid Appeals

Juniors, are you confused about whether or not to take the SAT or ACT? You’re not alone. There have been lots of changes in recent months, and our host Beth Heaton will be joined by Megan Stubbendeck, CEO of ArborBridge, an online test prep service and one of College Coach’s trusted partners, to discuss everything you should know about standardized testing. For our seniors, we know many of you have heard from colleges or are anxiously awaiting your decision, so we’re here to help with a segment on how to choose the right college as an admitted student and what to do if you’ve been waitlisted. College Coach admissions expert Jen Simons will be talking over all of this with Beth. And we haven’t forgotten finance concerns! Our colleague Aimee Yorsaner will be here to answer questions about when it makes sense to appeal your financial aid package.

1h 0m
Mar 07, 2024
College Auditions; Becoming a Musician; Negotiating Scholarships

Are you interested in studying music or musical theater in college? This is a great show; host Sally Ganga interviews experts in applying to college programs in each field. First, she will be joined by Charlie Murphy, Director of the organization Musical Theater College Auditions, or MTCA. He’s using his own experience as a graduate of Carnegie Mellon’s BFA program in musical theater and as a current actor to help students who want to study Musical Theater, and is happy to provide some tips for us! Sally also talked with Kurt Isaacson, College Coach colleague, musician, and former admission officer at California Institute of the Arts, about pursuing a Bachelor’s in Music. And for the finance segment, College Coach expert Alex Bickford will discuss how to ask for more scholarship money.

1h 0m
Feb 29, 2024
College Auditions; Becoming a Musician; Negotiating Scholarships

Are you interested in studying music or musical theater in college? This is a great show; host Sally Ganga interviews experts in applying to college programs in each field. First, she will be joined by Charlie Murphy, Director of the organization Musical Theater College Auditions, or MTCA. He’s using his own experience as a graduate of Carnegie Mellon’s BFA program in musical theater and as a current actor to help students who want to study Musical Theater, and is happy to provide some tips for us! Sally also talked with Kurt Isaacson, College Coach colleague, musician, and former admission officer at California Institute of the Arts, about pursuing a Bachelor’s in Music. And for the finance segment, College Coach expert Alex Bickford will discuss how to ask for more scholarship money.

1h 0m
Feb 29, 2024
The Cal State System; Pre-Med Post-Bacc; Not Enough Financial Aid

Do you know that California has great universities that are not UC schools? Listen in when host ian fisher interviews College Coach colleague Gabbi Tobias about the California State University system, typically called the Cal States. Considering medical school but you’ve already graduated from college and didn’t take any of the required classes? It’s not too late! College Coach expert Lauren DiProspero, former admission officer at both Stanford and Columbia medical schools, will talk about options for taking those courses so you can still apply successfully! In addition, Chrissy Foran, College Coach finance expert, will be reviewing what to do when you don’t receive enough financial aid.

1h 0m
Feb 22, 2024
The Cal State System; Pre-Med Post-Bacc; Not Enough Financial Aid

Do you know that California has great universities that are not UC schools? Listen in when host ian fisher interviews College Coach colleague Gabbi Tobias about the California State University system, typically called the Cal States. Considering medical school but you’ve already graduated from college and didn’t take any of the required classes? It’s not too late! College Coach expert Lauren DiProspero, former admission officer at both Stanford and Columbia medical schools, will talk about options for taking those courses so you can still apply successfully! In addition, Chrissy Foran, College Coach finance expert, will be reviewing what to do when you don’t receive enough financial aid.

1h 0m
Feb 22, 2024
The Cal State System; Pre-Med Post-Bacc; Not Enough Financial Aid

Do you know that California has great universities that are not UC schools? Listen in when host ian fisher interviews College Coach colleague Gabbi Tobias about the California State University system, typically called the Cal States. Considering medical school but you’ve already graduated from college and didn’t take any of the required classes? It’s not too late! College Coach expert Lauren DiProspero, former admission officer at both Stanford and Columbia medical schools, will talk about options for taking those courses so you can still apply successfully! In addition, Chrissy Foran, College Coach finance expert, will be reviewing what to do when you don’t receive enough financial aid.

1h 0m
Feb 22, 2024
Campus Safety; Homeschooled Students; Financial Aid Packages

While college campuses are, by and large, very safe places, we know that crime can happen anywhere. Host Sally Ganga will be joined by Jessica Mertz of the Clery Center, an organization dedicated to helping colleges create the safest possible environment on campus and to advising families on campus safety. Jessica will be giving Sally some tips about students should be concerned about. Hint: it isn’t what most people think about! Have you been homeschooled? Nicole Doyle, College Coach colleague, will be jumping on to discuss what homeschooled applicants and their parents need to know, not just during the application process but while they are planning their high school curriculum and extra-curricular activities. And, College Coach Finance expert Beth Feinberg-Keenan will be starting the podcast with a discussion of how to interpret your financial aid package.

1h 0m
Feb 15, 2024
Campus Safety; Homeschooled Students; Financial Aid Packages

While college campuses are, by and large, very safe places, we know that crime can happen anywhere. Host Sally Ganga will be joined by Jessica Mertz of the Clery Center, an organization dedicated to helping colleges create the safest possible environment on campus and to advising families on campus safety. Jessica will be giving Sally some tips about students should be concerned about. Hint: it isn’t what most people think about! Have you been homeschooled? Nicole Doyle, College Coach colleague, will be jumping on to discuss what homeschooled applicants and their parents need to know, not just during the application process but while they are planning their high school curriculum and extra-curricular activities. And, College Coach Finance expert Beth Feinberg-Keenan will be starting the podcast with a discussion of how to interpret your financial aid package.

1h 0m
Feb 15, 2024
Campus Safety; Homeschooled Students; Financial Aid Packages

While college campuses are, by and large, very safe places, we know that crime can happen anywhere. Host Sally Ganga will be joined by Jessica Mertz of the Clery Center, an organization dedicated to helping colleges create the safest possible environment on campus and to advising families on campus safety. Jessica will be giving Sally some tips about students should be concerned about. Hint: it isn’t what most people think about! Have you been homeschooled? Nicole Doyle, College Coach colleague, will be jumping on to discuss what homeschooled applicants and their parents need to know, not just during the application process but while they are planning their high school curriculum and extra-curricular activities. And, College Coach Finance expert Beth Feinberg-Keenan will be starting the podcast with a discussion of how to interpret your financial aid package.

1h 0m
Feb 15, 2024
All about Transferring; Day in the Life of Financial Aid Officers

Have you invested yourself at your current college, working hard in your classes and trying out a few extra-curricular activities, but you still feel like it isn’t the right place for you? Or maybe you’re at a community college and it’s time to move on? If so, listen in. Host Shannon Vasconcelos will be discussing the transfer process with colleague and former Hamilton College Admission Officer Jay Bonham. Shannon will also be joined by Alex Rendon, who, previous to coming to College Coach, worked in admissions at the University of California at San Diego, to discuss how to transfer into the University of California system. It’s a fairly complex process, so don’t miss this one! In addition, Shannon will be talking with Helen Faith, Director of the Office of Student Financial Aid at the University of Wisconsin, Madison, about the role of a financial aid administrator. Folks who work in financial aid offices have a tough job that is worth understanding. We hope you’ll join us!

1h 0m
Feb 08, 2024
All about Transferring; Day in the Life of Financial Aid Officers

Have you invested yourself at your current college, working hard in your classes and trying out a few extra-curricular activities, but you still feel like it isn’t the right place for you? Or maybe you’re at a community college and it’s time to move on? If so, listen in. Host Shannon Vasconcelos will be discussing the transfer process with colleague and former Hamilton College Admission Officer Jay Bonham. Shannon will also be joined by Alex Rendon, who, previous to coming to College Coach, worked in admissions at the University of California at San Diego, to discuss how to transfer into the University of California system. It’s a fairly complex process, so don’t miss this one! In addition, Shannon will be talking with Helen Faith, Director of the Office of Student Financial Aid at the University of Wisconsin, Madison, about the role of a financial aid administrator. Folks who work in financial aid offices have a tough job that is worth understanding. We hope you’ll join us!

1h 0m
Feb 08, 2024
All about Transferring; Day in the Life of Financial Aid Officers

Have you invested yourself at your current college, working hard in your classes and trying out a few extra-curricular activities, but you still feel like it isn’t the right place for you? Or maybe you’re at a community college and it’s time to move on? If so, listen in. Host Shannon Vasconcelos will be discussing the transfer process with colleague and former Hamilton College Admission Officer Jay Bonham. Shannon will also be joined by Alex Rendon, who, previous to coming to College Coach, worked in admissions at the University of California at San Diego, to discuss how to transfer into the University of California system. It’s a fairly complex process, so don’t miss this one! In addition, Shannon will be talking with Helen Faith, Director of the Office of Student Financial Aid at the University of Wisconsin, Madison, about the role of a financial aid administrator. Folks who work in financial aid offices have a tough job that is worth understanding. We hope you’ll join us!

1h 0m
Feb 08, 2024
Parent Support; Engineering Nuts & Bolts; Financial Aid Awareness

Parents, do you have a high achieving student and are concerned about how to best support them in high school and the college process? Listen in as our host, Ian Fisher, will be talking with colleague DJ Meehan, former high school counselor, about what to do. In addition, Ian will be joined by colleague Joy Biscornet, who in a previous life was an engineering major and worked in admissions at top engineering school the University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign to discuss engineering nuts and bolts (yes, pun intended!) And of course you all know already that February is Financial Aid Awareness month, but maybe you don’t know exactly what financial aid is and how families can access it. Laurie Peltier, college finance expert at College Coach and former financial aid officer will be reviewing the above with Ian.

1h 0m
Feb 01, 2024
Parent Support; Engineering Nuts & Bolts; Financial Aid Awareness

Parents, do you have a high achieving student and are concerned about how to best support them in high school and the college process? Listen in as our host, Ian Fisher, will be talking with colleague DJ Meehan, former high school counselor, about what to do. In addition, Ian will be joined by colleague Joy Biscornet, who in a previous life was an engineering major and worked in admissions at top engineering school the University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign to discuss engineering nuts and bolts (yes, pun intended!) And of course you all know already that February is Financial Aid Awareness month, but maybe you don’t know exactly what financial aid is and how families can access it. Laurie Peltier, college finance expert at College Coach and former financial aid officer will be reviewing the above with Ian.

1h 0m
Feb 01, 2024
The Athletic Recruitment Process; College Research

Are you a student-athlete planning to compete in college? If so, tune-in to hear our host, Beth Heaton, talking with college finance expert and parent of a college athlete Stacey MacPhetres. They will be joined by Michael Yager, College Coach admissions expert, who will be covering the athletic recruitment process and athletic scholarships in their discussion. Ian Fisher, Getting In co-host, will be playing the role of guest in a separate segment to discuss how students can research colleges.

1h 0m
Jan 25, 2024
The Athletic Recruitment Process; Student Research Projects

Are you a student-athlete planning to compete in college? If so, tune-in to hear our host, Beth Heaton, talking with college finance expert and parent of a college athlete Stacey MacPhetres. They will be joined by Michael Yager, College Coach admissions expert, who will be covering the athletic recruitment process and athletic scholarships in their discussion. Ian Fisher, Getting In co-host, will be playing the role of guest in a separate segment to discuss how student research is viewed in the college admission process.

1h 0m
Jan 25, 2024
The Athletic Recruitment Process; College Research

Are you a student-athlete planning to compete in college? If so, tune-in to hear our host, Beth Heaton, talking with college finance expert and parent of a college athlete Stacey MacPhetres. They will be joined by Michael Yager, College Coach admissions expert, who will be covering the athletic recruitment process and athletic scholarships in their discussion. Ian Fisher, Getting In co-host, will be playing the role of guest in a separate segment to discuss how students can research colleges.

1h 0m
Jan 25, 2024
College List Building; Campus Visit Tips; FAFSA Rollout

Juniors, and to a lesser degree sophomores, this is a great time to start thinking about the colleges where you’ll be applying! Our host, Shannon Vasconcelos, will be chatting with College Coach admissions expert Nial Rele about how to build your list. One important item on your to dos when doing so is to visit some colleges, and College Coach admissions expert Serena Frisina will join Shannon to talk about how to get the most out of those visits. And we’re very excited to have college finance expert Jess Mosley, in her first Getting In appearance, to discuss the challenging rollout of the new “simplified” FAFSA.

1h 0m
Jan 18, 2024
College List Building; Campus Visit Tips; FAFSA Rollout

Juniors, and to a lesser degree sophomores, this is a great time to start thinking about the colleges where you’ll be applying! Our host, Shannon Vasconcelos, will be chatting with College Coach admissions expert Nial Rele about how to build your list. One important item on your to dos when doing so is to visit some colleges, and College Coach admissions expert Serena Frisina will join Shannon to talk about how to get the most out of those visits. And we’re very excited to have college finance expert Jess Mosley, in her first Getting In appearance, to discuss the challenging rollout of the new “simplified” FAFSA.

1h 0m
Jan 18, 2024
Senior Grades Matter; Job Search for College Seniors; Loan Debt

Seniors, have you heard the rumor that colleges don’t care about senior year grades? Well, that’s incorrect, and even if a student has been admitted, colleges can rescind admission offers if grades drop. Listen in as host Ian Fisher discusses how and when this happens with Tova Javetz, college admissions counselor and former admission officer at Barnard, Columbia, Fordham, and Montclair State. Ian also welcomes Amanda Cuttler, former head hunter for Tory Burch and current consultant in talent acquisition. She’ll address the job search process for college seniors. Lastly, and this is one you won’t want to miss if you’re considering taking out student loans, college finance expert Michelle Smoley discusses the ripple effect of student loan debt on personal finances.

1h 0m
Jan 11, 2024
Senior Grades Matter; Job Search for College Seniors; Loan Debt

Seniors, have you heard the rumor that colleges don’t care about senior year grades? Well, that’s incorrect, and even if a student has been admitted, colleges can rescind admission offers if grades drop. Listen in as host Ian Fisher discusses how and when this happens with Tova Javetz, college admissions counselor and former admission officer at Barnard, Columbia, Fordham, and Montclair State. Ian also welcomes Amanda Cuttler, former head hunter for Tory Burch and current consultant in talent acquisition. She’ll address the job search process for college seniors. Lastly, and this is one you won’t want to miss if you’re considering taking out student loans, college finance expert Michelle Smoley discusses the ripple effect of student loan debt on personal finances.

1h 0m
Jan 11, 2024