Getting In: A College Coach Conversation

Host Ian Fisher kicks off this episode with finance expert Pati Pineiro‑Goodenberger to unpack some California‑specific financial aid and residency questions. She explains how the Cal State and UC systems determine California residency, how the Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) program interacts with California colleges, and whether UCs offer merit scholarships. In our second segment, Ian welcomes first-time guest College Coach Maya Gee for a conversation many students face this time of year: how to choose the "best" college from the schools they've been admitted to. Maya shares guidance on weighing fit, academics, finances, and personal priorities to make a confident final decision. Finally, College Coach Kristine Sawicki joins the show to address a common source of frustration students face: Why are colleges sending me so much mail? (And emails… and maybe even texts.) She explains how they get contact information and how they choose who to reach out to. She also discusses how to manage the onslaught of communication by making a plan that works for you.

Host Shannon Vasconcelos kicks off this episode with College Coach Lauren DiProspero, who pulls from her experience in both undergraduate admissions as well as her work with Columbia and Stanford's medical schools. Lauren breaks down BS/MD programs (accelerated pathways where students are admitted to both a Bachelor of Science program and medical school simultaneously) and explains why they're so appealing while clearing up some common misconceptions families often have about these highly selective options. In our second segment, Shannon is joined by College Coach Sara Calvert-Kubrom and Finance Expert Zachery Gries to answer listener questions. Together, they tackle timely topics such as how to navigate a waitlist, what to do if you earn a lower grade fall of senior year after being admitted Early Action, and how to compare financial offers from different colleges. If you have a listener question, please submit them so we can answer them on a future episode!

Host Ian Fisher kicks off this episode with BH finance expert Marina Zaretskiy, who shares what financial aid offices wish rising senior families understood before application season begins. From emphasizing that they are accessible to families with questions or who have updates to their financial situations to the differences between the applications, she offers a helpful behind‑the‑scenes look at how it all works. In our second segment, Ian welcomes BH College Coach Robin Khadduri to dig into what colleges wish rising seniors knew. She talks through how to ask thoughtful questions, how demonstrated interest works, the importance of students sharing their authentic voice, and more. Finally, BH College Coach Nicole Doyle and her son, high school senior Jack Doyle, join the show to share what students wish colleges knew. Jack also shares what it's like to navigate this process when your parent is an expert in the field and what types of discussions seniors have about the application process.

Host Ian Fisher kicks off this episode with BH College Coach Carrie Lewis, who answers a question many families have this time of year: Are colleges still accepting applications? Carrie walks listeners through the process of applying outside the traditional fall and early‑spring deadlines, which usually involves rolling admission. In our second segment, Ian welcomes colleague Kennon Dick for a conversation about one of the most common academic questions students ask: How many APs do I need to take to get into college? Kennon breaks down what curriculum rigor really means, how to find balance, and how colleges evaluate a student's choices within their specific context. Finally, finance expert Jennifer Wilcox joins the show to offer a Federal Student Loan update, outlining what has (and hasn't) changed for 2026.

Host Kyra Tyler kicks off this episode with BH College Coach Caroline Damon, who breaks down February admit programs—those special events colleges host for admitted students to help them dig deeper into academics, campus life, and overall fit as they make their final decision about where to enroll. In our second segment, Kyra welcomes colleague Lisa Albro to tackle a question many families are asking this spring: "How are all the college tours already booked, and how can I still demonstrate interest?" Lisa offers practical strategies for staying engaged even when campus calendars are full. To close out Financial Aid Awareness Month, finance expert Laurie Peltier joins the show to discuss key questions families should ask the financial aid office—and others—when they're on a college tour.

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.

Are you interested in experiential, educational travel? Listen in, as host Kyra Tyler will be talking with Durban Rose Ripley of EF Language Abroad programs about their philosophy and offerings, which include trips all over the world, inclusive of both service and culture focused tours. In addition, College Coach finance expert Laurie Peltier will be discussing the National Merit Scholarship program and what that does for students. Learn More About Bright Horizons College Coach

Did you know there is a college whose mascot is the Banana Slugs? And another whose mascot is the Poet? Listen in to the December 11th show when host Shannon Vasconcelos discusses college mascots with College Coach colleague Tova Javetz. They aren't all eagles, lions, and wolves. Early Decision round one results are out. New College Coach colleague Jenni Gargano, former Associate Director of Admission at Dartmouth College, will be on the show to discuss what students can do now whether they were admitted or not. And finally, guest and College Coach finance expert Beth Feinburg-Keenan will be there to discuss the financial side of being admitted to your Early Decision college. Learn More About Bright Horizons College Coach

Many students are interested in an engineering career, but some don't know what studying to be an engineer requires or about the different kinds of engineering, from traditional ones like mechanical to newer fields like biomedical. Host Sally Ganga will be joined by colleague Mary Sue Youn, who has been advising aspiring engineers professionally on their college applications for years. But first, Sally will be joined by finance colleague Michelle Smoley who will expound on the virtues of working during holiday breaks from colleges to both earn and learn! Learn More About Bright Horizons College Coach