Future's So Bright: Illuminating the College Admissions Experience

Our host Sean has guided us through about 30 episodes of Future's So Bright. But as 2021 draws to a close, we decided to turn the tables and put him in the hot seat. What has he learned along the way as a former Class 101 student and a current college sophomore? It's not all cheese puffs and intramural softball in college…or is it?

For as many students who know exactly what they want to major in, there are just as many (or more) students who don't have a clue—and that's okay! College is about trying new things, understanding what you like and value, and putting it all together for a fulfilling major and career. This week, we talk with special guest Linda Gregory, Executive Director of Exploratory Studies at Purdue University, to find out more about how starting out college undecided might actually help you in the long run.

Time for our Juniors to chime in on how things are going for them in the college planning process! With only 9 months until the class of 2023 starts applying to college, they're working on resumes, reviewing colleges, and getting in gear for senior year. Special guests Baylee, JohnThomas, and Logan are on their way to being Class 101 Super Juniors, and share with us what they're learning through the process.

What is a liberal arts college, and is it right for you? This week, our host Sean gets to stay close to home, as he talks with Jon Sims, the Associate Dean of Admissions at Davidson College in Davidson, North Carolina. Sims shares how liberal arts education offers students the chance to see the connections between different areas of study—something employers actively recruit for. It can also be a great fit for pre-professional majors, like pre-med and pre-law, and a great dual major opportunity for engineers. Yes—really!

What if your passion is creative, and not just academic? Our host Sean is joined by friend and Class 101 Franklin alumna, Izzy, to talk about her journey to New England Conservatory. What kind of commitment does it take to choose a creative path? What advice does she have for other aspiring musicians and creatives? And most importantly—just how awesome is Boston?

It's less than a week until Early Action deadlines for most colleges. Three of our Class 101 Franklin seniors—Abigail, Ava, and Weston—take a few minutes during the busy college application season to share how their plans are shaping up. What did they look for in colleges, and what do they wish they'd considered, or done differently? Don't miss the great advice these class of 2022 seniors have to offer.

Wondering about honors college and programs? What are the benefits? And what does it take to get in? Xylina Marshall, Honors Admissions Counselor at The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, is our special guest this episode. Though honors colleges are different at every school, she's going to give us the inside scoop on UT's Honors and Scholars Programs.

Choosing a college means comparing campuses, dorms, programs of study…but it also means comparing financial aid packages. Each college will give you their best “deal” with a combination of scholarships, grants, work-study, and more. Listen to find out more about what goes into those packages, how colleges get to those numbers, and what happens if you feel like it still isn't the bargain you were hoping for. Follow us on Instagram & Facebook: @class101franklintn

Found money makes everyone happy—coins in the couch, dollar bills in the laundry, that money tree in the backyard (everyone has one of those, right?). But finding money to pay for college is next level. Listen to find out more about the various kinds of scholarships and where to find them. Hint: It's not in the couch cushions. Follow us on Instagram & Facebook: @class101franklintn

This one's just for those of us who hail from the state that gave us Goo Goo Clusters, hot chicken sandwiches, and more than a few musical icons, including Aretha Franklin and Dolly Parton. Tennessee residents have two great opportunities to make college more affordable—the HOPE scholarship and the Tennessee Promise. Listen to find out more! Follow us on Facebook and Instagram--@class101franklintn

Why is FAFSA your new favorite F word? Because it's the one that helps you get money to help pay for college! The FAFSA (or Free Application for Federal Student Aid) sometimes gets a bad rap—it can intimidate first-time filers who don't think they'll qualify for financial aid. But have we got news for you! Find out more about the FAFSA (and it's cousin, the CSS Profile) in this week's episode. Follow us on Instagram & Facebook--@class101franklintn

In the college planning bowl of alphabet soup, what difference does the PSAT make? Does a preliminary SAT have any correlation to the actual SAT? And if it isn't required for college applications—what does it do for students anyway? This week, we'll be talking about the PSAT (coming up for juniors) and what it means to become a National Merit Finalist or Scholar as a senior. Facebook & Instagram: @class101franklintn Next Week: Deadlines

This week we welcome two special guests to talk about transferring. Whether you're shifting from a two-year college, or changing four year colleges for a better fit, these experts can help you understand the process. Thanks to Graham Kiser, Senior Admissions Counselor, and Kenna Chen, Assistant Director of Admissions, from the Lipscomb University Admissions Transfer Team, as we talk about this sometimes neglected topic in college admissions. Instagram & Facebook: @class101franklintn Next Week: PSAT and National Merit Scholars

Deadlines—seems like they're popping up all over the place for high school seniors applying to colleges. Every college may have its own unique set of deadlines to meet—applications, scholarships, financial aid, housing, honors colleges. What's a procrastinator to do? Time to get organized!

Colleges toss around the term “holistic admissions,” but what does that really mean? As much attention as we give to GPA and ACT or SAT scores, it's important to know that colleges look at students as more than a number. What goes into the holistic admissions process, and how can best students tell their stories? Facebook and Instagram: @class101franklintn

It's time to talk about the most exciting part of applying to college—standardized tests! Those three little letters —ACT and SAT—pack a punch, and can mean thousands of dollars in scholarships or admission to an honors college, even if you choose to apply test-optional. We're sharing a few tips toward helping you fill in the bubbles to get your best results. Facebook & Instagram: @class101franklintn

The application is done, but when to submit? If the college isn't on rolling admissions (meaning they constantly accept applications and notify students of admission decisions), they'll likely have decision deadlines—early action, early decision, and regular decision. Which is best for you, and when do you choose one over the other? Instagram and Facebook: @class101franklintn Next Week: Prepping for the ACT and SAT

Asking for praise from someone might feel strange, but it's part of the college application process. Whether it's a teacher, coach, or counselor (but definitely not your dog), here's the when, where, and how in asking for letters of recommendation. Instagram and Facebook: @class101franklintn Next Week: Early Admission, Early Decision, and Regular Decision

It's a balancing act—choosing the most challenging classes but still maintaining a good GPA. What are colleges looking for when they use terms like “academic rigor,” and how many AP classes should you be taking anyway? There's no one right answer. Let's talk about all those acronyms and what they mean when you're applying to college.

Your college resume is a snapshot of your high school career. It's not about how many activities you can squeeze into those years, but how meaningful those experiences were for you. Your interests and passions show colleges what you have to offer as a future active member of their student body. So choose wisely you must, young padawan.

Though deadlines are coming up faster than a speeding bullet, we want the story you tell to be more powerful than a locomotive and help you connect with college admissions in a single, well-written essay. So take off that mild-mannered high school student disguise and show colleges how “super” you really are. Instagram & Facebook: @class101franklintn Next week: Building a resume

Maybe your earliest pictures have you in a collegiate onesie from your parents' alma mater. You've been at every football game since birth. But just because your blood runs blue (or purple or crimson) doesn't necessarily mean it's the right school for you. It's time to take off the mascot-themed blinders and see what the college world has to offer for unique you. Instagram & Facebook: @class101franklintn Next week: College Essays

Three little numbers can help guide you through the college search process and help you find focus. At Class 101, we suggest you visit 10 colleges, apply to 7, and love 5. Listen to this week's episode to find out why.

When your ruby slippers hit the campus pavement, how do you know if it's home? This week, we're talking college visits—both virtual and in person—and how they can make a difference in your college search. Hint: Be prepared. Instagram & Facebook: @class101franklintn Next week: Visit 10, Apply to 7, Love 5

If only finding your "perfect" college was as easy as a Buzzfeed quiz. How can high schoolers dig through the flood of email and snail mail marketing from colleges to find the right schools for them? This week, we're talking about creating a college list, and share the top 5 things students should consider to make their lists unique to their wants and needs. Instagram & Facebook: @class101franklintn Next week: Why college visits make a difference

Welcome to our first episode! This week, we take a few extra minutes to introduce you to our Class 101 Franklin team, who you'll be hearing more from this season on Future's So Bright. Plus, we'll talk about some common misconceptions parents and students may have about the college application process. Instagram & Facebook: @class101franklintn Next week: Top 5 Things to Consider When Creating a College List

Join us each week starting June 1st as we illuminate the college application process. Follow us on social media! Facebook: @class101franklinTN Instagram: @class101franklinTN