Getting In: A College Coach Conversation

Follow Getting In: A College Coach Conversation
Share on
Copy link to clipboard

Did you know that college applications and public college tuition are both up 60 percent since 2002? Getting In: A College Coach Conversation, helps parents and students navigate this changing and challenging landscape. Each week, College Coach experts, all former admissions and financial aid office…

Elizabeth Heaton


    • Dec 26, 2024 LATEST EPISODE
    • weekly NEW EPISODES
    • 55m AVG DURATION
    • 1,467 EPISODES

    4.7 from 256 ratings Listeners of Getting In: A College Coach Conversation that love the show mention: financial aid, college process, college application, college admissions process, college search, admission process, selective, application process, colleges, parents and students, counselors, sophomore, junior, oldest, best college, sally, officers, schools, senior, navigating.


    Ivy Insights

    The Getting In: A College Coach Conversation podcast is an invaluable resource for students and families navigating the college admissions process. This podcast covers every aspect of the process, including paying for college, and offers valuable insights and advice. Whether you're a student or a parent, regardless of your specific situation, this podcast provides expert guidance to help you make informed decisions.

    One of the best aspects of this podcast is its comprehensive coverage of all aspects of college admissions. The hosts and guests offer valuable insight into topics like choosing the right college, writing essays, financial aid strategies, and more. The dialogue is engaging and informative, making it easy to understand and apply the information provided. This podcast truly equips listeners with the knowledge they need to be advocates for their children during the college admissions journey.

    Another great aspect of this podcast is its focus on both admission and financial aid. Many resources only cover one or the other, but this podcast recognizes that these two aspects are intrinsically linked in the college admissions process. By addressing both, listeners gain a deeper understanding of how to navigate these often complex areas.

    The only potential downside to this podcast is that it may not cover every unique situation or scenario. While it provides a wealth of information, there may be specific circumstances that are not addressed in-depth. However, considering the breadth and depth of topics covered overall, this is a minor drawback.

    In conclusion, The Getting In: A College Coach Conversation podcast is an essential resource for anyone involved in the college admissions process. It offers valuable insights into every aspect of admissions and financial aid while providing actionable takeaways for students and their families. Whether you're just starting your college search or already deep into the application process, this podcast will undoubtedly provide invaluable guidance and support along the way.



    Search for episodes from Getting In: A College Coach Conversation with a specific topic:

    Latest episodes from Getting In: A College Coach Conversation

    2025 Resolutions; Go-Time for Juniors; Parent Tips for Letting Go

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 26, 2024 57:49


    The New Year is almost here, and host Sally Ganga will be talking with College Coach admissions counselor Julia Jones about resolutions for 2025 related to the college admission process and education in general.  High school juniors, are you ready to start your college search process? College admissions coach Lisa Albro will be joining Sally to chat about the college search kick-off for juniors.  And parents, are you struggling to let go of your current or soon-to-be college students? College Coach finance expert Michelle Smoley has some tips for parents in this situation. 

    ED Deferrals/Denials; Gap Year Considerations; More Finance FAQs

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 19, 2024 60:00


    Did you apply Early Decision to a college? Were you deferred or denied? If so, you may be wondering what to do next. Host Ian Fisher will be talking with College Coach admissions counselor Brian Swann, formerly of Carleton College, about next steps. Seniors, are you considering a post-graduate or gap year? Either can be a wonderful option, but it's important to plan carefully. Listen in when Ian talks with Jay Bonham, college admissions coach from Hamilton College. In addition, finance colleague Dina Birmingham will be answering the top finance questions from high school underclassmen and parents right now.

    Getting In: A College Coach Conversation - December 12th, 2024

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 12, 2024 60:00


    Getting In: A College Coach Conversation - December 5th, 2024

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 5, 2024 60:00


    Encore Common App Tips; 10th & 11th Grade Goals; Co-Signed Loan Advice

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 28, 2024 60:00


    Seniors, are you working on your Common Application? Host Ian Fisher will be interviewing colleague Kristine Sawicki, formerly of Stanford University, about how to make your Common Application shine. We have something for your sophomores and juniors too! You may be wondering how to make the most of high school. We'll be addressing purposeful goal setting instead of just wish making. And parents, are you looking for an out in repaying Parent PLUS or cosigned private loans? It's not easy…but we'll talk about the few ways it might be possible.

    FairTest.org; Mentally Preparing for Decisions; Apprenticeships

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 21, 2024 60:00


    Host Beth Heaton is so pleased to be welcome Harry Feder, the Executive Director of Fair Test, the organization that has been advocating for test optional admissions for students for many years. Feder will be talking about the organization itself as well as the state of testing in undergraduate admissions today. In addition, seniors will soon be receiving decisions from many colleges if they applied early decision or early action. College Coach admissions consultant Christine Kenyon will discuss how to be intentional when you open your admission decision. It's important to consider how to be kind to others when doing so! Last, did you know that November 18 through the 24th is National Apprenticeship week? College Coach finance expert Jan Combs will be joining Beth to discuss how to earn while you learn through an apprenticeship.

    Getting In: A College Coach Conversation - November 7th, 2024

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 7, 2024 60:00


    What's Supp: UChicago & UVM Essays; In-State/Out-of-State Tuition

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 31, 2024 60:00


    Continuing our series on college application supplements, we are addressing a doozy today! Beth Heaton will be joined by College Coach colleague Jonathan Wickremasinghe-Kuhn to discuss the University of Chicago's supplemental essays. These are challenging, so if you're thinking about applying, listen in. Colleague Nial Rele, resident of Vermont, will be there for another segment to discuss the thankfully more straightforward University of Vermont supplemental essays, and College Coach Finance expert Chrissy Foran will be joining Beth to discuss the reality of paying in-state tuition as an out-of-state student.

    What's Supp with Supplemental Essays: BC & Cornell; College Lists

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 24, 2024 60:00


    Applying to Boston College? Cornell University? Host Shannon Vasconcelos will be joined by College Coach colleagues Blair Dixon, to discuss Boston College's supplements, and then Mary Sue Youn to cover Cornells'. In addition, college finance expert Beth Feinberg-Keenan will be there to talk about the financial benefits of a well-considered list of colleges.

    What's Supp with Supplemental Essays: Yale & UMichigan; Merit Aid

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 17, 2024 60:00


    Working on your Yale University supplemental essay? Host Beth Heaton will be joined by Amy Alexander, College Coach colleague and former Yale admission officer, to discuss their supplement. In another segment, Karen Spencer, another colleague, will be there to go over the University of Michigan supplement. Then Stacey MacPhetres, College Coach Finance Expert, will go over the Who, What, and Why of merit scholarships.

    Getting In: A College Coach Conversation - October 10th, 2024

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 10, 2024 60:00


    Getting In: A College Coach Conversation - October 3rd, 2024

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 3, 2024 60:00


    UTexas Application; SAT & ACT Advice; Financial Impact of EA & ED

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 26, 2024 60:00


    Wondering whether you should apply Early Decision or Early Action and trying to understand the financial implications of both? Host Beth Heaton will be interviewing College Coach finance expert Chrissy Foran to help you answer those questions. In addition, College Coach admissions counselor and Texas resident Zaragoza Guerra will be discussing the University of Texas at Austin application. And last but not least, Megan Stubbendeck of the test prep organization Arborbridge will be joining Beth to go over all things standardized testing!

    Exploring the Colleges that Change Lives; What is the FSAID?

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 19, 2024 60:00


    Are you applying for financial aid? Can't figure out what the FSAID is? College Coach finance consultant Jess Mosley will be joining host Shannon Vasconcelos to answer that question and explain how to sign up for it. Shannon will also be interviewing Ann Marano, Executive Director of the Colleges That Change Lives, a non-profit organization that champions colleges that might not be name brands but provide a transformational experience for students.

    Getting In: A College Coach Conversation - September 12th, 2024

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 12, 2024 60:00


    Getting In: A College Coach Conversation - September 5th, 2024

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 5, 2024 60:00


    Common App Tips; 10th & 11th Grade Goals; Co-Signed Loan Advice

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 5, 2024 60:00


    Seniors, are you working on your Common Application? Host Ian Fisher will be interviewing colleague Kristine Sawicki, formerly of Stanford University, about how to make your Common Application shine. We have something for your sophomores and juniors too! You may be wondering how to make the most of high school. We'll be addressing purposeful goal setting instead of just wish making. And parents, are you looking for an out in repaying Parent PLUS or cosigned private loans? It's not easy…but we'll talk about the few ways it might be possible.

    How to Start a Club; Applying to College Abroad; Tuition Prep

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 29, 2024 60:00


    Are you sending your senior to college in the fall? If so, join host Sally Ganga to hear Jan Combs, college finance expert at College Coach, give tips on what you should be doing right now to prepare for that tuition bill. Then, former college counselor at the American School of Madrid Marj Southworth will be discussing applying to colleges outside of the United States. (Hint: there's more than just study abroad!) Interested in getting more involved at your high school? Considering starting your own club? College Coach admissions counselor Jen Simons and host Sally Ganga will be offering advice on how to make it happen.

    What is the Coalition Application; Financial Aid ABCs

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 22, 2024 60:00


    Have you heard of the Coalition Application? Curious to learn more? Host Ian Fisher will be joined by Liz Cheron, CEO of the Coalition Application, to discuss its role in the college admission landscape. Then, he and College Coach education finance expert Beth Feinberg-Keenan will discuss the ABCs of applying for financial aid; in other words, what do all those acronyms stand for?

    Getting In: A College Coach Conversation - August 15th, 2024

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 15, 2024 60:00


    High Loan Interest Rates; Common App; Naviance & Other Trackers

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 8, 2024 60:00


    Paying for college has been tough for a while now, but high interest rates are making it even tougher. Host Ian Fisher is joined by College Coach finance expert Alex Bickford to discuss what your options are. In addition, he will be digging into the details of rolling over your Common Application account if you opened it before the official August 1 start date for the 2024-2025 year with colleague Mary Sue Youn, and discussing the various college application process trackers used by high schools, such as Naviance, Scoir, and Maia. They all offer different functionalities that can help with the college application process, so listen in.

    Getting In: A College Coach Conversation - August 1st, 2024

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 1, 2024 60:00


    A Chat with the Dean at Dartmouth; Summer Scholarship Search Tips

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 25, 2024 60:00


    Interested in Dartmouth? We're lucky enough to welcome Lee Coffin, Vice-President and Dean of Admission and Financial Aid, here to discuss all things about the College. He previously worked in admissions at Tufts and Connecticut College, and has served as an adjunct lecturer at the Harvard Graduate School of Education, so his perspective is both broad and deep. Host Ian Fisher will also be talking with Alex Gonzalez, College Coach Finance expert, about searching for scholarships during the summer.

    Colleges in Portland ME; Jesuit Colleges; Paying Tuition

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 18, 2024 60:00


    Parents, do you have a student heading off to college in the fall? Your tuition and fees are likely due! Listen in to find out more about paying that important bill. You've probably heard of Georgetown, but did you know there are other fine Jesuit colleges in the US? College Coach colleague Nicole Doyle, alumna and former admission officer at the College of Holy Cross in Massachusetts, will be talking about the values that Jesuit schools are known for and the Jesuit college experience. Last, brand new College Coach colleague Scott Alexander, former admission officer at Bates College, will be discussing colleges in and near Portland, Maine. (Be sure to catch our Portland, Oregon colleges episode from last week, July 11th, if you want to hear about both coasts!)

    Getting In: A College Coach Conversation - July 11th, 2024

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 11, 2024 60:00


    A Deep Dive on Skidmore College

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 4, 2024 60:00


    Join our host Sally Ganga as she speaks with several special guests for a deep dive on Skidmore College. Sally talks with Janessa Dunn, the dean of admissions, and Maggie Besthoff, a Skidmore student, about what life is like at Skidmore. Finally, Sally is joined by special guest Klaudia Wiacek to discuss possible career pathways for English majors. Tune in!

    Getting In: A College Coach Conversation - June 27th, 2024

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 27, 2024 60:00


    Getting In: A College Coach Conversation - June 20th, 2024

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 20, 2024 60:00


    Getting In: A College Coach Conversation - June 13th, 2024

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 13, 2024 60:00


    Getting In: A College Coach Conversation - June 6th, 2024

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 6, 2024 60:00


    Helicopter Parenting; Engineering at MSU; Loan Repayment Updates

    Play Episode Listen Later May 30, 2024 60:00


    We have an exciting guest today: our host Shannon Vasconcelos will be joined by Sean Fochtman of Michigan State University. He'll discuss his insights from working with students in the College of Engineering as well as his current role as Director of Alumni Venture Support within MSU's Burgess Institute for Innovation and Entrepreneurship. In addition, Shannon will be chatting with College Coach expert and parent of high school students Karen Spencer about whether there is ever a time to be a helicopter parent. Finally, college finance expert Michelle Clifton will be providing a student and parent loan repayment update.

    How Social Media is Used in the College Admissions Process

    Play Episode Listen Later May 23, 2024 60:00


    How does college admissions and paying for college intersect? Listen to this show to find out. Host Ian Fisher will be talking with colleague Gabbi Tobias about how to use social media to research colleges. It can be a very handy tool for this! He will also be talking with colleague Kyra Tyler about whether colleges look at the social media accounts of applicants. In addition, College Coach finance expert Jennifer Willcox is going to discuss how social media outlets and groups may be a good place for families to obtain paying and saving for college information.

    Questions NOT to Ask Admissions; Prep for the College Transition

    Play Episode Listen Later May 16, 2024 60:00


    Will you be attending a reception or a college campus and have a chance to meet with an admissions officer? Have you heard that all questions are good questions? Well, maybe not. Our host Beth Heaton will be talking with former admissions officer and high school college counselor Lisa Albro about questions not to ask. For the seniors, College Coach colleagues Kennon Dick and Jan Combs, of our admissions and college finance teams respectively, will be reviewing what to expect when transitioning to college. There will be paperwork and deadlines and we're here to help you get ready!

    Pros and Cons of Studying Abroad; Listener Q&A

    Play Episode Listen Later May 9, 2024 60:00


    Are you considering studying abroad in college? Listen in as our host Shannon Vasconcelos chats with colleague Elyse Krantz about the pros and cons. Then, Shannon with be answering listener questions with College Coach colleagues Alexandra Rendon of the admission team and Zachary Gries of the college finance team.

    Getting In: A College Coach Conversation - May 2nd, 2024

    Play Episode Listen Later May 2, 2024 60:00


    Types of Institutions: Liberal Arts & Polytechnic; Loud Budgeting

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 25, 2024 60:00


    Confused by some of the terms you hear that describe colleges? Host Ian Fisher and his guests, College Coach colleagues Serena Frisina, formerly of Lewis & Clark University, and Zaragoza Guerra, formerly of Cal Tech and MIT, will be diving into what is meant by the descriptors “a liberal arts education” and “a polytechnic institute.” You may be surprised by the explanation. And do you know what loud budgeting is? Michelle Smoley, College Coach finance expert, explains.

    College Recommendation Letters; Focusing on Best Fit Colleges

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 18, 2024 60:00


    Juniors, this episode is for you! Host Sally Ganga will be addressing how to ask for letters of recommendation with guest and college admissions counselor Karen Spencer as well as chatting with admissions advisor Christine Kenyon about how to find your best fit college. Hint: tune out the noise of other people's opinions and focus on your own needs and wants. In addition, Sally will be chatting with college finance expert Beth Feinberg-Keenan about how to look at financial fit when selecting a college.

    Unhappy with Acceptances? Late Applicant Tips; Saving for College

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 11, 2024 60:00


    Seniors, are you unhappy with the colleges that have admitted you? Or, have you not yet applied? For this episode, our host Ian Fisher will be talking with College Coach admissions counselor Brittany Preston about what to do when you aren't excited about your admits, and Nicole Doyle about colleges that are still taking applications. For those with younger students, College Coach finance colleague Laurie Peltier will be joining him to discuss options for saving for college.

    Getting In: A College Coach Conversation - April 4th, 2024

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 4, 2024 60:00


    Getting In: A College Coach Conversation - March 28th, 2024

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 28, 2024 60:00


    A Deep Dive on Union College

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 21, 2024 60:00


    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!

    Should I Attend Admitted Student Day; Listener Q&A

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 14, 2024 60:00


    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.

    Standardized Tests; Choosing Your College; Financial Aid Appeals

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 7, 2024 60:00


    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.

    Standardized Tests; Choosing Your College; Financial Aid Appeals

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 7, 2024 60:00


    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.

    Standardized Tests; Choosing Your College; Financial Aid Appeals

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 7, 2024 60:00


    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.

    College Auditions; Becoming a Musician; Negotiating Scholarships

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 29, 2024 60:00


    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.

    College Auditions; Becoming a Musician; Negotiating Scholarships

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 29, 2024 60:00


    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.

    Getting In: A College Coach Conversation - February 29th, 2024

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 29, 2024 60:00


    The Cal State System; Pre-Med Post-Bacc; Not Enough Financial Aid

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 22, 2024 60:00


    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.

    The Cal State System; Pre-Med Post-Bacc; Not Enough Financial Aid

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 22, 2024 60:00


    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.

    Claim Getting In: A College Coach Conversation

    In order to claim this podcast we'll send an email to with a verification link. Simply click the link and you will be able to edit tags, request a refresh, and other features to take control of your podcast page!

    Claim Cancel