Podcasts about psat

Listen and subscribe to Money Making Conversations on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, www.moneymakingconversations.com/subscribe/ or wherever you listen to podcasts. New Money Making Conversations episodes drop daily. I want to alert you, so you don’t miss out on expert analysis and insider perspectives from my guests who provide tips that can help you uplift the community, improve your financial planning, motivation, or advice on how to be a successful entrepreneur. Keep winning! Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Jennifer Ledwith. Founder of Scholar Ready, discussed how families can successfully prepare for college while minimizing or eliminating student loan debt. Drawing from her personal experience of graduating from college with minimal debt and her work helping students earn scholarships since 2004, she shared practical strategies for test preparation, scholarship acquisition, college planning, and financial decision-making. The conversation focused on the growing cost of higher education, the dangers of excessive student loan borrowing, and the importance of early planning for both students and parents. Purpose of the Interview The interview was designed to: Help families understand how to reduce college costs. Educate parents about scholarships, student loans, and financial planning. Explain the importance of test preparation in securing scholarships. Provide a roadmap for students seeking debt-free college graduation. Raise awareness about common misconceptions surrounding college affordability. Discuss how AI is affecting student preparedness and scholarship applications. Key Takeaways 1. College Planning Should Start Early Jennifer emphasized that waiting until a student reaches senior year can limit scholarship opportunities. The ideal preparation process begins during: Middle school Freshman year Sophomore year Junior year Early preparation creates more options and stronger scholarship opportunities. 2. Scholarships Require More Than Good Grades According to Jennifer, successful scholarship candidates typically excel in three critical areas: Academic performance Standardized test scores Strong personal essays Families often focus on only one area while neglecting the others. 3. Student Loan Debt Can Be Avoided A central message of the interview is that many students can significantly reduce or avoid debt through strategic planning. This includes: Applying for scholarships early Understanding college costs Preparing for admissions exams Making financially sound college choices Jennifer built Scholar Ready specifically to help students accomplish those goals. 4. The Cost of College Requires Serious Financial Planning Jennifer compared paying for college to buying a home. She explained that families often spend months preparing for homeownership but approach college with far less planning despite similar costs. Her advice is to treat college as a major financial investment that requires preparation and professional guidance. 5. Not Every Expensive College Is the Best Financial Choice One of the myths Jennifer seeks to dispel is that private or out-of-state schools are always unaffordable. She explained that: Some private schools offer generous scholarships. Some out-of-state schools offer competitive aid packages. The actual cost may be lower than local options after scholarships are applied. Families should evaluate net cost rather than sticker price. 6. Parents Need Education Too Jennifer stressed that college planning isn't just for students. Parents need a clear understanding of: Scholarships Financial aid Loan options College affordability Long-term financial consequences Scholar Ready offers classes specifically designed to educate parents throughout the process. 7. Student Debt Is Becoming More Complex The interview explored changes in student lending and how borrowing limits can impact families. Jennifer noted that many students and parents are increasingly turning to private loans when federal aid falls short, often creating larger financial risks. 8. AI Can Become a Crutch Jennifer expressed concerns about students overusing artificial intelligence tools for writing assignments. While AI can support brainstorming and editing, excessive reliance can weaken: Writing skills Grammar skills Critical thinking Test performance Students eventually face standardized tests where AI cannot help them. 9. Standardized Tests Still Matter Despite changes in admissions practices, Jennifer believes strong SAT, ACT, and PSAT scores remain valuable, particularly when competing for scholarship dollars. Test preparation continues to play a significant role in scholarship success. 10. Different Families Need Different Solutions Scholar Ready offers multiple service options because every family enters the process with different: Timelines Goals Budgets Academic needs Jennifer believes effective college planning must be customized rather than one-size-fits-all. Key Themes Debt-Free College The interview centers on helping students graduate without burdensome student loan debt. Education as an Investment Jennifer encourages families to view college planning as a long-term financial strategy rather than a last-minute decision. Parent Involvement Parents play a crucial role in preparing students emotionally, academically, and financially. Preparation Creates Opportunity Students who prepare earlier gain access to more scholarship opportunities and better outcomes. Financial Literacy Understanding the financial side of higher education is just as important as academic preparation. Notable Quotes On Her Mission "I wanted to help students do the same thing that I did, which was to graduate from college with little to no student loan debt." On Rising College Costs "The household incomes are not keeping up with the rising cost of college." On College Planning "We need to take that same approach when it comes to college." On Scholarships "The grades, the essays and the test scores have to be on point." On Private Schools "Don't apply to a school out of state, don't apply to a private college because those colleges are going to be too much. No, not necessarily." On Scholarship Strategy "Do not start there. Start at the college or university." On AI "They've been using AI as a crutch." On Standardized Testing "There is no AI on the test." On Preparation "We're starting early." On Student Success "I am trying to pour that into my younger students." Success Highlights Founded Scholar Ready in 2004. Helped students earn scholarships and reduce college debt. Built a nationwide educational services company. Developed programs for both students and parents. Expanded services to include test preparation, essay coaching, and college planning. Studied personal financial planning and became a Certified Financial Planner to better serve families. Bottom Line Jennifer Ledwith's interview provides a practical roadmap for families seeking a more affordable path to higher education. Her message is clear: the rising cost of college requires intentional planning, early preparation, and informed decision-making. Through scholarship strategies, academic preparation, parent education, and financial literacy, students can significantly reduce debt and increase their opportunities for long-term success. #SHMS #STRAW #BEST Money Making Conversations Master Class with Rushion McDonald is America's premier entrepreneurship, business leadership, financial literacy, and wealth-building podcast featuring successful entrepreneurs, executives, founders, celebrities, and industry experts sharing actionable insights for professional and financial success. Business Podcast Entrepreneurship Small Business Business Growth Financial Literacy Wealth Building Black Entrepreneurs Minority Business Leadership Executive Leadership Business Funding Marketing Strategies Personal Development Startup Advice Sales Training CEO Interviews Founder Stories Professional Development Economic Empowerment Business Success Networking Brand Building Innovation How to start a business Small business funding Entrepreneur success stories Business leadership podcast Wealth building strategies Black entrepreneur podcast Minority business development Marketing for small businesses Business growth strategies Startup funding opportunities Executive leadership training Financial literacy education Success mindset podcastSupport the show: https://www.steveharveyfm.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Listen and subscribe to Money Making Conversations on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, www.moneymakingconversations.com/subscribe/ or wherever you listen to podcasts. New Money Making Conversations episodes drop daily. I want to alert you, so you don’t miss out on expert analysis and insider perspectives from my guests who provide tips that can help you uplift the community, improve your financial planning, motivation, or advice on how to be a successful entrepreneur. Keep winning! Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Jennifer Ledwith. Founder of Scholar Ready, discussed how families can successfully prepare for college while minimizing or eliminating student loan debt. Drawing from her personal experience of graduating from college with minimal debt and her work helping students earn scholarships since 2004, she shared practical strategies for test preparation, scholarship acquisition, college planning, and financial decision-making. The conversation focused on the growing cost of higher education, the dangers of excessive student loan borrowing, and the importance of early planning for both students and parents. Purpose of the Interview The interview was designed to: Help families understand how to reduce college costs. Educate parents about scholarships, student loans, and financial planning. Explain the importance of test preparation in securing scholarships. Provide a roadmap for students seeking debt-free college graduation. Raise awareness about common misconceptions surrounding college affordability. Discuss how AI is affecting student preparedness and scholarship applications. Key Takeaways 1. College Planning Should Start Early Jennifer emphasized that waiting until a student reaches senior year can limit scholarship opportunities. The ideal preparation process begins during: Middle school Freshman year Sophomore year Junior year Early preparation creates more options and stronger scholarship opportunities. 2. Scholarships Require More Than Good Grades According to Jennifer, successful scholarship candidates typically excel in three critical areas: Academic performance Standardized test scores Strong personal essays Families often focus on only one area while neglecting the others. 3. Student Loan Debt Can Be Avoided A central message of the interview is that many students can significantly reduce or avoid debt through strategic planning. This includes: Applying for scholarships early Understanding college costs Preparing for admissions exams Making financially sound college choices Jennifer built Scholar Ready specifically to help students accomplish those goals. 4. The Cost of College Requires Serious Financial Planning Jennifer compared paying for college to buying a home. She explained that families often spend months preparing for homeownership but approach college with far less planning despite similar costs. Her advice is to treat college as a major financial investment that requires preparation and professional guidance. 5. Not Every Expensive College Is the Best Financial Choice One of the myths Jennifer seeks to dispel is that private or out-of-state schools are always unaffordable. She explained that: Some private schools offer generous scholarships. Some out-of-state schools offer competitive aid packages. The actual cost may be lower than local options after scholarships are applied. Families should evaluate net cost rather than sticker price. 6. Parents Need Education Too Jennifer stressed that college planning isn't just for students. Parents need a clear understanding of: Scholarships Financial aid Loan options College affordability Long-term financial consequences Scholar Ready offers classes specifically designed to educate parents throughout the process. 7. Student Debt Is Becoming More Complex The interview explored changes in student lending and how borrowing limits can impact families. Jennifer noted that many students and parents are increasingly turning to private loans when federal aid falls short, often creating larger financial risks. 8. AI Can Become a Crutch Jennifer expressed concerns about students overusing artificial intelligence tools for writing assignments. While AI can support brainstorming and editing, excessive reliance can weaken: Writing skills Grammar skills Critical thinking Test performance Students eventually face standardized tests where AI cannot help them. 9. Standardized Tests Still Matter Despite changes in admissions practices, Jennifer believes strong SAT, ACT, and PSAT scores remain valuable, particularly when competing for scholarship dollars. Test preparation continues to play a significant role in scholarship success. 10. Different Families Need Different Solutions Scholar Ready offers multiple service options because every family enters the process with different: Timelines Goals Budgets Academic needs Jennifer believes effective college planning must be customized rather than one-size-fits-all. Key Themes Debt-Free College The interview centers on helping students graduate without burdensome student loan debt. Education as an Investment Jennifer encourages families to view college planning as a long-term financial strategy rather than a last-minute decision. Parent Involvement Parents play a crucial role in preparing students emotionally, academically, and financially. Preparation Creates Opportunity Students who prepare earlier gain access to more scholarship opportunities and better outcomes. Financial Literacy Understanding the financial side of higher education is just as important as academic preparation. Notable Quotes On Her Mission "I wanted to help students do the same thing that I did, which was to graduate from college with little to no student loan debt." On Rising College Costs "The household incomes are not keeping up with the rising cost of college." On College Planning "We need to take that same approach when it comes to college." On Scholarships "The grades, the essays and the test scores have to be on point." On Private Schools "Don't apply to a school out of state, don't apply to a private college because those colleges are going to be too much. No, not necessarily." On Scholarship Strategy "Do not start there. Start at the college or university." On AI "They've been using AI as a crutch." On Standardized Testing "There is no AI on the test." On Preparation "We're starting early." On Student Success "I am trying to pour that into my younger students." Success Highlights Founded Scholar Ready in 2004. Helped students earn scholarships and reduce college debt. Built a nationwide educational services company. Developed programs for both students and parents. Expanded services to include test preparation, essay coaching, and college planning. Studied personal financial planning and became a Certified Financial Planner to better serve families. Bottom Line Jennifer Ledwith's interview provides a practical roadmap for families seeking a more affordable path to higher education. Her message is clear: the rising cost of college requires intentional planning, early preparation, and informed decision-making. Through scholarship strategies, academic preparation, parent education, and financial literacy, students can significantly reduce debt and increase their opportunities for long-term success. #SHMS #STRAW #BEST Money Making Conversations Master Class with Rushion McDonald is America's premier entrepreneurship, business leadership, financial literacy, and wealth-building podcast featuring successful entrepreneurs, executives, founders, celebrities, and industry experts sharing actionable insights for professional and financial success. Business Podcast Entrepreneurship Small Business Business Growth Financial Literacy Wealth Building Black Entrepreneurs Minority Business Leadership Executive Leadership Business Funding Marketing Strategies Personal Development Startup Advice Sales Training CEO Interviews Founder Stories Professional Development Economic Empowerment Business Success Networking Brand Building Innovation How to start a business Small business funding Entrepreneur success stories Business leadership podcast Wealth building strategies Black entrepreneur podcast Minority business development Marketing for small businesses Business growth strategies Startup funding opportunities Executive leadership training Financial literacy education Success mindset podcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Listen and subscribe to Money Making Conversations on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, www.moneymakingconversations.com/subscribe/ or wherever you listen to podcasts. New Money Making Conversations episodes drop daily. I want to alert you, so you don’t miss out on expert analysis and insider perspectives from my guests who provide tips that can help you uplift the community, improve your financial planning, motivation, or advice on how to be a successful entrepreneur. Keep winning! Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Jennifer Ledwith. Founder of Scholar Ready, discussed how families can successfully prepare for college while minimizing or eliminating student loan debt. Drawing from her personal experience of graduating from college with minimal debt and her work helping students earn scholarships since 2004, she shared practical strategies for test preparation, scholarship acquisition, college planning, and financial decision-making. The conversation focused on the growing cost of higher education, the dangers of excessive student loan borrowing, and the importance of early planning for both students and parents. Purpose of the Interview The interview was designed to: Help families understand how to reduce college costs. Educate parents about scholarships, student loans, and financial planning. Explain the importance of test preparation in securing scholarships. Provide a roadmap for students seeking debt-free college graduation. Raise awareness about common misconceptions surrounding college affordability. Discuss how AI is affecting student preparedness and scholarship applications. Key Takeaways 1. College Planning Should Start Early Jennifer emphasized that waiting until a student reaches senior year can limit scholarship opportunities. The ideal preparation process begins during: Middle school Freshman year Sophomore year Junior year Early preparation creates more options and stronger scholarship opportunities. 2. Scholarships Require More Than Good Grades According to Jennifer, successful scholarship candidates typically excel in three critical areas: Academic performance Standardized test scores Strong personal essays Families often focus on only one area while neglecting the others. 3. Student Loan Debt Can Be Avoided A central message of the interview is that many students can significantly reduce or avoid debt through strategic planning. This includes: Applying for scholarships early Understanding college costs Preparing for admissions exams Making financially sound college choices Jennifer built Scholar Ready specifically to help students accomplish those goals. 4. The Cost of College Requires Serious Financial Planning Jennifer compared paying for college to buying a home. She explained that families often spend months preparing for homeownership but approach college with far less planning despite similar costs. Her advice is to treat college as a major financial investment that requires preparation and professional guidance. 5. Not Every Expensive College Is the Best Financial Choice One of the myths Jennifer seeks to dispel is that private or out-of-state schools are always unaffordable. She explained that: Some private schools offer generous scholarships. Some out-of-state schools offer competitive aid packages. The actual cost may be lower than local options after scholarships are applied. Families should evaluate net cost rather than sticker price. 6. Parents Need Education Too Jennifer stressed that college planning isn't just for students. Parents need a clear understanding of: Scholarships Financial aid Loan options College affordability Long-term financial consequences Scholar Ready offers classes specifically designed to educate parents throughout the process. 7. Student Debt Is Becoming More Complex The interview explored changes in student lending and how borrowing limits can impact families. Jennifer noted that many students and parents are increasingly turning to private loans when federal aid falls short, often creating larger financial risks. 8. AI Can Become a Crutch Jennifer expressed concerns about students overusing artificial intelligence tools for writing assignments. While AI can support brainstorming and editing, excessive reliance can weaken: Writing skills Grammar skills Critical thinking Test performance Students eventually face standardized tests where AI cannot help them. 9. Standardized Tests Still Matter Despite changes in admissions practices, Jennifer believes strong SAT, ACT, and PSAT scores remain valuable, particularly when competing for scholarship dollars. Test preparation continues to play a significant role in scholarship success. 10. Different Families Need Different Solutions Scholar Ready offers multiple service options because every family enters the process with different: Timelines Goals Budgets Academic needs Jennifer believes effective college planning must be customized rather than one-size-fits-all. Key Themes Debt-Free College The interview centers on helping students graduate without burdensome student loan debt. Education as an Investment Jennifer encourages families to view college planning as a long-term financial strategy rather than a last-minute decision. Parent Involvement Parents play a crucial role in preparing students emotionally, academically, and financially. Preparation Creates Opportunity Students who prepare earlier gain access to more scholarship opportunities and better outcomes. Financial Literacy Understanding the financial side of higher education is just as important as academic preparation. Notable Quotes On Her Mission "I wanted to help students do the same thing that I did, which was to graduate from college with little to no student loan debt." On Rising College Costs "The household incomes are not keeping up with the rising cost of college." On College Planning "We need to take that same approach when it comes to college." On Scholarships "The grades, the essays and the test scores have to be on point." On Private Schools "Don't apply to a school out of state, don't apply to a private college because those colleges are going to be too much. No, not necessarily." On Scholarship Strategy "Do not start there. Start at the college or university." On AI "They've been using AI as a crutch." On Standardized Testing "There is no AI on the test." On Preparation "We're starting early." On Student Success "I am trying to pour that into my younger students." Success Highlights Founded Scholar Ready in 2004. Helped students earn scholarships and reduce college debt. Built a nationwide educational services company. Developed programs for both students and parents. Expanded services to include test preparation, essay coaching, and college planning. Studied personal financial planning and became a Certified Financial Planner to better serve families. Bottom Line Jennifer Ledwith's interview provides a practical roadmap for families seeking a more affordable path to higher education. Her message is clear: the rising cost of college requires intentional planning, early preparation, and informed decision-making. Through scholarship strategies, academic preparation, parent education, and financial literacy, students can significantly reduce debt and increase their opportunities for long-term success. #SHMS #STRAW #BEST Money Making Conversations Master Class with Rushion McDonald is America's premier entrepreneurship, business leadership, financial literacy, and wealth-building podcast featuring successful entrepreneurs, executives, founders, celebrities, and industry experts sharing actionable insights for professional and financial success. Business Podcast Entrepreneurship Small Business Business Growth Financial Literacy Wealth Building Black Entrepreneurs Minority Business Leadership Executive Leadership Business Funding Marketing Strategies Personal Development Startup Advice Sales Training CEO Interviews Founder Stories Professional Development Economic Empowerment Business Success Networking Brand Building Innovation How to start a business Small business funding Entrepreneur success stories Business leadership podcast Wealth building strategies Black entrepreneur podcast Minority business development Marketing for small businesses Business growth strategies Startup funding opportunities Executive leadership training Financial literacy education Success mindset podcastSteve Harvey Morning Show Online: http://www.steveharveyfm.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jackie Pollina founded J&J Test Prep with the intention of making test prep fun and manageable for students. Jackie also co-developed No B.S. SAT® Prep, an online digital SAT® prep program that is used by tutors, programs, and schools nationwide. In our conversation, Jackie explains: Why students should take the SAT/ACT. The timeline goal that students should have to achieve their best score. How students can reverse-engineer a prep timeline so that they hit that timeframe. The opportunities that may still exist when students don't hit their desired goal by that timeframe. Where the PSAT fits into all of this. The impact that test scores have on scholarships and merit aid, and much more. J&J Test Prep offers numerous ways to work with your student. Plus, they offer my readers a special discount. To learn more about J&J Test Prep's programs, click here. And, be sure to take advantage of J&J Test Prep's FREE diagnostic to help you decide whether the SAT or ACT is the best option for your student. Click here for this complimentary program. ---------- Featured Scholarships: Silver Law Group $1000 Investor Advocacy Scholarship $1000 Follow Your Own Path Scholarship $20,000 Coca-Cola Foundation Scholarship Elks Most Valuable Student Scholarship ($30,000 Top Prize, $2,500,000+ in Prizes + Local & State Awards) $3000 CollegeXpress August Scholarship Giveaway ---------- Nnotice the categories that the applicant must list on their application for the Coca-Cola and Elks Scholarships, as well as the topic of the essay: • Academics • Extracurriculars • Volunteering • Work Experience • Leadership These are the same categories that I refer to as The Five Pillars of a Student's Personal Narrative. Students don't need to have experiences in all five of the Pillars, but they do need to know how to tie their experiences together in a compelling way that grabs the judge's attention. That is what I spend so much time helping students with in the Scholarship Navigator programs. With programs for students in the Classes of 2027, 2028, 2029, 2030, middle school, and college students, students get personalized assistance building their Personal Narrative, essay reviews, editing, and suggestions, a custom list of scholarships that match the student's profile, and much more. If you would like to learn more about the Scholarship Navigator programs, I am offering a limited number of free 15-minute Zoom meetings to answer your questions. To book your free consultation, click here.

Neurodivergent students often face difficulties when preparing for standardized tests. In this episode, Cate tackles if there is a need for standardized testing, how to set up accommodations for the SAT/ACT, and a few study tips for neurodiverse students. To help address these topics, Cate is joined by her sister Grace Dunn, founder of Crownridge Coaching. Grace is a National Merit Scholar who scored a perfect 800 on SAT Math and earned early admission to Columbia University. Grace specializes in elite, one-on-one SAT, ACT, and PSAT tutoring for high-achieving students — including those whose scores don't yes reflect their capabilities. Grace provides her insights on the test prep process and shares some stories about being the non-neurodivergent sibling of a 2e kid. Learn more about Grace's work at crownridgecoaching.com.  

Listen and subscribe to Money Making Conversations on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, www.moneymakingconversations.com/subscribe/ or wherever you listen to podcasts. New Money Making Conversations episodes drop daily. I want to alert you, so you don’t miss out on expert analysis and insider perspectives from my guests who provide tips that can help you uplift the community, improve your financial planning, motivation, or advice on how to be a successful entrepreneur. Keep winning! Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Jennifer Ledwith.

Listen and subscribe to Money Making Conversations on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, www.moneymakingconversations.com/subscribe/ or wherever you listen to podcasts. New Money Making Conversations episodes drop daily. I want to alert you, so you don’t miss out on expert analysis and insider perspectives from my guests who provide tips that can help you uplift the community, improve your financial planning, motivation, or advice on how to be a successful entrepreneur. Keep winning! Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Jennifer Ledwith.

Listen and subscribe to Money Making Conversations on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, www.moneymakingconversations.com/subscribe/ or wherever you listen to podcasts. New Money Making Conversations episodes drop daily. I want to alert you, so you don’t miss out on expert analysis and insider perspectives from my guests who provide tips that can help you uplift the community, improve your financial planning, motivation, or advice on how to be a successful entrepreneur. Keep winning! Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Jennifer Ledwith.

Listen and subscribe to Money Making Conversations on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, www.moneymakingconversations.com/subscribe/ or wherever you listen to podcasts. New Money Making Conversations episodes drop daily. I want to alert you, so you don’t miss out on expert analysis and insider perspectives from my guests who provide tips that can help you uplift the community, improve your financial planning, motivation, or advice on how to be a successful entrepreneur. Keep winning! Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Jennifer Ledwith. She is the founder of Scholar Ready, whose mission is to help students excel in standardized testing and scholarship applications.

Listen and subscribe to Money Making Conversations on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, www.moneymakingconversations.com/subscribe/ or wherever you listen to podcasts. New Money Making Conversations episodes drop daily. I want to alert you, so you don’t miss out on expert analysis and insider perspectives from my guests who provide tips that can help you uplift the community, improve your financial planning, motivation, or advice on how to be a successful entrepreneur. Keep winning! Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Jennifer Ledwith. She is the founder of Scholar Ready, whose mission is to help students excel in standardized testing and scholarship applications.

Listen and subscribe to Money Making Conversations on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, www.moneymakingconversations.com/subscribe/ or wherever you listen to podcasts. New Money Making Conversations episodes drop daily. I want to alert you, so you don’t miss out on expert analysis and insider perspectives from my guests who provide tips that can help you uplift the community, improve your financial planning, motivation, or advice on how to be a successful entrepreneur. Keep winning! Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Jennifer Ledwith. She is the founder of Scholar Ready, whose mission is to help students excel in standardized testing and scholarship applications.

Listen and subscribe to Money Making Conversations on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, www.moneymakingconversations.com/subscribe/ or wherever you listen to podcasts. New Money Making Conversations episodes drop daily. I want to alert you, so you don’t miss out on expert analysis and insider perspectives from my guests who provide tips that can help you uplift the community, improve your financial planning, motivation, or advice on how to be a successful entrepreneur. Keep winning! Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Jennifer Ledwith. She is the founder of Scholar Ready, whose mission is to help students excel in standardized testing and scholarship applications.

Megan and Erin discussed the importance of utilizing PSAT results to identify areas for improvement and prepare for future standardized tests. They explain how to access and interpret PSAT scores, focusing on analyzing specific subject areas rather than just the overall score. Megan emphasizes the value of reviewing results early, particularly for high-achieving students who could potentially qualify for National Merit Scholarships. PSAT Results Review Discussion Megan and Erin discussed the importance of reviewing PSAT results and establishing a feedback loop beyond just taking the test. Megan explained that while schools provide digital access to results through College Board accounts, many students may not check them due to forgetting about the test or not understanding their relevance. They emphasized that even late in the school year, reviewing PSAT scores can provide benefits for students’ preparation. Accessing and Using PSAT Scores Megan explained how to access and use PSAT scores, starting with logging into the College Board account and potentially creating a new login if needed. She noted that students may need a code from their school counselor to match the test taken at school with the account. Megan emphasized the importance of noting login credentials, as they will be used for multiple years, including for AP coursework and college applications. She also mentioned that PSAT scores are similar to SAT scores and not the primary focus. PSAT Scoring System Explanation Megan explained the scoring system for the PSAT, noting that the perfect score has been reduced to 1520, down from 1600. She advised focusing on the detailed breakdown of performance across four categories in reading and four in math, particularly highlighting the math categories: algebra, advanced math (including quadratics and Algebra 2), data, and geometry. Megan used an example of a 9th grader’s PSAT results to illustrate how to analyze the breakdown of scores. Knowledge Maintenance and SAT Preparation Megan and Erin discussed challenges in maintaining knowledge across different subjects. Megan advised that reviewing lost concepts requires more effort than casual review, especially if a student was completely lost in a subject due to poor teaching or lack of engagement. Digital Test Feedback Limitations Megan discussed the limitations of current test results, noting that students no longer receive detailed feedback on missed questions as they did with paper exams. She explained that while digital tests provide basic information about content areas where students struggled, they lack the ability to review specific incorrect answers, which was previously helpful for understanding mistakes. Test Results Review Strategy Megan advised focusing on percentile rankings rather than numerical scores when reviewing test results, emphasizing that students should aim to be in the top half rather than the bottom. She suggested using test results as an early warning system to identify areas needing improvement, rather than waiting until junior year to address gaps in academic abilities. Megan also mentioned that students can focus their studying on specific weak areas once they receive their results, rather than trying to improve everything at once. PSAT Results and Scholarships Megan explained how to interpret PSAT results, particularly focusing on the selection index and its relevance to National Merit Scholarship qualifications. She noted that while 9th and 10th grade scores are valuable for identifying strong test-takers, only 11th grade PSAT scores count toward National Merit Scholarship consideration, with candidates typically needing to be in the top 3% of their state with a score around 220 or higher. Megan also mentioned that while prestigious universities may not offer significant incentives for National Merit scholars, many other colleges provide financial benefits to attract these students. Score Baseline Discussion Megan and Erin discussed the importance of using PSAT scores to establish a baseline for academic performance and determine study focus areas. Megan advised against taking the SAT unprepared to establish a baseline, as the PSAT serves this purpose effectively. Megan offers suggestions for students who don’t have access to the PSAT at school prior to 11th grade. PSAT Practice and Preparation Strategies Megan suggested using College Board’s online practice PSAT tests, which include automatic grading and detailed feedback to help students understand their mistakes and improve their performance. She emphasized the benefits of taking a preliminary PSAT, whether in 9th or 10th grade, to get familiar with the digital platform and identify areas for improvement. Megan encouraged anyone with questions about PSAT scores or National Merit to email the College Prep podcast team at collegeprepodcast(at)gmail.com. The post 628: What Should You Do With Your PSAT Results (and How They Might Earn You Scholarships) appeared first on The College Prep Podcast.

For more than a decade, Lisa Marker-Robbins has helped over 4,000 teens and young adults gain the insight, experiences, and confidence they need to successfully embark on their graduation career path. But along the way, she saw a troubling pattern: Too many young people were unsure of their direction—and it showed. They were overwhelmed by choices, confused about college majors, or pursuing paths that didn't truly fit. Many were drifting into the future aimless, others graduating underemployed, or stalling out altogether. Lisa knew there had to be a better way… In our conversation, we discussed: The importance of defining the correct “finish line” for your student Why your student's school is likely measuring the wrong “finish line” Outsourcing your students' development in the wrong way Why “we'll figure it out later” closes doors, adds stress, and costs more How to guide your student without putting pressure on them And much more… If you want to start your student on the road to clarity, access Lisa's new FREE training, the Career Identification Compass, by going to Flourishcoachingco.com/gps ---------- FREE Webiar: The Latest on College Admissions: Changes to the ACT & SAT, Scholarships, and More Brian Eufinger from Edison Prep and Dave Peterson from Scholarship GPS will provide valuable insights and practical tips to help you navigate the increasingly competitive landscape of higher education! The presentation is meticulously infused with real data from the front lines of college admissions. While the goal of the presentation is to be informative, we take it as a point of pride that “fun” or “irreverent” are often mentioned as well when parents refer our info sessions to fellow parents! Feel free to invite others whom you feel may benefit from this valuable information on the college admissions process! Info Session Goals: -Understand how college admissions has changed in the post-covid landscape -Understand how the transcript landscape has starkly shifted with grade inflation, AP/IB classes, and dual enrollment -Familiarize yourself with the structure of the SAT/ACT/PSAT/Pre-ACT and how the scores impact college admissions and merit aid -Help your student achieve his/her fullest potential on the PSAT, SAT, and/or ACT -Learn about the college application process timeline and how to plan ahead to avoid common pitfalls. -Learn how GPA, course rigor, and test scores can be used to maximize financial aid and scholarships! Click here to register. All registrants will be given access to the webinar recording. ---------- Featured Scholarships: $3000 Economic Impact of Workplace Discrimination Scholarship $1000 "The Math Gift" Scholarship for High School Students $1000 Law Offices of Mark Sherman Juvenile Justice Scholarship $2500 Rover Scholarship $2000 RealtyHop Scholarship $2000 Smarter College Better Financial Future Scholarship Appily $1000 Easy Money Scholarship

It's been said that pain in life is inevitable, but we can choose whether to suffer the pain of discipline or the pain of regret. How can we help learners make the right choice when enthusiasm or available time wanes? Amy and Mike invited educator Athena Savino to explore what motivates students in test prep. What are five things you will learn in this episode? What's the biggest misconception tutors and parents have about what motivates students to engage? What is the best way to assess student needs and sequence instruction? Why should goals and expectations set the foundation for preparation and coaching? What time frames work best to maintain enthusiasm and focus? What separates the students who hit their goals from the ones who don't, and how much of it is within a tutor's control? MEET OUR GUEST Athena Savino is the founder of Top Marks Prep, a platform that partners with tutoring centers to help students achieve better outcomes on the SAT, ACT, HSPT, SHSAT, ISEE, and PSAT through smarter practice and data-driven instruction. The daughter of immigrant parents who came to the US to expand educational opportunities for their family, Athena grew up with a deep appreciation for what access to the right tools and support can do. She earned her undergraduate degree from UC Berkeley and her MBA from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business. She began tutoring while pursuing her MBA and discovered that what actually moved the needle for students was simple but underappreciated: repetition and the motivation to keep improving with each attempt. That observation led her to build TopMarksPrep, which now provides tutoring centers with a student-facing study platform and an admin platform that delivers actionable, insightful data — helping tutors and center directors enhance every session and personalize instruction at scale. Athena lives in Chicago with her husband and is expecting her first son in April 2026. Athena can be reached at athena@topmarksprep.com or LinkedIn. LINKS Academic buoyancy: Towards an understanding of students' everyday academic resilience Newsletter for Tutoring Center Owners & Directors RELATED EPISODES HELPING TEENS FIND MOTIVATION AND INSIGHT HOW DO I MOTIVATE MY STUDENT? TECHNIQUES TO MOTIVATE UNMOTIVATED STUDENTS ABOUT THIS PODCAST Tests and the Rest is THE college admissions industry podcast. Explore all of our episodes on the show page. ABOUT YOUR HOSTS Mike Bergin is the president of Chariot Learning and founder of TestBright, Roots2Words, and College Eagle. Amy Seeley is the president of Seeley Test Pros and LEAP. If you're interested in working with Mike and/or Amy for test preparation, training, or consulting, get in touch through our contact page.

In the last 45 days, I have had multiple Scholarship GPS students earn full-tuition and other large scholarships. But the road to those students' scholarship success started many months before. These students learned what scholarships are looking for in applicants. They practiced their scholarship skills by applying for several scholarships. They made scholarships a priority and learned how to improve their applications entry by entry. And, many of those students started by participating in last year's Scholarship Summer Camp. Now, I know summer seems like a long way off - but can you it's already April? Summer will be here before you know it! Summer is the perfect time for students to learn the scholarship process. With no school and no homework, students have the time and mental space to devote a few minutes per day to learn the secrets to scholarship success. Because I know you want to do everything you can to set your student up for scholarship success, I'm opening early registration to the Scholarship Summer Camp for my podcast listeners. By participating in the Scholarship Summer Camp, your student will learn the skills required for scholarship success by applying for real scholarships, including a $35,000 scholarship capstone project! Every Monday through Thursday, a new, pre-recorded lesson will be released. These can be watched on-demand, based on the student's schedule. On Thursday evenings, we will be live (but recorded for future viewing), discussing the week's lessons and taking Q&A. Here's the agenda: Week 1: The Tools For Scholarship Success Week 2: Your Personal Narrative Week 3: Finding The Right Scholarships For You Week 4: Why Do You Deserve To Win This Scholarship? (Apply for a Real Scholarship This Week!) Week 5: Topical Scholarships (Apply for Another Real Scholarship This Week!) Week 6: $35,000 Capstone Scholarship Project! This year, I'm offering two different sessions. Choose the one that works best with your schedule. Session A starts June 1st. Session B starts July 27th. Plus, I'm offering a 50% discount if you register this month! The Scholarship Summer Camp is my most popular program. Space is limited, so don't delay! Use discount code APRIL at checkout to save 50% off the regular price. Click here to learn more and to sign up today. ---------- Featured Scholarships: College Here I Come for High School Seniors Broad Horizons Scholarship for High School Juniors “Creativity Takes Courage” Scholarship for Art Students Sportsmanship Scholarship Award $10,000 ABMF Past is Prologue Essay Contest $2500 CollegeXpress April Scholarship Sweepstakes $5000 Christian College Scholarship ---------- Janine Deems is the Founder and CEO of Smarter by 1 Degree, an innovative education company reshaping the way teens learn in high school. Rethinking education allows students to have time for career exploration, volunteering, interning, trade school, or a bachelor's degree during high school. A dynamic speaker and visionary leader, Janine travels the country teaching about education reimagined. A research-backed, mastery-based instructional model that leverages technology, innovation, strategy, and purposeful learning to prepare students for success after graduation. With more than a decade of experience as an Education Strategist, 25 years of experience as an Educator, and the privilege of helping thousands of students meet their educational goals. Her mission is rooted in a simple belief: Every student deserves more than a diploma. They deserve direction, purpose, and a future they are excited about! In our conversation, we discussed: What it means to earn more than a diploma The importance of learning and experiences outside of the classroom How experience outside the classroom builds confidence Why starting early brings options and calm How extracurriculars can lead to more scholarships And much more… To connect with Janine, visit smarterby1degree.com. ---------- FREE Webiar: The Latest on College Admissions: Changes to the ACT & SAT, Scholarships, and More Brian Eufinger from Edison Prep and Dave Peterson from Scholarship GPS will provide valuable insights and practical tips to help you navigate the increasingly competitive landscape of higher education! The presentation is meticulously infused with real data from the front lines of college admissions. While the goal of the presentation is to be informative, we take it as a point of pride that “fun” or “irreverent” are often mentioned as well when parents refer our info sessions to fellow parents! Feel free to invite others whom you feel may benefit from this valuable information on the college admissions process! Info Session Goals: -Understand how college admissions has changed in the post-covid landscape -Understand how the transcript landscape has starkly shifted with grade inflation, AP/IB classes, and dual enrollment -Familiarize yourself with the structure of the SAT/ACT/PSAT/Pre-ACT and how the scores impact college admissions and merit aid -Help your student achieve his/her fullest potential on the PSAT, SAT, and/or ACT -Learn about the college application process timeline and how to plan ahead to avoid common pitfalls. -Learn how GPA, course rigor, and test scores can be used to maximize financial aid and scholarships! Click here to register. All registrants will be given access to the webinar recording.  

Is the US a ruthless cognitive meritocracy that reliably promotes outlier talent? VB Knives defended that claim in a Twitter argument against Living Room Enjoyer that got my attention. [1] Knives argued that if you have a 150 IQ, you'll be a National Merit Scholar, which "at a minimum" gets you a free ride at a state flagship university, from which you can proceed to law school, med school, etc. Enjoyer shot back: I'm a Merit Scholar, where's my free ride? Knives asked Grok, Elon Musk's AI; Grok recommended the University of Alabama, ranked #169. How elite is elite? About 1.3 million high school juniors take the PSAT each year. Around 16,000 become Semifinalists (top 1.2%), of whom about 95% become Finalists. Of those 15,000 Finalists, only about 6,930 receive any NMSC-administered scholarship at all. The best-known category is a one-time $2,500 payment; most other awards are corporate- or college-sponsored. The prospect of a free ride comes from a handful of schools that use National Merit status as a recruiting tool. The University of Alabama (the example Grok cited in the thread) offers Finalists a package covering tuition for up to five years, housing, a $4,000/year [...] ---Outline:(00:46) How elite is elite?(08:20) What meritocracy was for(11:36) The compliance pipeline The original text contained 19 footnotes which were omitted from this narration. --- First published: April 2nd, 2026 Source: https://www.lesswrong.com/posts/tihhx7iy8C6yyHaC2/the-corner-stone --- Narrated by TYPE III AUDIO.

AMDG. Standardized testing is a minefield for parents and students, but it does not have to be. Kolbe alum Colin and current Kolbe senior Tobias join the Kolbecast to share their firsthand experiences taking the ACT, SAT, CLT, and PSAT. The duo explains the differences between the tests, breaks down how scoring works, and shares the study strategies that helped them succeed. Whether you are a parent guiding your child through the testing process or a student preparing for your first exam, this episode is a must-listen.   Links mentioned & relevant:  Taking the Classic Learning Test (CLT) as a Kolbe student  College Entrance & AP Exams article in Kolbe Academy Help Center  Career Guidance & Discernment section of Kolbe Academy Help Center (including college planning)  College Planning Timeline  College Planning section of Kolbe Academy website  Related Kolbecast episodes:  265 Chosen to Be a Saint, Commencement 2025 speeches including from Colin Lengyel and Brendan Murphy  163 Postcards from France  193 STEM, State Schools, and Sibling Dynamics   38 Substance Matters with Classic Learning Test founder Jeremy Tate  Have questions or suggestions for future episodes or a story of your own experience that you'd like to share? We'd love to hear from you! Send your thoughts to podcast@kolbe.org and be a part of the Kolbecast odyssey.   We'd be grateful for your feedback! Please share your thoughts with us via this Kolbecast survey!  The Kolbecast is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and most podcast apps. By leaving a rating and review in your podcast app of choice, you can help the Kolbecast reach more listeners. The Kolbecast is also on Kolbe's YouTube channel (audio only with subtitles).  Using the filters on our website, you can sort through the episodes to find just what you're looking for. However you listen, spread the word about the Kolbecast! 

When should students take the SAT or ACT—and how many times is enough? In this episode of The College Prep Podcast, Megan and Erin break down the ideal testing timeline and clear up common misconceptions that cause unnecessary stress for families. They explain why junior year is the sweet spot for SAT and ACT testing, how many times students typically take these exams, and why finishing testing before senior year can make the college application process far less overwhelming. The conversation also covers strategic retakes, including why second attempts often lead to higher scores and how fee waivers and school-day testing can reduce costs. Listeners will learn when test prep actually makes sense (and why starting too early can backfire), how to use the PSAT effectively in 10th grade, and what really matters when choosing between the SAT and ACT. Megan also shares practical guidance on scheduling tests around math coursework, AP exams, extracurricular commitments, and student motivation. This episode provides a clear roadmap for parents and students who want to make smart, low-stress decisions about standardized testing—without falling for rumors or over-preparing too soon. The post 614: SAT / ACT 2026: Which Test to Take & When appeared first on The College Prep Podcast.

It never hurts to squeeze in just a little bit more learning into the day, and that's what Keller ISD's Advanced Academics Department is aiming for with its new Middle School Lunch-and-Learn program. Select seventh and eighth-grade students are participating in the pilot program that provides additional support to prepare students for the SAT, PSAT, and high school success.Join KISD Coordinator of Advanced Academics Suzanne McGahey, GT Specialist Amber Powell, and Abbey, a Keller Middle School student, as we step inside the Lunch-and-Learn experience and discover more about how Keller ISD is making efficient use of time and resources to offer this new program. For more information about Keller ISD, visit ⁠⁠⁠www.KellerISD.net⁠⁠⁠, or follow us on ⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Be sure to subscribe to this podcast to get the latest episodes, and leave us a comment to let us know what you would like us to study next time.

In this episode, Lisa and Brian discuss:Strategies for maximizing college scholarships given by the institutionsThe difference in merit vs. need-based financial aidThe role of GPA and standardized testing, ACT, and SAT, in scholarship awardsColleges with merit scholarship grids where students can know the amount they can earn for good grades and scoresTransparency of college financial aid policiesKey Takeaways: Merit aid is often more predictable than need-based aid because many colleges offer fixed scholarships based on GPA and ACT and SAT scores, making it easier to estimate college costs.Skipping standardized tests can cost students thousands in scholarships, as many schools that are “test-optional” for admission still require test scores for merit aid or reduce the award if applying test-optional.At some universities, it is possible to calculate the number of additional correct answers on the ACT that a student needs to raise their merit aid award, making test prep a highly valuable investment.Over 90% of scholarship money comes directly from colleges rather than private sources, meaning that researching a school's financial aid policies is more effective than chasing small external scholarships. “When the airplane is going down, you put the mask on yourself first—you first, your kids second. The merit aid from the school is the 'putting your mask on yourself'… after that, if a kid has free time, definitely apply to some of the outside scholarships.” – Brian EufingerAbout Brian Eufinger: Brian Eufinger is the President of Atlanta-based Edison Prep and has tutored over 14,000 students for a combined 35,000+ hours on the SAT, PSAT, and ACT over the past two decades.Episode References:Merit Aid Grids: https://meritaidgrids.com/Student Email Template: How to Get Clear Answers About College Merit Aid https://www.flourishcoachingco.com/merit #042 Will grade inflation hurt your teen with Brian Eufinger?  https://www.flourishcoachingco.com/042 Get Lisa's Free on-demand video: How-to guide for your teen to choose the right major, college, & career...(without painting themselves into a corner, missing crucial deadlines, or risking choices you both regret).flourishcoachingco.com/videoConnect with Brian Eufinger:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/edisonpreptutoring/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/edisonprepWebsite: https://www.edisonprep.com/Email: brian@edisonprep.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eufinger/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@EdisonPrepTutoringConnect with Lisa:Website: https://www.flourishcoachingco.com/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@flourishcoachingcoFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/flourishcoachingco/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/flourishcoachingco/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/flourish-coaching-co

This week on the Long Island Tea Podcast, Sharon and Stacy are back spilling the tea on another exciting week across Long Island! They're catching up on their recent industry adventures — from the Skift Women Leading Travel event in NYC to the Melville Chamber of Commerce Annual Business Expo — and diving into all things Cuckoos, Squirrels, and Dogs… Oh My! From standout student achievements and rare wildlife sightings to dog-friendly fall fun and sweet celebrations, they're covering all the latest happenings across the Island — plus a little CelebriTEA you won't want to miss.#ShowUsYourLongIslanderThis week's spotlight is on Katelynn Glover and Hannah Schultzer, William Floyd High School seniors named Commended Students in the 2026 National Merit Scholarship Program — placing them among the top three percent of PSAT test takers nationwide. Balancing academics, leadership, and community involvement, these students highlight the excellence and spirit of Long Island schools.Know someone doing something amazing? Show Us YOUR Long Islander by sending a DM or emailing spillthetea@discoverlongisland.com#LongIslandLifeLong Island Schools Shine Among New York's Best — Seventeen Long Island schools ranked among the state's top 50 in U.S. News & World Report's 2026 Best Elementary and Middle Schools list, led by Lakeville Elementary (No. 12) and Jericho Middle School (No. 24).Rare European Cuckoo in Riverhead — Birders are flocking to Riverhead after a European common cuckoo—only the fourth ever spotted in the continental U.S.—landed there after a nor'easter.Dog-Friendly Fall Adventures — Enjoy brewery hangouts, winery walks, and scenic hikes with your pup at Six Harbors Brewing, Pindar Vineyards, Blydenburgh Park, and more.National Candy Day (Nov 4) — Celebrate Long Island's sweetest spots, from Disset Chocolate in Cutchogue to Bon Bon Chocolatier in Huntington and the Biscotti Company for island-wide treats.Lake Ronkonkoma Native on Hallmark's “Finding Mr. Christmas” — Former Sachem North QB and actor Craig Geoghan competes on Hallmark's festive reality show, bringing Long Island charm to the screen.#ThisWeekendOnLongIslandYour guide to Island fun, proudly sponsored by East End Getaway, your source for seasonal events, family fun, and hidden gems!Friday, November 7

The process of applying to college can be so cumbersome and time consuming that applicants have little time left over for elaborate scholarship applications. Luckily, students can qualify for abundant merit aid just by excelling on admissions tests they should be prepping for anyway! Amy and Mike invited educator Shaan Patel to explore how to unlock automatic scholarships with PSAT, SAT, & ACT scores. What are five things you will learn in this episode? How directly do SAT and ACT scores translate into guaranteed scholarship money? How does the PSAT connect to the National Merit Scholarship program? What score ranges typically unlock the biggest automatic scholarships at public and private universities? How can families use their College 529 Savings Plans for test preparation?   What are the most effective strategies for students to maximize both their scores and scholarship opportunities? MEET OUR GUEST Dr. Shaan Patel is the Founder and CEO of Prep Expert. On ABC's Shark Tank, he closed a deal with Mark Cuban for an investment in Prep Expert. He created Prep Expert to help high school students achieve their own dreams. Prep Expert has helped more than 100,000 students improve their SAT and ACT scores, get into top colleges, and win over $100 million in scholarships. Prep Expert offers online SAT and ACT courses, academic tutoring, and college admissions consulting. Shaan can be reached at prepexpert.com. LINKS Merit Aid Grids National Merit Scholarship RELATED EPISODES THE ROLE OF TEST SCORES IN COLLEGE MERIT AID FLORIDA BRIGHT FUTURES SCHOLARSHIP PSAT AND THE NATIONAL MERIT SCHOLARSHIP PROCESS FOUR SCHOLARSHIP MYTHS ABOUT THIS PODCAST Tests and the Rest is THE college admissions industry podcast. Explore all of our episodes on the show page. ABOUT YOUR HOSTS Mike Bergin is the president of Chariot Learning and founder of TestBright, Roots2Words, and College Eagle. Amy Seeley is the president of Seeley Test Pros and LEAP. If you're interested in working with Mike and/or Amy for test preparation, training, or consulting, get in touch through our contact page.  

The PSAT/NMSQT may not influence college admissions decisions, but the test matters in more ways than you might think. Amy and Mike invited educator and author Brian Stewart to discuss how and why to perform your best on the PSAT. What are five things you will learn in this episode? What role does the PSAT play compared to the SAT or ACT? What are some of the most common mistakes students make with the PSAT and how can they avoid them? What study strategies or prep resources are most effective for the PSAT? What are some ways students can effectively use the embedded Bluebook tools to do well on the PSAT?   What kind of students should focus on the SAT and PSAT at the same time? MEET OUR GUEST At the end of his first year teaching Social Studies at Dublin Jerome High School, company founder Brian Stewart thought it would make sense to do some part-time tutoring work over the summer. After all, he had done quite well on standardized tests when he was in high school and really enjoyed coming up with creative ways to explain challenging concepts to students. Other companies charged a fortune and didn't seem to have a high-quality product. As Brian worked with more students, word spread about the quality of his tutoring services. He started to offer ACT and SAT test prep group classes, and worked with students from all over Central Ohio. In 2011, Brian left his day job to run BWS Education Consulting full time with his wife Caitlin. Applying the expertise from her Doctorate in Occupational Therapy, Caitlin has ensured that our teaching materials and methods make high-quality test preparation accessible to students of all backgrounds and ability levels. In 2012, Barron's Educational Series contacted Brian about submitting samples of his writing as they conducted a national search for their next ACT book author. Brian was chosen to write Barron's ACT, and has gone on to write several ACT, SAT, and PSAT books with Barron's Educational Series. His books have sold hundreds of thousands of copies worldwide. In 2014, BWS Education expanded to have associate tutors who teach not only the ACT and SAT, but tutor students in math, science, and writing. Brian and Caitlin personally interview and train every tutor on our staff to ensure they are the best in the business. BWS is a team of committed educators who relentlessly look for the best way to deliver educational enrichment to our clients, whether it's test prep, academic help, or college admission counseling. Brian appeared on the podcast in episode #33 to discuss PSAT and the National Merit Scholarship, in episode #383 to discuss Should You Prepare for the PSAT, in episode #507 to discuss The New Digital PSAT, and in episode #590 to discuss How To Prep For The Digital PSAT. Find Brian at https://www.bwseducationconsulting.com. LINKS Brian's PSAT Book: Barron's PSAT/NMSQT 1520 Why take the PSAT? PSAT and Scholarships Colleges that offer Full-Rides for National Merit Information on the New Digital PSAT RELATED EPISODES RESOURCES FOR THE DIGITAL SAT ALL ABOUT DIGITAL SAT READING & WRITING ALL ABOUT DIGITAL SAT MATH THE NEW DIGITAL SAT EXPERIENCE: A STUDENT PERSPECTIVE ABOUT THIS PODCAST Tests and the Rest is THE college admissions industry podcast. Explore all of our episodes on the show page. ABOUT YOUR HOSTS Mike Bergin is the president of Chariot Learning and founder of TestBright, Roots2Words, and College Eagle. Amy Seeley is the president of Seeley Test Pros and LEAP. If you're interested in working with Mike and/or Amy for test preparation, training, or consulting, get in touch through our contact page.  

I recently spoke with Jackie Pollina of J&J Test Prep and No B.S. SAT® Prep. In our conversation, Jackie and I discussed: What the PSAT is, when to take it, and its predictive power for SAT scores The National Merit Scholarship, and how to qualify for it Balancing test prep with school, extracurriculars, and life Recent changes to the SAT and how that affects test prep How reading improves test scores And much more… Jackie has kindly offered my listeners $50 off the Digital SAT® Intensive Course. Use code SCHOLARSHIPGPS50 at checkout at this link: https://www.jjtestprep.com/satintensive-scholarshipgps ---------- Scholarship GPS is on Facebook! Join the group that matches your student's year in school: Class of 2025 Class of 2026 Class of 2027 Class of 2028 Class of 2029 ---------- To find out more about how Lisa and Flourish Coaching work with students like yours to help them gain clarity on their future college major and career, click here: https://courses.flourishcoachingco.com/a/2148004629/PLHdxFCx ---------- This Week's Featured Scholarships: $2500 Beauty & Wellness Professionals Scholarship $2500 Leaders Save Lives Scholarship $2500 Bright Futures Scholarship $2000 Banks Family Scholarship $8000 Regions Riding Forward Scholarship $5000 Christian College Scholarship $2000 Smarter College A Better Financial Future Scholarship ---------- Scholarship opportunities don't end at high school graduation. Click here to get the FREE Scholarship Guide for Current College Students emailed to you: https://www.scholarshipgps.com/collegescholarships ---------- Subscribe to our free newsletter, Your Daily Scholarship, here: https://nodebtcollege.substack.com/

Shaan Patel is here to discuss how you can slash the cost of college through some more advanced strategies. We also discuss major education changes packed into the “Big Beautiful Bill,” starting with the introduction of new Trump Accounts—a kind of IRA for minors with no deductions and withdrawal restrictions until age 18. We cover expanded uses for 529 plans, including tutoring, test prep, homeschool materials, and more. Repayment options are narrowed down to just two, and several popular income-driven plans are scrapped. We also talk about how Pell Grants are being expanded for short-term workforce programs and the future of the Department of Education as it sees deep funding cuts—all pointing to less federal support, more private lending, and a growing need for serious college planning.  We discuss... Major education reforms packed into the “Big Beautiful Bill,” starting with the new Trump Account—a savings vehicle for minors with a $5,000 annual cap, no deductions, and no early withdrawals. The bill expands 529 plans to cover tutoring, test prep, online learning, homeschool materials, and special education services. A new federal tax credit scholarship program allows individuals and corporations to donate up to $1,700 annually to scholarship organizations, with a 100% tax credit. There's also $500 million in grants for “American Values” curricula promoting patriotism and national pride. On the college side, new federal loan caps include $100K for master's degrees, $200K for professional degrees (like law or med school), and a $257,500 lifetime limit—while Grad PLUS loans are eliminated entirely. Repayment options are now limited to a standard plan or a new Repayment Assistance Plan (RAP), ending other income-based programs like SAVE and PAYE. Public Service Loan Forgiveness survives but faces tighter eligibility, and deferment options for hardship have been significantly cut. Workforce Pell Grants are expanded to include short-term training programs (8–15 weeks) for in-demand technical jobs. Wealthy universities face a major increase in endowment taxes—up to 8%—especially impacting Ivy League schools. The Department of Education will see a nearly 20% discretionary funding cut over five years, potentially affecting programs like TRIO that help low-income students access college. With fewer federal dollars and tighter lending, private loans may fill the gap—making proactive college and financial planning more critical than ever. Parents of younger students (7th–10th grade) should start planning early for the PSAT. Today's Panelists: Kirk Chisholm | Innovative Wealth Barbara Friedberg | Barbara Friedberg Personal Finance Diana Perkins | Trading with Diana   Follow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/moneytreepodcast Follow LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/money-tree-investing-podcast Follow on Twitter/X: https://x.com/MTIPodcast For more information, visit the show notes at https://moneytreepodcast.com/slash-the-cost-of-college-shaan-patel-732   

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Jennifer Ledwith. She is the founder of Scholar Ready, whose mission is to help students excel in standardized testing and scholarship applications.

What can a couple of high school students do to encourage STEM interest and skills?For Edison Law and Revaant Srivastav, that meant starting the California STEM Academy, an online option to provide tutoring help in subjects such as Math, Science, Coding, and PSAT prep. They also help students with passion projects, as well as providing summer "boot camps" to build up specific STEM skills. And what started as just two students has grown to almost 20 students helping others to experience the joy and success in STEM that they have achieved.California STEM Academy is officially registered as a nonprofit organization under IRC section 501(c)(3) that is 100% student-run. They are passionate about helping all students learn more about STEM and discover the resources they need to be successful. As they grow, they hope to continue emphasizing the importance of STEM for every student!Edison and Revaant will be seniors in 2025-2026 at Monte Vista High School in California. They are both extensively involved in STEM organizations at their school and hope to continue their education in the STEM fields.Connect with the California STEM Academy:Website: californiastemacademy.orgUpdates on current opportunities: californiastemacademy.org/updatespast-programsChris Woods is the host of the STEM Everyday Podcast... Connect with him:Website: dailystem.comTwitter/X: @dailystemInstagram: @dailystemYouTube: @dailystemGet Chris's book Daily STEM on AmazonSupport the show

In this powerful kickoff to our NASSP Principal of the Year finalist series, Dr. Damon Lewis of Ponus Ridge STEAM Academy in Norwalk, CT shares his incredible leadership journey—from paraeducator to transformational middle school principal. Under his leadership, chronic absenteeism dropped from 31% to 8%, equity-driven initiatives expanded access to gifted and accelerated programs, and eighth-grade PSAT scores outpaced national, state, and district averages.Dr. Lewis discusses the culture shift at his school, his “so what, now what” mindset, and why proper preparation, intentional systems, and relentless focus on every student have made the difference. He also opens up about how his personal story fuels his mission—and how being a national finalist is a platform for advocacy, equity, and excellence in public education.Key Topics:Vision-driven leadership and systems thinkingAccelerating achievement while addressing inequityListening as a leadership superpowerThe impact of culturally responsive leadershipWhy excuses build bridges to nowhereLearn more about NASSP's Principal of the Year program at https://www.nassp.org/news/nassp-announces-national-principal-of-the-year-finalists/

Ready to learn the history, philosophy, and practice of an experienced professional in the test prep industry? MEET OUR GUEST Meet Kristen Lefebvre, the National Director of Education at StudyPoint, an educational services company that supports students across the U.S. on their journey to college by providing one-on-one academic and test prep tutoring services and college admissions coaching. Kristen graduated from Bates College and earned her master's degree at Tufts University. Always interested in education, she joined StudyPoint in 2002 as a program manager for the Greater Boston area. In addition to her responsibilities working with families and tutors, Kristen began tutoring as well, working with students preparing to take the SSAT, ISEE, PSAT, SAT, and ACT. She loved helping students learn the ins-and-outs of the tests and reach their score goals. More than twenty years later, she's still at it! In her role as National Director of Education, Kristen oversees StudyPoint's curriculum and program development, as well as tutor hiring and training. In her free time, Kristen enjoys spending time with her husband, three daughters, and their dog. They are a big soccer family, so Kristen spends an unreasonable amount of time on the sidelines of soccer fields, either coaching or watching her daughters and their teams play, but she wouldn't have it any other way. When not at the fields or work, she enjoys reading, traveling, running, and hot yoga. Find Kristen at https://www.studypoint.com. ABOUT THIS PODCAST Tests and the Rest is THE college admissions industry podcast. Explore all of our episodes on the show page. ABOUT YOUR HOSTS Mike Bergin is the president of Chariot Learning and founder of TestBright. Amy Seeley is the president of Seeley Test Pros and LEAP. If you're interested in working with Mike and/or Amy for test preparation, training, or consulting, feel free to get in touch through our contact page.  

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Jennifer Ledwith. She is the founder of Scholar Ready, whose mission is to help students excel in standardized testing and scholarship applications.

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Jennifer Ledwith. She is the founder of Scholar Ready, whose mission is to help students excel in standardized testing and scholarship applications.

GDP Script/ Top Stories for May 17th Publish Date: May 17th PRE-ROLL: From the BG AD Group Studio Welcome to the Gwinnett Daily Post Podcast. Today is Saturday, May 17th and Happy Birthday to Sugar Ray Leonard I’m Peyton Spurlock and here are your top stories presented by Gwinnett KIA Mall of Georgia. Collins Hill High School senior earns thousands for college Dino Safari Experience coming to Mall of Georgia this weekend Four Gwinnett seniors selected for National Merit Corporate Scholarships Plus, the Stripers report with Hurston Waldrep All of this and more is coming up on the Gwinnett Daily Post podcast, and if you are looking for community news, we encourage you to listen daily and subscribe! Break 1: 07.14.22 KIA MOG STORY 1: Collins Hill High School senior earns thousands for college Collins Hill High School senior Jacari Thomas has been awarded the 2025 Belli Scholarship, worth up to $20,000. This renewable scholarship supports Gwinnett County graduates with financial need who show potential for college success, even if they aren't top academic or athletic performers. Recipients must meet criteria like a minimum 2.5 GPA and submit teacher recommendations and an essay. Founded in memory of the Belli family, the scholarship provides $5,000 annually for up to four years, covering tuition and other college expenses, as long as recipients maintain a 2.0 GPA. STORY 2: Dino Safari Experience coming to Mall of Georgia this weekend LuminoCity returns to the Atlanta area with its Dino Safari Experience at the Mall of Georgia in Buford, running from May 15 to June 15. The event features over 70 life-sized animatronic dinosaurs, hundreds of light sculptures, and interactive attractions like the Dino Bounce House and Safari Train Ride. Weekly themed events, including a “Dino-Bash” and axe-throwing competition, blend fantasy, STEM storytelling, and Instagram-worthy visuals. Open daily from 5 p.m., tickets range from $17.99 to $19.99 depending on the session and day. STORY 3: Four Gwinnett seniors selected for National Merit Corporate Scholarships Four Gwinnett County Public Schools seniors have been awarded 2025 Corporate-Sponsored National Merit Scholarships. Winners include Hannah L. DeLong (Government Service), Logan G. Borneman (Undecided), Logan B. Whitehead (Electrical Engineering), and Damon E. Daley, Jr. (Writing). These scholarships, funded by corporate sponsors, support students pursuing specific careers or meeting sponsor criteria. Part of the 70th annual National Merit program, the awards are renewable for up to four years or offered as single payments between $1,000 and $10,000. The competition began with the 2023 PSAT, narrowing over 16,000 high-achieving students to finalists. We have opportunities for sponsors to get great engagement on these shows. Call 770.874.3200 for more info. We’ll be right back Break 2: STRIPERS INTERVIEW Break 3: STORY 6: Music @ the Mall, Movies Under the Stars highlight weekend at Mall of Georgia Music @ the Mall is coming to Gwinnett County's Mall of Georgia on Saturday, May 17, from noon to 7 p.m. This immersive event offers emerging Gen Z musicians a chance to be discovered by industry icons Randy Jackson and Paula Moore. Performances, meet-and-greets, and autograph sessions will feature rising stars like Jules Walcott and Kevin Woo. Later, the mall’s outdoor movie series, Movies Under the Stars, kicks off with a free screening of Disney’s *Encanto*. Pre-movie activities, including face painting and games, start at 5 p.m., with the film at dusk. STORY 7: Gwinnett Sports Hall of Famer Buck Lanford Enjoys Long Career in Hometown Broadcast journalist Buck Lanford, now a morning anchor on Fox 5’s *Good Day Atlanta*, took a career-defining leap in the late 1990s, leaving a full-time job in Savannah for a three-month contract at Fox 5. That stint turned into a 27-year career, including covering the Falcons’ Super Bowl run and other major sports events. A South Gwinnett High alum, Lanford cherishes covering local athletes who became stars, like Jeff Francoeur and Brian McCann. Recently surprised live on air, Lanford learned he’ll be inducted into the Gwinnett County Sports Hall of Fame on May 19, calling it the honor of a lifetime. We’ll have closing comments after this Break 4: Ingles Markets 6 Signoff – Thanks again for hanging out with us on today’s Gwinnett Daily Post Podcast. If you enjoy these shows, we encourage you to check out our other offerings, like the Cherokee Tribune Ledger podcast, the Marietta Daily Journal, or the Community Podcast for Rockdale Newton and Morgan Counties. Read more about all our stories and get other great content at www.gwinnettdailypost.com Did you know over 50% of Americans listen to podcasts weekly? Giving you important news about our community and telling great stories are what we do. Make sure you join us for our next episode and be sure to share this podcast on social media with your friends and family. Add us to your Alexa Flash Briefing or your Google Home Briefing and be sure to like, follow, and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. Produced by the BG Podcast Network Show Sponsors: www.ingles-markets.com www.kiamallofga.com #NewsPodcast #CurrentEvents #TopHeadlines #BreakingNews #PodcastDiscussion #PodcastNews #InDepthAnalysis #NewsAnalysis #PodcastTrending #WorldNews #LocalNews #GlobalNews #PodcastInsights #NewsBrief #PodcastUpdate #NewsRoundup #WeeklyNews #DailyNews #PodcastInterviews #HotTopics #PodcastOpinions #InvestigativeJournalism #BehindTheHeadlines #PodcastMedia #NewsStories #PodcastReports #JournalismMatters #PodcastPerspectives #NewsCommentary #PodcastListeners #NewsPodcastCommunity #NewsSource #PodcastCuration #WorldAffairs #PodcastUpdates #AudioNews #PodcastJournalism #EmergingStories #NewsFlash #PodcastConversations See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A fun chat with Nat Cassiday all about his new book When the Wolf Comes Home, the importance of content warnings, shapeshifters, and his Lovecraftian one man show. Plus – Dave bungles PSAT proctoring, Laura has the best seat in the stadium (for once), and Andrew's kid is the Easter Bunny. We also recommend: Dungeon … Continue reading Ep. 289 Dirtbag Facial Hair With Nat Cassidy

This week I had an amazing chat with US astrologer Stephanie Gailing all about why life is so chaotic right now. Here's the thing: we're standing at the threshold of a brand-new cosmic era. We're in the midst of a wave of major planetary shifts, with several slow-moving outer planets changing signs over the coming year. (Saturn and Neptune are heading into Aries, Uranus begins to flicker into Gemini, and Pluto continues its powerful transition into Aquarius — all of which signals a dynamic shift in the collective.)So what we're stepping into now is not just a new chapter - it's a new volume in the story of humanity.No wonder it's chaos, right?!In this latest podcast, Stephanie and I explore what it all means for you, and how you can align with these powerful currents of change.PS At the time of our chat, I was having serious Wifi issues here in France - she helped me solve them! I hope our talk helps you solve whatever you need to as well! ABOUT STEPHANIE GAILINGWebsite: https://www.stephaniegailing.com/Her May 10 event: https://www.astrologyuniversity.com/shop/search-by-astrologer/stephanie-gailing/self-care-fire-era/Get the Moonology Calendar 2025 and get a special daily Astrology and Moonology plus a ton of bonuseshttps://moonmessages.com/deskJoin the Mainly Moonology inner circle: https://moonmessages.com/magical––Follow Yasmin on socials:✨ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/yasminbolandmoonology ✨ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/moonologydotcom/––Mainly Moonology is a podcast for people looking to manifest their dream life leveraging the power of the moon. Tune in each week for accessible moon teachings, weekly readings, discussions about the Law of Attraction, and everything in between! Follow us for more.

This week I had an amazing chat with US astrologer Stephanie Gailing all about why life is so chaotic right now. Here's the thing: we're standing at the threshold of a brand-new cosmic era. We're in the midst of a wave of major planetary shifts, with several slow-moving outer planets changing signs over the coming year. (Saturn and Neptune are heading into Aries, Uranus begins to flicker into Gemini, and Pluto continues its powerful transition into Aquarius — all of which signals a dynamic shift in the collective.)So what we're stepping into now is not just a new chapter - it's a new volume in the story of humanity.No wonder it's chaos, right?!In this latest podcast, Stephanie and I explore what it all means for you, and how you can align with these powerful currents of change.PS At the time of our chat, I was having serious Wifi issues here in France - she helped me solve them! I hope our talk helps you solve whatever you need to as well! ABOUT STEPHANIE GAILINGWebsite: https://www.stephaniegailing.com/Her May 10 event: https://www.astrologyuniversity.com/shop/search-by-astrologer/stephanie-gailing/self-care-fire-era/Get the Moonology Calendar 2025 and get a special daily Astrology and Moonology plus a ton of bonuseshttps://moonmessages.com/deskJoin the Mainly Moonology inner circle: https://moonmessages.com/magical––Follow Yasmin on socials:✨ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/yasminbolandmoonology ✨ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/moonologydotcom/––Mainly Moonology is a podcast for people looking to manifest their dream life leveraging the power of the moon. Tune in each week for accessible moon teachings, weekly readings, discussions about the Law of Attraction, and everything in between! Follow us for more.

The school board and PTA have selected several student artists to create murals on the walls of Capeside High School, and Joey -- who recently remembered art was something she used to be into -- is one of them! Her concept involves a Chinese hanzi even though she's not Chinese herself, as far as we know; nevertheless, it is still sad when her work ends up getting vandalized. Pacey takes a break from tormenting his new roommate, Deputy Doug, to go on the case of who ruined Joey's work and ends up...well, exactly where you'd probably expect after a new rich jerk was just introduced in the last episode. Principal Green is thrilled to tell Andie that her PSAT scores put her in the top 50,000 students and on track for a National Merit Scholarship. This shakes something loose in her; quitting the disciplinary committee is just the beginning. You'll only be punishing yourself if you skip our episode on "Crime & Punishment"! JOIN THE AWT CLUB

In this episode, Lisa and Brian discuss:Strategies for maximizing college scholarships given by the institutionsThe difference in merit vs. need-based financial aidThe role of GPA and standardized testing, ACT and SAT, in scholarship awardsColleges with merit scholarship grids where students can know the amount they can earn for good grades and scoresTransparency of college financial aid policiesKey Takeaways: Merit aid is often more predictable than need-based aid because many colleges offer fixed scholarships based on GPA and ACT and SAT scores, making it easier to estimate college costs.Skipping standardized tests can cost students thousands in scholarships, as many schools that are “test-optional” for admission still require test scores for merit aid or reduce the award if applying test optional.At some universities, it is possible to calculate the number of additional correct answers on the ACT a student needs to raise their merit aid award, making test prep a highly valuable investment.Over 90% of scholarship money comes directly from colleges rather than private sources, meaning that researching a school's financial aid policies is more effective than chasing small external scholarships.“When the airplane is going down, you put the mask on yourself first—you first, your kids second. The merit aid from the school is the 'putting your mask on yourself'… after that, if a kid has free time, definitely apply to some of the outside scholarships.” – Brian EufingerAbout Brian Eufinger: Brian Eufinger is the President of Atlanta-based Edison Prep and has tutored over 14,000 students for a combined 35,000+ hours on the SAT, PSAT, and ACT over the past two decades. A founding board member of the National Test Prep Association, he is frequently invited by school districts across the Southeast to lead out-of-state ACT boot camps. Brian is passionate about tracking test-optional admissions data and sharing strategies for reducing college costs through merit aid and scholarships. He regularly speaks on test prep, college admissions, and scholarships at PTSA meetings, webinars, and education podcasts.Episode References:Merit Aid Grids: https://meritaidgrids.com/Student Email Template: How to Get Clear Answers About College Merit Aid https://www.flourishcoachingco.com/merit #042 Will grade inflation hurt your teen with Brian Eufinger?  https://www.flourishcoachingco.com/042Get Lisa's Free on-demand video: How-to guide for your teen to choose the right major, college, & career...(without painting themselves into a corner, missing crucial deadlines, or risking choices you both regret). flourishcoachingco.com/video Connect with Brian Eufinger:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/edisonpreptutoring/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/edisonprepWebsite: https://www.edisonprep.com/Email: brian@edisonprep.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eufinger/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@EdisonPrepTutoringConnect with Lisa:Website: https://www.flourishcoachingco.com/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@flourishcoachingcoInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/flourishcoachingco/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/flourish-coaching-co

Dawson has arrived at the film noir section of his film class, and why not -- he's living in one, what with femme fatale Eve mysteriously popping up and disappearing all the time, making him feel like a mark! He's just snapped off The Lady From Shanghai when he notices shady doings across the way at Grams's place, and wouldn't you know it: the person creeping around with a flashlight is none other than Eve, who immediately tries to deflect questions about what she was doing by hitting on Dawson. When that doesn't work, she threatens blackmail with the stolen PSAT. Dawson is so fired up that he does some actual PI work! Is the information he uncovers worth the trouble he gets in with Doug? Henry is still so smitten with Jen that Jack tries causing a date to break out spontaneously without Henry's having to ask Jen (since he is physically unable to speak to her). And when Joey finds out that her latest rejection sent Rob after Andie, she takes extreme measures to protect her friend. Fire up the fan, but not too loud: we brought you an episode on "Indian Summer"! JOIN THE AWT CLUB

We are NOT here for football, and yet it keeps happening to us! Offscreen Gale gives Dawson an opportunity to produce a human interest piece for a national news broadcast, completely on his own. He decides to do something about Jack, the gay football star, and gets signoff from everyone except Jack's coach, Mitch. Jen is also implicated in football culture when the other cheerleaders make a kiss from her a prize in a silent auction, and is so appalled that she resigns as head cheerleader (although events leading up to this do suggest that she was ready to do that regardless and the auction just provided a convenient pretext). Now sprung from his relationship with Andie, Pacey involves Joey in his latest shenanigans; getting caught cutting class for a trip to the post office lands them an unorthodox and moderately punishment from Principal Green that -- get this -- ALSO braids into the football storyline. Andie is trying to put her PSAT cheating in the rearview, but when Principal Green tells her he needs to see her about a disciplinary matter, it revs up her paranoia. You won't need a VHS OR a Betamax to enjoy our episode on "Home Movies"! JOIN THE AWT CLUB

Sinister title, no? It's scary to think about that. But I know it will help. Did you know they've studied people on their deathbed and asked, “What's your biggest regret?” The most common answer, “I let fear control my decisions and didn't take risks.” In this podcast episode I speak about the hidden risks in business. Usually, it's the action NOT taken. And, the time wasted. I don't want that for you. And I know YOU don't want that for you. Hard truth: We lose money every time a decision passes us by. The term is called “opportunity cost.” I hope you enjoy it. This concept changed my life. PS: At the time of this email, I have 3 guest passes left for Austin's Live Event. You don't want to miss this opportunity.  Click This link to Apply NOW!

The entire junior class is in a tizzy about the imminent PSAT, the practice for the test that could possibly determine the entire course of their lives. But maybe they don't ALL have to stress about it so much: somehow, Eve comes into possession of a copy, which -- in her established role as a chaos agent -- she gives to Dawson. Then, he lets all his closest friends know he has it so that they can tell him what to do about it; unfortunately, that's when they all have to go outside for a fire drill, leaving their stuff, and when they come back in...the test is gone. Suspicions start flying around as to who the culprit could be, and the complete lack of evidence, apart from past behavior possibly informing actions in the present, doesn't stop Dawson making some pretty uncharitable AND unfounded accusations. Meanwhile, football is apparently still happening whether we like it or not. Jack suspects his teammates are being extra-hard on him for homophobic reasons; Henry tries to help him so that Jack might return the favor by getting him a proper introduction to his dream girl, Jen. Sharpen your #2 pencil and join us for our podcast on "None Of The Above"! JOIN THE AWT CLUB

has a business degree from the University of Oklahoma.   She is the owner of Scholar Ready, an educational services company. She meets with clients online and her company Scholar Ready tutors Math, conducts personal essay writing workshops, and prepares students for PSAT, SAT, and ACT exams.  Please welcome to Money Making Conversations Master Class Jennifer Ledwith. Talking Points/Questions * 1. Why are HBCUs relevant?Mr. McDonald, in your interview with Stacy Spratt of the United Negro College Fund, you mentioned the number of successful Black professionals who are products of Historically Black Colleges and Universities. Moreover, I've seen this success in my family, which hails from Bain Street (yes – that Bain Street in Kashmere Gardens), beginning with my grandfather, an alumnus of Texas College and Texas Southern University. 2. Whether students select an HBCU or a PWI, it's important for them to have choices. Test scores unlock access to scholarships and academic programs. Often, African Americans are locked out of these opportunities: on average, African Americans score a 908 (out of 1600) on the SAT and a 16 (out of 36) on the ACT. 3. PSAT, SAT, and ACT aren't for Black kids? Why should we bother?We should bother because of the opportunities for scholarships and the opportunities to improve literacy. 4. When should my child start preparing for college? 5. Understood from a young age that education and literacy were crucial to success.  6. People told her that her mother — a single parent with serious debt and no child support — made too much money for her to get any free money for college. 7. She didn't finish in the top 10% of her high school class (which is academic poison in her home state of Texas). #BEST #STRAW #SHMSSupport the show: https://www.steveharveyfm.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

has a business degree from the University of Oklahoma.   She is the owner of Scholar Ready, an educational services company. She meets with clients online and her company Scholar Ready tutors Math, conducts personal essay writing workshops, and prepares students for PSAT, SAT, and ACT exams.  Please welcome to Money Making Conversations Master Class Jennifer Ledwith. Talking Points/Questions * 1. Why are HBCUs relevant?Mr. McDonald, in your interview with Stacy Spratt of the United Negro College Fund, you mentioned the number of successful Black professionals who are products of Historically Black Colleges and Universities. Moreover, I've seen this success in my family, which hails from Bain Street (yes – that Bain Street in Kashmere Gardens), beginning with my grandfather, an alumnus of Texas College and Texas Southern University. 2. Whether students select an HBCU or a PWI, it's important for them to have choices. Test scores unlock access to scholarships and academic programs. Often, African Americans are locked out of these opportunities: on average, African Americans score a 908 (out of 1600) on the SAT and a 16 (out of 36) on the ACT. 3. PSAT, SAT, and ACT aren't for Black kids? Why should we bother?We should bother because of the opportunities for scholarships and the opportunities to improve literacy. 4. When should my child start preparing for college? 5. Understood from a young age that education and literacy were crucial to success.  6. People told her that her mother — a single parent with serious debt and no child support — made too much money for her to get any free money for college. 7. She didn't finish in the top 10% of her high school class (which is academic poison in her home state of Texas). #BEST #STRAW #SHMSSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

has a business degree from the University of Oklahoma.   She is the owner of Scholar Ready, an educational services company. She meets with clients online and her company Scholar Ready tutors Math, conducts personal essay writing workshops, and prepares students for PSAT, SAT, and ACT exams.  Please welcome to Money Making Conversations Master Class Jennifer Ledwith. Talking Points/Questions * 1. Why are HBCUs relevant?Mr. McDonald, in your interview with Stacy Spratt of the United Negro College Fund, you mentioned the number of successful Black professionals who are products of Historically Black Colleges and Universities. Moreover, I've seen this success in my family, which hails from Bain Street (yes – that Bain Street in Kashmere Gardens), beginning with my grandfather, an alumnus of Texas College and Texas Southern University. 2. Whether students select an HBCU or a PWI, it's important for them to have choices. Test scores unlock access to scholarships and academic programs. Often, African Americans are locked out of these opportunities: on average, African Americans score a 908 (out of 1600) on the SAT and a 16 (out of 36) on the ACT. 3. PSAT, SAT, and ACT aren't for Black kids? Why should we bother?We should bother because of the opportunities for scholarships and the opportunities to improve literacy. 4. When should my child start preparing for college? 5. Understood from a young age that education and literacy were crucial to success.  6. People told her that her mother — a single parent with serious debt and no child support — made too much money for her to get any free money for college. 7. She didn't finish in the top 10% of her high school class (which is academic poison in her home state of Texas). #BEST #STRAW #SHMSSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Jennifer Ledwith.   She has a business degree from the University of Oklahoma.   She is the owner of Scholar Ready, an educational services company. She meets with clients online and her company Scholar Ready tutors Math, conducts personal essay writing workshops, and prepares students for PSAT, SAT, and ACT exams. Houston native, entrepreneur, and educator, Jennifer Ledwith understood from a young age that education and literacy were crucial to success. Again and again, people told her that her mother — a single parent with serious debt and no child support — made too much money for her to get any free money for college. She didn't finish in the top 10% of her high school class (which is academic poison in her home state of Texas). Thankfully, her PSAT scores were high, and she could write the essays to get the money. She knew how to beg for money tactfully in 100 words. She knew why she wanted to get a business degree from the University of Oklahoma. From her junior year of high school to her junior year of college, she wrote essays for over 30 scholarships. She won enough money to pay for tuition and fees. She had the most scholarships when she walked across the stage at graduation. The announcer was still reading them after she had crossed the stage. Even then, she didn't have enough money for school. She worked and worked and continued to apply for scholarships. She graduated from an out-of-state university (University of Oklahoma) with no credit card debt and only $1,000 in student loans. Hey, a girl needs plane tickets. Jennifer Ledwith is the owner of Scholar Ready, an educational services company. She meets with clients online. She also studied Personal Financial Planning at Rice University and is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™. Company Description *Scholar Ready tutors Math, conducts personal essay writing workshops, and prepares students for PSAT, SAT, and ACT exams. Many of Scholar Ready's students have earned academic scholarships, including full rides to Mississippi Valley State University, Fordham University, Texas A & M University, and the University of Houston-Clear Lake. We strive to instill our students with confidence that is earned and true. We teach them how to learn, how to advocate for what they need in the classroom, how to study, and how to set goals and expectations. We do not allow our students to be limited by experiences of the world they currently inhabit. We want them to have the confidence and work ethic to reach a better life and achieve any goal they set for themselves. #STRAW #BEST #SHMS  Support the show: https://www.steveharveyfm.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Jennifer Ledwith.   She has a business degree from the University of Oklahoma.   She is the owner of Scholar Ready, an educational services company. She meets with clients online and her company Scholar Ready tutors Math, conducts personal essay writing workshops, and prepares students for PSAT, SAT, and ACT exams. Houston native, entrepreneur, and educator, Jennifer Ledwith understood from a young age that education and literacy were crucial to success. Again and again, people told her that her mother — a single parent with serious debt and no child support — made too much money for her to get any free money for college. She didn't finish in the top 10% of her high school class (which is academic poison in her home state of Texas). Thankfully, her PSAT scores were high, and she could write the essays to get the money. She knew how to beg for money tactfully in 100 words. She knew why she wanted to get a business degree from the University of Oklahoma. From her junior year of high school to her junior year of college, she wrote essays for over 30 scholarships. She won enough money to pay for tuition and fees. She had the most scholarships when she walked across the stage at graduation. The announcer was still reading them after she had crossed the stage. Even then, she didn't have enough money for school. She worked and worked and continued to apply for scholarships. She graduated from an out-of-state university (University of Oklahoma) with no credit card debt and only $1,000 in student loans. Hey, a girl needs plane tickets. Jennifer Ledwith is the owner of Scholar Ready, an educational services company. She meets with clients online. She also studied Personal Financial Planning at Rice University and is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™. Company Description *Scholar Ready tutors Math, conducts personal essay writing workshops, and prepares students for PSAT, SAT, and ACT exams. Many of Scholar Ready's students have earned academic scholarships, including full rides to Mississippi Valley State University, Fordham University, Texas A & M University, and the University of Houston-Clear Lake. We strive to instill our students with confidence that is earned and true. We teach them how to learn, how to advocate for what they need in the classroom, how to study, and how to set goals and expectations. We do not allow our students to be limited by experiences of the world they currently inhabit. We want them to have the confidence and work ethic to reach a better life and achieve any goal they set for themselves. #STRAW #BEST #SHMS  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Jennifer Ledwith.   She has a business degree from the University of Oklahoma.   She is the owner of Scholar Ready, an educational services company. She meets with clients online and her company Scholar Ready tutors Math, conducts personal essay writing workshops, and prepares students for PSAT, SAT, and ACT exams. Houston native, entrepreneur, and educator, Jennifer Ledwith understood from a young age that education and literacy were crucial to success. Again and again, people told her that her mother — a single parent with serious debt and no child support — made too much money for her to get any free money for college. She didn't finish in the top 10% of her high school class (which is academic poison in her home state of Texas). Thankfully, her PSAT scores were high, and she could write the essays to get the money. She knew how to beg for money tactfully in 100 words. She knew why she wanted to get a business degree from the University of Oklahoma. From her junior year of high school to her junior year of college, she wrote essays for over 30 scholarships. She won enough money to pay for tuition and fees. She had the most scholarships when she walked across the stage at graduation. The announcer was still reading them after she had crossed the stage. Even then, she didn't have enough money for school. She worked and worked and continued to apply for scholarships. She graduated from an out-of-state university (University of Oklahoma) with no credit card debt and only $1,000 in student loans. Hey, a girl needs plane tickets. Jennifer Ledwith is the owner of Scholar Ready, an educational services company. She meets with clients online. She also studied Personal Financial Planning at Rice University and is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™. Company Description *Scholar Ready tutors Math, conducts personal essay writing workshops, and prepares students for PSAT, SAT, and ACT exams. Many of Scholar Ready's students have earned academic scholarships, including full rides to Mississippi Valley State University, Fordham University, Texas A & M University, and the University of Houston-Clear Lake. We strive to instill our students with confidence that is earned and true. We teach them how to learn, how to advocate for what they need in the classroom, how to study, and how to set goals and expectations. We do not allow our students to be limited by experiences of the world they currently inhabit. We want them to have the confidence and work ethic to reach a better life and achieve any goal they set for themselves. #STRAW #BEST #SHMS  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.