Gamifying the College Search Process with Sam Bernstein

Think college searches have to be boring and overwhelming? Think again! In this episode, I sit down with Sam Bernstein, co-founder of the Loper app, to talk about how gamification is shaking up the college search process. We all know that researching colleges can feel like an endless, stressful task for students and for you as counselors trying to guide them. But what if there was a way to make it engaging, intuitive, and even FUN? That’s exactly what Sam and his team set out to do with Loper, and he’s here to share how it’s helping students take charge of their college exploration in a whole new way.

Sam breaks down how Loper’s game-inspired design hooks students from the start with a swipe-based interface and chat-style onboarding…no intimidating college lists or endless research required. Instead of feeling pressured to have everything figured out, students can explore schools in a way that feels natural and exciting. Whether they’re hyper-focused on college, just starting to think about it, or completely unsure of their next step, Loper meets them where they are. 

And here’s what else caught my attention—Loper isn’t just about four-year colleges. Sam shares how they’re expanding the app to include two-year programs, trade schools, and other postsecondary paths, giving students a bigger picture of what’s possible. This episode is packed with guidance on how you, as counselors, can use technology to make the college search process more accessible and less overwhelming. After listening, download the app (it’s free!) and take a look around. I know you’ll enjoy the conversations it sparks with your students!

Resources Mentioned:

• College Readiness Playlist
• Loper App
• Lead for America
• Leave your review for High School Counseling Conversations on Apple Podcasts

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Full show notes on website: https://counselorclique.com/episode157