Help with College Applications: Ben Kaplan Shares His Road to Harvard and Scholarship Success with Shellee Howard

What this episode covers

In this engaging episode of “Parents, Is Your Teen College Ready?”, Shelley Howard interviews Ben Kaplan, founder of Scholaroo and renowned author, about navigating the complex landscape of college admissions and financing. Kaplan shares his inspiring journey from struggling high school student to Harvard graduate, detailing how he creatively funded his education through scholarships, ultimately securing $90,000 in scholarship money. Recognizing that the issue of college financing is still prominent, Kaplan has penned his latest book, “Scholars and Dollars”, to equip families with the knowledge and strategies necessary for successful college applications and financial assistance. The conversation delves into the importance of community and personal growth during the college admissions process, advising students to pursue a breadth of experiences while also diving deeper into their passions to maximize scholarship opportunities. Furthermore, Kaplan emphasizes the significance of feeling at home within a college community and illustrates ways for students to effectively seek scholarships, leveraging local resources and smaller awards to build credentials. His mission to help families secure substantial financial aid underscores the transformative power of education and personal development. Highlights 🌟 Ben Kaplan shares his personal journey from a high school student unsure of his future to a Harvard graduate funded by scholarships. 💰 Kaplan won $90,000 in scholarships, showcasing the tangible impact that proactive efforts in seeking financial aid can have on college accessibility. 📚 His new book, “Scholars and Dollars”, serves as a comprehensive guide on admissions, financial aid, and personal development in college. 🌍 Community plays a crucial role in college success; feeling connected and supported can significantly impact student achievements. 🎓 Students are encouraged to explore various interests and experiences, balancing breadth with depth to stand out in applications. 📝 The concept of “professional judgment” in financial aid offers significant advantages for families navigating complex financial situations. 🚀 Kaplan’s resources include a free scholarship database to help families uncover financial opportunities often overlooked. Key Insights 📖 Transformative College Experience: Kaplan emphasizes that college is not merely an educational phase; it’s a pivotal opportunity for personal growth and independence. By engaging actively in the admissions process, students build essential life skills that extend beyond academics. 💳 Importance of Financial Literacy: Understanding financial aid options, such as the FASFA and institutional aid processes, is critical. Kaplan highlights “professional judgment,” a tool families can use to appeal for better financial assistance based on unique circumstances, which many overlook. 🌈 Broad Experiences Leading to Depth: Students should be encouraged to explore various interests during high school. This breadth allows them to identify areas they are passionate about and helps to articulate these interests effectively in college applications. 🤝 Community Connections Matter: Kaplan states that feeling part of a community in college can significantly impact a student’s success. Colleges should provide environments where students feel valued and integrated, which can lead to better academic outcomes. 👩‍🎓 Recycling Application Efforts: Kaplan notes that thorough college application efforts can be utilized for scholarship applications. This strategy underscores the importance of crafting a compelling narrative about one’s experiences and aspirations. 💡 Local Scholarship Advantages: Kaplan advises not to overlook smaller, local scholarships, which often have less competition. These smaller awards can build a strong foundation for larger opportunities and enhance a student’s overall scholarship profile. ✨ Author’s Mission and Resources: With a goal of helping families secure a billion dollars in scholarships, Kaplan is dedicated to providing essential resources, including his scholarship toolkit, which facilitates the process of finding and applying for financial aid effectively. Overall, this dialogue not only equips parents with practical advice but also inspires a proactive mindset in students regarding their education and financial well-being.