College 4 ALL

Welcome back to College4All, the podcast where we keep moving forward and upward through the college journey — together, one real conversation at a time. I'm your host, Anna Maria Vaccaro, college counselor, and your guide through this whole beautiful, overwhelming, exciting process.Today's episode has a different kind of energy because we are not in a studio. We are not on a Zoom screen. We are sitting down inside the student union at John Carroll University, which means you are going to hear the real soundtrack of campus life — footsteps, the espresso machine, students laughing between classes, the buzz of people actually living the experience we keep talking about. This is college, unfiltered.And today we are not talking to one student — we're talking to two. A pair of Blue Streaks who agreed to sit down with me and share what life actually looks like at a small Jesuit university just outside Cleveland. We're going to dig into the academics, the community, the Jesuit identity that some of you already know from your high school, the size of classes, the relationships with professors, the social scene, the athletics, the internships, and that classic question we always come back to — what do you wish you had known senior year of high school?If you are looking at smaller schools, faith-based schools, Jesuit schools, or you just want to know what college life looks like beyond the big names everyone is shouting about — this episode is for you.Two students. One student union. A whole lot of honesty.Let's get into it. This is College4All.

The college admissions cycle can feel overwhelming, but this is your reminder to pause, take a breath, and trust the work you have already done.In this College4All episode, we talk about how students and families can move through the admissions process with more confidence, less panic, and a stronger sense of purpose. Deadlines, applications, essays, testing, and decisions matter—but so does your mindset.This episode is about believing in yourself, staying grounded, and remembering that college admissions is not about being perfect. It is about showing who you are, making thoughtful choices, and taking the next step one piece at a time.Whether you are a student starting applications or a parent trying to support without adding pressure, this episode offers encouragement for the road ahead.College4All reminder: Breathe. Focus. Believe. You are more ready than you think.

Welcome back to College4All, the podcast where we keep moving forward and upward through the college journey — together, one real conversation at a time. I'm your host, Anna Maria Vaccaro, college counselor, professional cheerleader, and your guide to cutting through the noise of this whole process.Today's episode is one of my favorites, and here's why: we're not pulling from the viewbook. We're not reading off the website. We're not scrolling Reddit at midnight trying to figure out if a school is "the one." Today, we are sitting down with a real, current Northwestern University student to talk about what life is actually like as a Wildcat.We're going to get into all of it — the quarter system (yes, it's fast), life in Evanston right on Lake Michigan with Chicago just a train ride away, the academic intensity across Northwestern's six undergraduate schools, the social scene, the traditions, the moments they didn't expect, and the things they wish they'd known on the first day of move-in.If Northwestern is on your list, was on your list, or just lives somewhere in the curious-corner of your brain, this is the conversation you need. So grab your notebook — or your phone, I'm not picky — and let's hear what the real student experience sounds like.This is College4All. Let's get into it.

Welcome back to College4All, the podcast where we keep moving forward and upward through the college journey — together, one real conversation at a time. I'm your host, Anna Maria Vaccaro, college counselor, professional honest story teller, and your guide through every twist of this process.Today we are tackling one of the hardest emotional pieces of the entire college experience — the waitlist. That in-between place. Not a no. Not a yes. Just… a maybe. And if you are sitting in that maybe right now, I see you, I hear you, and we are going to talk through it together.In this episode, we are going to break down what a waitlist actually means (and what it doesn't), how often students really get pulled off, what your realistic chances look like, and the moves you can actually make — the Letter of Continued Interest, the update email, the demonstrated interest piece, who to contact, what to say, and just as importantly, what not to do. We're also going to talk about how to check your waitlist status the right way without refreshing the portal every twelve minutes. I know you're doing it. Stop. We'll talk about it.But here is the part I want you to hear most clearly today — the real work right now is not the waitlist. The real work is the campus that already said YES to you. The one that wants you. The one you have already deposited at, or are about to. We are going to spend real time on how to fall in love with the school that chose you — getting connected to your orientation, joining the class page, reaching out to your roommate, finding your people, exploring the academic resources, the clubs, the support systems, the traditions. Because no matter what happens with the waitlist, this is the campus that's going to be home. And you deserve to walk in already feeling like it.So if you are a senior in the maybe — and you are also a senior who already has a yes — this episode is for you. Both things can be true. Both deserve your energy. And we are going to figure out the balance, together.Let's get into it. This is College4All.

College4All takes you inside one of Ohio's most dynamic universities — through the people who know it best, the students. Each episode features candid, unscripted interviews with undergrads, grad students, athletes, researchers, and campus leaders about life in Cleveland: classes and professors, dorm life and dining halls, internships and research labs, traditions, the brutal-but-beautiful winters, and the moments that make this campus feel like home. Whether you're a prospective student deciding where to apply, a proud alum, a parent, or just curious about college life in Northeast Ohio, pull up a chair and listen in.

Reaching out to a college admissions rep can feel intimidating—but it doesn’t have to be. In this episode of College4All, “What Should I Email My College Rep?”, we break down exactly how students can craft thoughtful, professional emails that make a strong impression. Learn what to say (and what to avoid), how to ask meaningful questions, and how to demonstrate genuine interest without sounding generic. We also cover timing, tone, and follow-up strategies so juniors and seniors can confidently connect with admissions offices. Whether you're a student taking initiative, a parent guiding the process, or an educator supporting outreach, this episode gives you a clear playbook for standing out in a crowded inbox.

Choosing the right college can feel overwhelming—like getting caught in a storm of options, opinions, and pressure. In this episode of College4All, “Don’t Get Stuck in the Storm,” we help high school seniors confidently decide which campus is truly the best fit, while guiding juniors on how to build a smart, balanced college list. We break down what really matters—academics, social environment, personal growth, financial realities, and long-term career outcomes—so students and families can make informed, well-rounded decisions. Whether you're a parent supporting the process, a student navigating big choices, or an educator advising others, this episode gives you the clarity and tools to move forward with confidence.

"Fight On, For Real" -- The show is hosted by AMV interviews  a current USC student who gives prospective students and families an honest, insider view — warmth and Trojan pride intact, but with eyes wide open. Here's the data she'd arm every listener with:Admissions (Class of 2029 / 2025–26) USC received 83,488 applications, admitted 9,345, and enrolled 3,759 new students, with a middle 50% unweighted GPA of 3.79–4.00 and over 21% first-generation college students. University of Southern California The most selective cycle in the school's history registered a 9.81% acceptance rate. TKGCost — The Frank Number Students attending in 2025–26 face an estimated total cost of attendance of $99,139, with tuition alone at $73,260 — up roughly 5% and more than 25% since 2019. CBS News 69% of enrolled students receive grants or scholarships, averaging $48,649 per student. CollegeTuitionCompareScholarships USC's flagship awards range from the full-tuition Trustee Scholarship to the half-tuition Presidential Scholarship, reserved for a small number of top applicants who apply by the December 1 deadline. College Ready Parent Importantly, new merit scholarships beginning Fall 2025 were scaled back to "a more modest level" as part of addressing the university's financial challenges, though current recipients are unaffected. Morning, TrojanEarnings After Graduation Viterbi School of Engineering graduates from the Class of 2025 averaged a starting salary of $107,970 — 37% higher than the national average for engineering and computer science. USC Viterbi Ten years after enrolling, the average income is $85,500 — about 149% higher than the national median. CollegeSimplyDiversity About 60% of students are minorities or people of color, and roughly 20% are low-income Pell Grant recipients. CollegeSimply USC draws students from 48 states, with about 15% coming from outside the country. College FactualCampus The 226-acre campus hosts 20,630 undergraduates with an 8:1 student-faculty ratio, a 74% four-year graduation rate, and tuition and fees of $75,162 for 2025–26.

As seniors wait for early application decisions, December and January become the most overlooked but powerful months in the college admissions journey. In this episode, we break down exactly what students should be doing right now to stay focused, reduce stress, and set themselves up for success — no matter the outcome. From financial aid must-dos to mid-year academics, scholarship strategies, and mental-health check-ins, this episode guides seniors through the essential steps to keep momentum during the winter months. Whether you're awaiting EA/ED results or gearing up for Regular Decision deadlines, this checklist keeps you grounded, organized, and moving forward. Perfect for students, parents, and counselors who want clear guidance during a very busy season.

College4All Podcast: The Biggest Mistakes in College AdmissionsThink you know the college admissions process? Think again. In this episode of College4All, host AMV—with over 30 years of experience guiding students through the maze of applications, essays, and deadlines—pulls back the curtain on the biggest mistakes students and families make.From building lopsided college lists to writing essays that sound like they belong to someone else, AMV breaks it all down with clarity, humor, and hard-earned wisdom. Whether you’re a student gearing up for applications, a parent trying to support without smothering, or an educator looking for insight, this conversation is packed with practical tips to help you avoid the pitfalls and take each step with confidence.College admissions can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to go it alone.Learn how to sidestep the traps that trip up even the strongest applicants.Subscribe to College4All for more real talk, strategies, and stories that make the path to higher education clearer—and a lot less stressful.

Wake Forest University is a private research university in North Carolina with 9,121 students on a 340-acre campus. Offering more than 50 undergraduate majors and 60 minors across Arts & Sciences, Business, Medicine, Law, Divinity, Graduate Studies, and Professional Studies, Wake is recognized nationally for its academic rigor and community values.In this episode, we hear from three St. Ignatius College Prep alums from the San Francisco Bay Area — Mia Barnes ’20, Johnny Perkins ’21, and Charlie Ashendorf ’20. They share candid reflections on campus life, academics, and research opportunities at Wake Forest, which is classified as an R2 research institution.Join us to see how their experiences connect with Wake’s motto, Pro Humanitate — “For Humanity” — and how the university emphasizes leadership, character, and community service.

It is imperative to use knowledge as power and use planning towards wisdom.  So let's learn and do so you can go move ahead so college is for all! 

Point Loma Nazarene University – San Diego, CALocated on a stunning oceanfront campus, Point Loma Nazarene University (PLNU) combines rigorous academics with a strong Christian foundation. Known for programs in Nursing, Business, and Kinesiology, students receive hands-on experience and real-world preparation. As a faith-based school, students participate in regular chapel services, for community and spiritual growth. The campus sits right on the beach and is minutes from downtown San Diego, offering easy connections to local organizations, service projects, and internships that make a real impact on the community.  Campus though small is connected to many city attractions from downtown, SeaWorld and professional sports teams and is a NCAA Division II campus where athletes practice with a view. 

Questions you need to ask colleges before you apply or enroll: Cost, Aid, and TransparencyWhat is the total four-year cost of attendance, including expected increases?How do you determine who receives merit aid?Are there scholarships that don’t require separate applications?Will merit aid be automatically renewed each year, and are there GPA or enrollment requirements?Can you walk me through a sample financial aid award for a family with our income/assets?How much aid comes in the form of grants versus loans?Do you “front-load” aid—i.e., give more in the first year than in later years?If a parent loses a job or income drops, how flexible is your office in reassessing aid?Is work-study available to all students who qualify for it?What happens if we don’t qualify for need-based aid—do we still have a shot at merit awards?Do you “gap” students—i.e., admit them but don’t meet full need?Can you give me examples of recent financial aid appeals that were successful? Academics & Intellectual EnvironmentWhat are the largest and smallest classes in the first two years?Will I be taught by professors or teaching assistants as a freshman?How often can undergraduates engage in research, and in what ways?How accessible are faculty for mentoring, office hours, and career advice?Are academic advisors assigned, or do students find them on their own?What happens if a student wants to switch majors—are there barriers?Are there honors programs or learning communities, and what are the benefits?What is the support structure for students who struggle academically?Outcomes & ROI (Return on Investment)How do you track student outcomes—both immediate and long-term?What percentage of students have jobs or graduate school acceptances within 6 months?Do you offer career coaching or job placement services beyond résumé reviews?What employers recruit on campus? What industries are common among graduates?Are there guaranteed internships or structured pathways for real-world experience?Are alumni engaged in mentoring or hiring students?What are some examples of “transformative” student experiences here?Emotional Return on Investment (as Lieber frames it)What does your institution do to help students discover their purpose?How do you help students who feel like they don’t belong?What support do you offer for mental health, and how accessible are those services?Can students easily find mentors among professors, staff, or alumni?What do students say is the most joyful part of their experience here?Do students stay on campus over weekends, or is it a commuter culture?What traditions unite people across diverse backgrounds? Family Considerations & FitWhat do you wish more parents asked you about during this process?How do you handle the differences between “helicopter” parents and “hands-off” parents?What happens if my child doesn’t thrive here—what’s the off-ramp or support plan?How do you support students from non-traditional, working-class, or first-generation backgrounds?If your child had the exact interests and background as mine, would you recommend this school? Why or why not?Value Alignment & Personal FitWhat do your students tend to value most about this college?Can I sit in on a class that represents the academic culture here?What differentiates your school from others with similar rankings or offerings?What are students complaining about most right now?When students transfer out, what are the reasons they usually give?Negotiation & Appeals (advanced/strategic)If we receive a better offer from another college, are you open to discussing a match or appeal?Are there scholarships or stipends available for travel, study abroad, or unpaid internships?What are the most prominent mistakes families make in applying for aid or evaluating cost?

If you are a subscriber - this is a special episode with Mia Delaney being back and more experienced as a college student!  She talks about her experience in college, as a Posse Scholar and so much more!  Let's go! 

What’s it really like to attend a Catholic university in the heart of D.C.? We sat down with Grace Brady, a proud St. Ignatius graduate and rising senior at the Catholic University of America (CUA), Class of 2027. Grace gives us the insider’s scoop—from the hidden gems on campus to the kind of students who truly thrive at CUA. 💡 You’ll hear:What makes this medium-sized D.C. campus so specialWhy it’s often overlooked—and why that’s a mistakeThe truth about merit aid, student support, and real campus cultureWhether you're considering a Catholic college, a D.C.-based university, or just looking for a great school with strong values and real opportunities, this episode is for you.  Tune in now and explore why Catholic U might be the perfect fit you didn’t see coming.A big shout-out to all the great professors who care for their students at Catholic University, and even to Grace's high school teacher, Ms. Curcio, who makes it a fantastic experience for everyone who loves Latin! 

Whether you never heard of Common App or you have been hesistant about starting your college journey -- ready or not -- it is time to begin your college application whether you are a freshmen or senior - let's go! Let's start the process to discover the steps to make sure nothing is impossible unless YOU think it is impossible! 

University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill is well known for many things - its research, sports, innovation ideas and great folks like Michael B Jordan, musicians like James Taylor, former president like President Polk, their famous mascot Rameses, and now with my former student, Delaney Broderick!  Let's go Tar Heels! You can also follow her more on The Daily Tar Heel as well! https://www.dailytarheel.com/article/2024/11/opinion-satire-delaney-in-print

Are the cuts true?  What can that mean?  What is the next thing we need to do? 

Learn how doing co-curricular activities outside of the classroom can help you shine not only in the college application process but also provide you with insights about your possible future career and YOU!

What a gift to watch and witness students rise and rise again despite it all.  However, after 30 years of doing college counseling you do see hiccups along the way that are blocked not because of one's intelligence, but one's mindset and doing life alone.  These words are inspired by my students from my heart to you! 

What a honor to listen to the wisdom and greatness of Raven Shaw.  A graduate from St. Ignatius College Prep in San Francisco, a soon to be graduate from Howard University and future legend in the making.  It is great to interview a current game changer who talks about the importance of HBCU's and the greatness of Howard University in DC!

What an excellent opportunity to meet with my former student - the one and only - Ann Anish.  A current leader already in politics and a game-changer in life.  Check out her journey and advise other students about making a difference at George Washington University and tips from her college journey. 

Often, when the relief occurs after submission students forget there are still a lot of next steps.  Listen to this quick podcast so you can be on the right mindset on the timeline towards your future! 

I was so lucky to visit Duke University.  It is everything you heard and more - minus the outdated dorms.  But the energy, intellect, and beauty are all there.  One of the most diverse campuses in North Carolina.  So Go, Blue Devils.  

Let's get schooled with Get Schooled!  A non-profit organization focused on helping youth to get ahead whether it be for a job, college or BOTH!  A program that does NOT sell young adults' data, information or privacy like those other programs who say they are giving "free" scholarships or other information but do not.  Due to Get Schooled's long legacy since 2010, they are funded by grants and even have partnerships with other schools due to their great work.  Don't believe me? Listen to the show and then follow them on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/getschooled/?hl=en and TEXT THEM at 33-55-77 for free and real support.  Let's Get Schooled! 

Santa Monica College aka SMC has transferred more students to UC campuses than any other college in the country — for 33 years straight. SMC is also tops in transfers to USC and LMU, and the top feeder west of the Mississippi to the Ivy League Columbia University.   SMC offers the same lower-division courses as UC, California State University, and other four-year campuses at a fraction of the cost. Students who start at SMC can save thousands of dollars while benefitting from rigorous smaller classes, personalized counseling, and great professors whose focus is teaching — not research.   Santa Monica College’s academic excellence is driven by professors with distinguished credentials, representing the best in their fields: award-winning artists, scholars, authors, scientists…you name it. They teach at SMC because they believe in the power of the student-teacher connection. Counselors and staff in 55 offices and programs at SMC form the largest student support network in California to meet your needs, and ensure that you get to your goal of transfer or a career, ASAP. From the Veterans Success Center to Guardian Scholars, EOPS, Black Collegians, Latino Center, and many more — SMC is here to help you succeed. The breadth of choices at SMC is mind-blowing! From the liberal arts to STEM, accounting to film production, SMC’s career- and transfer-oriented programs rival the nation’s best universities. New courses are constantly being created, and career education courses are developed with direct input from industry advisors. In the past 10 years alone, SMC faculty crafted over 300 new courses in 58 subject areas, and the list keeps growing.Santa Monica College’s beautiful campuses are a stone’s throw away from the Pacific Ocean, the world-famous Santa Monica Beach, the Santa Monica Pier, Third Street Promenade, and more. We’re located in the gorgeous city of Santa Monica — a top destination for tourists worldwide. Need we say more? Well three students do as we interview them to get their honest perspective of the one and only SMC! 

Everyone needs to plan early for college admissions, which means financial aid.  We are lucky to have Paul Martin from College Money Method.  Paul works with all types of families to address their concerns about the crazy maze called college financial aid.  He is thorough, knowledgeable, and empathetic to various situations as a person who has benefited from financial aid.  Listen and subscribe to learn much more from the College Money Method from Paul Martin. 

From California to Texas, we get a chance to interview a transfer student at one of the most selective and desired campuses in the nation: the University of Texas, Austin.  Teresa, a psychology major from the Bay Area, speaks about her experiences on campus.  The University of Texas, Austin, is the state's flagship public research university.  There are 8 different campuses, with locations in Arlington, Austin, Dallas, El Paso, Permian Basin, Rio Grande Valley, San Antonio, and Tyler.But this one is pretty hard to get into as an incoming freshman. Besides requiring the SAT or ACT exam now, they often recommend four years of English, Mathematics, Science, and Social Science. So be prepared if you are not from that state to have difficulty getting in. As Teresa mentions, it is different from most public universities for transfer students because it is always about spaces.  The campus has 51,000 students, with a huge Longhorn sports team pride, and houses one of the 14 Presidential Libraries called the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library, administered by the National Archives and Records Administration. Within its walls, the library holds over 45 million pages and many more artifacts about the LBJ administration.  The campus was founded in 1883 and has a long tradition to stand out and has cultivated the city of Austin into an amazing city - but listen to Teresa and listen from her point of view. 

You gotta take the time to visit some colleges to understand what you like and what you need and what you need to avoid.  Give yourself a moment to hear from students about their experiences with great tips when they visited six colleges (small, big, and medium) and their experiences when they visited campuses like UCLA, Whittier College, Cal Poly Pomona, Loyola Marymount University, University of Southern California AND Chapman University.

We got answers to the many questions that are out there on admissions. They are also changing to listen so our world can be college 4 all!

As college admissions get earlier and earlier, the time to start college begins now. Listen to tips on how and what you can search for so you can draft your college list NOW!

It is time for every senior in the country to look on what they have not done and what they need to get done like: Final draft list of collegesTheir requirements for admissions, interviews, rep visits and financial aid (check this one!)Drafts of statements for each application and for each campus (there will be a lot)Check with recommenders (two core teachers, counselor and outside recommender if desired)Check your emails -- they can see if you read your emails or notGet connected with your repsTriple check your list that there are challenge, possible and likely campuses for admissions and paying for collegeGood luck!

Seniors it is time to get ready to work on your college applications before applications open up and deadlines approach.There is a lot you can do like statements, interviews, research and so much more. Let's just listen and for more information go to www.college4all.com.

Lots of changes are moving fast and forward in college admissions due to the decisions made this June by the Supreme Court of the United States aka SCOTUS. The world of college admissions will be transforming again. Some individuals in society do not know what has happened, many outlets are not talking about it extensively, many discussions are happening behind close doors and individuals are trying to adapt, pivot and understand.Here is a reflection.

On June 29, 2021, the Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) made the decision to stop allowing college admissions across the nation to use Affirmative Action. Since 1978, the Supreme Court has upheld the use of affirmative action as one factor for admissions until today even though colleges throughout time have proven time and time again that the use of holistic admissions has many factors not just one. On this day, it is important that we all understand that research and data have shown time and time again that diversity (race, experience, background, and ideas) benefits not one, but ALL.We need to continue to move onward and upward TOGETHER despite the decision. As colleges must follow the law like how the UC's and Cal States did when CA voters voted to ban affirmative action in our public system -- it is imperative for all of us to remind students to still honor the stories of students who have illustrated their passions despite it all, demonstrate their strengths despite it all and rise above despite it all. WE MUST! So everyone can get a fair shot and rise above so we as a nation can rise. Bob Schaeffer, a long-time warrior and advocate for equity took some time to discuss college admissions, testing, affirmative action, and more. He shared his wisdom with us on the ongoing changes in college admissions in this interview. Bob has served as Public Education Director of FairTest, since its founding in 1985, and is a member of its Board of Directors. Previously, he was Editorial Writer at the NBC-TV affiliate in Boston, Research Director of the Massachusetts Legislature’s Joint Committee on Human Services and Elderly Affairs, and worked for several years as a research associate at the Education Research Center of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He is author of Standardized Tests and Teacher Competence (School Voices, Fall, 1996) and coauthor of Standing Up to the SAT (ARCO/Simon & Schuster, 1989). He has also coauthored many FairTest publications, includingTesting Our Children: A Report Card on State Assessment Systems, Standardized Tests and Our Children: A Guide to Testing Reform, Implementing Performance Assessments, The SAT Coaching Cover-Up, Test Scores Do Not Equal Merit, and Sex Bias in College Admissions Tests: How Women Lose Out.

It is time to get starting in writing your personal statement. The key thing to is to start writing, but if you need a little bit more help. Here are just tips on how to start. So let's get going.

Welcome to Rice University in Houston, Texas. This urban campus is located in 300-acre tree-lined area with the most breathtaking research and innovative opportunities. Since 1912, the university has produced doctorates and continued to create impressive numbers. Rank top 20 university in the United States.Top 10 schools with resources per the Wall Street Journal and Timers HIgher Education.Amazing in quality in life as well as "race/class interaction" per Princeton Review. The close instructor contact along with amazing peer opportunities allows for a great amazing research opportunities in this NCAA Division I campus. So let's listen and learn from some of their students.

It is summer time! Time to rest.Time to connect.Time to have fun.Time for college. Yes, college. Let's make sure you have volunteer, internships or work lined up along with showing your curiosity in subject areas and fields, virtual tours, virtual interviews, research and getting that Common App and Personal Statements done. Let's go!

We have our wonderful expert in financial aid, Dino Koff, who is the Director of Financial Aid at Dartmouth College. He will address the critical question of how to afford college! As college cost increases, active research on the different aspects of financial aid is critical as understanding the limits for both colleges and families. In addition, tips will be addressed, and questions will be answered. Families will also learn about some of the changes from the changes on FAFSA, beginning with the 2024-2025 application seasno from the Simplification Act. Learn, listen, and let's move forward and onward TOGETHER!

Welcome to Regis University where we get interview a current student on campus to learn more about this Jesuit university that has been recognized as a college of distinction on Business, Nursing, Equity and Inclusion, Military Support. It has been long recognized for being a career readiness for their first generation college student. With an enrollment of over 6000 students with almost 100,000 alums that is an impressive number. Close to transportation to get you into downtown Denver but still provides activities on campus even with their local pub on campus. The one thing that is honored time and time again is the connection students make with their professors. It is an intimate classroom that allows students to connect with their instructors. At the same time being a "Ranger" also means you get access to days like Welcome Week, Ranger Week, Snow Week, Christmas Tree Lighting and more. So listen and learn about Regis University!

Are you the first person in your family attending college? Are you and your older siblings are the first? Whether you are first or not, learn about how being one of the few and creating a "road never traveled" can feel alone, frustrating, hard AND SO REWARDING! Listen to our host and our guests who are all First Gen!

There are a lot of instructions, information, facts and details. IT IS OVERWHELMING which creates a crazy roller coaster ride for any future prospective college admissions. Thus many topics and critical steps often are overlooked like: verification, additional required documentation and many more. Let's listen to a senior who just went through this process who is going to tell you what she didn't know and wished she knew ahead. SYou are lucky that you are listening to this podcast now!

One of our last stops was visiting some great students at Chapman University like Matt. Chapman University is very fortunate to have a student like Matt and it tells. They are a growing popular campus in Orange County in California with beauitful facilities and opportunities.Fifteen miles from the beach from their mid-sized community known for its historic architecture and great weather. This private campus was founded in 1861 filled with about 10,000 students from 49 states and 82 countries. With the small classrooms they offer a variety of academic areas such as Advertising, Animation & Visual Effects, Broadcast Journalism, Biophysics, Engineering, Creative Producing, Graphic Design, Health Sciences Music Composition, Writing for Film & Television and more! Need more information - here are some rankings:*No.4 - Top American Film Schools - Hollywood Reporter*No.52 - Most Innovative Schools - U.S. News*No.72 - Best Business Schools - U.S. News*No. 76 - Best Colleges for Veterans - U.S. NewsStill need more, then take a moment and learn in a short time what have been Matt experiences at Chapman University.

While on the road, stopped by Loyola Marymount University and visited with one of my former students who is a current student at LMU. Loyola Marymount is one of 28 Jesuit (a Catholic university) colleges that are located in 17th states, the District of Columbia and Belize. Jesuit colleges like Loyola Marymount University in California welcome students of all faith and strive to instill values of menaing and empathy for their students. At the same time, their mission is encourage students to become leaders not only in their profession but social justice as well. Loyola Marymount University founded in 1911 has 143 acres with over 6,000 student and has a range of rankings like:*Top 2% in Diversity - College Factual, 2021*No. 3 in Promotion of Latinx Student Success - Education Trust, 2017*No. 4 in "Students Most Engaged in Community Service," Nationally - Princeton Review, 2023*No. 8 in "Best Catholic College," Nationally - Niche.com, 2023*No. 14 in "Best Undergraduate Teaching" Among National Universities - U.S. News*No. 46 in Best Colleges for Veterans, Nationally - U.S. News, 2023*No. 77 in "Best U.S. National Universities" - U.S. News, 2023*No. 90 - Nationally - Wall Street Journal / Times Higher Education, 2022Now rankings give us one picture and academic offerings at LMU like Animation, Engineering, Film & Television, Marketing, Recording Arts, Screenwriting, and Studio Arts can provide us some of the options at Loyola but let's find out the inside story from a student and how they master the admissions and financial aid process to move forward with their dream school - Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles, California.

We are back again on the road talking with college students to give you real stories of their experiences. This podcast is about one of the nine University of California campuses - UC Riverside! It is 1,200 acre campus with over 26,00 students with two Nobel Prize winners, 11 Fulbright Scholars and 28 National Academies Members located in a diverse geography from the desert to the coast with a group just as diverse. Located Inland Southern California and graduated the first class of 20 students in 1955. Since then he has made some impressive rankings:*No 1 public univeristy in US for social mobility - U.S. News*No 1 for Hispanic enrollment - Urban Institute *No 2 in the country for financial aid - Business Insider*No 2 in Entomology research in the world - Center for World University Rankings*No 3 in Hispanic STEM graduates in the US - Natioanl Science Foundation*No 4 for Pell Grant (low income) student performance - Washington Monthly*No 9 among public universities for sustainability - Princeont Review*No 11 most diverse medical school - U.S. News*Top 12 public university - Forbes "America's Best Value Colleges"*No 14 public university - CNBC "Colleges That Pay Off the Most"*No 31 in the world in plant and animal sciences - U.S. News Yes, impressive now let's hear it from a UCR aka Highlander (school mascot) student point of view.

The Posse Foundation was founded in 1989 by Deborah Bial who received the MacArthur "Genius" Grant for her work to recruit students from across the nation and connect them with partner colleges and universities in the United States as a leadership cohort that is about inclusiveness, support, understanding and game changers. It is one of ten organizations chosen by President Barack Obama to receive a portion of his 1.4 million Nobel Peace Prize and has expanded their program not only with the Posse Arts Program in collaboration with Lin-Manuel Miranda and the Miranda Family Fund but also with a new chapter in the Bay Area. With over 10,000 alumni there is no stopping these students and it is clear with data.Posse Scholars who are nominated their junior year by Posse nominators and selected late Fall their Senior year have quite a resume like cardiologist, state assembly member, CEO, writer, city council members and so much more. The program is still growing with additional grants from Google's Global Impact Award with a 1.2 million grant for the Posse Veterans Program, Netflix's $5 million donation to organize opportunities for Black creators, Black youth, and Black-owned businesses and even developed a STEM program. The four-year Campus Program works to "ensure the retention of Posse Scholars and to increase the impact of the program on campus." How does this happen? Posse staff visit schools four times annually and there are weekly Posse Scholar mentors weekly with their group - their "Posse."The program has expanded to a Career Program that helps schoalrs and alumni to a variety professional opportunities. There are over 20 chapters located in D.C, Virginia, Phoenix, Philadelphia, New York, New Orleans, Newark, Minnesota, Miami, Memphis, Los Angels, Indiana, Houston, Denver, Dallas, Cleveland, Chicago, Charlotte, Boston, Atlanta and NOW - the Bay Area. How does this process work to obtain a full tuition scholarship with priceless amount of support throughout college and beyond! Welcome to a great opportunity to listen to Mia - yes - Mia a Posse Scholar at Lehigh University in Pennsylvania.

If you haven't heard about UC Scouts - you need to know about it. We are here to inform you about an online opportunity to help you to remediate a course or advance your skills in subject areas that may not be available at your high school. This is podcast for anyone who is a lover of learning from 8th grade to high school. Let's learn and grow!

Let's learn about one of the big leaders in higher education - Boston University. This large university with "endless" amounts of opportunities is the gateway to so many different majors, scholars and fun all around Boston. We will learn from one of their best - BU Alumnus - Rob who will talk about his best experiences at BU and how Boston University can be a great fit for YOU!

Did you know some colleges offer optional college interviews? Yes, they do! But do not worry we have a student who will share their experiences before, during and post interview along with suggestions on how you can schedule, prepare and how to obtain a great mindset before you go onto your next college interview!