PODCAST · education
The College Prep Podcast
by Megan Dorsey & Erin Tempest
better grades with less stress on the path to the perfect college
Episodes
-
642: Our Last Episode
The College Prep Podcast is signing off after 12 great years!!! Find out how Megan and Erin’s businesses have shifted focus recently and why they are stepping back from the podcast. Of course, you can still reach out to us. Megan (https://www.collegeprepresults.com) and Erin...
-
640: Summer of Skills: Cleaning/Tidying
We are continuing with our shorter summer episodes and with Erin’s series highlighting the ways in which students can learn key skills so they can live independently. Today’s focus is on cleaning. Now that we have covered decluttering (episode 481) and organization (episode 483), Erin shares some...
-
639: College Essays: What’s Your Passion?
This summer Megan will focus on different college application essay topics, pinpointing common pitfalls and offering suggestions for strong responses. Today’s topic: what excites you? — don’t overthink your response, but do take time to brainstorm the topic and how it fits into your overall set…
more -
638: Summer of Skills: Organization
We are continuing with our shorter summer episodes and with Erin’s series highlighting the ways in which students can learn key skills so they can live independently. Today’s focus is on organization. Moving from decluttering (episode 481) to organization, Erin shares her big tips for getting a...
-
637: College Essays: Discuss a Favorite Book
This summer Megan will focus on different college application essay topics, pinpointing common pitfalls and offering suggestions for strong responses. Today’s topic: discuss a “great” book. — Not all colleges ask about books, but this question appears on a number of school’s supplemental essay...
-
636: Summer of Skills: Decluttering Your Bedroom
This summer Erin will focus on building skills that will help students in the present and are essential to transition to a functioning adult. Today’s focus is on decluttering. Did you know that decluttering, organizing, and cleaning are three very separate tasks? Erin tackles the first of these...
-
635: College Essays: How Have You Impacted Your Community?
This summer Megan will focus on different college application essay topics, pinpointing common pitfalls and offering suggestions for strong responses. Today’s topic: “how have your impacted your community?” — No, you don’t need to cure cancer to impact your community. — Impact is far more about...
-
634: Summer of Skills: Self-Care
This summer Erin will focus on building skills that will help students in the present and are essential to transition to a functioning adult. Today’s focus: self-care. We want our students to grow up and develop the skills needed to successfully get themselves through college and live...
-
632: Summer of Skills: Habit Loops
Megan and Erin kick off their summer with shorter episodes. Listen now or save them up and listen when you get back to school in the fall. This summer Erin will focus on building skills that will help students in the present and are essential to transition to a functioning adult. Today’s focus:...
-
631: College Essays: Why Do You Want to Apply Here?
Megan and Erin kick off their summer with shorter episodes. Listen now or save them up and listen when you get back to school in the fall. This summer Megan will focus on different college application essay topics, pinpointing common pitfalls and offering suggestions for strong responses. Today’s...
-
630: How to Build a Rigorous (But Not Crushing) High School Schedule
Megan and Erin discussed how to build a rigorous but manageable high school schedule that balances academic rigor with student well-being. College Course Planning Strategy Megan and Erin discussed building a rigorous but manageable school schedule, emphasizing that colleges evaluate ... Read More…
more -
629: Surprising Results: Erin’s Admissions Questions
Megan and Erin discussed a challenging college admission situation involving a student with strong academic credentials (1520 SAT, 4.0 GPA, all A’s) who was rejected by highly competitive schools despite thorough preparation and professional guidance. The student ultimately gained admission ......
-
628: What Should You Do With Your PSAT Results (and How They Might Earn You Scholarships)
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 ... Read More » The post 628: What...
-
627: Current Trends in Education
Megan and Erin discussed Erin’s recent experience at South by Southwest, where she attended sessions focused on AI in education and executive function coaching. Executive Function Coaching Certification Discussion Erin and Megan discussed the importance of using accurate vocabulary when ... Read...
-
626: Five Things you can do RIGHT NOW to Make College Admissions Easier
Megan and Erin discussed five key actions families can take throughout high school to make college admissions easier, emphasizing actions families can take from freshman year through junior year. Megan highlighted the importance of consistent planning and outlined key tasks ... Read More » The…
more -
625: Can Students Avoid Online College Classes?
Today Megan and Erin answer a listener question about online classes and brainstorm ideas for students, parents, and educators to help avoid a schedule full of unwanted online college classes. Laurie wrote: I have noticed a trend the past two ... Read More » The post 625: Can Students Avoid…
more -
624: Some Surprising College Rejections
Megan and Erin discuss common surprising college rejections and how to avoid them. College rejections are often based on numerical limitations rather than personal judgment, but they still hurt. While some rejection is expected with competitive admissions, there are some ... Read More » The post...
-
623: Your Major Doesn’t Determine Your Future
Megan and Erin discuss the importance of not rushing to decide a college major, especially for high school students who may not have been exposed to all possible fields of study. Many students change their majors during college and that ... Read More » The post 623: Your Major Doesn’t Determine...
-
622: How to Tell if you are “Doing Enough”
Join us as Megan and Erin discussed how parents can determine if their children are working hard enough, particularly in the context of academic performance and test preparation. There isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as it depends on ... Read More » The post 622: How to Tell if...
-
621: How to Compare College Offers & Make Your Final Decision
Join Megan and Erin as they discuss how students can compare and make decisions about college offers, focusing on financial considerations and program offerings. It can be difficult to make that final decision. Families can start evaluating offers by Having ... Read More » The post 621: How to...
-
620: How to Maximize College Scholarship Opportunities
Join Megan and Erin as they discuss strategies for maximizing college scholarship dollars while avoiding scams. Scholarship Search Tools Overview Megan and Erin discussed scholarship search tools, with Megan recommending several legitimate scholarship aggregators and advised listeners to be...
-
619: From Local Youth Orchestras to Top Conservatories – Strategies that Win the Audition with Darren Sacks
Admission to music programs and conservatories is a specialized process that involves more steps than simply sending application material and essays to the admissions office. This week Megan is joined by Darren Sacks, a professional double bassist and music college ... Read More » The post 619:...
-
618: Financial Literacy for College Students
In this episode, Megan and Erin dive into practical financial literacy topics students need to understand before and during college. Their discussion centers on managing money in an increasingly cashless world, avoiding common student loan mistakes, and building credit responsibly. ... Read More…
more -
617: How to Make College Fairs Work for You
Megan and Erin break down how students and families can turn college fairs into a genuinely useful part of the college search process. Drawing on both student and admissions-side perspectives, they emphasize that preparation, smart engagement, and follow-up are what ... Read More » The post 617:...
-
616: 3 Ways Students Can Stand Out in Admissions
In this episode, Megan and Erin break down effective college application strategies, using insights from a U.S. News article featuring Rice University’s Dean of Admissions. Rice says it wants to see Listen as Megan and Erin discuss Here’s the U.S. ... Read More » The post 616: 3 Ways Students Can...
-
615: How NOT to Build Your College List
Building a college list can feel overwhelming—and it’s easy to get it wrong. In this episode of The College Prep Podcast, Megan and Erin break down the most common mistakes students and families make when creating a college list and explain ... Read More » The post 615: How NOT to Build Your...
-
614: SAT / ACT 2026: Which Test to Take & When
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 ... Read More » The post 614: SAT / ACT…
more -
613: What Are Colleges Really Looking For?
In this episode of The College Prep Podcast, hosts Megan and Erin tackle a question that causes a great deal of stress and confusion for students and parents alike: What do colleges really want from applicants? Moving beyond myths about perfect GPAs, nonstop ... Read More » The post 613: What Are...
-
612: How to Maximize College Scholarship Opportunities
Paying for college can feel overwhelming, especially for families who do not qualify for need based financial aid. In this episode, Megan and Erin break down how merit based scholarships really work and how families can be more strategic about ... Read More » The post 612: How to Maximize College...
-
611: Early Steps for College Planning and Academic Success
LISTENER EMAIL! We love these–and our friend Ben sent one in wanting to know what he might do in the early stages of college prep to set himself up for success. Megan and Erin make a must-have checklist for this ... Read More » The post 611: Early Steps for College Planning and Academic Success...
-
610: Is Desmos the Key to Top ACT/SAT Scores?
If you have no idea what Desmos is–then this is the episode for you! If YOU do know what Desmos is and heard it is the key to getting an even higher score on those standardized tests–then this is also ... Read More » The post 610: Is Desmos the Key to Top ACT/SAT Scores? appeared first on The...
-
609: Megan & Erin’s Holiday Wish List
The holidays are here! It’s a time for reflection and hope. Megan and Erin share the things they most want this year for students, for education, and for the entire college-application process. The post 609: Megan & Erin’s Holiday Wish List appeared first on The College Prep Podcast.
-
608: My Kid Decided Not to Go to College
Oh noooooo! It’s the end of high school (and maybe the start of college) and my child has decided that college isn’t for them. Is this devastating news? What options does your child have to become a productive member of ... Read More » The post 608: My Kid Decided Not to Go to College appeared...
-
607: Terrible Teacher in a Core Subject: What are your options?
You are stuck with a teacher that is a bad teacher or you don’t like–what can you do? In many cases, you can’t switch the teacher or decide not to take the class, so now what? How do you learn ... Read More » The post 607: Terrible Teacher in a Core Subject: What are your options? appeared first…
more -
606: Are you doing what you should be doing?
The school year is now in full swing and it is time to start on that “when I get time” list. What should be on the list? How do I know if I am on track? What can I do ... Read More » The post 606: Are you doing what you should be doing? appeared first on The College Prep Podcast.
-
605: How Highly Selective Admission Is Different
When you have stellar grades and a super test scores, what should be the focus for getting into those elite schools that only accept a small percentage every year? What types of activities stand out? How do you differentiate yourself ... Read More » The post 605: How Highly Selective Admission Is...
-
604: What’s New in College Admission (fall 2025)
Get all the late, breaking news from the college admissions world! Megan highlights SAT/ACT changes, test optional vs. SAT/ACT required, auto-admission to colleges, erasing past mistakes, and Early Action/Early Decision/Restricted Early Action debates. Get caught up on all that’s coming ... Read...
-
603: How can I use AI and Chat GPT for College Applications?
Chat GPT and AI are here. It can create and essay in a fraction of the time it takes the typical high schooler and many families are looking to it to ease the college application process. Megan and Erin provide ... Read More » The post 603: How can I use AI and Chat GPT for College Applications?...
-
602: FAFSA Refresh Fall 2025
So many changes and redesigns – what is the current information? When should we fill it out? What tax year do we report? Megan helps answer all those questions without you having to search around amongst conflicting information to be ... Read More » The post 602: FAFSA Refresh Fall 2025 appeared...
-
601: LISTENER QUESTION: How to get Research and Lab Experience
Maria writes and asks how high school students might get valuable lab experience in order to be more competitive. What should a STEM student do if their high school doesn’t offer research opportunities? Megan and Erin discuss strategies for high ... Read More » The post 601: LISTENER QUESTION…
more -
600: College Investment Information
UGMA? UTMA? 529? Saving for college can be overwhelming and daunting. Erin is here with her finance experience to break down the difference between them and help you determine what is the best financial plan for your needs. The post 600: College Investment Information appeared first on The…
more -
599: Cognitive Overload in Student Learning with Gretchen Wegner
Megan and guest host Gretchen Wegner explore the concept of cognitive overload and its impact on students’ learning abilities, particularly focusing on working memory and its limited capacity. Listen to learn about working memory which has a limited capacity and ... Read More » The post 599:...
-
598: Pros & Cons of Early College Entry
This week we are answering a listener question. Jason’s 9th and 19th graders are on track to exceed their state’s graduation requirements by the end of their third year in high school. They will also have surpassed the maximum number ... Read More » The post 598: Pros & Cons of Early College…
more -
597: Supporting Students with College Essay Writing Strategies
Writing college admissions essays is hard. We are here to help. This week, Megan and Erin discuss strategies to produce better essays and tips for educators and parents looking to support students through this process. We share lots of ideas ... Read More » The post 597: Supporting Students with...
-
596: Universities in the UK & Canada: Is admission the same?
We love getting listener questions! Today we answer a question about universities in the UK and Canada. The post 596: Universities in the UK & Canada: Is admission the same? appeared first on The College Prep Podcast.
-
595: Is Two AP Classes + Varsity Sport Too Much?
This week we are answering a listener question: is it feasible for a 10th grader to take two AP courses, compete in varsity swim, and still have time for everything else? Listen as we discuss:— the rationale behind taking two ... Read More » The post 595: Is Two AP Classes + Varsity Sport Too…
more -
594: Bad schedule choices based on rumor
We are seeing it already this school year— students making bad schedule choices. High school course selection is important. Students and parents should make informed decisions. Listen as we discus A bad schedule choice can result in daily struggles. Avoid ... Read More » The post 594: Bad…
more -
593: Another School Year– Goals and Outlook for Fall
As we head back to school, there are a lot of changes. We have some changes at “The College Prep Podcast” too. Listen as we discuss: — How to decide when a big change is necessary — How to focus ... Read More » The post 593: Another School Year– Goals and Outlook for Fall appeared first on The...
-
591: Three Warning Signs Your Student Is Behind (and how to fix it)
UPDATE– this episode didn’t post correctly last week, so we are releasing it with the correct audio . Most college students don’t fall behind at midterms. They fall behind starting Week 1 and it can rough to dig themselves out. ... Read More » The post 591: Three Warning Signs Your Student Is...
-
590: Community College Doesn’t Have to Be Your Backup Plan
Too often, students view community college or commuting as a last resort, but it doesn’t have to be, unless you want it. In this mini-episode, we help students and families rethink how to build a smart, balanced college list. We ... Read More » The post 590: Community College Doesn’t Have to Be...
We're indexing this podcast's transcripts for the first time — this can take a minute or two. We'll show results as soon as they're ready.
No matches for "" in this podcast's transcripts.
No topics indexed yet for this podcast.
Loading reviews...
Loading similar podcasts...
Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does The College Prep Podcast have?
The College Prep Podcast currently has 300 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is The College Prep Podcast about?
better grades with less stress on the path to the perfect college
How often does The College Prep Podcast release new episodes?
The College Prep Podcast publishes regularly with 300 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.
Where can I listen to The College Prep Podcast?
You can listen to The College Prep Podcast on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts The College Prep Podcast?
The College Prep Podcast is created and hosted by Megan Dorsey & Erin Tempest.
URL copied to clipboard!