AMDG. Applying to college is no easy feat. From PSATs to transcripts, college visits, and gap years, it can feel like the decisions are endless. In this episode of the Kolbecast, we break down every stage of the college application process, from building a strong transcript to choosing the right college for you. Returning guest Erica Treat and academic adviser Cecilia Byers join the Kolbecast to share their insider expertise and easy hacks you can implement now to set yourself or your child up for success in the college world.  

Timestamps  

7:45 college visits 

12:10 the college planning you should do BEFORE high school   

15:20 signing up for the PSATs 

16:40 how to organize your college planning approach 

21:33 building a well-rounded transcript  

26:20 advice for those who are not going to college; how to optimize your gap year for your future  

35:05 help center & college resources  

38:27 action items for high school seniors  

44:50 better questions to ask at college visits 

Links mentioned & relevant: 

• Kolbecast page on the Kolbe Academy website with filters for sorting through the catalog of episodes  

• College Planning landing page on the Kolbe Academy website 

• Sections of the kolbe.org Help Center: 

• College Planning  

• Career Guidance & Discernment 

• College Planning Timeline 

• Kolbe’s college partners 

• Register here to view recordings from the Newman Guide/Kolbe Academy College Fair 9 Oct 2024 

Related Kolbecast episodes: 

• 118 Odysseys in Catholicism in which Steven shares his conversion story 

• 59 The Secret Whiteboard discussing discernment for life after Kolbe 

• 175 A Both-And Approach with Dr. Jonathan Sanford of The University of Dallas, one of Kolbe Academy’s college partners  

• 77 The Road Less Traveled 

• 40 Windshield Time 

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 [email protected] 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!  

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