College App 101

Over the years, College App 101 podcasts have provided many tips on taking the Preliminary SAT, also known as the PSAT. Elite performance on the PSAT during junior year can result in arguably the most prestigious academic honor for high school students: National Merit status. In the present episode, Dr. Riley interviews Steven, a National Merit student from the high school class of 2026, giving special emphasis to the role of a classical, great books, liberal arts education in preparing testers for the PSAT. Episode topics include PSAT preparation tips, applying for scholarships and college with National Merit status, the role of parents in PSAT preparation, and more. 

College App 101 podcasts often provide tips on taking the Preliminary SAT, also known as the PSAT. Elite performance on the PSAT during junior year can result in arguably the most prestigious academic honor for a high school student: National Merit status. In the present episode, Dr. Riley interviews Noah, a National Merit student from the high school class of 2026, giving special emphasis to the role of a classical, great books, liberal arts education in preparing testers for the PSAT. Episode topics include PSAT preparation tips, applying for scholarships and college with National Merit status, the role of parents in PSAT preparation, and more.

Highly selective colleges want to admit young scholars to their student ranks. A love for learning and intellectual curiosity characterize such scholars. These attributes flow naturally from some learners, but need to be cultivated in others. In today’s podcast, Dr. Riley (from collegeapp101.com) discusses these topics with special reference to the importance of March 15 in history. Indeed, today, Sunday, March 15, 2026 is the anniversary of a significant world event. Join Dr. Riley on a journey into the ancient world, as he explains March 15’s significance and, hopefully, inspires a love for learning.

Conversations between parents and their college bound students about prospective college majors should happen throughout a student's high school experience. It is true that many college applications require applicants to declare an intended major prior to submitting an application. In this episode, Dr. Riley (from collegeapp101.com) interviews a current college freshman about her major, her path toward that major, her current experience in the major, and her professional hopes for the future. 

Mistakes are a part of life. Yet, some common mistakes made during freshman, sophomore, and junior years can work against compelling college applications during senior year. In this episode, using his typical anecdotes and illustrations, Dr. Riley (from collegeapp101.com) explains how college bound high school students tend to go astray in GPA, standardized tests, and extracurricular activities. 

Parents want their high school senior to win admission to dream colleges. Oftentimes, these institutions are elite (Ivy League, Public Ivies, and other top-tier colleges). When an applicant demonstrates that she is a scholar (as opposed to a student), her chances of admission increase. In this episode, using his typical anecdotes and illustrations, Dr. Riley (from collegeapp101.com) explores (1) how a learner becomes a scholar and (2) the role that wonder plays in that process. 

Today, parents have an array of K-12 schooling options for their student. Public, private, traditional, homeschool, online, charter, parochial, and more. In this episode, Dr. Riley (from collegeapp101.com) interviews a classical school teacher, who also attended a classical high school and liberal arts/great books college. The classical model is an outstanding option for parents, who are interested in developing and sustaining their student’s (1) sense of virtue and (2) wonder in the classroom.

Problems pervade a high school student's academic experience: too little time to study, disappointing grades, relationship troubles with teachers, and more. Many students are skilled enough to find solutions to their problems. But in too many cases, these solutions are good for today, not tomorrow. In this episode, Dr. Riley (from collegeapp101.com) provides tips on identifying and implementing solutions that are good for the short-term and long-term. 

Several factors are required to help a student succeed financially in higher education. FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) submission is a key factor, as is personal financial responsibility. This year's FAFSA opens on October 1. In this episode, Dr. Riley (from collegeapp101.com) provides tips on the FAFSA, cultivating financial responsibility in a student, generosity, and more. 

Now that this year's admissions cycle is underway, it is fitting to hear from a college student, who recently navigated the process. In this episode, Dr. Riley (from collegeapp101.com) interviews a returning guest about her experience preparing for college apps throughout high school, with attention given to her parents' role in the process. Topics include preparation in middle school, the underclassman years, junior year, and the flurry of senior year.