Choosing the right college involves much more than just academics—it's about finding a place where you'll truly thrive for four transformative years. In this episode, I dive deep into the critical but often overlooked aspect of "place" in college selection and how geography shapes your entire college experience.

What's the perfect distance from home? That sweet spot between independence and accessibility matters more than you might think. For some students, being two hours away provides ideal separation while maintaining the option to return for long weekends. For others, proximity to extended family in a completely different region might offer the right balance of adventure and support.

We explore how climate preferences, urban versus rural settings, and even state political environments factor into college happiness. Are you energized by bustling city life with public transportation and cultural attractions? Or does a small college town with a tight-knit community feel more authentic to you? From snow sports enthusiasts to year-round swimmers, your lifestyle preferences deserve consideration in this significant decision.

The episode concludes with practical guidance on having productive family conversations about college selection. We address potential friction points between student preferences and parental considerations, particularly around affordability and location. By documenting your campus visit impressions and maintaining open dialogue, you can navigate this complex decision together. Whether you're a current high school student or a parent supporting the journey, this episode provides the framework for finding that perfect college fit. Have questions about your specific situation? Reach out directly—I'm here to help you navigate this exciting transition!

For more about me - my experience and my speaking, check out the links below.

You can reach me at [email protected].

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenschoen/
https://www.firstgenfm.com/speaker-high-school-educators-students-parents

Navigating the complex landscape of college choices begins with understanding yourself—your academic passions, learning style, and career aspirations. While rankings and prestigious names might catch your attention, the foundation of meaningful college selection lies in matching institutions to your unique needs and goals.

The cornerstone of your college journey will be your major—the specific discipline you'll focus on throughout your undergraduate years. Unlike high school, where you've likely only experienced core subjects, colleges offer between 70-170+ different majors, many of which you've never encountered. Start exploring these options early by considering what truly excites you academically. When you're passionate about your field of study, better grades naturally follow, opening more doors for your future. Some career paths like nursing or engineering have clear connections between major and profession, while liberal arts degrees like English or Political Science provide versatile foundations for countless career possibilities, including ones that don't even exist yet.

Your academic temperament matters just as much as your interests. Do you thrive in competitive environments, or do you prefer collaborative learning? How honestly can you assess your work ethic? College demands more rigorous study habits than high school, so understanding your learning style helps match you with environments where you'll succeed. Beyond standard curricula, explore whether special opportunities like honors programs, undergraduate research, study abroad, or co-op experiences align with your goals. These experiential components often become the most transformative aspects of college education, bridging classroom learning with real-world application and helping clarify your career direction.

Ready to take the next step in your college journey? Listen to this episode for guidance on aligning your academic interests with potential majors and career paths. Share this podcast with friends navigating similar decisions, and connect with me on Facebook and Instagram @CollegeTNT for more personalized advice on finding your perfect college fit.

For more about me - my experience and my speaking, check out the links below.

You can reach me at [email protected].

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenschoen/
https://www.firstgenfm.com/speaker-high-school-educators-students-parents

Finding the right college fit begins with understanding yourself, not scrolling through endless rankings. Before you can discover where you belong, you need to know who you are and who you want to become.

Today, I break down the essential questions high school students (9th-11th graders) should ask themselves before even thinking about the college application. 

• Why do you want to go to college? 
• What adjectives describe you now? 
• What experiences and opportunities are you looking for? 

These foundational questions aren't just philosophical exercises—they're practical tools that will guide your entire search process.

Beyond the practical benefits of college (like graduates earning approximately $1 million more over their lifetime than those with only high school diplomas), the college experience offers transformative opportunities. Whether you're seeking leadership roles you didn't have in high school, research experiences that spark your curiosity, or clubs that align with your passions, knowing what you want helps narrow your search to institutions that truly fit.

This episode kicks off a series on college searching, with future installments covering academic considerations, location factors, and admissions criteria. Connect with Jennifer at [email protected] or @CollegeTNT on social media to share your questions or suggest topics for upcoming episodes.

For more about me - my experience and my speaking, check out the links below.

You can reach me at [email protected].

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenschoen/
https://www.firstgenfm.com/speaker-high-school-educators-students-parents

Unlock the secrets of navigating college costs and financial aid with our latest episode of College TNT! Host Jen Schoen promises to transform your understanding of the true cost of attending college, beyond just the sticker price. Through a thorough breakdown of the Cost of Attendance (COA), you'll gain clarity on both direct expenses like tuition and room and board, as well as those sneaky indirect costs such as textbooks and personal expenses. Discover how tools like the FAFSA and the Student Aid Index can demystify the financial aid process, bridging the gap between what your family can realistically afford and the overall expenses of a college education.

You will become more savvy about financial aid options, as Jen tackles essential questions that could impact your choice of school. From understanding how colleges meet full demonstrated need to the ins and outs of work-study programs, this episode equips you with the knowledge to make informed decisions about your college education. Learn how even the most prestigious colleges can become financially accessible, and why starting this conversation early is crucial for both students and families. Don't let financial fears dictate your educational journey; instead, gain the confidence to balance affordability with the right college choice.

For more about me - my experience and my speaking, check out the links below.

You can reach me at [email protected].

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenschoen/
https://www.firstgenfm.com/speaker-high-school-educators-students-parents

Unlock the secrets to maximizing your college financial aid package by understanding the FAFSA process! Join me, Jen Schoen, as I guide you through the a primer on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid in this episode of College TNT. We'll explore the significance of the FAFSA as a crucial financial disclosure document that paves the way for federal, institutional, and state aid. With a focus on ensuring that you and your family complete the application correctly, I'll break down the process step-by-step, from obtaining your FAFSA ID to understanding the Student Aid Index (SAI).

As we unravel the complexities of financial aid, I'll highlight how the Student Aid Index interacts with the cost of attendance to shape your aid eligibility. This episode is packed with insights and tips to empower both students and parents in their financial aid journey. With helpful resources and expert advice, you'll be well-equipped to tackle the FAFSA and secure the financial support needed for college success. Whether you're just starting your college admissions journey or guiding your child through the process, this episode is your go-to guide for financial aid mastery.

For more about me - my experience and my speaking, check out the links below.

You can reach me at [email protected].

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenschoen/
https://www.firstgenfm.com/speaker-high-school-educators-students-parents

In part 2 of effective goal setting, you will unlock the secrets to achieving your personal and academic goals with more ease and consistency. Imagine having a proven strategy that elevates your success rate to a whopping 91%. Join me, Jen, on College TNT as I guide you through the transformative power of "doing the reps" and setting implementation intentions (fancy words for planning!). This technique involves planning your actions with specifics on time and location to supercharge your goal attainment. Our conversation also delves into embracing challenges head-on and nurturing a mindset that finds joy in the journey, not just the destination.

Embark on a metaphorical mountain climb with me, as we explore how to celebrate and appreciate the small victories that pave your way to bigger successes. This episode is your roadmap to not just starting the new year strong but finishing it with a sense of accomplishment across academics, relationships, and teamwork. With practical tips and heartfelt encouragement, I am here to support your ascent toward your personal peaks. Connect with me on Instagram and Facebook to share your progress and insights—let's celebrate each step together!

For more about me - my experience and my speaking, check out the links below.

You can reach me at [email protected].

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenschoen/
https://www.firstgenfm.com/speaker-high-school-educators-students-parents

What if setting goals could be the secret ingredient to transforming your college dreams into reality? Join me, Jen Schoen, in this episode of College TNT as we embark on the new year with a focus on goal setting. You'll discover six pivotal tips (three in this episode) that are designed not just to inspire, but to equip you with the tools needed for a successful college journey. From deciphering your personal "why" to crafting detailed, actionable plans, we break down how understanding your motivations can set the foundation for both academic and personal triumphs.

As we navigate through the initial steps, I highlight the underestimated power of writing down your ambitions with precision, including specific timelines and measurable outcomes. It might sound straightforward, but this practice is instrumental in keeping your aspirations crystal clear and your progress on track. Whether you're a student mapping out your educational path or a parent determined to support your child's collegiate goals, this episode promises to transform aspirations into strategic actions. Let's kick off 2025 with renewed purpose and a clear roadmap to success!

For more about me - my experience and my speaking, check out the links below.

You can reach me at [email protected].

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenschoen/
https://www.firstgenfm.com/speaker-high-school-educators-students-parents

In this episode, I'll explore essential tips for writing a strong college or scholarship application essay that reflect your unique experiences and voice. The episode emphasizes adding unique details to show your experiences, effective editing, and the importance of proofreading for clarity and impact.

Topics will include 
- Importance of writing a personal essay specific to your experiences and using detailed examples to showcase your individuality
- Editing and proofreading as crucial steps in the writing process
- Techniques for ensuring your voice remains authentic through feedback, and some warnings against relying solely on spellcheck!

If you found these tips helpful, I’d love to hear your thoughts! Feel free to email me at [email protected] or reach out on social media on Facebook at CollegeTNT and on Instagram at College_TNT.

For more about me - my experience and my speaking, check out the links below.

You can reach me at [email protected].

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenschoen/
https://www.firstgenfm.com/speaker-high-school-educators-students-parents

Crafting a scholarship or college essay that stands out is no small feat, but what if you could transform your writing with a few actionable tips? Join me as I unlock the secrets to compelling essays with practical tips you can apply  to scholarship applications and to college admissions essays. Discover how staying on topic and adhering to word counts can enhance the impact of your essay, keeping you from being cut off mid-thought. From tackling the quirky Zombie Apocalypse Scholarship prompt to navigating open-ended questions on the Common App, I can guide you through essay writing.

These tips help you think strategically about your essays, aligning them with  values of the scholarships or institutions you're aiming for. Whether you're showcasing your community service for a Rotary scholarship or highlighting unique personal experiences, I emphasize the importance of resonating with your readers. In this episode, we focus on the foundational steps of crafting your essay, setting you up for success. Stay tuned for the next part, where we delve into personalizing your essay further and mastering the art of proofreading for an error-free final draft.

For more about me - my experience and my speaking, check out the links below.

You can reach me at [email protected].

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenschoen/
https://www.firstgenfm.com/speaker-high-school-educators-students-parents

Unlock the secrets to securing scholarships that ease the financial burden of college education! Learn how dedicating just one "Scholarship Power Hour" each week can transform your approach to finding those elusive opportunities. Use social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn to uncover scholarships that others might overlook. You'll also discover how tools like Pomofocus can help you maintain laser-sharp focus during your search. Don't pass by those hidden gems that aren't on the first page of Google results—as they often come with less competition. 

In anticipation of next week's tips on crafting meaningful scholarship and college application essays, I'll highlight the critical role a well-written essay plays in catching the attention of admission panels. 

With these tips, you'll be better prepared to present your best self in your applications, both for college and scholarships. So, join me on College TNT as I support you in making your college dreams a reality, one step at a time.

For more about me - my experience and my speaking, check out the links below.

You can reach me at [email protected].

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenschoen/
https://www.firstgenfm.com/speaker-high-school-educators-students-parents