collegepreppodcast's podcast

Today we’re diving into a lister question! A parent asks: How can students decide if AP, IB, or dual credit classes are worth taking? With so many options, it can be confusing to know which courses will actually count for college credit—and which might not be worth the extra effort.

In this episode, we break down the key differences between AP, IB, and dual credit courses and explain how each can (or can’t) transfer for college credit. We also share strategies to help students make the best choice based on their goals, including:

—Understanding their primary motivation—whether it’s earning college credit, boosting GPA, or preparing for tougher coursework.

—Researching school-specific policies to find out which credits will transfer to their target colleges.

–Evaluating the quality of instruction, as some high school teachers offer more one-on-one support than college professors.

–Anticipating changes in credit policies that may impact what transfers by the time they enroll.

Whether students want early college credit or a stronger transcript, this conversation will help them decide which courses are the best investment of their time.

Join the conversation! Email your questions to [email protected] or watch us on YouTube (@CollegePrepPodcast) and drop your questions in the comments—they could be featured in a future episode! https://www.youtube.com/@CollegePrepPodcast

The post 565: Earning College Credit in High School: Are AP, IB & Dual Credit Classes Worth It?! appeared first on The College Prep Podcast.

Should legacy admissions still exist in 2025? For decades, many colleges have given special consideration to applicants with alumni parents, but now, this practice is under fire. With more schools eliminating legacy preferences, critics argue that it unfairly benefits privileged students—especially as affirmative action faces new restrictions.

In this episode, we dive deep into the debate. Inspired by a recent Teen Vogue article, we discuss how legacy admissions shape college demographics, who truly benefits, and whether removing them is the right solution—or if it leads to unintended consequences. Are these policies a way to maintain school traditions, or do they block opportunities for deserving students? And how do colleges that have eliminated legacy preferences compare to those that still use them?

We explore both sides of the issue, breaking down what this shift means for future applicants and college admissions as a whole. While there are no easy answers, this conversation sheds light on how higher education continues to evolve.

Join the conversation! Watch us on YouTube (@CollegePrepPodcast), subscribe for full episodes, and leave a comment to share your thoughts. Have a question? Drop it in the comments—it might be featured in a future episode!

Watch now: https://youtu.be/3jQ89JKqQAQ

Read the article: Teen Vogue – The Movement Against Legacy Admissions

The post 564: Who Deserves a Spot? The Future of Legacy Admissions appeared first on The College Prep Podcast.

Did you know your professors are one of the most underutilized resources on campus?

In this episode, we explore why building a relationship with your professors is a game-changer for your college success. You’ll learn:

Your professors want to see you succeed—take the first step this week and unlock their potential to transform your college experience!

Ready to learn more strategies and make this the BEST SEMESTER EVER? Unlock Alma Modern’s free microcourses at https://almamodern.com/library

Prefer to watch our video podcast? Find this episode and more on our new YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@CollegePrepPodcast Be sure subscribe and start a conversation with us in the comments!

The post 563: Professors: the Underutilized Key to College Success appeared first on The College Prep Podcast.

Summer break is just around the corner! Don’t let it slip away. This episode is packed with valuable advice for high school and college students (and their parents/educators) on how to make the most of their summer break.

We explore 6 key activities that can boost academic performance, explore career interests, and ease the transition to college:

–Fill in the Gaps: Address academic weaknesses and explore extracurricular passions.
–Gain Real-World Experience: Find a job, internship, or create your own “internship simulation.”
–Test the Waters with Summer Camp: Explore college life, try out different majors, and gain independence.
–Hit the Road for College Visits: Take campus tours, talk to students, and get a feel for different schools.
–Dive Deep into Your Interests: Explore potential majors through reading lists, online courses, and self-directed learning.
–Get a Head Start on College Essays: (Seniors) Tackle those essays early and reduce application season stress.

P.S. We’re thrilled to announce that the College Prep Podcast is now on YouTube! Catch this episode and all our future content on our channel: https://www.youtube.com/@CollegePrepPodcast Subscribe now and let’s have a conversation in the comments!

Tune in now and discover how to transform your summer from a break into a launchpad for success!

The post 562: Level Up Your Summer: 6 Ways Students Can Prep for College appeared first on The College Prep Podcast.

A new semester means new beginnings, but you don’t need to revamp your entire process to reach your goals this semester. In fact, just a few small changes to daily habits can make a HUGE difference in how students learn and perform. In this episode, we break down a few easy-to-implement habits that add up to big impact:

Whether you’re a student looking to boost your grades this semester or a parent/educator supporting a student’s journey, this episode is packed with actionable strategies for success. Tune in now and discover the power of positive academic habits!

Let’s make this your BEST SEMESTER EVER—Unlock your potential and defy the odds with our FREE college success microcourses at almamodern.com

The post 561: Small Habits, Big Results: Unlock Your Academic Potential This Semester appeared first on The College Prep Podcast.