collegepreppodcast's podcast

The college search process is intimidating for any families; add an “undocumented” status, and it becomes even more complex.

In this episode, Megan walks us through some basic things to think about for any undocumented students and families, as well as the professionals who support them.

We discuss:

• the definition of undocumented
• the college-related challenges of being undocumented
• college-search related actions that may jeopardize your status or risk deportation
• what do do once you’re in college
• how to support students who are undocumented
• and more.

Megan also shares some resources for undocumented students: The Dream, My Undocumented Life, andThe Dreamer’s Roadmap.

The post 357: Supporting Undocumented Students with the College Search Process appeared first on The College Prep Podcast.

There is more and more demand for academic coaches!

If you are a family considering whether to hire one, listen in to this discussion about how to find the right one… and how to set your student up for success.

In this episode, Gretchen engages in conversation with five Anti-Boring Approach Trained Coaches in her community about their best and worst experiences with families considering academic coaching services.

It’s an invaluable listen for families who want to encourage the right coach to say “yes” to working with their kiddos.

If you would like to work with one of these coaches, check this link.

The post 356: What (Not) To Do When Hiring An Academic Coach appeared first on The College Prep Podcast.

Concerned about the high cost of college? Join the club.

Megan walks families through seven strategies to reduce the cost of college. This is a “must-listen” for anyone getting started with the college search journey!

She covers topics like how to:

• Collect lower cost credits
• Weigh choices like tuition vs housing/food and being an RA vs. living off campus
• Identify “feels like” schools that might be cheaper
• Make clear priorities for yourself
• Graduate in 3 years to save 25% on room & board
• Know the difference between scholarships and financial aid
• And more!

The post 355: Realistic Strategies for Reducing College Costs appeared first on The College Prep Podcast.

A crucial life skill we need to teach our teens is how to ask for help and take better advantage of the resources right under their noses.

Tune in as Megan and Gretchen brainstorm the resources they wish students would access more than they do, including:

• the campus counseling
• the academic center
• the career center
• your teachers
• friends, and
• online resources

The post 354: 6 Academic Resources Students Don’t Use Enough appeared first on The College Prep Podcast.

(This episode originally aired in March 2018)

The national average of number of AP classes taken by students admitted to top universities is five to eight total. That’s a lot!

Deciding whether to take (or not take) Advanced Placement classes is more complicated that simply taking as many tests as possible.

In this episode we discuss in detail the following considerations:

1. The importance of students choosing an appropriate level of challenge
2. The fact that AP classes (and the AP exams) can push students to learn at a higher level, which is great prep for college!
3. How to think through your priorities when considering AP
4. What does your family hope to get out of an AP class– higher learning, AP credit, boost to school GPA / rank, better teachers, taking class with peers, etc.
5. What are your alternatives?
6. What will the student have to give up to take these classes?
7. How to monitor appropriateness (grades, time spent studying, mental health)
8. When to go for it, and how to step down if you realize it’s too much

The post 353: AP or Not to AP: Controversy & Considerations [Reprise] appeared first on The College Prep Podcast.