collegepreppodcast's podcast

By Megan Dorsey & Erin TempestEducation Kids & Family

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Typical duration
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per episode

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collegepreppodcast's podcast episodes

August 04, 2025589: The Three People Students Need to Succeed in College
Students who build a support system early are more likely to succeed—and stay—in college. That’s why Alma Modern created the Three Connections Challenge: a simple way for students to build meaningful relationships in their first few weeks on campus.
In this mini-episode, we walk through how to connect with:
One professor – Use office hours to introduce yourself and ask for a success tip
One campus professional – Visit support services like advising, wellness, or tutoring
One peer – Start a conversation with a classmate or club member
These aren’t just friendly gestures, they’re foundational habits for thriving socially, emotionally, and academically.
60% of first-year college students are underprepared to succeed. Make sure your student is prepared with LAUNCH, a flexible, summer-before-college program that equips students with the learning, mindset, and productivity skills they need to thrive—starting from Day 1.
Join us at almamodern.com/launch
The post 589: The Three People Students Need to Succeed in College appeared first on The College Prep Podcast.
15 min
July 28, 2025588: Is the Optional SAT/ACT Essay REALLY Optional?
Many parents are confused by the optional essay portion of the SAT/ACT and wonder if their student should register. Will it make them look more responsible? Will it improve their chances of admission? in short, for most students, no.
In this mini-episode, we explain:
Why the writing portion is separate from the main test score
How it can actually hurt performance due to mental fatigue
Why most colleges no longer consider the essay for admissions
The one exception: some states require it for high school graduation
Have questions about the SAT/ACT? Email us at [email protected] or comment on YouTube (@CollegePrepPodcast).
The post 588: Is the Optional SAT/ACT Essay REALLY Optional? appeared first on The College Prep Podcast.
10 min
July 21, 2025587: Do You Really Need to Buy Textbooks? (Yes—Here’s Why)
In college, the textbook isn’t just “extra reading”, it’s a central part of how successful students learn. Skipping it can mean falling behind fast.
In this mini-episode, we explain:
Why textbooks are key to the college learning cycle: before, during, and after class
What to do when professors say the book “might not be necessary”
Creative ways to access books affordably: borrow, rent, share, or use the library
How to avoid scrambling by setting a textbook plan before Week 1 ends
A smart textbook strategy can make the difference between staying on track and playing catch-up all semester.
60% of first-year college students are underprepared to succeed. Make sure your student is prepared with LAUNCH, a flexible, summer-before-college program that equips students with the learning, mindset, and productivity skills they need to thrive—starting from Day 1.
Join us at almamodern.com/launch
The post 587: Do You Really Need to Buy Textbooks? (Yes—Here’s Why) appeared first on The College Prep Podcast.
12 min
July 14, 2025586: College is MUCH More Than Earning a Piece of Paper
Too often, college is reduced to “just get the degree.” But what truly shapes a student’s future isn’t only the diploma—it’s the experience.
In this mini-episode, we explore:
Why atmosphere, culture, and community matter
How challenges like roommate issues, homesickness, and self-management are part of the learning
The value of personal growth that happens outside the classroom
Why day-to-day experience should be a real factor in school selection
College is a major rite of passage. The degree matters, but so does who a student becomes in the process.
Questions? Email us at [email protected] or comment on YouTube (@CollegePrepPodcast).
The post 586: College is MUCH More Than Earning a Piece of Paper appeared first on The College Prep Podcast.
11 min
July 07, 2025585: Is Your Student Prepared to Function in College Without You?
College brings a sudden surge in independence—and for many students, that shift reveals just how much they’ve been relying on others to manage their routines.
In this mini-episode, we explore:
Why summer is the ideal time to practice daily and weekly routines
The importance of identifying what habits actually work (and which don’t)
Questions students should ask now: Who’s keeping me on track—me or someone else?
What needs to shift before college to stay on top of wellness, time, and responsibilities
From remembering medication to setting sleep schedules, students need to own their habits before the first day of class—not after the first crisis.
60% of first year college students are underprepared to succeed. LAUNCH is a flexible summer-before-college program that equips students with the learning, mindset, and productivity skills they need to THRIVE starting Day 1.
Join us at almamodern.com/launch
The post 585: Is Your Student Prepared to Function in College Without You? appeared first on The College Prep Podcast.
11 min
June 30, 2025584: Don’t Wait Until Decision Day to Talk About College Cost
Imagine your student getting into their dream school, only to realize your family can’t afford to send them. It’s a soul-crushing reality that can be avoided with proper planning and communication.
In this mini-episode, we cover:
Why affordability should shape a student’s college list from the beginning
The importance of having honest, early conversations about cost
How to factor financial fit alongside academic and personal fit
What to do now to avoid heartbreak later
Questions? Email us at [email protected] or comment on YouTube (@CollegePrepPodcast).
The post 584: Don’t Wait Until Decision Day to Talk About College Cost appeared first on The College Prep Podcast.
13 min
June 24, 2025 591_Three_Warning_Signs_Your_Student_Is_Behind_and_how_to_fix_it.mp3
11 min
June 24, 2025 590_Community_College_Doesnt_Have_to_Be_Your_Backup_Plan.mp3
11 min
June 24, 2025 589_The_Three_People_Students_Need_to_Succeed_in_College.mp3
15 min
June 24, 2025 588_Is_the_Optional_SAT_ACT_Essay_REALLY_Optional_.mp3
10 min

About collegepreppodcast's podcast

From the publisher's feed

Better grades with less stress on your path to the perfect college. Join Megan Dorsey and Erin Tempest as they discuss strategies for SAT/ACT prep, academic planning, study skills, finding the right…