In this episode of From Carpool to College, Tara and Tracy give Professor Tom the floor to share what professors wish students and parents knew before that first day of college. What habits are helping students succeed, and which ones are getting in their way? From communicating with professors and managing deadlines to taking responsibility and advocating for themselves, the transition from high school student to independent college student can be a big one.Professor Tom shares his perspective from the other side of the classroom and offers parents a glimpse into what college professors are actually seeing from today’s students. We talk about the skills teens need to start developing before they leave home and why sometimes the best preparation for college has nothing to do with academics.If you’re wondering whether your teen is truly ready for the independence and expectations of college, this is a conversation you’ll want to hear. After all, getting into college is only the beginning. The real goal is helping our kids be ready to succeed once they get there! (Part 1 of 3) S3, E1

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In S2, E7 of From Carpool to College, Tara and Tracy pull back the curtain on how colleges market themselves to prospective students. From endless emails and glossy brochures to postcards, texts, social media posts, and targeted ads that seem to follow you everywhere, colleges have plenty of ways to get your student’s attention.But what does all that communication actually mean? Does receiving an email or brochure mean a college is genuinely interested in your student? Or are you simply seeing a really effective recruitment strategy? We talk about how families can sort through the noise and understand the difference between college marketing and actual admissions interest. Not every email is a sign that your student has a better chance of being accepted, but that doesn’t mean you should automatically hit delete either. Sometimes college marketing can introduce students to schools they may never have considered. That random brochure on the kitchen counter could lead your teen to discover a program, campus, or opportunity that turns out to be a great fit.We also remind families of something that can easily get lost during the admissions process: colleges aren’t just choosing students. Students are choosing colleges, too. Learning to look beyond the beautiful campus photos, catchy slogans, and perfectly curated social media feeds can help students become smarter consumers of all that college information. So before you toss that brochure or click “unsubscribe” from email number 47, join us as we decode the college marketing machine and talk about how families can use all that information to their advantage. S2, E7 


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In S2, E6 of From Carpool to College, Tracy and Tara take a closer look at the college interview, what it is, what it isn’t, and whether your student really needs to add one more thing to an already packed college application to-do list.We talk about how students can approach an interview without feeling like they need to rehearse the “perfect” answers, what colleges may actually be hoping to learn from the conversation, and why being prepared doesn’t have to mean being scripted. An interview can be another opportunity for students to share who they are beyond the grades, activities, test scores, and essays already included in their application.But we also explore a bigger idea that applicants often overlook: every interaction with a college can essentially become part of the interview. From conversations with admissions representatives at college fairs and campus visits to emails, phone calls, information sessions, and other interactions, the way a student communicates can leave an impression.That doesn’t mean students need to be “on” every second or turn every interaction into a performance. In fact, it’s just the opposite. Being respectful, engaged, curious, and authentic can go much further than trying to say exactly what you think an admissions officer wants to hear.So, should your student schedule the interview? How much preparation is enough? And is this really one more thing parents and students need to stress about?Tracy and Tara share their perspective on keeping the college interview, and the entire admissions process, in perspective. Because sometimes the best interview strategy is simply learning how to confidently show up as yourself. S2, E6


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In S2, E5 of From Carpool to College, Tara and Tracy tackle one of the hardest parts of the college application process, the waiting. Applications are in, decisions are out of your hands, and suddenly every email notification feels like it could be the one.We talk about what students and parents should (and shouldn’t) be doing during those weeks and months between submission and decision day. When is it appropriate to reach out to an admissions officer? What should your student say? Is there such a thing as too much demonstrated interest? And why is it important to keep exploring other colleges instead of becoming fixated on one dream school? We also dig into the emotional side of the waiting game. College admissions can quickly become all-consuming, especially when it feels like everyone around you is talking about acceptances, deferrals, and decisions. We share strategies for managing the anxiety, keeping things in perspective, and reminding your student that an admissions decision does not define their worth or their future. Most importantly, we’re talking about something families can easily lose sight of during application season: senior year is still happening! These are the last months of high school, filled with friends, traditions, milestones, and memories your student won’t get back. The applications have been submitted. The work has been done. Now take a breath, keep your options open, and don’t let the college process steal the joy from senior year. S2, E5


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In this episode, we guide parents through the process of helping their teen build a smart, balanced college list. Discover how to support your student in identifying schools that match their strengths, interests, and aspirations while keeping practical factors like cost, location, and outcomes in mind. We cover the difference between reach, target, and safety schools, red flags to watch for, and how to have productive conversations about college fit without adding pressure. Whether your student is just beginning their search or finalizing their list, you'll gain actionable strategies to be an effective partner in this important decision. S2, E4



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In S2, E4 of From Carpool to College, Tara and Tracy bring together a panel of experts for a big-picture conversation about the path from kindergarten through high school, college admissions, and ultimately life beyond college. With perspectives from professionals who work with students and families at different stages of the educational journey, we explore how the experiences, decisions, challenges, and opportunities along the way help shape our kids. S2, E4


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In this episode, we look back at the 2025-2026 college admissions cycle and unpack the trends, surprises, and lessons learned. We discuss what worked, what caught families off guard, and how the landscape continues to evolve, from acceptance rates and test-optional policies to majors and demonstrated interest. Learn what this year's results tell us about where admissions is headed and how future applicants can better prepare. We share real stories from families navigating the process, common mistakes to avoid, and silver linings that emerged even in disappointing outcomes. Whether your student is just starting their college journey or you're processing this year's results, this episode offers perspective, insight, and hope for the road ahead. S2, E3


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In this episode, we help you and your student approach college fairs with a game plan instead of feeling overwhelmed by rows of tables and stacks of brochures. We discuss how to prepare before you go, which colleges to prioritize at the fair, and what questions will actually give you valuable information beyond what's on the website. Learn how to make a memorable impression with admissions representatives, what to look for in your conversations, and how to follow up effectively afterward. We'll also cover the difference between large regional fairs and smaller school-hosted events, and whether virtual college fairs are worth your time. By the end of this episode, you'll know how to turn college fairs from exhausting information dumps into productive steps in your student's college search. S2, E2



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In this episode, we uncover the often-hidden factors that shape your student's college list, and help you separate helpful influences from harmful ones. We discuss how peer pressure, social media, prestige obsession, and even well-meaning relatives can steer your teen toward schools that aren't the right fit. Learn how to identify what should truly drive college selection: academic programs, campus culture, career outcomes, financial reality, and your student's individual needs and goals. We'll also explore how to have honest conversations about brand-name schools versus best-fit schools, and how to help your teen tune out the noise to focus on what actually matters for their success and happiness. This episode will empower you to build a college list based on substance, not status. S2, E1


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What if the “traditional” path to college isn’t the best path for your student?In S1, E13 of From Carpool to College, Tara and Tracy welcome Joey Longo, a second-semester senior at the College of Charleston, and this episode comes with an extra-special proud mom moment for cohost Tracy! Joey’s college journey didn’t begin with move-in day freshman year. He actually started earning college credits while he was still in high school through dual enrollment. From there, he spent a year at community college before making the move to the College of Charleston, where he found his place, embraced the college experience, and is now on track to graduate a semester early.Joey walks us through the decisions that shaped his journey and shares what it was like taking a path that looked a little different from the traditional high school-to-four-year-college route. We talk about dual enrollment, community college, transferring, adjusting to a new campus, and how the choices students make along the way can save time, save money, and ultimately lead them exactly where they’re supposed to be.For parents and students who feel like there’s only one “right” way to do college, Joey’s story is a refreshing reminder that there are many ways to get to the finish line. Sometimes a less traditional route can offer more flexibility, more opportunity, and a college experience that’s an even better fit. And yes, Tracy gets to sit back for a moment and enjoy this one as a very proud mom. From earning college credits in high school to living his best life in Charleston, Joey’s journey proves that your path doesn’t have to look like everyone else’s to be a successful one. S1, E13



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