In S1, E12 of From Carpool to College, Tara and Tracy sit down with talented recording artist Santina DiBenedetto, a rising senior at the University of Miami’s prestigious Frost School of Music. Santina takes us behind the scenes of her journey, from navigating the college application and audition process to building a multidisciplinary undergraduate experience that has allowed her to grow as a student, musician, songwriter, and artist. Santina shares what drew her to Frost, how she has taken advantage of the opportunities available to her, and what it’s really like pursuing a creative path at the college level. Prolifically writing and creating music while exploring multiple areas of study, she offers a great example of how college can become so much more than simply earning a degree.For students considering music, the arts, or any specialized college program, and for the parents trying to help them find the right fit, Santina’s story is a reminder that the college journey isn’t just about getting accepted. It’s about what you do once you get there: exploring your interests, building relationships, taking chances, creating opportunities, and making the experience your own. From application to acceptance to absolutely thriving, this is a student perspective you won’t want to miss. S1, E12

Want to Keep the Conversation Going?We’d love to have you along for the ride!

• Follow Along: Subscribe or follow From Carpool to College wherever you listen so you never miss a new episode.
• Help Others Find Us: Enjoyed the episode? A quick rating or review helps other parents discover the podcast, and we truly appreciate it.
• Join the Conversation: Have a question, a story to share, or an idea for a future episode? We want to hear it! Email us at [email protected] or connect with us on social media using #FromCarpoolToCollege.

Keep us rolling and support us by clicking the banner at www.fromcarpooltocollege.com.

In this episode, we explore how to help your student choose a college major that aligns with their natural skills and interests while preparing them for a tech-driven future. We discuss why it's crucial to look beyond just passion and consider aptitude, market demand, and how technology is reshaping every industry. Learn how traditional majors are evolving to incorporate tech skills, why computational thinking matters across all fields, and how to encourage your student to build a foundation that's both meaningful and marketable. Whether your teen is drawn to the humanities, STEM, business, or the arts, this episode will help you guide them toward a major that leverages their strengths while keeping them competitive in an increasingly digital world. S1, E11



Want to Keep the Conversation Going?We’d love to have you along for the ride!

• Follow Along: Subscribe or follow From Carpool to College wherever you listen so you never miss a new episode.
• Help Others Find Us: Enjoyed the episode? A quick rating or review helps other parents discover the podcast, and we truly appreciate it.
• Join the Conversation: Have a question, a story to share, or an idea for a future episode? We want to hear it! Email us at [email protected] or connect with us on social media using #FromCarpoolToCollege.

Keep us rolling and support us by clicking the banner at www.fromcarpooltocollege.com.

Decoding Admissions Deadlines: ED, EA, RD, and Rolling. What's the Difference? In this episode, we break down the alphabet soup of college admissions deadlines and help you understand what each one means for your student. We explain the differences between Early Decision, Early Action, Regular Decision, and Rolling Admissions, including the pros and cons of each option. Learn about binding vs. non-binding applications, how early deadlines can impact financial aid, and strategic considerations for when to apply where. We'll help you understand restrictive Early Action policies, whether applying early actually improves admissions chances, and how to create a timeline that reduces stress while maximizing opportunities. By the end of this episode, you'll be able to guide your student in choosing the right application strategy for their college list. S1, E10


Want to Keep the Conversation Going?We’d love to have you along for the ride!

• Follow Along: Subscribe or follow From Carpool to College wherever you listen so you never miss a new episode.
• Help Others Find Us: Enjoyed the episode? A quick rating or review helps other parents discover the podcast, and we truly appreciate it.
• Join the Conversation: Have a question, a story to share, or an idea for a future episode? We want to hear it! Email us at [email protected] or connect with us on social media using #FromCarpoolToCollege.

Keep us rolling and support us by clicking the banner at www.fromcarpooltocollege.com.

In this episode, we confront the dangerous myth that there's a "perfect" college applicant, and the pressure it puts on both parents and students. We explore how social media, competitive school cultures, and our own anxieties can lead us to push our teens toward an impossible standard of achievement. Learn how to recognize when expectations have become unhealthy, how perfectionism impacts your student's mental health and authenticity, and why colleges are actually looking for real kids, not robots. We discuss how to celebrate your student's unique strengths, support them through setbacks, and reframe success in ways that prioritize well-being alongside achievement. This episode is a reality check and a permission slip to let your teen be human. S1, E9



Want to Keep the Conversation Going?We’d love to have you along for the ride!

• Follow Along: Subscribe or follow From Carpool to College wherever you listen so you never miss a new episode.
• Help Others Find Us: Enjoyed the episode? A quick rating or review helps other parents discover the podcast, and we truly appreciate it.
• Join the Conversation: Have a question, a story to share, or an idea for a future episode? We want to hear it! Email us at [email protected] or connect with us on social media using #FromCarpoolToCollege.

Keep us rolling and support us by clicking the banner at www.fromcarpooltocollege.com.

In this episode, we demystify one of the most important academic planning decisions: your student's math pathway through high school. We discuss why math matters so much in college admissions, how to choose between different tracks (Algebra, Geometry, Precalculus, Calculus, Statistics), and what level of math colleges actually expect to see. Learn how your student's intended major impacts their math requirements, whether doubling up on math courses makes sense, and how to support a student who's struggling or, conversely, ready to accelerate. We'll also address common concerns about AP Calculus, dual enrollment options, and how to balance rigor with your teen's strengths and interests. Whether your student loves math or dreads it, this episode will help you map out a strategy that keeps doors open for college. S1, E8


Want to Keep the Conversation Going?We’d love to have you along for the ride!

• Follow Along: Subscribe or follow From Carpool to College wherever you listen so you never miss a new episode.
• Help Others Find Us: Enjoyed the episode? A quick rating or review helps other parents discover the podcast, and we truly appreciate it.
• Join the Conversation: Have a question, a story to share, or an idea for a future episode? We want to hear it! Email us at [email protected] or connect with us on social media using #FromCarpoolToCollege.

Keep us rolling and support us by clicking the banner at www.fromcarpooltocollege.com.

In this episode, we tackle a tough dilemma many parents face: What do you do when your teen wants to quit an activity they've been doing for years, especially with college applications looming? We explore the tension between demonstrating commitment to admissions officers and honoring your student's evolving interests and mental health. Learn how to have honest conversations about timing, motivation, and the real impact on college applications. We discuss when it makes sense to encourage your teen to stick it out, when walking away is the right choice, and how to help them tell their story authentically, whether they stay or go. This episode will help you support your student in making decisions that are true to who they are, not just what looks good on paper. S1, E7


Want to Keep the Conversation Going?We’d love to have you along for the ride!

• Follow Along: Subscribe or follow From Carpool to College wherever you listen so you never miss a new episode.
• Help Others Find Us: Enjoyed the episode? A quick rating or review helps other parents discover the podcast, and we truly appreciate it.
• Join the Conversation: Have a question, a story to share, or an idea for a future episode? We want to hear it! Email us at [email protected] or connect with us on social media using #FromCarpoolToCollege.

Keep us rolling and support us by clicking the banner at www.fromcarpooltocollege.com.

In this episode, we break down everything parents need to know about standardized testing in today's college admissions landscape. We explore the differences between the SAT and ACT, how to determine which test is right for your student, and whether test prep is worth the investment. With more colleges adopting test-optional policies, we discuss when submitting scores helps and when it might not. Learn how to support your teen through test anxiety, create a realistic testing timeline, and understand what role these scores actually play in the admissions process. Whether your student is a natural test-taker or finds standardized tests stressful, this episode will help you navigate this piece of the puzzle with confidence. S1, E6



Want to Keep the Conversation Going?We’d love to have you along for the ride!

• Follow Along: Subscribe or follow From Carpool to College wherever you listen so you never miss a new episode.
• Help Others Find Us: Enjoyed the episode? A quick rating or review helps other parents discover the podcast, and we truly appreciate it.
• Join the Conversation: Have a question, a story to share, or an idea for a future episode? We want to hear it! Email us at [email protected] or connect with us on social media using #FromCarpoolToCollege.

Keep us rolling and support us by clicking the banner at www.fromcarpooltocollege.com.

In this episode, we discuss the college essay, one of the most daunting parts of the application process for students and parents alike. We discuss how to help your teen brainstorm authentic topics, find their unique voice, and craft a compelling story that stands out to admissions officers. Learn where parents can be helpful (proofreading, encouragement) and where you need to step back (writing it for them!). We'll cover common essay pitfalls, how to give constructive feedback without taking over, and tips for managing the stress that often comes with this high-stakes writing assignment. By the end, you'll know how to support your student in creating an essay that's genuinely theirs. S1, E5


Want to Keep the Conversation Going?We’d love to have you along for the ride!

• Follow Along: Subscribe or follow From Carpool to College wherever you listen so you never miss a new episode.
• Help Others Find Us: Enjoyed the episode? A quick rating or review helps other parents discover the podcast, and we truly appreciate it.
• Join the Conversation: Have a question, a story to share, or an idea for a future episode? We want to hear it! Email us at [email protected] or connect with us on social media using #FromCarpoolToCollege.

Keep us rolling and support us by clicking the banner at www.fromcarpooltocollege.com.

College isn’t the only next step after high school, and it doesn’t have to happen right away. In S1, E4 of Carpool to College, Tara and Tracy talk about gap years and the many ways young adults can use time after high school to grow, explore, and figure out what comes next. From work and travel to volunteering and other real-world experiences, they discuss how stepping off the traditional path can provide valuable opportunities for self-discovery and development. Sometimes the best way forward is taking the time to figure out where you actually want to go.S1, E4



Want to Keep the Conversation Going?We’d love to have you along for the ride!

• Follow Along: Subscribe or follow From Carpool to College wherever you listen so you never miss a new episode.
• Help Others Find Us: Enjoyed the episode? A quick rating or review helps other parents discover the podcast, and we truly appreciate it.
• Join the Conversation: Have a question, a story to share, or an idea for a future episode? We want to hear it! Email us at [email protected] or connect with us on social media using #FromCarpoolToCollege.

Keep us rolling and support us by clicking the banner at www.fromcarpooltocollege.com.

In S1, E3 of Carpool to College, Tara shares what it was like attending a college Open House with her daughter, and what families might not realize is happening behind the scenes. Tara and Tracy talk about why college visits matter, what “demonstrated interest” really means, and how an Open House can help students get a better feel for a school beyond the website and brochures. Can’t make it to an official Open House? Don’t stress. There’s more than one way to explore a college, show interest, and figure out if a school feels like the right fit. S1, E3



Want to Keep the Conversation Going?We’d love to have you along for the ride!

• Follow Along: Subscribe or follow From Carpool to College wherever you listen so you never miss a new episode.
• Help Others Find Us: Enjoyed the episode? A quick rating or review helps other parents discover the podcast, and we truly appreciate it.
• Join the Conversation: Have a question, a story to share, or an idea for a future episode? We want to hear it! Email us at [email protected] or connect with us on social media using #FromCarpoolToCollege.

Keep us rolling and support us by clicking the banner at www.fromcarpooltocollege.com.