Our host Sean has guided us through about 30 episodes of Future’s So Bright. But as 2021 draws to a close, we decided to turn the tables and put him in the hot seat. What has he learned along the way as a former Class 101 student and a current college sophomore? It’s not all cheese puffs and intramural softball in college…or is it? 

For as many students who know exactly what they want to major in, there are just as many (or more) students who don’t have a clue—and that’s okay! College is about trying new things, understanding what you like and value, and putting it all together for a fulfilling major and career. This week, we talk with special guest Linda Gregory, Executive Director of Exploratory Studies at Purdue University, to find out more about how starting out college undecided might actually help you in the long run. 

Time for our Juniors to chime in on how things are going for them in the college planning process! With only 9 months until the class of 2023 starts applying to college, they’re working on resumes, reviewing colleges, and getting in gear for senior year. Special guests Baylee, JohnThomas, and Logan are on their way to being Class 101 Super Juniors, and share with us what they’re learning through the process. 

What is a liberal arts college, and is it right for you? This week, our host Sean gets to stay close to home, as he talks with Jon Sims, the Associate Dean of Admissions at Davidson College in Davidson, North Carolina. Sims shares how liberal arts education offers students the chance to see the connections between different areas of study—something employers actively recruit for. It can also be a great fit for pre-professional majors, like pre-med and pre-law, and a great dual major opportunity for engineers. Yes—really!

What if your passion is creative, and not just academic? Our host Sean is joined by friend and Class 101 Franklin alumna, Izzy, to talk about her journey to New England Conservatory. What kind of commitment does it take to choose a creative path? What advice does she have for other aspiring musicians and creatives? And most importantly—just how awesome is Boston? 

It’s less than a week until Early Action deadlines for most colleges. Three of our Class 101 Franklin seniors—Abigail, Ava, and Weston—take a few minutes during the busy college application season to share how their plans are shaping up. What did they look for in colleges, and what do they wish they’d considered, or done differently? Don’t miss the great advice these class of 2022 seniors have to offer. 

Wondering about honors college and programs? What are the benefits? And what does it take to get in? Xylina Marshall, Honors Admissions Counselor at The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, is our special guest this episode. Though honors colleges are different at every school, she’s going to give us the inside scoop on UT’s Honors and Scholars Programs.

Choosing a college means comparing campuses, dorms, programs of study…but it also means comparing financial aid packages. Each college will give you their best “deal” with a combination of scholarships, grants, work-study, and more. Listen to find out more about what goes into those packages, how colleges get to those numbers, and what happens if you feel like it still isn’t the bargain you were hoping for.

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Found money makes everyone happy—coins in the couch, dollar bills in the laundry, that money tree in the backyard (everyone has one of those, right?). But finding money to pay for college is next level. Listen to find out more about the various kinds of scholarships and where to find them. Hint: It’s not in the couch cushions. 

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This one’s just for those of us who hail from the state that gave us Goo Goo Clusters, hot chicken sandwiches, and more than a few musical icons, including Aretha Franklin and Dolly Parton. Tennessee residents have two great opportunities to make college more affordable—the HOPE scholarship and the Tennessee Promise. Listen to find out more! 

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