In this episode, Peg Keough sits down with fellow Jersey girl and longtime College Aid Pro advocate Lisa Burfine, Director of School Counseling for the Cranford Public Schools—and an application reader for UC Berkeley.

With decades of experience guiding students and families through the college process, Lisa brings a rare dual perspective: what high school counselors see and what really happens once an application lands on an admissions desk. Together, Peg and Lisa dive into what makes a strong college application, common mistakes students make, and why authenticity matters far more than perfection.

They discuss:

• How colleges (yes, even large public universities) actually read applications

• Why depth matters more than a long activity list

• What admissions readers look for beyond grades and test scores

• How essays can make or break an application—and why they don’t need to be dramatic

• The role of AI in application writing and how inconsistency can hurt students

• Why finances should be part of the college conversation from day one

• How parents can best support their students without steering the ship for them

Whether you’re a parent, student, or counselor, this episode is a must-listen reminder to take a deep breath, stay authentic, and remember: there is no such thing as only one “right” college.

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