Higher-Ed Hacks

By Oklahoma GEAR UP

Thinking about going to college?

Higher Ed Hacks breaks down everything you need to know — like how to prepare for college, how to choose a college, how to apply for financial aid, FAFSA in Oklaho... more

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FAQs about Higher-Ed Hacks:

How many episodes does Higher-Ed Hacks have?

The podcast currently has 10 episodes available.

Higher-Ed Hacks episodes:

June 20, 2024 Ep. 9: Workforce Development
In this episode, Higher Ed Hacks welcomed Dr. Cassidy Minx, and together we covered the role higher education plays in supporting our state’s economy and how Oklahoma GEAR UP partners with university-bound students to set them up for success while getting their degree.
During our conversation, we covered how the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education is supporting Workforce and Economic Development in the state, the changing landscape of our job market and the value of getting a college degree. High school students in GEAR UP districts can connect with their school specialist today to learn more and get started!
Episode Links:
Why go to college?
How GEAR UP Impacts Communities Across Oklahoma
Connect with us!
Higher Ed Hacks
www.okgearup.org
www.facebook.com/okGearUp
www.instagram.com/ok_gearup
www.twitter.com/ok_gearup
...more
14min
June 13, 2024 Ep. 8: Financial Planning
In this episode, Higher Ed Hacks welcomed Kassidy Marshall and together we dove into “college basics,” the basic building blocks for preparing for college and making the transition from high school to college.

During our conversation, we covered college visits, college applications, financial aid planning, college orientation reimbursement and CONNECT U. High school students in GEAR UP districts can connect with their school specialist today to learn more and get started!
Episode Links:
College Basics
College Visits
Reach out to your School Specialist
What to Expect on College Applications Blog
Oklahoma College Assistance Program’s College Application Checklist
College Application Support Webpage
Finding Money for College
College Orientation Reimbursement
CONNECT U
How to Succeed in College Blog
What GEAR UP College Coaches Can Do For You Blog
Connect with your College Coach
Connect with us!
Higher Ed Hacks
www.okgearup.org
www.facebook.com/okGearUp
www.instagram.com/ok_gearup
www.twitter.com/ok_gearup
...more
8min
June 06, 2024 Ep. 7: Oklahoma's Promise
In this episode, Higher Ed Hacks welcomed Dr. Colbi Beam, and together we dove into Oklahoma’s Promise and how Oklahoma GEAR UP partners with students and parents as they apply and prep for college.
During our conversation, we reviewed how to apply for Oklahoma’s Promise, who can apply, what the scholarship covers and more. High school students in GEAR UP districts can connect with their school specialist today to learn more and get started!
Episode Links:
Oklahoma’s Promise Website
Oklahoma’s Promise Program Requirements
Reach out to your School Specialist
Learn more about Oklahoma’s Promise
FAFSA Fast Facts Blog
Learn more about financial aid at StudentAid.gov
Connect with us!
Higher Ed Hacks
www.okgearup.org
www.facebook.com/okGearUp
www.instagram.com/ok_gearup
www.twitter.com/ok_gearup
...more
7min
December 12, 2023 Ep. 6: FAFSA (Free Application For Federal Student Aid)
In this episode, Higher Ed Hacks welcomed GEAR UP School Specialist Cassie Landers and together we covered all things FAFSA, and the resources Oklahoma GEAR UP provides parents and students during the application process.
During our conversation, we dove into what the FAFSA is, how to fill it out and overall advice and tips for the whole process. High school students in GEAR UP districts can connect with their school specialist today to learn more and get started!
Episode Links
StudentAid.Gov - Create your FSA ID!
FAFSA 101: A Q&A with School Specialist Jamie Shanks
Connect with your School Specialist

Connect with us!
www.okgearup.org
www.facebook.com/okGearUp
www.instagram.com/ok_gearup
www.twitter.com/ok_gearup
...more
9min
November 16, 2023 Ep. 5: Financial Planning
In this episode, Higher Ed Hacks welcomed Jamie Shanks, and together we dove into financial planning for college, and the resources Oklahoma GEAR UP provides parents and students as they prepare.
During our conversation, we covered the top ways to plan financially for college, how to reduce costs and tips for parent and students. High school students in GEAR UP districts can connect with their school specialist today to learn more and get started!
Episode Links
Oklahoma’s Promise
Oklahoma 529
OKCollegeStart
Oklahoma Community Colleges
Work-Study
Connect with your School Specialist
Connect with us!
www.okgearup.org
www.facebook.com/okGearUp
www.instagram.com/ok_gearup
www.twitter.com/ok_gearup
...more
9min
October 05, 2023 Ep. 4: College Application Essays
In this episode, Higher Ed Hacks welcomed GEAR UP College Coach at Northeastern State University, Kasady Marshall, and together we covered how to write an amazing college application essay, and how Oklahoma GEAR UP partners with students as they apply to colleges.
During our conversation, we dove into how to pick a college application essay topic, how to get started writing and how GEAR UP can support students as they apply to colleges. We covered the importance of selecting a personal topic and provided specific tips on how to write an impactful essay. High school students in GEAR UP districts can connect with their school specialist today to learn more and get started!
Episode Links
College Application Essay Tips
Connect with your School Specialist
Connect with us!
www.okgearup.org
www.facebook.com/okGearUp
www.instagram.com/ok_gearup
www.twitter.com/ok_gearup
...more
11min
September 18, 2023 Ep. 3: How To Choose A College
In this episode, Higher Ed Hacks welcomed GEAR UP College Coach at Rogers State University, Sarah Adcock, and together we dove into how to pick the right college, and how Oklahoma GEAR UP partners with students to help them explore their options and find the best fit.
During our conversation, we dove into the various factors to consider when selecting a college, including location, campus atmosphere, financial considerations, extracurricular activities, course offerings, academic support services and more. We covered the importance of scheduling college visits to experience the campus atmosphere firsthand and provided tips on making the most of these visits. From exploring colleges to assisting with scheduling a college visit, GEAR UP is here to help students succeed. High school students in GEAR UP districts can connect with their school specialist today to learn more and get started!
Episode Links
Nonacademic Factors
Academic Factors
Schedule a College Visit
Connect with your School Specialist
Connect with us!
www.okgearup.org
www.facebook.com/okGearUp
www.instagram.com/ok_gearup
www.twitter.com/ok_gearup
...more
8min
July 20, 2023 Ep. 2: The Path to College (& how GEAR UP helps)
In this episode, Higher Ed Hacks welcomed GEAR UP Education Coordinator, Connie Arneson, and together we explored the many benefits of getting a degree, how to get on the path to college, and the resources our creator, Oklahoma GEAR UP, provides for university-bound students.
During our conversation, we discussed the reasons why it’s good to go to college, both short-term and long-term. From job security to increased earnings, getting a degree can have an immensely positive effect on your career and life path. We also covered how students can get started preparing for college and the resources GEAR UP offers to support them along the way. From selecting the right college to financial planning to college orientation reimbursement, GEAR UP is here to help students succeed. High school students in GEAR UP districts can connect with their school specialist today to learn more and get started!
Episode Links
Why Go to College?
Grade-by-Grade Checklist
GEAR UP Helps Landing Page
Financial Aid
Top Scholarship Databases
EdReady ACT Online Prep Tool
College Orientation Reimbursement
Oklahoma’s College Application Resources
CONNECT U
Connect with your School Specialist
Connect with us!
Higher Ed Hacks webpage
www.okgearup.org
www.facebook.com/okGearUp
www.instagram.com/ok_gearup
...more
12min
April 28, 2023 Ep. 1: Benefits of Concurrent Enrollment
In this episode, Higher Ed Hacks dove into concurrent classes and how they benefit students preparing for college. We welcomed experts, Lynne Walker (GEAR UP Education Coordinator for Clinton, Duncan and Woodward) and Lorri Windom (GEAR UP School Specialist for Clinton and Duncan).
During our conversation, we discussed how concurrent classes can help students get a head start on general courses and gain college class experience. Many high schools in Oklahoma have Early College High School (ECHS) programs that partner with local colleges and universities to provide the opportunity for high school juniors and seniors to earn college credit. High school seniors in qualifying GEAR UP districts (scroll to bottom of page to view districts) who meet the concurrent enrollment eligibility requirements are entitled to receive tuition waivers for up to 18 credit hours, and juniors can receive tuition waivers up to 9 credit hours. That’s a possible 27 tuition-free hours! Scroll to the bottom of the OKCollegeStart Concurrent Classes page to see if your high school has an ECHS program!
Connect with us!
Higher Ed Hacks landing page
www.okgearup.org
www.facebook.com/okGearUp
www.instagram.com/ok_gearup
www.twitter.com/ok_gearup
...more
18min
April 20, 2023 Introduction to Higher Ed Hacks
Do you have a goal of getting a college degree? Welcome to Higher Ed Hacks. I’m your host, Lily Swindell. With the help of our creator, Oklahoma GEAR UP, we’ll break down the benefits of getting a college degree and give you the best college prep tips and tricks. From choosing the right college to writing your essay to financial planning, our line-up of guests will tell you what you need to know. We’ll also uncover bonus resources and assistance GEAR UP offers to students in qualifying GEAR UP districts around Oklahoma. We want to help you apply to college, get ready for college and be successful when you get there. Going to college is an investment in your future, and Higher Ed Hacks is here to help. Ready to dig in? Start listening now!
...more
1min

FAQs about Higher-Ed Hacks:

How many episodes does Higher-Ed Hacks have?

The podcast currently has 10 episodes available.