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Smart College Buyer Podcast

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Optimizing Your Child's College Journey with Jack Wang

In this episode of the New Money, New Problems podcast, we interview special guest Jack Wang, a financial advisor specializing in college planning. 

Jack discusses strategies for optimizing your child's journey to college, focusing on how to maximize financial aid and minimize student debt. The conversation covers the importance of aligning extracurricular activities with intended majors, the differences between getting accepted to college and securing financial aid, and the timing of college planning. 

We also explore the advantages of less well-known but excellent colleges and the factors to consider when choosing schools. This episode is packed with valuable information for parents looking to plan their children's educational futures effectively.

00:00 Introduction to the Episode
00:33 Celebrating Milestones: 100th Episode Announcement
02:29 Introducing Today's Topic and Guest
04:00 Jack Wang's Background and Expertise
06:05 The Reality of College Aid and Admissions
06:35 Personal Journey: How Jack Entered the Field
08:57 Private vs. Public School Strategies
17:05 Extracurricular Activities: Myths and Realities
20:21 Understanding College Aid: What Really Matters
24:27 Communicating Commitment to Colleges
25:52 When to Start the College Application Process
27:47 Financial Aid and Tax Strategies
31:01 Standardized Tests and Extracurricular Activities
31:59 Creating a Realistic College List
36:51 Alternative College Options and Financial Strategies
43:32 Conclusion and Final Thoughts