College admissions are behind us and it’s time to check out and enjoy summer, right? Wrong. This summer is your secret weapon. Why? Because getting into college is just step one. The next challenge is making it all the way to graduation—and most students aren’t ready.

In this episode, we break down the five core skills every student needs to build before they step on campus, based on what actually leads to success, retention, and confidence during the first year.

Here’s what we cover:

Most students are missing at least one of these pillars. And they try to figure it out while juggling classes, deadlines, and a new life on their own. We don’t recommend that.

That’s exactly why we created LAUNCH, our summer prep program for students who want to hit the ground running. It’s packed with the tools, coaching, and guidance students need to feel ready—not just accepted.

Learn more about the program and join us: almamodern.com/launch

Have a question? Email us at [email protected] or comment on YouTube (@CollegePrepPodcast)—we might feature your question in a future episode.

The post 579: 5 Core Skills Every Student Needs BEFORE Day One of College appeared first on The College Prep Podcast.

Your college application isn’t just paperwork—it’s your personal sales pitch. It’s how you present your academic story, your values, and your potential to admissions committees who may only spend a few minutes reviewing it.

In the fourth episode of our College Admissions Essentials playlist, we break down what really goes into an effective application—and how students can approach it strategically, not just as a formality.

We cover:

This episode is both practical and perspective-shifting, helping students realize that while they can’t change their transcript, they can shape the way they present their story—and that work takes time, intention, and clarity.

Have questions? Email us at [email protected] or drop a comment on YouTube (@CollegePrepPodcast)—we might feature your question in a future episode.

The post 578: College Applications 101: Everything You Need to Know (College Admissions Essentials #4) appeared first on The College Prep Podcast.

Getting accepted to college is a huge milestone, but getting in and graduating are two very different challenges. The truth? Most students spend months preparing college applications and almost no time preparing for what happens next.

In this episode, we break down why getting into college doesn’t mean you’re ready for college—and what to do about it before day one.

We introduce the three essential pillars of college success that often get overlooked during the transition:
• Productivity – Managing time and tasks without anyone checking in
• Learning – Meeting higher academic expectations with deeper study skills
• Mindset – Handling failure, finding motivation, and staying emotionally resilient

You’ll learn how to self-assess your strengths and gaps, hear real-world examples of what happens when one pillar is missing, and get clear next steps to start building the skills that matter most—before you even step on campus.

If you or someone you love is heading to college this fall, NOW is the time to prepare for the real college experience.

Start building your foundation today with our free microlectures at almamodern.com/start and learn more about Alma Modern’s Summer College Transition Program, designed to help students master the learning, productivity, and mindset skills they need to thrive.

Prefer to watch? Be sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@CollegePrepPodcast
Have questions? Email us at [email protected] or comment on YouTube (@CollegePrepPodcast)—your question might be featured in a future episode.

The post 577: They Got In! Here’s how they make it to Graduation Day appeared first on The College Prep Podcast.

For students with learning differences or executive functioning challenges, the transition from high school to college can be exciting—but also overwhelming. That’s why we invited Cindy Palmer of Threshold Coaches to share her most essential, experience-tested tips to help neurodivergent students feel confident and supported as they step into college life.

With over 25 years of experience as an educator, therapist, and the founder of a tutoring company focused on diverse learners, Cindy now leads a coaching team that helps students build the skills they need to succeed in and beyond college.

In this episode, Cindy breaks down the Top 10 things neurodivergent students (and their families) should do before college begins, including:
• How to build self-advocacy and independence
• Why it’s important to practice accommodations in high school
• Setting up systems for medication, mental health, and waking up on your own
• What paperwork to prepare—and what questions to ask the disability office
• Tools for transitioning from parent-managed to student-led routines

We also explore how families can support this transition with a gradual shift from “I do” to “You do,” and why learning to say “It’s your call” might be the most powerful step a parent can take.

Want to learn more about working with Threshhold Coaches and supporting neurodiverse students in the transition to college? Visit https://www.thresholdcoaches.com/

Have questions or feedback? Email us at [email protected] or drop a comment on YouTube (@CollegePrepPodcast)—your question might be featured in a future episode!

The post 576: 10 Essential Tips for Neurodivergent Students Preparing for College appeared first on The College Prep Podcast.

Most students think they’re ready for finals—until they try to explain the material out loud and suddenly blank. That moment? It reveals more than hours of rereading ever could.

This episode introduces the Feynman Technique, a simple, research-backed method for turning shaky understanding into real clarity. It’s also a preview of the kinds of strategies students will learn in Alma Modern’s upcoming College Prep Pop-Up—a hands-on experience focused on the must-know academic strategies EVERY student needs before taking their first college class.

We break down the four steps of the Feynman Technique:

• Choose a topic and focus on what matters most

• Explain it clearly, without notes

• Identify where you struggle or get stuck

• Review and refine until you can teach it with confidence

We also share how to set up the right conditions for success—tools like whiteboards, micro-goals, and body doubling that make it easier to follow through and stay focused.

Whether you’re reviewing for finals, preparing for AP exams, or just trying to study smarter, this strategy builds the kind of independent thinking that leads to stronger learning outcomes—not just now, but all the way through college.

Want more like this? Download our free College Success Quick Start Guide at almamodern.com/start.

Join the conversation: Email your questions to [email protected] or watch us on YouTube (@CollegePrepPodcast) and leave a comment—we may feature your question in a future episode.

The post 575: The Most Powerful Study Strategy You’ve Never Tried | the Feynman Technique appeared first on The College Prep Podcast.

Choosing the right college isn’t just about rankings or prestige—it’s about finding the best fit. In this special episode, Megan shares the story of how her son made his final college decision for next fall. Along the way, we reflect on what this process looks like in a family of multigenerational college graduates—and how that experience compares with Edward’s perspective as a first-generation college student.

Through this personal lens, we explore key lessons that apply to every student navigating the college decision process, including:

• Why campus visits can be game-changing—even if you think you already know where you want to go

• The pros and cons of large public universities vs. small private colleges, and how to tell which is right for you

• How to separate fact from fiction when it comes to “big name” schools and what they actually offer

• What it looks like to make a confident, informed choice instead of chasing the most prestigious option

Whether you’re choosing your own college or helping someone you love through the process, this episode offers a grounded, thoughtful take on what really matters—and how to tune out the noise.

Join the conversation: Email your questions to [email protected] or watch us on YouTube (@CollegePrepPodcast) and leave a comment. Your question might be featured in a future episode.

The post 574: Big Name School vs. Best Fit: A Real-Life College Decision Story appeared first on The College Prep Podcast.

When it comes to college applications, extracurricular activities often feel like a mystery. Are leadership titles essential? Do you need to be in five clubs? What actually matters?

In this episode, we break down how students can move beyond simply “getting involved” to building an extracurricular profile that stands out for its depth, authenticity, and impact. The truth is, colleges aren’t looking for a checklist—they’re looking for a story. And your activities are one of the best tools you have to tell it.

In this episode, we’ll cover:

Whether you’re just getting started or fine-tuning your college applications, this episode will help you make sure your extracurriculars reflect the best version of you.

Join the conversation! Email your questions to [email protected] or watch us on YouTube (@CollegePrepPodcast) and drop your questions in the comments—they could be featured in a future episode!

The post 573: The Truth About Extracurriculars: What Colleges Actually Care About (College Admissions Essentials #3) appeared first on The College Prep Podcast.

It’s that time again—the final weeks of the semester, when papers, projects, presentations, and exams all pile up at once. But what if our students could spread out the work now and avoid the stress later?

In this episode, we walk you through five simple, science-backed steps to students stay ahead of the chaos and finish the term strong—without pulling all-nighters or melting down the night before a deadline.

Here’s what we’ll cover:

• How to reflect on last semester so you don’t repeat the same mistakes

• The power of a single master list to help you see everything coming at once

• Why prioritizing the hardest stuff first can save you time and stress

• How to break big assignments into mini-deadlines that actually get done

• Tricks for sticking to your plan—like micro-goals, accountability, and body doubling

Whether we’re already overwhelmed or just starting to feel the pressure, this episode will provide a clear game plan to finish the semester with more focus and less panic.

Join the conversation: Email your questions to [email protected] or watch us on YouTube (@CollegePrepPodcast) and drop your thoughts in the comments—they could be featured in a future episode!

The post 572: End-of-Year Survival Guide: How Students Can Beat the Stress appeared first on The College Prep Podcast.

Between economic uncertainty, political shifts, and institutional changes, students and families planning for college in 2025 are facing new pressures—and many old ones that have become more urgent.

In this episode, we explore how current events are directly impacting college-bound students, from FAFSA delays to program cuts and campus climate concerns. While many of the strategies we recommend aren’t new, the stakes have changed. Being informed and proactive is more important than ever.

Here’s what we cover:

• The importance of FAFSA and financial aid planning in an uncertain job market

• Why researching a college’s financial stability matters—especially if you’re drawn to a specific major, scholarship, or program that might be at risk

• How students can protect opportunities like summer programs, research experiences, and mentorships, which may be cut or scaled back

• Factoring in the economy and job prospects when making financial decisions about where to attend

• Free speech, campus protests, and political climate—how these issues are shaping the student experience and what to watch for when choosing a school

• Considerations for international and undocumented students, given recent policy changes and increased legal scrutiny

• State-level education policy shifts—including changes to public university funding, library access, and curriculum laws

In short: it’s a complicated moment. But students can make strong, informed choices if they know what to look for.

Join the conversation! Email your questions to [email protected] or watch us on YouTube (@CollegePrepPodcast) and drop your questions in the comments—they could be featured in a future episode.

The post 571: Planning for College in Uncertain Times: How Current Headlines Affect College Choice appeared first on The College Prep Podcast.

When families start thinking about college admissions, they often focus on test scores, extracurriculars, and essay strategies. But the most essential factor in getting accepted to college is so obvious that it’s often overlooked: your high school transcript.

Colleges don’t just look at grades or the number of AP classes you’ve taken—they consider both together to understand your academic potential. And while it’s true that top schools look for strong transcripts, that doesn’t mean you need a perfect record to get into a great college. What matters most is whether your coursework and grades align with the schools on your list.

So, how can students strengthen their transcripts—whether they’re early in high school or making last-minute improvements? In this episode, we break it down:

Grades matter, but so does how you earn them.

• A high GPA isn’t the only factor—colleges also evaluate the rigor of your courses.

• If your grades need improvement, small daily habits (like the 10-minute-a-day rule) can make a difference.

• The first step is figuring out why you’re losing points—is it content knowledge, organization, or something else?

Challenging classes matter—but balance is key.

• Taking advanced courses (IB, AP, dual credit) can strengthen your transcript—but only if they’re a good fit.

• Overloading on difficult classes or taking an easy senior year can both work against you.

• Core academic classes (English, Math, Science, Social Studies, and Languages) are the foundation of a strong transcript.

Common transcript mistakes that hurt college applications:

• Prioritizing electives over core classes.

• Assuming minimum graduation requirements will be enough for selective schools.

• Trying to game the system instead of building a well-balanced, strategic course load.

Your transcript isn’t just your ticket to college—it’s also the best predictor of how you’ll perform once you get there. The good news? It’s never too late to make improvements.

Join the conversation! Email your questions to [email protected] or watch us on YouTube (@CollegePrepPodcast) and drop your questions in the comments—they could be featured in a future episode!

The post 570: The #1 Factor in College Admissions That Families Often Overlook (College Admissions Essentials #2) appeared first on The College Prep Podcast.