Today we’re diving into a lister question! A parent asks: How can students decide if AP, IB, or dual credit classes are worth taking? With so many options, it can be confusing to know which courses will actually count for college credit—and which might not be worth the extra effort.

In this episode, we break down the key differences between AP, IB, and dual credit courses and explain how each can (or can’t) transfer for college credit. We also share strategies to help students make the best choice based on their goals, including:

—Understanding their primary motivation—whether it’s earning college credit, boosting GPA, or preparing for tougher coursework.

—Researching school-specific policies to find out which credits will transfer to their target colleges.

–Evaluating the quality of instruction, as some high school teachers offer more one-on-one support than college professors.

–Anticipating changes in credit policies that may impact what transfers by the time they enroll.

Whether students want early college credit or a stronger transcript, this conversation will help them decide which courses are the best investment of their time.

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! https://www.youtube.com/@CollegePrepPodcast

The post 565: Earning College Credit in High School: Are AP, IB & Dual Credit Classes Worth It?! appeared first on The College Prep Podcast.

Should legacy admissions still exist in 2025? For decades, many colleges have given special consideration to applicants with alumni parents, but now, this practice is under fire. With more schools eliminating legacy preferences, critics argue that it unfairly benefits privileged students—especially as affirmative action faces new restrictions.

In this episode, we dive deep into the debate. Inspired by a recent Teen Vogue article, we discuss how legacy admissions shape college demographics, who truly benefits, and whether removing them is the right solution—or if it leads to unintended consequences. Are these policies a way to maintain school traditions, or do they block opportunities for deserving students? And how do colleges that have eliminated legacy preferences compare to those that still use them?

We explore both sides of the issue, breaking down what this shift means for future applicants and college admissions as a whole. While there are no easy answers, this conversation sheds light on how higher education continues to evolve.

Join the conversation! Watch us on YouTube (@CollegePrepPodcast), subscribe for full episodes, and leave a comment to share your thoughts. Have a question? Drop it in the comments—it might be featured in a future episode!

Watch now: https://youtu.be/3jQ89JKqQAQ

Read the article: Teen Vogue – The Movement Against Legacy Admissions

The post 564: Who Deserves a Spot? The Future of Legacy Admissions appeared first on The College Prep Podcast.

Did you know your professors are one of the most underutilized resources on campus?

In this episode, we explore why building a relationship with your professors is a game-changer for your college success. You’ll learn:

Your professors want to see you succeed—take the first step this week and unlock their potential to transform your college experience!

Ready to learn more strategies and make this the BEST SEMESTER EVER? Unlock Alma Modern’s free microcourses at https://almamodern.com/library

Prefer to watch our video podcast? Find this episode and more on our new YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@CollegePrepPodcast Be sure subscribe and start a conversation with us in the comments!

The post 563: Professors: the Underutilized Key to College Success appeared first on The College Prep Podcast.

Summer break is just around the corner! Don’t let it slip away. This episode is packed with valuable advice for high school and college students (and their parents/educators) on how to make the most of their summer break.

We explore 6 key activities that can boost academic performance, explore career interests, and ease the transition to college:

–Fill in the Gaps: Address academic weaknesses and explore extracurricular passions.
–Gain Real-World Experience: Find a job, internship, or create your own “internship simulation.”
–Test the Waters with Summer Camp: Explore college life, try out different majors, and gain independence.
–Hit the Road for College Visits: Take campus tours, talk to students, and get a feel for different schools.
–Dive Deep into Your Interests: Explore potential majors through reading lists, online courses, and self-directed learning.
–Get a Head Start on College Essays: (Seniors) Tackle those essays early and reduce application season stress.

P.S. We’re thrilled to announce that the College Prep Podcast is now on YouTube! Catch this episode and all our future content on our channel: https://www.youtube.com/@CollegePrepPodcast Subscribe now and let’s have a conversation in the comments!

Tune in now and discover how to transform your summer from a break into a launchpad for success!

The post 562: Level Up Your Summer: 6 Ways Students Can Prep for College appeared first on The College Prep Podcast.

A new semester means new beginnings, but you don’t need to revamp your entire process to reach your goals this semester. In fact, just a few small changes to daily habits can make a HUGE difference in how students learn and perform. In this episode, we break down a few easy-to-implement habits that add up to big impact:

Whether you’re a student looking to boost your grades this semester or a parent/educator supporting a student’s journey, this episode is packed with actionable strategies for success. Tune in now and discover the power of positive academic habits!

Let’s make this your BEST SEMESTER EVER—Unlock your potential and defy the odds with our FREE college success microcourses at almamodern.com

The post 561: Small Habits, Big Results: Unlock Your Academic Potential This Semester appeared first on The College Prep Podcast.

Get ready to tackle the SAT or ACT in 2025! In this episode, we break down the latest changes to these college entrance exams and provide expert guidance on how to prepare for success. Learn about:

Whether you’re a student, parent, or educator, this episode will equip you with the knowledge and tools to navigate the SAT and ACT landscape with confidence. Tune in now and start your test prep journey!

The post 560: SAT/ACT Tips and Updates for 2025: What You NEED to Know appeared first on The College Prep Podcast.

If you’re ready to tackle the new year and achieve your academic goals in 2025, your syllabus holds the key! In this episode, we break down how to use your syllabus as a powerful planning tool for a successful semester. Learn how to:

Plus, get practical tips for staying organized, motivated, and on track throughout the semester. Tune in now and unlock your path to academic success!

Let’s make this your BEST SEMESTER EVER—Unlock your potential and defy the odds with FREE college success microcourses at almamodern.com/library

The post 559: Your Semester Success Plan: It’s On the Syllabus appeared first on The College Prep Podcast.

Join us for a thought-provoking conversation about the impact of cell phones on student mental health and learning.

Inspired by “The Anxious Generation” by Jonathan Haidt, we explore:

—The rise of anxiety among today’s youth

—The potential link between cell phone use and anxiety

—The pros and cons of phone use in and out of school

—The benefits of phone-free learning environments

—Strategies for promoting healthy tech habits in students.

Tune in to gain valuable insights and join the conversation about raising tech-savvy kids in the digital age.

Buy “The Anxious Generation” by Jonathan Haidt: https://amzn.to/413JlBN

Continue learning: https://www.awayfortheday.org

The post 558: Unpacking the Impact of Cell Phones on Students: “The Anxious Generation” Recap appeared first on The College Prep Podcast.

Regardless of how fall semester went, the winter break is a great time to prepare students to succeed in spring and finish the school year strong.

In this episode we explore the power of mid-year reflection. We’ll share a simple 3-step process to guide students in:

—Identifying their successes and challenges from the fall semester

—Uncovering the root causes of academic struggles

—Creating an action plan for improvement in the spring semester.

We’ll also share practical tips for facilitating reflection, including open-ended questions, probing questions, and forward-thinking prompts. Plus, discover strategies to create a safe and supportive space for reflection. Tune in to empower your students to take ownership of their grades and makes plans for future success.

The post 557: Mid-Year Reset: Reflect on Fall Semester to Thrive in Spring appeared first on The College Prep Podcast.

Feeling lost in the maze of college financial aid? This episode breaks down the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) clearly and concisely.

Join us as we discuss:

—What is the FAFSA and who needs to fill it out?

—Understanding the Student Aid Index (SAI—previously “Expected Family Contribution”, EFC) and how it impacts aid.

—Types of financial aid: grants, loans, and work-study.

—Navigating deadlines and maximizing aid opportunities.

—Tips for parents and educators to guide students through the process.

Tune in to gain valuable insights and empower your students to access the financial support they need for college!

The post 556: Financial Aid 101: Expert tips for navigating the FAFSA and paying for college appeared first on The College Prep Podcast.