In college, the textbook isn’t just “extra reading”, it’s a central part of how successful students learn. Skipping it can mean falling behind fast.

In this mini-episode, we explain:

A smart textbook strategy can make the difference between staying on track and playing catch-up all semester.

60% of first-year college students are underprepared to succeed. Make sure your student is prepared with LAUNCH, a flexible, summer-before-college program that equips students with the learning, mindset, and productivity skills they need to thrive—starting from Day 1.

Join us at almamodern.com/launch

The post 587: Do You Really Need to Buy Textbooks? (Yes—Here’s Why) appeared first on The College Prep Podcast.

Too often, college is reduced to “just get the degree.” But what truly shapes a student’s future isn’t only the diploma—it’s the experience.

In this mini-episode, we explore:

College is a major rite of passage. The degree matters, but so does who a student becomes in the process.

Questions? Email us at [email protected] or comment on YouTube (@CollegePrepPodcast).

The post 586: College is MUCH More Than Earning a Piece of Paper appeared first on The College Prep Podcast.

College brings a sudden surge in independence—and for many students, that shift reveals just how much they’ve been relying on others to manage their routines.

In this mini-episode, we explore:

From remembering medication to setting sleep schedules, students need to own their habits before the first day of class—not after the first crisis.

60% of first year college students are underprepared to succeed. LAUNCH is a flexible summer-before-college program that equips students with the learning, mindset, and productivity skills they need to THRIVE starting Day 1.

Join us at almamodern.com/launch

The post 585: Is Your Student Prepared to Function in College Without You? appeared first on The College Prep Podcast.

Imagine your student getting into their dream school, only to realize your family can’t afford to send them. It’s a soul-crushing reality that can be avoided with proper planning and communication.

In this mini-episode, we cover:

Questions? Email us at [email protected] or comment on YouTube (@CollegePrepPodcast).

The post 584: Don’t Wait Until Decision Day to Talk About College Cost appeared first on The College Prep Podcast.

Where your student sits in class matters more than most people think. Research shows that students who sit in the T-Zone—the front rows and down the center aisle—tend to outperform their peers.

In this mini-episode, we break down:

College success starts day one. Don’t let your student fall behind. LAUNCH gives them the foundation they need to thrive from their very first day of class by sharing the strategies and skills they won’t learn at orientation.

Join us at almamodern.com/launch

The post 583: How Choosing the Right Seat Leads to Higher Grades in College Classes appeared first on The College Prep Podcast.

A strong work ethic matters—but in college admissions, it’s not enough. Many students (and families) fall into the trap of thinking that showing up, trying hard, and staying positive will carry them through every challenge. But when it comes to building a college list or writing standout essays, effort alone won’t cut it.

In this mini-episode, we explore:

Questions? Email us at [email protected] or comment on YouTube (@CollegePrepPodcast).

The post 582: Hardwork Alone Won’t Get Your Student Into College appeared first on The College Prep Podcast.

Most college students don’t know how to use a syllabus, and that can lead to confusion, missed deadlines, and a rocky start to the semester. Even on Day 1, when some professors may expect them to come in having already read, completed assignments, etc.

In this mini-episode, we explain:

This is one of the most overlooked habits that separates students who stay on top of things from those who fall behind.

Want to make sure your student starts college ready, not scrambling? Sign them up for our summer program, LAUNCH, which gives students the core foundation they need to thrive from day one—with expert guidance, tools, and strategies they won’t get during orientation.

Join us today at: almamodern.com/launch

The post 581: Don’t Let Your Student Start College Without Reading This First appeared first on The College Prep Podcast.

Strong grades don’t always equal strong test scores—and that disconnect can be frustrating for both students and parents. In this mini-episode, we break down why the SAT and ACT are their own skill set, not a reflection of intelligence or identity.

We talk about:

Bottom line? These tests matter, but they aren’t everything—and they definitely don’t define you.

Email your questions to [email protected] or comment on YouTube (@CollegePrepPodcast)—we may feature them in a future episode.

The post 580: The SAT & ACT Aren’t About Being “Smart” appeared first on The College Prep Podcast.

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.