UPDATE– this episode didn’t post correctly last week, so we are releasing it with the correct audio .

Most college students don’t fall behind at midterms. They fall behind starting Week 1 and it can rough to dig themselves out.

In this mini-episode, we cover:

This is the exact kind of structure that helps students stay afloat—and ahead—all semester long.

Did you know 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 from Day 1.

Join us at almamodern.com/launch

The post 591: Three Warning Signs Your Student Is Behind (and how to fix it) appeared first on The College Prep Podcast.

UPDATE– this episode didn’t post correctly last week, so we are releasing it with the correct audio .

Most college students don’t fall behind at midterms. They fall behind starting Week 1 and it can rough to dig themselves out.

In this mini-episode, we cover:

This is the exact kind of structure that helps students stay afloat—and ahead—all semester long.

Did you know 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 from Day 1.

Join us at almamodern.com/launch

The post 591: Three Warning Signs Your Student Is Behind (and how to fix it) appeared first on The College Prep Podcast.

Too often, students view community college or commuting as a last resort, but it doesn’t have to be, unless you want it. In this mini-episode, we help students and families rethink how to build a smart, balanced college list. We cover:

Have questions about building your college list? Email us at [email protected] or comment on YouTube (@CollegePrepPodcast).

The post 590: Community College Doesn’t Have to Be Your Backup Plan appeared first on The College Prep Podcast.

Students who build a support system early are more likely to succeed—and stay—in college. That’s why Alma Modern created the Three Connections Challenge: a simple way for students to build meaningful relationships in their first few weeks on campus.

In this mini-episode, we walk through how to connect with:

These aren’t just friendly gestures, they’re foundational habits for thriving socially, emotionally, and academically.

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 589: The Three People Students Need to Succeed in College appeared first on The College Prep Podcast.

Many parents are confused by the optional essay portion of the SAT/ACT and wonder if their student should register. Will it make them look more responsible? Will it improve their chances of admission? in short, for most students, no.

In this mini-episode, we explain:

Have questions about the SAT/ACT? Email us at [email protected] or comment on YouTube (@CollegePrepPodcast).

The post 588: Is the Optional SAT/ACT Essay REALLY Optional? appeared first on The College Prep Podcast.

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.