Host Jonathan Hughes first talks to the Director of MEFA Pathway, Jennifer Bento-Pinyoun. Then, Jonathan and co-host Julie Shields-Rutyna discuss MEFA’s The Time is Now campaign. Finally, Jonathan has a discussion with the new Director of GEAR UP in Worcester, Steve Winston.

Host Jonathan Hughes talks with Julie Shields-Rutyna about FAFSA Simplification. Then Jonathan and Julie go to the MEFA Mailbag to answer a question about using the UFund to pay for college. Finally, Jonathan has a conversation with Director of the Massachusetts GEAR UP Program, Robert Dais.

Episode #50. In this special episode, host Jonathan Hughes talks with Betsy Mayotte of TISLA (The Institute of Student Loan Advisors) to discuss the Supreme Court’s decision to block the Biden-Harris Student Debt Relief Plan.

Episode #49. Host Jonathan Hughes first answers a question from the MEFA Mailbag about private student loans. Then Jonathan sits down with Sherri Geller, the Co-Director of College Counseling at Gann Academy in Waltham, Massachusetts.

Episode #48. Host Jonathan Hughes and co-host Julie Shields-Rutyna first discuss MEFA’s prepaid tuition program, the U.Plan. Then, they go to the MEFA Mailbag and answer a question about letters of recommendation. Finally, Jonathan and Julie talk to Jill Desjean of NASFAA and Philip Levine of Wellesley College and the Brookings Institution about FAFSA Simplification, including the adjustments to the form, the changes in terminology, and what families can expect when the FAFSA is available in D

Episode #47. Host Jonathan Hughes and co-host Julie Shields-Rutyna first interview Community Outreach Manager for MEFA Savings Programs, Adam Hartwell, about 529 Day and the Attainable® Savings Plan. Then they go to the MEFA Mailbag to discuss financial aid and early decision. Finally, Jonathan talks with the Program Director of Veterans Upward Bound at Suffolk University, Nick Charrette. They discuss the program, their new tutoring aspect, as well as Nick’s journey with college

Episode #46. Host Jonathan Hughes discusses student loan repayment for graduating college students with co-host Julie Shields-Rutyna. They then dive into the MEFA Mailbag and answer a question about to how to get a student motivated about the college process. Finally, Jonathan talks with Jonathan Gowin, Director of Tuition Break, about the New England Board of Higher Education’s Tuition Break program that allows New England residents to receive a discount on tuition if they attend an out-of-st

Episode #45. Host Jonathan Hughes talks to high school seniors Lindsey Blais and Muhammad Salla about their college journey, including the application process, the financial aid process, their decision of which school to attend and why, and advice for other students. This episode was recorded and filmed at Assabet Valley Regional Technical High School’s TV Production Studio. Timestamp (0:00) Intro (1:53) Interview with Students

Episode #44. Host Jonathan Hughes talks with Andover High School Principal Alicia Linsey and Director of Admissions at Worcester State University Joe DiCarlo about the National Association of College Admissions and Counseling and their Boston College Fair. Then Jonathan and co-host Julie Shields-Rutyna go to the MEFA Mailbag and answer a financial aid question about students who have worked with the Department of Children and Families. Finally, Jonathan has a conversation with Director of Colleg

Episode #43. Host Jonathan Hughes and co-host Julie Shields-Rutyna talk to Mark Stucker of the Your College-Bound Kid podcast. Mark is also an author and the founder and owner of School Match 4U, a personalized educational consulting firm. They discuss Mark’s podcast, alternatives to college, how to conduct a holistic college search, the value of college, and several college admissions trends, including test-optional and test-free schools, virtual admissions, and more.