The Scholarship GPS Podcast: Your Directions to a Debt-Free College Degree

Get our free list of recommended scholarship database sites to find thousands of scholarships: https://www.scholarshipgps.com/scholarship-websites

----------

Today, we are joined by Lee Norwood of College Sharks.

In our conversation, Lee and I discussed:

How students and parents can DIY college admissions while still getting expert guidance

Why AI can’t replace a real human for college prep guidance

How a trusted third party can help overcome a student’s objections to following their parents’ lead

The importance of getting educated on the college admissions process and strategies is critical for success

What “the perfect college” means, and the need to look at college beyond “the usual suspects”

And much more…

To learn more, visit collegesharks.com

----------

Featured Scholarships:

Subscribe to the free "Your Daily Scholarship" Newsletter here: https://nodebtcollege.substack.com/

Jaime Smith is a certified educational planner with 25 years of experience in education at the middle, high school, and college levels. As a college adviser, she specializes in transfer admissions, homeschoolers, neurodiverse learners, and other nontraditional students. 

In our conversation, Jaime and I discussed:

To connect with Jaime, go to TransverSavvy.com.

----------

If you have a Class of 2026 or Class of 2027 student, this is for you. Through the ACE Network, you’ll have access to 6 AMAZING and VETTED college planning experts. This affordable service gives you access to gems of personalized information on college admissions, college essays, SAT and ACTs, dorm planning, and, of course, scholarships!

Click the link to learn more: https://sites.google.com/view/ace-network/home

Space is extremely limited, so don’t delay.

----------

With the Scholarship Navigator program, your student will gain access to a personalized list of scholarships tailored to their unique profile, ensuring they can apply for opportunities that resonate with their passions and experiences.

Your student will receive expert guidance on their scholarship applications and essays, including personalized reviews, constructive feedback, and editing assistance from Dave the Scholarship Coach.

Both students and parents can take advantage of direct support for all scholarship-related questions, available through email and exclusive client-only Zoom meetings.

We offer Scholarship Navigator programs for college students and high school students in the Class of 2026, Class of 2027, as well as for sophomores and freshmen.

Empower your student to seize their future—enroll today!

----------

Featured Scholarships:

If you have a Class of 2026 or Class of 2027 student, this is for you. Through the ACE Network, you’ll have access to 6 AMAZING and VETTED college planning experts. This affordable service gives you access to gems of personalized information on college admissions, college essays, SAT and ACTs, dorm planning, and, of course, scholarships!

Click the link to learn more: https://sites.google.com/view/ace-network/home

Space is extremely limited, so don’t delay.

----------

If your Class of 2026 student would like help with scholarships, check out the Class of 2026 Scholarship Navigator Program. The program includes:

Click here or go to www.scholarshipgps.com/2026navigator to learn more and to get started for just $47!

----------

Featured Scholarships:

----------

If you have a Class of 2026 or Class of 2027 student, this is for you. Through the ACE Network, you’ll have access to 6 AMAZING and VETTED college planning experts. This affordable service gives you access to gems of personalized information on college admissions, college essays, SAT and ACTs, dorm planning, and, of course, scholarships!

Click the link to learn more: https://sites.google.com/view/ace-network/home

Space is extremely limited, so don’t delay.

----------

If your Class of 2026 student would like help with scholarships, check out the Class of 2026 Scholarship Navigator Program. The program includes:

Click here or go to www.scholarshipgps.com/2026navigator to learn more and to get started for just $47!

----------

Featured Scholarships:

----------

Abbie Metzler is the founder of Confident College Admissions, where she helps students and families navigate the college application process with clarity and confidence. A graduate of the University of Pennsylvania and a current Clinical Psychology PhD student, Abbie brings a unique blend of strategy and psychology to her work. She has worked one-on-one with students for over two years, combining practical application guidance with mindset tools to reduce stress, boost confidence, and empower students to present their most authentic selves.

In our conversation, Abbie and I discussed:

How her own college journey shapes the way she guides students.

The biggest misconception families have about college admissions today, especially with test-optional policies.

How students can stand out in essays and applications without feeling like they need to be “perfect.”

What a “confident” application really looks like—for both students and parents.

Resources for families who feel overwhelmed by the college admissions process.

And much more…

To connect with Abbie, go to ConfidentCollegeAdmissions.Podia.com

or find her on Instagram: @ConfidentCollegeAdmissions

Families often focus on GPA and test scores when it comes to scholarships—but there’s another powerful lever: your student’s college major.

In this live panel event, master career coach Lisa Marker-Robbins and scholarship strategist Dave Peterson explain how students who make intentional, well-informed college major choices can unlock more merit-based and private scholarship opportunities—and how to jump-start the process so you don’t leave money on the table.

You’ll also hear insights from our moderator, Mike Bergin, host of the Tests and the Rest podcast, as we discuss:

✔️ How early career exploration improves both college applications and scholarship outcomes

✔️ What scholarship committees are really looking for—and how your teen can stand out

✔️ When and how to begin the process before deadlines sneak up

✔️ Real stories of students who aligned their goals and earned more aid

Whether your teen is unsure about their major or already has a goal in mind, this session will help you uncover new financial opportunities you may be missing.

----------

Through Sunday, October 19, when you enroll in the Launch Career Clarity Signature Course, you’ll also get FREE access to the Scholarship GPS Course (a $197 value!)

That’s a full system to help your student:

🎯 Clarify their career and college major

Grab the BOGO here:​

To redeem, just forward your receipt to Dave at [email protected] after enrolling.

----------

If you have a Class of 2026 or Class of 2027 student, this is for you. Through the ACE Network, you’ll have access to 6 AMAZING and VETTED college planning experts. This affordable service gives you access to gems of personalized information on college admissions, college essays, SAT and ACTs, dorm planning, and, of course, scholarships!

Click the link to learn more: https://sites.google.com/view/ace-network/home

Space is extremely limited, so don’t delay.

----------

Featured Scholarships:

The Class of 2027 Scholarship Navigator program provides:

Use the discount code COOLIDGE before October 9, 2025, to receive a special discount.

----------

Melissa Muir, MAT is the founder and lead teacher at Curio, where she helps families create practical, real-world learning experiences for their children. With a Master’s in Teaching and years of experience in homeschooling, public, private, and online education, and curriculum development, she’s passionate about critical thinking, creative writing, and meaningful discussions. Melissa specializes in interactive, thought-provoking classes that challenge students while keeping learning fun. Whether she’s leading a lively debate or helping kids craft compelling stories, she equips students with the skills they need to think deeply and express themselves confidently.

In our conversation, Melissa and I discussed:

Why critical thinking is such a crucial skill for students today

Ways to spark curiosity in your student

How reading and discussing books together equips students with both academic and real-world skills

The long-term impact on their education and even their future lives when kids grow in critical thinking, curiosity, and communication

And much more…

To connect with Melissa, go to thinkcurio.com.

Read Melissa’s article on the overlooked power of teen book clubs.

----------

🔑 Six experts.

📍 One place.

💡 Endless answers.

If you have a Class of 2026 or Class of 2027 student, I will be headlining the ACE Network with 5 other AMAZING and VETTED college planning experts. As a subscription service that gives you access to gems of personalized information, you can partake in this service for as many months as you’d like at a FRACTION of the cost of what a full-time college admissions advisor would cost.

----------

This Week's Featured Scholarships:

I recently spoke with Kami Wanous, the creator of the Raising Leaders Roadmap and a homeschool mentor. A credentialed teacher with over seven years in public education and homeschooling since 2008, she draws on her background in English, leadership, and freedom principles to guide families toward meaningful learning. Kami helps homeschool parents create a culture that inspires a lifelong love of learning—equipping them to mentor with confidence and raise passionate leaders who make an impact in the world. She has been featured on CBS News and as a guest writer and speaker for homeschooling conventions, blogs, magazines, podcasts, and YouTube channels.

In our conversation, Kami and I discussed:

What it means to be a lifelong learner

What a lifelong learner looks like

Why being a lifelong learner is important for our kids headed to college

Whether students can be "successful" in college without being lifelong learners

How parents help our kids become lifelong learners

And much more…

Here are all of the ways you can connect with Kami:

Website: TheFreedomScholar.com

Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/TheFreedomScholar

IG: https://www.instagram.com/thefreedomscholar

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtJpXKtndYS9rrP98KcvDEw

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/kami-wanous-14117723a

Podcast: Homeschool Success with Kami Wanous

----------

In this free, live panel event, master career coach Lisa Marker-Robbins and scholarship strategist Dave Peterson will explain how students who make intentional, well-informed major choices can unlock more merit-based and private scholarship opportunities—and how to jump-start the process so you don’t leave money on the table.

You’ll also hear insights from our moderators, Mike Bergin and Amy Seeley, hosts of the Tests and the Rest podcast, as we discuss:

✅How early career exploration improves both college applications and scholarship outcomes

✅What scholarship committees are really looking for—and how your teen can stand out

✅When and how to begin the process before deadlines sneak up

✅Real stories of students who aligned their goals and earned more aid

This is a live, interactive session—we’ll take your questions during the event and offer expert guidance you can act on right away.

Whether your teen is unsure about their major or already has a goal in mind, this session will help you uncover new financial opportunities you may be missing. Click here to register: https://courses.flourishcoachingco.com/scholarships-majors

----------

This Week's Featured Scholarships:

----------

I would love to work with your student on their scholarship entries. The Scholarship Navigator Program provides personalized assistance with your student’s scholarship essays. I go through as many rounds of review and feedback as needed. Plus, students get a customized list of scholarships that match their unique profile. These are just some of the benefits of the Scholarship Navigator Program. Go to www.ScholarshipGPS.com/services to learn more.

I recently spoke with Sarah, whose daughter, Madeline, won 18 scholarships at her senior awards event. Sarah describes their scholarship journey and how they achieved such great success.

----------

In this free, live panel event, master career coach Lisa Marker-Robbins and scholarship strategist Dave Peterson will explain how students who make intentional, well-informed major choices can unlock more merit-based and private scholarship opportunities—and how to jump-start the process so you don’t leave money on the table.

You’ll also hear insights from our moderators, Mike Bergin and Amy Seeley, hosts of the Tests and the Rest podcast, as we discuss:

✅How early career exploration improves both college applications and scholarship outcomes

✅What scholarship committees are really looking for—and how your teen can stand out

✅When and how to begin the process before deadlines sneak up

✅Real stories of students who aligned their goals and earned more aid

This is a live, interactive session—we’ll take your questions during the event and offer expert guidance you can act on right away.

Whether your teen is unsure about their major or already has a goal in mind, this session will help you uncover new financial opportunities you may be missing. Click here to register: https://courses.flourishcoachingco.com/scholarships-majors

----------

This Week's Featured Scholarships:

----------

I worked with Sarah and Madeline through the Scholarship Navigator Program, a comprehensive program designed to jumpstart your student’s scholarship journey and provide invaluable ongoing support. With this program, your student will gain access to a personalized list of scholarships tailored to their unique profile, ensuring they can apply for opportunities that resonate with their passions and experiences.

But we don’t stop there! Your student will receive expert guidance on their scholarship applications and essays, including personalized reviews, constructive feedback, and editing assistance from Dave the Scholarship Coach.

Both students and parents can take advantage of direct support for all scholarship-related questions, available through email and exclusive client-only Zoom meetings.

We offer Scholarship Navigator programs for college students and high school students in the Class of 2026, Class of 2027, as well as for sophomores and freshmen.

Empower your student to seize their future—enroll today!

I recently spoke with Rachel Fusco, an educator and mental health professional dedicated to transforming the way we prepare young people for adulthood.

Over the past two decades, Rachel has personally supported over a thousand college-bound students in high schools, college access programs, and private admissions consulting. Rachel has shared her expertise as a presenter and trainer for prestigious colleges, private and public high schools, after-school programs, mental health clinics, statewide conferences, and teaches graduate-level counseling courses in Career Counseling, Child and Adolescent Development, and Adolescent Suicidality.

Leveraging her background in college admissions, adolescent development, and education as an independent college coach, Rachel works with teens, parents, and schools to transform the way we prepare young people for college. It’s time to geek out, not stress out, about the future.

In our conversation, Rachel and I discuss:

The impact of brain development on college prep

The need to break down college prep into specific tasks

How self-awareness reduces student stress when it comes to the college application process

Why college prep is stressful and how to reduce the stress

How setting parameters (including financial) in the college search reduces a student’s anxiety

And much more..

To connect with Rachel, visit rachelfusco.com.

----------

In this free, live panel event, master career coach Lisa Marker-Robbins and scholarship strategist Dave Peterson will explain how students who make intentional, well-informed major choices can unlock more merit-based and private scholarship opportunities—and how to jump-start the process so you don’t leave money on the table.

You’ll also hear insights from our moderators, Mike Bergin and Amy Seeley, hosts of the Tests and the Rest podcast, as we discuss:

✅How early career exploration improves both college applications and scholarship outcomes

✅What scholarship committees are really looking for—and how your teen can stand out

✅When and how to begin the process before deadlines sneak up

✅Real stories of students who aligned their goals and earned more aid

This is a live, interactive session—we’ll take your questions during the event and offer expert guidance you can act on right away.

Whether your teen is unsure about their major or already has a goal in mind, this session will help you uncover new financial opportunities you may be missing. Click here to register: https://courses.flourishcoachingco.com/scholarships-majors

----------

This Week's Featured Scholarships:

In this week's episode, you will hear from Talon and his mom, Audria, and Victoria and her mom, Nicole. These students have earned over $300,000 in scholarships (so far)! They share their insights into how they did it, and give inspiration for others to follow in their footsteps.

----------

Check out the Scholarship Navigator Programs:

----------

If your student is unclear on their future plans, my friend Lisa has a free 2-minute quiz to see if it’s the right time to start planning. ..this quiz is your first step toward helping them launch with clarity and purpose.

What you'll get:

✔️ A clear understanding of your young person’s current stage of career development

✔️ A personalized next step based on where they are now

✔️ FREE access to our Career Clarity Roadmap to move your family forward

So, click here to take the 2-minute career readiness quiz today: https://courses.flourishcoachingco.com/a/2148004629/PLHdxFCx

----------

Save $50 off J&J Test Prep’s SAT Intensive program with code SCHOLARSHIPGPS50 at this link only.

----------

This Week's Featured Scholarships: