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:

• The essentials of the SAT and ACT: We cover the basics of each exam, including format, content, and scoring.
• Important updates for 2025: Stay ahead of the curve with insights into the latest changes and how they might affect your testing strategy.
• Effective preparation strategies: Discover tips and resources to help you ace the exams and boost your college admissions chances.
• The role of standardized tests in college admissions: Understand how these exams fit into the bigger picture of your college application.

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:

• Decipher the key elements of your syllabus: Understand grading policies, assignment deadlines, and professor expectations.
• Map out your semester with reverse planning: Transfer key dates and assignments into a centralized calendar or planner.
• Discover the best planning tools for your style: Explore digital, paper, and wall calendars to find your perfect fit.
• Schedule dedicated study time: Learn how to allocate time for each course and avoid last-minute cramming.

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.

Finals week can be a pressure cooker for most students. But conquering exam season doesn’t have to involve all-nighters and endless anxiety!

In this episode, we break down three actionable tips to help students stay calm, focused, and productive during this overwhelming time. From prioritizing tasks to banishing all-nighters and creating your ideal study environment, we provide simple yet powerful strategies to ace those finals minus the stress.

The post 555: The Stress-Less Guide to Finals: Three Simple Tips to Stay Calm and Focused appeared first on The College Prep Podcast.

The transition from the rigid structure of high school to the freedom of college can shock the system. Many students struggle to manage their time effectively when suddenly faced with unscheduled days and the responsibility of deciding how to spend their time independently.

This lack of structure can lead to procrastination, missed deadlines, and feeling overwhelmed. In this episode, we explore practical strategies to help students navigate this challenge.

We’ll discuss how parents and educators can empower high schoolers with autonomy and provide them with opportunities to practice structuring their own time before they arrive on campus. We’ll also share essential tips for college students already feeling overwhelmed by their “relaxed” schedules.

Listen in and learn how students can create a productive routine, prioritize tasks effectively, and make the most of their time on campus.

The post 554: Beyond the Bell Schedule: Equipping Students to Survive the Time Freedom of College appeared first on The College Prep Podcast.

How do we guide the student who almost has too many interests and too many passions? They are likely feeling overwhelmed by the endless possibilities of majors, campuses, and careers, especially in the run-up to admissions letters.

In this episode, we answer a listener question and discuss practical strategies to support students who “love everything” to find clarity and make informed decisions about their future. From more common tips like campus visits to more abstract ones like exploring course catalogs, this episode is your guide to empowering undecided students to narrow down college choices, navigate major exploration, and discover their passions.

The post 553: How to Guide Multi-passionate Students to Choose the Right Campus or Major appeared first on The College Prep Podcast.

Overwhelmed by what to do after receiving college acceptance letters? In this episode, we tackle a listener question about the pressure to commit to a university, especially when facing a mountain of options and looming deadlines. We’ll uncover why schools push for early decisions, share creative workarounds to avoid those pressures, and provide simple strategies for staying organized and informed throughout the college decision process.

Whether you’re grappling with out-of-state tuition costs or simply feeling lost in a sea of high-stakes deadlines, this episode will equip you with the tools and knowledge to navigate this challenging time with confidence.

The post 552: Beyond Accepted: Navigating the College Decision Maze appeared first on The College Prep Podcast.

Imagine applying the strategies of FBI hostage negotiators to your interactions with students. In this episode, we delve into Chris Voss’s book “Never Split the Difference” and explore how its principles can transform communication with young people. Discover why giving students a sense of control and autonomy is crucial, and how shifting from “why” to “what” or “how” questions can foster ownership of their learning journey.

We’ll unpack actionable strategies for parents, educators, and advocates to empower students and guide them toward academic success by negotiating effectively for a more positive and productive educational experience.

The post 551: Never Ask Why: FBI Secrets for Negotiating with Students appeared first on The College Prep Podcast.

Choosing the right college is much more complex than affordability, location, and fit. Join us as we introduce our new co-host and explore how our unique upbringings influenced our college decisions. We’ll share our contrasting perspectives – one of us ... Read More »

The post 550: Unpacking the Hidden Influences on College Choices appeared first on The College Prep Podcast.