Direct Admissions Demystified: Insights from Pacific Lutheran University

Today's podcast is very exciting because host Ian Fisher will be interviewing Hillary Powell, Director of Admissions at Pacific Lutheran University, to discuss both Pac Lu and explain what direct admissions is. Direct admissions is increasingly being used by colleges as a process by which applicants are essentially pre-admitted to colleges without even having to apply, thus greatly reducing the stress of the admissions process. In addition, College Coach finance expert, Michelle Clifton, will be on to discuss next steps for federal loan borrowers enrolled in the SAVE plan. Learn More About Bright Horizons College Coach

Are you considering applying to schools in the United Kingdom? If so, definitely listen in on this episode when Host Ian Fisher interviews Mubarak Ibrahim of York University, Amanda Lundberg of Roehampton University and Haley Drogas from Sheffield University, all schools within the UK. Our guests will be discussing completing the UK application and other important information about attending college in the UK. Also, listen in to learn more about some excellent schools that are not as well known in the US but still provide a wonderful education. In addition, College Coach finance colleague Patricia Pineiro-Goodenberger will be discussing how to pay for college abroad.  Learn More About Bright Horizons College Coach

While college campuses are, by and large, very safe places, we know that crime can happen anywhere. Host Sally Ganga will be joined by Jessica Mertz of the Clery Center, an organization dedicated to helping colleges create the safest possible environment on campus and to advising families on campus safety. Jessica will be giving Sally some tips about students should be concerned about. Hint: it isn't what most people think about! Have you been homeschooled? Nicole Doyle, College Coach colleague, will be jumping on to discuss what homeschooled applicants and their parents need to know, not just during the application process but while they are planning their high school curriculum and extra-curricular activities. And, College Coach Finance expert Beth Feinberg-Keenan will be starting the podcast with a discussion of how to interpret your financial aid package.

Join us for an in-depth conversation on navigating the college admissions process and financial planning. In this episode: Common App Deep Dive with Michaela Acorn from Common App – Learn tips and strategies to make your application stand out. D3 Athletic Recruitment: The Ins and Outs with Dylan Sanchez – Understand what it takes to succeed in Division III recruitment. Having "The Talk" on Who Pays for College with Michelle Smoley – Practical advice for families on discussing and planning college costs. Learn More About Bright Horizons College Coach

Merry Christmas! As soon as you're done opening presents, consider your New Year's Resolutions with host Sally Ganga and College Coach colleague Kimberly Asselta, who will be addressing 2026 goals for high school students.   Also, are you undecided? Or, have you picked a major because you think you need to but you aren't sure it's right for you? College Coach colleague Christine Kenyon will be there to discuss when it is and isn't okay to be undecided.   And last, if you are still looking for scholarships but concerned about having to write even more essays, listen in on this segment as College Coach finance expert Russell Seidelman will help you figure out the most efficient and effective way to approach the process.  Learn More About Bright Horizons College Coach

Are you interested in experiential, educational travel? Listen in, as host Kyra Tyler will be talking with Durban Rose Ripley of EF Language Abroad programs about their philosophy and offerings, which include trips all over the world, inclusive of both service and culture focused tours. In addition, College Coach finance expert Laurie Peltier will be discussing the National Merit Scholarship program and what that does for students.   Learn More About Bright Horizons College Coach

Did you know there is a college whose mascot is the Banana Slugs? And another whose mascot is the Poet? Listen in to the December 11th show when host Shannon Vasconcelos discusses college mascots with College Coach colleague Tova Javetz. They aren't all eagles, lions, and wolves.  Early Decision round one results are out. New College Coach colleague Jenni Gargano, former Associate Director of Admission at Dartmouth College, will be on the show to discuss what students can do now whether they were admitted or not.  And finally, guest and College Coach finance expert Beth Feinburg-Keenan will be there to discuss the financial side of being admitted to your Early Decision college.    Learn More About Bright Horizons College Coach

Are you looking for a big university with of lots of school spirit but also small class sizes and lots of research opportunities? An honors college at a large university may be your best bet. Listen in as host Shannon Vasconcelos, herself a graduate of the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Honors College, talks about what honors colleges are and their benefits with colleague Jen Simons. Then, new colleague who came to us straight from the Carnegie Mellon admission office Lauren Savage with be here to discuss the difference between various computer science majors. And last, if you were given grace on your student loan payments and wonder what happens now, college finance expert Zachery Gries will join Shannon to discuss next steps.   Learn More About Bright Horizons College Coach

Many students are interested in an engineering career, but some don't know what studying to be an engineer requires or about the different kinds of engineering, from traditional ones like mechanical to newer fields like biomedical. Host Sally Ganga will be joined by colleague Mary Sue Youn, who has been advising aspiring engineers professionally on their college applications for years. But first, Sally will be joined by finance colleague Michelle Smoley who will expound on the virtues of working during holiday breaks from colleges to both earn and learn!   Learn More About Bright Horizons College Coach

Hopefully you caught our first edition of College Admissions in the Media, which went live on June 12th of 2025. Today host Kyra Tyler is continuing that conversation with colleagues Blair Dixon and Aysha Wong. In addition, College Coach finance colleague Chrissy Foran will be joining Kyra to discuss choosing colleges which offer merit aid for your college list.   Learn More About Bright Horizons College Coach