If a student earns a scholarship, they get to keep it, right? Well, maybe not. Scholarship Displacement is a practice that can catch students and families off guard. Joel and Chris discuss the ins and outs of this practice and what should be done about it. Be sure to listen to the very end for some legislative updates! Music on this episode comes from Normcore always (https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Normcore/Neighbors/Heartless_Man ..read more

Matriculation, a big word and even a bigger aspect of college admissions. We all talk about getting in, but how do colleges get people to stay? From gaining student interest to applications to admits to commitments to showing up the first day, how do colleges do it? Joel and Chris spent their careers on the high school side, so they'll truly learn a lot along with you as we get schooled by our special guest, Ross Grippi, on Matriculation. Music on this episode comes from Normcore always (https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Normcore/Neighbors/Heartless_Man ..read more

QuestBridge is one of the most well-known, premier scholarship organizations in the country. What you might not know is how it began or what it truly entails. Dr. Christian Martell from QuestBridge joins Joel and Chris for an in-depth look at this life-changing non-profit. Music on this episode comes from Normcore always (https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Normcore/Neighbors/Heartless_Man ..read more

FAFSA is undergoing a 'once in a generation' change with the FAFSA Simplification Act. What do these changes mean? When will the FAFSA be ready? Join Chris and Joel, along with Sallie Mae's Ed Recker, as they answer what they can. If anyone can make financial aid fun, it's these guys, right? Music on this episode comes from Normcore always (https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Normcore/Neighbors/Heartless_Man ..read more

Living on campus can cost as much as tuition. Joel and Chris discuss college housing, affordability, benefits and maybe a few stories from their college days living on and off campus. With us this episode is Leean Morgan, Residence Life Coordinator at Thomas More University. Music on this episode comes from Normcore always (https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Normcore/Neighbors/Heartless_Man ..read more

Joel and Chris haven't posted an episode in 4 months. Find out what kind of life events have going on with the guys. There's plenty going on in college admissions offices and now that Chris is a Papaw, life has new adventures. We are happy to be back! Music on this episode comes from Normcore always (https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Normcore/Neighbors/Heartless_Man ..read more

Worlds meet as Joel and Chris bring on award winning podcaster, Ken Anselment, to talk college essays. College Essays Part I takes a deep look at the college perspective as they review essays as part of a holistic admissions process. Music on this episode comes from Normcore always (https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Normcore/Neighbors/Heartless_Man). And new to the podcast is "New Beginnings" by scottholmesmusic (https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Scott_Holmes/inspiring-background-music/new-beginnings ..read more

College admissions is confusing. Applications can be burdensome to students and counselors. What if there was a way to streamline the process? We think there's a great example! Join Joel, Chris and Mike, along with special guest, Sonia Ryan (counselor extraordinaire) as we present a case study of one of the most popular college systems in the US. Music on this episode comes from Normcore always (https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Normcore/Neighbors/Heartless_Man). And new to the podcast is "New Beginnings" by scottholmesmusic (https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Scott_Holmes/inspiring-backgroun ..read more

Heading to NACAC Baltimore 2023 Conference, Chris and Joel visit four distinctly different campuses together! West Virginia University (3:31) University of Maryland - College Park (20:33) United States Naval Academy (33:02) St. John's College (47:24) Music on this episode comes from Normcore always (https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Normcore/Neighbors/Heartless_Man ..read more

Class rank is a commonly used method to compare students. The tradition of valedictorian has deep roots in many communities. Join Joel and Chris, along with Trinity Walsh, another local counselor in Northern Kentucky, as we meet IN PERSON for the first time in 18 months to discuss whether class rank has run its useful course. Hint: Strong opinions forthcoming! As always, music on the podcast is provided through the Free Music Archives. Thank you to Normcore for Heartless Man: https://freemusicarchive.org/search/?quicksearch=heartless+man ..read more