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

I recently spoke with Jackie Pollina of J&J Test Prep and No B.S. SAT® Prep.

In our conversation, Jackie and I discussed:

• What the PSAT is, when to take it, and its predictive power for SAT scores

• The National Merit Scholarship, and how to qualify for it

• Balancing test prep with school, extracurriculars, and life

• Recent changes to the SAT and how that affects test prep

• How reading improves test scores

• And much m...

I recently spoke with Dr. Kellie Coppi of Say Yes to the Ess-ay. With nearly two decades of experience in college application coaching, Dr. Coppi provides expert guidance tailored to each student's unique needs. Dr. Coppi's background in higher education ensures that she understands the nuances of crafting compelling admissions essays.

In our conversation, Dr. Coppi and I discussed:

• Why high-stats students get rejected from c...

I recently spoke with Warren Buck of Future Finders. Warren’s background as a teacher and principal informs his work today, helping students with college and career planning.

In our conversation, Warren and I discussed:

• The proper use of AI in college planning and essays

• How to build a weighted college list that works for your teen

• The importance of including your budget in your college planning process

• How scholarships...

At RISE, they redefine academic excellence by empowering ambitious students through personalized mentorship and transformative educational opportunities. Recognizing that young scholars need more than traditional learning, they connect them with mentors from Oxbridge and Ivy League colleges. Their tailored programs in research, interview preparation, and academic tutoring nurture curiosity, build essential skills, and inspire the n...

Every year, more than half of the students I work with who apply for the Voice of Democracy Scholarship earn prizes through this incredible program.

In today's episode, we will hear from VFW Programs Director, Lynn Rolfe, about this fantastic opportunity. Plus, he shares information about their program for middle school students, Patriots' Pen!

I would love to work with your student on this and their other scholarship entries. The ...

Did you know that high school students can do college-level research that may actually be published in academic journals? That’s where Horizon comes in. Horizon Academic Research Program was founded in 2016 to give a platform to the world’s best young researchers. Horizon was founded by Columbia University alums with a strong belief in how early access to research can shape the lives of future leaders. Over the last 8 years, Horizo...

Macayla is a first-year college student who has earned multiple scholarships. She jumpstarted her scholarship journey as one of my Class of 2024 scholarship coaching students. Macayla and her mom, Leslie, share their thoughts on how having success with scholarships is a process, the benefits of scholarships beyond the money for college, and much more. Listen to my interview with Macayla and her mom, Leslie, to hear their tips and s...

I recently spoke with Katie Azevedo of School Habits. Having taught in both public and private school systems, Katie has seen firsthand how our students are expected to learn, but they are rarely given the tools or strategies to do so.

Since 2006, she has personally coached thousands of students, one-on-one, on standardized tests (SAT/ACT, SSAT, GRE), application essays, study skills, executive functions, and writing and reading in...

I recently spoke with Vida John of Vida John Tutoring. Vida is dedicated to helping motivated students excel in math problem-solving and competition math. She uses the Art of Problem Solving curriculum to help students understand, develop, and use their problem-solving techniques for math success!

• In our conversation, Vida and I discussed:
• Some of the  not-so-obvious benefits of participating in math competitions
• Similar compe...

Many students want to pursue an internship, but struggle to find one that aligns with their interests. That’s where Ladder Internships comes in. I recently spoke with Rachel Berkower of Ladder Internships.

In our conversation, we discussed:

• What kind of students are the best fit for Ladder Internships

• The types of internships that are available

• How Ladder Internships help students in their college application and beyond

• ...

I recently spoke with Maggie Finn and Jacklyn Angell of Summit Academic Support.

In our conversation, we discussed:

• The biggest mistake students make when writing their college essays—and how they can avoid it.
• How students can make their college essay stand out, even if they don’t have a “dramatic” story to tell
• Common myth about college essays.
• How students can find their unique voice when writing their essays.
• Some of Maggi...

I recently spoke with Steve Tapper of Tapper College Counseling.

In our conversation, we discussed:

• The workflow that Steve uses to help students through the entire college admissions process.

• College list-building strategies and considerations

• Types of college fit: academic, social, and financial

• Resources for building a college list

To connect with Steve, go to tappercollegecounseling.com. Steve offers 30-minut...

Your student will learn the skills needed for scholarship success by applying for real scholarships, including a $35,000 scholarship capstone project!

Every Monday through Thursday, a new, pre-recorded lesson will be released. On Thursday evenings, we will be live (but recorded for future viewing), discussing the week's lessons and taking Q&A.

This onl...

I recently spoke with Sam Bernstein, co-founder of Loper, a free mobile app designed to help students explore and discover their best educational opportunities after high school. The inspiration for Loper came out of the pandemic, where “life on pause” led to two college friends (Sam and his co-founder Eric) spending long nights discussing their shared passion: education. Fast forward two years and they quit their jobs to launch Lo...

Avery is a first-year college student who has earned multiple scholarships. She started her scholarship journey when she participated in the Scholarship Summer Camp a few summers ago. This week, Avery shares her tips and suggestions for students on their own scholarship journey.

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Your student will learn the skills needed for scholarship success b...

I recently spoke with Brian Eufinger of Edison Prep. Brian graduated with honors from Washington University in St. Louis in May 2004 and a Healthcare MBA in 2006. He serves as a founding board member of the National Test Prep Association and is an Associate member of the Independent Educational Consultants Association. More recently, he represents Edison Prep in a consortium of four tutoring companies that created Assessiv, an onli...

I had the opportunity to talk with Peyton Rudolph, Vice President of Marketing for GradGuard. In our conversation, Peyton explained how GradGuard helps students and parents protect one of the largest investments of their lives. Plus, she shared the details of their news scholarship with us, in which five students will each earn $3000! Learn more about GradGuard here: https://gradguard.sjv.io/c/4021661/2331223/29624?trafsrc=affiliat...

I recently spoke with Suzanne Scullion. Suzanne is the Head Coach of G.R.A.C.E. Financial Coaching. Over the past ten years, she has helped hundreds of clients reprioritize their spending, pay down debt, and master their income without dismantling their lifestyle. Suzanne also hosts a podcast and YouTube show called, “Lessons Learned: The Dumbest Thing I’ve Ever Done with Money.”

In our conversation, Suzanne and I discussed:

• ...

I recently spoke with Luanne Lee, Owner of Your College Planning Coach.

Luanne wanted to do something where she could make an impact to help families and feel good about what she did every day, so she began her career in Financial Services in 1996.

Luanne decided to focus on the specialty of College Planning and Funding when she saw how student loan debt was hampering so many parents and students from reaching their retirement goal...