Taming The High Cost of College

Is procrastination holding back your student or family in the college application, admissions, or financial aid process? In this episode of the Taming the High Cost of College podcast, Brad Baldridge talks with Michelle McAnaney of The College Spy about why students and parents procrastinate, the psychology behind it, and strategies to keep the admissions and college planning process moving forward. https://tamingthehighcostofcollege.com/thcc-episode-186-procrastination-in-the-college-application-and-admissions-process/ *** Check out these FREE resources about college planning: https://tamingthehighcostofcollege.com/resources *** We care about what you think and want to help you out, so we'd appreciate you reviewing us on Apple, Spotify , or subscribe to our YouTube channel!

If your student is applying to college, they'll probably have to submit the Common App, which is an online application used by over 1,100 colleges and universities. In this podcast episode, Brad Baldridge talks with Michelle McAnaney of The College Spy about how the Common App works, what parents and students need to know, and strategies for application questions, essays, deadlines, and helping your student stay organized. https://tamingthehighcostofcollege.com/thcc-episode-185-the-common-app-and-applying-for-college/ *** Check out these FREE resources about college planning: https://tamingthehighcostofcollege.com/resources *** We care about what you think and want to help you out, so we'd appreciate you reviewing us on Apple, Spotify , or subscribe to our YouTube channel!

Estate planning isn't just about passing on assets. It can also impact college financial aid. In this episode, Brad Baldridge and attorney John Koenig explain the basics of wills, trusts, probate, and inheritance, and share how families can avoid common mistakes that may reduce financial aid eligibility. https://tamingthehighcostofcollege.com/thcc-episode-184-estate-planning-inheritance-and-college-financial-aid/ *** Check out these FREE resources about college planning: https://tamingthehighcostofcollege.com/resources *** We care about what you think and want to help you out, so we'd appreciate you reviewing us on Apple, Spotify , or subscribe to our YouTube channel!

Is your student thinking about attending college abroad? Start with this crucial advice. In this podcast episode, college financial advisor Brad Baldridge and Cornelia Betschart-Fuertes of Global College Advisors discuss options for earning a degree internationally. Find out how options and costs compare, learn about admissions, degree recognition, language barriers, and cultural immersion, and learn what families should know before making the leap. https://tamingthehighcostofcollege.com/thcc-episode-183-exploring-international-and-overseas-college-options/ *** Check out these FREE resources about college planning: https://tamingthehighcostofcollege.com/resources *** We care about what you think and want to help you out, so we'd appreciate you reviewing us on Apple, Spotify , or subscribe to our YouTube channel!

College costs are rising, but merit aid can make a big difference . In this podcast episode, college financial advisor Brad Baldridge talks with Todd Weaver of Strategies for College about merit aid, including how families can find scholarships, how they can predict the amount of meri t aid they might receive , and how to build a realistic budget for college . https://tamingthehighcostofcollege.com/thcc-episode-182-understanding-merit-aid-scholarships-and-budgeting-for-college/ *** Check out these FREE resources about college planning: https://tamingthehighcostofcollege.com/resources *** We care about what you think and want to help you out, so we'd appreciate you reviewing us on Apple, Spotify , or subscribe to our YouTube channel!

Does your student need to make campus visits to help them choose the right college? In this episode of the Taming the High Cost of College podcast, Brad Baldridge and college counselor, Chuck Erickson, explain why campus visits are more important than ever. They walk you through the five types of visits families should know about, how to plan ahead , and how to make the most of these important opportunities: https://tamingthehighcostofcollege.com/thcc-episode-181-making-the-most-of-college-campus-visits/ *** Check out these FREE resources about college planning: https://tamingthehighcostofcollege.com/resources *** We care about what you think and want to help you out, so we'd appreciate you reviewing us on Apple, Spotify , or subscribe to our YouTube channel!

AI is changing everything, including how students prepare for college and careers. In this podcast episode, Brad Baldridge and career coach Kristin Clark explain why parents and students should experiment with AI tools, how students can become AI-ready, and how families can evaluate colleges' AI policies and teaching capabilities to help their students prepare for future success. *** Check out these FREE resources about college planning: https://tamingthehighcostofcollege.com/resources *** We care about what you think and want to help you out, so we'd appreciate you reviewing us on Apple, Spotify , or subscribe to our YouTube channel!

Is college still worth it? In this episode of the Taming the High Cost of College podcast, Brad Baldridge talks with education expert Michael B. Horn about the value of college in today's environment. They discuss the challenges facing higher education, how families can evaluate their return on investment in college, graduation rates, and alternatives such as gap years, vocational training, and apprenticeships for students. *** Check out these FREE resources about college planning: https://tamingthehighcostofcollege.com/resources *** We care about what you think and want to help you out, so we'd appreciate you reviewing us on Apple, Spotify , or subscribe to our YouTube channel!

Parents of neurodiverse students are often not aware that support options for their student change once they go to college. Colleges won't automatically know about your student's neurodiversity or needs, and students have to handle more of their own advocacy and seek out the resources they need. In this episode of the Taming the High Cost of College podcast, Brad Baldridge talks with Eric Endlich, Ph.D., founder of Top College Consultants, about the challenges neurodiverse students face when transitioning from high school to college, how accommodations change, and what parents should know about evaluating support programs. *** Check out these FREE resources about college planning: https://tamingthehighcostofcollege.com/resources *** We care about what you think and want to help you out, so we'd appreciate you reviewing us on Apple, Spotify , or subscribe to our YouTube channel!

Many students feel stuck when choosing a major or career path, and parents often worry about the cost of indecision. In this episode, Brad Baldridge and career exploration specialist Kristin Clark share strategies to help students gain clarity and help determine their path forward—from gap years to career assessments and ultimately choosing their future path. Listen now to discover how you can support an undecided student and guide them toward a future they'll love. *** Check out these FREE resources about college planning: https://tamingthehighcostofcollege.com/resources *** We care about what you think and want to help you out, so we'd appreciate you reviewing us on Apple, Spotify , or subscribe to our YouTube channel!

Is your high school student heading into their junior year this fall? Or do you have a future junior in your household? Make sure they're on track to finish the five key tasks they'll need to complete by the end of their junior year, as they prepare and plan for college. In this episode, Brad Baldridge talks with college counselor Chuck Erickson about the five things future juniors need to be doing right now! *** Check out these FREE resources about college planning: https://tamingthehighcostofcollege.com/resources *** We care about what you think and want to help you out, so we'd appreciate you reviewing us on Apple, Spotify , or subscribe to our YouTube channel!

AI is everywhere, but what does it really mean for college planning? In this episode, Brad welcomes returning guest Brian Keith South to update us on how AI is reshaping college admissions, academics, and career readiness. Discover why human guidance is more important than ever, how students can use AI tools to simplify complex coursework and research colleges, and what families should know about AI and fairness in the admissions process. https://tamingthehighcostofcollege.com/thcc-episode-175-ai-college-admissions-and-the-future-of-education/ *** Check out these FREE resources about college planning: https://tamingthehighcostofcollege.com/resources *** We care about what you think and want to help you out, so we'd appreciate you reviewing us on Apple, Spotify , or subscribe to our YouTube channel!

What's the new reality for typical student-athletes? What do families need to know, so they can navigate the process and help student-athletes get recruited? In this podcast episode, I sat down with Jason Lauren, founder of Scout U, to get all the key insights from someone who helps student-athletes get recruited and play at the next level every day. https://tamingthehighcostofcollege.com/thcc-episode-174-college-athletic-recruiting-and-nil-deals-the-reality-for-student-athletes/ *** Check out these FREE resources about college planning: https://tamingthehighcostofcollege.com/resources *** We care about what you think and want to help you out, so we'd appreciate you reviewing us on Apple, Spotify , or subscribe to our YouTube channel!

Many teens seem unmotivated about college and their future. But the real problem is that they haven't found their personal "why" that will make them more passionate about college and the college planning process. In this episode of the Taming the High Cost of College podcast, Brad Baldridge talks with Shellee Howard, Founder and CEO of College Ready, about how parents can help students find their personal "why" and turn that passion into great strategies to help them build strong college admissions applications. https://tamingthehighcostofcollege.com/thcc-episode-173-motivating-teens-to-discover-their-why-and-plan-for-college/ *** Check out these FREE resources about college planning: https://tamingthehighcostofcollege.com/resources *** We care about what you think and want to help you out, so we'd appreciate you reviewing us on Apple, Spotify , or subscribe to our YouTube channel!

The job market is getting much tougher for college graduates, so now's the time for parents and teens to take action. Tune in to Brad Baldridge and career coach Kristin Clark share crucial tips to prepare for a changing job market: https://tamingthehighcostofcollege.com/thcc-episode-172-career-and-college-planning-in-a-tougher-job-market/ *** Check out these FREE resources about college planning: https://tamingthehighcostofcollege.com/resources *** We care about what you think and want to help you out, so we'd appreciate you reviewing us on Apple, Spotify , or subscribe to our YouTube channel!

Is college truly worth it for families? Here's what parents and students should consider and how to make a smarter, more realistic decision. Listen here: https://tamingthehighcostofcollege.com/thcc-episode-171-is-college-really-worth-it-costs-benefits-and-smarter-planning-for-families/ *** Check out these FREE resources about college planning: https://tamingthehighcostofcollege.com/resources *** We care about what you think and want to help you out, so we'd appreciate you reviewing us on Apple, Spotify , or subscribe to our YouTube channel!

Learn advanced 529 plan strategies that can potentially help you maximize your savings and tax benefits while you protect your investment. Tune in here: https://tamingthehighcostofcollege.com/thcc-529-plan-series-ep-4-advanced-strategies-around-529-plans *** Check out the FREE College Money Report and Cost of Colleges by State: https://tamingthehighcostofcollege.com/college-money-report/ https://tamingthehighcostofcollege.com/cost-of-colleges-by-state/ *** We care about what you think and want to help you out, so we'd appreciate you reviewing us on Apple, Stitcher , or on your favorite podcast platform!

Learn how 529 plans compare to other college investment options, the pros and cons of each, and strategies to help you potentially maximize your benefits. Listen now: https://tamingthehighcostofcollege.com/thcc-529-plan-series-ep-3-529-plans-and-other-college-savings-plan *** Check out the FREE Scholarship Guide For Busy Parents and College Money Report: https://courses.tamingthehighcostofcollege.com/p/scholarship-guide-for-busy-parents https://tamingthehighcostofcollege.com/college-money-report/ *** We care about what you think and want to help you out, so we'd appreciate you reviewing us on Apple, Stitcher , or on your favorite podcast platform!

Learn about 529 plan investment options, including which types of investments can potentially help you maximize your tax-free earnings and college savings. Listen now: https://tamingthehighcostofcollege.com/thcc-529-college-plan-series-episode-2-investing-for-beginners *** Check out our FREE Scholarship Guide for Busy Parents: https://courses.tamingthehighcostofcollege.com/p/scholarship-guide-for-busy-parents *** We care about what you think and want to help you out, so we'd appreciate you reviewing us on Apple, Stitcher , or on your favorite podcast platform!

Get expert insights on 529 plans, how they work, and why they're one of the best ways for families to save and grow money for college. Listen now: https://tamingthehighcostofcollege.com/thcc-529-college-plan-series-episode-1-the-basics *** Check out these FREE resources about college planning: https://tamingthehighcostofcollege.com/resources *** We care about what you think and want to help you out, so we'd appreciate you reviewing us on Apple, Stitcher , or on your favorite podcast platform!