Higher Scores Test Prep

3 Tips to Help Freshmen and Sophomores Prepare for the ACT and SAT

I originally wrote this article as a guest post for CollegeRaptor.com. Every fall I’m approached by a few eager students who are interested in test prep well before junior year. Middle school students, freshmen, and sophomores are often anxious over what’s coming down the road and want to get a jump on the work ahead. […]


Do Less Math on Test Day with This Timing Hack

Whether you’re taking the ACT or SAT, it’s important to be aware of the timing of the exam. Now, if you know me, you know my #1 tip is to focus on accuracy over speed; however, you still need to have a sense of your pacing in order to ensure you’re answering enough questions to […]


Getting the Most Out of College Campus Visits (Episode 93)

In this episode of The College Checklist Podcast, Kelly Queijo, founder of Smart College Visit and Smart College Consulting, provides excellent advice on how to plan campus visits, how to save money on your college visits,  and how to get the most benefit from the experience. Remember: campus visits are a fact-finding mission about your home […]


All About Student Loans (Episode 92)

We are in for a special treat on this episode of The College Checklist Podcast with our first three-peat guest, Jodi Okun! Jodi has a wealth of knowledge on all things paying for college – including student loans. In the past, Jodi has helped us understand the bird’s eye view of the financial aid process, […]


Going Off-Trail on Purpose (Episode 90)

In this episode of The College Checklist Podcast, I interview Off-Trail On Purpose founder Leslie Frey about the benefits of defying the status quo in college admissions and why taking the long view of what you want from life can help you find the perfect-fit college. Leslie’s background as a teacher and Outward Bound leader gives her […]


How to Conduct Data-Driven College Research (Episode 89)

In this episode of The College Checklist Podcast, I interview Road 2 College founder Debbie Schwartz about the best ways to leverage some of the wonderful, free college research tools available these days. When her own child was getting ready to plan for college, Debbie came to realize how little college financial planning assistance there was […]


A Practical Guide to College Admissions (Episode 88)

In this episode of The College Checklist Podcast, Brenden, a former ACT prep student of mine, and his mom, Jeanne share their best tips as practical a guide to college admissions. The hallmark off their experience was staring early and doing plenty of research and planning. Brenden also explains how he balanced work, outside activities, […]


What College Admissions Officers Really Want (Episode 87)

If you’ve ever wondered what makes a great college application or what college admissions officers want to see from applicants, this episode of The College Checklist Podcast is for you! In this show, I’m joined by my friend Luke Lawson who’s served as an undergraduate admissions officer and in many other posts in higher education […]


How To Become A Global Superstar (Episode 86)

In today’s episode of The College Checklist Podcast, I had the pleasure of chatting with Ben Green, author of The Global Superstar. Ben provides valuable insights on what high school and college students can think about and do to prepare for a career in a field they are passionate about. This episode is important because […]