Expert Conversations to Help
Your Family Plan Smarter for College

Larry Hagner’s early life and path to fatherhood 🎓 Transition from psychology to health management and medical sales 💊 Lessons learned in sales and leadership that shaped his parenting philosophy 🤝 Fatherhood journey: raising four boys with curiosity, collaboration, and respect 👦👦👦👦 Team Hagner principles: Responsibility, Everyone, Action, Manage, Sacrifice (T.E.A.M.S.) 🏠 Strategies for parenting teens with different personalities and interests 🎮📚 Navigating marriage and alignment with your spouse 💑 Larry’s book Pursuit of Legendary Fatherhood: inspiration, process, and structure 📖

AP exams are skill-based, not just memorization—students need practice in analysis, application, and evaluation. Grades in class do not always reflect AP exam readiness. A student with an A may still struggle without proper exam strategies. Starting preparation even a few weeks before the exam can still be effective if a structured plan is in place....

How purpose-driven volunteering strengthens college applications Using entrepreneurship to create real-world impact The role of Empower Education as a catalyst for leadership Building a focused academic narrative around business and economics Why exploration before choosing a major matters Turning interests into action through nonprofits and fundraising Lessons learned from competitive entrepreneurship programs The power of mentors, collaboration, and networking Why LinkedIn matters — even for high school students Applying strategically to programs, internships, and opportunities How College Ready supports students through college lists, essays, and strategy Advice for freshmen, sophomores, and juniors who don’t know where to start Balancing academics, mental health, and passion projects What colleges really look for beyond grades and prestige

In this enlightening conversation on the "Parents is Your Teen College Ready?" show, Shellee Howard interviews Sarah Morgan, a former corporate trainer turned school assembly speaker who focuses on teaching students about emotional resilience and recovery. Sarah shares her compelling personal story of a horseback riding accident that nearly left her quadriplegic, highlighting how her mindset and belief system played a crucial role in her recovery. She emphasizes the importance of understanding emotions through Dr. Albert Ellis’s ABC theory, which explains how our beliefs mediate emotional responses rather than the activating events themselves....

Key Insights from the Episode:Most U.S. colleges admit more than half of applicants—elite schools are the exception, not the rule Admissions officers are looking for fit, not perfection Applications are reviewed holistically by trained teams using rubrics—not randomly Essays should tell a small story in a meaningful way, not trauma-dump Authentic explanations for academic dips help admissions officers understand context Optional essays are rarely “optional” if students want to stand out Mental health topics should focus on growth, insight, and recovery—not the lowest point Senior-year grades still matter after acceptance Parents play a vital role—but too much control can increase stress The college experience builds critical thinking, communication, teamwork, and resilience beyond academicsParent Takeaway: Your job isn’t to manage the process for your student—it’s to model confidence, curiosity, and calm while allowing them to own their journey.

Many colleges — especially small, private, non-urban schools — are under significant financial strainSome colleges have closed with little warning, leaving students scramblingGraduation rates below 50% are a major red flag“Merit scholarships” are often tuition discounts, not actual awarded fundsLow-enrollment majors may be at risk of being eliminated mid-degreeTeach-out agreements exist but may transfer students to similarly struggling institutionsFinancial health should be the first checkpoint when building a college list

College doesn’t have to follow the traditional U.S. path to be successful, affordable, or fulfilling. In this episode, Shellee Howard welcomes Jackie, founder of The UK Study Expert, to discuss how American students can earn degrees in the UK — often in less time and at a lower cost — while gaining independence, global perspective, and career-ready skills. Jackie explains how the UK education system differs from the U.S., which students are the best fit for international study, and how families can navigate concerns around safety, healthcare, housing, and academics....

Mark Smith’s personal story growing up with undiagnosed dyslexia and feeling academically inferior Why traditional education systems often fail students who learn differently Discovering strengths vs fixing weaknesses and how this mindset changes career outcomes The importance of helping teens identify how they learn best Why teens do not need to have their lives figured out by age 17 Reframing success as adaptability, curiosity, and lifelong learning How parents can support undecided or multi-talented students without adding pressure The role of tools like CliftonStrengths (StrengthsFinder) in guiding students and professionals Preparing teens for an AI-driven future without losing intellectual curiosity Why AI should be used to augment learning, not replace thinking Building a digital footprint and portfolio in a world where AI screens résumés Helping teens align education, purpose, and long-term fulfillment beyond just money Mark’s advice for parents who want to guide rather than control their teen’s future

Ever wonder how some students confidently land their dream schools? In this episode, Shellee Howard chats with Ryan Obanoff, a UC Santa Barbara freshman, about his journey from high school to college success. Ryan shares how strategic planning, smart class choices, and personalized guidance from College Ready helped him maximize his GPA, craft standout essays, and navigate the college admissions process with confidence.

What does the college admissions process really look like from a student’s perspective? In this episode of the College Ready Podcast, Founder & CEO Shellee Howard sits down with College Ready student Vidarth to unpack his journey—from discovering engineering, conducting advanced research, and presenting to professionals, to managing senior-year stress and finding balance through music.

This conversation underscores the critical need for families to adopt a more analytical and cautious approach to college selection. The financial instability of many colleges, especially small private institutions, poses real risks to students’ educational trajectories and families’ investments. By leveraging independent data tools and focusing on financial health first, parents and students can make more informed decisions, avoid surprises like sudden college closures, and better ensure a quality and stable college experience. Gary Stocker’s expertise and resources provide a powerful antidote to the opaque and often misleading narratives promoted by colleges, empowering families in an increasingly complex higher education environment.

In this insightful and candid conversation, Shellee Howard and Laura Ollinger delve into the complexities of supporting teenagers and parents through the challenges of adolescence, particularly as it relates to mental health, identity, communication, and preparing for college. Laura, a certified teen and parent well-being coach and mother of four teens, combines life coaching and health coaching to help families thrive by building resilience and tackling obstacles. Drawing on personal tragedy, professional training, and real-life experience, Laura emphasizes the importance of proactive coaching versus reactive therapy, fostering healthy parent-teen communication, guiding teens in self-discovery, and managing the impact of social media.

When it comes to helping families thrive, few voices are as authentic and powerful as Richard R. Ramos. Raised in Northeast Los Angeles by a single mother as the youngest of five, Richard grew up surrounded by domestic violence and gang activity. Those early experiences gave him a deep understanding of at-risk youth and the challenges they face....

When it comes to preparing teens for college and life beyond the classroom, two unique perspectives come together in a powerful way. Shelley Howard, host of Parents: Is Your Teen College Ready?, sat down with former student turned coach Hunter Thompson to explore the challenges today’s students face and how intentional coaching can make all the difference.

This episode offers a comprehensive, empathetic, and practical roadmap for families to prepare their teens for college success—one that balances dreams with realistic planning, academic rigor with personal growth, and financial savvy with emotional support.

This episode serves as a comprehensive guide emphasizing that strategic, early, and personalized planning is essential to navigating the modern college admissions landscape successfully. Parents play a critical role in supporting and guiding their children through this journey, ensuring that their aspirations align with practical plans, financial realities, and personal growth opportunities. The ultimate goal is to empower families to send their children to college prepared, confident, and without the burden of debt.

Shellee Howard, founder and CEO of College Ready and host of the Parents is Your Teen College Ready podcast, shares insights from her best-selling book The College Admissions Plan Simplified. Her primary focus is on parents, acknowledging that college admissions guidance is often geared toward students, while parents play a critical but under-supported role. Shellee empathizes with the exhaustion and emotional toll parents experience while helping their children navigate the complex and often overwhelming college admissions process. She stresses the importance of parental involvement, understanding adolescent brain development, and providing emotional and strategic support during this pivotal life transition.

In this insightful discussion, Shelley Howard interviews Sean Ivester, founder of Pivot Tutors, about the evolving landscape of college entrance testing and effective test preparation strategies. Sean explains that test prep timing depends largely on the student’s academic standing and course progression. He advises parents to avoid overlapping SAT/ACT prep with heavy academic periods like finals or AP exams to protect students’ GPA, which remains crucial.

Do Colleges Care About Both ACT and SAT? Cracking the Code with Shellee Howard and Jackie Pollina In this insightful and comprehensive discussion, Shelley Howard hosts Jackie Pollina, founder of J&J Test Prep and No BS SAT Prep, to explore the critical role of test preparation in high school and college admissions. Jackie shares her entrepreneurial journey from a stressed high school test-taker to a passionate business owner who creates modern, digestible test prep approaches.

In this insightful interview, Shelley Howard, founder and CEO of College Ready, hosts Raphael McMaster, a creative professional turned nonprofit leader focused on empowering youth with essential emotional and mental health tools. Raphael shares how his journey led him to develop a toolkit of seven fundamental life tools designed to build self-awareness, emotional resilience, and self-control among young people. These tools have been co-created with input from psychologists, therapists, educators, and youth themselves to ensure they resonate with today’s generation.

"Designing Your College Journey: Admission Assistance & Success Tips with Shellee Howard and Elliot Felix In this insightful conversation between Shelley Howard and Elliot Felix, Felix—shares valuable guidance on preparing students not just to enter college but to thrive throughout their college journey and beyond."

Mentoring Matters • Matthew Petrafetta founded Academic Approach in 2001 after valuing transformative mentors in literature and psychology. • He aims to replicate that coaching DNA for students’ academic growth. Passion-Driven Learning • Tutors “meet the student where they are,” linking content to interests (music, math, literature). • “From curiosity comes interest…success”—personalization boosts commitment....

Ben Kaplan’s backgroundWon ~24 scholarships totaling $90,000, enabling Harvard admission. First scholarship call: “Congratulations, you’ve just won $15,000 from Discover Card.” Authored How to Go to College Almost for Free and new book Scholars and Dollars.

Decision • Faith • Action“Everything is a matter of decision.”Christina’s core formula: make a choice, take massive action, and trust something greater. From Pro Golfer to Mindset CoachFormer five-time All-American golfer battled eating disorders and suicidal thoughts despite external success. Built a mission to help others “be yourself” and escape the validation trap.

Michelle Pardue’s Background32 years teaching experience, 25 years teaching AP BiologyChose teaching to inspire future medical researchers and practitionersAP Biology Course ApproachTreats AP Bio like a sports season: “I’ve been prepping them all year to get ready for this test.”Balances content delivery with test-prep strategiesExam Focus ShiftNow emphasizes scientific thinking, data/graph interpretation, and time managementMultiple‑choice section: 60 lengthy questions in 90 minutes—practice under timed conditions is essential

Career Journey & PivotNitin Gour shares his transition from a tech background to an 18-year career in finance before founding Bloomster. He emphasizes that diverse experiences and a fast-paced environment shaped his approach to work and life. Focus on Holistic Life SkillsIdentified critical gaps in traditional education focused solely on academics. Developed a holistic model covering social-emotional, intellectual, mindfulness, and physical dimensions with 25 key life skills....

Guest IntroductionShelly Howard hosts Layla, a student from College Ready, discussing her research project on Alzheimer's disease. Research MotivationLayla chose to research Alzheimer's disease due to her personal connection; her great-grandmother suffered from it, igniting her curiosity.

🎓 Early Career ConversationsStart discussing careers with teens as early as 4th to 6th grade to explore their interests and problem-solving skills. 👨‍👦‍👦 Parental InvolvementEncourage parents to be curious about their child’s aspirations: “What do you want to do? Why that?” This helps in guiding them towards career paths. 💼 Importance of Real-World ExperienceTeens should gain real-world experience through jobs or volunteer work....

🎓 Early Career ConversationsStart discussing careers with teens as early as 4th to 6th grade to explore their interests and problem-solving skills. 👨‍👦‍👦 Parental InvolvementEncourage parents to be curious about their child’s aspirations: “What do you want to do? Why that?” This helps in guiding them towards career paths. 💼 Importance of Real-World ExperienceTeens should gain real-world experience through jobs or volunteer work....

🎭 Background of Will Dennis12th-grade teacher at a private all-girls school. Owner of an improv company, Unscripted Productions, focusing on applied improvisation. 🤔 Journey into Teaching and ImprovInitially uncertain about career path; influenced by strong educators and theater participation in high school. Transitioned from professional acting to teaching after discovering love for teaching through improv classes.

🔍 Understanding Learning StylesDifferent students have unique learning styles; assessments help tailor lesson plans accordingly. Strategies should be diversified to engage various learners effectively. 🧠 Mindset MattersA student's mindset significantly impacts their performance; strategies include mindset training and breathing exercises. Test anxiety can often lead to performance drops, necessitating mental preparation alongside content review....

🎙️ Guest Introduction: Ashton TateAshton Tate, based in Franklin, Tennessee, partners with schools to promote health education. He lost 120 pounds in high school, overcoming pre-diabetes and low self-esteem. 🏋️ Journey to HealthInitially wanted to be a SWAT officer; discovered his passion for health later. Experienced struggles with weight and unhealthy eating while playing sports....

🎓 Early College PreparationMia started with College Ready in eighth grade. At the time, she felt confused about planning for college so early, but now recognizes the value of getting ahead. 💰 Financial Considerations Myrna emphasized the importance of investing in Mia's education early to avoid stress and high costs later. She viewed the program as a way to save money in the long run....

🎓 Background on KaterinaSchool Context: Katerina attends Waukee Northwest High School in Iowa, which offers numerous AP classes and extracurriculars but is limited in resources compared to urban schools. Early College Awareness: She learned about College Ready during her sophomore year, following her sister's experience. 📜 College Application JourneyApplications Submitted: Katerina applied to 14 colleges, including NYU Tisch, UCs, Georgetown, and others. Acceptance into Dream School: She received acceptance from NYU Tisch, which she regarded as her dream school, alongside state schools Iowa and Iowa State....

🎓 Cynthia Coufal's Background31 years in education: Special education teacher for 6 years and school counselor for 25 years. Transitioned to teen coaching to work directly with teens and college students facing anxiety. 🏫 College Ready Program OverviewFounded by Shellee Howard after her son received seven full-ride offers from prestigious schools, including Harvard. Focuses on helping families navigate the college admissions process, with an emphasis on financial planning and academic preparation....

Shellee Howard hosts Jeanine Mouchawar, a parenting coach, to discuss strategies for effectively communicating with and supporting teenagers. - 👋 Introduction of Jeanine Mouchawar, parenting coach for parents of teens. - 📚 Lack of resources for parenting teens leads to frustration for parents. - 🎓 Jeanine's journey from quantitative economics to parenting coaching....

Shellee Howard interviews Arlayna Alcock about preparing teens for studying abroad and the benefits of international experiences. Highlights- 🌍 Arlayna Alcock is a college career coach and helps students with study abroad opportunities. - ✈️ Studying abroad enhances adaptability, resilience, and confidence in students. - 📚 Opportunities for international experiences vary from short internships to full degree programs....

Gini Beran from CLEP shares insights on how the College Level Examination Program helps students earn college credit through exams, making college more accessible and affordable.

Shellee Howard and Bara Sapir discuss strategies for helping teens overcome test anxiety and improve their performance with a focus on customized approaches. Highlights -🎓 College readiness is not just about academics; mindset matters too. 🧠 Mindfulness techniques can help students perform better on tests. - 📈 Customization of test prep is crucial for addressing individual student needs....

Robert Farrington discusses financial literacy for families, emphasizing strategies to navigate college funding and avoid student loan debt. Highlights🎓 Importance of financial literacy: Teaching kids about money early is crucial for their future. 💡 Experiences matter: Work and volunteer opportunities help teens learn about their interests and skills. 📉 Understanding ROI: Families should evaluate the return on investment for college choices....

Jeannie Baldomero discusses her experience mentoring moms of teen girls, focusing on building communication and understanding in mother-daughter relationships.

Parents, discover how UC Scout can aid your teen’s college readiness by providing essential courses and resources. Highlights📚 UC Scout offers online A-G approved courses for college readiness. 🌍 Accessible to students in California and beyond, including international students. 🎓 A-G requirements are critical for UC admission; missing them can prevent application eligibility....

Coach Sherry Win discusses the importance of mindset and self-awareness in overcoming challenges, particularly for teens preparing for college. Highlights🏅 Coach Sherry is a two-time Olympian and founder of the Winning Leadership Company. 🧠 Mindset matters: what you tell yourself can significantly impact your performance. 🎓 Test anxiety is common; changing thought patterns can improve outcomes....

Teege discusses college readiness, emphasizing student-centered admissions, financial aid opportunities, and the importance of exploring various college types. Highlights🎓 Teege has 18+ years in college admissions. 💰 Many private colleges offer significant scholarships. 🏫 Leading Colleges focuses on student-centered institutions....

Scott Clyburn discusses his tutoring company, North Avenue Education, and shares insights on personalized test prep and supporting neurodiverse students.

Scott Clyburn discusses his tutoring company, North Avenue Education, and shares insights on personalized test prep and supporting neurodiverse students.

Traci Bakenhaster discusses helping parents guide teens in career readiness and exploring their interests effectively.

Aly Pain and Shellee Howard discussed her journey from personal struggles with ADHD to empowering parents of teens, focusing on connection and understanding during pivotal years.

In this insightful episode, Shellee Howard welcomes Professor Lindsey Cormack to discuss the importance of raising informed and engaged citizens. As a political science professor at Stevens Institute of Technology and author of the book *How to Raise a Citizen*, Lindsey shares her experiences and research on how parents can foster civic responsibility in their children. The conversation covers a wide range of topics, including education, the role of social media, and practical steps for parents to prepare their children for active citizenship.

Jeff Heggie is an Entrepreneur, Author and Success Coach with a passion for helping others achieve their biggest dreams. Jeff helps athletes to reach their full potential by mastering the mental game and constantly competing with a high level of confidence. He also teaches people to become optimal performing entrepreneurs and reach their 10X goals. He starts with a focus on mindset....

Brett worked in College Admissions for about 10 years (Manhattan College, Columbia University, Wake Forest University) prior to joining Pioneer Academics. He has presented at IACAC, IECA, Ivy+ and NYSACAC conferences and has also served on a NACAC Ad Hoc committee.

About Dr. Tarver:He is the creator of a plethora of resources over at TarverAcademy.com, has written 4 books (The Baller Teacher Playbook and 3 others that are meh), hosts multiple podcasts, has his superintendent certification, and a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Harding University.

Gila is an entreprenuer, author, speaker and dog trainer who is passionate about empowering people to unleash their potential, lead with impact, and master their mindset.

Abour Dr. Robert Malkin:Dr. Robert Malkin is a Professor of the Practice of Biomedical Engineering and Global Health, Emeritus at Duke University in Durham, North Carolina. He is also the Academic Director of the International Research Institute of North Carolina....

🎁 Episode Gift & Contact🎓 College Planning Support for Parents Want help organizing next steps and avoiding costly college mistakes? 📘 Workbook Gift: https://go.collegereadyplan.com/podcast-gift-workbook🤝 Interested in Collaborating with College Ready? Email Julienne at julienne@collegereadyplan.com

Breanne is a certified Mental Performance Coach and Co-Founder of The Elite Competitor, a company that leads the pack in cultivating confidence in girl athletes through their mom-daughter approach to mental training. As a former collegiate athlete, current mom, and long-time coach to athletes, Breanne sees building confidence and mental strength in athletes from all angles. She not only supports the athlete through proven and science-backed strategies to strengthen her mental game, she also coaches parents on how to best support their athlete daughters through the process. Through the Elite Competitor podcast, trainings, and signature program The Elite Mental Game, thousands of families have changed the game when it comes to the middle and high school sport experience.

About Debra: Debra Beck, Author of the award winning book My Feet Aren’t Ugly, A Girl’s Guide to Loving herself from the inside out, is a devoted mentor for teenage girls and parents on issues facing teenagers and parents today. Debra discovered her life’s work: helping young girls learn to truly love themselves from the inside out. She is also a parent of two daughters and understands the worries of parenting. She is devoted to guiding parents through these turbulent years to give them the tools they need to create a harmonious connection with their teens....

Leah Rae Getts, and her husband, Todd, are the owners of DigitalTrailblazer.com and specialize in helping experts, coaches, consultants, and entrepreneurs to create, launch, sell, and scale profitable online courses and coaching programs. They started their online business in 2016 with no experience - Leah a previous nurse, and Todd, a band teacher. Despite their lack of business & marketing experience, they were able to build a full-time income online and retired from their jobs in 2017 to be home with their children. They created their first online course in 2018 and quickly scaled their course sales to multiple 6 figures a month within only 6 months....

About Leah: "I am a self-help author, speaker, triathlete and performance coach living on Long Island. I’m firm believer in the infinite potential residing in every one of us, and I’ve dedicated my life to helping others realize it. My unique system is a version of triangle theory: one wall of the triangle is health and family, one is career, and the third encompasses all of one’s ultimate dreams and goals. Leah is a high school counselor"

The three soft skills your teen needs after high school and how parents can help them learn them. 1) Owning their results 2) Rewriting their stories 3) Taming their emotions When a teen can do this, I call it going from sidekick to hero. In the classic hero's journey, the hero is the only character in the story that has the power to change the ending. Parents can help teens learn these skills by following the three Mentor Rules: 1) The Yoda Rule - let go of their results 2) The Dumbledore Rule - let them figure it out 3) The Haymitch Rule - have clear and consistent boundaries Joey Mascio is a certified life coach who helps teens build self-confidence, manage their emotions, and achieve their goals....

Shellee and Jesse discuss: - Find something you wake up excited about - Using your platform to make a difference in others lives - Parents your job is to prepare them for their future by allowing them to fail and learn. About Jesse: Jesse LeBeau is one of today’s most highly sought-after youth motivational speakers and teen coaches. His unlikely underdog story has inspired over one million teenager through his live speaking events, best-selling books and programs for teens and parents. He is one of the world’s premiere basketball trick artists which allowed him to dribble his way onto the Hollywood big screen and star in commercials for Kobe Bryant, be in a movie with Kevin Durant and he even spent a day being hand fed cheeseburgers by supermodel Heidi Klum.

Shellee and Ann discuss:Ask yourself: What does it mean to live your best life? Then build a plan to make it a reality A great college experience is possible at any price point The importance of looking at your budget for college when your kids are in middle school so you can plan accordingly Every student is eligible for scholarships and it's the parents job to help them find them

Shellee and Michael discuss: - The struggle a lot of parents deal with when their teenagers are addicted to digital screens and video games - As a parent who dealt with this in his own kid, created a summer program for teenagers where they reset. It is a month long program where they have group therapy, individual therapy, teach them how to cook, do their laundry, go to the beach and have a lot of fun but they are detoxed from screens and learn what life is like once they leave home. - The 8 signs your teen have screen addiction. About Michael: Michael Jacobus is an internationally renowned Camp Director and youth development specialist....

Kelsey and Shellee will discuss: - The importance of students assessing their strengths and passions early in high school so they get ideas of what they want to do in their life. Use summer break to sign up for programs that will give you insight on career paths you are interested in. - Kelsey helps lead a summer program for students. The students go on college campus for 8 days to learn what to expect once they leave for college....

Naomi is the CEO of Teen Rockstar Entrepreneur and advocate for education, youth personal development and mental health. Shellee and Naomi discuss: - The importance of helping teenagers learn their passions and strengths - How to deal with challenges and failures in life in a productive way - How to create a plan of action for your teen to avoid getting overwhelmed This podcast encapsulates the essence of developing a strong mindset along with essential executive functioning skills such as self-regulation, resilience, and effective communication. It underscores the importance of these skills not only for academic pursuits but also for personal growth and success in life's various challenges.

Shellee and Josh discuss: - Is the SAT/ACT really necessary? - Importance of AP classes - Setting your student up for success by knowing how much they can handle

Shellee and Jessyka discuss: - Life skills all children need to be successful - It is important for students to have goals before they can be motivated - How to know if your student needs help with study skills

As a professional speaker, trainer, and author, Mr. Johnson, AKA “Coach Carlos,” is locally bred, but his work and research on culture and engagement have taken him national and international. “Coach Carlos” and his team of consultants have utilized his experience and research to successfully turn around three failing public schools and one private Christian academy.