We believe in helping families communicate.

The College Ready Podcast brings students and families helpful best practices from college counselors and admissions experts.

Parents: Is Your Teen College Ready?

Your teen is in middle school or high school, and college is on the horizon! Do you know where to begin? It can be overwhelming! Which college will be a good fit? Can you afford it? What is my teen passionate about? This can be an exciting time, but a stressful one! College admission is at an all time high in both competitiveness and cost. How do you navigate this? Your host Shellee Howard with College Ready has helped countless families in the college admissions process while saving them thousands of dollars in tuition! In her podcast, she sits down with new and past clients to share their experiences with College Ready, along with financial advisors and other experts who understand the importance of financial awareness when it comes to graduating from college debt free. Last year, College Ready Seniors earned over $10.7 million dollars in scholarships. The information you hear on this show is priceless, you really can’t afford to not tune in!

Episodes:

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Want to be a guest on the show?

If you have expertise related to college admissions, feel free to contact us to be a guest on our podcast. Great candidates include authors, professional speakers, thought influencers, entrepreneurs, etc. We will contact you if we feel you are a good fit for our podcast.

Recent Episodes of the College Ready Podcast

How to Prep for College in a New Testing Landscape: Insights from Shellee Howard and Sean Ivester

by Shellee Howard | Jun 13, 2025 | Podcast

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...

Do Colleges Care About Both ACT and SAT? Cracking the Code with Shellee Howard and Jackie Pollina

by Shellee Howard | Jun 13, 2025 | Podcast

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...

Mental Wellness 101: Teaching Teens the Tools for Self-Awareness and Resilience with Shellee Howard and Raphael McMaster

by Shellee Howard | May 21, 2025 | Podcast

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...

Designing Your College Journey: Admission Assistance & Success Tips with Shellee Howard and Elliot Felix

by Shellee Howard | May 21, 2025 | Podcast

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. He emphasizes the importance of community, support...

College Ready Starts Early: Inside the Mind of a Test Prep Expert with Matthew Pietrafetta and Shellee Howard

by Shellee Howard | May 21, 2025 | Podcast

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...

Help with College Applications: Ben Kaplan Shares His Road to Harvard and Scholarship Success with Shellee Howard

by Shellee Howard | May 8, 2025 | Podcast

Ben Kaplan’s background Won ~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. Exploring...

Raising Confidence, Living Authentically: Shellee Howard in Conversation with Christina Lecuyer

by Shellee Howard | May 6, 2025 | Podcast

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 Coach Former five-time All-American golfer battled eating disorders and suicidal...

Beyond Biology: Meeting College Requirements Through AP Success – Shellee Howard Talks with Michelle Purdue

by Shellee Howard | May 2, 2025 | Podcast

Michelle Purdue’s Background 32 years teaching experience, 25 years teaching AP Biology Chose teaching to inspire future medical researchers and practitioners AP Biology Course Approach Treats AP Bio like a sports season: “I’ve been prepping them all year to get...

Strategies for Academic Success: Teaching Life Skills for the AI-Driven Future with Nitin Gour

by Shellee Howard | Apr 10, 2025 | Podcast

Career Journey & Pivot Nitin 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...

Writing Skills for Everyday Impact: Layla Rafaat’s Research Journey with Lumiere

by Shellee Howard | Mar 14, 2025 | Podcast

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,...

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