How Aquinas College Is Rethinking the College Experience with Brian Matzke

Aid, Access, and Admissions at Tulane with Shawn Abbott

ABOUT THE EPISODE In this episode, VP for Enrollment Management and Dean of Admissions at Tulane University Shawn Abbott pulls back the curtain on what makes Tulane a unique institution, from its university-wide admissions model that lets students choose their academic path after arriving, to the Louisiana Promise, a suite of programs designed to make Tulane accessible and affordable for students from the state of Louisiana. Shawn also discusses how Tulane has simplified its scholarship application process, eliminating a separate merit scholarship application so more students can be automatically considered for aid. Shawn then shares practical advice students shouldn't miss: why treating financial aid applications with the same urgency as admissions applications is critical, how demonstrated interest actually factors into Tulane's process, and why obsessing over admit rates is one of the biggest mistakes a student can make in the admissions process. MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE * The CSS Profile [https://cssprofile.collegeboard.org/] * Noncustodial Parent CSS Profile Waiver Request Form [https://cssprofile.collegeboard.org/media/pdf/css-profile-waiver-request-non-custodial-parent.pdf]

How ReUp Education Is Helping Students Finish What They Started with Scott Lomas

In this episode, Chief Strategy Officer at ReUp Education Scott Lomas joins Will to shed light on one of higher education's most overlooked challenges: the more than 40 million Americans who have started college but never earned a degree. Scott breaks down the scope of the problem, the common barriers and friction points that prevent students from re-enrolling, and why the re-enrollment rate for this population sits at just around 2%. Scott explains what institutions that are succeeding in this space are doing differently, from removing administrative friction to understanding the unique motivations of adult learners returning to school. He also discusses the role of employers, state governments, and ReUp Education itself in helping students finish what they started.

Direct Admissions, True Cost, and the Future of College Search with Luke Skurman

In this episode, CEO and founder of Niche Luke Skurman shares the origin story of the platform, from its early days as College Prowler publishing physical college guidebooks to becoming one of the most widely used college research tools in the country. Luke explains how a frustrating college search experience of his own inspired him to build a resource centered on student life and user-generated content, not just academics. Luke then dives into two of Niche's most exciting recent innovations: direct admissions and True Cost. He breaks down how direct admissions is shifting the power dynamic in favor of students and families by pairing upfront admission offers with scholarship awards, and shares how the product has grown to over 170 partner colleges. He also discusses True Cost, Niche's new tool designed to give students and families a clear, apples-to-apples comparison of what college will actually cost them long before decision day.

The Story Behind Scholarships360 with Will Geiger and Brian Geiger

In this special episode, co-founders of Scholarships360 Will Geiger and Brian Geiger share the origins of the platform and offer practical advice for students navigating college admissions and scholarship applications. As first-generation college students themselves, both brothers found that clear, accessible resources were hard to come by, and built Scholarships360 to fill that gap. Will and Brian also bust some common college myths, including the misconception that students will pay the full sticker price for college, and encourage students to carefully review their financial aid award letters and advocate for themselves throughout the process. They also touch on the evolving role of AI in scholarship applications, stressing the importance of researching the AI policies of any scholarship you're interested in. They round things out with two key pieces of advice: start exploring scholarship opportunities early and don't overlook hyper-local scholarships as part of your overall strategy.

Rethinking the College Admissions Journey with Dr. Jay Jacobs

In this episode, Vice President of Enrollment Management at the University of Vermont Dr. Jay Jacobs breaks down some of the misconceptions students have about the University of Vermont, and what makes this school a great place for both in-state and out-of-state students. He specifically highlights their financial aid options, retention rates, and exciting programs the university offers. Dr. Jacobs also dives further into the admissions process at UVM at a holistic level, and explains the sorts of topics and qualities that UVM students exhibit. He wraps up the episode by reminding students that the admissions process is only the start of their higher education journey.