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College essays have a huge impact on college admissions and scholarship dollars. Beyond grades, curriculum and [if submitted] test scores, essay students write are the next most important factor admissions counselors use. Joel and Chris have helped thousands of students construct insightful, impactful essays over the years. Joining the guys is Dary Picken, English teacher and college counselor at the Kentucky Country Day School in Louisville, Kentucky. He's quick-witted, perceptive and passionate about students. Epic podcast producer and English teacher, Mike Piergalski, contributes as well. We had a great time recording this one! Music on this episode comes from Normcore always (https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Normcore/Neighbors/Heartless_Man). And new to the podcast is "New Beginnings" by scottholmesmusic (https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Scott_Holmes/inspiring-background-music/new-beginnings)

Worlds meet as Joel and Chris bring on award winning podcaster, Ken Anselment, to talk college essays. College Essays Part I takes a deep look at the college perspective as they review essays as part of a holistic admissions process. Music on this episode comes from Normcore always (https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Normcore/Neighbors/Heartless_Man). And new to the podcast is "New Beginnings" by scottholmesmusic (https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Scott_Holmes/inspiring-background-music/new-beginnings)

College admissions is confusing. Applications can be burdensome to students and counselors. What if there was a way to streamline the process? We think there's a great example! Join Joel, Chris and Mike, along with special guest, Sonia Ryan (counselor extraordinaire) as we present a case study of one of the most popular college systems in the US. Music on this episode comes from Normcore always (https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Normcore/Neighbors/Heartless_Man). And new to the podcast is "New Beginnings" by scottholmesmusic (https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Scott_Holmes/inspiring-background-music/new-beginnings)

What do Black Friday and college admissions offices have in common? Find out on this episode! The number one question of the year in our offices goes like this: "Should I submit my test scores?" We don't have every answer, but join Joel, Chris and the amazing David Burge as we do our best to give you the information you need to answer this question. Special thanks to our producer, Mike Piergalski for working hard to get this dropped on Black Friday! Music on this episode comes from Normcore always (https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Normcore/Neighbors/Heartless_Man). And new to the podcast is "New Beginnings" by scottholmesmusic (https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Scott_Holmes/inspiring-background-music/new-beginnings)

Since the first episode of Get Schooled, Joel and Chris have been passionate about ALL post-secondary options. Often, two-year schools are thought of as inferior to four-year schools. We disagree and we "Make the Case for Two-Year Schools." Our amazing guest is Janet Marling, Executive Director of the National Institute for the Study of Transfer Students. Listen to her school the boys! As always, music is provided free of charge by Normcore (https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Normcore/Neighbors/Heartless_Man)

Class rank is a commonly used method to compare students. The tradition of valedictorian has deep roots in many communities. Join Joel and Chris, along with Trinity Walsh, another local counselor in Northern Kentucky, as we meet IN PERSON for the first time in 18 months to discuss whether class rank has run its useful course. Hint: Strong opinions forthcoming! As always, music on the podcast is provided through the Free Music Archives. Thank you to Normcore for Heartless Man: https://freemusicarchive.org/search/?quicksearch=heartless+man#

Join Joel and Chris as they discuss Historically Black Colleges and Universities with Alicia Oglesby, Howard University Alum and counseling superstar, and Zackery Rogers, Admissions Counselor at Delaware State University and rising star in the profession. The guys appreciated the wisdom and knowledge they gained on a subject they knew they needed to learn more about. As always, music on Get Schooled is provided by Normcore: https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Normcore/Neighbors/Heartless_Man

Join Joel and Chris as they chat with Julia Rogers, founder of Enroute Consulting, about Gap Years. Conventional advice for seniors is to go directly into college after graduation. What we didn't know is that outcomes are better for those who take an intentional, meaningful gap year. As always, music for the Get Schooled Podcast comes to you from Normcore: https://freemusicarchive.org/search/?quicksearch=normcore#

If you're in the business, you know him. If you're not in the business, you need to know him. David Hawkins, the @NACAC Wonk, is one of the most influential and knowledgeable professionals in college admissions. Join Joel and Chris as we discuss numerous topics with David, ranging from ballpark chili dogs to student loan debt. As always, music is "Heartless Man" by Normcore (https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Normcore/Neighbors/Heartless_Man).

Joel and Chris tackle Early Decision in this MEGA-sode! Our opinions on this one are strong, and the best part is that we are right. This episode is packed with excitement as Reeves goes off and the guys interview two of the most well-know professionals and authors in college admissions: Rick Clark and Brennan Bernard. Hear their insights to Early Decision as well as their book, The Truth About College Admissions. Here at Get Schooled, we CAN handle the truth! As always, music is "Heartless Man" by Normcore. https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Normcore/Neighbors/Heartless_Man

Public school counselors and Independent college counselors live in two different worlds, yet serve the same students. Can they get along? Traditionally, it's been a little contentious. Joel and Chris bring along 2020 NACAC President Jayne Fonash to discuss Independent Educational Consulting. Spend time with Jayne and the guys discussing this aspect of college admissions. Music as always provided by Normcore. Song title is "Heartless Man."

The Get Schooled crew highlights the University of Kentucky in this episode of Get Schooled On Campus. Check our interviews with Clayton Abernathy in the admissions office, Dr. Matthew Beck of the College of Engineering, and Jeremy Middleton, a junior Integrated Strategic Communication major. This episode will prepare anyone researching or planning to visit UK. Come join us! Music credits go to Normcore for "Heartless Man."

Chris and Joel unveil their new series: Get Schooled On Campus. Episode 1 is a visit to Northern Kentucky University. Learn what it's like to be a student at NKU as you take a walk across campus with us. Visit with Lauren Mohr from the admissions office and Dr. Matt Albritton with the School of the Arts, then meet Alexandra Shugart, a sophomore with a big future! We loved our first visit. We thank NKU for hosting us. And as always, music provided by Normcore (Heartless Man).

Chris and Joel interview Jacques Steinberg and Eric Furda, authors of The College Conversation: A Practical Guide for Parent to Guide their Children Along the Path to Higher Education. We ask the authors specifically how college create their freshman class. Eric is the director of admissions at the University of Pennsylvania and Jacques is a New York Times Bestselling Author and a NACAC Board Member. We hope you enjoy OUR conversation about The College Conversation. Music is "Heartless Man" by Normcore.

Join Joel and Chris as they spend time with Angel Perez, the new CEO of NACAC (National Association for College Admission Counseling). Angel is a visionary leader, and as the first new CEO of NACAC in over 20 years, his influence could have great impact within college admissions. Joel met Angel as part of the CEO Search Committee and Chris spent three years on the board of directors of NACAC. Enjoy this unique interview Angel Perez. Music is "Heartless Man" by Normcore.

Demonstrated Interest can be and is used for college admissions. Just what is demonstrated interest, how it is tracked, how it is used by colleges and how it can be used by applicants is the subject of this episode. Joel and Chris get to the bottom of DI with the help of Adrienne Oddi (Trinity College) and Jeremiah Tudor (Underscore / Slate). Spoiler Alert: Demonstrated Interest is just what it sounds like, demonstrating interest in college. Music is "Heartless Man" by Normcore.

The DOJ turned College Admissions upside down after cracking down on restraint of trade issues within NACAC's Code of Ethics and Professional Practice (CEPP). Join Joel, Chris and fellow past president of KYACAC, Danny Easley, as we discuss what the future of college recruitment looks like. We recorded this remotely at the beginning of the COVID-19 outbreak. Music is "Heartless Man" by Normcore.

No ACT or SAT needed??? It seems like a school every week is announcing Test Optional Admissions. Is this a fad or a trend? Chris and Joel get into it now! Test Optional Admissions is certainly gaining momentum nationwide. The guys discuss the various policies, including an interview with Chris Gage from Hanover College. Music is "Heartless Man" by Normcore.

Joel and Chris are LIVE from the heart of college admissions: the NACAC National Conference. Held in Louisville, Kentucky this year, the guys conduct interviews with Ramon Blakley from UT-Austin, Ethan Sawyer (The College Essay Guy), Derek DuBose from USC and others. This episode provides insight into the college admissions world and brings the 2019 National Association for College Admission Counseling Conference to you. Ramon Blakley (6:06) Ethan Sawyer (28:01) Derek DuBose (55:55) Jasmine Drinkard (1:00:49) Jayne Fonash (1:03:31) Jeremiah Tudor (1:04:17) Ken Redd (1:05:47) Stefanie Niles (1:07:57) Music is "Heartless Man" by Normcore.

Chris and Joel get asked this question constantly: Should I take AP or Dual Credit? The guys investigate the merits of both and look into what colleges want to see. Dr. Jeff Carlson from CollegeBoard provides his expertise in an interview. Music is "Heartless Man" by Normcore.