College App 101
Hosted by Dr. Riley, the College App 101 podcast provides expert guidance on college applications and academics for college bound high school students and their parents. Dr. Riley has more than a decade of experience in higher education (Xavier University, University of Oregon, and The University of Texas at San Antonio) and secondary education (as Director of College & Career at a large San Antonio private high school).
Episodes
70 episodes
Interviews with Class of 2026 National Merit Students Part 3
Over the years, College App 101 podcasts have provided many tips on taking the Preliminary SAT, also known as the PSAT. Elite performance on the PSAT during junior year can result in arguably the most prestigious academic honor for high school ...
Interviews with Class of 2026 National Merit Students Part 2
Over the years, College App 101 podcasts have provided many tips on taking the Preliminary SAT, also known as the PSAT. Elite performance on the PSAT during junior year can result in arguably the most prestigious academic honor for high school ...
Interviews with Class of 2026 National Merit Students Part 1
College App 101 podcasts often provide tips on taking the Preliminary SAT, also known as the PSAT. Elite performance on the PSAT during junior year can result in arguably the most prestigious academic honor for a high school student: National M...
Developing a Love for Learning Part 3
Highly selective colleges want to admit young scholars to their student ranks. A love for learning and intellectual curiosity characterize such scholars. These attributes flow naturally from some learners, but need to be cultivated in others. I...
Interview with a College Student about Major
Conversations between parents and their college bound students about prospective college majors should happen throughout a student's high school experience. It is true that many college applications require applicants to declare an intended maj...
Avoiding Common High School Mistakes
Mistakes are a part of life. Yet, some common mistakes made during freshman, sophomore, and junior years can work against compelling college applications during senior year. In this episode, using his typical anecdotes and illustrations, Dr. Ri...
The Importance of Wonder in Education
Parents want their high school senior to win admission to dream colleges. Oftentimes, these institutions are elite (Ivy League, Public Ivies, and other top-tier colleges). When an applicant demonstrates that she is a scholar (as opposed to a st...
The Case for a Classical Education (K-12) Part 1
Today, parents have an array of K-12 schooling options for their student. Public, private, traditional, homeschool, online, charter, parochial, and more. In this episode, Dr. Riley (from collegeapp101.com) interviews a classical school teacher,...
Foresight's Role in Academic Success
Problems pervade a high school student's academic experience: too little time to study, disappointing grades, relationship troubles with teachers, and more. Many students are skilled enough to find solutions to their problems. But in too many c...
Fall 2025 Financial Tips: FAFSA, Generosity, and More
Several factors are required to help a student succeed financially in higher education. FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) submission is a key factor, as is personal financial responsibility. This year's FAFSA opens on October 1. ...
Admissions Advice from a College Student
Now that this year's admissions cycle is underway, it is fitting to hear from a college student, who recently navigated the process. In this episode, Dr. Riley (from collegeapp101.com) interviews a returning guest about her experience preparing...
When to Prepare for Highly Selective Admissions
Recently, Julie Ray published an article for Gallup: "Gen Z, Parents Lack Knowledge of Post-High School Options: Less awareness contributes to students feeling unprepared." The article possesses important reminders for parents of college bound ...
The Role of Parents in College Admissions
College admissions offices are preparing to receive applications from members of the class of 2026 in a few weeks. Writing essays, completing applications, and submitting them are daunting tasks for a college bound high school senior. What is t...
Hats Off to Class of 2025
What should a college bound senior in high school be thinking about at this time of the year? High school graduation and beginning college are on the near horizon. Should a senior stop applying for scholarships now that senior year is winding d...
Interview with a Business Owner
It takes a lot more than cash on hand to own and run a business. Grit, determination, people skills, endurance, an aptitude for multitasking, and other attributes are required to launch and maintain a business through the daily grind, customer ...
Admissions Essay Ideas and a Dear Aunt
In addition to an applicant's academic profile, college admissions recruiters are eager to know an applicant's character and personal attributes. The admissions essay is a place for an applicant to address these characteristics in a creative wa...
Interview with UT-Austin Alumni: Business, Medicine
Personal stories of professionals in various career fields are powerful. Parents and college bound high school students do well to listen to them, in order to learn from the experiences of others. In today's episode, Dr. Riley (from collegeapp1...
Finding Your Voice in Admissions Essays Part 2
College bound seniors often find the admissions essay writing process to be difficult, frustrating, and far from satisfying. Yet the admissions essay is one of the most important features of a college application. The present episode is a conti...
Finding Your Voice in Admissions Essays Part 1
The college admissions essay is an extremely important component of an application. The essay is the applicant's opportunity to showcase who he or she is in a creative and more extensive way. Because writing the essay is so difficult for many s...
Interview with an AP Scholar with Distinction
An academically elite curriculum, College Board's Advanced Placement (AP) Program has dozens of college level courses that come with the opportunity for college bound students to earn college credit in high school. In the present episode, Dr. R...
Money, Saving, Generosity, and this Year’s FAFSA
Each year, money problems haunt countless college students. Financial awareness regarding personal savings, generosity, and college financial aid help keep them on track. In this episode, Dr. Riley (from collegeapp101.com) offers tips for perso...
Interview with a Class of 2024 Graduate
College App 101 helps college bound students achieve academic success in high school and produce compelling, competitive college applications as a senior. To inspire students, Dr. Riley regularly hosts current and former students from his caree...
Understanding Your Gifts and Talents
When a college bound high school student knows her gifts and talents, she chooses a college major and career path on the basis of her gifts. Doing so leads to a more satisfying, fulfilling, and fun experience in college and career. In this epis...
Staying Strong Mentally Part 2
To achieve academic success and submit excellent college apps, every college bound student should cultivate mental strength. It enables a student to write well, deal with demanding teachers, sit through boring tests, and more. Unfortunately, ma...
Hats Off to Class of 2024
College admissions offices do all they can to ensure their freshman classes transition seamlessly from high school senior year to college freshman year. Yet, each spring, college bound high school seniors and their families drop a ball or two. ...