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
79 episodes
Preparing Financially for College: Saving, FAFSA 2026, and More #79
Financial savings to pay college expenses is a daunting topic. Yet it is crucial that parents and college bound students address finances before attending college, so everyone's expectations are realistic. In this episode, Dr. Riley (from colle...
Preparing for the FAFSA 2026 #78
The 2027-2028 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (or FAFSA) opens on October 1, 2026. Current college bound seniors and their parents must submit the FAFSA if they wish to be considered for federal, state, and many college financial aid p...
Why I Help Students Get Admitted to College Part 2 #77
The typical college student has quick access to many talented professionals on a college campus. These professionals devote their days to assisting college students achieve their goals. In this episode, Dr. Riley (from collegeapp101.com) contin...
Why I Help Students Get Admitted to College #76
A college campus is a veritable goldmine with extraordinary resources at students' fingertips. One resource is very talented people, who are eager to help college students achieve their goals. In this episode, Dr. Riley (from collegeapp101.com)...
Finding the Good in Failure Part 2
To be human is to err and make mistakes. People do well, when they find ways to see the good in past failures, setbacks, and loss. In this episode, Dr. Riley (from collegeapp101.com) uses the life of Sir Winston Churchill to conclude this topic...
Finding the Good in Failure Part 1
Failures, weaknesses, defeats, and loss characterize the human experience. In this episode, Dr. Riley (from collegeapp101.com) uses the life of Sir Winston Churchill to introduce this topic. It is true that Churchill enjoyed many successes, but...
Interviews with Class of 2026 National Merit Students Part 6
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 5
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 4 (National Merit Finalist!)
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 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...