Episode 10 - How to Pay for College: FAFSA Mistakes + Admissions Strategy

In this episode of the SupportED Learning Podcast, Dr. Joe Sebestyen sits down with Shellee Howard, founder of College Ready and a certified college strategist with nearly two decades of experience guiding families through college admissions and financial planning.

What began as a personal mission to help her own son navigate the admissions process has evolved into a national practice focused on helping students gain acceptance to the right colleges while building a strategy to graduate without unnecessary debt. In this conversation, Shellee shares why most families approach admissions without a clear plan, how early high school decisions can quietly limit future options, and why GPA and test scores alone are no longer enough to stand out.

They explore common FAFSA mistakes, misconceptions about “test optional” policies, the risks of binding early decision, and the growing impact of AI on college essays and applications. Shellee also explains how scholarship strategy, financial positioning, and long-term planning can dramatically change affordability outcomes—even for families who believe they “make too much” to qualify for aid.

This episode offers a strategic, experience-driven look at college admissions, paying for college, and how families can build a clear plan that supports both acceptance and financial stability.

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