Parents: Is Your Teen College Ready?

Hosted by Shellee Howard

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148

Latest episode

Jun 2026

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About the show

Your teen is in middle school or high school, and college is on the horizon! Do you know where to begin? It can be overwhelming! Which college will be a good fit? Can you afford it? What is my teen passionate about? This can be an exciting time, but a stressful one! College admission is at an all time high in both competitiveness and cost. How do you navigate this? Your host Shellee Howard with College Ready has helped countless families in the college admissions process while saving them thousands of dollars in tuition! In her podcast, she sits down with new and past clients to share their experiences with College Ready, along with financial advisors and other experts who understand the importance of financial awareness when it comes to graduating from college debt free. This year's College Ready seniors earned over 17 million dollars in scholarships and grants! The information you hear on this show is priceless, you really can’t afford to not tune in!

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60 recent

June 11, 202629 min

How to Help Teens Find Direction with Dr. Susan Belangee & Yogi Patel

In this episode, you'll learn: • Why self-awareness should come before choosing a major • How parents can guide without controlling • The role strengths and interests play in career fit • Why job shadowing and real-world exposure matter • How to help a teen who says, "I don't know what I want to do" • The importance of independence, resilience, and confidence-building 🎁 Episode Gift & Contact 🎓 College Planning Support for ParentsWant help organizing next steps and avoiding costly college mistakes? 📘 Workbook Gift:https://go.collegereadyplan.com/podcast-gift-workbook 🤝 Interested in Collaborating with College Ready?Email Julienne at julienne@collegereadyplan.com

June 4, 202618 min

From Uncertain Freshman to USC Admit: Chase Ott's College Readiness Journey

In this episode, you'll learn: • How Chase explored different career paths before choosing engineering • Why passion projects helped him gain clarity about his future • The role leadership and service played in his college journey • How internships can help students test potential career interests • What colleges look for beyond grades and test scores • How students can build a meaningful application without trying to impress everyone • Why starting early can create more opportunities and less stress • What Chase would tell his freshman-year self if he could start over • The lessons he learned while preparing for competitive engineering programs • How finding direction helped him approach college admissions with confidence Whether your student is interested in STEM, still exploring their options, or simply trying to figure out what's next, Chase's story is a powerful reminder that success comes from consistent growth, curiosity, and purposeful action. 🎁 Episode Gift & Contact 🎓 College Planning Support for ParentsWant help organizing next steps and avoiding costly college mistakes? 📘 Workbook Gift:https://go.collegereadyplan.com/podcast-gift-workbook 🤝 Interested in Collaborating with College Ready?Email Julienne at julienne@collegereadyplan.com

May 28, 202623 min

How Families Reduce College Costs Without Sacrificing Retirement | Terry Wheeler on Tax Strategies

Together, Shellee and Terry discuss: Why college planning should be approached strategically, not emotionally The connection between retirement planning and college affordability How tax strategies can create additional cash flow for tuition FAFSA misconceptions: families often misunderstand Why scholarships and tax planning should work together Tax-saving opportunities for business owners and entrepreneurs The Augusta Rule and short-term rental strategies How families can start planning even if their student is already in high school 🎁 Episode Gift & Contact 🎓 College Planning Support for ParentsWant help organizing next steps and avoiding costly college mistakes? 📘 Workbook Gift:https://go.collegereadyplan.com/podcast-gift-workbook 🤝 Interested in Collaborating with College Ready?Email Julienne at julienne@collegereadyplan.com

May 21, 202622 min

Helping Students Find Direction in an AI-Driven World: Tyler Moulton on College & Future Readiness

Tyler Moulton’s journey from AI astronomy researcher to Director at Veritas AI How students can explore AI and research opportunities in high school Why students do not need to have their future figured out yet The growing role of AI across careers and industries How AI is changing college admissions and future job opportunities Why adaptability and AI literacy matter for today’s students The difference between using AI ethically versus relying on it improperly How project-based learning helps students discover interests and strengths Why hands-on experiences strengthen college applications and career readiness Encouraging students to explore opportunities, leadership, and real-world skills 🎁 Episode Gift & Contact 🎓 College Planning Support for ParentsWant help organizing next steps and avoiding costly college mistakes? 📘 Workbook Gift:https://go.collegereadyplan.com/podcast-gift-workbook 🤝 Interested in Collaborating with College Ready?Email Julienne at julienne@collegereadyplan.com

May 14, 202630 min

How to Raise Financially Smart Kids with Darla Bishop | College Planning Without Debt

Why kids form money habits by age 7 How parents can start money conversations early The connection between financial literacy and college success Why students need financial education before college Helping teens understand the true cost of college The importance of academic, social, and financial fit How Dr. Darla completed graduate school debt-free Creative strategies to reduce college expenses Using jobs, housing, and employer benefits to offset tuition costs Teaching kids trade-offs and delayed gratification Money conversations parents should have in the car Understanding your child’s “money personality” When to introduce investing, high-yield savings, and the stock market Preparing teens for real-world budgeting before college Helping students become financially independent Why parents should communicate financial realities early How financial literacy strengthens family relationships Dr. Darla’s books and resources for families 🎁 Episode Gift & Contact 🎓 College Planning Support for ParentsWant help organizing next steps and avoiding costly college mistakes? 📘 Workbook Gift:https://go.collegereadyplan.com/podcast-gift-workbook 🤝 Interested in Collaborating with College Ready?Email Julienne at julienne@collegereadyplan.com

April 30, 202624 min

Helping Students Ace Math with AI: Dong Zhang on Personalized Learning, SAT Prep, and Confidence

🎙️ In this episode of Parents: Is Your Teen College Ready?, Shelly Howard welcomes Dong, founder of Ace Rocket, to discuss how AI, personalized learning, and strong tutoring support can help students succeed in math and science. 🚀 Dong shares his journey from earning a PhD in astrophysics and working as an AI scientist at Amazon and IBM to building an education platform designed to help students reduce math anxiety, identify learning gaps, and prepare for exams like the SAT, ACT, AP Calculus, and AP Statistics. 📚 Parents will learn why math confidence starts with understanding a student’s current skill level, how personalized roadmaps can save time, and why AI can support learning but never fully replace the connection and motivation of a human tutor. 🎁 Episode Gift & Contact 🎓 College Planning Support for ParentsWant help organizing next steps and avoiding costly college mistakes? 📘 Workbook Gift:https://go.collegereadyplan.com/podcast-gift-workbook 🤝 Interested in Collaborating with College Ready?Email Julienne at julienne@collegereadyplan.com

April 28, 202623 min

From Athlete to Admissions Leader: John Frost on College Costs, Scholarships & Student Success

John Frost’s journey from athlete to college leadership Why exposure matters when choosing a major or career Helping students who feel lost or unsure about their future The difference between liking many things vs. committing to one path Why community service and purpose-driven work matters for students The true reason college costs what it does—and why it’s an investment Real talk: why a college degree pays off long-term The 4 major buckets of college funding: Why families should start planning for scholarships early (not senior year) How colleges decide which students receive the most money The importance of building a strong “student resume” Why students must take initiative—scholarships won’t come to them Addressing parent fears about sending kids to college Why college is a “transformational environment” for independence The role of engagement, clubs, and community on campus Final takeaway: students are 13% of the population—but 100% of the future 🎁 Episode Gift & Contact 🎓 College Planning Support for ParentsWant help organizing next steps and avoiding costly college mistakes? 📘 Workbook Gift:https://go.collegereadyplan.com/podcast-gift-workbook 🤝 Interested in Collaborating with College Ready?Email Julienne at julienne@collegereadyplan.com

March 19, 202631 min

How Larry Hagner Builds Legendary Fatherhood: Lessons on Parenting, Marriage & Raising Boys

Larry Hagner’s early life and path to fatherhood 🎓 Transition from psychology to health management and medical sales 💊 Lessons learned in sales and leadership that shaped his parenting philosophy 🤝 Fatherhood journey: raising four boys with curiosity, collaboration, and respect 👦👦👦👦 Team Hagner principles: Responsibility, Everyone, Action, Manage, Sacrifice (T.E.A.M.S.) 🏠 Strategies for parenting teens with different personalities and interests 🎮📚 Navigating marriage and alignment with your spouse 💑 Larry’s book Pursuit of Legendary Fatherhood: inspiration, process, and structure 📖 Bonus courses with book purchase: Creating More Patience & Creating Extraordinary Marriage 🎁 Key takeaway: Parenting, marriage, and leadership are skills you can learn, not just figure out by chance 🎯 🎁 Episode Gift & Contact 🎓 College Planning Support for ParentsWant help organizing next steps and avoiding costly college mistakes? 📘 Workbook Gift:https://go.collegereadyplan.com/podcast-gift-workbook 🤝 Interested in Collaborating with College Ready?Email Julienne at julienne@collegereadyplan.com

March 4, 202626 min

How to Help Your Teen Ace AP Exams: Predictable 4s & 5s with Dr. Joe Sebestyen

Key Takeaways: AP exams are skill-based, not just memorization—students need practice in analysis, application, and evaluation. Grades in class do not always reflect AP exam readiness. A student with an A may still struggle without proper exam strategies. Starting preparation even a few weeks before the exam can still be effective if a structured plan is in place. Developing critical thinking and timed practice strategies is essential for predictable 4s and 5s. AP scores impact college admissions, scholarships, and earning college credit. The importance of a balanced approach: academic preparation, mental readiness, and healthy support at home. Dr. Joe emphasizes accountability, feedback, and consistent practice over last-minute cramming. Parents play a crucial role by supporting focus, providing structure, and helping teens manage distractions. 🎁 Episode Gift & Contact 🎓 College Planning Support for ParentsWant help organizing next steps and avoiding costly college mistakes? 📘 Workbook Gift:https://go.collegereadyplan.com/podcast-gift-workbook 🤝 Interested in Collaborating with College Ready?Email Julienne at julienne@collegereadyplan.com

February 19, 202619 min

Student Spotlight: Turning Volunteering, Business, and Leadership Into a Standout College Application

How purpose-driven volunteering strengthens college applicationsUsing entrepreneurship to create real-world impactThe role of Empower Education as a catalyst for leadershipBuilding a focused academic narrative around business and economicsWhy exploration before choosing a major mattersTurning interests into action through nonprofits and fundraisingLessons learned from competitive entrepreneurship programsThe power of mentors, collaboration, and networkingWhy LinkedIn matters — even for high school studentsApplying strategically to programs, internships, and opportunitiesHow College Ready supports students through college lists, essays, and strategyAdvice for freshmen, sophomores, and juniors who don’t know where to startBalancing academics, mental health, and passion projectsWhat colleges really look for beyond grades and prestige 🎁 Episode Gift & Contact 🎓 College Planning Support for ParentsWant help organizing next steps and avoiding costly college mistakes? 📘 Workbook Gift:https://go.collegereadyplan.com/podcast-gift-workbook 🤝 Interested in Collaborating with College Ready?Email Julienne at julienne@collegereadyplan.com

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