College Admissions Secrets: What Parents Need to Know Before Junior Year

About this episode

Deb Meyer shares insights on college admissions and preparation for parents of high school students.

In this candid episode of Beyond Budgets® , host Deb Meyer shares her perspective as both a financial planner and a mom of a high school junior navigating the complex world of college prep. You'll hear: [0:00:03] Behind-the-scenes insights from Florida college tours (University of Florida, Florida State University, and UCF) [0:04:50] Key admissions guidance from a local high school teacher, including the real impact of essays and extracurriculars [0:07:15] Early Action vs. Early Decision – what they mean and why deadlines matter [0:08:30] Ivy League book shoutout: Where You Go Is Not Who You'll Be by Frank Bruni [0:11:20] Affordability vs. Prestige – how to help your teen build a balanced college list [0:18:00] AICE, AP, IB, and Dual Enrollment – comparing academic pathways in high school [0:19:00] Florida Bright Futures Scholarships – eligibility, requirements, and cost savings Whether your child is in middle school or already a junior or senior , Deb breaks down what to prioritize, how to keep expectations in check, and how to prepare without sacrificing your retirement or overwhelming your teen. Related Episodes: Episode 5 : Understanding College Financial Aid with Joe…

People in this episode

Host: Deb Meyer

Topics covered

• college admissions
• financial planning
• high school preparation
• college affordability
• academic pathways
• parenting

Keywords

• college prep
• admissions guidance
• Florida colleges
• scholarships
• academic pathways
• Early Action
• Early Decision

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: University of Florida, Florida State University, UCF, Florida Bright Futures Scholarships

Books & works: Where You Go Is Not Who You'll Be

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