Shows
College TNT3 Fantastic Places to Look for Scholarships:Hey there future college student and Disney fan! Ever wonder where scholarships that would helo you are hiding? Join me, Jen Schoen from College TNT, as I reveal three secret spots to find your scholarship treasure troves! Just like hidden Mickeys in Disney parks, scholarships can be found in the most surprising places, and I'm here to guide you. Listen through to the end for 3 action steps you can take to start finding money for college! Ready to embark on this scholarship scavenger hunt? Let’s dive in! 00:00 Introduction: Discover Hidden Scholarships...
2025-11-3009 minCollege TNT3 Detail Disasters: College Essay Mistakes That Haunt Admissions ReadersBanish These 3 Detailed Disasters from Your College EssayIn this episode, Jen from College TNT discusses common mistakes students make in their college essays by including unnecessary details. She highlights three major pitfalls: 'supporting character takeover,' 'timeline tremors,' and 'word graffiti.' Jen provides practical tips and action steps to help students focus their essays on personal growth, passion, and transformation. Stay tuned to the end for a five-minute trick to identify and fix these issues, and learn how to craft a compelling essay that stands out to admissions officers.To get the...
2025-11-2410 minCollege TNTUnforgettable College Essays: Secrets from the Haunted MansionUnforgettable Essays: Secrets from the Haunted MansionIn this episode, Jen Schoen from College TNT leverages her three decades of experience in college admissions and scholarship reading to guide you on making your college essay stand out. By adding detailed descriptions, creating memorable characters, and utilizing sensory elements, Jen shows how to bring your essay to life. She provides actionable steps and cautions on avoiding common mistakes, underlining the importance of keeping the essay focused on you. Sprinkling in Disney magic with references to the Haunted Mansion, Jen ensures an engaging and informative session. Stay tuned for...
2025-11-1510 minCollege TNTLet It Go! 5 Essay Topics to AvoidAre you working on your college application essay and worried about sounding like everyone else? In this episode of "Let It Go," college admissions expert Jen Schoen reveals the five most overdone essay topics that make admissions officers groan—and shows you how to make your story stand out.Jen draws on decades of experience reading thousands of applications to break down why topics like sports victories, mission trips, personal tragedies, leadership roles, and the COVID-19 pandemic are so common—and how you can transform these clichés into compelling, personal narratives. With vivid examples and practical tips...
2025-11-1009 minCollege TNT3 Pixar Secrets for a Great College EssayIn this podcast, I’ll use my expertise as a seasoned admissions and scholarship advisor, to share how to make your college essay unforgettable using the Pixar storytelling method. I detail three critical steps: The Setup, The A-ha! Moment, and The Transformation. I emphasize the importance of detailed, personal stories and share insightful examples to illustrate each step. Additionally, I’ll provide 3 bonus tips on brainstorming, why using 'I' statements is crucial, and why adding sensory details can bring your narrative to life. You can also find this on Youtube to see this episode...
2025-11-0311 minCollege TNTNavigating College Choices: Place, Selectivity, and Family ConversationsChoosing the right college involves much more than just academics—it's about finding a place where you'll truly thrive for four transformative years. In this episode, I dive deep into the critical but often overlooked aspect of "place" in college selection and how geography shapes your entire college experience.What's the perfect distance from home? That sweet spot between independence and accessibility matters more than you might think. For some students, being two hours away provides ideal separation while maintaining the option to return for long weekends. For others, proximity to extended family in a completely different re...
2025-03-2114 minCollege TNTFinding Your Fit: From High School Interests to College MajorsNavigating the complex landscape of college choices begins with understanding yourself—your academic passions, learning style, and career aspirations. While rankings and prestigious names might catch your attention, the foundation of meaningful college selection lies in matching institutions to your unique needs and goals.The cornerstone of your college journey will be your major—the specific discipline you'll focus on throughout your undergraduate years. Unlike high school, where you've likely only experienced core subjects, colleges offer between 70-170+ different majors, many of which you've never encountered. Start exploring these options early by considering what truly excites you acad...
2025-03-1314 minCollege TNTFinding Your College Fit: Part 1 on Self-ReflectionFinding the right college fit begins with understanding yourself, not scrolling through endless rankings. Before you can discover where you belong, you need to know who you are and who you want to become.Today, I break down the essential questions high school students (9th-11th graders) should ask themselves before even thinking about the college application. Why do you want to go to college? What adjectives describe you now? What experiences and opportunities are you looking for? These foundational questions aren't just philosophical exercises—they're practical tools that will guide your entire search process.
2025-03-0708 min
FirstGenFMCreating a Community for First-Gen Student Success: Insights from FirstGen Forward LeadersSend us a textWhat drives a first-generation college student to not only enroll but thrive? Join us on First Gen FM as we shine a spotlight on the inspiring stories of Dr. Martina Martin, Catherine Johnson, Ashley Kocina Young, Wendy Beesley, and Dr. Jennifer Sutton from First Gen Forward. Guests share their personal journey of either discovering her own first-gen identity, and the beliefs that fuel their unwavering commitment to supporting this student population. Dive into the world of FirstGen Forward (formerly the Center for First-Generation Student Success), a nonprofit entity now leading the c...
2025-01-2844 minCollege TNTDecoding College Costs and Financial Aid: Making Informed Decisions for Your EducationUnlock the secrets of navigating college costs and financial aid with our latest episode of College TNT! Host Jen Schoen promises to transform your understanding of the true cost of attending college, beyond just the sticker price. Through a thorough breakdown of the Cost of Attendance (COA), you'll gain clarity on both direct expenses like tuition and room and board, as well as those sneaky indirect costs such as textbooks and personal expenses. Discover how tools like the FAFSA and the Student Aid Index can demystify the financial aid process, bridging the gap between what your family can realistically...
2025-01-2716 minCollege TNTFAFSA Fundamentals: Your Brief Guide to College Financial AidUnlock the secrets to maximizing your college financial aid package by understanding the FAFSA process! Join me, Jen Schoen, as I guide you through the a primer on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid in this episode of College TNT. We'll explore the significance of the FAFSA as a crucial financial disclosure document that paves the way for federal, institutional, and state aid. With a focus on ensuring that you and your family complete the application correctly, I'll break down the process step-by-step, from obtaining your FAFSA ID to understanding the Student Aid Index (SAI).As...
2025-01-2314 minCollege TNTEffective Goal Setting: How "Doing the Reps" and Planning Your Goals is the Secret Sauce Part 2In part 2 of effective goal setting, you will unlock the secrets to achieving your personal and academic goals with more ease and consistency. Imagine having a proven strategy that elevates your success rate to a whopping 91%. Join me, Jen, on College TNT as I guide you through the transformative power of "doing the reps" and setting implementation intentions (fancy words for planning!). This technique involves planning your actions with specifics on time and location to supercharge your goal attainment. Our conversation also delves into embracing challenges head-on and nurturing a mindset that finds joy in the journey, not just...
2025-01-1611 minCollege TNT6 Tips for Effective Goal Setting to Achieve Your College Plans: Part 1What if setting goals could be the secret ingredient to transforming your college dreams into reality? Join me, Jen Schoen, in this episode of College TNT as we embark on the new year with a focus on goal setting. You'll discover six pivotal tips (three in this episode) that are designed not just to inspire, but to equip you with the tools needed for a successful college journey. From deciphering your personal "why" to crafting detailed, actionable plans, we break down how understanding your motivations can set the foundation for both academic and personal triumphs.As we...
2025-01-0913 minCollege TNT3 More Tips for Crafting a Standout College or Scholarship Essay: Part 2In this episode, I'll explore essential tips for writing a strong college or scholarship application essay that reflect your unique experiences and voice. The episode emphasizes adding unique details to show your experiences, effective editing, and the importance of proofreading for clarity and impact.Topics will include - Importance of writing a personal essay specific to your experiences and using detailed examples to showcase your individuality- Editing and proofreading as crucial steps in the writing process- Techniques for ensuring your voice remains authentic through feedback, and some warnings against relying solely on s...
2024-12-2312 minCollege TNT3 Tips for a Winning Scholarship (or college application) Essay: Part 1Crafting a scholarship or college essay that stands out is no small feat, but what if you could transform your writing with a few actionable tips? Join me as I unlock the secrets to compelling essays with practical tips you can apply to scholarship applications and to college admissions essays. Discover how staying on topic and adhering to word counts can enhance the impact of your essay, keeping you from being cut off mid-thought. From tackling the quirky Zombie Apocalypse Scholarship prompt to navigating open-ended questions on the Common App, I can guide you through essay writing.T...
2024-12-1908 minFirstGenFMWriting Smart Girl, a memoir of a first-gen journey: A conversation with author Dr. La'Tonya "LT" Rease MilesSend us a textWhat happens when a first-generation college graduate transforms her experiences into a powerful memoir? Dr. La'Tonya "LT" Rease Miles joins me on FirstGen FM to share how a simple conversation with her daughter Zoe and an inspiring interview with Erica Alfaro sparked the creation of her memoir, "Smart Girl." LT describes how writing allowed her to reflect on pivotal moments and gain deeper insights into her own story. Her narrative unfolds through thematic chapters, capturing the essence of first-gen challenges and triumphs that shaped her journey.LT shares about reconnecting with...
2024-12-1746 minCollege TNTMore Tips for Finding Scholarships!Unlock the secrets to securing scholarships that ease the financial burden of college education! Learn how dedicating just one "Scholarship Power Hour" each week can transform your approach to finding those elusive opportunities. Use social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn to uncover scholarships that others might overlook. You'll also discover how tools like Pomofocus can help you maintain laser-sharp focus during your search. Don't pass by those hidden gems that aren't on the first page of Google results—as they often come with less competition. In anticipation of next week's tips on crafting meaningful scholarship and...
2024-12-1208 minFirstGenFMGuiding Students From First-Gen Student to First-Gen Professional with Lisa RiveraSend us a textLisa Rivera, the director of First Generation Student Initiatives at Suffolk University, joins us to share her journey from being a first-gen student in Florida to making her mark in higher education. Listen as Lisa recounts how the AVID program and her mentor, Ms. Dennison, were pivotal in her path to Allegheny College. Her story is a testament to the transformative power of mentorship and supportive educational programs, sparking curiosity about how such resources shape first-generation students' academic journeys and beyond.Transitioning from college to career can be a daunting experience, e...
2024-12-1034 minCollege TNTExploring the Benefits and Strategies of Applying to College as an Undecided StudentIs it truly beneficial for students to say they are undecided when applying to college? Discover how keeping an open mind might actually set your student on a path to success. We tackle this intriguing question from Amy, a mother of a high school junior, who wonders about the advantages and drawbacks of her son applying as an undecided student. We'll explore how entering college without a declared major can be a strategic move, allowing students to explore the vast array of academic options beyond the typical high school curriculum. Join us as we uncover the practical s...
2024-12-0506 minCollege TNTCrafting a Captivating College Activities List Part 2Ready to transform your college applications from ordinary to extraordinary? Join me, Jen Schoen, on College TNT as I reveal the secrets to mastering the activities list, a pivotal yet frequently underestimated part of the college application process. Admissions officers are not just looking for stellar academic records; they want students who will be part of a vibrant campus life. This episode unpacks the two critical questions admissions professionals focus on: your academic potential and your contributions to campus culture. The activities list offers insights into your dedication, leadership, and the unique impact you might have on a college...
2024-11-2808 minCollege TNTCrafting a Standout Activities List for Your College Application Part 1Discover how your activities list can be the secret weapon in your college application. While the spotlight often shines on the essay, I've found that a well-constructed activities list can speak volumes about your potential contribution to a campus community. Join me, Jen Schoen, as I walk you through the steps to crafting an list that is meaningful to you AND resonates with admissions counselors. From the not-so-simple following directions to organizing your high school experiences meaningfully, this episode offers invaluable insights to ensure your application stands out for all the right reasons.Don't let the activities...
2024-11-2806 minFirstGenFMHow New Policies May Shape the Future of American Higher Education: Thoughts from a recent webinarSend us a textIn this episode, I share a few takeaways on post-election landscape with insights from Ted Mitchell and Michelle Asher Cooper from a recent webinar: Post-Election Outlook: What to Watch in Higher Education. I talk about what I heard from these experts from the American Council on Education and the Lumina Foundation, and the potential impact of the new Republican administration. They focused on possible shifts in accreditation standards and their critical implications for financial aid. I share insights from this thought-provoking webinar, featuring experts who are cautiously optimistic about navigating these...
2024-11-1914 minCollege TNT3 Tips for Finding Scholarships for High School and College StudentsUnlock the secrets to finding money for college for first-generation and all students in this solo episode with me, Jen Schoen. Have you ever wondered how to unearth scholarships that could be the key to affording college? Join me as I guide families and students through the world of scholarship searches, utilizing powerful engines like College Greenlight, Scholarship Owl, and FastWeb. Discover how leveraging networks, including local banks, teachers, and community organizations, can open doors to unexpected opportunities. Plus, hear an ingenious tip from Sam Lim, founder of Scholarship Junkies!But that’s not all—I’m s...
2024-11-1511 minCollege TNTAn intro to College TNT: Helping you get to and through college successfullyUnlock the secrets to a successful journey to and through college with the College TNT podcast. Join me, Jen, as I share over 35 years of experience in higher education to guide you through the maze of college applications, scholarships, and campus life. Whether you're a first-generation student or not, this episode promises actionable strategies to help you not only secure your spot in college but thrive once you're there. Discover the importance of finding joy and purpose in your educational path, and learn how continuing education plays a pivotal role in your growth.Having worked with over 10,000...
2024-11-1206 minFirstGenFMNavigating Career Paths: Success Stories and Strategies for First-Generation Students with Mike WysockiSend us a textJoin us for a conversation with Mike Wysocki, a first-generation graduate, who reveals how he turned hurdles into stepping stones on his journey to success. From a working-class suburb of Boston to the broader horizons of UMass Amherst, Mike candidly shares how a change in major from engineering to sociology opened unexpected doors. He talks about the critical role of attitude and determination in carving out a career path, and why he chose the business world over social work. This episode offers valuable insights into the winding road of career choices and the i...
2024-11-1245 minFirstGenFMThe Assets First-Generation Students Bring to College with Jen SchoenSend us a textLet's talk about the strengths first-generation students bring to campus based on a research article and an ASHE research presentation. Join me, Jen Schoen, as we challenge the deficit narrative and uncover the qualities that these students contribute to higher education. As part of First-Generation Student Celebration Week, I draw from two articles and the principles of positive psychology to spotlight the resilience, grit, and ambition that define these students. We’ll reveal how these college students' unique experiences and independence equip them for college success, even as we acknowledge the bar...
2024-11-0524 minFirstGenFMSearching for Scholarships: 3 Tips for First-Generation Students with Jen SchoenSend us a textDiscover three secrets to finding scholarships tailored for first-generation students that are ready for our students to use. Join me, Jen Schoen, as I share tools like College Greenlight and Scholarship Owl to discover opportunities that fit student's background and aspirations. We'll talk about asking for help from teachers, advisors, and counselors, and finding the treasure troves on rival high schools' websites. This episode is not just about resources; it's an open invitation to connect and collaborate. I'm eager to hear from listeners who are working on impactful initiatives...
2024-10-2911 minFirstGenFMBuilding Bridges for First-Gen Professionals: Insights from Brianna Logan, CEO of FirstGen EvolveSend us a textBrianna Logan's journey from her parents' Caribbean roots to becoming a successful CEO is inspiring. In our latest episode, Brianna, a first-generation college graduate, shares her personal story of overcoming challenges and finding her path in the professional world. Her experience navigating college and her career without a clear roadmap highlights the power of mentorship and career coaching. As the founder and CEO of First Gen Evolve, Brianna is committed to supporting first-generation professionals in the workforce. During her time at an ed tech company, she discovered her passion for...
2024-10-2239 minFirstGenFMEmpowering First-Gen Students: Building Sustainable Support Programs at the University of Missouri with Selena MeintsSend us a textDiscover the journey of Selena Meints, the First Generation Initiatives Coordinator at the University of Missouri, as she shares her story from being a first-generation college student to leading a first-gen initiative on campus. Selena shares her journey navigating the college experience without a traditional support system, which ignited her passion for supporting other first-gen students. She details her transition from working in disability services to creating a first-gen program from scratch at Mizzou, emphasizing the vital roles of data collection, listening tours, and securing campus-wide support.In this episode, we...
2024-10-1542 min