Cut Throat College Planning

Navigating the payment process for college shouldn't require a degree in finance, and this episode is your cheat sheet to owning it. We dissect the myriad of options to foot those bills—think work-study, scholarships, grants, and yes, even the road less traveled like Americorps or military service. Get the inside scoop on what funding methods are overhyped cash traps and which underdogs could be your ticket to a debt-free dipl...

Ever find yourself scratching your head, wondering how to navigate the college maze without drowning in debt or regret? That's where we come in—Hector Lopez and Kayla Record—your unconventional guides through the thickets of higher education. 

Imagine having over-experienced, no-cost guidance counselors at your disposal—well, that's us, minus the office in a high school. We're expanding our mission to bring ...

Ever wondered how to outsmart the college application clock and not just meet deadlines but strategically beat them? That's exactly what Hector Lopez and I, Kayla Record, unpack in this revealing episode of Cut Throat College Planning. We share the inside scoop on why early application submissions can be a game-changer, diving into the benefits of both early action and early decision applications. It's not just about expr...

This journey of college planning isn't just about ticking boxes; it's a collaborative adventure involving Post-it notes and a dash of creativity. We guide you through an interactive activity designed to map out your ideal recommenders, illuminating a spectrum of achievements that will make your application glow. Kayla and I share insights on how to effectively articulate your strengths, no matter how modest you may feel, ...

Ever wondered what it takes to nail a college application interview? Tune in as Kayla Record and I, Hector Lopez, share crucial strategies for making a lasting impression on admissions committees. We delve into the nuances of interviews across various academic scenarios, highlighting their pivotal role in both specialist programs and competitive schools. Whether you're an artist, athlete, or aspiring Ivy Leaguer, we've go...

Ever felt like your college essay might just be another drop in the application ocean? Kayla and I will change that perception forever as we tie up our enlightening series with a toolkit of strategies designed to make your essay the beacon that guides admissions officers to your shores. We're tossing the five-paragraph essay overboard and navigating toward creating a narrative that's as unique as you are. With a professor...

Ever found yourself staring at a blank document, the cursor blinking mockingly as you attempt to start your college application essay? Fear not, as Hector Lopez and I, Kayla Record, swoop in with our latest episode to save you from the common blunders that could send your essay to the reject pile. We'll teach you how to ditch the essay title and instead hook the committee with an opening line worthy of a standing ovation. Our ...

Ever found yourself staring at a bullfight and realizing it's the perfect metaphor for your college application essay? That's the kind of unexpected twist we explore as I, Hector Lopez, team up with Kayla Record to break down the do's and don'ts of standout introductions. We're flipping mundane into magnificent, urging you to ditch the clichés and sprinkle a bit of your own peculiar magic onto the page. Thi...

Join Hector Lopez and me, Kayla Record, as we shed light on the common blunders that could torpedo your college aspirations before they even set sail. We're here to arm you with the know-how to avoid redundancies, repeat performances of the same leadership spiel, and initiative statements that lack punch. Our conversation is a treasure trove of strategies to make your profile section sing with tales of personal triumphs and st...

Unlock the secrets to mastering the college application maze with our esteemed guides, Hector Lopez and Kayla Record. Through their expert lens, we illuminate the path for those venturing into the competitive arenas of theater, music, and state school applications, where every detail counts. This episode is a treasure trove of insider tips, from pinpointing the critical early deadlines to submitting standout audition tapes.

Ever felt like you're swimming upstream in the river of college applications? We've been through it and we're here to guide you. This episode has everything you need, starting right from the Common App, program-specific applications, and even the unique process for athletes rooting for D1 and D2 athletic scholarships. We're also handing out a free tool that will be your trusty sidekick, keeping you on top of dea...

What if one simple question could make all the difference in your college decision? This episode of Cutthroat College Planning is an essential listen for any parent or student navigating the treacherous waters of college selection. We conclude our insightful Campus Tour series with a wealth of advice on how to prepare for, experience, and evaluate a campus tour. We also dive into the critical questions that parents and students sho...

Ever wondered how to squeeze the most out of your college campus tour? Are you curious about what hidden truths a tour guide's answer may reveal? Fear not, we've got you covered. In this episode of Cutthroat College Planning, we, Hector Lopez and Kayla Record, take you on a deep dive into the crucial questions to ask on a college tour. Questions that will uncover far more than a standard Google search ever can. We reveal ...

Have you ever wondered about the true significance of SAT and ACT scores in your college application? Are these tests really the gatekeepers of your future or are they an outdated tradition? We're your hosts, Hector Lopez and Kayla Record, and in this episode, we're pulling back the curtain on the relevance of these dreaded exams and the shifting landscape of college admissions. We challenge the new myth that SATs and ACT...

Get ready to master the vital actions to take after completing a campus tour, from thank you notes to comparing schools. Join hosts Hector Lopez and Kayla Record as they walk you through a meticulously curated post-tour checklist, providing crystal clear guidance on what to do after your campus tour.

In this insightful episode, we shed light on the importance of detailed research and comparison post-tour, and share our fav...

Be prepared to change the way you approach college tours forever! This isn't just about the college wooing your student with their best features, it's about your student interviewing the college to gauge if it's the perfect fit. Treat it as an exciting exploration where your student is the explorer. Step up at the forefront, ask insightful questions, go beyond the basic tour, and most importantly, let your student&ap...

Are you ready to break from the herd and make a conscious, informed decision about your college selection? Buckle up, as your hosts, Hector Lopez and Kayla Record, walk you through the labyrinth of college planning in this episode of Cutthroat College Planning. Shattering the mold of conforming to friends' choices, we invite you to broaden your horizons and consider colleges far and wide. To help you navigate, we introduce our...

Ever wondered how to navigate the college admissions process without losing your sanity? This episode promises to be your lifeline, with insider tips and secrets from none other than Kayla Record, a seasoned veteran in the college admissions industry. We dissect college as a business, helping you prevent costly mistakes and even uncover underestimated potentials like trade schools. Brace yourself for an enlightening conversation th...