The Scholarship GPS Podcast: Your Directions to a Debt-Free College Degree

Reducing the Anxiety of College Admissions + 6 New Scholarship Opportunities

I recently spoke with Rachel Fusco, an educator and mental health professional dedicated to transforming the way we prepare young people for adulthood.
Over the past two decades, Rachel has personally supported over a thousand college-bound students in high schools, college access programs, and private admissions consulting. Rachel has shared her expertise as a presenter and trainer for prestigious colleges, private and public high schools, after-school programs, mental health clinics, statewide conferences, and teaches graduate-level counseling courses in Career Counseling, Child and Adolescent Development, and Adolescent Suicidality.
Leveraging her background in college admissions, adolescent development, and education as an independent college coach, Rachel works with teens, parents, and schools to transform the way we prepare young people for college. It’s time to geek out, not stress out, about the future.
In our conversation, Rachel and I discuss:
The impact of brain development on college prep
The need to break down college prep into specific tasks
How self-awareness reduces student stress when it comes to the college application process
Why college prep is stressful and how to reduce the stress
How setting parameters (including financial) in the college search reduces a student’s anxiety
And much more..
To connect with Rachel, visit rachelfusco.com.
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Families often focus on GPA and test scores when it comes to scholarships—but there’s another powerful lever: your student’s college major.
In this free, live panel event, master career coach Lisa Marker-Robbins and scholarship strategist Dave Peterson will explain how students who make intentional, well-informed major choices can unlock more merit-based and private scholarship opportunities—and how to jump-start the process so you don’t leave money on the table.
You’ll also hear insights from our moderators, Mike Bergin and Amy Seeley, hosts of the Tests and the Rest podcast, as we discuss:
✅How early career exploration improves both college applications and scholarship outcomes
✅What scholarship committees are really looking for—and how your teen can stand out
✅When and how to begin the process before deadlines sneak up
✅Real stories of students who aligned their goals and earned more aid
This is a live, interactive session—we’ll take your questions during the event and offer expert guidance you can act on right away.
Whether your teen is unsure about their major or already has a goal in mind, this session will help you uncover new financial opportunities you may be missing. Click here to register: https://courses.flourishcoachingco.com/scholarships-majors
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This Week's Featured Scholarships:
$25,000 NHS Scholarship
$1000 Buckfire Law Disability Scholarship
$2500 Home Depot Path to Pro Construction Careers Scholarship
$1000 Outstanding Citizen Scholarship
$1000 Empowering Others Scholarship
$1000 ScholarshipOwl No-Essay Scholarship
$2000 Autumn Apple Choice Award No-Essay Scholarship

These Students Have Earned Over $300,000 in Scholarships! + 6 New Scholarship Opportunities

In this week's episode, you will hear from Talon and his mom, Audria, and Victoria and her mom, Nicole. These students have earned over $300,000 in scholarships (so far)! They share their insights into how they did it, and give inspiration for others to follow in their footsteps.
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Check out the Scholarship Navigator Programs:
For Current College Students
For the High School Class of 2026
For the High School Class of 2027
For High School Freshmen & Sophomores
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If your student is unclear on their future plans, my friend Lisa has a free 2-minute quiz to see if it’s the right time to start planning. ..this quiz is your first step toward helping them launch with clarity and purpose.
What you'll get:
✔️ A clear understanding of your young person’s current stage of career development
✔️ A personalized next step based on where they are now
✔️ FREE access to our Career Clarity Roadmap to move your family forward
So, click here to take the 2-minute career readiness quiz today: https://courses.flourishcoachingco.com/a/2148004629/PLHdxFCx
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Save $50 off J&J Test Prep’s SAT Intensive program with code SCHOLARSHIPGPS50 at this link only.
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This Week's Featured Scholarships:
$10,000 Merit Scholarship Program
$2500 Andijar & Levine Community Service Scholarship
$3000 Help to Save Scholarship
$1000 Building Bridges Scholarship
$2000 Autumn Apple Choice Scholarship
$2000 Smarter College Scholarship

What Recent Changes in Student Loans Mean for You + A $25,000 Scholarship for Class of 2026 and College Students

I recently spoke with Luanne Lee, Owner of Your College Planning Coach.
Luanne has undergone extensive licensing and training as a College Financial Planning Specialist and for the past 15+ years has devoted her practice to providing financial education and efficient solutions to families maneuvering through the complex process of planning and funding for college without jeopardizing their retirement goals.
In our conversation, Luanne and I discuss:
The maximum amount of money a student can borrow without their parents (or another cosigner)
Whether the recent changes to student loans will make it easier or harder to get loans
Whether the changes to student loans will lower the cost of college
The importance of applying for outside scholarships early and often
The impact of changes on families with students currently in college
The impact of changes on families with college-bound high school students
How the changes to student loans can leave students without a source to pay for college years 3 and 4
Changes to the repayment structure of student loans (for both existing and new student loans)
And much more…
To connect with Luanne and learn more about how she works with students and families, go to ycpcoach.com.
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Click here to take the free 2-minute career readiness quiz from Launch Career Clarity
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Save $50 off J&J Test Prep’s SAT Intensive program with code SCHOLARSHIPGPS50 at this link only.
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This Week's Featured Scholarships:
 
$25,000 Chick-fil-A Community Scholars Program
$1000 Gen and Kelly Tanabe Giving Back Scholarship
$1000 Courage to Grow Scholarship
$2000 Be The Boss Scholarship
Smarter College Scholarship
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Scholarship opportunities don't end at high school graduation.
Click here to get the FREE Scholarship Guide for Current College Students emailed to you: https://www.scholarshipgps.com/collegescholarships
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Subscribe to our free newsletter, Your Daily Scholarship, here: https://nodebtcollege.substack.com/

Balancing SAT Prep with School, Extracurriculars, and Life + Plus, Critical PSAT and Full-Ride National Merit Scholarship Info + 6 Scholarship Opportunities

I recently spoke with Jackie Pollina of J&J Test Prep and No B.S. SAT® Prep.
In our conversation, Jackie and I discussed:
What the PSAT is, when to take it, and its predictive power for SAT scores
The National Merit Scholarship, and how to qualify for it
Balancing test prep with school, extracurriculars, and life
Recent changes to the SAT and how that affects test prep
How reading improves test scores
And much more…
Jackie has kindly offered my listeners $50 off the Digital SAT® Intensive Course. Use code SCHOLARSHIPGPS50 at checkout at this link: https://www.jjtestprep.com/satintensive-scholarshipgps
She is also offer $25 off the PSAT® Intensive Course. Use code PSATSCHOLARSHIPGPS at checkout at this link: https://www.jjtestprep.com/psatintensive-scholarshipgps
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Scholarship GPS is on Facebook! Join the group that matches your student’s year in school:
Class of 2025
Class of 2026
Class of 2027
Class of 2028
Class of 2029
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To find out more about how Lisa and Flourish Coaching work with students like yours to help them gain clarity on their future college major and career, click here: https://courses.flourishcoachingco.com/a/2148004629/PLHdxFCx
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This Week's Featured Scholarships:
$2500 Beauty & Wellness Professionals Scholarship
$2500 Leaders Save Lives Scholarship
$2500 Bright Futures Scholarship
$2000 Banks Family Scholarship
$8000 Regions Riding Forward Scholarship
$5000 Christian College Scholarship
$2000 Smarter College A Better Financial Future Scholarship
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Scholarship opportunities don't end at high school graduation.
Click here to get the FREE Scholarship Guide for Current College Students emailed to you: https://www.scholarshipgps.com/collegescholarships
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Subscribe to our free newsletter, Your Daily Scholarship, here: https://nodebtcollege.substack.com/

Expert Shares College Admission Essay Advice + Full-Ride Scholarship Opportunities for the Class of 2026 & 2027

I recently spoke with Dr. Kellie Coppi of Say Yes to the Ess-ay. With nearly two decades of experience in college application coaching, Dr. Coppi provides expert guidance tailored to each student's unique needs. Dr. Coppi's background in higher education ensures that she understands the nuances of crafting compelling admissions essays.
In our conversation, Dr. Coppi and I discussed:
Why high-stats students get rejected from colleges
Where Class of 2026 students need to be RIGHT NOW in their college admissions process
Why “good writers” often struggle with college admissions essays
The importance of a college’s culture when deciding where to apply
The importance of admissions essays for students with modest academic records
To connect with Dr. Coppi, go to https://sayyestotheessaywithdrcoppi.com or connect with her on Facebook.
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Scholarship GPS is on Facebook! Join the group that matches your student’s year in school:
Class of 2025
Class of 2026
Class of 2027
Class of 2028
Class of 2029
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To find out more about how Lisa and Flourish Coaching work with students like yours to help them gain clarity on their future college major and career, click here: https://courses.flourishcoachingco.com/a/2148004629/PLHdxFCx
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This Week's Featured Scholarships:
Gates Scholarship
QuestBridge Full-Ride Scholarship
Be a Friend Project Scholarship
Make Me Laugh Scholarship
$1000 Appily Easy Money No-Essay Scholarship
$35,000 VFW Voice of Democracy Contest
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Get one-on-one support for your scholarship applications with the Navigator Program!
The Scholarship Navigator Program includes:
Review, feedback, and editing of your scholarships essay.
Access to the Scholarship GPS video course, which includes a lesson on the Elks Most Valuable Student Scholarship.
A custom list of scholarships for your student to apply for, based on their unique profile.
Online support for your scholarship questions.
Click here to learn more and sign up today:
Class of 2026 Scholarship Navigator
Class of 2027 Scholarship Navigator
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Subscribe to our free newsletter, Your Daily Scholarship, here: https://nodebtcollege.substack.com/

The Proper Use of AI in College Planning and Admissions + A $20,000 Scholarship for the Class of 2026

I recently spoke with Warren Buck of Future Finders. Warren’s background as a teacher and principal informs his work today, helping students with college and career planning.
In our conversation, Warren and I discussed:
The proper use of AI in college planning and essays
How to build a weighted college list that works for your teen
The importance of including your budget in your college planning process
How scholarships can open additional college options
Why high stats are not enough to secure admissions and scholarships, and how to stand out with your applications
Future planning for both college-bound and non-college-bound students
To connect with Warren, go to futurefindersllc.com
Today's video is also available on YouTube.
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To find out more about how Lisa and Flourish Coaching work with students like yours to help them gain clarity on their future college major and career, click here: https://courses.flourishcoachingco.com/a/2148004629/PLHdxFCx
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This Week's Featured Scholarships:
$20,000 Coca-Cola Scholarship
$4000 10x Digital Marketing Scholarship
$10,000 Jack Kent Cooke Young Artist Award
Weekender: $1300 CollegeXpress Back-to-School Scholarship
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Get one-on-one support for your scholarship applications with the Class of 2026 Scholarship Navigator Program!
The Class of 2026 Scholarship Navigator Program includes:
Review, feedback, and editing of your scholarships essay.
Access to the Scholarship GPS video course, which includes a lesson on the Elks Most Valuable Student Scholarship.
A custom list of scholarships for your Class of 2026 student to apply for, based on their unique profile.
Online support for your scholarship questions.
Click here to learn more and sign up today: https://www.scholarshipgps.com/2026navigator
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Subscribe to our free newsletter, Your Daily Scholarship, here: https://nodebtcollege.substack.com/

Research & Mentorship Opportunities for High School Students + Prime Scholarship Season for the Class of 2026 Begins + Scholarships for All High School Students

At RISE, they redefine academic excellence by empowering ambitious students through personalized mentorship and transformative educational opportunities. Recognizing that young scholars need more than traditional learning, they connect them with mentors from Oxbridge and Ivy League colleges. Their tailored programs in research, interview preparation, and academic tutoring nurture curiosity, build essential skills, and inspire the next generation of leaders and innovators.
Yash Mundada came through the UK’s grammar school system and later cracked India’s toughest engineering entrance exams. Along the way, he kept noticing a pattern: incredibly talented students were missing out on research opportunities simply because they didn’t have the right access.
That’s why he and his partner started RISE Research.
Click here to learn more about RISE Global Education, and be sure to tell them you heard this interview to get a discount!
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To find out more about how Lisa and Flourish Coaching work with students like yours to help them gain clarity on their future college major and career, click here: https://courses.flourishcoachingco.com/a/2148004629/PLHdxFCx
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This Week's Featured Scholarships:
$3000 Asbestos.com Scholarship
$5000 Workamajig’s Creative Impact Scholarship
Lumiere Scholars Essay Award
$30,000 Elk's Most Valuable Student Scholarship
Weekender: $1000 No Essay Scholarship
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Get one-on-one support for your scholarship applications with the Class of 2026 Scholarship Navigator Program!
The Class of 2026 Scholarship Navigator Program includes:
Review, feedback, and editing of your scholarships essay.
Access to the Scholarship GPS video course, which includes a lesson on the Elks Most Valuable Student Scholarship.
A custom list of scholarships for your Class of 2026 student to apply for, based on their unique profile.
Online support for your scholarship questions.
Click here to learn more and sign up today: https://www.scholarshipgps.com/2026navigator
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Subscribe to our free newsletter, Your Daily Scholarship, here: https://nodebtcollege.substack.com/

A Scholarship for EVERY High School Student with a $35,000 Top Prize and No Minimum GPA Requirement!

Every year, more than half of the students I work with who apply for the Voice of Democracy Scholarship earn prizes through this incredible program.
In today's episode, we will hear from VFW Programs Director, Lynn Rolfe, about this fantastic opportunity. Plus, he shares information about their program for middle school students, Patriots' Pen!
I would love to work with your student on this and their other scholarship entries. The Scholarship Navigator Program provides personalized assistance with your student’s scholarship essays. I go through as many rounds of review and feedback as needed. Plus, students get a customized list of scholarships that match their unique profile. These are just some of the benefits of the Scholarship Navigator Program. Go to www.ScholarshipGPS.com/services to learn more. 
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Is your young person ready to make confident decisions about their college major, training path, or career? Or are they stuck, overwhelmed, or simply unsure what comes next? Click the link to take the 2-minute career readiness quiz to find out if now is the right time for your young person to start exploring their career and college major plans: https://courses.flourishcoachingco.com/a/2148004629/PLHdxFCx
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Did you know that when our kids turn 18, we lose the legal ability to help them in medical and financial emergencies?If your child is turning 18, whether they are going away to college or remaining at home, please consider getting a Power of Attorney in place. You can use my discount code, ScholarshipCoach20, to take 20% off the total price at Mama Bear Legal Forms.
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This Week's Featured Scholarships:
$1000 Entrepreneur Scholarship
$1000 RealtyHop Scholarship
$1000 Achieve Today Scholarship
$1000 Future Educator Scholarship
Dream Vacation Scholarship
$35,000 Voice of Democracy Scholarship
Weekender: $5000 Christian College Scholarship
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Unlock your student's potential with the Scholarship Navigator Program, a comprehensive program designed to jumpstart their scholarship journey and provide invaluable ongoing support. With our program, your student will gain access to a personalized list of scholarships tailored to their unique profile, ensuring they can apply for opportunities that resonate with their passions and experiences.
But we don’t stop there! Your student will receive expert guidance on their scholarship applications and essays, including personalized reviews, constructive feedback, and editing assistance from Dave the Scholarship Coach.
Both students and parents can take advantage of direct support for all scholarship-related questions, available through email and exclusive client-only Zoom meetings.
We proudly offer Scholarship Navigator programs for college students and high school students in the Class of 2026, Class of 2027, as well as for sophomores and freshmen.
Empower your student to seize their future—enroll today!
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Subscribe to our free newsletter, Your Daily Scholarship, here: https://nodebtcollege.substack.com/

College-Level Research for High School Students + 6 Scholarship Opportunities

Did you know that high school students can do college-level research that may actually be published in academic journals? That’s where Horizon comes in. Horizon Academic Research Program was founded in 2016 to give a platform to the world’s best young researchers. Horizon was founded by Columbia University alums with a strong belief in how early access to research can shape the lives of future leaders. Over the last 8 years, Horizon has worked with 1000+ students and 100+ instructors from over 30 countries.
I spoke with Dr. Sarah Carlo, Program Director at Horizon. In our conversation, we discussed:
The benefits of doing academic research as a high school student
How college-level research differs from most “research” done at the high school level
The types of research opportunities open to high school students
How a research project can help with college admissions and scholarships
And much more…
Click here to learn more about Horizon, and be sure to tell them you heard this interview to get a discount! https://horizoninspires.com/
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To find out more about how Lisa and Flourish Coaching work with students like yours to help them gain clarity on their future college major and career, click here: https://courses.flourishcoachingco.com/a/2148004629/PLHdxFCx
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This Week's Featured Scholarships:
Driver Education Initiative Award Scholarship
$1000 GBV Service Scholarship
$1000 Care Throughout the Ages Scholarship
$1000 Who Inspires You Scholarship
$1000 Cyberbullying Awareness Scholarship
Weekender: $1000 No Essay Scholarship
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Unlock your student's potential with the Scholarship Navigator Program, a comprehensive program designed to jumpstart their scholarship journey and provide invaluable ongoing support. With our program, your student will gain access to a personalized list of scholarships tailored to their unique profile, ensuring they can apply for opportunities that resonate with their passions and experiences.
But we don’t stop there! Your student will receive expert guidance on their scholarship applications and essays, including personalized reviews, constructive feedback, and editing assistance from Dave the Scholarship Coach.
Both students and parents can take advantage of direct support for all scholarship-related questions, available through email and exclusive client-only Zoom meetings.
We proudly offer Scholarship Navigator programs for college students and high school students in the Class of 2026, Class of 2027, as well as for sophomores and freshmen.
Empower your student to seize their future—enroll today!
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Subscribe to our free newsletter, Your Daily Scholarship, here: https://nodebtcollege.substack.com/

Scholarship Student Spotlight: Multiple Scholarship Winner Macayla + 5 Scholarship Opportunities

Macayla is a first-year college student who has earned multiple scholarships. She jumpstarted her scholarship journey as one of my Class of 2024 scholarship coaching students. Macayla and her mom, Leslie, share their thoughts on how having success with scholarships is a process, the benefits of scholarships beyond the money for college, and much more. Listen to my interview with Macayla and her mom, Leslie, to hear their tips and suggestions for students on their own scholarship journey.
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Did you know that when our kids turn 18, we lose the legal ability to help them in medical and financial emergencies?If your child is turning 18, whether they are going away to college or remaining at home, please consider getting a Power of Attorney in place. You can use my discount code, ScholarshipCoach20, to take 20% off the total price at Mama Bear Legal Forms.
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This Week's Featured Scholarships:
Underdog Scholarship
$2,000 No Essay Scholarship
Capital Auto Auction STEM Scholarship
$2500 SoFi Scholarship Giveaway
CollegeXpress Scholarship Sweepstakes
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Unlock your student's potential with the Scholarship Navigator Program, a comprehensive program designed to jumpstart their scholarship journey and provide invaluable ongoing support. With our program, your student will gain access to a personalized list of scholarships tailored to their unique profile, ensuring they can apply for opportunities that resonate with their passions and experiences.
But we don’t stop there! Your student will receive expert guidance on their scholarship applications and essays, including personalized reviews, constructive feedback, and editing assistance from Dave the Scholarship Coach.
Both students and parents can take advantage of direct support for all scholarship-related questions, available through email and exclusive client-only Zoom meetings.
We proudly offer Scholarship Navigator programs for college students and high school students in the Class of 2026, Class of 2027, as well as for sophomores and freshmen.
Empower your student to seize their future—enroll today!
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Subscribe to our free newsletter, Your Daily Scholarship, here: https://nodebtcollege.substack.com/