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

What Recent Changes in Student Loans Mean for You + 7 Scholarship Opportunities

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 when you use this link: https://www.mamabearlegalforms.com/youngadult?oid=1&affid=44
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Featured Scholarships:
Felix Gonzalez Accident and Injury Law Firm $1000 Safe Cycling Scholarship
Largey Law Firm $1000 Overcoming the Impossible Scholarship
Law Offices of Jeffrey Lichtman $1000 Community Service Scholarship
$3000 Women in Tech Scholarship
$10,000 Scholarships360 No Essay Scholarship
$50,000 ScholarshipOwl No Essay Scholarship
$2000 Bucket List No Essay Scholarship
Subscribe to the free "Your Daily Scholarship" Newsletter here: https://nodebtcollege.substack.com/
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Luanne Lee is the 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.
Get your free College Money Report™
Find the answers your family needs to get the most free money for college.
In under 5 minutes
Get a fully customized report that demystifies your student's college financial aid outlook.
Your College Money Report™ gives you answers to 3 critical things every family needs to know before entering the college funding maze.
How much colleges think you can afford.
If you will qualify for grants and/or scholarships.
How much you will be expected to pay out of pocket.
Click here to get the College Money Report: https://planning.college/luanne-lee/cmr
 

Finding Post-Graduation Employment + Scholarships for College Students, and Students in Grades 4-11

Would you like to learn more about earning scholarships as a college student? Then download our free guide, Scholarships for College Students. This free guide shares the five steps for earning scholarships as a college student. Links to more free scholarship resources are also included. Go to https://www.scholarshipgps.com/collegescholarships
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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 when you use this link: https://www.mamabearlegalforms.com/youngadult?oid=1&affid=44
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Today, we are joined by Kolby Goodman, a career strategist and job search expert dedicated to helping students and emerging professionals successfully navigate today’s competitive job market.
Kolby is also the author of “Start Now: And 49 Other Things You Can Do To Be Employed By Graduation.”
In our conversation, Kolby and I discussed:
What students (and their parents) get wrong about finding a job after graduation
Skills students need to gain employment after graduation
Why students shouldn’t think of themselves as ‘just a job seeker’
What it looks like when a student is career-ready before they graduate
What a student should start doing in their freshman or sophomore year to land a great job after graduation
Advice for students who don’t know what they want to do yet
Advice for parents who want to help their student prepare for life after college
And much more…
To connect with Kolby and learn more about how he works with students and families, go to employedbygraduation.com. You can also find him on LinkedIn.
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Featured Scholarships:
Fleschner, Stark, Tanoos & Newlin $2000 FSTN Veteran Scholarship
Jan Dils, Attorneys at Law $1000 Path to Success Scholarship
Kaire & Heffernan $1000 I Am A Fighter Scholarship
WebstaurantStore $5000 Culinary and Hospitality Scholarship
$1000 Carson Scholars Fund Scholarship
$2000 Bucket List Scholarship
$2000 Smarter College A Better Financial Future Scholarship
Subscribe to the free "Your Daily Scholarship" Newsletter here: https://nodebtcollege.substack.com/
 

DIY College Admissions w/ Expert Help + Scholarships for High School and College Students

Get our free list of recommended scholarship database sites to find thousands of scholarships: https://www.scholarshipgps.com/scholarship-websites
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Today, we are joined by Lee Norwood of College Sharks.
In our conversation, Lee and I discussed:
How students and parents can DIY college admissions while still getting expert guidance
Why AI can’t replace a real human for college prep guidance
How a trusted third party can help overcome a student’s objections to following their parents’ lead
The importance of getting educated on the college admissions process and strategies is critical for success
What “the perfect college” means, and the need to look at college beyond “the usual suspects”
And much more…
To learn more, visit collegesharks.com
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Featured Scholarships:
$5000 Unigo Education Matters Scholarship
$20,000 Equitable Excellence Scholarship
$1000 Volunteer for Vets Scholarship
$1000 Sharing is Caring Scholarship
$1000 Whistleblower Education Scholarship
$2000 Smarter College Better Financial Future Scholarship (No Essay)
$1000 Appily Easy Money Scholarship (No Essay)
Subscribe to the free "Your Daily Scholarship" Newsletter here: https://nodebtcollege.substack.com/
 

Successful College Transfers + $14.5M Scholarship Opportunity

Jaime Smith is a certified educational planner with 25 years of experience in education at the middle, high school, and college levels. As a college adviser, she specializes in transfer admissions, homeschoolers, neurodiverse learners, and other nontraditional students. 
In our conversation, Jaime and I discussed:
The number of students who transfer colleges
The reasons students transfer colleges
The process for transferring colleges
The value of starting at a community college
Scholarship implications of transferring colleges
And much more…
To connect with Jaime, go to TransverSavvy.com.
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If you have a Class of 2026 or Class of 2027 student, this is for you. Through the ACE Network, you’ll have access to 6 AMAZING and VETTED college planning experts. This affordable service gives you access to gems of personalized information on college admissions, college essays, SAT and ACTs, dorm planning, and, of course, scholarships!
Click the link to learn more: https://sites.google.com/view/ace-network/home
Space is extremely limited, so don’t delay.
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With the Scholarship Navigator 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.
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 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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Featured Scholarships:
$1000 Mental Health Scholarship
$1000 Successful Small Business Scholarship
$1000 Aaliyah Lee Scholarship
$14.5 Million Live Más Scholarship
$1000 Appily Easy Money Scholarship
$1000 Making the Leap Scholarship for Transfer Students
$5000 Christian College Scholarship Drawing
$2000 Catholic College Scholarship

$30K, $40K, $60K Scholarships for the Class of 2026 + How Scholarships360 Makes Funding College Simpler, Faster, and More Accessible

If you have a Class of 2026 or Class of 2027 student, this is for you. Through the ACE Network, you’ll have access to 6 AMAZING and VETTED college planning experts. This affordable service gives you access to gems of personalized information on college admissions, college essays, SAT and ACTs, dorm planning, and, of course, scholarships!
Click the link to learn more: https://sites.google.com/view/ace-network/home
Space is extremely limited, so don’t delay.
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If your Class of 2026 student would like help with scholarships, check out the Class of 2026 Scholarship Navigator Program. The program includes:
A custom list of scholarships based on the student’s unique profile
Unlimited scholarship essay and application support
Access to the Scholarship GPS video-based course to learn best practices and tips
Expert answers to your scholarship questions
Click here or go to www.scholarshipgps.com/2026navigator to learn more and to get started for just $47!
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Featured Scholarships:
$10,000 Scholarships360 No-Essay Scholarship
$30,000 Elks Most Valuable Student Scholarship
$40,000 GE-Reagan Scholarship
$60,000 Hagan Scholarship
$1000 Taxes for Millennials Scholarship
$1000 Scholarships360 Outstanding Undergraduate Scholarship
$5000 Christian College Scholarship Drawing
$2000 Catholic College Scholarship
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Confident College Admissions + A $60,000 Scholarship for the Class of 2026 + Scholarships for High School and College Students

If you have a Class of 2026 or Class of 2027 student, this is for you. Through the ACE Network, you’ll have access to 6 AMAZING and VETTED college planning experts. This affordable service gives you access to gems of personalized information on college admissions, college essays, SAT and ACTs, dorm planning, and, of course, scholarships!
Click the link to learn more: https://sites.google.com/view/ace-network/home
Space is extremely limited, so don’t delay.
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If your Class of 2026 student would like help with scholarships, check out the Class of 2026 Scholarship Navigator Program. The program includes:
A custom list of scholarships based on the student’s unique profile
Unlimited scholarship essay and application support
Access to the Scholarship GPS video-based course to learn best practices and tips
Expert answers to your scholarship questions
Click here or go to www.scholarshipgps.com/2026navigator to learn more and to get started for just $47!
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Featured Scholarships:
$2000 Brains of Bust No-Essay Scholarship
$50,000 ScholarshipOwl No Essay Scholarship
$60,000 Burger King Foundation Scholarship
$1000 “Pen to Paper” Scholarship for Storytellers
$1000 Defining the Disability Scholarship
$1000 Starfish Scholarship
$2500 Fostering Education Scholarship
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Abbie Metzler is the founder of Confident College Admissions, where she helps students and families navigate the college application process with clarity and confidence. A graduate of the University of Pennsylvania and a current Clinical Psychology PhD student, Abbie brings a unique blend of strategy and psychology to her work. She has worked one-on-one with students for over two years, combining practical application guidance with mindset tools to reduce stress, boost confidence, and empower students to present their most authentic selves.
In our conversation, Abbie and I discussed:
How her own college journey shapes the way she guides students.
The biggest misconception families have about college admissions today, especially with test-optional policies.
How students can stand out in essays and applications without feeling like they need to be “perfect.”
What a “confident” application really looks like—for both students and parents.
Resources for families who feel overwhelmed by the college admissions process.
And much more…
To connect with Abbie, go to ConfidentCollegeAdmissions.Podia.com
or find her on Instagram: @ConfidentCollegeAdmissions

Scholarships & Majors: How Clarity Can Unlock More College Aid + 7 Scholarship Opportunities

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 live panel event, master career coach Lisa Marker-Robbins and scholarship strategist Dave Peterson explain how students who make intentional, well-informed college 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 moderator, Mike Bergin, host 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
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.
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Through Sunday, October 19, when you enroll in the Launch Career Clarity Signature Course, you’ll also get FREE access to the Scholarship GPS Course (a $197 value!)
That’s a full system to help your student:
🎯 Clarify their career and college major💰 Find and win private scholarships📝 Strengthen their applications and essays📉 Reduce the overall cost of college
Grab the BOGO here:​​https://courses.flourishcoachingco.com/a/2148083294/PLHdxFCx​
To redeem, just forward your receipt to Dave at dave@nodebtcollege.com after enrolling.
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If you have a Class of 2026 or Class of 2027 student, this is for you. Through the ACE Network, you’ll have access to 6 AMAZING and VETTED college planning experts. This affordable service gives you access to gems of personalized information on college admissions, college essays, SAT and ACTs, dorm planning, and, of course, scholarships!
Click the link to learn more: https://sites.google.com/view/ace-network/home
Space is extremely limited, so don’t delay.
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Featured Scholarships:
$2000 Brains of Bust No-Essay Scholarship
$2000 Smarter College A Better Financial Future Scholarship
$1000 Ability Scholarship Solution Now
$1000 “Tuition Solution” Scholarship for STEM Students
$1000 College Student Safety Scholarship
$1000 American Bullion Scholarship
$2000 Zombie Apocalypse Scholarship

A FULL RIDE Scholarship for the Class of 2027+ Sparking Curiosity and Critical Thinking Skills in Your Student

The Class of 2027 Scholarship Navigator program provides:• Prep to apply for the FULL-RIDE Coolidge Scholarship. Students in the program have the option to participate in a book club/study to prepare to apply for this amazing scholarship opportunity!• Bi-weekly webinars: A new topic or scholarship will be covered in depth during these live webinars. Plus, time will be allotted for Q&A.• Online Support: You'll have direct email access to Dave The Scholarship Coach, a seasoned expert in the field. Dave is here to help you navigate the complex world of scholarships and get your questions answered!• A custom list of scholarships for which your Class of 2027 grad is eligible. Your student’s custom list will include a minimum of 20 scholarships, including national and local scholarships (if local scholarships are available) and a mix of small and large scholarships.• Personalized help with scholarship applications & essays. These can be any scholarships of your choice!• Access to the Scholarship GPS Course, where students can learn best practices for scholarship success. Lessons include: How/Where to find scholarships, application and essay best practices, sample scholarship-winning essays, and much more.Click here to learn more and to register today.
Use the discount code COOLIDGE before October 9, 2025, to receive a special discount.
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Melissa Muir, MAT is the founder and lead teacher at Curio, where she helps families create practical, real-world learning experiences for their children. With a Master’s in Teaching and years of experience in homeschooling, public, private, and online education, and curriculum development, she’s passionate about critical thinking, creative writing, and meaningful discussions. Melissa specializes in interactive, thought-provoking classes that challenge students while keeping learning fun. Whether she’s leading a lively debate or helping kids craft compelling stories, she equips students with the skills they need to think deeply and express themselves confidently.
In our conversation, Melissa and I discussed:
Why critical thinking is such a crucial skill for students today
Ways to spark curiosity in your student
How reading and discussing books together equips students with both academic and real-world skills
The long-term impact on their education and even their future lives when kids grow in critical thinking, curiosity, and communication
And much more…
To connect with Melissa, go to thinkcurio.com.
Read Melissa’s article on the overlooked power of teen book clubs.
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Who will be answering your biggest questions about college admissions this year?
🔑 Six experts.
📍 One place.
💡 Endless answers.
😫 Tired of sifting through thousands of conflicting posts on social media?
🎯 What if you had direct access to experts instead?
🤝 We’ve gathered the top minds in admissions, testing, scholarships, essays, and more…
If you have a Class of 2026 or Class of 2027 student, I will be headlining the ACE Network with 5 other AMAZING and VETTED college planning experts. As a subscription service that gives you access to gems of personalized information, you can partake in this service for as many months as you’d like at a FRACTION of the cost of what a full-time college admissions advisor would cost.
Click here to learn more.
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This Week's Featured Scholarships:
FULL RIDE Coolidge Scholarship
$35,000 VFW Voice of Democracy Contest
Goldstein & Bashner $1000 Combatting Campus Issues Scholarship
$1000 Employment BOOST Scholarship
$2000 Boyk Law Veteran Scholarship
$2000 Smarter College Better Financial Future Scholarship
$1000 Appily Easy Money Scholarship

Scholarships for High School & College Students + How to Help Your Student Become a Lifelong Learner

I recently spoke with Kami Wanous, the creator of the Raising Leaders Roadmap and a homeschool mentor. A credentialed teacher with over seven years in public education and homeschooling since 2008, she draws on her background in English, leadership, and freedom principles to guide families toward meaningful learning. Kami helps homeschool parents create a culture that inspires a lifelong love of learning—equipping them to mentor with confidence and raise passionate leaders who make an impact in the world. She has been featured on CBS News and as a guest writer and speaker for homeschooling conventions, blogs, magazines, podcasts, and YouTube channels.
In our conversation, Kami and I discussed:
What it means to be a lifelong learner
What a lifelong learner looks like
Why being a lifelong learner is important for our kids headed to college
Whether students can be "successful" in college without being lifelong learners
How parents help our kids become lifelong learners
And much more…
Here are all of the ways you can connect with Kami:
Website: TheFreedomScholar.com
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/TheFreedomScholar
IG: https://www.instagram.com/thefreedomscholar
YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtJpXKtndYS9rrP98KcvDEw
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/kami-wanous-14117723a
Podcast: Homeschool Success with Kami Wanous
Click here to get the Freedom Scholar Love of Learning Launch Pad. Make learning time exciting—for you and your kids! Launch into joyful, lifelong learning!
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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:
$1000 DP Law Encouraging Diversity Scholarship
$1000 Karin Riley Porter Good Works Scholarship
$2500 Money Metals/Sound Money Defense League Gold-Backed Scholarship
$1000 Employment BOOST Scholarship
$35,000 VFW Voice of Democracy Contest
$5000 Christian Connector Scholarship
$1000 Appily No-Essay Scholarship
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Start Your Scholarship Journey Today
I would love to work with your student on their 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.

$100,000 Scholarship + Mom Shares How Her Daughter Earned 18 Scholarships! + 6 Other Scholarships

I recently spoke with Sarah, whose daughter, Madeline, won 18 scholarships at her senior awards event. Sarah describes their scholarship journey and how they achieved such great success.
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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:
$100,000 Dr. Pepper Tuition Giveaway
$5000 Omega Psi Phi Fraternity International Essay Contest
$1500 IvyPanda Video Contest Scholarship
$1000 Mediation & Conversations Scholarship
$1500 Shout It Out Scholarship
$5000 Christian Connector Scholarship
$50,000 ScholarshipOwl No-Essay Scholarship
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Start Your Scholarship Journey Today
I worked with Sarah and Madeline through the Scholarship Navigator Program, a comprehensive program designed to jumpstart your student’s scholarship journey and provide invaluable ongoing support. With this 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 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!