Smart College Buyer

Ways to Pay for College: Gifting, Shifting, Loans, and More | Ep 15

When you’re facing any large purchase, there are two major questions you must answer:  
How do I lower the cost? 
What’s the best way to pay for it? 
While you’ve heard about student loans, 529 plans, and, potentially, other options to help you finance college costs, the best way for YOU to pay for college for your student is likely a unique combination of tools & tax strategies based on your personal situation. **This is why it’s so important to work 1:1 with a financial planner and tax advisor.  
College Financing, Debt Freedom, and Wealth Building 
529 plans offer flexibility but require consideration of tax implications. While these plans can be a great way to save for college expenses, it's important to understand how they can impact your taxes and overall financial situation. Making informed decisions now can lead to significant savings down the road. 
Gifting and income shifting can save on taxes and shift income to family members. By strategically gifting assets or shifting income to family members in lower tax brackets, you can reduce your tax liability and potentially save a significant amount of money. It's all about understanding the rules and making the most of the opportunities available to you. 
College Payment Hacks: Smart Ways to Pay for College 
(00:03:13) College Tuition Payment Plans Overview 
(00:05:58) Tax Benefits and Flexibility of 529 Plans 
(00:09:16) Strategies for College Tuition Financing 
(00:18:16) Income Shifting and Tax-Saving Strategies 
(00:21:47) Funding College While Building Long-Term Wealth 
Paying For College Without Taking on a Truckload of Debt 
Jack Wang highlights the importance of exploring various financial strategies to fund college education, including payment plans, savings, 529 plans, and loans, to safeguard a family's financial well-being. He highlights colleges offering diverse payment plans and emphasizes advanced financial techniques, such as leveraging tax savings and allowing investments to grow, to minimize the long-term financial burden of college expenses. 
This episode answers these questions:  
What are some advanced strategies for college financing? 
What are the various ways families can pay for college? 
How can gifting and income shifting strategies help save on taxes? 
What are the tax implications of 529 plans? 
How can college financing be turned into an opportunity for building long-term wealth? 
Connect with host, Jack Wang: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thejackwang/ 
*be sure to send a connection request with a message saying Hello! 
Navigate college funding with me at www.smartcollegebuyer.com 
The content of this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, tax, or legal advice. Nothing in this podcast is a recommendation or solicitation to buy or sell any financial product or service. Every family’s financial situation is unique, so always consult with your own financial or tax professional before making any decisions. While we do our best to provide accurate and up-to-date information, we can’t guarantee its completeness or accuracy. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Your mileage may vary. No warranties, express or implied. Batteries still not included. 
 

Unlocking Financial Success for College Students with Budgeting and Credit Usage Education | Ep 14

Understanding how your credit score works and actively working to improve it can open up doors to better financial opportunities. One of the biggest mistakes college students make when it comes to credit is overspending and not keeping track of their expenses. 
My guest today, Brittany Greene, focuses on providing financial education and resources to college students. Through her company, Crown Financial, she offers workshops, online courses, and personalized coaching to help students navigate the complexities of personal finance. From budgeting and credit score management to investing, Crown Financial equips students with the knowledge and tools they need to make informed financial decisions both during college and beyond. 
Empowering College Students through Financial Education and Credit Score Building Techniques 
(00:05:26) Empowering College Students through Credit Education 
(00:05:26) Developing Growth Mindset for Financial Success 
(00:06:12) Mindset Shift for Financial Success in Credit 
(00:08:00) Credit Empowerment for College Students 
(00:15:43) Financial Empowerment through Strategic Money Management 
(00:18:33) Credit Score Fluctuations with Velocity Banking 
The Impact of a Growth Mindset on Finances 
Building a growth mindset is crucial in financial progress. It's all about having the belief that you can learn, grow, and improve your financial situation over time. By adopting a growth mindset, you are more likely to take risks, learn from failures, and persist in the face of challenges - all of which are essential for financial success. 
(00:21:56) "The best investment that you can make is in yourself personally. Develop yourself so that you can recognize opportunities, so that you can take advantage and you don't fumble the bag on the opportunities that you have coming up." - Brittany Greene 
Tips for Families Preparing to Send a Student to College:  
Develop a growth mindset to believe in your ability to progress financially. 
Start with building your mindset every day by listening to podcasts, using affirmations, and staying resilient. 
Utilize resources like StellarFi and Self to build credit by paying bills on time. 
Learn about your credit report using tools like Credit Karma and Experian.com. 
Recognize that the best investment you can make is in yourself personally, to recognize and seize opportunities. 
Encourage students to transition (and model the transition yourself!) from a fixed mindset to a growth mindset to pave the way for financial success. 
Connect with host, Jack Wang: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thejackwang/ 
*be sure to send a connection request with a message saying Hello! 
 
Navigate college funding with me at www.smartcollegebuyer.com 
The content of this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, tax, or legal advice. Nothing in this podcast is a recommendation or solicitation to buy or sell any financial product or service. Every family’s financial situation is unique, so always consult with your own financial or tax professional before making any decisions. While we do our best to provide accurate and up-to-date information, we can’t guarantee its completeness or accuracy. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Your mileage may vary. No warranties, express or implied. Batteries still not included. 
 
Follow Brittany Greene:  
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brittanygreenecf/ 
Website: https://www.crownedfinancials.com/ 
 
Resources:  
https://stellarfi.com/ 
https://www.self.inc/ 

The Impact of Trump’s “Beautiful Bill” on Your Ability to Borrow for College | Ep 13

It used to be that parents and students had the opportunity to finance higher education with almost no limit to the amount they could borrow.   
The H.R.1 - One Big Beautiful Bill Act, changes that. It imposes new limits to parent financing and student loans. In particular, capped borrowing for graduate students at $50,000 per year for professional studies and $20,000 for other programs.  
With Parent PLUS loans also facing new annual and total caps and credit underwriting criteria, it's even more important for families of high school students to understand these limits, considering they may only have a year or two to plan and establish the funds to cover college.  
Private Student Loans: Pros and Cons for Borrowers 
While you still have alternative financing options, such as private loans, there's much more of a “math game” to it, because debt-to-income ratios and credit scores become significantly more important. 
 
Understanding New Federal Limits for Loans (for Students and Parents) 
(00:01:08) Graduate Student Loans Borrowing Changes 
(00:05:38) Parent PLUS Loan Borrowing Limits and Criteria 
(00:08:49) Customizable Borrowing Options for Private Student Loans 
(00:11:43) Financial Eligibility Based on Debt and Income 
(00:17:22) Grad Plus Loan Elimination and Co-signing Risks 
 
(00:21:09) "If you are looking at a school that's $90,000 a year, but you know, realistically, you're not going to get aid for whatever reason, but you don't have the savings to pay $9,000 a year. And now you might not have the ability to borrow $90,000 a year. That school can't be on the list. Right. There's, there's no way it's gonna happen." - Jack Wang 
 
Connect with host, Jack Wang: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thejackwang/ 
*be sure to send a connection request with a message saying Hello! 
 
Navigate college funding with me at www.smartcollegebuyer.com 
The content of this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, tax, or legal advice. Nothing in this podcast is a recommendation or solicitation to buy or sell any financial product or service. Every family’s financial situation is unique, so always consult with your own financial or tax professional before making any decisions. While we do our best to provide accurate and up-to-date information, we can’t guarantee its completeness or accuracy. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Your mileage may vary. No warranties, express or implied. Batteries still not included. 
 
 
 

Maximizing Student Loan Forgiveness, Minimizing Payments, and Tax-Advantaged Strategies | Travis Hornsby | Ep 12

Student loan debt is a topic that affects millions of people across the country. It's a financial burden that many individuals face as they pursue higher education, and the impact can be long-lasting. Whether you're a recent graduate or have been out of school for years, understanding student loan debt is crucial to managing your finances effectively. 
"It wasn't that simple of just drawing up different options for repayment terms." - Travis Hornsby 
Understanding student loan repayment goes beyond just basic options and terms. It's a complex process that requires careful consideration and planning. 
 
Expert Insights on Student Loan Strategies 
Travis has seen student loan debt can up to $2 million for a couple in some cases, with an average of around $260,000 per person. 
Understanding available options for loan forgiveness and income-driven repayment plans is crucial in managing student loan debt effectively. 
Leveraging student loans strategically and reframing debt as an investment in education can help individuals navigate financial situations more effectively. 
Private student loans differ from federal student loans in terms of tax implications and dischargeability in bankruptcy. 
Strategies such as filing taxes separately and increasing retirement contributions can help reduce student loan payments and lower taxable income. 
Public Service Loan Forgiveness is a program that allows individuals working in public service to have their student loans forgiven after a certain period of payments. 
Viewing student loan debt as a strategic move for education and income potential can help individuals make informed decisions about financing their education. 
Strategic Student Loan Usage for Financial Success 
00:05:58 Effective Management of Student Loan Debt 
00:08:21 Extensive Student Loan Debt Variances 
00:12:23 Non-dischargeable Private Student Loan Obligations 
00:14:06 Tax Filing and Retirement for Debt Relief 
00:17:56 Maximizing forgiveness and minimizing tax payments 
00:24:26 Loan Forgiveness for Public Service Workers 
 
Travis Hornsby, a renowned expert in student loan debt and founder of Student Loan Planner, approaches the topic with a unique perspective centered on strategic management and mindset shifts. He believes that student loan debt should be viewed as an investment in education rather than a burden, encouraging borrowers to leverage their debt wisely to enhance their career potential. Hornsby advocates for a thorough understanding of repayment options, including the nuances between federal and private loans, and promotes strategies like filing taxes separately and increasing retirement contributions to manage payments effectively. 
 
Connect with host, Jack Wang: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thejackwang/ 
*be sure to send a connection request with a message saying Hello! 
 
Navigate college funding with me at www.smartcollegebuyer.com 
The content of this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, tax, or legal advice. Nothing in this podcast is a recommendation or solicitation to buy or sell any financial product or service. Every family’s financial situation is unique, so always consult with your own financial or tax professional before making any decisions. While we do our best to provide accurate and up-to-date information, we can’t guarantee its completeness or accuracy. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Your mileage may vary. No warranties, express or implied. Batteries still not included. 

Student-Centered College Selection: What Makes A Good School? | Ep 11

Choosing a college where your student will thrive is about much more than the school’s name, ranking, prestige, or reputation. Research from Purdue University and Gallup highlights that aspects like caring professors, supportive learning environments, and experiential learning opportunities hold more weight in determining a student's college experience. 
Finding the Right College Fit for Academic and Social Growth 
(00:04:19) Impact of Supportive Learning Environments on College Choice 
(00:09:24) Enhancing College Learning Through Real-World Experience 
(00:11:09) Enhancing College Experience Through Student Engagement 
(00:21:31) Student-Centered College Selection for Success 
(00:22:44) Optimizing College Choices for Financial Stability 
 
In making your dollars work best for your kid’s college, a HUGE factor is whether the school selected is a good fit – reducing class skipping, increasing involvement in extracurricular activities, and being more active on campus, simply because they enjoy the school environment.  
 
Reducing Financial Burdens through Strategic College Selection 
The wrong school selection can waste money, not to mention creating a distasteful experience for the student and family. Jack Wang, an advocate for this holistic approach, emphasizes that finding a college environment where students can thrive academically, socially, and personally is key.  
His perspective is shaped by the belief that true student engagement and workforce preparation come from hands-on experiences such as internships and extracurricular activities, which also aid in personal growth and network building.  
Impact of Supportive Learning Environments on College Choice 
Factors like professors' care for students, creating a supportive learning environment, and experiential learning opportunities matter more than rankings or class size in selecting a college. 
Offering hands-on experiences like internships, co-ops, and undergraduate research helps students apply classroom learning in real-world settings and prepare for the workforce. 
Student participation in extracurricular activities helps build networks, fosters campus community involvement, and provides valuable growing up experiences. 
Understanding and prioritizing student preferences like school environment, social activities, and academic fit are crucial in selecting the right college for overall success and well-being. 
Choosing the right school where students can thrive academically and socially can impact the financial aspect of college by reducing costs and avoiding additional years of education. 
 
Connect with host, Jack Wang: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thejackwang/ 
*be sure to send a connection request with a message saying Hello! 
 
Navigate college funding with me at www.smartcollegebuyer.com 
The content of this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, tax, or legal advice. Nothing in this podcast is a recommendation or solicitation to buy or sell any financial product or service. Every family’s financial situation is unique, so always consult with your own financial or tax professional before making any decisions. While we do our best to provide accurate and up-to-date information, we can’t guarantee its completeness or accuracy. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Your mileage may vary. No warranties, express or implied. Batteries still not included. 

Secure Today’s Tuition Rates with a Private 529 Plan | Jonathan Sparling | Ep 10

Planning for your child's college education can be a daunting task, but utilizing a 529 plan can make it a little easier. These tax-advantaged savings plans are specifically designed to help families save for future education expenses. One option within the 529 plan umbrella is the College Well Private College 529 Plan, which offers its own set of unique advantages. 
529 Plans: A Potential Long-Term Solution for Educational Expenses 
College Well’s prepaid plan allows you to lock in today's tuition rates at eligible colleges and universities. This can be a great option if you know where your child will be attending school and want to avoid future tuition increases. 
"The good news is if you're saving in the plan, not only are you locking in and saving for all of the close to 300 schools in the plan at the same time, if you're actively saving and we happen to add a school, you would also be locked into their tuition and fee rates based on when you were saving." - Jonathan Sparling 
 
Preparing for College Costs: A Family Financial Strategy 
(00:03:11) 529 Plans: Locking Tuition vs Investment Options 
(00:12:11) Maximizing Benefits: Qualified Expenses in 529 Plans 
(00:15:44) Versatile 529 Plan Legislation for Education 
(00:21:06) 529 Plan Tax Benefits Across States 
(00:29:41) Proactive Financial Strategies for College Success 
 
Jonathan Sparling serves as a knowledgeable advocate for College Well and emphasizes the critical role of early discussions about college planning and costs, urging families to engage children in conversations about the value of higher education and to visit college campuses to demystify college life and financial aspects.  
Jonathan highlights the unique benefits of College Well's prepaid 529 plan, which allows families to lock in current tuition rates at nearly 300 private colleges, offering a safeguard against future tuition inflation. He sees College Well as an essential resource for families, particularly those with children in middle or high school, providing them with the necessary tools and knowledge to make informed decisions about college savings and financial aid. 
 
Key Tips on 529 Savings and College Expenses: 
Learn the difference (and varying benefits) of state-sponsored 529 plans versus private 529 plans like that at collegewell.com 
Determine which savings or prepaid tool is best for your family’s college planning based on your income, which school your child wants to attend, and what specific costs you’ll incur as your child goes to college 
529 savings plans involve after-tax contributions and investment options 
Qualified expenses in 529 plans include tuition, fees, room and board, and certain travel expenses 
The evolving landscape of 529 legislation now includes K-12 expenses, student loan repayment, and apprenticeship programs 
State income tax breaks for college savings contributions vary by state 
 
Connect with Jonathan Sparling:  
CollegeWell: https://www.collegewell.com/authors/jonathan-sparling/ 
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-sparling-pc529/ 
 
Connect with host, Jack Wang: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thejackwang/ 
*be sure to send a connection request with a message saying Hello! 
 
Navigate college funding with me at www.smartcollegebuyer.com 
The content of this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, tax, or legal advice. Nothing in this podcast is a recommendation or solicitation to buy or sell any financial product or service. Every family’s financial situation is unique, so always consult with your own financial or tax professional before making any decisions. While we do our best to provide accurate and up-to-date information, we can’t guarantee its completeness or accuracy. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Your mileage may vary. No warranties, express or implied. Batteries still not included. 
 
Podcast video editing & management provided by podcastabundance.com 

College Financial Aid: How It Really Works | Ep 9

How do factors like major, gender, and ethnicity influence whether your child receives financial aid? 
Understanding the typical college business model is crucial. The college financial aid formula is a multifaceted and strategic system that determines how aid is distributed to students. It comprises loans, scholarships, and other forms of gift aid. Highly competitive schools prioritize need-based aid over merit scholarships.  
"The more a student helps the college meet its needs, the more aid you generally get." - Jack Wang 
This is important to remember when applying to colleges, as demonstrating financial need may be more beneficial than having a high GPA or test scores. Navigating financial aid for college can be like a strategic game, with scholarships, loans, and FAFSA all in play. Understanding the rules and playing smart is key to securing the best aid package for your education journey. 
 
Crack The College Financial Aid Code 
Look for scholarships and gift aid to minimize loans 
Understand the criteria and requirements for different types of aid 
Consider the business model of colleges in the financial aid process 
Differentiate between highly competitive schools and smaller schools in terms of aid 
Recognize the importance of factors like major, gender, location, and ethnicity in aid distribution 
 
Crucial Insights: Understanding College Financial Aid Dynamics 
(00:02:56) Variety of College Financial Assistance Options 
(00:05:18) Scholarships: Balancing Merit and Financial Need 
(00:10:00) Student Selection Strategies in College Admissions 
(00:21:40) Financial Aid Strategy at Competitive vs. Smaller Schools 
(00:26:29) Major-based Financial Aid Allocation in Colleges 
 
College Aid Blueprint: Demystifying Merit, Need, and Strategic Allocation 
There are various types of financial aid available for college students, with loans being the most common, but scholarships and other forms of gift aid are preferred as they do not require repayment. Scholarships often blend merit-based and need-based elements, and the FAFSA is sometimes essential for eligibility, illustrating the complexity of financial aid.  
Colleges, functioning like businesses, strategically distribute aid to attract students who align with their institutional goals, similar to an NFL draft, which influences the financial aid process. Additionally, factors like major, gender, and ethnicity play a role in financial aid decisions, with colleges investing in specific programs or facilities to attract desired student demographics, underscoring the importance of understanding these dynamics in securing aid. 
 
Connect with host, Jack Wang: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thejackwang/ 
*be sure to send a connection request with a message saying Hello! 
 
Navigate college funding with me at www.smartcollegebuyer.com 
The content of this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, tax, or legal advice. Nothing in this podcast is a recommendation or solicitation to buy or sell any financial product or service. Every family’s financial situation is unique, so always consult with your own financial or tax professional before making any decisions. While we do our best to provide accurate and up-to-date information, we can’t guarantee its completeness or accuracy. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Your mileage may vary. No warranties, express or implied. Batteries still not included. 

Empowering Teens Through Financial Literacy | Ep 8

Financial education in youth sets the stage for a lifetime of financial responsibility. 
Teaching teens to save for emergencies is vital for unexpected costs. Unfortunately, most teens don’t want to listen to their parents...that’s where a financial coach who specializes in budgeting for teens and young adults comes in.  
Colleen Salchow of Salchow Coaching patiently works with teenagers to set aside money for unexpected expenses can help them develop a safety net for emergencies and learn the importance of being financially prepared for the unexpected. 
Setting Up Teens for Financial Success in the Future 
(00:04:15) Early Financial Empowerment for Teens 
(00:09:36) Building Financial Safety Nets for Teens 
(00:15:15) Empowering Teens Through Intentional Financial Planning 
(00:18:04) Instilling Responsible Money Attitudes in Children 
(00:19:12) Financial Literacy Through Teen Budgeting Apps 
(00:26:14) Financial Management Foundation for Students 
 
Financial Management Foundation for Students 
Colleen Salchow is an accredited financial counselor dedicated to improving financial literacy among teenagers and young adults. After graduating from Western Michigan University in 2007 with a degree in special education, Colleen witnessed firsthand the financial struggles faced by families during her time as a middle school special education teacher in Detroit.  
Her personal experiences with financial challenges after moving to North Carolina further fueled her passion for financial literacy. In 2019, she launched her business as a financial coach, focusing on helping teens develop sound financial habits and understand critical financial concepts. Colleen leverages her teaching background to effectively communicate and engage with young people, empowering them to make informed financial decisions for a secure future. 
Instilling Responsible Money Attitudes in Children 
Start conversations about financial literacy early on to instill valuable money management skills 
Encourage teens to save at least 20% of their income for various purposes such as emergency funds or specific goals 
Guide teenagers in creating a plan to save for emergencies by identifying key expenses they rely on the most 
Teach children to save, donate, and spend wisely to develop healthy money habits 
Introduce budgeting to children by giving them an allowance and guiding them on how to allocate portions for different purposes 
Start high schoolers and college students with one savings account to understand its rules before considering multiple accounts 
 
(00:02:58) "I saw at my own kitchen table the importance of paying off debt and learning how to talk to my spouse about finances." - Colleen Salchow 
 
Follow Colleen Salchow: 
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/colleensalchow/ 
Salchow Coaching: https://salchowcoaching.com/ 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/csalchow1/ 
 
 
Connect with host, Jack Wang: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thejackwang/ 
*be sure to send a connection request with a message saying Hello! 
 
Navigate college funding with me at www.smartcollegebuyer.com 
The content of this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, tax, or legal advice. Nothing in this podcast is a recommendation or solicitation to buy or sell any financial product or service. Every family’s financial situation is unique, so always consult with your own financial or tax professional before making any decisions. While we do our best to provide accurate and up-to-date information, we can’t guarantee its completeness or accuracy. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Your mileage may vary. No warranties, express or implied. Batteries still not included. 
 
Podcast video editing & management provided by podcastabundance.com 

Thinking Differently About Other College Costs | Ep 7

Paying for college extends beyond the simple calculation of tuition and fees, encompassing a range of hidden expenses that many prospective students and their families often overlook. Jack Wang offers a nuanced perspective on this topic by highlighting the often-ignored costs such as taxes, interest, and opportunity costs, which can significantly inflate the overall financial burden of obtaining a college degree.  
(00:23:56) "The question is not about right or wrong. The question is, do you want to do better and do you want to pay for college in a way that can help support the rest of your finances?" - Jack Wang 
Drawing from his analysis, Jack advocates for strategic financial planning to navigate these hidden costs, emphasizing tax-aware strategies and the importance of considering long-term financial implications.  
 
Optimizing Financial Decisions for College Funding 
Identify the total amount of gross income you need to cover college tuition 
Explore income tax saving strategies for your tax bracket 
Consider owning a business or being self-employed for tax advantages 
Understand opportunity cost in spending decisions 
Minimize taxes, interest costs, and opportunity costs when paying for college 
Use debt strategically for major purchases 
 
The Real Price of a College Education 
(00:02:57) Hidden Costs in College Financing 
(00:06:34) Tax Savings for College Financial Planning 
(00:13:25) Compound Interest Impact on Financial Decisions 
(00:16:53) Optimizing Financial Decisions for College Funding 
(00:21:35) Opportunity Cost in Strategic Debt Usage 
 
Getting Creative About How to Afford College for Your Student 
With insights into innovative approaches like Merrimack College's fixed-cost model for humanities majors, Jack Wang encourages a more intentional and strategic management of college expenses to enhance financial well-being both during and after the college years. 
 
Connect with host, Jack Wang: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thejackwang/ 
*be sure to send a connection request with a message saying Hello! 
 
Navigate college funding with me at www.smartcollegebuyer.com 
The content of this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, tax, or legal advice. Nothing in this podcast is a recommendation or solicitation to buy or sell any financial product or service. Every family’s financial situation is unique, so always consult with your own financial or tax professional before making any decisions. While we do our best to provide accurate and up-to-date information, we can’t guarantee its completeness or accuracy. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Your mileage may vary. No warranties, express or implied. Batteries still not included. 

Maximizing Academic Success Through Early Test Preparation | Ep 6

With the right strategies and early preparation, you can maximize your child’s chances of getting into your (or their) dream school and securing scholarships. Students should begin preparing for standardized tests like the SAT or ACT well in advance, paying special attention to their grades even as a Freshman in High School. This will allow you and your student to have time to review content, practice test-taking strategies, get tutoring, and improve scores.  
Strategic Test Prep: Leveraging Individual Strengths 
(00:01:02) Empowering Students for Bright Academic Futures Through Test Prep 
(00:09:16) Strategic Approach to GPA and AP Courses 
(00:13:07) Testing Policies Impacting College Admissions Success 
(00:15:20) College Fit Importance in Avoiding Overmatching 
(00:21:33) Strategic Test Prep: Leveraging Individual Strengths 
(00:25:46) Mock Test Analysis for College Admissions Success 
(00:28:30) Financial Opportunities Based on Academic Performance 
 
Test-Blind, Test-Mandatory, Test-Optional: Understanding College Policies 
When applying to colleges, research their admissions policies and consider your own strengths and weaknesses to determine the best approach for your application.  
Test-blind colleges do not consider standardized test scores as part of their admissions process, focusing instead on other aspects of your application like GPA, extracurricular activities, and essays. 
 Test-mandatory colleges require students to submit standardized test scores as part of their application, and these scores play a significant role in the admissions decision.  
Test-optional colleges give students the choice of whether or not to submit test scores, allowing them to showcase their strengths in other areas if they believe their scores do not accurately reflect their abilities.  
Empowering Students for Bright Academic Futures Through Test Prep 
- Finding the right college fit based on major, academic stats, and overall student success helps prevent overmatching and financial burdens in the future. 
- Choosing between the SAT and ACT based on individual strengths, taking mock tests early, and excelling in one test rather than both are key strategies for standardized test preparation. 
- Strategic planning when taking college admissions tests, identifying strengths and weaknesses early on, and prioritizing the PSAT for National Merit Scholarship consideration are important factors in academic success. 
- Using the Merit Aid Grids website can help students understand college funding opportunities based on GPA and test scores, providing valuable information on financial assistance for college. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
"Our mental mindset of what a 3.5 meant in 1994 is unrelated to a 3.5 in 2024. It just really is so different." - Brian Eufinger 
 
Follow Brian Eufinger:  
His Test Prep Business: https://edisonprep.com/start/ 
His summer passion project: https://meritaidgrids.com/ 
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eufinger/ 
 
 
Connect with host, Jack Wang: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thejackwang/ 
*be sure to send a connection request with a message saying Hello! 
 
Navigate college funding with me at www.smartcollegebuyer.com 
The content of this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, tax, or legal advice. Nothing in this podcast is a recommendation or solicitation to buy or sell any financial product or service. Every family’s financial situation is unique, so always consult with your own financial or tax professional before making any decisions. While we do our best to provide accurate and up-to-date information, we can’t guarantee its completeness or accuracy. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Your mileage may vary. No warranties, express or implied. Batteries still not included.