From Carpool to College

From Carpool to College

Academic Mentoring LLC

Episodes 37
Avg. Duration 32m
Activity Highly Active
Apple Rating 5.0 (1)
Since Apr 2025
Latest Episode Jun 2026

Publishing Details

Schedule
Weekly
Format
Episodic
Consistency
74%
Hosting
feeds.captivate.fm

Contact & Outreach

About This Podcast

The road to higher education starts in the carpool lane. Are you ready for the drive? Welcome to From Carpool to College, the ultimate "college coffee talk" hosted by Tracy and Tara. If you are a parent navigating the modern landscape of higher education, you’ve likely realized one thing: the rules have changed since we were students. Between shifting admission standards, the "alphabet soup" of testing, and the rising costs of tuition, it’s easy to feel like you’re falling behind before the first application is even opened. That’s where we come in. As two accomplished public school educators, professional college consultants, and—most importantly—educated moms who have been through the trenches, Tracy and Tara tell it like it is. Our mission is simple: to provide the clarity, honesty, and insider secrets you need so that you never have to say, "I wish I knew then what I know now!" The Expert Advantage Tracy and Tara aren't just hobbyists; they are career educators who understand the inner workings of the American school system. They bridge the gap between the high school guidance office and the college admissions board, offering a 360-degree view of the journey. By combining professional expertise with the practical, "boots-on-the-ground" experience of motherhood, they deliver advice that is as empathetic as it is authoritative. What We Tackle Every Week: In each episode, we break down the most complex parts of the college planning process into digestible, actionable steps. We cover: The Admissions Maze: Understanding holistic review, early action vs. early decision, and how to build a balanced college list. Application Strategy: Crafting standout essays, securing strong letters of recommendation, and showcasing extracurriculars without the burnout. Financial Literacy & Aid: Navigating the FAFSA, searching for "true" scholarships, and understanding the real cost of attendance. Standardized Testing: The truth about SATs, ACTs, and the "test-optional" movement in the current climate. High School Success: Choosing the right AP, IB, or Honors courses and maintaining a healthy GPA without sacrificing mental health. The Parent-Student Relationship: How to be a supportive "co-pilot" during the teenage years without overstepping. Why "Coffee Talk"? We believe that the best advice shouldn’t feel like a lecture. Think of this podcast as your weekly meeting with two best friends who just happen to be experts in the field. No gatekeeping, no confusing jargon—just honest, real-world conversation delivered with a cup of coffee and a side of humor. Whether you have a middle schooler just starting to dream about their future or a high school senior hitting "submit" on their last application, Tracy and Tara are here to guide you. Who This Podcast Is For: First-Time College Parents: Who need a roadmap for the four-year high school journey. Educators & Counselors: Looking for fresh perspectives on student advocacy. Overwhelmed Families: Who want to lower the stress levels in their household during application season. Proactive Middle School Parents: Who want to start the conversation early and avoid the last-minute scramble. Stop guessing and start planning. Let’s get your student from the carpool lane to the college campus, one episode at a time. Because when parents are informed, students succeed. Connect with us: Don't miss a beat on the road to college. Subscribe today, leave a review, and join our community of parents who are taking the stress out of the "what's next" conversation. Visit our website for resources, episode notes, and more expert tips from Tracy and Tara. #CarpoolToCollege #CollegeAdmissions #ParentingTeens #CollegePlanning #HighSchoolCounselor #HigherEd #CollegeBound #FinancialAid #FAFSA #CollegeEssays #StudentSuccess

Podcasting 2.0 Features

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Recent Episodes

S3E16 2026 Summer Series BEST OF...Don't Forget the Tech! Sponsored by www.LAKEBORNCOFFEE.com

Jun 09, 2026 43m

School may be out, but college planning never really takes a summer vacation. Pour yourself a cup of Lake Born Coffee and enjoy the highlights reel.Lake Born Coffee is the official sponsor of the…

S3E15 From Carpool to Gap Year! ... with Special Guest, Humanitarian-Visionary: Maggie Doyne

Jun 02, 2026 43m

What if the bravest thing a young person could do… wasn’t getting into the “right” college?In one of the most profound conversations we’ve ever had on From Carpool to College, we sit down with Maggie…

S3E14 Professors After Hours: Helicopter Parents, Inflated Grades, and Hard Truths

May 26, 2026 22m

What happens when professors keep talking after the official interview ends… and the microphones are still rolling?In this special bonus episode pulled from the tail end of our AI series, Professors…

S3E13 "College Athletics Recruiting 102": Part 2 with Coach Flora

May 19, 2026 32m

College athletic recruiting has changed dramatically — and most families don’t realize it until they’re already behind. In this episode, veteran coach and recruiting expert Jerry Flora continues the…

S3E12 "College Athletics Recruiting 101" with Coach Jerry Flora Part 1

May 12, 2026 31m

S3E11 You've Accepted, You've Deposited...Now What?

May 05, 2026 31m

S3E10 The College Essay, Reboot Episode

Apr 28, 2026 35m

In this second episode on the college essay, we move beyond theory and into strategy—breaking down what actually makes an essay stand out in today’s competitive admissions landscape. Drawing from our…

S3E9 One Size Education Does Not Fit All with Special Guest, Shari Castelli

Apr 21, 2026 37m

Not every student is meant to follow the traditional high school-to-college pipeline—and that’s not a problem, it’s a signal.Schools like College of the Atlantic remind us that education can be…

S3E8 Tara Attends an Accepted Students Day & Tells Us All About It!

Apr 14, 2026 29m

S3E7 NIL Contracts and Legally Protecting Our Kids

Apr 07, 2026 42m

NIL is not a plan—it’s a possibility.The world of college athletics has changed—fast.With the introduction of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL), student-athletes now have the opportunity to earn…

S3E6 Professors Keep Talking Candidly About AI in the Classroom ~ Part 2 of 2

Mar 31, 2026 32m Transcript

Takeaways:This podcast episode elucidates the multifaceted applications of artificial intelligence within educational contexts.The discourse highlights the varied acceptance levels of AI among…

S3E5 Professors Talk Candidly About AI in the Classroom

Mar 24, 2026 31m Transcript

Special guests Prof. Tom & Prof. Dawn share stories from their college classrooms, pulling back the curtain on how they spot improper use of AI and help parents understand the power of properly…

S3E4 Does College Size Matter? Big School v. Small School Debate

Mar 17, 2026 33m

In this episode, educators and counselors Tracy Amedeo and Tara Horutz examine the research behind the big school vs. small school college debate. They break down how factors like class size, faculty…

S3E3 Types of Engineering Majors: An Overview by Engineering Prof. Tom

Mar 10, 2026 31m

From Legos to Robotics, is your kid considering a career in Engineering? Prof. Tom breaks down the types of engineers, describes majors, and sets us straight on the importance of foundational Math!

S3E2 The DOs and DON'Ts of College Classroom Behavior with Prof. Tom - Part 2

Feb 18, 2026 27m

Prof. Tom tells it like it is about the fixable, avoidable behaviors he sees in his undergraduate students.

S3E1 The Inside Scoop on the College Classroom: Insight from Special Guest, Professor Tom- Part 1

Feb 10, 2026 30m

Professor Tom has been dying to talk to high school parents about the student behaviors he sees in his college classroom! Part 1 of 3

Flipping the Script on Targeted College Marketing

Dec 10, 2025 35m

In this episode we discuss how universities reach prospective students. We explore the various channels colleges use to capture attention, from endless emails to glossy brochures in your mailbox and…

Is The College Interview for Real?

Dec 02, 2025 19m

In this episode, Tracy and Tara share their perspective on the interview. They also explore an important concept that applicants often overlook: every interaction with a college is essentially a form…

Bracing for Impact: What to Expect While Expecting After You Hit Send

Nov 25, 2025 28m

Hosts Tara and Tracy guide parents through the waiting period between submission and decision day, covering essential strategies like when and how to appropriately email admission officers, why it's…

Curating a College List

Nov 18, 2025 29m

In this episode, we guide parents through the process of helping their teen build a smart, balanced college list. Discover how to support your student in identifying schools that match their…

Frequently Asked Questions

How many episodes does From Carpool to College have?

From Carpool to College has published 37 episodes since April 2025, covering topics in Education, Kids & Family.

Is From Carpool to College still active?

From Carpool to College is currently highly active with new episodes weekly. Average episode length is 32m.

How do I contact From Carpool to College for sponsorship or guest appearances?

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