All Episodes
Episodes
How to Get More Money From Any College in 2026 (Real Examples)
Your kid's college aid offer isn't final. In this Coffee Talk, Pearl and Andy walk through the actual negotiation moves that got Class of 2026 families more financial aid money — including a real case study where the...
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The "Safe" College Major That Just Collapsed
Is your kid planning to major in computer science? Before they commit, you need to see the data — and it's not what colleges are advertising.
Computer science enrollment exploded 500% from 2008 to 2024. Now it's...
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The $30,000 College Planning Mistake Nobody Warns You About
College decisions are in. Financial aid awards are on the table. And right now, inertia is the most expensive thing a family can have. In this episode of College Coffee Talk, Pearl and Andy Lockwood walk through four...
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This FAFSA Lie Cost a Family $13,000 — Are You Next?
A financial aid advisor told a family to leave their weekend home off the FAFSA. That advice was a federal offense — and the family had already submitted.
In this episode, Pearl and Andy share two back-to-back real...
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The Hidden Connection Between March Madness and Financial Aid
Ccollege advisors Pearl and Andy Lockwood discuss key, overlooked mistakes and strategies in the financial aid process. Including:
The truth about which Sweet 16 colleges will win (in financial aid)
How to prevent a...
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Discover Your Financial Aid Pot O' Gold
Tips and tricks to outwit the leprechauns in the financial aid office, so that you can afford tuition without cutting back on your lifestyle or telling your deserving child, "Sorry, I can't send you to the college you...
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Didn’t Get Into Your ED School? Here’s What to Do
Early Decision rejection, deferral, and next steps—what to do when your top-choice college says no.
In this episode of College Coffee Talk, Andy & Pearl Lockwood break down what happens when you don’t get into...
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5 College Planning Tips Parents Wish They Knew Earlier
College planning tips, early admissions strategy, and financial aid planning for families with Class of 2027 students and younger.
In this episode of College Coffee Talk, Andy & Pearl Lockwood share five smart...
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5 Secrets Colleges Won’t Tell You About Early Decision
Early Decision secrets, admission strategy myths, and what colleges really gain when students commit early.
In this episode of College Coffee Talk, Andy & Pearl Lockwood expose five closely-guarded truths about...
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Top 5 College Planning Mistakes to Avoid in 2025
College planning mistakes, financial aid pitfalls, and application strategy errors that cost families time and money. Here are the five most common problems and how to avoid them. In this episode of College Coffee...
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The Untold Truth About Breaking Early Decision
Early Decision can feel like a promise, but what if you change your mind? Can you really back out?
In this episode of College Coffee Talk, Andy & Pearl Lockwood unpack a real case study of what happened when a...
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The Common App Essay Trick Most Students Miss
College essays, Common App mistakes, and the most important question students never realize they’re supposed to answer.
In this episode of College Coffee Talk, Andy & Pearl Lockwood reveal what they call the...
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