All Episodes
Episodes
New Law Could Cost You Thousands In College Aid
Major changes are coming to New York’s college financial aid system in 2025. In this episode of College Coffee Talk, Pearl and Andy Lockwood break down two critical developments:1. The Universal FAFSA mandate for all...
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ACT Score Jump: 17 to 31 — Real Tutoring Case Study
ACT tutoring case study, how to raise your ACT score fast, and proven test prep strategies from real students. Learn how one teen jumped from 17 to 31, and how your kid can too.
Andy Lockwood interviews ACT tutor...
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3 College Essay Mistakes That Could Cost You Admission
College essay mistakes, Common App essay fails, and admissions tips, all based on real examples from our weekend bootcamp. These writing errors can sink even great students.
In this episode of College Coffee Talk,...
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Can You Lie on Your College Application in 2025?
Lying on college applications, Common App essays, race/ethnicity, fake extracurriculars: and how the NYC mayor candidate got away with it. What does this mean for you in 2025?
Today on College Coffee Talk, Andy...
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New Law Could Destroy Student Loans: What Families Must Know Now
Student loans, parent loans, FAFSA changes, college financial aid, and federal loan limits are all about to change—big time.
In this episode of College Coffee Talk, college advisors Andy and Pearl Lockwood break down...
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Essay Mistakes That Kill Applications | How to Stand Out in 2025
College supplemental essays are one of the most overlooked and important parts of the college application. Learn how to write essays that stand out and avoid the mistakes that get students rejected.
In this clip from...
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The Grinch Who Saved Her College Dreams (With Hard Truths)
In this episode, Andy Lockwood recounts a recent client meeting that got real—fast. A high-achieving 10th grader wanted to apply to a Top 12 college.
But when Andy reviewed her junior year course load, he gave her the...
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FAFSA Changes 2025: Student Loan Limits & Financial Aid Cuts Explained
FAFSA changes, Department of Education cuts, student loan limits, financial aid mistakes—these updates could affect every college-bound family in 2025 and beyond.
In this clip from College Coffee Talk, college...
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Financial Aid Myths for High-Income Families (Debunked!)
Think you make too much to qualify for college financial aid? Think again. In this episode, college advisor Andy Lockwood interviews CPA Rick Darvis to reveal powerful, little-known tax strategies that high-income...
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College Admissions Secrets: What Officers Really Look For in 2025
College admissions officers don’t just want perfect GPAs or test scores—they want authenticity, consistency, and leadership. Here’s what really matters in 2025 applications.
In this episode, Pearl and Andy Lockwood...
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Major Changes to Federal Financial Aid: What Families Need to Know
FAFSA changes, federal aid reforms, financial aid bills in Congress—families need to understand what these radical proposals mean for college affordability and student loan eligibility.
In this episode of College...
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Double Deposits in College Admissions: Smart Strategy or Huge Mistake
Double deposits, college decisions, admissions policies, financial aid penalties—families need to know what really happens when students commit to two colleges.
Pearl and Andy Lockwood break down the legal, ethical,...
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