MIT and Caltech Admissions, Applying to College as a Student on the Autism Spectrum, and Summer Jobs

On the latest episode of Getting In: A College Coach Conversation, host Sally Ganga welcomed three guests to discuss: admissions to Caltech and MIT, considerations for applying to college as a student on the autism spectrum, and the benefits of having a summer job. Caltech and MIT Admissions Sally first welcomed College Coach admission expert Zaragoza Guerra, former admission officer at Caltech and MIT, to talk about the admissions process at these two schools. Zaragoza explored similarities of and differences between MIT and Caltech. He also discussed the importance of how a student spends their time outside the classroom and the value of finding both a curricular and extracurricular balance of breadth and depth. Applying to College for Students on the Autism Spectrum Sally next welcomed Dr. Valerie Paradiz to talk about the college application process as it pertains to students on the autism spectrum. Val highlighted the importance of thoughtfully evaluating how much a student can take on in their first year of college. She explored specific topics a student and their family may consider and how to apply those reflections to the college search. Sally and Val also discussed when a student should disclose being on the spectrum and concluded by recommending additional resources. Summer Jobs In the third segment, Sally welcomed College Coach finance expert Jeanne Mahan to talk about the value of summer jobs and the positive impact a summer job can have on both paying for college and on a student’s engagement and appreciation for their education. Jeanne talked about how summer earnings impact eligibility for need-based financial aid, tips for considering different kinds of employment, and the benefits of having an employment history before graduation. On the next episode of Getting In: A College Coach Conversation, Sally will welcome hosts to explore what a liberal arts education is, what juniors can do now to develop their college list, and, from a financial perspective, what parents of seniors can be doing now to prepare for the start of college—and tuition bills—in the fall. Save Save Save Save Save