7 Podcasts for Parents of College-Bound Teens

Let’s face it. Life is busy. The days are short and having time to sit down and read all there is to know about prepping your student for college can be overwhelming and downright stressful! But what if there was a way to learn much of what you need to know about the college process while exercising, cooking dinner, commuting to work, eating your lunch or any other time you are performing daily tasks and want to make them more productive. Well, there IS a way to do exactly that!

Podcasts are a GREAT alternative to reading and not to mention easy to slip into your daily routine, all while learning a thing or two for your soon-to-be college student. One such valuable resource is the College Parent Central Podcast, which offers practical advice and support for navigating the challenges of college parenting and provides insights and discussions around the college admission process.

While podcasts are a great option, let’s be honest, not all are created equal. To help you narrow down the content that will help your college-bound teen succeed and pay for college, I have narrowed down my top 7 podcasts picks (in no particular order) on the topics of studying and testing advice, financial aid, college admissions, and parenting tips.

If your student wants to find scholarship opportunities to make paying for college manageable, we can help! Sign up for our free college scholarship webinar to learn more about the scholarship process! Head over to http://thescholarshipsystem.com/freewebinar to reserve a spot today.

The College Parent Central Podcast is a valuable resource for parents navigating the college transition, providing insights and resources for parents navigating their children’s journey into higher education. Hosted by Lynn Abrahams, and Vicki Nelson, an experienced college educator and parent, the podcast offers insights into the college experience from both the parent’s and student’s perspectives. Each episode addresses topics ranging from academic success strategies to emotional support, aiming to equip parents with the tools they need to effectively support their college-bound children. A key focus is on the need for parents to evolve into an effective college success coach, offering guidance and understanding to empower both students and parents during this significant life phase.

This podcast is particularly beneficial for parents as it bridges the gap between parental involvement and student independence. By providing expert interviews, practical advice, and real-life stories, the College Parent Central Podcast helps demystify the college process, enabling parents to foster a supportive environment that encourages their children’s growth and autonomy during these pivotal years.

Looking for tips and tricks for topics from time management tools for your college bound student, study strategies, prepping for the SAT/ACT, scholarships, essay writing, or parenting advice? Then The College Prep Podcast is the podcast for you!

Each week, Megan Dorsey and Gretchen Wegner, share tips on how to “survive and thrive” and navigate the college maze. Tuning in will help you and your teen feel more confident and ready to tackle the college process. Additionally, they highlight the importance of resources for parents of high school students during the student’s college search.

“Getting In: A College Coach Conversation“ is a weekly podcast hosted by Elizabeth Heaton, a former UPenn admissions officer, featuring experts from Bright Horizons College Coach. It covers college admissions, financial aid, application essays, and interview prep, offering insider insights to help students stand out.

For parents of college students, this podcast is a valuable resource, simplifying the admissions process and providing expert guidance on selecting and paying for college. With practical advice from experienced professionals, it equips families with the knowledge to support their college-bound kids effectively.

Is your student struggling to find the right college? Here’s an article that will make the decision more manageable: Helping Your Child With Choosing the Right College

Parenting Today’s Teens, founded by parenting expert Mark Gregston, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing biblical insights and practical wisdom to help families navigate the challenges of raising teenagers. The teen years can bring eye-rolling, door-slamming, and unexpected emotional shifts—even from kids who were once easygoing. Former college parents can serve as insightful guides for current parents navigating their children’s college experiences. This podcast offers valuable parenting tips to help guide families through these often-turbulent years.

For parents of college-bound teens, episodes like “Helping Your Teen Make Wise College Decisions” and “Preparing for Life After High School” provide practical advice on supporting your child through this transition with confidence and faith.

​The Prepped and Polished Podcast is an educational and inspirational show hosted by Alexis Avila, founder of Prepped and Polished, a tutoring and test prep firm serving students from kindergarten through college. The podcast offers tutoring and test preparation tips, along with interviews featuring celebrities and leaders in education. For parents of college-bound students, this podcast serves as a valuable resource by addressing topics pertinent to the college admissions process, standardized testing strategies, and academic success. It also covers what students and parents can expect on a college campus, including college fit, financial aid, and social relationships, by featuring insights from students, professors, and admissions counselors.

Here are two episodes that may be particularly beneficial for parents:

1. Episode 102: “Parents Countdown to College” with Suzanne ShafferIn this episode, college coach expert Suzanne Shaffer shares her personal experiences and insights on assisting her own children through the college admissions process. She offers practical advice for parents who prefer a hands-on approach to guiding their children toward college readiness.
2. Episode 127: “How to Best Stay in Touch with Your College-Age Kid”This episode provides strategies for maintaining healthy communication between parents and their college-bound children, emphasizing the importance of staying connected while respecting their growing independence.