Is your child cheating if they’re turning to AI for help with college applications? The answer isn’t clear-cut. When used thoughtfully, AI can save time, help with organization, and spark creativity. But if misused, it can easily backfire and risk your child’s college dreams.
Kevin Krebs
Founder & Managing Director, HelloCollege
Most people are familiar with ChatGPT, but there are a host of tools to support the admissions process, including platforms to explore colleges aligned with specific interests (AdmitYogi), keep application tasks organized (Trello), and find scholarships based on career aspirations (BigFuture).
The biggest risk? Relying on AI to write application essays. These essays are your student’s opportunity to demonstrate something about their values, perspective, and character — things that grades and test scores can’t capture.
Bottom line — don’t ask a machine to write a human story.
Originality is key, and no matter how advanced generative AI gets, it will never capture the quiet pride of walking away from a captain position on the robotics team to pursue a true passion for journalism — or the growth that came from navigating the space between your Indian heritage and Western traditions.
Most colleges are aware of AI-generated writing and have started using tools like GPTZero and Turnitin to spot it, so over-relying on technology is a good way to have an application flagged or even disqualified. Bottom line — don’t ask a machine to write a human story.
Instead, it’s best to use AI at the beginning and end of the process for idea generation, as a sounding board or for minor edits — never for writing full paragraphs, sentences, or even phrases. Your child might try prompts like: “Generate a list of questions to help me explore my values,” “Scan my essay for places where I could add more specific details,” or “Is it clear how I grew as a person from this experience?”
While there’s no replacement for the human touch of an expert, AI tools can help students refine their ideas and polish their writing.
AI can be a powerful tool in college admissions, but only when the student stays firmly in the driver’s seat. The best applications come from creativity, originality, and personal perspective — things no algorithm can replicate.
I’ll be the first in my family to earn a college degree, and that’s something I hold very close to my heart.
My family and I moved to the United States in 2014. We chose Memphis as our second home to start fresh and build a better future.
When I graduated high school in 2020, I decided to join the Army Reserve so I could work full-time to help support my family financially. Along the way, my parents always reminded me of the importance of a college degree. Honestly, I struggled with the decision between choosing work over school.
That changed when I discovered the University of Memphis Global (UofM Global) where I could earn my degree 100% online from an accredited, nationally recognized Carnegie R1 university. The flexibility of the program made it possible to balance work, life, and education. Once I enrolled, I knew I made the right choice.
As an online student, I stayed involved with campus life through career fairs and joining student organizations like the Society of Human Resource Management. I wanted to get the most out of my college experience and connect with people who shared my passion for HR.
Last November, I deployed to Kuwait, with a month left of fall semester. Thanks to the support and structure of UofM Global, I was able to finish strong, even making the Dean’s List. I’m taking four classes while serving on active duty, and I’m proud to say I’ll be graduating in May.
Being able to serve my country, support my family, and earn my degree means the world to me. I feel ready to take on whatever comes next.
What is your passion? What sparks your curiosity and brings you joy? Whatever it is, Arizona State University (ASU) will help you find it, study it, master it, and turn it into a rewarding career, regardless of your previous educational journey.
Casey Evans
Chief Operating Officer, EdPlus at ASU
For more than 15 years, ASU has offered high-quality programs online taught by the same world-renowned faculty that teach on-campus students, using the same rigorous curriculum. ASU offers more than 300 degree programs online, with over 100,000 graduates now working across nearly every industry, helping to strengthen the university’s reputation for educational excellence and career readiness. ASU graduates are highly recruitable, with ASU ranking No. 2 in the United States among public universities for the employability of its graduates, ahead of UCLA, the University of Michigan, and Purdue University.
ASU Online combines the exceptional resources and academic excellence of the nation’s most innovative university with a rigorous, world-class online learning experience. Students are supported every step of the way, ensuring they gain the skills and knowledge they need to thrive in their career, no matter where they are in the world.
“ASU’s rigorous coursework and knowledgeable instructors have been instrumental in preparing me for my career, equipping me with the skills to excel in my field,” said Evelyn M., ’24 BS in speech and hearing science.
Daniel Lim, also known as LimmyTalks online, shares his advice for college applications, finding mentors, and finding your place in the world.
What’s one piece of advice you wish someone had told you when you were preparing for college?
Talk to as many people as you can. I did this for the first month of college, and I probably met a couple hundred people in that month alone, going to everything I could and talking to every person on the bus and in the food court. I stopped doing that after the first month, and I wish I hadn’t — but now you know not to do what I did.
Many students feel overwhelmed or unsure about their next steps. What’s your message to someone who doesn’t have it all figured out yet?
There are two options: You can either work inhumanely hard at something that’s already established, or you can — and, in my opinion, should — experiment. One example of the former is basketball. If you become the best basketball player in the world, the NBA is a guaranteed job for you. Your interest in painting, poker, or the psychology behind love might not lead to a clear path for a career. However, that’s the beauty of it. Not knowing means you’re more likely to find something new to contribute to the world. Every major invention you can think of was a result of serendipitous experimentation. So, experiment with what you like! It won’t be clear immediately, but you’ll learn things that will eventually help you find the next stepping stone, then the next one, and the next one until you find yourself in a great spot — career-wise, fulfillment-wise, financially, or whatever else it is that worries you now.
What’s one mindset shift or daily habit you think every high school or early college student should adopt starting today?
Just stick to something. Do things. The worst thing you can do is not do anything. You learn way more from doing things than anything else. Just do stuff, don’t think too much, and dive in!
What role do you think mentorship or guidance plays in making college feel more accessible, and how can students find that support?
It’s immeasurable. I attribute a lot of my growth as a person to older friends I made at the tennis courts as a middle and high schooler. I also think it’s the No. 1 thing that can alter someone’s trajectory — having one person who believes in you, full stop.
As for finding mentors, the common advice is to find a way to add value to their lives as well. The actual thing doesn’t matter much when you’re young, it’s the effort that counts. Just reach out to people who are cool to you!
What’s your message to the student who doesn’t have straight A’s but still has big dreams?
You’ve got this! Somebody needs to scream that in your ears until you actually believe it. Also, grades don’t mean anything if you have big dreams. They’re just one measurement — there are a billion other ways to show greatness. Your ambition is what’s truly valuable.
What’s something you learned after high school that you wish you had known while applying to college?
The admissions officers are not going to be impressed. You’re 17. They’re in their late 20s at the youngest — at this point in their life, they’ve seen a lot more than you. They’re looking for nice people. Don’t get me wrong, you need great grades and extracurriculars to get into a top university. However, beyond that, stress less about trying to come off as an intellectual person and just be a normal, nice human being in your essays.
By knowing about and engaging with these key figures on campus, you can make the most of your college experience and set yourself up for success.
Kate Lehman, Ph.D.
Director, National Resource Center for the First-Year Experience and Students in Transition, University of South Carolina
Katie Hopkins
Associate Director for Faculty Development and Resources, University 101 Programs, University of South Carolina
Congratulations! You’ve made it to your first day of classes! You are excited by the opportunities before you…and overwhelmed. Colleges and universities employ a host of staff and faculty whose primary role is to support your success. Part of your tuition and fees go to support these folks — you should use them! Meet the 10 people you need to maximize your college experience.
Faculty, instructors, and teaching assistants (TAs)
You’re surely familiar with the folks teaching your courses. Use office hours to get to know your instructors. Ask them how they got into their fields and why they love their work. You might be interested in a similar topic, land yourself a research opportunity, or find yourself a new mentor!
Academic advisers
Course registration should not be the last time you speak with your academic advisor! Academic advisers help anytime you are thinking about your course of study, whether you want to drop a class, change your major, add a minor, take a summer class, or figure out how to work a study abroad program into your plan.
Librarians
Librarians have magical skills to make your classwork so much easier. Okay, it’s not really magic, but they can help you find awesome sources for class papers and teach you about technical resources like citation management software to make your work a lot easier!
Student success and academic support staff
Is chemistry or calculus stressing you out? Your institution has a student success center or a tutoring center to help. Our advice: Get help as soon as you start feeling overwhelmed. Don’t wait until you’re really behind!
Financial aid team
You have probably already received your financial aid package, but life happens. If your financial situation changes, the financial aid office is your first call. They might adjust your aid package and/or connect you to additional financial resources.
Health center and counseling center staff
You probably know to go to the health center if you sprain an ankle or have a sinus infection, but the medical and counseling team can help with a lot more. If you are feeling overwhelmed or are struggling, schedule an appointment to gain access to counseling sessions, support groups, and workshops to help you feel your best (all things which are included in your tuition and fees).
First-year students at the University of South Carolina participate in a team-building activity in their first-year seminar course. | Photo by Logan White
Career center staff
Whether you have mapped out a career plan or have no clue what you want to do, your career center staff can help! It’s not just for seniors — career centers help with career exploration, internships, resume development, and interview skills. They might even be able to help you find an on-campus job so you can build career skills and start earning money while you’re a student.
Disability services staff
If you received accommodations in high school, be sure to register with disability services on your campus, as those do not automatically roll over. These may be related to dietary restrictions, learning disabilities, or mental health conditions. They can work with you to ensure you have what you need to be successful!
Student activities and recreation services staff
You didn’t just come to college to study and work, right? Join a student organization, attend fun events, play on an intramural sports team, or take a group exercise class! Besides having a good time, you’ll grow your leadership, teamwork, and communication skills and make friends.
Friends and peer mentors
Decades of research on college student success tell us that your fellow students, or your peers, are key to your success. Many of the campus offices employ student staff members, often called peer mentors. By getting involved on campus, you will make friends who support and encourage you.
The folks outlined here can help you get the most out of your college experience. Don’t ever hesitate to ask someone a question, introduce yourself, or try a new resource; it can only help! These amazing people will help find the opportunities that will shape your future. As you build connections with them, you will find friends and mentors to last a lifetime.
Cognitive scientist and Yale psychology professor Dr. Laurie Santos shares her recommendations for creating a positive and productive mindset in college.
Laurie Santos, Ph.D.
Cognitive Scientist, Professor of Psychology, Yale University
How does a student’s mental state influence their ability to learn and retain information?
There are many studies showing that our mood affects our performance. Positive moods tend to broaden our perspectives — when we feel good, we’re able to process more possibilities, which can boost our innovation and creativity.
How can students redefine their idea of success to prioritize both achievement and happiness?
There’s a lot of evidence that shows that focusing on your happiness in your college years is correlated with the metrics of achievement and success students are usually striving for. One study by Diener and colleagues found that a student’s cheerfulness at age 18 even predicts their salary and job satisfaction more than 15 years later. I think students need to recognize that our happiness matters for future success more than we expect.
If a student feels stuck in a negative mindset about school, what’s one small change they can make today to start shifting that?
I think the most important change is for students to recognize that they have some agency over their mindset. There are things they can do to think differently about school and any other situation.
If you could design a mental health toolkit for students heading to college, what would be in it?
I’d give students a toolkit with strategies they can use to develop healthier behaviors and mindsets. Behaviors students can use to boost happiness include:
Prioritize Social Connection: One of the biggest mistakes students make is prioritizing grades and productivity over friendships. However, the research is clear: Meaningful relationships are the No. 1 predictor of happiness. So, say yes to that coffee invite, join a club, or just make small talk with a classmate — it all adds up. Even tiny interactions, like chatting with a barista, can boost your mood.
Embrace Time Affluence: Time affluence is the subjective sense that we have some free time. Most students today are time-famished, rushing from one task to the next. However, studies show that people who feel like they have more time are actually happier. Students need to protect their time affluence. Some strategies: Be intentional about how you spend your free moments. Instead of mindlessly scrolling on your phone, do something that genuinely recharges you — go for a walk, call a friend, or just breathe.
Get Moving: Studies show that exercise isn’t just good for your body — it’s huge for mental health. Research shows that cardio exercise can reduce rates of depression and anxiety. You don’t need to be a gym rat to see benefits — dancing in your dorm room, stretching, or biking to class all count.
Prioritize Sleep: Many parts of student life make it easy to skimp on sleep. However, sleep is one of the most important tools in our mental health kit. Aim for 7-9 hours a night, and make sure you’re practicing good sleep hygiene by keeping your phone as far away from your bed as possible (otherwise, the temptation to grab it in the middle of the night is far too high).
There are also mindset shifts students can use to feel happier. A few important ones to keep in mind are:
Self-Compassion: One of the biggest traps students fall into is being their own worst critic. You bomb a test, miss a deadline, or say something awkward in class, and suddenly, your brain is in full-on self-attack mode. However, research shows that this kind of self-criticism doesn’t make us perform better — it just makes us feel worse. Research has found that people who practice self-compassion (treating themselves with kindness rather than judgment) are more resilient, more motivated, and less anxious than those who constantly beat themselves up.
A Mindset of Gratitude: Our brains are wired to focus on what’s wrong. However, studies show that you can train your brain to notice more of what’s good. Studies also show that people who regularly practice gratitude have higher levels of happiness, lower stress, and even better sleep. So, scribble a few things in your gratitude journal, or commit to expressing your thanks to the people around you.
Become More Present: College life can feel overwhelming. There’s always another assignment, another social event, or another thing to do. Your brain is constantly jumping between the past (“I should have studied more”) and the future (“What if I fail?”). However, research shows we feel best when we’re fully present in the moment. Research by Matt Killingsworth and Dan Gilbert found that people’s happiness levels drop when their minds wander — even if they’re thinking about something pleasant. Get out of your head and find ways to find the joy of the present moment.
What’s one piece of advice you wish every college student knew about happiness and well-being before stepping on campus?
Our happiness is much more under our control than we think. With simple changes to our behaviors and mindsets, we can all feel better.
How can students balance academic pressures with self-care without feeling guilty about taking breaks?
My biggest piece of advice would be that students need to remember that self-care isn’t a distraction from success — it’s actually a tool for success. A lot of students feel guilty about taking breaks because they think rest is “unproductive.” However, research tells us the opposite: When you prioritize well-being and get the rest/sleep/care you need, you actually perform better academically.
One strategy I share with my students is to reframe breaks as a performance strategy. Instead of thinking, “I don’t deserve a break until I’ve done enough work,” flip the script and think, “Taking a break will help my mind recharge so I can do better work.” When you take a break, remind yourself: “This is not wasted time — this is me investing in my brain’s ability to learn.”
I think this is also another spot for Kristin Neff’s strategy of self-compassion. If you’re feeling guilty about taking a break, remember that you’re only human, and all humans need breaks and rest. The next time you feel guilty for resting, literally repeat these phrases in your head: “Taking care of myself is part of being a great student,” or “I will be kinder to myself so I can show up as my best self.”
Many students feel overwhelmed when choosing a college or major. What advice would you give them about making big life decisions?
A lot of students stress about picking the single right college or major that will lead to a meaningful and happy career. However, the science of happiness tells us that this kind of fulfillment isn’t just about what you do or what college you end up in — it’s about how you shape your work to align with your strengths and values. This is where job crafting comes in.
Job crafting is the idea that you can reshape how you spend your time (including at work or in your major) to make it more fulfilling. Research on job crafting by Amy Wrzesniewski shows that fulfillment isn’t just about what you do, but how you approach it. You can craft your major by focusing on courses and projects that align with your strengths, connecting with mentors and peers who inspire you, and reframing tasks to see their deeper purpose.
Actor, producer, optimist, and agent for change Yara Shahidi, host of “The Optimist Project” on Sirius XM, shares insights from her Harvard journey, offering advice on navigating education, discovering passions, and continuing personal growth.
You’ve been a strong advocate for education while also pursuing your degree at Harvard. What motivated you to prioritize higher education despite having so many career opportunities?
Education has always been an integral part of my life — it was never really a question of if, but when and how. My parents instilled this idea that learning is a lifelong adventure, whether that’s in a classroom or out in the world. For college specifically, I saw it as an opportunity to explore my curiosities, grow a community, and continue to pour into my growth academically and mentally. In a world in which so much is demanded of us on a daily basis, college felt like one of the few spaces in life in which my primary job was to thinkand explore. From my Gen Eds about the evolution of morality and pharmaceutical pricing, to my courses on neo-colonialism and resistance movements, Harvard gave me the space to think critically, to interrogate my own beliefs, and grow.
Many students feel pressure to choose the “right” college or career path. What advice would you give to those struggling with that decision?
I understand that pressure. So many of us come from communities and families that have dealt with so many barriers to entry to higher education, and it feels as though we are receiving this education and degree for more than ourselves, but for everyone who has invested in us.
Yara Shahidi in Harvard’s library (2021) | Photo courtesy of Yara Shahidi
My favorite piece of advice from when I was trying to figure out my own path is when my mama told me that your degree is proof, to yourself and to the world, that you can start and complete a project. This isn’t to make light of the vastly different paths college offers to us, but to contextualize that the most valuable part of the learning experience is the life experience — learning how to listen to yourself, learning how to see things through, learning how to learn, and, when need be, learning how to pivot. In our family, we have focused on chasing our curiosities, with the belief that opportunities will blossom from the intersection of our identity and interests.
What are some lessons from your own education journey that you think every young person should hear?
First: It’s OK not to have all the answers. We live in this era where everyone feels the expectation to have a five-year plan by the time they’re 17. I’m 25 and still don’t know what the next five years will hold for me. Some of the most interesting people I know have taken what many would consider unconventional paths. In fact, we are living in a time in which we are all realizing that to bring about a better world, we cannot rely on the status quo, and we will need to pursue unconventional paths.
Freshman year dorm room move-in (2018) | Photo by Afshin Shahidi
Second: Let yourself be “bad” at things. I had to learn (and am still learning) that not every attempt of mine would be a surefire success, and that’s part of my growth process. With the very real pressure of having to be the best for doors to open, we can get consumed with looking polished and/or trying to find the “correct” way of moving. I’ve had to remind myself, we are not here to know; we are here to learn, and the best learning happens when we give ourselves permission to fumble through something new.
Lastly: Your education — whether it’s in school or out in the world — is for you. Honor your learning style, expand your worldview, and share your unique creativity and skills with the global community!
You juggle so much — acting, activism, and academics. How has college helped you evolve as a person and as a leader?
Being a student at Harvard reaffirmed the importance of being a student of life. My college experience was a practice in giving myself permission to grow. Separate from being a public figure because of my career, being a young adult in this day and age comes with some sort of public persona and a feeling of having to be certain to be taken seriously, which, in many ways, is the same as being static. Being in classrooms with people from so many different backgrounds forced me to challenge my own perspectives, deepen the reasoning for my beliefs, and grow curious about topics that had never been on my radar. Being able to balance maintaining a core set of values while engaging with new ideas has helped me maneuver my career, created a source of optimism as we look for brighter futures, and helped me in my evolution into the person I want to be.
Your generation is redefining success in so many ways. How do you think young people today can balance passion, purpose, and education?
I think it’s incredible how we’re expanding the definition of success beyond traditional metrics. People want to do things that feel meaningful, and I think this generation has a beautiful sense of community where we are also invested in each other’s successes. Life seems like the group project we have to learn to love, and it’s up to us to figure out how we want to show up for the group. Our success seems to lie in embracing all of who we are, which allows us to contribute in a way that is unique to us. Allow yourself the freedom to explore different fields — be it arts, sciences, activism, or anything else that ignites your curiosity. Remember, it’s OK to have multiple passions and to pursue them in various capacities. Finding what fulfills us is the ultimate success.
Food is more than just a necessity in college — it fuels academic success, well-being, and connection, making informed dining choices essential for thriving on campus.
Robert Nelson
President and CEO, The National Association of College & University Food Services
Preparing for college means choosing classes, housing, and campus activities — but what about food? While dining may not always be top of mind, what students eat has a profound impact on their academic performance, health, and overall well-being. Here’s what families should consider when planning for a successful — and well-fed — college experience.
Food and academic success
Skipping meals may seem like a small sacrifice when juggling a packed schedule, but the effects on academic performance are significant. Studies show that students who eat regular, balanced meals — especially breakfast — perform better on tests, have stronger focus, and experience lower stress and anxiety.
Meal plans exist for a reason: They provide consistency, affordability, and easy access to nourishing meals that support learning, brain function, and students’ mental and physical health. Students should aim to create a meal schedule that aligns with their class and study habits, ensuring they have time to eat before long lectures or exams.
Know your options
Many students arrive on campus with food allergies, religious or cultural dietary preferences, or health-related nutrition needs, yet they may not realize that college dining services can accommodate them. Parents and students should take the time to explore:
Allergen-friendly options: Many dining halls have designated stations or innovative programs for accommodating top allergens like nuts, dairy, gluten, and more.
Registered dietitians: Some schools offer access to nutrition experts who can help students make informed choices.
Cultural and religious meals: If students keep kosher, halal, or vegetarian diets, understanding what’s available ahead of time can make the transition smoother.
Before move-in, students should visit the campus dining website, contact the dining team, and ask about meal options that fit their needs.
Making the most of your plan
A meal plan isn’t just about convenience — it’s also one of the most cost-effective ways to eat in college. Because of economies of scale, campus dining can offer a wide variety of meals at a lower cost than students would typically spend cooking for themselves or eating off-campus.
Students should consider:
Understanding their chosen meal plan: Are there unlimited swipes? A set number per week? Can unused meals roll over? What is the deadline to adjust plans if needed?
Knowing about alternative dining locations: In addition to dining halls, many campuses offer grab-and-go options, food trucks, or mobile ordering for busy days, included as part of the meal plan.
Making the most of cooking and nutrition programs: Some schools offer cooking classes, workshops, or healthy eating initiatives to help students develop lifelong food skills.
Food as connection
Beyond nutrition, food plays a vital role in helping students build relationships and feel a sense of belonging. Sitting down for a meal is one of the easiest ways for new students to make friends, unwind, and stay connected to campus life.
While technology has changed how students engage with their world, dining halls remain one of the most valued spaces for face-to-face interaction — not just with peers, but also with staff who become familiar, welcoming faces in a student’s daily routine.
A strong foundation
Students and families invest a great deal in higher education, and making informed choices about nutrition is part of that investment. Food is more than fuel; it’s a foundation for academic success, personal well-being, and lifelong habits. As students embark on this next chapter, taking the time to understand and prioritize their dining options can make all the difference.
Mia Aston, whose popular YouTube channel details her daily life as an NYU film student, shares her best advice for college preparedness, career development, and financial literacy.
What advice do you have for students trying to find the right balance between passion and practicality in their college and career choices?
Finding a balance between passion and practicality is actually something that I still struggle with today. Amidst the competitive job hunt with graduation approaching this May, I am often questioning why I have led myself more with my heart rather than my head. Many college students choose a major strictly based on how much money they will make or what their working hours will look like. That feels practical. As a film student, I was so in love with storytelling that I dove straight into New York University, blinded by passion. I think any art student has to be somewhat delusional in that sense, but at the end of the day, it comes down to your priorities in life. I would try and figure out what you need to both sustain yourself and be happy. Is a corporate job with a steady income more important to you than an exciting job that initially might not pay the bills? Are you willing to work multiple jobs? Do you have the financial support to even start your career on a lower-paying salary? Can you pursue a more practical career path and still nurture your passions as hobbies?
The best advice I can give is to be honest with yourself. You will always have to make sacrifices. Personally, I cannot imagine doing a job that I am not passionate about. I probably will struggle immediately after graduation, but I would be miserable if I did not let myself work in a creative field. This is the unsettling sacrifice, or rather gamble, that I am making.
How can students make the most of their college experience — both inside and outside the classroom — to set themselves up for success?
The best way to make the most of your college experience is to be proactive in learning and pursuing new opportunities. I always feel the most enriched when I am allowing myself to try new things and remain curious about my major. Attend school events, open lectures, galleries, film screenings, office hours, resume clinics, and more. The community around you can be inspiring and informative as well. There is such an endless array of resources available to you as a student. Take advantage of everything.
Networking is obviously also essential for your professional success. However, I have found that networking is the most enriching when you don’t approach it as a tool to meet an employer, but as an opportunity to learn from someone who has made it to a position that you hope to be in one day. Utilizing college as a learning experience outside of just the classroom can only help you.
What’s one piece of advice you wish you had received when you were preparing for college?
In the same way that I followed my heart into a film degree, I often let my enthusiasm lead me astray. When I started college, I wanted to be a part of so many different school clubs and work opportunities that I ended up spreading myself too thin. I wish someone had told me to commit to one or two clubs or jobs and let the rest go. I ultimately realized it’s better to give your best efforts to one thing rather than do a half job at seven different things.
What are the biggest challenges you faced when navigating both academic and creative fields, and how can you overcome them?
The biggest challenge I faced when navigating academic and creative fields was time management. The workflow and obligations of my academic and film classes can be extremely different. Managing your time in college is tricky regardless of your major, but when you have to write, shoot, and direct a short film on the same day that you have a research paper due for another course, it can be a little overwhelming. I overcame this by being diligent about my due dates and learning from trial and error. At the end of the day, my work will get done because it has to and because I will not let myself turn it in late. Additionally, managing my time between the two realms of academia and art becomes easier after every project I complete. As you learn more about your creative process and how long you need for each stage of production, you can begin to map out your workload schedule ahead of time. Sometimes I will start writing a paper over a month in advance because I already know that production for a film will be intense and demanding by the time that the paper’s due date rolls around. I am basically always trying to predict the future.
What role do financial literacy and budgeting play in college preparedness, and what resources would you recommend for students?
Financial literacy and budgeting play a huge role in college preparedness, but it looks different for everybody. There are so many factors to consider, and it is important to understand what your financial situation requires. NYU’s tuition is very expensive. In regard to my financial standing, I got lucky during my admissions process and was offered a full-ride scholarship from Tisch based on the portfolio I submitted. Therefore, I am able to cover my additional financial responsibilities through YouTube and freelance film jobs. When browsing through potential schools, I would research scholarships and apply to any offered by the college and external organizations. If you need to make money while you are a student, see if you can get an on-campus job. These jobs are great because they should be more flexible with your class schedule and coursework demands. Some of my friends are resident assistants at dorms. They are compensated through university housing and meal plans. I have other friends who work one or two service jobs to pay their bills. There are a variety of ways that you can navigate financial literacy as a student, depending on what you need. One piece of advice I would recommend is understanding what those budgetary restrictions look like for you and honoring them, even though students around you may have different spending habits. Be honest with yourself about the best way to responsibly manage your own money.
Alex Boylan, the host and co-creator of “The College Tour” TV series, discusses the power of a support system and the exciting launch of The Student Registry.
Alex Boylan has had quite a year, both professionally and personally. Alex and the award-winning series “The College Tour” have released two more successful seasons on Amazon Prime Video, bringing the total to over 180 colleges featured. More passionate than ever about helping students navigate one of life’s most transformative journeys, Alex continues to make “The College Tour” a vital resource for students and families looking to make informed decisions about higher education without the cost of travel.
However, Alex’s commitment to supporting students doesn’t stop there. After meeting with thousands of students over the years, one recurring theme stood out: financial anxiety. For many students, the rising costs of college — from tuition and books to living expenses — can feel overwhelming. That’s why Alex and his “The College Tour” partner, Lisa Hennessy, created The Student Registry, a new platform designed to help students not only financially plan for college but also raise the money they need to succeed.
This has been an eventful year for you and for “The College Tour.” Can you share some of the highlights?
Well, first and foremost, my wife and I welcomed a son in November, and that alone is such a monumental turning point. It enables you to think, feel, and even dream in ways you never saw possible. In many ways, it has helped fuel my desire to create support systems for students. This next generation deserves to be set up for success, and I want to do my part to help make that possible. I think that’s really what “The College Tour” is about.
Was that the impetus behind creating The Student Registry?
It’s something Lisa and I have been talking about for a while. We have registries for weddings and babies — so why not for college? Starting college is one of the biggest and most expensive milestones in life. Students deserve the same kind of support and celebration.
How does The Student Registry work?
The Student Registry, powered by “The College Tour,” is a game-changer. It allows students to create a personalized registry where friends, family, and even their community can contribute toward essential college expenses — whether that’s tuition, dorm supplies, books, or travel costs. It’s designed to give students the head start they need to focus on their education without the looming stress of financial uncertainty. It’s about showing students that they have a network of people rooting for them and invested in their success.
Why do you think support systems are so vital to college students?
Having a supportive network or community can make all the difference. I’m always blown away by how many of today’s campuses have these built-in networks that help students find internships and jobs. Some will even go so far as to give students free, unworn dress clothes for job interviews, so they can not only look professional but — more importantly — also feel confident. Whether it’s a school counselor, friend, parent, or even a TV show, every bit of caring matters. I was so fortunate to have amazing mentors along the way, and I’m trying to pass that forward. Growing up can be daunting, and it’s important for students to realize they aren’t alone in the process.
You started your career by winning the CBS TV series “The Amazing Race.” Would you have ever guessed this is where life would take you?
Great question! It may sound crazy, but it doesn’t surprise me at all. I have an adventurous spirit; that’s what helped me win the show. It’s also what fueled my career as a travel host. I’ve filmed in over 60 countries, but honestly, college is one huge adventure, so it totally makes sense. I have the best job. I get to travel all around the country and meet with incredible students from all different kinds of institutions, and as I get older and settle into family life, it’s so exciting to hear about their journeys and watch as they set out on their own adventures. It’s a very full-circle feeling.
