The College Checklist Podcast

The college admissions process can feel like navigating a maze blindfolded, and The College Checklist Podcast exists to hand you a flashlight. Originally created by Lauren Gaggioli and now hosted by Julia and Christina, this show has been running since 2014 and covers the full arc of getting into college, from standardized test prep to applications to scholarships. With 26 in-depth episodes and a 4.9-star rating from 88 reviews, the show has earned a loyal following among students and parents trying to cut through the noise of college admissions advice. Episodes run between 30 and 46 minutes and follow an interview format where the hosts bring on specialists for each topic. Recent episodes have covered making college affordable with financial aid experts, navigating admissions for homeschool families, and breaking down what STEM program applications actually require. The hosts also brought on a former military academy advisor to walk through ROTC and service academy applications, which is the kind of niche topic most college prep resources skip entirely. The show works best for high school juniors and seniors who are actively in the application cycle, but underclassmen will get a lot out of planning ahead with it. The advice tends to be specific and actionable rather than vague encouragement. One fair criticism from listeners is that episodes sometimes take a while to get past introductions and into the substance, but once they do, the information is solid and well-sourced. If you want a no-nonsense guide to the college admissions journey, this is a strong pick.