THROWBACK: NEED BLIND AND NEED AWARE ADMISSIONS

THROWBACK: NEED BLIND AND NEED AWARE ADMISSIONS

Author: Amy Seeley & Mike Bergin September 24, 2026 Duration: 24:36

Is any aspect of college admissions more mystifying than the determination of financial aid? The concept of "need" and how different schools consider need in both admissions and aid decisions goes deeper than most people realize. Amy and Mike invited admissions consultant Jona Jacobson to bring clarity to the topic of need blind and need aware admissions.

 What are five things you will learn in this episode?

  1. What do the terms "need,"  "need blind," and "need aware" mean in college admissions?

  2. What is gapping?

  3. Do all colleges meet 100% of need? 

  4. Does need or the lack thereof influence admissions decisions?

  5. What does it mean when schools claim that x% of students receive financial aid?

MEET OUR GUEST

Jona Jacobson is an independent educational consultant who coaches students on choosing colleges and completing their college applications and essays. A former attorney and substitute teacher, Jona is in her seventh year of advising students and families through the college application process, both locally and nationally.

Find Jona Jacobson at http://collegeadvisorusa.com.

ADDITIONAL LINKS

Information on how much students can borrow through guaranteed student loans

FAFSA4Caster

Student Loan Calculator

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ABOUT THIS PODCAST

Tests and the Rest is THE college admissions industry podcast. Explore all of our episodes on the show page.

ABOUT YOUR HOSTS

Mike Bergin is the president of Chariot Learning and founder of TestBright, Roots2Words, and College Eagle. Amy Seeley is the president of Seeley Test Pros and LEAP. If you're interested in working with Mike and/or Amy for test preparation, training, or consulting, get in touch through our contact page.

 


Navigating the complex world of college admissions can feel like a maze with ever-shifting walls. Tests and the Rest: College Admissions Podcast, hosted by Amy Seeley and Mike Bergin, serves as a reliable guide through that maze. Instead of generic advice, their conversations delve into the nuanced realities of testing, admissions strategies, learning differences, and broader educational trends. They bring in leading experts to provide depth and clarity on the issues that matter most right now. Whether you're a parent trying to support your student, a counselor shaping guidance, or an educator within the system, this podcast offers substantive discussion that goes beyond the surface. Each episode aims to demystify the process, offering practical insights and thoughtful analysis. You'll hear honest talk about standardized tests, application essays, financial aid, and the many factors that shape decisions on both sides of the admissions desk. For anyone invested in understanding the journey to higher education-from students to consultants-this is a vital resource. Tune in for a consistently informative and straightforward take on an industry that affects so many futures.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

Tests and the Rest: College Admissions Podcast
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