The MEFA Podcast

Episode #99. Host Jonathan Hughes first talks with co-host Julie Shields-Rutyna about creating an FSA ID. They then answer a question from the MEFA Mailbag about reporting income on financial aid applications. Then they talk to MEFA’s Director of College Relations, Shawn Morrissey, about what to expect on the 2025-26 FAFSA, which opens on December 1st, any changes families may encounter, how to deal with delays, and more. If you enjoy the MEFA Podcast, please leave us a review.

Episode #94. Host Jonathan Hughes talks with Cecilia Cronin, a recent graduate of Trinity College in Dublin, Ireland. They discuss the pros and cons of studying in another country, the differences in learning, how she made the decision to attend, the financial aspect of her choice, and some advice for other students. If you enjoy the MEFA Podcast, please leave us a review.

Episode #92. Host Jonathan Hughes talks with Cicily Shaw, Director of College Counseling at Thayer Academy, about undermatching, a term that describes when qualified students don’t apply to competitive schools where they would likely be accepted. They discuss Cicily’s research on the subject, why low-income and first-generation students are more likely to experience undermatching, and what both students and school counselors can do to prevent it. If you enjoy the MEFA Podcast, please leave us a review.

Episode #91. Host Jonathan Hughes talks with Deputy Director of Admission at College of the Holy Cross Drew Carter about how to write a successful college essay. Drew explains what he looks for in an essay, when to start writing it, how to choose a topic, and more. If you enjoy the MEFA Podcast, please leave us a review.

Episode #89. Host Jonathan Hughes talks with Rob O'Dwyer, Director of Admissions at North Bennet Street School, a vocational school in Boston that trains students for careers in traditional trades that use hand skills in concert with evolving technology. They discuss the origins of the school, the students that attend, admissions decisions, and how students succeed there. If you enjoy the MEFA Podcast, please leave us a review.

Episode #87. Host Jonathan Hughes talks with MEFA’s own Julie Shields-Rutyna about how there’s still time to apply to college for this upcoming fall semester. They discuss a webinar MEFA recently held with college admissions and financial aid experts, College Options for This Fall, which focused on colleges still accepting admissions applications, the FAFSA completion process, and how Massachusetts is helping students plan and pay for college. If you enjoy the MEFA Podcast, please leave us a review.

Episode #86. Host Jonathan Hughes talks with Michael Goldstein, the Dean of Admissions and Head of Innovation for Benjamin Franklin Cummings Institute of Technology. Michael discusses how Franklin Cummings operates, what opportunities they offer, what sort of student they are looking for, and even his own personal ideas on how to prepare students for their careers. If you enjoy the MEFA Podcast, please leave us a review.

Episode #85. Host Jonathan Hughes talks with Co-Director of College Counseling at Gann Academy, Sherri Geller, about gap years, a period of time when students take a break from school, usually between high school and college. Sherri discusses what a gap year is, how students can research different programs, how colleges respond to students taking gap years, and more. If you enjoy the MEFA Podcast, please leave us a review.

Episode #84. Host Jonathan Hughes talks with Dr. Timothy Poynton and Dr. Amanda Sterk of College Unmazed. Dr. Sterk is Director of College and Career Advising at Method Learning and Dr. Poynton is an Associate Professor at the University of Massachusetts Boston in the Department of Counseling and School Psychology. They discuss how students should make informed decisions about selecting a college and how to prepare themselves for that decision. If you enjoy the MEFA Podcast, please leave us a review.

Episode #82. Host Jonathan Hughes speaks with Drew Carter, Deputy Director of Admission at College of the Holy Cross, about his tips for students visiting a college campus. They discuss what to look for, when to go, who to talk to, how to remember your visit, and much more. If you enjoy the MEFA Podcast, please leave us a review.