Ben Kaplan’s background

• Won ~24 scholarships totaling $90,000, enabling Harvard admission.
• First scholarship call: “Congratulations, you’ve just won $15,000 from Discover Card.”
• Authored How to Go to College Almost for Free and new book Scholars and Dollars.

Exploring breadth and depth

“Try a lot of things” to discover interests, then go deeper in passions.

College fit matters most

• “Are you part of something bigger than yourself?”
• Seek a community that feels like home and challenges you just enough.

Setting a positive milestone

• Treat admissions as your first chance to take ownership of your future.
• Make small action steps, seek advice, and build momentum.

"Professional judgment” in financial aid

• Financial aid officers can adjust inputs (e.g., average income over 3 years) for special circumstances.
• Document high medical expenses or variable income to swing aid by $50,000.

Effective scholarship searching

• Use free databases like Scholaroo (scholaroo.com).
• Check your and neighboring schools’ career center listings.
• Don’t neglect small, local scholarships—they boost credibility for larger awards.

Leveraging applications

• Recycle college essays for merit-based scholarships.
• A holistic approach maximizes effort and results.

Manage scholarship outreach

Create a throwaway email to avoid inbox clutter.

Key resources

Scholars and Dollars (available on Amazon).

Websites: scholaroo.com and learnipity.com (courses, essay feedback, toolkits).

Connect with Shellee Howard:

Website

YouTube

Instagram

LinkedIn

Email: shellee@collegereadyplan.com

Connect with Michelle Pardue:

Email: pardue5@verizon.net

Decision • Faith • Action

“Everything is a matter of decision.”

Christina’s core formula: make a choice, take massive action, and trust something greater.

From Pro Golfer to Mindset Coach

Former five-time All-American golfer battled eating disorders and suicidal thoughts despite external success.

Built a mission to help others “be yourself” and escape the validation trap.

Social Media: Highlight Reel vs. Reality

Encourages authenticity over perfection.

Advises limiting screen time and engaging in real-life activities for fulfillment.

Confidence Is a Muscle

Teens are more resilient than assumed.

Self-trust grows by facing challenges and embracing failure as “just a lesson.”

Align Kids with Their Passions

Listen to what children genuinely enjoy instead of imposing parental expectations.

Support them in activities—art, sports, STEM—that build competence and self-worth.

Reprogramming Stories & Habits

Brain = computer; to change results, rewrite old patterns (e.g., money mindset).

Identify the “thing under the thing” and replace limiting beliefs with empowering ones.

Habits Caught, Not Taught

Parents’ behaviors shape kids more than words.

Model self-care: family meals with no-phone zones, shared hobbies, and visible self-improvement.

Working with Christina

One-on-one coaching (max. 30 clients).

Free clarity calls via Instagram @bchristina or text 501-222-3362.

Connect with Shellee Howard:

Website

YouTube

Instagram

LinkedIn

Email: shellee@collegereadyplan.com

Connect with Christina Lecuyer:

Website

Instagram

Podcast

YouTube

Work with Christina: 1:1 Coaching

Book Christina to Speak: Contact Here

Michelle Purdue’s Background

32 years teaching experience, 25 years teaching AP Biology

Chose teaching to inspire future medical researchers and practitioners

AP Biology Course Approach

Treats AP Bio like a sports season: “I’ve been prepping them all year to get ready for this test.”

Balances content delivery with test-prep strategies

Exam Focus Shift

Now emphasizes scientific thinking, data/graph interpretation, and time management

Multiple‑choice section: 60 lengthy questions in 90 minutes—practice under timed conditions is essential

Free‑response: requires concise, factual answers, not essay‑style writing

Key Study Resources

AP Classroom (College Board): videos, topic reviews, practice questions

AP prep books for targeted review (use early in study cycle to avoid burnout)

Peer‑to‑peer study groups to reinforce understanding

Strategies for Improvement

Identify and highlight FRQ command words (e.g., “describe,” “identify”)

Skim MCQs efficiently by knowing material—helps find answers faster

Time drills: simulate exam timing to build pacing skills

Parental Check‑In Questions

“Do you know the exam structure? (# MCQs, time limits, FRQ format)”

“Has your teacher taught test‑taking strategies?”

If the answer is no, consider supplemental tutoring or online resources

Tutoring & Support Offer

Zoom prep sessions for AP and regular biology students

Email: parduprep4bio@gmail.com to arrange one‑on‑one strategy and content reviews

Final Exam Tip

Expect to feel underprepared on test day—it’s designed that way. Stay calm and focused, and you’ll perform respectably.

Connect with Shellee Howard:

Website

YouTube

Instagram

LinkedIn

Email: shellee@collegereadyplan.com

Connect with Michelle Purdue:

Email: pardue5@verizon.net