# Jack Wang

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Bookends highlights: Y’all know we’re Canada down

Coast to coast, province to province, soccer pitch to hockey rink … there’s no one Canadian experience, and no one Canadian story. This week, Bookends is highlighting four Canadian writers we’ve featured on the show so far. From a hockey drama in the maritimes, to Canadian soldiers in the Second Wo…

Understanding the CSS Profile: Key Differences from FAFSA for College Financial Aid | EP 35

One of the most important things to know when understanding college affordability is that not all financial aid formulas work the same. Two families with identical financials can receive very different aid packages depending on whether a school uses the FAFSA or the CSS Profile—and how that school …

From Hamnet to Land, Maggie O'Farrell maps uncharted history

Maggie O’Farrell brought Shakespeare’s son out of the footnotes of history with her 2020 novel Hamnet. Its hugely successful movie adaptation made a splash at the Oscars and Maggie herself earned a nomination for the screenplay. Maggie’s new novel, Land, continues to pull from the shadows of histor…

Beyond Grades: The Role of Student Passion Projects in College Applications | EP 36

As college admissions become increasingly competitive, I see more families wonder what actually helps students stand out beyond strong grades and test scores. In this episode, I sit down with Elton Lin, CEO and founder of ILUMIN Education, to talk about the growing role of passion projects in the a…

Building a Target College List Based on True Costs, Not the Sticker Price | EP 37

College pricing can be frustrating because the number a school publishes is rarely the whole story. The sticker price, or total cost of attendance, may include tuition, housing, food, fees, books, and transportation. But after financial aid, scholarships, and grants, a family’s actual net price can…

College Costs, Family Expectations, and the Value of Planning Ahead | EP 38

College funding looks different for every household. Some parents want to save toward a specific target, some want to have something available without overcommitting, and others are trying to balance multiple children's college planning with retirement, housing, and everyday life.   Today, I’m joi…

What Is College Financial Planning? A Step-by-Step Guide for Families with College-Bound Teens | EP 39

College financial planning is about more than filling out the FAFSA and hoping for a good aid offer. Before families start comparing schools, I want them to know three numbers: what they can afford, what they’re willing to pay, and what the college thinks they can afford.  In this episode, I expla…

Leadership vs. Membership: What Colleges Want to See in Your Activities List | EP 40

What Extracurriculars Actually Matter for College?  Extracurriculars can strengthen a college application, but more isn’t always better. Colleges want genuine involvement and impact—not a long list of clubs a student barely joined.  In this episode, I talk with independent educational consultant …

Early Decision vs. Early Action: Will Applying Early Get Me More Aid? | EP 41

Applying early sounds like a smart move. You hear about students getting accepted sooner, and it’s tempting to think an early application might come with a better financial aid package, too. But those are two different questions.  In this episode, I’m breaking down Early Decision, Early Action, Re…