About this episode
Mickelle is joined by Shellee Howard of CollegeReadyPlan (collegereadyplan.com) for a calm, practical masterclass on getting teens “university ready” without signing up for years of debt. With four kids through college debt‑free (and deep experience across the US + Europe), Shellee makes the process feel both elevated and doable.
Her North Star is identity: when a student knows who they are, what matters, and can prove it, they waste less time, choose majors with intention, and become far more scholarship‑ready. She shares a simple “million‑dollar in 24 hours” game that surfaces core values without the eye‑roll.
Together they map the international reality: US admissions are holistic, leadership and initiative matter, while many European pathways are more GPA‑driven and can track students earlier. Shellee also demystifies SAT vs ACT focus, IB vs AP tradeoffs, and why starting early is the quiet advantage.
In this episode
A core‑values game that unlocks better decisions
How self‑knowledge reduces debt (and stress)
What universities value: leadership > “sign up and show up”
SAT vs ACT: diagnose, pick one, then train
US vs Europe admissions: holistic vs GPA‑driven
Scholarships (even in middle school) + the role of FAFSA
For more and for all Shellee’s links visit https://www.houseofperegrine.com/podcast/ep-083
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