College Ready, Debt Free | Ep 83

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

House of Peregrine is the network for International life, made by and for people living abroad.  

Get started with a FREE account today to unlock exclusive content, connections, and opportunities:

houseofperegrine.com/auth/signup

Join a global circle of thinkers, creators, and doers. We host events, build products, publish guides, run a podcast, offer rewards and curated products — all within a vibrant ecosystem of experts and businesses to support your life abroad.

Subscribe: houseofperegrine.com/subscribe

Join our WhatsApp Group: HOP Community

Explore Memberships: houseofperegrine.com/memberships

Install the App: houseofperegrine.com/install

Follow us for daily inspiration and updates:

Instagram: @houseofperegrinepodcast

YouTube: @HouseofPeregrineofficial

LinkedIn:@company/house-of-peregrine

TikTok: @houseofperegrinepodcast