Shellee Howard is the founder and CEO of College Ready, a college graduate, and a Certified Educational Planner.

Her son graduated from Harvard in the spring of 2016 debt free! Her daughter attended the University of Alabama and completed the Nursing program at CBU, also debt free!

Her passion is helping students all over the world get into the best possible college for them.

Shellee has traveled around the world helping students plan for their “perfect match” college. She believes that no two students are the same and that each student must have their own strategy and plan to be successful. Each student has gifts and talents that will set him or her apart from their competition.

Shellee has appeared on television and is frequently interviewed by newspapers and magazines. She has spoken on the topic of successful college admissions to audiences all over the world.

Recommended Podcast Audience

• Professional Moms: Busy mothers with demanding careers—doctors, lawyers, engineers, CPAs—who are juggling work and parenting. They value education deeply, want their kids to succeed, and are seeking expert guidance to avoid costly college mistakes without spending hours on research.
• Families with Teens: Parents navigating the middle and high school years, especially those with blended families or multiple children. They want to plan early and make strategic choices that optimize college outcomes and minimize debt.
• Parents of Scholar-Athletes: Families investing heavily in private coaching and sports programs, hoping for athletic scholarships. They need clarity on the actual odds, how to balance academics with athletics, and where to redirect their resources effectively.
• Personal Finance–Savvy Parents : Financially literate or financially curious parents looking for ROI on college education. They may already follow finance podcasts or work with advisors and are eager to understand scholarships, aid strategies, and how college fits into their bigger financial picture.
• Faith-Guided Families Seeking Purposeful Education: Parents who value faith, service, and purpose-driven paths. They resonate with values like community impact, giving back, and raising resilient, intentional young adults. This audience is open to stories that blend personal conviction with educational success.

Here are some of the questions Shelle answered during our podcast.

• You helped your son get into Harvard—and graduate debt-free. What was the very first step you took when he said he wanted to go Ivy League?
• What are the biggest misconceptions high-earning parents have about financial aid—and how can they avoid missing out on money they do qualify for?
• You often say that getting into college is about “standing out”—but what does that actually look like on an application?
• When is the right time to start planning for college—and what should parents do if they feel like they’re already behind?
• What role does storytelling play in a strong college application—and how do you help students uncover theirs?
• What’s the Student Aid Index—and why should every parent of a teen know theirs?
• What do you wish every professional mom knew about navigating the college journey with her teen—before senior year hits?