How long has it been since you applied to college? These days it seems every school wants something different, but the process doesn’t have to be anxiety-inducing, say this week’s guests, Eric J. Furda and Jacques Steinberg, authors of “The College Conversation.” The pair offer up a step-by-step guide to having some tough conversations, assessing the schools best suited to your child’s interests, getting financial aid, and making the final decision on a school. In Mailbag, we tackle alternatives to college savings accounts, the best financial books for women, and securing a financial planner. In Thrive, how to capitalize on the gold rush.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices