College Admissions Insider

Latest Episodes:

Episode 102: Building the Freshman Class Sep 09, 2026

Show notes

A Disney-Pixar voice actor, a gold medalist in the British Biology Olympiad, and an internationally ranked pinball player. Those are just a few experiences that make up Bucknell University's first-year students.
Today, we're diving into how admissions teams bring unique individuals together into one well-rounded college class. You'll hear:

How admissions goals for the class take shape
What personal details stand out in applications
The impact your classmates have on your whole college experience

Guest: Kevin Mathes '07, vice president of enrollment management & dean of admissions

Read a transcript for this episode.

If you have a question, comment or idea for a future episode, email podcast@bucknell.edu.

Please note: Information presented in this episode was accurate at the time of recording, but may have since changed. Participants may have changed roles or no longer hold positions at Bucknell University.

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Episode 101: Learning Differences Aug 20, 2026

Show notes

College isn't a one-size-fits-all experience. On many campuses, there's an entire office dedicated to providing accessibility resources for a variety of needs, including learning differences.

In this episode of College Admissions Insider, we're exploring:

What learning differences are
the kinds of accommodations that might be available
Other ways students can work on skill-building and development

Guest: Jessie Jones, accessibility coordinator at Bucknell University

Read a transcript for this episode.

If you have a question, comment or idea for a future episode, email podcast@bucknell.edu.

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Episode 100: The Future of Higher Education Feb 16, 2026

Show notes

Since 2020, we've pulled back the curtain on all things admissions, sharing expert advice for your college journey.

Today, we're celebrating our 100th episode of College Admissions Insider by tackling our biggest topic yet: the state and future of higher education.

What better guest to invite than someone who's dedicated their career to championing lifelong learning? That person is John Bravman, who currently serves as the 17th president of Bucknell University.

Read a transcript for this episode.

If you have a question, comment or idea for a future episode, email podcast@bucknell.edu.

Links:

When you visit campus for a preview session and guided tour, chat with our student ambassadors, or experience an interactive virtual tour of campus, you'll have a front-row seat as you explore this place we call home.
This combination of in-person and virtual visit offerings means you can learn more about Bucknell in the way that fits you and your family best.

Episode 99: College Planning Timeline: 12th Grade Feb 10, 2026

Show notes

Senior year is finally here, and with it comes all of the excitement and nervousness about what comes next.

For students with their eyes set on college, now is the time to get to work on submitting your very best applications to your dream schools.

In this last episode in our College Planning Timeline series, Becca and Brooke cover tips, tricks and application insights for high school seniors.

Read a transcript for this episode.

If you have a question, comment or idea for a future episode, email podcast@bucknell.edu.

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Episode 98: College Planning Timeline: 11th Grade Jan 20, 2026

Show notes

When it comes to the college search process, it can feel like all eyes are on junior year.

From the classes you take and the grades you earn, to the steps you take to explore colleges and universities, your junior year in high school might be the most essential.

In this episode of our college planning timeline series, we're offering advice for making the most of it.

Read a transcript for this episode.

If you have a question, comment or idea for a future episode, email podcast@bucknell.edu.

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Episode 97: College Planning Timeline: 10th Grade Jan 07, 2026

Show notes

After nearly 100 episodes, we've learned that it's never too early to start planning for college.

In our College Planning Timeline series, Becca and Brooke are offering a step-by-step action plan to take you from 9th through 12th grade and beyond.

Today, we'll cover tips and best practices for students who are sophomores in high school.

Read a transcript for this episode.

If you have a question, comment or idea for a future episode, email podcast@bucknell.edu.

Links:

Episode 96: College Planning Timeline: 9th Grade Dec 17, 2025

Show notes

Applying to college may seem like one big step toward your future, but you'll be more successful — and less stressed — if you instead see that journey as dozens of smaller steps.

In the next four episodes of College Admissions Insider, Becca and Brooke will be walking you through our college planning timeline, offering a step by step action plan to take you from 9th grade through 12th grade and beyond.

Today we’ll cover tips and best practices for students who are in their first year in high school.

Read a transcript for this episode.

If you have a question, comment or idea for a future episode, email podcast@bucknell.edu.

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Episode 95: Artificial Intelligence in College Admissions Dec 01, 2025

Show notes

If there's one thing that's always constant, it's change. Nowhere is that more true than in the field of technology. Like many industries, higher education is transforming in the midst of the newest tech revolution: Artificial intelligence.

In this episode of College Admissions Insider, we'll explore some of the ways colleges are implementing AI assistance, how that impacts the experience for students and families, and what it means for the future of higher ed.

Our guest is Emily Smith, Principal Vice President of Partner Success at CollegeVine — a company that helps colleges and universities optimize their operations with AI.

Read a transcript for this episode.

If you have a question, comment or idea for a future episode, email podcast@bucknell.edu.

Links:

Episode 94: Demonstrated Interest Oct 20, 2025

Show notes

Submitting your application is the ultimate way you'll tell a college you want in. But that's just the end of the story. In the years before you apply, many admissions offices will be on the lookout for something called demonstrated interest.

In this episode, we talk about why demonstrated interest has become increasingly important in recent years, what counts as meaningful engagement, and what students should and shouldn't do as they try to stand out.

Our guest is Kevin Mathes '07, vice president of enrollment management and dean of admissions at Bucknell University.

Read a transcript for this episode.

If you have a question, comment or idea for a future episode, email podcast@bucknell.edu.

Links:

Episode 93: Crushing the College Interview Sep 22, 2025

Show notes

The application is the main way colleges and universities get to know you as an applicant. But it's not the only way. At some schools, students are invited to share their story in-person through an admissions interview.

In this episode of College Admissions Insider, we'll learn why interviews are valuable in the admissions process, what you can do to practice and prepare, and how building interviewing skills can benefit you in the future.

Our guest is Alison Slater, founder of Interview Prep, which provides personalized coaching for high school students to help them make the most of college interviews. (Use code BUCKNELL10 for 10% off coaching booked in 2025.)

Read a transcript for this episode.

If you have a question, comment or idea for a future episode, email podcast@bucknell.edu.

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