The College Admissions Process Podcast

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Straight From The Admissions Office: Insider Strategies For College Applications

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Bard Undergraduate Admissions

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396. Inside Bard College Admissions with Tessa Greenhalgh - Senior Assistant Director of Admission Oct 12, 2026

Show notes

In this episode of The College Admissions Process Podcast, we welcome back Tessa Greenhalgh, Senior Assistant Director of Admissions at Bard College, for an in-depth conversation about what makes Bard one of the most intellectually and socially distinctive colleges in higher education today.

Tessa shares how Bard blends rigorous academics with a deep commitment to civic engagement, social justice, and interdisciplinary learning. She also provides an honest look into today’s evolving admissions landscape, including the growing competitiveness of regular decision admissions and how students can present themselves authentically throughout the application process.

Whether you are a student exploring colleges that value creativity and critical thinking, or a parent navigating the increasingly complex admissions journey, this episode offers meaningful insights into finding the right college fit.

In This Episode, We Discuss:

Why Bard is known as a “private college for the public good”
Bard’s culture of civic engagement and social impact
The value of interdisciplinary study, joint majors, and the Senior Project requirement
What admissions officers are truly looking for in the “Why Bard” supplemental essay
How students can effectively use the additional information section of the application
Why the order of extracurricular activities matters more than many students realize
Bard’s expanded commitment to financial aid, including meeting 100% of demonstrated need for Early Action and Early Decision applicants
How families can shift their mindset from prestige-driven admissions to identifying genuine college fit

Tessa’s perspective provides practical advice, thoughtful reflection, and an encouraging reminder that the college admissions process should ultimately help students find a community where they can thrive academically, personally, and socially.

College That Change Lives

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Straight From The Admissions Office: Insider Strategies For College Applications

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Dominican University New York

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395. Beyond the Acceptance Letter: How Dominican University New York Creates a Personalized College Experience Oct 05, 2026

Show notes

What does it mean to provide a truly personalized college experience?

In this episode of The College Admissions Process Podcast, I speak with Nick Marter, Executive Director of Admissions at Dominican University New York, about how a smaller university creates meaningful relationships with students while preparing them for success in college and beyond.

Our conversation explores Dominican University's student-centered approach to admissions, academics, career preparation, and affordability. Nick also discusses how the university is thoughtfully integrating artificial intelligence into the classroom while continuing to emphasize the personal connections that help students thrive.

In this episode, you'll learn:

Why Dominican University's size allows it to provide a highly personalized student experience.
How the university supports students from application through graduation.
The strength of programs including Nursing, Health Sciences, Business, Education, and Criminal Justice.
How AI is being thoughtfully incorporated into the curriculum.
Why affordability, transparency, and student success remain central to the university's mission.

Whether you're a student, parent, or school counselor, this episode offers valuable insight into how to evaluate college fit beyond rankings and reputation.

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Straight From The Admissions Office: Insider Strategies For College Applications

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394. Inside University of Colorado Boulder Admissions: What It Really Takes to Stand Out Sep 28, 2026

Show notes

Curiosity to Lead: Inside CU Boulder Admissions with Carlos Jimenez

What does it take to stand out at one of the nation's leading public research universities? In this episode of The College Admissions Process Podcast, I sit down with Carlos Jimenez, Assistant Vice Chancellor for Admissions and Precollege in the Division of Enrollment Management at the University of Colorado Boulder, for an inside look at how admissions decisions are made at a highly selective flagship institution.

Carlos shares how CU Boulder evaluates applicants through the lens of curiosity, academic rigor, and authenticity while building a dynamic community of students representing a wide range of backgrounds, experiences, and interests. From understanding institutional priorities to crafting meaningful application essays, this conversation offers practical guidance for students and families navigating today's competitive admissions landscape.

In this episode, you'll learn:

Why curiosity is at the heart of CU Boulder's admissions philosophy.
How admissions officers evaluate academic rigor by looking at the opportunities available at each student's high school.
Why an upward academic trajectory can be just as important as a strong GPA.
How CU Boulder defines "fit" across more than 200 academic majors and over 500 student organizations.
The role institutional priorities play in shaping each incoming class, including Colorado residency requirements and the university's growing global initiatives.
Why authentic storytelling matters more than polished perfection in the age of artificial intelligence.
How memorable details in the activities section can help your application stand out.
What students should know before applying to highly competitive programs such as Business and Engineering.
Why researching individual courses within a major is often more valuable than focusing solely on the major's title.
How families can reduce stress by creating healthy boundaries around the college application process.
Why regularly checking email remains one of the simplest—and most important—habits during the admissions cycle.
Questions every student should ask while visiting a college campus.
How to choose recommenders who can provide meaningful context beyond your grades and test scores.

Whether you're just beginning your college search or preparing to submit applications this fall, this episode provides valuable insight into what selective universities are looking for—and how students can present their most authentic selves throughout the admissions process.

CLICK HERE to connect with the University of Colorado Boulder

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Straight From The Admissions Office: Insider Strategies For College Applications

If you're looking for helpful tips and insights for the college admissions process, check out my book by clicking the links below:

Bryn Mawr Admissions & Aid

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393. Bryn Mawr Admissions: Finding Fit, Authenticity, and the Student Who Thrives Sep 21, 2026

Show notes

In this episode of The College Admissions Process Podcast, I speak with Caitlin Brown, Dean of Undergraduate Admissions at Bryn Mawr College, about what makes Bryn Mawr unique and how students can identify whether a college is the right fit.

They discuss holistic admissions, academic rigor, authentic student voice, and what colleges look for beyond grades and test scores.

Key Takeaways:

• Finding the Right Fit: Bryn Mawr looks for students who will thrive in a collaborative, intellectually curious community and contribute as engaged learners.

• Beyond Traditional Leadership: Admissions teams value impact in many forms — including initiative, responsibility, service, family commitments, and meaningful contributions to a community.

• Holistic Application Review: Caitlin shares how Bryn Mawr evaluates applications carefully, considering the full context of each student’s academic journey and personal experiences.

• The Power of Authenticity: Students do not need a perfect story. They need to demonstrate reflection, growth, and an understanding of who they are.

• Writing Strong Essays: The strongest essays sound like the student. Authentic voice, thoughtful reflection, and genuine connection matter.

• The Tri-College Consortium: Students gain access to expanded academic opportunities through partnerships with Haverford College, Swarthmore College, and the University of Pennsylvania.

• The Value of a Liberal Arts Education: Caitlin discusses how critical thinking, communication, collaboration, and adaptability prepare students for an evolving workforce.

Advice for Students and Families:

Start early, explore colleges thoughtfully, ask questions, and focus on finding a community where you can grow and thrive.

Listen now to learn more about Bryn Mawr College and the admissions process from the perspective of a Dean of Undergraduate Admissions.

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Straight From The Admissions Office: Insider Strategies For College Applications

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392. Inside Brandeis Admissions: What Dean Emily Roper-Doten Wants Applicants to Know Sep 14, 2026

Show notes

Navigating the Brandeis University Admissions Process with Dean Emily Roper-Doten

In this episode of The College Admissions Process Podcast, I sat down with Emily Roper-Doten, Dean of Admissions at Brandeis University, to discuss what makes Brandeis unique and how students can strengthen their college applications.

Dean Roper-Doten shares insights into Brandeis University's mission, admissions review process, test-optional policy, Early Decision program, financial aid resources, and the qualities that help students stand out in a highly competitive applicant pool. She also offers practical advice for students and families navigating today's college admissions landscape.

In This Episode

Understanding the Brandeis University Experience

The history and mission of Brandeis University.
The institution's commitment to academic excellence, social justice, and intellectual inquiry.
How Brandeis combines rigorous academics, research opportunities, and a vibrant arts community.

How Applications Are Evaluated

Why the high school transcript remains the most important part of the application.
What admissions officers look for beyond GPA and test scores.
The importance of academic growth, course selection, and sustained achievement.

Authenticity Matters

Why students should focus on telling their story rather than trying to impress admissions officers.
Tips for writing a compelling college essay.
How meaningful extracurricular involvement matters more than the number of activities listed.

Early Decision, Demonstrated Interest, and Test-Optional Admissions

When Early Decision is the right choice.
How demonstrated interest fits into the admissions process.
What students should know about Brandeis' longstanding test-optional policy.

Innovation in Financial Aid and Career Preparation

An introduction to FAY, Brandeis University's AI-powered financial aid tool.
How Brandeis is helping students prepare for careers through innovative assessment of real-world skills.

Why Listen?

If you're interested in Brandeis University, highly selective college admissions, financial aid, test-optional admissions, college essays, or application strategies, this episode provides valuable insights directly from a Dean of Admissions.

Resources

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Straight From The Admissions Office: Insider Strategies For College Applications

If you're looking for helpful tips and insights for the college admissions process, check out my book by clicking the links below:

Bucknell University - Office of Admissions

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391. Inside Bucknell Admissions: Dean Kevin Mathes on What It Really Takes to Get In Sep 07, 2026

Show notes

In this episode I sat down with Kevin T. Mathes - Vice President of Enrollment Management & Dean of Admissions at Bucknell University As both a senior leader and alumnus, he offers a clear, insider perspective on what truly defines Bucknell—and what it takes to stand out in its admissions process.

This conversation explores what makes Bucknell a distinctive “big small school,” blending the close-knit feel of a liberal arts college with the opportunities of a larger university. Kevin also shares how admissions decisions are made across different colleges within Bucknell, and why context matters when evaluating a student’s academic record.

Listeners will gain insight into how to approach transcripts, testing decisions in a test-optional landscape, and the role authenticity plays in essays. The discussion also touches on how emerging factors like AI are being viewed in the application process, along with key considerations around financial aid and scholarship opportunities.

The episode wraps with practical, experience-driven advice for families navigating the process—offering a grounded perspective on how to approach decisions with clarity and confidence.

If you're looking for a sharper understanding of selective admissions and how to position yourself thoughtfully, this episode delivers meaningful insight without the noise.

Scholarship Programs - Bucknell University

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Straight From The Admissions Office: Insider Strategies For College Applications

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390. Inside WashU Admissions: What It Really Takes to Stand Out Aug 31, 2026

Show notes

In this episode of The College Admissions Process Podcast, I sat down with Victor Thomas, Director of Admissions at Washington University in St. Louis, for an in-depth conversation about what truly matters in today’s highly selective admissions process.

Victor offers a thoughtful and transparent look into how WashU evaluates applicants beyond grades and test scores, while also sharing insights into the university’s collaborative, interdisciplinary culture. From understanding transcript rigor to navigating the debut of WashU’s new Early Action plan, this episode provides valuable guidance for students, families, and counselors alike.

Whether you are applying to a highly selective institution or simply trying to better understand the concept of “fit,” this conversation highlights the importance of authenticity, curiosity, and self-awareness throughout the college admissions journey.

Topics Discussed in This Episode:

What makes the interdisciplinary “WashU Way” unique
How WashU reviews transcripts within the context of each high school
Why academic rigor and trends matter more than a single GPA number
The difference between demonstrated interest and meaningful engagement
WashU’s new Early Action option and how it compares to Early Decision
What “test optional” really means in a competitive applicant pool
How students should approach the academically focused “Why WashU?” supplement
Why authenticity is one of the most important qualities in an application
Victor Thomas’s best advice for students navigating senior year

Key Takeaways:

WashU encourages students to explore across disciplines and combine diverse academic interests.
Admissions decisions are heavily context-driven and focused on the student’s academic environment and opportunities.
Supplemental essays should clearly connect a student’s intellectual curiosity to specific opportunities at WashU.
Strong applications require evidence of academic readiness, even in a test-optional environment.
Students should start essays early, prioritize wellness, and lean into gratitude during the admissions process.

Quote to Remember:

“Every student needs to hear... that you are a lot more interesting and you have more of a story than maybe you think.” — Victor Thomas

WashU Admissions

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with students, families, and counselors navigating the college admissions process.

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Straight From The Admissions Office: Insider Strategies For College Applications

If you're looking for helpful tips and insights for the college admissions process, check out my book by clicking the links below:

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389. Inside Admissions at The College of Wooster with Jason McGrath, VP for Enrollment Aug 24, 2026

Show notes

Exploring The College of Wooster with Jason McGrath

In this episode, I spoke with Jason McGrath, Vice President for Enrollment Management, about what makes The College of Wooster a distinctive option for students.

A defining feature of Wooster is its Senior Independent Study (IS), a year-long, faculty-mentored research project required for all students, emphasizing independent thinking and real-world application.

The conversation also highlights Wooster’s holistic admissions process, where applications are reviewed in context, academic rigor is evaluated based on available opportunities, and standardized testing remains optional. Notably, test scores are not considered in scholarship decisions.

Jason shares practical advice for applicants, including how to approach the activities list, what makes a compelling personal statement, and when Early Decision is an appropriate choice.

The episode also explores Wooster’s strong support systems, commitment to personalized learning, and outcomes for graduates.

The College of Wooster - Admissions

Colleges That Change Lives

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Straight From The Admissions Office: Insider Strategies For College Applications

If you're looking for helpful tips and insights for the college admissions process, check out my book by clicking the links below:

University of Tennessee Undergraduate Admissions

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388. University of Tennessee Admissions: What Students Need to Know Aug 17, 2026

Show notes

Navigating Admissions at the University of Tennessee with Sheryl Tingling

In this episode of The College Admissions Process Podcast, Dr. John Durante welcomes back Sheryl Tingling, Regional Admissions Recruiter for New Jersey and New York at the University of Tennessee, for an in-depth look at the university’s evolving admissions landscape.

From expanded access pathways to transparent admissions policies, Sheryl shares valuable insights to help students and families better understand what it takes to be a competitive applicant at UT—while making informed decisions throughout the college process.

Key Topics Covered:

Expanded Pathway Opportunities

The University of Tennessee continues to broaden access through innovative programs such as Verto (study abroad), the Rocky Top Transfer Pathway (in partnership with community colleges), and the UT Access Collaborative with campuses like UT Chattanooga.

Campus Life & Institutional Mission

Learn how UT fosters a culture of discovery and creativity, supported by a vibrant campus experience in downtown Knoxville, featuring more than 450 student clubs and organizations.

Admissions Policies & Approach

A closer look at UT’s in-state guaranteed admission policy and the university’s decision not to offer binding Early Decision—ensuring students and families have the flexibility to make informed financial choices.

Holistic Application Review

Sheryl explains UT’s comprehensive review process, where every application is read by multiple admissions professionals—with no reliance on AI—emphasizing a thoughtful, human-centered evaluation.

Academic Expectations

Understand how UT recalculates GPA based on 16 core academic credits and why standardized test scores (SAT or ACT) remain a required component of the application.

What Makes an Application Stand Out

Practical advice on using the resume to highlight experiences beyond the Common Application and crafting a personal statement that authentically reflects the student’s voice and growth.

Student Support Services

An overview of UT’s Student Disability Services and how students with IEPs or 504 plans are supported throughout the admissions and enrollment process.

📬 Join my email list for practical college tips - and a free gift

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Straight From The Admissions Office: Insider Strategies For College Applications

If you're looking for helpful tips and insights for the college admissions process, check out my book by clicking the links below: