S2E3: Interview with Sam Hassell - Great Minds Advising - Avoid These Mistakes In Your College Application Essays

In this engaging episode, we have the pleasure of interviewing Sam Hassell, a fellow admissions professional with a fascinating background in research and academia. Throughout the conversation, Sam and Thomas share valuable insights and strategies for students navigating the college admissions process.

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Key Points 

• Crafting a focused and compelling narrative is essential in the college admissions process.
• Parallels can be drawn between research storytelling in academia and constructing an admissions story.
• Understanding human behavior and how evaluators perceive applicants is crucial.
• Avoid gratuitous displays of privilege and ensure experiences are conveyed meaningfully.
• Starting early in the admissions process allows for more time to build a strong resume and narrative.
• For late-starting students, creativity and abstraction are necessary to construct a compelling narrative from existing experiences.
• Strategy plays a vital role in selecting the right school and effectively communicating with it.
• Depth and coherence in presenting experiences and achievements are favored over breadth.
• Personal growth and triumph over adversity make for impactful narratives.
• Best way to demonstrate interest for a particular University
• Choosing summer activities that will benefit your college application 
• Navigating cost and the best way to receive a merit scholarship 

About Sam Hassell 

Sam Hassell graduated from the University of Southern California and is a published research scientist, having spent four years in psychology and neuroscience research at Columbia University. Building upon his experiences in research and academia—as well as over a decade in educational services—Sam spearheaded the Great Minds Advising program, a premium college consulting service at Westchester Prep, where he is also currently an owner. His college advising team leverages cutting-edge strategy and insight into the college review process while helping students intricately craft the intellectual depth, niches, and admissions stories that set them apart at even the most elite colleges.  Join the Great Minds Advising mailing list at WestchesterPrep.com and find them on instagram @greatmindsadvising

About Thomas Caleel Thomas is an alumnus of the University of Pennsylvania. After earning his MBA at the Wharton School of Business in 2003, he moved to Silicon Valley. For three years, he was Director of MBA Admissions and Financial Aid at Wharton. He worked closely with admissions professionals, students, alumni, and professors to curate the best possible MBA class. Thomas has been an entrepreneur his entire life in the fields of finance, agriculture, wellness, and sporting goods. As the founder of Global Education Opportunities LLC, he works as a high level admissions advisor to help families and students achieve their education goals. Thomas started the podcast Admittedly because he is passionate about demystifying the application process for all parents and applicants.

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