The College Admissions Process Podcast 341. University of Denver - Todd Rinehart - Vice Chancellor for Enrollment
🎙️ Episode: Inside Admissions with Todd Rinehart, Vice Chancellor for Enrollment at the University of Denver
Join me as I welcome back Todd Rinehart for an insightful conversation on major updates at the University of Denver (DU) and practical advice for students navigating the college application process. Todd reminds us that students control two-thirds of the admissions transaction — a powerful mindset shift for applicants everywhere.
💡 Highlights Include:
🏒 University Updates & the 4D Experience
- DU celebrates its 10th National Hockey Championship — ranked #1 in the nation!
- Learn about DU’s Four-Dimensional (4D) Student Experience, focused on:
- 1️⃣ Academics – Expanding intellectual growth
- 2️⃣ Character & Ethics – Building integrity and purpose
- 3️⃣ Well-being – Supporting mental and physical health
- 4️⃣ Career & Purpose – Preparing for meaningful professional lives
- 🌍 Study Abroad: 70%+ of students participate; scholarships and aid apply abroad.
- 🎓 Academics: A liberal arts foundation with standout programs in Business, Engineering, and Global Studies.
🧠 Holistic Review: What DU Really Looks For
- Admissions seeks great classmates and community members, not just strong GPAs.
- ✍️ Essays: Be authentic — write to reveal who you are, not to impress.
- 📚 Rigor in Context: Take challenging courses where possible, but don’t overload.
- 🧾 Recommendations: Offer insight into character, work ethic, and engagement.
🎯 Test-Optional Policy & Financial Aid
- 🧪 Tests Optional: Submit SAT/ACT only if scores strengthen your file — academics matter most.
- 💰 Financial Aid: Don’t fear the sticker price — DU offers generous merit and need-based aid.
- 🎓 Automatic consideration for major scholarships like the $40,000 Chancellor’s Award.
- 🧾 FAFSA + CSS Profile required for full aid review.
📈 Enrollment, Waitlist & Smart Questions to Ask
- DU receives ~20,000 apps annually, enrolling ~1,300 first-years.
- 🕓 Waitlist is not ranked; decisions depend on class needs — express genuine interest to your regional counselor.
- 🤔 Families should focus on long-term outcomes and value, not just rankings or salary data.
💬 Todd’s Top 3 Pieces of Advice
1️⃣ Students Control: Where to apply — build a balanced list, not just ultra-selective schools.
2️⃣ Students Influence: Outcomes through coursework, effort, and essays.
3️⃣ Students Control: Where to enroll — the final choice is yours.
🎧 Tune in to learn how DU helps students live lives of purpose, leadership, and service, and gain insider advice straight from one of the nation’s most respected enrollment leaders.
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👉 This episode is brought to you by Prep Expert, a proud sponsor of The College Admissions Process Podcast. Prep Expert offers award-winning test prep courses and strategies that have helped thousands of students improve their scores. For full details on their programs and guarantees, visit www.PrepExpert.com 🎯📚
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Straight From The Admissions Office: Insider Strategies For College Applications
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