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Jeff Selingo

Higher education journalist and author of Dream School: Finding the College That's Right for You, offering guidance on selecting colleges beyond prestige.

Top 10 podcasts with Jeff Selingo

Ranked by the Snipd community
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27 snips
Sep 25, 2025 • 20min

A smarter way to pick the right college

Join Jeffrey Selingo, a higher education journalist and author of "Dream School: Finding the College That's Right for You," as he explores smarter ways to choose a college. He emphasizes that fit often outweighs prestige in college selection. Selingo shares a student's experience at Columbia, the surge in college applications due to the Common App, and how financial considerations can alter choices. He also stresses the importance of first-year support systems and encourages families to redefine their 'dream school' by prioritizing environments that promote student fulfillment.
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9 snips
Jan 27, 2026 • 41min

The Truth About Dream Schools - Jeff Selingo

Jeff Selingo, journalist and bestselling author who writes about higher education, discusses why he wrote Dream School and urges families to widen their college search. He explains how to judge campus resources during visits. He reframes college value around price, outcomes, and hands-on learning. He shares examples of schools offering strong return and talks about guiding his own daughter’s search.
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8 snips
Sep 9, 2025 • 57min

Dream School: Finding the College That's Right for You

Jeff Selingo, a New York Times bestselling author and expert in higher education, shares insights from his latest book, Dream School. He discusses why students often fixate on prestigious colleges, narrowing their options. Selingo highlights the importance of balanced college lists and debunks misconceptions about backup schools. He also explores the value of hands-on learning and mentorship in student success. Ultimately, he advocates for focusing on the right college fit over elite status, promoting a long-term growth mindset.
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Sep 25, 2025 • 20min

A smarter way to pick the right college

Higher-education journalist Jeffrey Selingo, author of "Dream School," shares his insights on college selection beyond just prestige. He argues that students should emphasize factors like campus life, mentorship opportunities, and financial fit over rankings. Selingo points out how less-selective colleges often provide valuable engagement and support. He also discusses the importance of internships and broad curricula for college success, encouraging families to redefine their concept of a dream school.
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Jan 21, 2026 • 55min

What the Closure of California College of the Arts and Vanderbilt Expansion Mean for the Bay Area

Sarah Hotchkiss, a CCA alum and KQED Arts and Culture editor, shares insights on the shocking closure of California College of the Arts and its impact on the local arts scene. Jeff Selingo, a higher education expert, discusses the national implications of college closures and shifts in institutional finances. Laura Waxman of the San Francisco Chronicle reveals how the city aims to revitalize downtown through Vanderbilt's new campus. Together, they explore the losses faced by the community and the evolving landscape of arts education in the Bay Area.
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Dec 13, 2025 • 17min

Extra: 'Grade Inflation' and Why American Students Are Falling Behind

In this engaging discussion, Jeff Selingo, a higher-education expert and author, sheds light on alarming trends in American education. He reveals that many students arrive at college lacking basic math skills, prompting universities to offer remedial classes. Selingo attributes this decline to grade inflation and reduced accountability. He also highlights the impact of technology and societal shifts on educational readiness. Additionally, he discusses the rising requests for special accommodations and emphasizes the need for better K–12 preparation to align with job market demands.
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Sep 11, 2025 • 55min

Dream School: Finding the College That’s Right For You | Jeff Selingo (Dad of 2, Author)

Jeff Selingo, a bestselling author and higher-education expert, dives into the college admissions maze, drawing from his experience as a dad of two soon-to-be college students. He emphasizes the importance of finding the right fit over prestige, explaining how societal pressures shape choices. The conversation covers practical tools for parents, like the College Scorecard, and reframes 'dream school' around mentorship and experiential learning. Selingo also shares insights on balancing costs with educational value, equipping families for informed decisions.
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Sep 9, 2025 • 38min

236: Dream School: How Do You Find the Right College for Your Teen?

Jeff Selingo, a New York Times bestselling author and higher education expert, joins the conversation to turn college admissions stress on its head. He argues that it's not about chasing prestige, but finding a perfect match for your teen's growth. They discuss research revealing that mid-tier schools often yield outcomes similar to elite ones. Selingo emphasizes the importance of fit, engagement, and personal values, debunking myths about satisfaction tied to name-brand institutions while encouraging open conversations about finances.
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Sep 9, 2025 • 32min

Redefining the ‘Dream School’

Jeff Selingo, co-host of Future U and author of 'Dream School,' brings fresh insights into college selection. He dismantles the myth that only highly-selective colleges lead to success, emphasizing a thoughtful approach to finding the right fit for each student. Selingo discusses the importance of teaching quality, budget considerations, and individual motivations. He also tackles the impact of college choice on dropout rates and the evolving landscape of higher education influenced by societal expectations and financial challenges.
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Mar 26, 2024 • 45min

The Craziest Year Ever in College Admission with Jeff Selingo

Seasoned higher education expert Jeff Selingo delves into the chaos of college admissions, discussing the evolution of early decision strategies, the commercial dynamics of admissions, the emotional toll on students, the quest for diversity, and the pursuit of a vast applicant pool. He encourages students to broaden their college search, debunking the myth of the 'perfect applicant' and exploring alternative pathways.

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