The College Essay Guy Podcast: A Practical Guide to College Admissions

Deanna Dixon, Dean of Admission at Smith College since 2006, shares her insights on leadership in college admissions. She discusses qualities Smith values in applicants, the importance of initiative, and how essays reflect institutional priorities. Deanna offers advice on navigating the admissions landscape and emphasizes the evolving narratives in college essays, particularly around mental health. She also touches on the implications of AI like ChatGPT and the ongoing efforts toward equity in admissions, urging students to embrace their unique experiences.

In Episode 2 of our series on Admission Nutrients, Ethan is joined by Raissa Diamante, the Director  of Admission at Harvey Mudd College, to do a deep dive into collaboration — why is it important to colleges and where does it show up in the application process? Ethan and Raissa get into, among other things: What does the admission review process look like at Harvey Mudd? Why is collaboration particularly important (spoiler: it’s one of the main things they look for)? Tips for the supplemental essay (side note: it’s a prompt they’ve kept some version of over the past 15 years) via a brief analysis of a real essay from a past student What does Raissa think about students using Chat-GPT / generative AI for their essays? What do students miss or get wrong about the college admission process? Can students write about race in their college application essays? And more!   Raissa Diamante is the Executive Director of Admission at Harvey Mudd College (HMC) in Claremont, CA. She grew up in a mixed immigration status home and is a proud product of the Los Angeles Unified School District. Raissa believes in the power of data in storytelling as a means to operationalizing change. She takes pride in developing and implementing strategies that help make institutions more representative of our society. Prior to HMC, Raissa was the Director of Multicultural Recruitment at Swarthmore College and worked at the Office for Multicultural Affairs at Barnard College. She earned her Bachelor’s degree from the University of California, Berkeley and her Master’s degree from Teachers College, Columbia University. In her spare time, she enjoys playing with her child, working on puzzles, and being an introvert.   We hope you enjoy!   Play-by-Play 2:50 – What are some of Raissa’s roles and identities?  9:02 – What goes on behind-the-scenes in Raissa’s office at Harvey Mudd?  16:50 – Why is collaboration important, from Harvey Mudd’s perspective? 21:24 – Where do collaborative qualities show up in the application?  23:18 – What are some qualities of collaboration that students might not think of? 31:28 – Analyzing a past supplemental essay prompt for Harvey Mudd   41:07 – What does Raissa think about students using Chat-GPT / generative AI for their essays? 48:35 – What do students miss or get wrong about the college admission process? 50:56 – What are some ways that Harvey Mudd is approaching access and equity?  54:32 – Can students write about race in their college application essays? 58:31 – Wrap up and closing thoughts     Resources: CEG Podcast Episode 605 - Navigating College Applications with AI (Part 1): How High School Teachers and Students Use Tools Like ChatGPT Navigating College Applications with AI  | foundry10 College Essay Guy’s Personal Statement Resources College Essay Guy’s College Application Hub  

Welcome back to the College Essay Guy Podcast! Today, Ethan kicks off a brand-new series: Admission Nutrients — qualities that not only enhance a well-balanced college application but can also contribute to a more meaningful life. In Part 1, Ethan introduces these “nutrients,” breaking down what they are, where they show up in the application, and why they matter. In upcoming episodes, Tom and Ethan will be joined by admission officers from different colleges to take a deeper dive into each one.  In this episode, Ethan shares: What are Admission Nutrients, and what do they reveal about what colleges value? Where do these nutrients show up in the college application? How can students realistically develop these qualities in a way that feels authentic rather than forced? And more   A quick but important note: At College Essay Guy, we don’t believe that every hour of high school should be spent optimizing for “what colleges want.” Get this: These nutrients are not only qualities employers seek but can also help students create more meaning and purpose in their lives — and yes, sure, help improve college acceptance chances along the way.  We hope you enjoy!   Play-by-Play: 2:18 – Intellectual Curiosity  7:12 – Service to Others 9:38 – Leadership or Initiative 14:09 – Collaboration 16:30 – Consistent Engagement 19:58 – How can students explore and develop these qualities?    Resources: CEG Podcast Episode 503: What Colleges Want (Part 3): "Positive Character Attributes": What Are They, and How Do You Show Them in Your College Application? CEG Podcast Episode 413: Intellectual Curiosity + College Admissions: What It Is, Why It Matters to Colleges, and How to Show It  How to Use the Common App Additional Information Section: Guide + Examples CEG Podcast Episode 213: Self-Directed Learning (Why You Can Quit HS & Be Okay) How to Ask for a Letter of Recommendation | College Essay Guy Roles and Identities Exercise College Essay Guy’s Personal Statement Resources College Essay Guy’s College Application Hub

Welcome to Part 2 of 2 of this mini-series on AI in college admission! In our last episode, I interviewed Jen Rubin from foundry10 on how students and counselors are using AI in the college admission process. In today’s episode I’ll get into what colleges have to say, and what I would advise as a result. I’ll get into: My biggest concern with AI… in general (spoiler: it’s much bigger than college applications) My concerns related to AI use in the college application process   Common App guidelines + What colleges have to say around AI use What I believe students might miss out on if they use AI to write their essays for them My advice to students and counselors We hope you enjoy!   Play-by-Play: 2:12 – What is Ethan’s biggest concern with AI?  3:29 – CommonApp Guidelines 4:09 – What do colleges have to say about AI use in the application process?   7:05 – What does Ethan believe students might miss out on if they use AI to write their essays for them? 12:00 – Can Chat GPT and AI be useful in certain contexts? 13:34 – AI use and environmental impacts  14:26 – Closing thoughts    Resources: CEG Podcast Episode 605 - Navigating College Applications with AI (Part 1): How High School Teachers and Students Use Tools Like ChatGPT Blog Version of this episode – Navigating College Applications with AI: What Colleges Say + CEG's Advice to Students and Counselors CEG’s Thoughts on AI and College Application Essays Duncan Sabian – Article on AI Safety AI 2027 CommonApp Affirmation Statement College Statements on AI Usage Princeton University CalTech Brown University University of California (UC) System Gonzaga University Southern Methodist University (Graduate) University of Melbourne (Outside the US) As Use of A.I. Soars, So Does the Energy and Water It Requires Jeff Neill’s Tech-Neill-ogy  College Essay Guy’s Personal Statement Resources College Essay Guy’s College Application Hub  

Jennifer Rubin, a Senior Researcher at foundry10 and expert on technology's impact on youth, discusses how AI, particularly tools like ChatGPT, is reshaping the college application process. She shares insights from her research on how higher-income students are more likely to leverage these AI tools. Jenn emphasizes the importance of increasing AI literacy among all students to promote equity. The conversation also addresses ethical considerations and the value of maintaining authenticity in personal essays, providing educators with strategies to navigate this new digital landscape.

Hi friends, and welcome back to the podcast! Many of you have been following Cassidy, a current high school senior, as she navigates the college application process. We've walked through her brainstorming exercises, her personal statement writing, and her supplemental essays. And now, at long last, Cassidy has received her college acceptances. Rather than reading the email she sent me, I replied, "Hey, I know you got your acceptances. What if we do a live reveal on the podcast?" So, I genuinely don’t know yet where she's been accepted. Huge shoutout to Cassidy for agreeing to do this live! In this conversation, we dive into a range of things, including: The extent to which Cassidy felt she had a successful application process vs. successful outcomes (and the difference) Which schools she was accepted into Important factors in making her final college decision, focusing on what my team calls the "6 Fs" of college fit: focus, fellowship, finances, future, family, and feeling What she did well, and what she’d do differently I also guide Cassidy through a fun, quick exercise—one you (or your student) can also try—that can be completed in one day, one hour, or even one minute. Cassidy is a current high school student going through the college application process. She lives in the Bay Area, loves ballet, identifies as a “yapper,” and knows a lot about Biology. Hope you enjoy it.   Play-by-Play 2:11 – Welcome and check-in 3:31 – To what extent does Cassidy feel like she had a successful application process? 4:48 – Cassidy shares her college decision results! 8:13 – To what extent does Cassidy feel she had successful outcomes?  9:02 – Ethan introduces the six F’s of college fit for Cassidy’s top choice schools   10:43 – Focus 12:12 – Fellowship 13:32 – Financial  14:52 – Future 16:53 – Family 17:41 – Feeling 20:36 – Cassidy reflects on what stands out at each school she is considering 23:40 – How to choose which college to attend in one day, one hour, or one minute 29:39 – Reflecting on this process, is there anything Cassidy wishes she had done differently?  31:10 – Wrap up and closing thoughts   Resources: How to choose which college to attend: Key factors to consider College Essay Guy’s Personal Statement Resources College Essay Guy’s College Application Hub  

Welcome back to the podcast! Ethan is joined today by Angel Pérez, CEO of the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC). Angel has just written a new book on leadership called The Hottest Seat on Campus. It’s written for leaders on college campuses, but the advice he gives is applicable to leaders everywhere, whether you are a college counselor leading in your office, a parent leading in your home, or even a student leading in your school or community. In their conversation, Angel and Ethan discuss: How does Angel define leadership? Why is detachment so important (and how do we do it)? What’s the number one thing Angel believes will lead leaders to success in the future? What is deep work and why do we love it so much? Lots more. The advice is practical, given the challenges facing higher education, we believe it’s timely… and we hope you find it useful. If you haven’t met Angel Pérez, he is CEO of the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC). In this role, he represents more than 25,000 admission and counseling professionals worldwide committed to postsecondary access and success. Named by a Forbes article in 2019 as the most influential voice in college admissions, he strives to build an educational ecosystem that better represents today’s society. Prior to joining NACAC in July of 2020, Dr. Pérez served in secondary and higher education leadership positions across America, most recently, as Vice President for Enrollment and Student Success at Trinity College in Connecticut. He is an advocate for counselors everywhere, an important ally in the work of increasing access to higher education, and I’m so glad to call him my friend.   Play-by-Play 2:03 – Welcome and check-in 3:56 – Angel shares what his book is about, why he wrote it, and who it’s for 5:50 – Why is it important to talk about leadership right now?  9:04 – Superpower #1: The Power of Solitude  15:23 – Superpower #2: The Art of Detachment 24:00 – Superpower #3: Inspiration through Inclusivity 36:45 – Superpower #4: Mastering Self-Management 42:31 – Superpower #5: The Power of Showing Up 50:24 – Superpower #6: The Power of Focus 54:55 – Superpower #7: Shift Your Mindset 1:04:26 – Getting comfortable saying “I don’t know”  1:12:57 – Which superpowers do Angel and Ethan want to work on over the next year?  1:20:07 – Closing thoughts and sharing goals   Resources 6 ‘Superpowers’ Every Leader Needs | The Chronicle of Higher Education  The Hottest Seat on Campus by Angel Pérez The 15 Commitments of Conscious Leadership: A New Paradigm for Sustainable Success by Diana Chapman, Jim Dethmer, and Kaley Klemp  Slow Productivity: The Lost Art of Accomplishment Without Burnout by Cal Newport  Maker Time vs. Manager Time College Essay Guy’s Personal Statement Resources College Essay Guy’s College Application Hub  

The discussion dives into the Roles and Identities framework, offering counselors and educators practical exercises for self-discovery. It encourages professionals to reflect on their roles and identify patterns that may impact their effectiveness. Topics include finding ways to recharge and fill their own cups while supporting students. The importance of self-care is highlighted, emphasizing the need for educators to show up fully for those they serve. Overall, it's a journey of personal growth and reflection aimed at enhancing the counseling experience.

Discover a new framework for self-exploration in the college admissions journey! Learn about the Roles and Identities List, which encourages students to identify their unique traits like 'catalyst' and 'change-maker.' Engage with practical exercises designed for high schoolers to help plan their activities and applications. Parents also get a chance to reflect on their roles in this process, fostering a collaborative environment. Stay tuned for more insights that support both students and educators!

In this engaging discussion, Akil Bello, an educator and advocate for equitable education access, tackles prevalent college admissions myths. He clarifies that most colleges are not returning to standardized test requirements, debunks the myth that prestigious schools guarantee success, and reveals the complexities of college costs, emphasizing underreported financial aid options. Bello also critiques ranking systems for prioritizing reputation over quality. His insights aim to empower families navigating the admissions landscape.