Inside the Admissions Office: Advice from Former Admissions Officers

Are academic competitions worth the time and effort? We’re covering everything from the top competitions that impress admissions officers, to how to find a healthy balance between specializing and exploring different interests. We’ll also touch on the not-so-talked-about side of competitions—what happens when your student doesn’t win and how they can still come away with tons of value from the experience. Whether your student is gearing up for their first competition or already a seasoned participant, this episode offers insights to help make the most of the experience—and stay balanced in the process. Listen now to understand how academic competitions can impact your student's future (and how to make them work for you). --- To set up a complimentary strategy call, CLICK HERE.  Register for our upcoming webinars. Questions, comments, or topic requests? Email jilian.yong@ingeniusprep.com. To learn more about InGenius Prep, visit us at ingeniusprep.com.

Juniors, ready to ace your college applications? Get exclusive insights from Former Admissions Officers at UC Berkeley and the University of Chicago in this must-listen episode! We’re diving into expert strategies to help you stand out, avoid common mistakes, and balance academics with extracurriculars—plus, we’re answering real questions from students like you. Whether you're just starting or deep in the process, this episode is packed with insider admissions tips to give you the edge. Hit play now and get ahead in your college journey! --- To set up a complimentary strategy call, CLICK HERE.  Register for our upcoming webinars. Questions, comments, or topic requests? Email jilian.yong@ingeniusprep.com. To learn more about InGenius Prep, visit us at ingeniusprep.com.

When it comes to choosing a college, rankings can feel like the end-all-be-all. We get it—seeing a school in the “Top 10” list is reassuring. But are those numbers telling the full story? In this episode, we’re pulling back the curtain on college rankings. With insights from Former Assistant Director of Admissions at NYU, we dive into: Why rankings can sometimes mislead students and families The factors behind the numbers—and which ones really matter What students should prioritize instead: academic fit, campus environment, and long-term career impact We’ll help you and your student move beyond the rankings hype and focus on finding a school that’s the right fit, not just a “top pick.” --- To set up a complimentary strategy call, CLICK HERE.  Register for our upcoming webinars. Questions, comments, or topic requests? Email jilian.yong@ingeniusprep.com. To learn more about InGenius Prep, visit us at ingeniusprep.com.

With college admissions becoming increasingly competitive, many students feel pressured to "do it all" when it comes to extracurriculars. But is that really what colleges are looking for? In our latest podcast episode, we uncover the reality behind how admissions officers evaluate student activities. You'll learn: How admissions officers evaluate what students actually contribute to their activities—not just participation The value of demonstrating academic interest beyond the classroom through research, pre-college programs, or independent projects Why leadership isn’t just about holding a title, but about adding value and making an impact This episode is a must-listen for parents and students through the admissions process. --- To set up a complimentary strategy call, CLICK HERE.  Register for our upcoming webinars. Questions, comments, or topic requests? Email jilian.yong@ingeniusprep.com. To learn more about InGenius Prep, visit us at ingeniusprep.com.  

With the recent changes in standardized testing, many families are asking: SAT or ACT—what’s the best fit for your student? In this episode, Jake Adams, Director of InGenius Test Prep, breaks down everything you need to know to make an informed decision. He discusses how to choose the right test based on your student’s strengths, the latest updates on the Digital ACT launching in April 2025, and offers strategies for students who may struggle with standardized testing. Jake also shares practical tips to help your teen prepare with confidence, showing that standardized testing doesn’t have to be stressful. Tune in for expert advice on how to navigate this crucial part of the college admissions process! --- To set up a complimentary strategy call, CLICK HERE.  Register for our upcoming webinars. Questions, comments, or topic requests? Email jilian.yong@ingeniusprep.com. To learn more about InGenius Prep, visit us at ingeniusprep.com.

Getting ready for college interviews? As competition increases, a strong interview can set you apart in the admissions process. In this episode, we speak with a Former Carnegie Mellon Admissions Director to provide expert insights on how students can confidently navigate their interviews and improve their chances of acceptance. Key takeaways for parents & students: The most common (and unexpected) interview questions What admissions officers really look for in a candidate Biggest mistakes to avoid—and how to make a lasting impression Put their best foot forward. Listen now! --- To set up a complimentary strategy call, CLICK HERE.  Register for our upcoming webinars. Questions, comments, or topic requests? Email jilian.yong@ingeniusprep.com. To learn more about InGenius Prep, visit us at ingeniusprep.com.

In this episode, former admissions officers from Johns Hopkins, Yale, and Harvard Law share their honest feedback on real Common Apps from students who applied to Yale, Dartmouth, and Johns Hopkins. Discover what makes an application stand out—and what’s missing! Gain insights into the strengths and weaknesses they’ve observed, plus how domestic and international applications differ in the admissions process.You’ll get firsthand insider feedback on the strengths and weaknesses they've seen in these applications, plus hear how the admissions process differs for domestic vs. international applicants. Tune in for some eye-opening insights you won’t want to miss! FOLLOW ALONG with our experts by clicking the links below as they walk through each Common App, giving you real-time insights into what works and what doesn’t! Yale application Dartmouth application Johns Hopkins application You can now watch us in video on YouTube and Spotify as well!  --- To set up a complimentary strategy call, CLICK HERE.  Register for our upcoming webinars. Questions, comments, or topic requests? Email jilian.yong@ingeniusprep.com. To learn more about InGenius Prep, visit us at ingeniusprep.com.

🎙️ Episode Overview In this week's episode, we’re excited to have two Former Admissions Officers from Johns Hopkins and Yale join us for an exclusive, behind-the-scenes look at a real student’s Common App profile. They break down the activities list and personal essay, sharing what works, what doesn’t, and how the two pieces come together to tell a compelling story. Want to know how to make your student's application shine? Tune in to see what admissions officers really look for—and what can make or break your chances. For those of you eager to dive deeper and see the actual student's activities list and personal essay, we highly recommend watching the video version on Spotify here. --- To set up a complimentary strategy call, CLICK HERE.  Register for our upcoming webinars. Questions, comments, or topic requests? Email jilian.yong@ingeniusprep.com. To learn more about InGenius Prep, visit us at ingeniusprep.com.

🎙️ Episode Overview We’re thrilled to bring you a brand-new episode of our podcast, packed with expert advice on the college admissions process that you won’t want to miss—especially if you have a high schooler in the middle of applying! This week, we sit down with three former admissions officers from Harvard, the University of Chicago, and the University of Pennsylvania to answer some of the most pressing, real-world college admissions questions straight from Reddit. These are the types of personal and thought-provoking questions that every student (and parent!) wants answers to, and we’re diving deep into them with our expert panel. In this episode, you’ll hear insights on: 🎓 The "Competition of Suffering": Why students often feel the pressure to write about the "worst thing" that’s ever happened to them in their college essays—and how to approach this tricky topic without falling into the trap. 🤖 Using ChatGPT in College Essays: Can admissions officers tell if a student used tools like ChatGPT? We’ll unpack what truly matters when it comes to writing authentic college essays and how to stand out in your application. 🔍 Behind-the-Scenes of College Admissions: Hear from our team of former admissions officers about their experiences reviewing applications and what they wish they had studied in college (if it were free!). Get a rare, behind-the-scenes look at what happens in the admissions process at top-tier universities. Whether your student is just beginning their college journey or deep into application season, this episode is packed with valuable insider knowledge and actionable tips that both students and parents will find incredibly helpful. --- To set up a complimentary strategy call, CLICK HERE.  Register for our upcoming webinars. Questions, comments, or topic requests? Email jilian.yong@ingeniusprep.com. To learn more about InGenius Prep, visit us at ingeniusprep.com.

Are you ready to uncover the unique benefits of liberal arts colleges and help your student find their perfect fit? In this episode, Krista, a seasoned admissions expert, will guide you and your student through aligning school choices with both academic and personal goals, ensuring your student is set up for success. Here's what you'll learn: How to research liberal arts colleges to find your best-fit options The importance of aligning your academic and personal goals with your school choices Shifting your mindset from “Will I get in?” to “How can I shape myself as an ideal candidate?” Listen to the episode for more practical tips to help you and your student navigate the college journey with confidence! --- To set up a complimentary strategy call, CLICK HERE.  Register for our upcoming webinars. Questions, comments, or topic requests? Email jilian.yong@ingeniusprep.com. To learn more about InGenius Prep, visit us at ingeniusprep.com.