
Inside the Admissions Office: Advice from Former Admissions Officers
Need help navigating the college admissions process? We’re here to help! Every other Monday we’ll bring you exclusive interviews with Former Admissions Officers, graduates from top universities, and admissions experts. Each episode will be filled with application tips and first-hand experiences that will help you get into your dream school. Brought to you by InGenius Prep, the world’s largest team of Former Admissions Officers.
Questions or comments? Email us at contact@ingeniusprep.com
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Latest episodes

Dec 19, 2022 • 46min
68. SAT and ACT Prep: Strategies to Boost College Admissions Test Scores
On today’s episode, we chat with Brad Bailey, the founder of Bailey Test Prep. Brad and I discuss how students can prepare for the SAT and ACT to boost their admissions odds. Brad highlights specific strategies students can use to increase their scores and feel more confident taking tests. We had a couple of audio issues in the first ten minutes of the episode, so please forgive us for the quality.
Check out our blog for more free resources:
What College Admissions Officers Look For: Advice from Former Readers
You can find more test prep resources at Bailey Test Prep and Khan Academy
Click here to sign up for a free consultation with an admissions expert.
Register for one of our webinars.
Questions or comments? Email contact@ingeniusprep.com
Visit us at ingeniusprep.com to learn more. See you every other Monday!

Dec 5, 2022 • 43min
67. 11th Grade Prep: How High School Juniors Can Prepare Early for College Admissions
On today’s episode, we chat with Kathryn Scherer, InGenius Prep’s Director of Undergraduate Services. Kathryn and I discuss how 11th grade students can maximize junior year to prepare for college admissions. Kathryn explores everything from extracurriculars to course loads and summer plans to help juniors make the most of this crucial year.
Check out our blog for more free resources:
College Admissions 101: How to Start the Application Process
What College Admissions Officers Look For: Advice from Former Readers
Click here to sign up for a free consultation with an admissions expert.
Register for one of our webinars.
Questions or comments? Email contact@ingeniusprep.com
Visit us at ingeniusprep.com to learn more. See you every other Monday!

20 snips
Nov 21, 2022 • 48min
66. How High School Students Can Gain Research Experience to Stand Out in College Admissions
On today’s episode, we chat with Dr. Christopher Brown, InGenius Prep's Director of Academic Mentorships. Chris and I discuss the wide range of strategies high school students can use to gain research experience. Chris reveals how such practical exposure helps students stand out in the college admissions process.
Check out our blog for more free resources:
College Admissions 101: How to Start the Application Process
How to Gain Research Experience in High School
How to Contact a Lab Supervisor or Professor: A Template
Click here to sign up for a free consultation with an admissions expert.
Register for one of our webinars.
Questions or comments? Email contact@ingeniusprep.com
Visit us at ingeniusprep.com to learn more. See you every other Monday!

Nov 7, 2022 • 58min
65. What a Georgetown Admissions Officer Wants from Applicants | Georgetown University
On today’s episode, we chat with Raheel Masood, the Former Associate Director of Admissions at Georgetown University. Raheel and I discuss the components of the Georgetown application and how applicants can stand out. Raheel highlights strategies for prospective students to gain admission.
Check out our blog for more free resources:
What College Admissions Officers Look For: Advice from Former Readers
A Guide to the Georgetown Essays
Click here to sign up for a free consultation with an admissions expert.
Register for one of our webinars.
Questions or comments? Email contact@ingeniusprep.com
Visit us at ingeniusprep.com to learn more. See you every other Monday!

Oct 24, 2022 • 48min
64. The Future of College Admissions: 2022 National Association for College Admissions Counseling Conference Recap
On today’s episode, we chat with Erin Gu, InGenius Prep’s Chief Education Officer. Erin recently attended the 2022 National Association for College Admissions Counseling Conference. Erin and I discuss what she learned, including changes to FAFSA and the uncertainty surrounding the future of affirmative action policies.
Join our Facebook group the College Admissions Corner.
Check out our blog for more free resources:
What College Admissions Officers Look For: Advice from Former Readers
College Admissions 101: How to Start the Application Process
Click here to sign up for a free consultation with an admissions expert.
Register for one of our webinars.
Questions or comments? Email contact@ingeniusprep.com
Visit us at ingeniusprep.com to learn more. See you every other Monday!

Oct 10, 2022 • 31min
63. 2022-23 College Application Cycle: Analysis of Admissions Changes and Trends
NOTE: We've received notice that it is possible to apply early to both Stanford and USC. If you have any questions, we recommend contacting their admissions offices.
On today’s episode, we chat with Padya Paramita, a Columba MFA graduate, InGenius Prep Graduate Coach, and writing professor at the University of New Haven. Padya and I discuss some of the major changes in the world of college admissions for the 2022-23 application cycle, including changes in test-optional policies and quotas at top schools like the UCs.
Check out our blog for more free resources:
College Admissions 101: How to Start the Application Process
What College Admissions Officers Look For: Advice from Former Readers
2022-23 College Application Changes: Admissions Trends to Know
Click here to sign up for a free consultation with an admissions expert.
Register for one of our webinars.
Questions or comments? Email contact@ingeniusprep.com
Visit us at ingeniusprep.com to learn more. See you every other Monday!

Sep 26, 2022 • 43min
62. Talent in College Admissions: Highlighting Artistic, Athletic, and Academic Abilities in Applications
On today’s episode, we chat with Kevin Dupont, an athletic recruitment specialist and Former Admissions Officer from UC Berkeley, Tufts, Cornell, and UCSC. Kevin and I discuss the myriad of different ways students can showcase their talents in their college applications. Kevin answers frequently asked questions about talent in college admissions such as “should I upload a portfolio?” and “is creating an app an impressive talent?”
Check out our blog for more free resources:
What College Admissions Officers Look For: Advice from Former Readers
College Admissions 101: How to Start the Application Process
Click here to sign up for a free consultation with an admissions expert.
Register for one of our webinars.
Questions or comments? Email contact@ingeniusprep.com
Visit us at ingeniusprep.com to learn more. See you every other Monday!

Sep 12, 2022 • 1h 4min
61. First Year College Success Strategies for Incoming University Freshmen
On today’s episode, we chat with Nick Strohl, a former Academic Advisor in the College of Letters and Science Honors Program at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and the Former Senior Assistant Director of Admissions at Yale.
Nick and I discuss numerous strategies and resources that university freshmen can utilize to set themselves up for academic success. Nick highlights common mistakes and misconceptions and shares specific resources to help students plan for their future careers or continued education.
Check out our blog for more free resources:
Should You Apply to Grad School: 25 Questions to Ask Yourself
Further Education or First Job? How to Decide What’s Right For You
Medical School Application Resources to Help You Through Every Step
Law School Applications 101: From College Academics to Final Submission
Click here to sign up for a free consultation with an admissions expert.
Register for one of our webinars.
Questions or comments? Email contact@ingeniusprep.com
Visit us at ingeniusprep.com to learn more. See you every other Monday!

Aug 22, 2022 • 28min
60. 11 College Admissions Myths: Debunking Common Misconceptions about the College Application Process
On today’s episode, we chat with Padya Paramita, a Columba MFA graduate, InGenius Prep Graduate Coach, and writing professor at the University of New Haven. Padya and I break down 11 college admissions myths and misconceptions, including:
MYTH #1 - True or False: Legacy students have a better chance of admissions
MYTH #2 - True or False: You can buy your way into college
MYTH #3 - True or False: There are stereotypical extracurricular activities you should avoid
MYTH #4 - True or False: Debate and MUN are impressive activities for college
MYTH #5 - True or False: A High SAT score is all you need to get into college
MYTH #6 - True or False: Colleges consider your family’s finances when deciding to admit you
MYTH #7 - True or False: You need a perfect GPA to be admitted to top colleges
MYTH #8 - True or False: Volunteer experience is a must
MYTH #9 - True or False: Demonstrated interest is important
MYTH #10 - True or False: You have to be well-rounded, excelling in every area
MYTH #11 - True or False: Schools use AI to filter out applications
Check out our blog for more free resources:
Common College Admissions Myths Debunked by Former Admissions Officers
College Admissions 101: How to Start the Application Process
Click here to sign up for a free consultation with an admissions expert.
Register for one of our webinars.
Questions or comments? Email contact@ingeniusprep.com
Visit us at ingeniusprep.com to learn more. See you every other Monday!

Aug 8, 2022 • 35min
59. What an NYU Admissions Officer Wants from Applicants | New York University
Former NYU Admissions Reader shares insights on what NYU looks for in applicants and common mistakes. Discussion on NYU's diverse campuses and application rounds. Exploring admissions trends, testing policies, and the holistic admissions process. Advice on navigating NYU applications beyond just NYC, emphasizing authenticity and fit for programs.