

Inside the Admissions Office: Advice from Former Admissions Officers
InGenius Prep
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
InGeniusPrep.com
Questions or comments? Email us at contact@ingeniusprep.com
InGeniusPrep.com
Episodes
Mentioned books

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.

Jul 25, 2022 • 24min
58. Creative Writing for College Applications
On today’s episode, we chat with Padya Paramita, a Columba MFA candidate and InGenius Prep Graduate Coach. Padya and I discuss how students can utilize the principles of creative writing in their college applications. Padya shares examples of students she worked with, highlighting how they used creative writing to stand out from other applicants.
Check out our blog for more free resources:
Tips for Writing the Why School Supplemental Essay: Demonstrating Your Fit
Former Admissions Officers Discuss Personal Statement Red Flags
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!

Jul 11, 2022 • 27min
57. 2021-2022 College Application Cycle Debrief: Admissions Trends and Analysis
On today’s episode, we chat with Erin Gu, InGenius Prep’s Chief Education Officer. Erin and I discuss the admissions trends we’ve identified from the 2021-22 application cycle and how we think these trends will affect future applicants. Erin and I explore the role of test-optional policies, the increasing importance of the early decision round, the most competitive majors, and more!
Check out our blog for more free resources:
College Admissions 101: How to Start the Application Process
University of California Admissions 2022: Analyzing the Trends
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!

Jun 27, 2022 • 50min
56. What a Johns Hopkins Admissions Officer Wants from Applicants | Johns Hopkins University
On today’s episode, we chat with Zak Harris, a Former Admissions Officer at Johns Hopkins University, George Washington University, Bowdoin College, and Regis College. Zak and I discuss admissions at Johns Hopkins, breaking down each component of the application. Zak reveals admissions strategies for students who hope to attend Hopkins.
Check out our blog for more free resources:
College Admissions 101: How to Start the Application Process
Approaching the Johns Hopkins Supplemental Essay 2021-2022
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!

Jun 6, 2022 • 43min
55. What a United States Naval Academy Admissions Officer Wants from Applicants
On today’s episode, we chat with Pat Williams, the former Director of Admissions at the United States Naval Academy and a current InGenius Prep counselor. Pat and I discuss the paths students can take to these service academies. Pat reveals how students can maximize their admissions odds at these prestigious schools.
Check out our blog for more free resources:
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!

May 23, 2022 • 35min
54. How Students Can Utilize Arts and Performing Experience and Extracurriculars in College Admissions
On today’s episode, we chat with Karen Kerr, a Former Admissions Officer from the University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre, and Dance. Karen and I discuss how students can incorporate arts extracurriculars into their college application strategy. Karen highlights ways for these students to utilize these experiences to stand out in the admissions process.
Check out our blog for more free resources:
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!

May 9, 2022 • 51min
53. What a Dartmouth College Admissions Officer Wants from Applicants
On today’s episode, we chat with Heather McCutchen, a Former Admissions Reader at Dartmouth and a current InGenius Prep counselor. Heather and I discuss what makes Dartmouth special and what kind of applicants the college looks for. Heather reviews each aspect of the application from letters of recommendation to the alumni interview.
Check out our blog for more free resources:
How to Approach the Dartmouth College Supplemental Essays 2021-2022
A Comprehensive Guide to Liberal Arts Colleges
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!

Apr 25, 2022 • 25min
52. How Students at Highly Competitive High Schools Can Stand Out in College Admissions
On today’s episode, we chat with Padya Paramita, an InGenius Prep Graduate Coach and Columbia MFA candidate. Padya and I discuss the experiences of students who attend highly competitive high schools, and what admissions officers expect from these students. Padya details strategies students can use to stand out from their peers in the college admissions process.
Check out our blog for more free resources:
College Admissions 101: How to Start the Application Process
7 Ways to Stand Out as a STEM College Applicant
Asking for A Recommendation: Email and Cover Letter Templates
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!

Apr 11, 2022 • 40min
51. Applying to U.S. Universities as an International Student: the Admissions Process and the Student and Postgraduate Experience
On today’s episode, we chat with Victoria (Vicky) Rosenthal Madrid, InGenius Prep’s Assistant Director of Marketing and a former international student at Boston University and Florida International University and Miami Ad School. Vicky and I discuss what international students can expect when they apply to schools in the U.S. Vicky highlights key aspects of the student experience as well as postgraduate outcomes for international students.
Check out our blog for more free resources:
College Admissions 101: How to Start the Application Process
Common App Guides: Resources to Guide You Through the Different Sections
Click here to sign up for a free consultation with an admissions expert, or 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!


