The College Admissions Process Podcast

🎙️In this episode, host John Durante sits down with KirstyNicole Bocado, an Admissions Counselor at Fairleigh Dickinson University (FDU), to uncover what makes this New Jersey-based university a powerful choice for students seeking a global, personalized, and transformational education.With campuses in Florham and Metropolitan NJ, plus an international campus at Wroxton College in England, FDU is a university that blends academic rigor with individualized support, and a commitment to preparing students to thrive in a culturally connected world. 🌐💬From test-optional policies to experiential learning opportunities and support for neurodiverse students, this episode is a must-listen for any family navigating the college admissions process. 🎧🎯 Top 5 Takeaways for Students & Families:🌍 A Truly Global EducationFDU’s international focus comes to life through global learning experiences, a diverse student body, and the opportunity to study abroad at their Wroxton College campus in England — all while enjoying the feel of a close-knit U.S. campus community.🤝 Holistic Admissions That See the Whole StudentFDU looks beyond test scores. Whether you’re submitting test-optional or not, the university values intellectual curiosity, cultural awareness, and the personal qualities that signal you'll thrive in their collaborative learning environment.🔬 Hands-On Learning From Day OneFDU offers experiential learning early and often — from internships and research to service projects. Students are encouraged to apply classroom learning in real-world settings, starting as early as their first semester.💙 Inclusive Support for All LearnersFDU provides comprehensive support for neurodiverse students, including those with IEPs or 504 plans. With a welcoming team and accessible resources, the university ensures every student is set up for success, both inside and outside the classroom.💡 Guided Academic & Career AdvisingStudents at FDU benefit from intentional, personalized advising to help them explore majors, prepare for graduate school, and navigate career opportunities. This isn’t a one-size-fits-all model — it’s mentoring that matters.📌 Quick Facts About FDU:🏫 Two main campuses in NJ: Florham (suburban) & Metropolitan (urban)🌍 International campus at Wroxton College, UK👩‍🏫 11:1 student-to-faculty ratio💼 100+ undergraduate and graduate programs🎓 Test-optional admissions💵 Strong commitment to financial aid and merit scholarships🌐 Students from over 50 countries⚖️ GPA recalculated to ensure fairness across school systemswww.fdu.edu—----------------------------👉 This episode is brought to you by Prep Expert, a proud sponsor of The College Admissions Process Podcast. Prep Expert offers award-winning test prep courses and strategies that have helped thousands of students improve their scores. For full details on their programs and guarantees, visit www.PrepExpert.com 🎯📚—-----------------------------Straight From The Admissions Office: Insider Strategies For College ApplicationsIf you're looking for helpful tips and insights for the college admissions process, check out my book by clicking the links below:🔗 Get the Print Copy Here🔗 Get the eBook HereAlphabetical List of All Episodes with LinksClick Here To Join The Podcast Email Listwww.collegeadmissionstalk.com

🎙️ Episode: From Long Island to the Ivy League – A Student-Athlete’s Journey at Columbia UniversityIn this special episode of The College Admissions Process Podcast, I had the honor of speaking with Katelyn, a sophomore at Columbia University 🦁 and a member of the women’s lacrosse team 🥍.Katelyn takes us inside her journey as both a student and an athlete, sharing her path from Syosset, NY to the Ivy League, and the lessons she learned along the way.Here’s what you’ll learn in this episode:✨ Recruitment insights – how she navigated prospect camps, coach communication, and the September 1st timeline 📅.✨ Sacrifices & rewards – what it really takes to balance summer training, missed social events, and the grind of being a Division I athlete 💪.✨ Finding the right fit – why Columbia stood out not just athletically, but academically (hello, neuroscience + pre-med 🔬).✨ Campus life revealed – how Columbia offers the best of both worlds: a serene campus 🌳 and the energy of New York City 🌆.✨ Academic support for athletes – tutoring, wellness programs, and resources that set students up for success 📚.✨ Biggest surprises – what she didn’t expect about balancing athletics and academics in college 🎓.✨ Real talk advice – why you shouldn’t rush your commitment, how to block out comparison, and why being your authentic self matters most 🧭.💡 Whether you’re a student-athlete (or a parent of one), or simply curious about the Ivy League experience, this episode is full of actionable advice and honest perspective from someone living it right now.🎧 Tune in to hear Katelyn’s inspiring story and her guidance for students starting their own college journey!—----------------------------👉 This episode is brought to you by Prep Expert, a proud sponsor of The College Admissions Process Podcast. Prep Expert offers award-winning test prep courses and strategies that have helped thousands of students improve their scores. For full details on their programs and guarantees, visit www.PrepExpert.com 🎯📚—-----------------------------Straight From The Admissions Office: Insider Strategies For College ApplicationsIf you're looking for helpful tips and insights for the college admissions process, check out my book by clicking the links below:🔗 Get the Print Copy Here🔗 Get the eBook HereAlphabetical List of All Episodes with LinksClick Here To Join The Podcast Email Listwww.collegeadmissionstalk.com

🎙️In this insightful episode, Conner Stanfield, Assistant Director of Admission & Coordinator of Campus Visits at Grinnell College joins us to dive deep into the student experience at one of the most academically rigorous and intentionally student-centered liberal arts colleges in the country. 🏫 Whether you're just starting your college search or narrowing down highly selective schools, this conversation will benefit all students and families navigating the admissions process.⭐️ Top 4 Takeaways from the Episode:📚 The Power of the Individually Advised Curriculum:At Grinnell, there are no required general education courses. Instead, students work closely with advisors to design a personalized academic path that reflects their interests, goals, and intellectual curiosity. This level of academic freedom fosters creativity, independence, and a deep love of learning. 💡💬 A Commitment to Critical Thinking and Open Dialogue:Grinnell's academic culture thrives on intellectual inquiry, diversity of thought, and respectful discourse. Students are encouraged to ask bold questions, challenge assumptions, and explore a range of perspectives inside and outside the classroom.🎓 Holistic, Equitable Admissions with a Test-Optional Policy:Grinnell looks well beyond the numbers. They prioritize academic rigor, grade trends, and student context while ensuring equity in the process. Standardized test scores are optional, and the admissions team takes great care in evaluating each applicant’s unique story, potential, and fit for the Grinnell community. 🌍💸 A No-Loan Financial Aid Policy That Makes Grinnell Accessible:Grinnell meets 100% of demonstrated financial need without loans, helping students graduate debt-free. The college is deeply committed to affordability and access — a rare but incredibly important policy in today’s higher ed landscape. 🏦🏫 Quick Facts About Grinnell College:📍 Located in Grinnell, Iowa, halfway between Des Moines and Iowa City🎓 Enrolls approximately 1,700 students from all 50 states and over 60 countries🌟 Ranked among the top national liberal arts colleges🔬 Over 60% of students participate in undergraduate research or internships📖 Home to more than 500 course offerings with individualized academic advising🌍 Known for social responsibility, inclusivity, and global perspective—----------------------------👉 This episode is brought to you by Prep Expert, a proud sponsor of The College Admissions Process Podcast. Prep Expert offers award-winning test prep courses and strategies that have helped thousands of students improve their scores. For full details on their programs and guarantees, visit www.PrepExpert.com 🎯📚—-----------------------------Straight From The Admissions Office: Insider Strategies For College ApplicationsIf you're looking for helpful tips and insights for the college admissions process, check out my book by clicking the links below:🔗 Get the Print Copy Here🔗 Get the eBook HereAlphabetical List of All Episodes with LinksClick Here To Join The Podcast Email Listwww.collegeadmissionstalk.com

🎙️ Real Talk with College Students – Reflecting on the College Search JourneyWelcome to a special episode in our 🎓College Student Reflection Mini-Series on The College Admissions Process Podcast! In this episode, host John Durante sits down with a current college student who has completed at least one full year to reflect on their personal college admissions experience — from researching and applying to adapting to life on campus.Whether you're a high school student, a parent, or a college counselor, this candid conversation is packed with firsthand insights that can help guide your journey with clarity and confidence. 🚀💬 What We Cover in This Episode:✅ Where the student is from, where they went to high school, and where they’re currently enrolled🧠 When they started thinking seriously about college — and how they approached the process🎯 Who helped them (school counselor, private counselor, or DIY?)🏫 Key decision-making factors: location, size, vibe, majors, and more🚌 How many colleges they visited — and how those visits shaped their choices⭐ Their top 3 schools and how the final decision came together🎉 The biggest surprises after arriving on campus🔁 What they wish they did differently🎓 Honest advice for students applying to their college💡 What they wish they knew during the application process📣 Final advice for students and families just starting the college journey🎁 Why This Episode Matters:This episode offers an authentic, unfiltered perspective straight from a college student who's been there. From eye-opening surprises to practical advice, listeners will gain real-world takeaways that demystify the process and encourage thoughtful decision-making. 🙌If you’re looking to understand what matters most — and what really plays out after enrollment — this is the conversation you’ve been waiting for.—----------------------------👉 This episode is brought to you by Prep Expert, a proud sponsor of The College Admissions Process Podcast. Prep Expert offers award-winning test prep courses and strategies that have helped thousands of students improve their scores. For full details on their programs and guarantees, visit www.PrepExpert.com 🎯📚—-----------------------------Straight From The Admissions Office: Insider Strategies For College ApplicationsIf you're looking for helpful tips and insights for the college admissions process, check out my book by clicking the links below:🔗 Get the Print Copy Here🔗 Get the eBook HereAlphabetical List of All Episodes with LinksClick Here To Join The Podcast Email Listwww.collegeadmissionstalk.com

🎙️In this episode, Kurtis Kalagher, Assistant Director of Undergraduate Admissions from Quinnipiac University joins us to pull back the curtain on what makes Quinnipiac a standout choice for students looking for a close-knit, opportunity-rich college experience. 🎓 From understanding how Quinnipiac reviews applications holistically to the range of academic and support services offered, this episode is packed with insights that will benefit all students and families navigating the college admissions journey.⭐️ Top 4 Takeaways from the Episode:🎯 Holistic Review with a Personal Touch:Quinnipiac looks beyond GPAs and test scores to find students who will thrive both academically and socially. The admissions team places a strong emphasis on rigor, growth over time, and the impact students have made in their communities. Whether you submit test scores or not, your story matters.🌱 A Supportive, Student-Centered Campus Culture:With a student-faculty ratio of 11:1 and average class sizes of just 20, Quinnipiac fosters an environment where mentorship, advising, and belonging are core priorities. Students receive personalized academic advising and career prep — from their first year to graduation.🧠 Exceptional Resources for Neurodiverse Students:Quinnipiac is known for its strong support systems, especially for students with learning differences. From application through graduation, dedicated services and staff work with students with IEPs and 504s to ensure they receive accommodations and thrive inside and outside the classroom.💸 Transparent and Balanced Approach to Financial Aid:Quinnipiac offers a mix of merit scholarships and need-based aid, and they encourage families to understand the true net cost of attendance. The university provides clear tools and personalized financial guidance to support families at every stage of the process.---------------------------------------🏫 Quick Facts About Quinnipiac University: 📍 Located in Hamden, Connecticut, nestled between New York City and Boston 🎓 Offers 100+ academic programs across the liberal arts, business, health sciences, engineering, and communications 📈 97.4% of graduates employed or in grad school within six months 🏥 Known for strong career pathways in health sciences, law, nursing, and media 🌎 Active and inclusive campus with 140+ student-run organizations—----------------------------👉 This episode is brought to you by Prep Expert, a proud sponsor of The College Admissions Process Podcast. Prep Expert offers award-winning test prep courses and strategies that have helped thousands of students improve their scores. For full details on their programs and guarantees, visit www.PrepExpert.com 🎯📚—-----------------------------Straight From The Admissions Office: Insider Strategies For College ApplicationsIf you're looking for helpful tips and insights for the college admissions process, check out my book by clicking the links below:🔗 Get the Print Copy Here🔗 Get the eBook HereAlphabetical List of All Episodes with LinksClick Here To Join The Podcast Email Listwww.collegeadmissionstalk.com

🎙️ Real Talk with College Students – Reflecting on the College Search JourneyWelcome to a special episode in our 🎓College Student Reflection Mini-Series on The College Admissions Process Podcast! In this episode, host John Durante sits down with a current college student who has completed at least one full year to reflect on their personal college admissions experience — from researching and applying to adapting to life on campus.Whether you're a high school student, a parent, or a college counselor, this candid conversation is packed with firsthand insights that can help guide your journey with clarity and confidence. 🚀💬 What We Cover in This Episode:✅ Where the student is from, where they went to high school, and where they’re currently enrolled🧠 When they started thinking seriously about college — and how they approached the process🎯 Who helped them (school counselor, private counselor, or DIY?)🏫 Key decision-making factors: location, size, vibe, majors, and more🚌 How many colleges they visited — and how those visits shaped their choices⭐ Their top 3 schools and how the final decision came together🎉 The biggest surprises after arriving on campus🔁 What they wish they did differently🎓 Honest advice for students applying to their college💡 What they wish they knew during the application process📣 Final advice for students and families just starting the college journey🎁 Why This Episode Matters:This episode offers an authentic, unfiltered perspective straight from a college student who's been there. From eye-opening surprises to practical advice, listeners will gain real-world takeaways that demystify the process and encourage thoughtful decision-making. 🙌If you’re looking to understand what matters most — and what really plays out after enrollment — this is the conversation you’ve been waiting for.—----------------------------👉 This episode is brought to you by Prep Expert, a proud sponsor of The College Admissions Process Podcast. Prep Expert offers award-winning test prep courses and strategies that have helped thousands of students improve their scores. For full details on their programs and guarantees, visit www.PrepExpert.com 🎯📚—-----------------------------Straight From The Admissions Office: Insider Strategies For College ApplicationsIf you're looking for helpful tips and insights for the college admissions process, check out my book by clicking the links below:🔗 Get the Print Copy Here🔗 Get the eBook HereAlphabetical List of All Episodes with LinksClick Here To Join The Podcast Email Listwww.collegeadmissionstalk.com

🎓I had the privilege of speaking with two current students from Deep Springs College, an incredibly unique institution that blends rigorous academics with hands-on labor and self-governance. These students share their first-hand experiences of life at Deep Springs, providing invaluable insight into what makes this remote college in California so extraordinary.Here are the top highlights you don’t want to miss in this episode! 🌟1. A Life-Changing Educational Model 🧑‍🎓💼Deep Springs College offers a truly one-of-a-kind educational experience, combining a robust liberal arts curriculum with hands-on work in farming, ranching, and self-governance. With approximately 26 students on campus at any given time, this close-knit community creates a personalized educational environment unlike any other. The students shared how the intense academic challenge is complemented by the hard work they do on the ranch 🐄🌱 and how this unique blend has shaped their educational journey.2. Labor + Self-Governance = Transformation 💪🏽🚜The students discussed how labor is an integral part of their experience at Deep Springs. From working on the college’s ranch to helping with kitchen duties 🍳 and maintaining the farm 🌾, they emphasized how this hands-on work is more than just chores—it’s part of their education. What sets Deep Springs apart is the emphasis on self-governance: students play a direct role in decision-making for the college, ensuring that they develop leadership skills while learning how to run a community. 🗳️🤝3. Accessibility Through Full Scholarships 💰🎓One of the most compelling aspects of Deep Springs College is its commitment to accessibility. As the students shared, the college offers a fully funded education—there’s no tuition, and all students receive scholarships that cover everything, from tuition and room/board to travel costs 🌍. Deep Springs operates on a need-blind admission policy, ensuring that financial barriers don’t prevent talented students from attending. 💸✨Episode Highlights:Hear from current students about how Deep Springs blends academics, labor, and leadership 🧑‍🏫💪🏽Learn about the labor component of the college experience, from working the farm to running student government 🐄🌾🗳️Get the scoop on how full scholarships make this elite education accessible to students of all financial backgrounds 🌍💰This episode is perfect for anyone curious about nontraditional colleges that prioritize community, personal growth, and real-world experiences. If you're seeking a college where every student is highly involved in shaping their environment and educational journey, Deep Springs College is an institution to consider.Deep Springs College Admissions—----------------------------👉 This episode is brought to you by Prep Expert, a proud sponsor of The College Admissions Process Podcast. Prep Expert offers award-winning test prep courses and strategies that have helped thousands of students improve their scores. For full details on their programs and guarantees, visit www.PrepExpert.com 🎯📚—-----------------------------Straight From The Admissions Office: Insider Strategies For College ApplicationsIf you're looking for helpful tips and insights for the college admissions process, check out my book by clicking the links below:🔗 Get the Print Copy Here🔗 Get the eBook HereAlphabetical List of All Episodes with LinksClick Here To Join The Podcast Email Listwww.collegeadmissionstalk.com

🎙️ Real Talk with College Students – Reflecting on the College Search JourneyWelcome to a special episode in our 🎓College Student Reflection Mini-Series on The College Admissions Process Podcast! In this episode, host John Durante sits down with a current college student who has completed at least one full year to reflect on their personal college admissions experience — from researching and applying to adapting to life on campus.Whether you're a high school student, a parent, or a college counselor, this candid conversation is packed with firsthand insights that can help guide your journey with clarity and confidence. 🚀💬 What We Cover in This Episode:✅ Where the student is from, where they went to high school, and where they’re currently enrolled🧠 When they started thinking seriously about college — and how they approached the process🎯 Who helped them (school counselor, private counselor, or DIY?)🏫 Key decision-making factors: location, size, vibe, majors, and more🚌 How many colleges they visited — and how those visits shaped their choices⭐ Their top 3 schools and how the final decision came together🎉 The biggest surprises after arriving on campus🔁 What they wish they did differently🎓 Honest advice for students applying to their college💡 What they wish they knew during the application process📣 Final advice for students and families just starting the college journey🎁 Why This Episode Matters:This episode offers an authentic, unfiltered perspective straight from a college student who's been there. From eye-opening surprises to practical advice, listeners will gain real-world takeaways that demystify the process and encourage thoughtful decision-making. 🙌If you’re looking to understand what matters most — and what really plays out after enrollment — this is the conversation you’ve been waiting for.—----------------------------👉 This episode is brought to you by Prep Expert, a proud sponsor of The College Admissions Process Podcast. Prep Expert offers award-winning test prep courses and strategies that have helped thousands of students improve their scores. For full details on their programs and guarantees, visit www.PrepExpert.com 🎯📚—-----------------------------Straight From The Admissions Office: Insider Strategies For College ApplicationsIf you're looking for helpful tips and insights for the college admissions process, check out my book by clicking the links below:🔗 Get the Print Copy Here🔗 Get the eBook HereAlphabetical List of All Episodes with LinksClick Here To Join The Podcast Email Listwww.collegeadmissionstalk.com

🎙️ In this episode of The College Admissions Process Podcast (The CAPP), host John Durante welcomes Rebecca Simons, Director of Admission at Wellesley College, to unpack the application process and what makes a Wellesley education truly transformative.Whether you're wondering how test-optional policies are handled, what really matters in the essay, or how financial aid works at one of the nation’s top liberal arts colleges, this conversation is a must-listen for any student considering a women’s college—or any college, really.🔍 What You’ll Learn:📌 Wellesley’s holistic approach to evaluating applications: no GPA recalculations, no unfair comparisons.📝 What makes an essay resonate—and what doesn’t.🧑‍🏫 What teachers' recommendations reveal beyond your transcript.📚 How course rigor is considered in the context of your high school.🧭 Why Wellesley transitioned from the "Wellesley 100" to a new, reflective supplemental essay prompt.📉 Wellesley’s test-optional philosophy—and when it’s best to submit scores.💰 What you need to know about need-based aid (and why Wellesley offers no merit scholarships—proudly).🌍 How institutional priorities like diversity, major interest, and geography influence admissions.💬 The power of a women’s college experience—from leadership to confidence-building.💡 Rebecca’s top 3 tips for families navigating the college process (including the underrated power of setting boundaries and using the MyIntuition calculator).🔗 Resources Mentioned:Wellesley College AdmissionsMyIntuition Net Price Calculator👂 Why Listen:This episode goes beyond application mechanics and into what really matters: finding the right fit and making empowered choices. If you're even considering applying to a selective liberal arts college, Rebecca's advice will ground and guide you.🔁 Follow + Share:Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe and leave a review wherever you listen! And don’t forget to share with a student or family navigating the college process. 🎓✨Other Related Links from Rebecca:https://www.wellesley.edu/admission-aid/connect-with-wellesleyhttps://www.wellesley.edu/admission-aid/applyhttps://www.wellesley.edu/w100https://careereducation.wellesley.edu/—----------------------------👉 This episode is brought to you by Prep Expert, a proud sponsor of The College Admissions Process Podcast. Prep Expert offers award-winning test prep courses and strategies that have helped thousands of students improve their scores. For full details on their programs and guarantees, visit www.PrepExpert.com 🎯📚—-----------------------------Straight From The Admissions Office: Insider Strategies For College ApplicationsIf you're looking for helpful tips and insights for the college admissions process, check out my book by clicking the links below:🔗 Get the Print Copy Here🔗 Get the eBook HereAlphabetical List of All Episodes with LinksClick Here To Join The Podcast Email Listwww.collegeadmissionstalk.com

🎙️ Real Talk with College Students – Reflecting on the College Search JourneyWelcome to a special episode in our 🎓College Student Reflection Mini-Series on The College Admissions Process Podcast! In this episode, host John Durante sits down with a current college student who has completed at least one full year to reflect on their personal college admissions experience — from researching and applying to adapting to life on campus.Whether you're a high school student, a parent, or a college counselor, this candid conversation is packed with firsthand insights that can help guide your journey with clarity and confidence. 🚀💬 What We Cover in This Episode:✅ Where the student is from, where they went to high school, and where they’re currently enrolled🧠 When they started thinking seriously about college — and how they approached the process🎯 Who helped them (school counselor, private counselor, or DIY?)🏫 Key decision-making factors: location, size, vibe, majors, and more🚌 How many colleges they visited — and how those visits shaped their choices⭐ Their top 3 schools and how the final decision came together🎉 The biggest surprises after arriving on campus🔁 What they wish they did differently🎓 Honest advice for students applying to their college💡 What they wish they knew during the application process📣 Final advice for students and families just starting the college journey🎁 Why This Episode Matters:This episode offers an authentic, unfiltered perspective straight from a college student who's been there. From eye-opening surprises to practical advice, listeners will gain real-world takeaways that demystify the process and encourage thoughtful decision-making. 🙌If you’re looking to understand what matters most — and what really plays out after enrollment — this is the conversation you’ve been waiting for.—----------------------------👉 This episode is brought to you by Prep Expert, a proud sponsor of The College Admissions Process Podcast. Prep Expert offers award-winning test prep courses and strategies that have helped thousands of students improve their scores. For full details on their programs and guarantees, visit www.PrepExpert.com 🎯📚—-----------------------------Straight From The Admissions Office: Insider Strategies For College ApplicationsIf you're looking for helpful tips and insights for the college admissions process, check out my book by clicking the links below:🔗 Get the Print Copy Here🔗 Get the eBook HereAlphabetical List of All Episodes with LinksClick Here To Join The Podcast Email Listwww.collegeadmissionstalk.com