

The College Admissions Process Podcast
John Durante
Welcome to "The College Admissions Process Podcast," your ultimate resource for navigating the journey to higher education while receiving application tips and other college advice. I am your host, John Durante, and I am here to introduce you to college admissions representatives, and other professionals in the field of college admissions. Our purpose is to serve you the students and parents, so that you may gain insight straight from the people who ultimately make the decisions. Regardless of whether you will apply to a particular school being highlighted in a given podcast episode, you should listen to all of them, as each guest will give you tremendous insight and advice on every aspect of the college admissions process.
Lastly, if you have any questions you’d like me to cover on future episodes, or any comments you’d like to share, please email me at: collegeadmissionstalk@gmail.com
And don’t forget to visit our website at www.collegeadmissionstalk.com
So, are you ready? Let’s talk about it.
Lastly, if you have any questions you’d like me to cover on future episodes, or any comments you’d like to share, please email me at: collegeadmissionstalk@gmail.com
And don’t forget to visit our website at www.collegeadmissionstalk.com
So, are you ready? Let’s talk about it.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jun 19, 2024 • 16min
215. High Point University - Katie McKeon - Admissions Counselor
High Point University - Admissions High Point University Oars Program--------------------------👉 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

Jun 17, 2024 • 50min
214. Hofstra University - Director of External Relations in the Office of Undergraduate Admissions - Hofstra University
Hofstra University AdmissionsJoin us as we explore the vibrant world of Hofstra University with Bryan Rothstein, the Director of External Relations in the Office of Undergraduate Admission.What makes Hofstra unique? Bryan Rothstein sheds light on the aspects that make the university a top choice for many students.Discover the recent developments and future priorities at Hofstra, showcasing the institution's commitment to growth and excellence.Bryan takes us on a journey through Hofstra's vibrant student life, unveiling a plethora of extracurricular activities and organizations 🎉.Gain valuable insights into Hofstra's unique approach to the admissions process, including criteria, factors, and the different application pathways.Learn about the various application methods and the potential benefits in terms of acceptance and scholarship opportunities 📚.Bryan emphasizes the importance of campus visits and guides prospective students on the questions to ask, helping them determine if Hofstra is the right fit 👣.Understand how Hofstra considers the diversity in high school offerings when reviewing applications, from AP courses to extracurricular engagement 🏫.Explore the elements of a student's activity sheet that go beyond academics, showcasing their holistic achievements 🎨.Bryan delves into the significance of teacher recommendation letters and what admissions teams look for when reading them 💌.Discover the opportunities and support systems Hofstra offers to students with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) to ensure their success on campus 🌈.Bryan shares any additional topics he'd like to address and offers his three top pieces of advice for students and parents navigating the college admissions process.A huge thank you to Bryan Rothstein for providing a deep dive into the inner workings of Hofstra University's admissions process. Don't forget to subscribe for more insights into the college admissions 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

Jun 10, 2024 • 35min
213. Florida State University - Andrea Flores - Assistant Director of Recruitment
🎓 In this episode we gain valuable insights into Florida State University's offerings with Andrea Flores, Assistant Director of Recruitment. Andrea shares her expertise in every aspect of admissions including:🌟 FSU's Distinctiveness: Discover what sets Florida State University apart from other institutions and the aspects that make it attractive to prospective students.📈 Impressive Retention Rate: Explore FSU's remarkable retention rate and uncover the secrets behind keeping students happy and engaged year after year.📝 Application Review Process: Andrea walks us through the process of how applications are reviewed at FSU, emphasizing key factors considered by the admissions committee.🤔 Handling Increased Applications: Learn how FSU determines acceptance rates amidst a rise in applications and uncertainties about enrollment.🌎 In-State vs. Out-of-State: Delve into FSU's approach to balancing in-state and out-of-state student admissions and whether there's a cap on out-of-state admissions.💡 Alignment with Mission: Explore how FSU ensures its admissions policies, including those related to test scores, align with the university's mission and values.🤝 Support Services: Explore the support services FSU offers its students to ensure success on campus.📝 Top Advice: Andrea shares three top pieces of advice for students and parents preparing for the college process.🎙️ Listen in to gain valuable insights into Florida State University's admissions process and discover what makes it a compelling choice for prospective students and parents alike!🧑🎓Florida State University - 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

Jun 5, 2024 • 48min
212. Navigating College Admissions with Tim Fields and Shereem Herndon-Brown, Co-Authors of "The Black Family’s Guide to 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—------------------------Buy Tim & Shereem's Book: The Black Family's Guide to College Admissions Shereem's College List Builder Other Resources from Tim & ShereemIn this episode we sit down with Tim Fields and Shereem Herndon-Brown, co-authors of the book The Black Family’s Guide to College Admissions - A Conversation about Education, Parenting, and Race. This conversation dives deep into the nuances of the college admissions process, tackling specific challenges faced by all families and offering advice that is beneficial for students and their families. From understanding institutional priorities to the impact of AI in admissions, this episode is packed with valuable insights for anyone navigating the college journey.Top 5 Biggest Takeaways for Listeners:Challenges in College Admissions and Solutions 🎓:Tim and Shereem discuss the unique challenges students and their families face during the college admissions process. They emphasize the importance of early preparation and leveraging community resources to navigate these challenges effectively.Impact of the Supreme Court Decision on Race and Admissions ⚖️:The authors address the recent Supreme Court decision on race in college admissions. They provide advice for families on how to adapt their strategies, emphasizing the need to highlight a student's unique experiences.Mental Health and the College Process 🧠:An entire chapter of their book is dedicated to mental health, underscoring its importance during the stressful college admissions journey. The authors share strategies for maintaining mental well-being, such as setting realistic expectations, taking breaks, and seeking support.Advice for Families with Limited Resources 💡:Recognizing that not all families have access to strong college counseling, Tim and Sheremme offer practical tips for navigating the process with limited resources. They suggest utilizing free online resources, connecting with community organizations, and being proactive in seeking guidance from school counselors despite high caseloads.Additional Highlights:Tim’s Personal College Experience and Advice 🎓:Tim shares insights from his own college journey at Morehouse College and his wife’s experience at the University of Miami. He reflects on what he would do differently and offers advice for his own children as they approach college.Insights on Athletic Recruitment ⚾:Shereem discusses his son’s athletic recruitment process and advises families to thoroughly evaluate schools beyond athletic opportunities, considering factors like campus culture and long-term benefits of the degree.Role of Artificial Intelligence in College Admissions 🤖:The authors explore the growing role of AI in the admissions process, particularly in essay evaluation, and discuss its potential impact on fairness and access.Final Thoughts:Tim and Sheremme hope their book will foster broader conversations about college access and fairness. They encourage all families, regardless of background, to focus on preparation, perseverance, and leveraging available resources to achieve college success.

Jun 3, 2024 • 42min
211. Emory University - Follow-Up Episode - Tim Fields - Sr. Associate Dean of Undergraduate Admission
Emory University - Office of Admissions Link to Tim's Book ---------------------------👉 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

May 29, 2024 • 37min
210. Transform Your Dorm with Dormify: Exclusive Interview with Co-Founder Amanda Zuckerman and learn about Special Discounts
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

May 27, 2024 • 28min
209. U.S. Merchant Marine Academy - CDR Mike Bedryk - Director of Admissions
U.S. Mercant Marine Academy - 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

May 20, 2024 • 35min
208. Carnegie Mellon University - Gloria A. Darko - Assistant Director of Admission
👉 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, we're joined by Gloria A. Darko, Assistant Director of Admission at Carnegie Mellon University, to uncover what makes CMU a top choice for students and how they support their students' success both academically and personally.Some of the topics we covered include:🎓 Why Carnegie Mellon? Gloria shares her passion for CMU, emphasizing its unique blend of rigorous academics and vibrant campus life. From cutting-edge research opportunities to a tight-knit community, CMU offers a transformative college experience.😊 The Secret to Retention: With an impressive 97% freshman retention rate, CMU stands out nationally. Gloria unveils the strategies behind this success, revealing a supportive environment that prioritizes student well-being and engagement.📚 Transcript Evaluation: Gain insights into CMU's approach to reviewing transcripts. Gloria explains the nuanced criteria they consider, tailored to each student's intended major, ensuring a holistic assessment of academic readiness.📝 Standout Essays: Discover the power of authentic storytelling in college applications emphasizing the importance of sincerity and self-expression.🔍 Supplemental Essays & Test-Optional Policy: Stay tuned as we delve into CMU's supplemental essays, test-optional policy, and the role of AP/IB scores, providing invaluable guidance for students and parents navigating the college admissions journey.🎧Tune in to learn the essential strategies and advice from Carnegie Mellon University to elevate your college application game! 🏫Links from Gloria:Undergraduate Admission RequirementsAcademic Requirements & Credit for College-Level WorkApplication Plans and DeadlinesApplying for Aid

May 13, 2024 • 52min
207. Lehigh University - Bruce Bunnick - Director of Admissions
📚🎓 In this episode of "The College Admissions Process Podcast," I had the great pleasure of interviewing Bruce Bunnick, who is the Director of Admissions at Lehigh University. Bruce and I explored their unique academic offerings, holistic application review process, while gaining valuable insights into the vibrant campus life at Lehigh.🌟 Some Key Takeaways:Academic Distinctions: Discover Lehigh University's standout academic programs and unique opportunities that set it apart from other institutions. 🏫Extracurricular Experiences: Learn about the diverse extracurricular activities and campus life experiences that await students at Lehigh. 🎉Holistic Application Review: Gain insights into Lehigh's holistic approach to application evaluation, covering academic records, extracurriculars, recommendation letters, and more. 📚Crafting Standout Essays: Get expert advice on crafting standout essays that authentically reflect a student's personality and aspirations. 📝Impactful Recommendation Letters: Understand what makes a recommendation letter truly impactful and how students should approach choosing recommenders. 💌Test-Optional Trend: Explore the test-optional trend and its impact on admission, along with Bruce Bunnick's predictions for the future. 📊Addressing Educational Disparities: Learn how Lehigh considers the variation in available Advanced Placement courses among different high schools. 🎓Support for Students with IEPs: Discover the opportunities Lehigh offers to students that had Individualized Education Plans (IEP) in high school for continued success on campus. 🌈Homeschooling Application Process: Gain insights into the unique aspects of the application process for homeschooled students and the review process from the admissions office. 🏡Bruce's Insights: Explore topics not covered in the questions, as Bruce Bunnick shares additional insights and perspectives. 🤔Top Three Pieces of Advice from Bruce: Wrap up the episode with Bruce's top three pieces of advice for students and parents navigating the college admissions process. 🚀Lehigh University - Undergraduate 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

May 6, 2024 • 1h 20min
206. UC Berkeley - Jua Howard - Assistant Director of Admissions
UC Berkeley Admissions UC Berkeley Virtual Tour UC Berkeley Academic Guide UC Berkeley Campus Life Thriving Initiatives Financial Aid and Scholarships Office Financial Aid Cal-culator (Net Price Calculator) Scholarships Cal Athletics A - G Academic Subject Requirements Personal Insight Questions NCAA Website------------------------------👉 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