

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 youโd like me to cover on future episodes, or any comments youโd like to share, please email me at: collegeadmissionstalk@gmail.com
And donโt forget to visit our website at www.collegeadmissionstalk.com
So, are you ready? Letโs talk about it.
Lastly, if you have any questions youโd like me to cover on future episodes, or any comments youโd like to share, please email me at: collegeadmissionstalk@gmail.com
And donโt forget to visit our website at www.collegeadmissionstalk.com
So, are you ready? Letโs talk about it.
Episodes
Mentioned books

May 27, 2024 โข 28min
209. U.S. Merchant Marine Academy - CDR Mike Bedryk - Director of Admissions
U.S. Mercant Marine Academy - Admissions-------------------------------๐ 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 ๐ฏ๐โ-----------------------------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:๐ Get the Print Copy Here๐ Get the eBook HereAlphabetical List of All Episodes with LinksClick Here To Join The Podcast Email Listwww.collegeadmissionstalk.com

May 20, 2024 โข 35min
208. Carnegie Mellon University - Gloria A. Darko - Assistant Director of Admission
๐ 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 ๐ฏ๐โ--------------------------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:๐ Get the Print Copy Here๐ Get the eBook HereAlphabetical List of All Episodes with LinksClick Here To Join The Podcast Email Listwww.collegeadmissionstalk.comโ---------------------------๐ 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:๐ 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.๐ 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.๐ 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.๐ Standout Essays: Discover the power of authentic storytelling in college applications emphasizing the importance of sincerity and self-expression.๐ 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.๐งTune in to learn the essential strategies and advice from Carnegie Mellon University to elevate your college application game! ๐ซLinks from Gloria:Undergraduate Admission RequirementsAcademic Requirements & Credit for College-Level WorkApplication Plans and DeadlinesApplying for Aid

May 13, 2024 โข 52min
207. Lehigh University - Bruce Bunnick - Director of Admissions
๐๐ 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.๐ Some Key Takeaways:Academic Distinctions: Discover Lehigh University's standout academic programs and unique opportunities that set it apart from other institutions. ๐ซExtracurricular Experiences: Learn about the diverse extracurricular activities and campus life experiences that await students at Lehigh. ๐Holistic Application Review: Gain insights into Lehigh's holistic approach to application evaluation, covering academic records, extracurriculars, recommendation letters, and more. ๐Crafting Standout Essays: Get expert advice on crafting standout essays that authentically reflect a student's personality and aspirations. ๐Impactful Recommendation Letters: Understand what makes a recommendation letter truly impactful and how students should approach choosing recommenders. ๐Test-Optional Trend: Explore the test-optional trend and its impact on admission, along with Bruce Bunnick's predictions for the future. ๐Addressing Educational Disparities: Learn how Lehigh considers the variation in available Advanced Placement courses among different high schools. ๐Support 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. ๐Homeschooling Application Process: Gain insights into the unique aspects of the application process for homeschooled students and the review process from the admissions office. ๐กBruce's Insights: Explore topics not covered in the questions, as Bruce Bunnick shares additional insights and perspectives. ๐คTop 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. ๐Lehigh University - Undergraduate Admissions------------------------------๐ 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 ๐ฏ๐โ-----------------------------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:๐ Get the Print Copy Here๐ Get the eBook HereAlphabetical List of All Episodes with LinksClick Here To Join The Podcast Email Listwww.collegeadmissionstalk.com

May 6, 2024 โข 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------------------------------๐ 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 ๐ฏ๐โ-----------------------------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:๐ Get the Print Copy Here๐ Get the eBook HereAlphabetical List of All Episodes with LinksClick Here To Join The Podcast Email Listwww.collegeadmissionstalk.com

May 1, 2024 โข 21min
205. Marquette University - Inside the Admissions Office: Expert Insights, Tips, and Advice - Mario Walker - Admissions Counselor
Join Mario Walker, an admissions counselor at Marquette University, as he shares insider insights into the college admissions process. He talks about the vibrant campus culture and academic resources that support student success. Discover tips for presenting your best self in applications and learn about the scholarship interview processes, especially the shift to virtual formats post-COVID. With advice on important deadlines, including the crucial December 1st priority deadline, this conversation is a must-listen for aspiring students!

Apr 29, 2024 โข 29min
204 - Jeff Selingo - Higher Education Author & Journalist
Jeff Selingo has written about higher education for more than two decades and is a New York Times bestselling author of three books. His latest book, Who Gets In & Why: A Year Inside College Admissions, was published in September 2020 and was named among the 100 Notable Books of the year by the New York Times. A regular contributor to The Atlantic, Jeff is a special advisor for innovation and professor of practice at Arizona State University. He also writes a bi-weekly newsletter on all things higher ed called Next, and co-hosts the podcast, FutureU. He lives in Washington, DC with his family.Jeff Selingo Home PageLink to Jeff's Books-----------------------------๐ 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 ๐ฏ๐โ-----------------------------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:๐ Get the Print Copy Here๐ Get the eBook HereAlphabetical List of All Episodes with LinksClick Here To Join The Podcast Email Listwww.collegeadmissionstalk.com

Apr 22, 2024 โข 52min
203. UCLA - Karly Brockett - Senior Associate Director of Admissions
UCLA - Admission๐๏ธ In this episode of "The College Admissions Process Podcast," we dive into the world of UCLA with the Senior Associate Director, Karly Brockett. Gain valuable insights into UCLA's distinctive features and the nuances of the college application process. ๐๏ธHere is what you can expect to hear from this episode:๐ซ UCLA's Uniqueness:Explore what sets UCLA apart within the University of California system. Karly provides an overview of academic programs, campus culture, and unique offerings that make UCLA a standout institution.๐ Key Components of Application Review:Discover the key elements UCLA looks for in the application review process, including insights into building a diverse incoming freshman class.๐ซ Application Mistakes:Karly sheds light on common pitfalls in the application process and offers valuable tips on how applicants can avoid them, making the journey less overwhelming.๐ Transcript and GPA Evaluation:Understand the significance of transcripts and how UCLA evaluates them. Gain insights into GPA recalculations and the role they play in the overall review process.๐ Personal Insight Questions (PIQs):Learn about the UC system's Personal Insight Questions, how applicants should approach them, and hear a memorable example that stuck with Karly.๐ In-state vs. Out-of-state Applications:Explore the differences in the application process for in-state and out-of-state students, providing clarity for prospective applicants.๐ซ Test-Free Admissions Policy:Understand the UC system's test-free policy and its impact on the application process, shedding light on how applicants are evaluated without standardized test scores.๐ Extracurricular Activities:Uncover how extracurricular activities influence the evaluation of an applicant's community contributions, with insights into the variation based on intended courses of study.๐ Transfer Student Considerations:Delve into the unique considerations transfer applicants face and discover how they can best prepare for a successful application to the UC system.๐ Top Three Pieces of Advice:Karly concludes the episode with her top three pieces of advice for students and parents navigating the college admissions process.--------------------------------๐ 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 ๐ฏ๐โ-----------------------------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:๐ Get the Print Copy Here๐ Get the eBook HereAlphabetical List of All Episodes with LinksClick Here To Join The Podcast Email Listwww.collegeadmissionstalk.com

Apr 17, 2024 โข 42min
202. Villanova University - Erica Woods - Senior Associate Director
๐ In this episode we dive into the world of admissions with Erica Woods, Senior Associate Director in the Office of Undergraduate Admission at Villanova University. Erica shares invaluable insights into what makes Villanova stand out and offers essential advice for prospective students and parents preparing for the college journey. Here are some key takeaways:Mission-Driven Education: Discover how Villanova's rich history and mission shape its vibrant community today, setting it apart from other universities. ๐๏ธFostering Engagement and Collaboration: Learn the secret behind Villanova's impressive 96% retention rate and how it fosters a collaborative and engaging learning environment both inside and outside the classrooms. ๐คApplication Review Process: Erica walks us through Villanova's application review process, highlighting key components and shedding light on the university's approach to standardized test scores. ๐คBeyond Academics: Explore the qualities and experiences that Villanova values in its applicants beyond academic achievements, and discover what tends to stand out in successful applicants. ๐Navigating Application Numbers: With a surge in applications, understand how Villanova determines the right balance of acceptances and rejections, ensuring a diverse and dynamic student body. ๐Supporting Student Success: Erica shares insights into the support systems Villanova offers its students, ensuring their continued success on campus, including accommodations for students with diverse needs. ๐งโ๐Listen to this enlightening conversation to gain invaluable advice and insights to help you navigate the college admissions process with confidence! ๐งVillanova University - Admissions------------------------------๐ 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 ๐ฏ๐โ-----------------------------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:๐ Get the Print Copy Here๐ Get the eBook HereAlphabetical List of All Episodes with LinksClick Here To Join The Podcast Email Listwww.collegeadmissionstalk.com

Apr 15, 2024 โข 48min
201. Duquesne University - Marisa M. Germinario - Assistant Director of Undergraduate Admissions
๐ In this episode of "The College Admissions Process Podcast," we learn about the unique offerings of Duquesne University with Marisa Germinario, the Assistant Director of Undergraduate Admissions. Marisa speaks about everything that Duquesne offers both inside and outside of the classroom, while providing insights on the following and so much more!๐๏ธWhat Sets Duquesne Apart: Discover what makes Duquesne University stand out among other institutions and what aspects make it attractive to prospective students.๐ Student Life: Learn about the vibrant student life at Duquesne, including activities beyond the classroom and weekend adventures.๐ Application Review Process: Marisa walks us through the process of how applications are reviewed at Duquesne, emphasizing key factors considered during evaluation.๐กTop Tips: Marisa shares her top tips for students and their parents as they go through the college search process.Duquesne University: duq.eduAdmissions: Undergraduate Admissions (duq.edu)Scholarships and Affordability: https://www.duq.edu/admission-and-aid/paying-for-school/undergraduate/affordability.phpMajors: Academic Programs (duq.edu)ZeeMee App DU-specific Landing Page: https://colleges.zeemee.com/colleges/duqu/interested--------------------------๐ 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 ๐ฏ๐โ-----------------------------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:๐ Get the Print Copy Here๐ Get the eBook HereAlphabetical List of All Episodes with LinksClick Here To Join The Podcast Email Listwww.collegeadmissionstalk.com

Apr 10, 2024 โข 1h 8min
200. The Truth About College Admission (2nd Edition) with Rick Clark - Author, Assistant Vice Provost & Executive Director of Admission at Georgia Tech
๐ 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 ๐ฏ๐โ-----------------------------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:๐ Get the Print Copy Here๐ Get the eBook HereAlphabetical List of All Episodes with LinksClick Here To Join The Podcast Email Listwww.collegeadmissionstalk.comโ------------------------------In this episode we had the great pleasure of welcoming back Rick Clark who is the co-author of The Truth About College Admission - 2nd Edition and the Asst. Vice Provost & Executive Director of Admission at Georgia Tech. Here are some of the things Rick and I spoke about, along with so much more:๐ Overview of "The Truth About College Admission":Rick takes us through the inspiration behind the second edition, exploring changes and trends in the dynamic world of college admissions.๐ก Controlling the Controllables in College Admission Uncertainty:Rick delves into factors applicants can control, emphasizing mindfulness amid uncertainties. He sheds light on navigating the college process, focusing on what matters and accepting elements beyond control.๐๏ธ Institutional Priorities & Admissions Goals:Rick unravels the intricacies of institutional priorities, explaining how colleges set goals, emphasizing the impact on individual applicants, and shedding light on the evolving landscape of college admissions.๐ Holistic Admission & GPA's Role:Explore the holistic admission process and the role of GPA in context. Rick provides clarity on how colleges assess students from diverse high schools, considering the nuances of their academic journeys.๐ Avoiding Wedges in the College Process:Learn from real examples in Clark's book about avoiding family wedges during the college application process. He shares advice on fostering healthy communication and steering clear of potential pitfalls.๐ฐ Financial Aid and Need Awareness:Rick explains the difference between need-blind and need-aware schools, offering insights into the crucial role financial aid plays in the college admission process.๐ Decoding College Rankings:Delve into the intricacies of college rankings with Clark, exploring their flaws and how individuals should approach them. Gain valuable perspectives on the often-misleading world of college rankings.๐๏ธ Maximizing College Visits:Clark shares key tips from his book on making the most of college visits, emphasizing their importance in determining fit and overall satisfaction with a chosen institution.๐ Admissions Representatives' Perspectives:Explore what admissions representatives look for in applicants, understanding the significance of high school context and course offerings in the decision-making process.๐ High School Acceptance Limitations:Clark addresses common beliefs about colleges limiting acceptances from specific high schools, providing clarity on this widely debated topic.โ Unasked Questions & Final Insights:Clark shares additional insights and reflections, addressing any unasked questions and providing a well-rounded perspective on the college admissions journey.๐ Top 3 Pieces of Advice for College Applicants:Discover Clark's top three pieces of advice for students and parents gearing up for the college admissions process.This is a must for anyone navigating the college process as we dived into a comprehensive exploration of college admissions realities with Rick Clark.๐๏ธ๐The Truth About College Admission Website


