The College Admissions Process Podcast

In this episode we dive deep inside Northwestern University Admissions with Andrew Linnehan, Senior Associate Director of Admission & Director of Communications and Audience EngagementThis conversation provides valuable insights for students and families navigating the college admissions process, particularly for those interested in applying to Northwestern or other competitive colleges as Andrew shares so many great insights. From holistic review processes to tips for writing standout essays, Andrew shares insider knowledge that will help any student present their best selves.🎓 Top 4 Takeaways for Families:Northwestern’s Holistic Review Process:Andrew explains Northwestern’s holistic application review 🔍, focusing on how the admissions team evaluates more than just academic performance. They assess applicants' experiences, extracurriculars, and personal attributes to understand the full picture. They’re looking for students who align with Northwestern’s values and who will thrive in the campus community.The Importance of Retention Rate and Student Support:With a 97% retention rate 📈, Northwestern offers robust support for students from the moment they arrive on campus. Andrew highlights key programs and initiatives designed to help students acclimate and feel at home, contributing to their high retention rate and overall student satisfaction.Standardized Testing and Test-Optional Policies:Northwestern remains test-optional 📚, with a significant percentage of admitted students choosing not to submit standardized test scores. Writing a Strong Personal Statement and Supplemental Essays:Andrew provides key tips for writing a compelling personal statement 📝, including how to stand out by sharing authentic experiences and showcasing personal growth. He also discusses the importance of Northwestern’s supplemental questions and what the admissions team hopes to learn that isn’t covered in other parts of the application.💡 Other Key Discussion Points:Application Volume and Admission Rate:Northwestern receives over 50,000 applications annually, with an incoming class size of around 2,000 students. Andrew explains how this highly selective process works and what it means for prospective students.Academic Excellence and Campus Life:Northwestern offers a world-class education 🌍 across a variety of disciplines, including STEM, arts, and humanities. Their quarter system allows students to take a broader range of courses each year, providing a unique academic structure that benefits motivated learners.Letters of Recommendation:Strong letters of recommendation 📄 can make a difference in a student’s application. Andrew shares what makes these letters impactful and the qualities admissions teams look for in teacher and counselor recommendations.Deferral and Waitlist Advice:Andrew speaks of this part of the application process and you will not want to miss what he has to say!🏫 Northwestern University Facts:Location: Located in Evanston, Illinois, just north of Chicago, Northwestern provides students with easy access to the city’s resources while offering a scenic lakeside campus. 🌊🏙Retention Rate: Northwestern boasts an impressive 97% freshman retention rate, meaning students love it here and choose to stay. 💜Quarter System: Unlike many universities, Northwestern operates on a quarter system, which allows students to take more classes per year and explore a wider range of subjects. 📅Research and Innovation: Northwestern is a leading institution in research, with ample opportunities for students to engage in cutting-edge projects. 🔬 MyIntuition cost calculatorNorthwestern 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

Duke University - Undergraduate AdmissionsAlphabetical List of All Episodes with LinksClick Here To Join The Podcast Email ListThe College Application Process Podcast - Social Media LinksIn this follow-up episode I had the great pleasure of speaking with Christoph Guttentag, Dean of Undergraduate Admissions at Duke University. We delved into Duke's admissions process, academic programs, campus life, and essential tips for prospective students and their families. Whether you're a student applying to Duke or another institution, this conversation offers valuable insights to help you navigate the college admissions journey. 🌟📝 Key Takeaways:New Initiatives and Changes at Duke University 🚀Since our last interview, Duke has introduced several new initiatives in its admissions process and academic programs. Christoph highlights these updates and how they aim to enhance the student experience and academic excellence at Duke.Impressive Retention Rate and Campus Life 🌟Duke's retention rate stands at an impressive 98%! Christoph discusses the unique aspects of campus life, including popular extracurricular opportunities that keep students engaged and excited to return each year.Holistic Application Review Process 🔍Learn how Duke evaluates applications holistically. Christoph outlines the most important factors considered during the review process, providing valuable insights for prospective students on how to present their best selves in their applications.Early Decision vs. Regular Decision 🎯Christoph explains the benefits and potential drawbacks of applying through Early Decision versus Regular Decision at Duke. Understand the strategic considerations for each option to make an informed choice.Test-Optional Policy Insights 📊Duke is test-optional, and Christoph shares data on the percentage of students who applied and were admitted without submitting test scores. Discover how this policy impacts the admissions process and what it means for applicants.🔑 Additional Insights:GPA Evaluation and Academic Record 📚Crafting a Compelling College Essay ✍️Effective Letters of Recommendation 📝Support Services at Duke 📖🧠💼-------------------------👉 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

Merrimack College - Admission & Aid------------------------------👉 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

Geneseo WebsiteGeneseo Admissions WebsiteGeneseo Webinar Series (check often for updates!)Geneseo One-on-one Appointments with Admissions CounselorsGeneseo Facebook pageGeneseo YouTubeGeneseo on Instagram: @sunygeneseo------------------------------👉 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

Join John Durante, Principal of Syosset High School and host of The College Admissions Process Podcast, as he delves into insights from over 200 college admissions representatives. They discuss common parental misconceptions and the need for a wider understanding of the admissions process. Key topics include the impact of unique attributes in recommendation letters for competitive majors, the importance of effective communication, and tips for crafting compelling college essays. Discover how to navigate the complexities of college choices and make informed decisions.

👉 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---------------------------Penn State Undergraduate Admissions Penn State Undergraduate BulletinPenn State Admission StatisticsPenn State Educational Equity

Cal Poly AdmissionsCal Poly, Learn by DoingCal Poly AdmissionsCSU Application Link (apply to Cal Poly) Visit Cal Poly🎙️ In this episode I had the pleasure of speaking with Melissa Furlong, who is the Executive Director of Admissions and Enrollment Development at Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo. Melissa shared valuable insights about Cal Poly's unique academic programs, the vibrant student life, the comprehensive support services, and the intricacies of their application review process. This conversation is packed with essential information for students and parents navigating the college admissions journey.Biggest Takeaways:Cal Poly's Unique Academic Programs 🎓:Melissa highlights the uniqueness of Cal Poly's "Learn by Doing" philosophy, which integrates hands-on experiences with academic learning. This approach prepares students for real-world challenges and sets Cal Poly apart from other institutions.Student Involvement and Retention 🎉:With a 95% freshman retention rate, Cal Poly excels in keeping students engaged and committed. Melissa attributes this to the strong sense of community, abundant extracurricular opportunities, and robust support services available to students.Comprehensive Support Services 🛠️:From academic advising to career services and mental health resources, Cal Poly provides a wide range of support services to ensure student success and well-being. Melissa emphasizes the importance of these services in helping students thrive both academically and personally.Application Review Process 📄:Melissa provides a detailed walkthrough of Cal Poly's application review process, including how they evaluate GPA and she offers tips on avoiding common application mistakes and key factors to consider when determining if Cal Poly is the right fit.Thank you for tuning in to The College Admissions Process Podcast! Don't forget to rate, review, and subscribe for more valuable insights from college admissions professionals. 🌟----------------------------👉 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

Larry Alterman, Manager of East Coast Recruitment at Michigan State University, and Logan Powell, Associate Provost and Dean of Admission at Brown University, compare the unique appeals of their institutions. They dive into how each handles the rising number of applications and the realignment of Brown's admissions with standardized testing. The duo emphasizes the importance of a holistic approach to applications, highlighting personal narratives over grades. They also discuss authentic storytelling in essays and the need for balanced financial planning.

🎓In this episode we sit down with Trey Wilson, the Director of Undergraduate Admissions at Coastal Carolina University. Trey shares invaluable insights into what makes Coastal Carolina a unique and exciting choice for prospective students. Whether you're a high school student gearing up for college applications or a parent supporting your child through this journey, this episode is packed with essential information. Here are some key highlights from our conversation:Distinctive Academic Programs and Majors 🌟📚Trey delves into what sets Coastal Carolina apart academically, highlighting distinctive programs and majors that make the university stand out. From marine science to hospitality, learn about the innovative and hands-on opportunities that await students at Coastal Carolina.Extracurricular Activities and Student Life 🎭🤹‍♀️Discover the vibrant student life at Coastal Carolina with a rundown of popular and unique clubs and organizations on campus. Trey explains how these extracurricular activities enrich the student experience, providing both personal growth and professional development opportunities.Application Review Process and Tips for Standing Out 📝💡Gain an insider's perspective on the application review process at Coastal Carolina. Trey shares key factors that admissions officers consider and offers expert advice on how to make your application shine. Avoid common pitfalls and learn the best strategies to stand out in the competitive admissions landscape.Student Support Services and Future Initiatives 🧑‍🎓🙌Coastal Carolina is dedicated to supporting its students' academic success and personal well-being. Trey outlines the robust support services available, from academic advising to mental health resources. Additionally, he provides a sneak peek into exciting future developments and initiatives aimed at enhancing the student experience.Additional Highlights:Standardized Testing Approach and Alternatives 🎓📈Understand Coastal Carolina's stance on standardized testing and explore alternative methods for assessing academic preparedness.Appeal Process for Rejected Applications 🚪🔄If faced with a rejection, find out about Coastal Carolina's appeal process and the likelihood of having a decision overturned.Top Advice for Students and Parents 🎧🗣️To wrap up, Trey shares his top three pieces of advice for students and their parents as they navigate the college admissions process.Don't miss this episode filled with expert tips and inside knowledge to help you make informed decisions about your college journey. Tune in now and get a head start on your path to Coastal Carolina University! 🎙️🏝️Coastal Carolina 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

👉 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--------------------------------Middlebury College - Admissions Office