🎓 Navigating the Admissions Journey with Agnes Scott CollegeIn this episode of The College Admissions Process podcast, Dr. John Durante sits down with Miya Walker, Director of Admission at Agnes Scott College, to explore what makes this historic women’s college truly distinctive. Located in Decatur, Georgia—just minutes from downtown Atlanta—Agnes Scott offers a close-knit, academically rigorous community designed to help students thrive both inside and outside the classroom.🌍 The Summit ExperienceMiya breaks down Agnes Scott’s signature Summit Experience, a required three-pillar program that prepares students for life after college:Global Journeys: A funded, first-year experiential travel opportunity that builds a global mindset ✈️Professional Success: Career exploration, mentorship, and post-graduate planning 💼Leadership Development: Leadership (LDR) courses that help students define how they lead within a community 🧭📝 Admissions Insights & DeadlinesAgnes Scott uses rolling admission, with decisions typically released within 2–4 weeks once an application is complete. The college has been test-optional for 15 years and is now recommendation-optional, reinforcing its commitment to access and equity. The January 15 priority deadline is especially important for merit scholarships, including the Presidential Scholarship.🔍 The Holistic Review ProcessMiya shares what the admissions team looks for—“thrivers” who will flourish in a collaborative environment. Key advice includes using the Additional Information section to provide context, fully capturing responsibilities in the Activities section, and ensuring the personal statement clearly answers the prompt and stays focused on the applicant.💰 Affordability & SupportAgnes Scott offers strong financial support, including merit scholarships ranging from $25,000–$32,000 and the Atlanta Grant for out-of-state and international students. The college is FAFSA-only (no CSS Profile) and works closely with families to plan for all four years.💬 Final AdviceMiya encourages students to visit campuses to find where they truly belong—and reminds families that, even in a stressful process, there is still room for joy and grace along the way ❤️Agnes Scott College - Admission & Aid📬 Join my email list for practical college tips - and a free giftSPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS👉 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.🎯 Special Offer for Listeners: Use the code COLLEGETALK (one word) at checkout to receive 20% off.📚 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 Linkswww.collegeadmissionstalk.com​Instagram Facebook TikTok LinkedIn YouTube Shorts

Creative Thought Matters: Navigating Admissions at Skidmore CollegeEpisode OverviewIn this episode of The College Admissions Process Podcast, Dr. John Durante sits down with Dr. Janessa Dunn, Director of Admissions at Skidmore College, to pull back the curtain on the admissions process at one of the nation’s premier liberal arts colleges.Located in the quintessential college town of Saratoga Springs, Skidmore is a campus where “Creative Thought Matters” and interdisciplinary exploration are central to the student experience. In this conversation, Dr. Dunn shares how admissions officers evaluate applications, what truly stands out in the review process, and how students can best present their authentic selves.Whether you're curious about how to stand out among more than 12,000 applicants or simply want to learn what makes Skidmore’s campus community so distinctive, this episode offers valuable insights for students and families navigating the college admissions journey.What Listeners Will Learn• How admissions officers review applications using a holistic process• What makes a college essay truly stand out• When it makes sense to submit SAT or ACT scores at a test-optional school• What admissions officers really look for in letters of recommendation• The right—and wrong—way to use the Additional Information section of an application• What makes the student experience at Skidmore uniqueKey Highlights from the EpisodeThe “Crust of the Pie” AnalogyDr. Dunn explains Skidmore’s holistic review process using a memorable pie metaphor. Learn the four key components that form the “crust” of a strong application and how your high school transcript helps tell your academic story. The 75/25 Essay RuleWhy should most of your essay focus on the meaning behind your experiences? Dr. Dunn explains why roughly 75% of a compelling college essay should focus on reflection rather than simply retelling events. To Submit or Not Submit Test ScoresWith approximately 65% of the most recent incoming class applying test-optional, Dr. Dunn offers candid advice on how students should decide whether their SAT or ACT scores strengthen their application.Beyond the Grades: Letters of RecommendationWhat makes a recommendation letter stand out? Dr. Dunn explains why admissions officers value teachers who can speak to a student’s character, curiosity, and the “intangibles” that go beyond the transcript.The “Additional Information” TrapLearn how to use this often-overlooked section of the application effectively—including when bullet points can help provide useful context—and the one mistake students should avoid. Life at SkidmoreFrom a completely nut-free dining hall ranked among the best in the country to a student “test kitchen,” Dr. Dunn shares what makes the Skidmore campus experience both distinctive and welcoming.Skidmore Admissions & Aid📬 Join my email list for practical college tips - and a free giftSPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS👉 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.🎯 Special Offer for Listeners: Use the code COLLEGETALK (one word) at checkout to receive 20% off.📚 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 Linkswww.collegeadmissionstalk.com​Instagram       Facebook        TikTok        LinkedIn        YouTube Shorts

🎙️ UC Berkeley Admissions with Jua Howard — Assistant Director of Admissions returns with powerful insights you won’t want to miss. 💛💙⭐ What Makes Berkeley Stand OutUC Berkeley isn’t just the UC flagship — it’s a global powerhouse in research, innovation, and public service. 🌎📚 Academics That Push Boundaries150+ majors across top colleges, a brand-new College of Computing, and elite dual-degree programs like M.E.T. (Engineering + Business).Plus: student-taught Decal classes (yes, even Taylor Swift economics!) and global dual-degree options in France and Hong Kong. 🌍📖💡 A Mission of Service & ChangeFrom the Free Speech Movement to Cal in the Capital, Peace Corps leadership, and social-impact competitions—Berkeley students step up. ✊💼📝 Inside UC Berkeley AdmissionsBerkeley is test-free and fully holistic. They evaluate you in the context of your high school—no cross-school comparisons.Key notes:• Only 10th–11th grade grades used for UC GPA.• Self-reported app—but it must be accurate.• Use the additional comments sections to explain your story and context.• Senior year rigor matters. A lot. 🎓🔗 This conversation is packed with clarity, strategy, and insider perspective from someone who reads the applications. Don’t miss it.Berkeley Admissions: https://admissions.berkeley.edu/Admissions Email List: https://admissions.berkeley.edu/signup/Virtual Tour: https://www.youvisit.com/tour/berkeleyBerkeley Financial Aid: https://financialaid.berkeley.edu/UC Berkeley Academic Catalog: https://undergraduate.catalog.berkeley.edu/Undergraduate Research: https://research.berkeley.edu/-----------------------------------------------------📬 Join my email list for practical college tips - and a free giftSPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS👉 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.🎯 Special Offer for Listeners: Use the code COLLEGETALK (one word) at checkout to receive 20% off.📚 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 Linkswww.collegeadmissionstalk.com​Instagram Facebook TikTok LinkedIn YouTube Shorts

🎙️In this episode of The College Admissions Process Podcast, I sit down with Jennifer Gayles to unpack what makes Sarah Lawrence College one of the most distinctive liberal arts environments in the country. We dive into SLC’s interdisciplinary, writing-intensive curriculum and its signature four-year faculty mentorship model that supports every student from day one. 📚🧠Jennifer also opens the door to SLC’s holistic admissions review, breaking down how essays are evaluated, the importance of optional materials, and what “rigor” truly means in context. Her guidance on supplemental essays, interviews, creative portfolios, and self-reflection is incredibly useful for any student considering a liberal arts path. 📝💡She closes with grounded advice for applicants—stay reflective, create healthy boundaries around college conversations at home, and make sure your voice leads your writing. 🌱💬🎧 Listen and explore more resources:The College Admissions Process Podcast🌐 www.collegeadmissionstalk.comSarah Lawrence College Admissions📬 Join my email list for practical college tips - and a free giftSPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS👉 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.🎯 Special Offer for Listeners: Use the code COLLEGETALK (one word) at checkout to receive 20% off.📚 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 Linkswww.collegeadmissionstalk.com​Instagram Facebook TikTok LinkedIn YouTube Shorts

🎙 Episode Summary:Join Alyson Remsing - Assistant Vice President of Enrollment Management at Drew University as she gives an inside look at the "University in the Forest"—and its holistic admissions process. From Early Decision perks to maximizing your application, this episode is packed with insights for students and families.🌳 Key Highlights:Campus + City: Safe, green campus in Madison, NJ, just 50 minutes from NYC, with programs at Wall Street and the UN.Early Decision Benefits: Priority registration, special perks, and yes, even on-campus parking for freshmen.Holistic Review: Counselors assigned by region “champion” your file, making school visits meaningful.Activities Matter: Focus on quality over quantity. Use the Common App’s 150-character limit wisely, and upload a full resume for depth.Explaining Dips: Use the Additional Information section (or meet one-on-one) to contextualize academic challenges.Support & Success: Programs for students with IEPs/504s, plus summer boot camps for college readiness.Financial Clarity: Over 85% of students receive aid. Early Read provides financial estimates before committing.Drew University Admissions & Aid📬 Join my email list for practical college tips - and a free giftSPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS👉 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.🎯 Special Offer for Listeners: Use the code COLLEGETALK (one word) at checkout to receive 20% off.📚 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 Linkswww.collegeadmissionstalk.com​Instagram Facebook TikTok LinkedIn YouTube Shorts

🎙️ Spotlight on Carleton CollegeGuest: Adam Webster, Senior Associate Dean and Director of AdmissionsIn this episode, Adam Webster shares insight into Carleton College’s distinctive academic culture and holistic admissions process.📚 The Trimester AdvantageCarleton’s 10-week trimester system allows students to focus on three courses at a time, encouraging depth, engagement, and resilience.🔬 A True Liberal Arts ExperienceWhile over half of students major in STEM fields, Carleton remains deeply committed to interdisciplinary learning and exceptional undergraduate teaching.📝 Holistic Review in ActionApplications are reviewed in partnership to reduce bias, with careful attention to academic rigor within the context of each student’s opportunities. The high school transcript remains the strongest predictor of success. Carleton is test-optional.💡 Advice for ApplicantsUse the Additional Information section to provide context.Write in your authentic voice — not a “perfect” or AI-polished version.Don’t underestimate the value of part-time work and real-world responsibility.Families should create structured time to discuss college planning to reduce stress.A thoughtful look inside one of the nation’s leading liberal arts colleges.Admissions landing pageConnect with Carleton (learn more)📬 Join my email list for practical college tips - and a free giftSPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS👉 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.🎯 Special Offer for Listeners: Use the code COLLEGETALK (one word) at checkout to receive 20% off.📚 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 Linkswww.collegeadmissionstalk.com​Instagram Facebook TikTok LinkedIn YouTube Shorts

Navigating the Modern College Admissions Landscape with Rick ClarkIn this episode of The College Admissions Process Podcast, I welcome back Rick Clark, Vice Provost for Enrollment Management at Georgia Institute of Technology and co-author of The Truth About College Admissions. With decades of experience leading enrollment at one of the nation’s premier STEM institutions, Rick offers thoughtful insight into the seismic shifts reshaping college admissions — and what families must understand to navigate this process wisely.We begin with the evolution of STEM and the changing landscape of Computer Science. Rick explains how artificial intelligence and prompting fluency are influencing disciplines far beyond a single major. Computing is no longer confined to one department; it is becoming embedded across the curriculum. For students, the message is clear: depth matters, but adaptability matters just as much.One of the most powerful moments in our conversation is Rick’s “soup” analogy for admissions. Shaping a class is not about evaluating students in isolation. Institutions must balance residency goals, academic program needs, institutional priorities, and long-term enrollment strategy. Sometimes an admissions decision reflects the composition of the class more than the qualifications of the individual applicant. Understanding this distinction can bring clarity — and perspective — to families navigating outcomes.We also discuss the importance of storytelling within the application. The Common Application is not simply a form; it is a narrative. Letters of recommendation should function as a meaningful “forward,” adding new insight rather than repeating what is already visible. The Additional Information section should be used with intention, reserved for context that genuinely matters.Rick also addresses the ethical use of AI tools, including ChatGPT and Microsoft Copilot, as strategic resources for clarity and precision — particularly when refining activity descriptions within tight character limits. Used wisely, these tools can support organization and concision while preserving authenticity.We also highlight practical tools such as the Common Data Set and Net Price Calculators — resources every family should use early to ensure both academic and financial fit.This conversation is grounded, transparent, and empowering. If you are looking for clarity in a complex admissions landscape — and a way to move through it as a unified family — this episode delivers exactly that.Georgia Tech - Undergraduate AdmissionGeorgia Tech - Enrollment Management NewsLink to Rick's Book📬 Join my email list for practical college tips - and a free giftSPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS👉 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.🎯 Special Offer for Listeners: Use the code COLLEGETALK (one word) at checkout to receive 20% off.📚 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 Linkswww.collegeadmissionstalk.com​Instagram Facebook TikTok LinkedIn YouTube Shorts

🎙️ On this episode I sat down with Dr. Kerr C. Ramsay III, Senior VP for Enrollment at High Point University (HPU), for a deep dive into HPU’s educational philosophy, its focus on life skills, and what truly makes an applicant stand out.Dr. Ramsey breaks down HPU’s four pillars, explains why who you become matters just as much as your academics, and shares clear, practical tips for transcripts, recommendations, and supplementals.If you want real insight into how a values-driven, future-focused university evaluates potential, this episode is a must-listen. 🎧✨🔑 Key Discussion Points🎓 High Point University OverviewComprehensive national university in NC with ~6,000 students from all 50 states + 50+ countries.Educates the whole person, not just the mind.Celebrated 100 years in 2024; current model shaped by President Dr. Nido Qubein since 2005.Known as The Premier Life Skills University.99.2% grad success rate 💼📈Applications skyrocketed from 6,000 ➡️ nearly 22,000.🧱 The Four Pillars of an HPU EducationTechnical Excellence — Small classes, taught by full-time faculty with terminal degrees.Experiential Opportunities — Hands-on learning + access to innovators like Steve Wozniak and Netflix co-founder Marc Randolph.Values & Character — Four-year focus on becoming someone others can count on.Life Skills — Preparing students for real-world success and leadership. 💡🧠 Life Skills: What HPU Values in ApplicantsHPU looks for qualities tied to long-term career success:• Coachability 🤝• Intrinsic Motivation 🔥• Emotional Intelligence 💬• Growth Mindset 📈Students receive success coaches from day one + opportunities for life-skills certifications.📝 Applying to HPU: What Matters MostHolistic Review: Evidence of perseverance, initiative, responsibility, coachability, and growth mindset.Activities: Upload a résumé to show depth, motivation, and impact.Transcripts: Every transcript is recalculated to an unweighted GPA + a personalized rigor score based on each HS’s offerings.Recommendations: Build real relationships so recommenders can speak to who you are.Supplementals: Designed around the four pillars—meaningful travel (EQ), innovation, and “Why HPU?”Test Optional: Submit scores only if they strengthen your file. Students should reach...