College Admissions Insider

Bucknell University
  • 4.8 (36)
  • EDUCATION
  • UPDATED BIMONTHLY

A whole lot happens between choosing a list of top schools and getting that thick acceptance envelope in the mail. But you don't have to take that journey alone. On each episode of College Admissions Insider, we talk to real college admissions counselors to bring you expert advice for your college search. Learn how to find the right college fit, build a list of finalists, and create an application that gets noticed. This podcast is an initiative of Bucknell University but is designed for students applying to any school.

  1. FEB 16

    Episode 100: The Future of Higher Education

    Since 2020, we've pulled back the curtain on all things admissions, sharing expert advice for your college journey. Today, we're celebrating our 100th episode of College Admissions Insider by tackling our biggest topic yet: the state and future of higher education. What better guest to invite than someone who's dedicated their career to championing lifelong learning? That person is John Bravman, who currently serves as the 17th president of Bucknell University. Read a transcript for this episode. If you have a question, comment or idea for a future episode, email podcast@bucknell.edu. Please note: Information presented in this episode was accurate at the time of recording, but may have since changed. Participants may have changed roles or no longer hold positions at Bucknell University. Links: Info about applying to BucknellApplication dates and deadlinesPlan a visit to Bucknell@iamraybucknell, our student-run InstagramBuild a Bucknell Custom ViewbookLatest news for prospective studentsBucknell Virtual Welcome CenterWhen you visit campus for a preview session and guided tour, chat with our student ambassadors, or experience an interactive virtual tour of campus, you'll have a front-row seat as you explore this place we call home. This combination of in-person and virtual visit offerings means you can learn more about Bucknell in the way that fits you and your family best.

    24 min

  2. FEB 10

    Episode 99: College Planning Timeline: 12th Grade

    Senior year is finally here, and with it comes all of the excitement and nervousness about what comes next. For students with their eyes set on college, now is the time to get to work on submitting your very best applications to your dream schools.  In this last episode in our College Planning Timeline series, Becca and Brooke cover tips, tricks and application insights for high school seniors.  Read a transcript for this episode. If you have a question, comment or idea for a future episode, email podcast@bucknell.edu. Please note: Information presented in this episode was accurate at the time of recording, but may have since changed. Participants may have changed roles or no longer hold positions at Bucknell University. Links: Get our official College Planning TimelineInfo about applying to BucknellApplication dates and deadlinesPlan a visit to Bucknell@iamraybucknell, our student-run InstagramBuild a Bucknell Custom ViewbookLatest news for prospective studentsBucknell Virtual Welcome CenterWhen you visit campus for a preview session and guided tour, chat with our student ambassadors, or experience an interactive virtual tour of campus, you'll have a front-row seat as you explore this place we call home. This combination of in-person and virtual visit offerings means you can learn more about Bucknell in the way that fits you and your family best.

    9 min

  3. JAN 20

    Episode 98: College Planning Timeline: 11th Grade

    When it comes to the college search process, it can feel like all eyes are on junior year. From the classes you take and the grades you earn, to the steps you take to explore colleges and universities, your junior year in high school might be the most essential. In this episode of our college planning timeline series, we're offering advice for making the most of it. Read a transcript for this episode. If you have a question, comment or idea for a future episode, email podcast@bucknell.edu. Please note: Information presented in this episode was accurate at the time of recording, but may have since changed. Participants may have changed roles or no longer hold positions at Bucknell University. Links: Get our official College Planning TimelineInfo about applying to BucknellApplication dates and deadlinesPlan a visit to Bucknell@iamraybucknell, our student-run InstagramBuild a Bucknell Custom ViewbookLatest news for prospective studentsBucknell Virtual Welcome Center When you visit campus for a preview session and guided tour, chat with our student ambassadors, or experience an interactive virtual tour of campus, you'll have a front-row seat as you explore this place we call home. This combination of in-person and virtual visit offerings means you can learn more about Bucknell in the way that fits you and your family best.

    8 min

  4. JAN 7

    Episode 97: College Planning Timeline: 10th Grade

    After nearly 100 episodes, we've learned that it's never too early to start planning for college.   In our College Planning Timeline series, Becca and Brooke are offering a step-by-step action plan to take you from 9th through 12th grade and beyond.  Today, we'll cover tips and best practices for students who are sophomores in high school. Read a transcript for this episode. If you have a question, comment or idea for a future episode, email podcast@bucknell.edu. Please note: Information presented in this episode was accurate at the time of recording, but may have since changed. Participants may have changed roles or no longer hold positions at Bucknell University. Links: Get our official College Planning TimelineInfo about applying to BucknellApplication dates and deadlinesPlan a visit to Bucknell@iamraybucknell, our student-run InstagramBuild a Bucknell Custom ViewbookLatest news for prospective studentsBucknell Virtual Welcome CenterWhen you visit campus for a preview session and guided tour, chat with our student ambassadors, or experience an interactive virtual tour of campus, you'll have a front-row seat as you explore this place we call home. This combination of in-person and virtual visit offerings means you can learn more about Bucknell in the way that fits you and your family best.

    8 min

  5. 12/17/2025

    Episode 96: College Planning Timeline: 9th Grade

    Applying to college may seem like one big step toward your future, but you'll be more successful — and less stressed — if you instead see that journey as dozens of smaller steps.  In the next four episodes of College Admissions Insider, Becca and Brooke will be walking you through our college planning timeline, offering a step by step action plan to take you from 9th grade through 12th grade and beyond. Today we’ll cover tips and best practices for students who are in their first year in high school.  Read a transcript for this episode. If you have a question, comment or idea for a future episode, email podcast@bucknell.edu. Please note: Information presented in this episode was accurate at the time of recording, but may have since changed. Participants may have changed roles or no longer hold positions at Bucknell University. Links: Get our official College Planning TimelineInfo about applying to BucknellApplication dates and deadlinesPlan a visit to Bucknell@iamraybucknell, our student-run InstagramBuild a Bucknell Custom ViewbookLatest news for prospective studentsBucknell Virtual Welcome CenterWhen you visit campus for a preview session and guided tour, chat with our student ambassadors, or experience an interactive virtual tour of campus, you'll have a front-row seat as you explore this place we call home. This combination of in-person and virtual visit offerings means you can learn more about Bucknell in the way that fits you and your family best.

    8 min

  6. 12/01/2025

    Episode 95: Artificial Intelligence in College Admissions

    If there's one thing that's always constant, it's change. Nowhere is that more true than in the field of technology. Like many industries, higher education is transforming in the midst of the newest tech revolution: Artificial intelligence. In this episode of College Admissions Insider, we'll explore some of the ways colleges are implementing AI assistance, how that impacts the experience for students and families, and what it means for the future of higher ed. Our guest is Emily Smith, Principal Vice President of Partner Success at CollegeVine — a company that helps colleges and universities optimize their operations with AI. Read a transcript for this episode. If you have a question, comment or idea for a future episode, email podcast@bucknell.edu. Please note: Information presented in this episode was accurate at the time of recording, but may have since changed. Participants may have changed roles or no longer hold positions at Bucknell University. Links: How to use AI in your college searchInfo about applying to BucknellApplication dates and deadlinesPlan a visit to Bucknell@iamraybucknell, our student-run InstagramBuild a Bucknell Custom ViewbookLatest news for prospective studentsBucknell Virtual Welcome CenterWhen you visit campus for a preview session and guided tour, chat with our student ambassadors, or experience an interactive virtual tour of campus, you'll have a front-row seat as you explore this place we call home. This combination of in-person and virtual visit offerings means you can learn more about Bucknell in the way that fits you and your family best.

    31 min

  7. 10/20/2025

    Episode 94: Demonstrated Interest

    Submitting your application is the ultimate way you'll tell a college you want in. But that's just the end of the story. In the years before you apply, many admissions offices will be on the lookout for something called demonstrated interest. In this episode, we talk about why demonstrated interest has become increasingly important in recent years, what counts as meaningful engagement, and what students should and shouldn't do as they try to stand out. Our guest is Kevin Mathes '07, vice president of enrollment management and dean of admissions at Bucknell University. Read a transcript for this episode. If you have a question, comment or idea for a future episode, email podcast@bucknell.edu. Please note: Information presented in this episode was accurate at the time of recording, but may have since changed. Participants may have changed roles or no longer hold positions at Bucknell University. Links: Find your Bucknell admissions counselorInfo about applying to BucknellApplication dates and deadlinesPlan a visit to Bucknell@iamraybucknell, our student-run InstagramBuild a Bucknell Custom ViewbookLatest news for prospective studentsBucknell Virtual Welcome CenterWhen you visit campus for a preview session and guided tour, chat with our student ambassadors, or experience an interactive virtual tour of campus, you'll have a front-row seat as you explore this place we call home. This combination of in-person and virtual visit offerings means you can learn more about Bucknell in the way that fits you and your family best.

    18 min

  8. 09/22/2025

    Episode 93: Crushing the College Interview

    The application is the main way colleges and universities get to know you as an applicant. But it's not the only way. At some schools, students are invited to share their story in-person through an admissions interview. In this episode of College Admissions Insider, we'll learn why interviews are valuable in the admissions process, what you can do to practice and prepare, and how building interviewing skills can benefit you in the future. Our guest is Alison Slater, founder of Interview Prep, which provides personalized coaching for high school students to help them make the most of college interviews. (Use code BUCKNELL10 for 10% off coaching booked in 2025.) Read a transcript for this episode. If you have a question, comment or idea for a future episode, email podcast@bucknell.edu. Please note: Information presented in this episode was accurate at the time of recording, but may have since changed. Participants may have changed roles or no longer hold positions at Bucknell University. Links: Get interview tips and prep resourcesInfo about applying to BucknellApplication dates and deadlinesPlan a visit to Bucknell@iamraybucknell, our student-run InstagramBuild a Bucknell Custom ViewbookLatest news for prospective studentsBucknell Virtual Welcome CenterWhen you visit campus for a preview session and guided tour, chat with our student ambassadors, or experience an interactive virtual tour of campus, you'll have a front-row seat as you explore this place we call home. This combination of in-person and virtual visit offerings means you can learn more about Bucknell in the way that fits you and your family best.

    22 min
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4.8
out of 5
36 Ratings

About

A whole lot happens between choosing a list of top schools and getting that thick acceptance envelope in the mail. But you don't have to take that journey alone. On each episode of College Admissions Insider, we talk to real college admissions counselors to bring you expert advice for your college search. Learn how to find the right college fit, build a list of finalists, and create an application that gets noticed. This podcast is an initiative of Bucknell University but is designed for students applying to any school.

Information

  • Creator
    Bucknell University
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    110
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Copyright © 2021 - College Admissions Insider, Bucknell University
  • Show Website
    College Admissions Insider

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