College Admissions Decoded

NACAC

3.8 (47)
HOW TO

Created by the National Association for College Admission Counseling, every episode features insiders from the world of admissions breaking down the facts, myths, and rules of engagement for today's college landscape.

10/31/2025

Inside the Guide: Exploring Ethical Practice in College Admission

In this episode, members of NACAC’s Admission Practices Committee share how NACAC’s Guide to Ethical Practice in College Admission supports college admission professionals in making sound decisions with integrity, equity, and transparency. We discuss ethical dilemmas and consider how the profession can respond to emerging challenges in ever-involving higher education landscape.

37 min
06/12/2025

Setting Your College-Bound Student Up for Success in 2025

In this episode of College Admissions Decoded, we’re focusing on one of the most important, but often overlooked, parts of the college journey: the transition from high school to higher education. Getting into college is just the beginning. Helping students find their footing, their people, and their purpose once they reach campus is key to their success. Together with our expert guests, we’ll explore how to prepare students emotionally and practically, and what students can do to build support systems and a sense of belonging on campus. Guests: Asia Bailey, Associate Program Director of High Schools, CollegeBound FoundationAaron Cook, Senior Assistant Director of Out-of-State Recruitment, University of MissouriJosh Eisenberg, Dean of Campus Life, Pomona CollegeHost: Eddie Pickett, Senior Associate Dean of Admissions and Director of Recruitment at Pomona College.

33 min
04/11/2025

Higher Education Advocacy in Uncertain Times: Navigating Policy Changes in College Admission

NACAC's David Hawkins and Sean Robins discuss the administration's changes to education policy, including efforts to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education and anti-DEI initiatives, and how these policies impact students, institutions, and the college admission landscape. They also share opportunities and strategies for advocacy. (Recorded on March 18, 2025) NACAC advocacy and policy updates: https://www.nacacnet.org/advocacy/take-action/

33 min
02/03/2025

Celebrating School Counselors

In honor of National School Counseling Week, we are shining a spotlight on the work of school counselors and the vital role they play in students’ lives. Every day, school counselors make a lasting impact by offering academic advising, providing college counseling, supporting the well-being of their students, and much more. Host Eddie Pickett is joined by NACAC members Jennifer Nuechterlein, Cicily Shaw, Randy Stamm, and Pauline Weber.

48 min
01/17/2025

AI in College Admission: How is artificial intelligence impacting students and professionals?

In this episode of College Admissions Decoded, host Eddie Pickett is joined by NACAC members Emily Pacheco and Sebastian Brown to explore the impact of AI in higher education: from students using AI tools for essays and test prep, to admission offices using AI for student outreach and data analysis. Our guests provide insights on the opportunities and complex challenges that artificial intelligence presents, including questions about privacy, ethics, and access.

47 min
12/13/2024

Bridging Generations: Navigating Workplace Dynamics in Higher Education

In this episode of College Admissions Decoded, host Eddie Pickett and NACAC members Kimberly Rutland West and Brooklyn Duong unpack how Baby Boomers, Gen Xers, Millennials, and Gen Zers approach work, communication, and collaboration. We dive into the historical events and cultural shifts that have shaped each generation, explore strategies for fostering understanding and communicating effectively, and look ahead to Generation Alpha's arrival to the workforce.

40 min
10/28/2024

The Power of Advocacy: How School Counselors Can Drive Change in Education

In this episode of College Admissions Decoded, host Eddie Pickett sits down with three NACAC members—Priscilla Grijalva, Candice Mackey, and Stephanie Brazinsky—to explore the critical role of advocacy in education. They discuss how counselors can use data-driven strategies to make their impact visible, build meaningful collaborations with administrators and community partners, and advocate for equitable student support at local, state, and national levels. Tune in for practical tools to promote the value of school counseling and insights on shaping the future of education—one student and one policy at a time.

42 min
04/09/2024

Empowering Perspectives: Women Leaders in College Admission Counseling

In this episode, NACAC Board Director Tahirah Jordan Crawford leads an engaging discussion with two accomplished women leaders in the world of college admission counseling, covering topics such as finding joy in the work, leadership, work-life balance, and overcoming challenges. Gain valuable insights into the experiences and perspectives of women who are shaping the landscape of higher education. Guests: Whitney Soule, vice provost and dean of admissions at the University of Pennsylvania, and Joy St. John, director of admissions at Harvard College. Moderated by Tahirah Jordan Crawford, Senior associate director and director of multicultural recruitment at Columbia College

29 min

See All (50)

3.8

out of 5

47 Ratings

Great Podcast with great info and speakers

05/19/2021

Greg Langston

just listened to the episode hosted by Jacques Steinberg and thought it was great! He focused on the importance of student empowerment which is the key to a student's success. If you really want them to grow you need to allow them to have ownership in the college admissions process. Highly recommend!
Alternative viewpoints needed with the show

02/03/2023

Doctor Fuego

Show is left leaning and does not effectively present other viewpoints outside of the official views of the parent organization. Would be better served if varied opinions were presented or at least not openingly attacked or used as a straw man.
Relevant to students, parents and all who work in college admissions

02/09/2020

Oya Boya

I love this show! It appeals to so many people—whether you are an anxious high school student, a transfer student, a first-generation student or a student from an underrepresented population, a parent who is approaching or in the thick of college admissions, a college counselor or admissions counselor who wants to learn about different student experiences, or simply anyone who wants to learn about college admissions. I love how Lantigua Williams makes this show inclusive of and relevant to a variety of different experiences. The guests are highly knowledgeable and have thought long and hard about the impact of what they do and how we can do better.
Great topics!

01/05/2020

Podcast Positivity

Very informative!

Created by the National Association for College Admission Counseling, every episode features insiders from the world of admissions breaking down the facts, myths, and rules of engagement for today's college landscape.