Admissions Beat

“Admissions Beat” is one of the few podcasts that actively dials down the heat on the otherwise highly combustible admissions process. Without hyperbole, this podcast completely changed my daughter’s view of admissions and allowed her to tap into her own value in the process. Before “Admissions Beat,” the admissions process was feeling like a gross listing of performative accomplishments to be judged and criticized by faceless administrators for personal gain. She now views the process as a way for her to get to know and share her true self and be fine with a school deciding she is or is not the right fit for them (and vice versa). Instead of seeing essays as papers to be harshly graded and mocked by aloof readers in ivory towers, she now views them as ways to tap into who she is now, who she wants to be, and what impact she wants to make. It has become a summer of introspection, exploration, and ownership, instead of stress and an untethered lack of agency. I cannot recommend this podcast enough.

Interesting to hear about trends but the students they bring on don't present well and sound uncertain and tentative. They don't inspire confidence and frankly I wonder how they got into Dartmouth sounding like that.

I listened for a season and found the discussions pleasant and reassuring. The host and guests focus on discussing students who are well rounded and empathetic. They make the valid point that there are many great colleges and universities available. However, what I saw in my area is that students admitted to Dartmouth were very “pointy” and really focused on one activity, sport, or skill. Perhaps this podcast is what the Dean wishes he was doing.

Lee Coffin epitomizes every single thing that is wrong in higher education. He lives in his ivory tower talking about “fit“, “mission” and “purpose,” but he and his ilk are the quintessential gatekeepers drumming up ways to deny students who actually do the work. This podcast is the way he feels better about himself because he surrounds himself with the yes men/ women who parrot his views. The worst are those episodes where he waxes poetic about “how he actually signs his name on every admission letter.” Automation exists for a reason - get with the times man and get real about the behind the scenes quotas you have at your school