The College Admissions Process Podcast

John Durante
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Welcome to "The College Admissions Process Podcast," your ultimate resource for navigating the journey to higher education while receiving application tips and other college advice. I am your host, John Durante, and I am here to introduce you to college admissions representatives, and other professionals in the field of college admissions. Our purpose is to serve you the students and parents, so that you may gain insight straight from the people who ultimately make the decisions. Regardless of whether you will apply to a particular school being highlighted in a given podcast episode, you should listen to all of them, as each guest will give you tremendous insight and advice on every aspect of the college admissions process. Lastly, if you have any questions you’d like me to cover on future episodes, or any comments you’d like to share, please email me at: collegeadmissionstalk@gmail.com And don’t forget to visit our website at www.collegeadmissionstalk.com So, are you ready? Let’s talk about it.

  1. 10H AGO

    357. Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) - Meghan Werth - Assistant Director of Undergraduate Admissions

    📬 Join my email list for practical college tips - and a free gift SPEAKING 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 Applications If 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 Here Alphabetical List of All Episodes with Links www.collegeadmissionstalk.com ​Instagram Facebook TikTok LinkedIn YouTube Shorts 🎙️ In this episode of The College Admissions Process Podcast, host John Durante welcomes back the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) — this time with guest Meg Werth, Assistant Director of Undergraduate Admissions. Meg provides deep insights into one of the most innovation-forward institutions in the U.S. 🇺🇸🔬🎨 Whether you’re a student, parent, or counselor, this conversation offers valuable guidance on navigating RIT’s tech-savvy, hands-on approach to education and admissions. 💡 Top 4 Takeaways for Families: 1️⃣ RIT’s Commitment to Experiential Learning Is Second to None RIT students dive into hands-on, career-building experiences from the moment they arrive on campus. With one of the largest and oldest paid cooperative education (co-op) programs in the country, students gain real-world experience — and income 💼 — before graduating. Engineering majors, for example, complete a full year of paid, full-time work experience built right into the curriculum. Even better? No tuition is charged while students are on...

    32 min

  2. 5D AGO

    356. College Admissions Insights from NACAC CEO Dr. Angel Perez

    📬 Join my email list for practical college tips - and a free gift SPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS In this episode of The College Admissions Process Podcast, host Dr. John Durante sits down with Dr. Angel Perez, CEO of the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC), for a powerful conversation about college admissions, access, affordability, and authenticity. Dr. Perez shares his inspiring journey from growing up in the South Bronx as a first-generation college student to becoming one of the most influential leaders in higher education today—offering insight every student, parent, counselor, and educator should hear. 🔑 Key Topics in This EpisodeCollege Admissions Advocacy: How NACAC works to improve college access and affordability, especially for students in under-resourced schools.Essential Admissions Resources: Why families should explore nacacnet.org for college fairs, essay workshops, and trusted guidance.The Truth About Selectivity: Most colleges admit the majority of applicants—and are looking for authentic student stories, not perfection.The Future of College Fairs: How NACAC is evolving fairs into college and career festivals that connect education to the future of work.Advice for Students: Why being authentic in essays and applications matters more than trying to fit a perceived mold. Visit NACAC Dr. Angel Perez - Website —---------------------------- 👉 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 Applications If 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 🔗 a href="https://bit.ly/3AYMHeO" rel="noopener...

    26 min

  3. FEB 2

    355. Franklin & Marshall College - Rachel Marlowe - Admissions Counselor

    📬 Join my email list for practical college tips - and a free gift SPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS 🎙️ In this episode of The College Admissions Process Podcast, host John Durante welcomes Rachel Marlowe, Admissions Counselor at Franklin & Marshall College, to explore how F&M supports students through a deeply personalized, community-first approach to admissions. ❤️📚 From transparent financial aid to what “fit” really means at a liberal arts college, this conversation is packed with value for students, families, and counselors navigating the college process. ✅ Whether you're curious about merit scholarships, what makes a standout essay, or how to show authentic interest, Rachel offers key insights from the inside. Plus, you'll get an unexpected pitch for why Lancaster, PA might just be your new favorite college town! 🏙️🌾 🎧 Top 3 Takeaways: 1️⃣ Your Application = Your Scholarship Application At F&M, there’s no extra work to be considered for merit-based scholarships 💰—no additional essays or forms. If you apply, you’re already in the running. Rachel explains how this approach reflects their “heart-forward” philosophy and respect for students’ time. 💖 2️⃣ Community Fit Matters as Much as Academics F&M admits students who will thrive in a small, tight-knit campus environment. With a 10:1 student-to-faculty ratio and an average class size of 17 👥, the college values how students contribute outside the classroom just as much as how they perform inside it. Rachel shares what their team looks for: involvement, global perspectives, and a genuine connection to the community. 🌍🤝 3️⃣ Location, Location, Lancaster! You’ll hear a glowing tribute to Lancaster, PA, which Rachel calls a “hidden gem.” 🍽️🎨🌳 From a vibrant food and arts scene to nearby outdoor adventures (Susquehanna River! Appalachian Trail!), students get the best of both city and rural life. Plus, Lancaster’s rich history is intertwined with F&M’s founding in 1787 🇺🇸📜. ✨ Bonus Highlights: What "demonstrated interest" looks like at a place that truly wants to get to know youRachel’s candid story of how she fell in love with F&M (spoiler: she literally stumbled onto campus) 🌟Why she tells students: “Your uniqueness is your superpower” 🦸‍♀️🦸‍♂️ 🎯 Advice to Students & Families: Don’t be afraid to lean into what makes you differentBuild relationships with admissions counselorsTrust the process—you’ll find your fit (even if it takes a transfer to get there!) 🔗 CLICK HERE to learn more about Franklin & Marshall College —---------------------------- 👉 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...

    28 min

  4. JAN 28

    354. Digital SAT & Test Prep Secrets: Boost Scores with Prep Expert CEO Shaan Patel

    📬 Join my email list for practical college tips - and a free gift SPEAKING 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------------------------------------------------------- 🎙️ Navigating the Digital SAT, National Merit, and Scholarship Successwith Dr. Shaan Patel (CEO & Founder of Prep Expert) In this episode, I welcome back Dr. Shaan Patel, CEO and Founder of Prep Expert and title sponsor of The College Admissions Process Podcast. A board-certified dermatologist and Shark Tank success story (Mark Cuban deal), Dr. Patel breaks down what families must understand right now about the Digital SAT, the PSAT, and how high test scores can unlock life-changing scholarships. 🔍 Key Insights from the Conversation🧠 Why the Adaptive Format Matters The Digital SAT adjusts by module. Strong performance on Module 1 is essential to unlock the harder Module 2—the only path to top scores. 🏆 PSAT = Scholarship Opportunity The PSAT isn’t “just practice.” Top 1% scorers can earn National Merit recognition, leading to full or half-tuition scholarships at 100+ colleges. 📈 Testing Is Making a Comeback With many colleges—including Ivies and major state schools—reinstating test requirements, high scores matter more than ever for admissions and merit aid, especially amid grade inflation. ✏️ Proven Test-Taking Strategies📝 Use Scratch Paper—Always Writing out work boosts accuracy and frees mental bandwidth, even on a digital exam. ✍️ Writing Section Red Flags Passive constructions (“being,” “is why,” “is because”) are almost never correct. ➗ Hard Math Tip When stuck between two answers, the “uglier” option (square roots, fractions) is often right on higher-level questions. 📚 Beat the Clock the Right Way Students lose time debating answers—not reading. Elimination strategies cut decision time dramatically. 🚀 Action Steps for Families1️⃣ Start prep in 9th or 10th grade—especially to be ready for the 11th-grade PSAT 2️⃣ Practice with the College Board Blue Book App 3️⃣ Pair strong content with proven strategies to reach the 99th percentile 4️⃣ Explore Prep Expert’s courses or 1:1 college counseling support 🔗 Resourceswww.PrepExpert.com a href="https://bluebook.collegeboard.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer"...

    38 min

  5. JAN 26

    353. Colorado State University - Heather Daniels - Executive Director of Admissions

    📬 Join my email list for practical college tips - and a free gift SPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS 🎓 Podcast Show Notes: Colorado State University (CSU) Guest: Heather Daniels, Executive Director of Admissions, Colorado State University Host: Dr. John Durante, The College Admissions Process Podcast 📍 About Colorado State University Located in Fort Collins, Colorado, about an hour north of Denver and at the foothills of the Rocky Mountains.A land-grant university known for agriculture, engineering, business, natural resources, and liberal arts.Mission-driven with a strong focus on access, service, and real-world impact. 📊 Admissions & Enrollment Highlights By state mandate, approximately 55% in-state and 45% out-of-state enrollment.Nearly 40,000 applications for an incoming class of about 5,550 students.Accessible admit rate of approximately 87–88%.No formal waitlist; some applications may be held to review senior-year grades. 🧠 Holistic Review Process Academic performance and course rigor matter most—but context matters.Admissions officers consider each student’s story and circumstances.Test-optional and effectively test-free: scores are not used for admission, scholarships, financial aid, or placement.Essays are encouraged to be authentic and reflective, not formulaic. 💰 Affordability & Transparency Applications are free for Colorado residents.Families are encouraged to use the Net Price Calculator and plan for all four years.Scholarship opportunities and criteria are clearly outlined on CSU’s website. 💡 Advice for Applicants Be yourself—authenticity matters.Finish senior year strong; grades still count.Visit a variety of campuses to understand fit.Ask questions—admissions offices are there to help. Colorado State University - Admissions...

    38 min

  6. JAN 19

    352. Rhodes College - Megan Starling - Director of Admission

    📬 Join my email list for practical college tips - and a free gift SPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS 🎙️ In this episode of The College Admissions Process Podcast, host John Durante sits down with Megan Starling, Director of Admission at Rhodes College 🎓 — a nationally recognized liberal arts institution located in the heart of Memphis, Tennessee. Known for its tight-knit community and powerful blend of classroom learning and real-world experience, Rhodes offers students a unique place to learn, grow, and thrive. Whether you're a student building your college list or a parent navigating the admissions maze, this episode provides must-hear insights into how Rhodes reviews applications, what they look for in an ideal candidate, and how students can take full advantage of what the school — and city — has to offer. 🌟 🔑 Top Takeaways from the Episode:✅ 1. Memphis Matters: Location as a Learning Laboratory 🏙️ Rhodes isn’t just located in Memphis — it’s deeply connected to it. Megan shares how the college’s partnerships with St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, FedEx, and Memphis nonprofits offer students transformative research, internship, and service opportunities across disciplines — from biology to business to urban studies. “Being in a major metropolitan city allows our students to walk to meaningful experiences that build their resumes while they’re still undergrads.” ✅ 2. Holistic Admissions: What Really Counts at Rhodes 📝 Rhodes has long used a holistic approach to application review. Megan emphasizes that academic rigor is key — but how they define that rigor depends entirely on the context of each high school. No formulas. No rigid GPA cutoffs. “We really look at the transcript to understand what was available to the student and what they chose to take advantage of. That’s how we define rigor.” 📌 Rhodes does not recalculate GPA, and their team carefully evaluates each course — including AP, IB, dual enrollment, and honors — within a student’s unique academic environment. ✅ 3. Authenticity Over AI: The Role of Essays & Recommendations 💬🤖 With the rise of AI tools, Megan doubles down on the importance of authentic storytelling in personal statements and supplements. “The students who really stand out are those who write in their own voice — who make me feel like I know them by the end of their essay.” She also shares tips for recommendation letters (hint: choose someone who truly knows you), and common pitfalls to avoid in writing. 🎓 Quick Facts About Rhodes College: 📍 Located in Memphis, TN, a cultural and economic hub🧠 Over 50 majors, with standout programs in neuroscience, business, biology, and international studies💼 80%+ of students complete internships or research🧬 Direct partnerships with institutions like St. Jude👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Average class size: ~14 studentsspan class="ql-ui"...

    49 min

  7. JAN 12

    351. University of Oregon - Joelle Rankins Goodwin - Senior Associate Director for Recruitment and Outreach

    🎙️ In this insightful episode, we welcome back the University of Oregon to the podcast! Joelle Rankins Goodwin provides an inside look at what’s new on campus since their last feature in 2023, what joining the Big Ten means beyond athletics, and how students can strategically navigate the UO admissions process. Whether you're applying this fall or just beginning your college research, this episode is packed with relevant, timely, and honest insights for all students and families 🧠💡. 🟢 Top 4 Takeaways for Students & Families:1. 🎯 A Truly Holistic Admissions ProcessJoelle shares that UO’s admissions review is contextual and holistic, focusing not just on academics, but also personal achievements, essays, and extracurricular involvement. No GPA cutoff, no test score mandate — just a thoughtful review of each student’s story. 📝 Pro Tip: Essays and letters of recommendation help humanize the application — authenticity matters more than perfection! 2. 🏛️ Academic Powerhouses within a Public UniversityFrom the prestigious Clark Honors College (small-class liberal arts experience within a major research university) to standout programs like Lundquist College of Business and the School of Journalism and Communication, UO offers rigorous, hands-on opportunities across disciplines. 🌍 Fun Fact: The School of Journalism at UO is one of the oldest and most respected in the country! 3. 🤝 The Big Ten Move = More Than Just SportsWhile fans are buzzing about Oregon Ducks football, Joelle explains how Big Ten membership expands academic collaboration and so much more! 🧬 Translation: More cross-campus research, academic partnerships, and increased visibility on the national stage. 🐤 Quick Facts About the University of Oregon:📍 Location: Eugene, Oregon – a vibrant college town with access to coastlines, mountains, and forests 🌲👩‍🎓 Undergrad Enrollment: ~20,000 students🏅 Test-Optional: Yes – for all applicants💼 Strong Programs: Business, Journalism, Environmental Studies, Education, Architecture, and more🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Student Life: Over 300 student organizations, robust support for first-gen and out-of-state students, and a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion🌟 Mascot: The Oregon Duck 🦆 Scholarship Websites mentioned in the podcast episode: fastweb.com scholarships.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. 🎯 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 a href="https://www.prepexpert.com" rel="noopener noreferrer"...

    38 min

  8. JAN 5

    350. The University of the South - Sewanee - Sarah Butler - Assistant Dean of Admission, Office of Admission & Financial Aid

    🎙️ Inside Sewanee Admissions – What You Need to Know! 📍 Guest: Sarah Butler, Assistant Dean of Admission, Office of Admission & Financial Aid Are you considering a liberal arts college that combines academic rigor, strong community, and stunning natural surroundings? 🌲📚 Don’t miss this insightful conversation with Sarah Butler from Sewanee: The University of the South, where we unpack what makes Sewanee unique — and what students and families need to know before applying. 🔑 TOP 3 TAKEAWAYS for Your College Research Journey: 1️⃣ 🎓 A Place for the Intellectually Curious Sewanee is a liberal arts college with a strong academic foundation, a low student-faculty ratio, and a faculty that is both deeply invested and highly accessible. Students benefit from: Small classes and rigorous discussions 💬Funded research, internships, and travel opportunities through the Sewanee Pledge ✈️💼A distinctive academic calendar and immersive learning experiences Sarah explains how Sewanee supports students who are “intellectually curious and community-minded” and thrive when fully engaged both in and out of the classroom. 2️⃣ 📄 Inside the Holistic Admissions Process From GPA context to essays, Sarah walks us through how applications are reviewed at Sewanee, sharing: They do not recalculate GPAs but evaluate them in the student’s academic context 📊Honors, AP, IB, and dual enrollment courses are recognized for their rigorTest-optional policy is truly optional, and applicants are not penalized for withholding scores 📝 Sarah also offers great advice on how to decide whether to submit SAT/ACT scores based on whether they add value to your application. 3️⃣ 🤝 Demonstrated Interest & Early Application Insights While Sewanee does track demonstrated interest, Sarah emphasizes it’s not about checking boxes — it's about building a genuine relationship with the school. She encourages: Visiting campus if possible 🚗Joining virtual info sessions and regional events 💻🌎Connecting with current students or your admission counselor For students applying Early Decision or Early Action, Sarah clarifies the differences and explains how applying early can benefit students who are confident in their choice. ✨ BONUS ADVICE: At the end of the episode, Sarah shares three must-hear tips for students and families navigating the college process — advice grounded in empathy, experience, and a deep understanding of student success. 🌐 CLICK HERE to learn more about Sewanee and start exploring. Sewanee Admissions & Aid admission.sewanee.edu —---------------------------- 👉 This episode is brought to you...

    35 min
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About

Welcome to "The College Admissions Process Podcast," your ultimate resource for navigating the journey to higher education while receiving application tips and other college advice. I am your host, John Durante, and I am here to introduce you to college admissions representatives, and other professionals in the field of college admissions. Our purpose is to serve you the students and parents, so that you may gain insight straight from the people who ultimately make the decisions. Regardless of whether you will apply to a particular school being highlighted in a given podcast episode, you should listen to all of them, as each guest will give you tremendous insight and advice on every aspect of the college admissions process. Lastly, if you have any questions you’d like me to cover on future episodes, or any comments you’d like to share, please email me at: collegeadmissionstalk@gmail.com And don’t forget to visit our website at www.collegeadmissionstalk.com So, are you ready? Let’s talk about it.

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