203 episodes

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.

The College Admissions Process Podcast John Durante

    • Education
    • 4.8 • 75 Ratings

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.

    203. UCLA - Karly Brockett - Senior Associate Director of Admissions

    203. UCLA - Karly Brockett - Senior Associate Director of Admissions

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    UCLA - Admission
    🎙️ In this episode of "The College Admissions Process Podcast," we dive into the world of UCLA with the Senior Associate Director, Karly Brockett. Gain valuable insights into UCLA's distinctive features and the nuances of the college application process. 🎙️
    Here is what you can expect to hear from this episode:
    🏫 UCLA's Uniqueness:
    Explore what sets UCLA apart within the University of California system. Karly provides an overview of academic programs, campus culture, and unique offerings that make UCLA a standout institution.
    🔍 Key Components of Application Review:
    Discover the key elements UCLA looks for in the application review process, including insights into building a diverse incoming freshman class.
    🚫 Application Mistakes:
    Karly sheds light on common pitfalls in the application process and offers valuable tips on how applicants can avoid them, making the journey less overwhelming.
    📚 Transcript and GPA Evaluation:
    Understand the significance of transcripts and how UCLA evaluates them. Gain insights into GPA recalculations and the role they play in the overall review process.
    📝 Personal Insight Questions (PIQs):
    Learn about the UC system's Personal Insight Questions, how applicants should approach them, and hear a memorable example that stuck with Karly.
    🌍 In-state vs. Out-of-state Applications:
    Explore the differences in the application process for in-state and out-of-state students, providing clarity for prospective applicants.
    🚫 Test-Free Admissions Policy:
    Understand the UC system's test-free policy and its impact on the application process, shedding light on how applicants are evaluated without standardized test scores.
    🏆 Extracurricular Activities:
    Uncover how extracurricular activities influence the evaluation of an applicant's community contributions, with insights into the variation based on intended courses of study.
    🔄 Transfer Student Considerations:
    Delve into the unique considerations transfer...

    • 52 min
    202. Villanova University - Erica Woods - Senior Associate Director - Villanova University

    202. Villanova University - Erica Woods - Senior Associate Director - Villanova University

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    —-------------------
    🎓 In this episode we dive into the world of admissions with Erica Woods, Senior Associate Director in the Office of Undergraduate Admission at Villanova University. Erica shares invaluable insights into what makes Villanova stand out and offers essential advice for prospective students and parents preparing for the college journey. 
    Here are some key takeaways:
    Mission-Driven Education: Discover how Villanova's rich history and mission shape its vibrant community today, setting it apart from other universities. 🏛️
    Fostering Engagement and Collaboration: Learn the secret behind Villanova's impressive 96% retention rate and how it fosters a collaborative and engaging learning environment both inside and outside the classrooms. 🤝
    Application Review Process: Erica walks us through Villanova's application review process, highlighting key components and shedding light on the university's approach to standardized test scores. 🤔
    Beyond Academics: Explore the qualities and experiences that Villanova values in its applicants beyond academic achievements, and discover what tends to stand out in successful applicants. 🌟
    Navigating Application Numbers: With a surge in applications, understand how Villanova determines the right balance of acceptances and rejections, ensuring a diverse and dynamic student body. 📈
    Supporting Student Success: Erica shares insights into the support systems Villanova offers its students, ensuring their continued success on campus, including accommodations for students with diverse needs. 🧑‍🎓
    Listen to this enlightening conversation to gain invaluable advice and insights to help you navigate the college admissions process with confidence! 🎧
    Villanova University - Admissions

    • 42 min
    201. Duquesne University - Marisa M. Germinario - Assistant Director of Undergraduate Admissions

    201. Duquesne University - Marisa M. Germinario - Assistant Director of Undergraduate Admissions

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    —-------------------------
    🎓 In this episode of "The College Admissions Process Podcast," we learn about the unique offerings of Duquesne University with Marisa Germinario, the Assistant Director of Undergraduate Admissions. Marisa speaks about everything that Duquesne offers both inside and outside of the classroom, while providing insights on the following and so much more!
    🏛️What Sets Duquesne Apart: Discover what makes Duquesne University stand out among other institutions and what aspects make it attractive to prospective students.
    🌟 Student Life: Learn about the vibrant student life at Duquesne, including activities beyond the classroom and weekend adventures.
    📝 Application Review Process: Marisa walks us through the process of how applications are reviewed at Duquesne, emphasizing key factors considered during evaluation.
    💡Top Tips: Marisa shares her top tips for students and their parents as they go through the college search process.
    Duquesne University: duq.edu
    Admissions: Undergraduate Admissions (duq.edu)
    Scholarships and Affordability: https://www.duq.edu/admission-and-aid/paying-for-school/undergraduate/affordability.php
    Majors: Academic Programs (duq.edu)
    ZeeMee App DU-specific Landing Page: https://colleges.zeemee.com/colleges/duqu/interested

    • 49 min
    200. The Truth About College Admission (2nd Edition) with Rick Clark - Author, Assistant Vice Provost & Executive Director of Admission at Georgia Tech

    200. The Truth About College Admission (2nd Edition) with Rick Clark - Author, Assistant Vice Provost & Executive Director of Admission at Georgia Tech

    Click Here To Join The Podcast Email List & a Chance to Win Rick's Book
    ---------------------------
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    —----------------------
    In this episode we had the great pleasure of welcoming back Rick Clark who is the co-author of The Truth About College Admission - 2nd Edition and the Asst. Vice Provost & Executive Director of Admission at Georgia Tech. 
    Here are some of the things Rick and I spoke about, along with so much more:
    📘 Overview of "The Truth About College Admission":
    Rick takes us through the inspiration behind the second edition, exploring changes and trends in the dynamic world of college admissions.
    💡 Controlling the Controllables in College Admission Uncertainty:
    Rick delves into factors applicants can control, emphasizing mindfulness amid uncertainties. He sheds light on navigating the college process, focusing on what matters and accepting elements beyond control.
    🏛️ Institutional Priorities & Admissions Goals:
    Rick unravels the intricacies of institutional priorities, explaining how colleges set goals, emphasizing the impact on individual applicants, and shedding light on the evolving landscape of college admissions.
    📚 Holistic Admission & GPA's Role:
    Explore the holistic admission process and the role of GPA in context. Rick provides clarity on how colleges assess students from diverse high schools, considering the nuances of their academic journeys.
    📝 Avoiding Wedges in the College Process:
    Learn from real examples in Clark's book about avoiding family wedges during the college application process. He shares advice on fostering healthy communication and steering clear of potential pitfalls.
    💰 Financial Aid and Need Awareness:
    Rick explains the difference between need-blind and need-aware schools, offering insights into the crucial role financial aid plays in the college admission process.
    📊 Decoding College Rankings:
    Delve into the intricacies of college rankings with Clark, exploring their flaws and how individuals should approach them. Gain valuable perspectives on the often-misleading world of college rankings.
    🏞️ Maximizing College Visits:
    Clark shares key tips from his book on making the most of college visits, emphasizing their importance in determining fit and overall satisfaction with a chosen institution.
    🔍 Admissions Representatives' Perspectives:
    Explore what admissions representatives look for in applicants, understanding the significance of high school context and course offerings in the decision-making process.
    🎓...

    • 1 hr 10 min
    199. UNC Chapel Hill: Exclusive Insights from Jason McGrath - Associate Provost and Director of Undergraduate Admissions

    199. UNC Chapel Hill: Exclusive Insights from Jason McGrath - Associate Provost and Director of Undergraduate Admissions

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    —-----------------------
    UNC Chapel Hill Admissions
    🎙️ In this episode of "The College Admissions Process Podcast," we dive into the heart of UNC Chapel Hill's admissions process with Jason Mc Grath, the Associate Provost and Director of Undergraduate Admissions. Gain valuable insights to navigate the complex world of college applications and understand what makes UNC Chapel Hill stand out.
    UNC Chapel Hill's Uniqueness:
    🌟 Explore the unique aspects that define UNC Chapel Hill.🎓 Learn about offerings inside and outside the classrooms that set the university apart.
    High Retention Rate Secrets:
    🤔 Uncover the secrets behind UNC's impressive 97% retention rate.🏡 Discover what keeps students happy and eager to return each year.
    Qualities Valued in Applicants:
    🎯 Understand the specific characteristics UNC values in its applicants.📚 Gain insights into what sets successful candidates apart.
    Holistic Application Approach:
    🔄 Explore the holistic approach to application review at UNC.📝 Tips for presenting a well-rounded and thorough application.
    Managing Increased Applications:
    📈 Navigate the challenge of rising application numbers.🤷‍♂️ Learn how UNC determines acceptances, waitlists, and denials.
    Out-of-State Admission Impact:
    🌍 Understand the impact of out-of-state limitations on the application process.🚀 Advice for out-of-state applicants to stand out.
    Legacy Considerations:
    🏛️ Delve into the role of legacy in the application review process.🤔 Does being a legacy candidate make a difference?
    Specialized Programs and Schools:
    🎨 Explore how application reviews differ for specific programs or schools.📓 Learn about any unique requirements for certain majors.
    Addressing Varied High School Offerings:
    🏫 Navigate the application review process for students from diverse high schools.📊 How UNC considers different high school offerings.
    Test-Optional Trends:
    📚 Explore UNC's test-optional policy and its impact.📈 Discover the percentage of admitted students who didn't submit test scores.
    Future of Test-Optional Admissions:
    🔮 Predictions on the test-optional nature of admissions in the coming years.
    This episode equips you with the knowledge needed to navigate the college admissions process successfully. Gain a deeper understanding of UNC Chapel Hill's unique approach and valuable advice from Jason Mc Grath for a successful college journey. 🎓✨

    • 1 hr
    198. Saint Peter's University - Inside the Admissions Office: Expert Insights, Tips, and Advice - Mason Traino - Senior Assistant Director of Transfers

    198. Saint Peter's University - Inside the Admissions Office: Expert Insights, Tips, and Advice - Mason Traino - Senior Assistant Director of Transfers

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    —-----------------------------
    Saint Peter's University - Admissions

    • 25 min

Customer Reviews

4.8 out of 5
75 Ratings

75 Ratings

ljh010322 ,

Very helpful for parents and students!

Great podcast! It is very helpful for parents and high school students on their college admission journey. I would love to see a podcast on Texas A&M, the largest university in the country. Would love to see one on Trinity University too.

Peartree8 ,

Very Helpful!

Insightful interview questions and answers!

Financial Samurai ,

Great insights!

Love the breadth of school interviews. Sam, Financial Samurai (William & Mary Alum)

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