The College Admissions Process Podcast

40 Episodes
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By: John Durante

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...

364. Drew University - Alyson Remsing - Assistant Vice President of Enrollment Management
Today at 4:00 AM

๐ŸŽ™ Episode Summary:

Join Alyson Remsing - Assistant Vice President of Enrollment Management at Drew University as she gives an inside look at the "University in the Forest"โ€”and its holistic admissions process. From Early Decision perks to maximizing your application, this episode is packed with insights for students and families.

๐ŸŒณ Key Highlights:

Campus + City: Safe, green campus in Madison, NJ, just 50 minutes from NYC, with programs at Wall Street and the UN.Early Decision Benefits: Priority registration, special perks, and yes, even on-campus parking for freshmen.Holistic Review: Counselors assigned by region โ€œchampionโ€ your file, making...


363. Carleton College - Adam Webster, Senior Associate Dean and Director of Admissions
03/09/2026

๐ŸŽ™๏ธ Spotlight on Carleton College

Guest: Adam Webster, Senior Associate Dean and Director of Admissions

In this episode, Adam Webster shares insight into Carleton Collegeโ€™s distinctive academic culture and holistic admissions process.

๐Ÿ“š The Trimester Advantage

Carletonโ€™s 10-week trimester system allows students to focus on three courses at a time, encouraging depth, engagement, and resilience.

๐Ÿ”ฌ A True Liberal Arts Experience

While over half of students major in STEM fields, Carleton remains deeply committed to interdisciplinary learning and exceptional undergraduate teaching.

๐Ÿ“ Holistic Review in Action

Applications are...


362. Inside Georgia Tech Admissions: A Conversation with Rick Clark
03/02/2026

Navigating the Modern College Admissions Landscape with Rick Clark

In this episode of The College Admissions Process Podcast, I welcome back Rick Clark, Vice Provost for Enrollment Management at Georgia Institute of Technology and co-author of The Truth About College Admissions. With decades of experience leading enrollment at one of the nationโ€™s premier STEM institutions, Rick offers thoughtful insight into the seismic shifts reshaping college admissions โ€” and what families must understand to navigate this process wisely.

We begin with the evolution of STEM and the changing landscape of Computer Science. Rick explains how artificial inte...


361. Inside Admissions at High Point University: The Life Skills Advantage
02/25/2026

๐ŸŽ™๏ธ On this episode I sat down with Dr. Kerr C. Ramsay III, Senior VP for Enrollment at High Point University (HPU), for a deep dive into HPUโ€™s educational philosophy, its focus on life skills, and what truly makes an applicant stand out.

Dr. Ramsey breaks down HPUโ€™s four pillars, explains why who you become matters just as much as your academics, and shares clear, practical tips for transcripts, recommendations, and supplementals.

If you want real insight into how a values-driven, future-focused university evaluates potential, this episode is a must-listen. ๐ŸŽงโœจ

๐Ÿ”‘ Key Discussion Points

๐ŸŽ“...


360. How Sacred Heart University Evaluates Applicants: GPA, Scholarships, and Standing Out
02/23/2026

๐ŸŽ™๏ธ I had the pleasure of sitting down with Pamela Pillo, Assistant Vice President of Undergraduate Admissions at Sacred Heart University (SHU), to give students, parents, and counselors valuable insights into SHU and the admissions process as a whole.

Here are 3 key highlights from our conversation that you wonโ€™t want to miss:

โœจ Holistic Review Process โ€“ Pamela breaks down how SHU evaluates applications, including the weight given to GPA, essays, extracurriculars, and demonstrated interest. She also shares how trends in admissions have shifted in recent years and what applicants can do to stand out.

๐ŸŽ“ Competitive Pr...


359. Financial Aid - Anne Rusk - Associate Director of Financial Aid - Colorado School of Mines
02/18/2026

๐Ÿ“ฌ Join my email list for practical college tips - and a free gift

SPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS

๐Ÿ‘‰ 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.

๐ŸŽฏ Special Offer for Listeners: Use the code COLLEGETALK (one word) at checkout to receive 20% off.

๐Ÿ“š For full details on their programs and guarantees, visit www.PrepExpert.com

โ€”-----------------------------

Straight From The Admissions Office: Insider Strategies For College Applic...


358. Colorado School of Mines - Dr. Jen Gagne - Executive Director of Admissions
02/16/2026

๐Ÿ“ฌ Join my email list for practical college tips - and a free gift

SPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS

๐Ÿ‘‰ 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.

๐ŸŽฏ Special Offer for Listeners: Use the code COLLEGETALK (one word) at checkout to receive 20% off.

๐Ÿ“š For full details on their programs and guarantees, visit www.PrepExpert.com

โ€”-----------------------------

Straight From The Admissions Office: Insider Strategies For College Applic...


357. Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) - Meghan Werth - Assistant Director of Undergraduate Admissions
02/09/2026

๐Ÿ“ฌ Join my email list for practical college tips - and a free gift

SPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS

๐Ÿ‘‰ 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.

๐ŸŽฏ Special Offer for Listeners: Use the code COLLEGETALK (one word) at checkout to receive 20% off.

๐Ÿ“š For full details on their programs and guarantees, visit www.PrepExpert.com

โ€”-----------------------------

Straight From The Admissions Office: Insider Strategies For College Applic...


356. College Admissions Insights from NACAC CEO Dr. Angel Perez
02/04/2026

๐Ÿ“ฌ 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 todayโ€”offering insight every student, parent, counselor, and educator shoul...


355. Franklin & Marshall College - Rachel Marlowe - Admissions Counselor
02/02/2026

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SPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS

๐ŸŽ™๏ธ 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. โค๏ธ๐Ÿ“š From transparent financial aid to what โ€œfitโ€ really means at a liberal arts college, this conversation is packed with value for students, families, and counselors navigating the college process.

โœ… Whether you're curious about merit scholarships, what makes a standout essay, or how to show authentic int...


354. Digital SAT & Test Prep Secrets: Boost Scores with Prep Expert CEO Shaan Patel
01/28/2026

๐Ÿ“ฌ Join my email list for practical college tips - and a free gift

SPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS

๐Ÿ‘‰ 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.

๐ŸŽฏ Special Offer for Listeners: Use the code COLLEGETALK (one word) at checkout to receive 20% off.

๐Ÿ“š For full details on their programs and guarantees, visit www.PrepExpert.com

-------------------------------------------------------

๐ŸŽ™๏ธ Navigating the Digital SAT, National Merit, and Scholarship Success

wi...


353. Colorado State University - Heather Daniels - Executive Director of Admissions
01/26/2026

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SPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS

๐ŸŽ“ 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

๐Ÿ“ 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.

๐Ÿ“Š...


352. Rhodes College - Megan Starling - Director of Admission
01/19/2026

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SPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS

๐ŸŽ™๏ธ In this episode of The College Admissions Process Podcast, host John Durante sits down with Megan Starling, Director of Admission at Rhodes College ๐ŸŽ“ โ€” 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...


351. University of Oregon - Joelle Rankins Goodwin - Senior Associate Director for Recruitment and Outreach
01/12/2026

๐ŸŽ™๏ธ In this insightful episode, we welcome back the University of Oregon to the podcast! Joelle Rankins Goodwin provides an inside look at whatโ€™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 ๐Ÿง ๐Ÿ’ก.

๐ŸŸข Top 4 Takeaways for Students & Families:

1. ๐ŸŽฏ A Truly Holistic Admissions Process

Joelle shares that UOโ€™s admissions review is contextual and hol...


350. The University of the South - Sewanee - Sarah Butler - Assistant Dean of Admission, Office of Admission & Financial Aid
01/05/2026

๐ŸŽ™๏ธ Inside Sewanee Admissions โ€“ What You Need to Know!

๐Ÿ“ 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? ๐ŸŒฒ๐Ÿ“š Donโ€™t miss this insightful conversation with Sarah Butler from Sewanee: The University of the South, where we unpack what makes Sewanee unique โ€” and what students and families need to know before applying.

๐Ÿ”‘ TOP 3 TAKEAWAYS for Your College Research Journey:

1๏ธโƒฃ ๐ŸŽ“ A Place for the Intellectually Curious

Sewanee is a liberal arts college with a strong academic foundat...


349. College of Charleston - Ashley Holdridge - Regional Assistant Director of Admissions
12/29/2025

๐ŸŽ“ In this episode of The College Admissions Process Podcast we welcome back the College of Charleston ๐ŸŒด, this time featuring Ashley Holdridge, Regional Assistant Director of Admissions. Building on the collegeโ€™s original appearance in Episode 195 ๐Ÿ“š, Ashley offers fresh insight into what continues to make Charleston a vibrant and attractive destination โ€” especially for students from the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions ๐Ÿ—บ๏ธ.

Ashley shares a compelling overview of academic life at Charleston, where a liberal arts foundation ๐Ÿง  meets career-ready pathways ๐Ÿ’ผ in high-impact programs like:

Marine biology ๐ŸŒŠBusiness ๐Ÿ’ฐEducation ๐Ÿง‘โ€๐ŸซThe arts ๐ŸŽญ

From internships at the Charleston Music Hall ๐ŸŽถ to hands-on field research on the water ๐Ÿš, r...


348. Marist University - Kelli Nienstedt โ€” Assistant Director of Student Activities
12/22/2025

๐ŸŽ™๏ธIn this return visit to the podcast, Kelli Nienstedt โ€” formerly in the admissions office and now Assistant Director of Student Activities โ€” brings a unique dual perspective on what makes the Marist University experience stand out ๐ŸฆŠ. Whether youโ€™re applying to college, supporting your student, or guiding others through the process, this episode is filled with helpful insights, student support strategies, and admissions tips you wonโ€™t want to miss.

๐Ÿ”‘ Top 3 Takeaways for Students & Families:

1. ๐ŸŽฏ What Makes a Strong Marist Applicant

Kelli shares what stood out during her time on the admissions committee:

โœ… Academic rigor wit...


347. QuestBridge National College Match - Taylor Erickson - QuestBridge Scholar & Admissions Counselor at the University of Notre Dame
12/15/2025

QuestBridge Home Page

QuestBridge National College Match

QuestBridge Resource Library

Feel free to reach out to Taylor with any questions at: taylor.admissions@nd.edu

Notre Dame Admissions Home Page

๐ŸŽ™๏ธQuestBridge National College Match with Taylor Erickson (Notre Dame Admissions)

In this episode, Dr. John Dante speaks with Taylor Erickson, a QuestBridge Scholar alumna and admissions counselor at the University of Notre Dame, about navigating the QuestBridge National College Match. Taylor shares her personal journey from applying as a high-achieving, low-income student to working in admissions, offering pract...


346. Pomona College - Paola Franco -Assistant Dean of Admissions and Transfer Coordinator
12/08/2025

๐ŸŽ™In this episode of The College Admissions Process Podcast, host John Durante is joined by Paola Franco, Assistant Dean of Admissions and Transfer Coordinator at Pomona College, to dive into what truly sets this elite liberal arts college apart โ€” both academically and culturally.

As a proud Pomona alumna, Paola offers a compelling inside view into the student experience, academic innovation, and collaborative environment that define Pomona. From 13-person average class sizes to a deeply residential culture (98% of students live on campus), Paola shares how Pomonaโ€™s mission comes to life every day inside and beyond the classroom.

๐Ÿ’ก...


345. Hunter College, CUNY - Jarvis Dieujuste - Admissions Advisor
12/01/2025

๐ŸŽ“In this episode of The College Admissions Process Podcast, host John Durante welcomes back Jarvis Dieujuste, Admissions Advisor at Hunter College, for an insightful and energizing conversation on how one of the flagship schools of the CUNY system supports students from all backgrounds โ€” before, during, and after the admissions process.

Jarvis shares valuable updates about new programs at Hunter, unpacks the collegeโ€™s holistic review process, and dives deep into how Hunter fosters a strong sense of community for commuters, while maintaining accessibility and affordability ๐ŸŽ“๐Ÿ’ฐ.

โœ… Top 4 Takeaways for Students & Families:

๐Ÿ” Holistic Review With a Human Touch

<...


344. Salve Regina University - Jim Fowler - VP for Enrollment Management
11/24/2025

๐ŸŽ™๏ธ The College Admissions Process Podcast (The CAPP)

Episode: Salve Regina University: Mission, Holistic Review & the Value of a Private Education

Guest: Jim Fowler, VP for Enrollment Management, Salve Regina University

Host: Dr. John Dante

www.salve.edu

๐ŸŒŠ About This Episode

In this episode, John speaks with Jim Fowler from Salve Regina University in beautiful Newport, Rhode Island. Jim shares what makes Salve stand out โ€” from its mission-driven education and holistic review process to how students can find true academic, social, and financial fit.

๐ŸŽ“ Key Highlights

โœจ Missi...


343. Florida Tech - Nick Galli - Admissions Counselor
11/17/2025

๐ŸŽ™๏ธIn this episode, I had the pleasure of speaking with Nick Galli, an Admissions Counselor at Florida Institute of Technology (Florida Tech), located in sunny Melbourne, Florida ๐ŸŒด. Florida Tech is nationally recognized for its STEM-focused programs, commitment to hands-on learning, and required standardized testing admissions policy โ€” a perspective not often heard today. Whether youโ€™re aiming for engineering, aerospace, cybersecurity, or marine biology, this conversation is packed with information that can help students and families make more informed decisions.

โญ๏ธ Top 4 Takeaways from the Episode:

๐Ÿ“Š Florida Tech Requires SAT/ACT Scores

Unlike many institutions that have moved to...


342. Wayne State University โ€” Dr. Charles Cotton, Vice Provost for Strategic Enrollment Management
11/10/2025

๐ŸŽ™๏ธ Episode: Wayne State University โ€” Dr. Charles Cotton, Vice Provost for Strategic Enrollment Management

In this episode of The College Admissions Process Podcast, John Durante talks with Dr. Charles Cotton III about what makes Wayne State University unique: its urban location, research opportunities, student supports, career connections, and affordability. Wayne State is a top public research university and is classified as a Carnegie R1 (very high research activity). Wayne Today+1

3 key takeaways (what to focus on in your college research)

1) The city is the campus โ€” Detroit = career advantage ๐Ÿ™๏ธโžก๏ธ๐Ÿ’ผ

Wayne Stateโ€™s campus is embedded in Detroit...


341. University of Denver - Todd Rinehart - Vice Chancellor for Enrollment
11/03/2025

๐ŸŽ™๏ธ Episode: Inside Admissions with Todd Rinehart, Vice Chancellor for Enrollment at the University of Denver

Join me as I welcome back Todd Rinehart for an insightful conversation on major updates at the University of Denver (DU) and practical advice for students navigating the college application process. Todd reminds us that students control two-thirds of the admissions transaction โ€” a powerful mindset shift for applicants everywhere.

๐Ÿ’ก Highlights Include:

๐Ÿ’ University Updates & the 4D Experience

DU celebrates its 10th National Hockey Championship โ€” ranked #1 in the nation!Learn about DUโ€™s Four-Dimensional (4D) Student Experience, focused on: 1๏ธโƒฃ Academics โ€“ Expanding...


340. Fairleigh Dickinson University - KirstyNicole Bocado - Admissions Counselor
10/27/2025

๐ŸŽ™๏ธIn this episode, host John Durante sits down with KirstyNicole Bocado, an Admissions Counselor at Fairleigh Dickinson University (FDU), to uncover what makes this New Jersey-based university a powerful choice for students seeking a global, personalized, and transformational education.

With campuses in Florham and Metropolitan NJ, plus an international campus at Wroxton College in England, FDU is a university that blends academic rigor with individualized support, and a commitment to preparing students to thrive in a culturally connected world. ๐ŸŒ๐Ÿ’ฌ

From test-optional policies to experiential learning opportunities and support for neurodiverse students, this episode is a must-listen...


339. College Student Mini-Series - Katelyn, Columbia University - Student Athlete
10/20/2025

๐ŸŽ™๏ธ Episode: From Long Island to the Ivy League โ€“ A Student-Athleteโ€™s Journey at Columbia University

In this special episode of The College Admissions Process Podcast, I had the honor of speaking with Katelyn, a sophomore at Columbia University ๐Ÿฆ and a member of the womenโ€™s lacrosse team ๐Ÿฅ.

Katelyn takes us inside her journey as both a student and an athlete, sharing her path from Syosset, NY to the Ivy League, and the lessons she learned along the way.

Hereโ€™s what youโ€™ll learn in this episode:

โœจ Recruitment insights โ€“ how she navigated prospect camps...


338. Grinnell College - Conner Stanfield - Assistant Director of Admission & Coordinator of Campus Visits
10/13/2025

๐ŸŽ™๏ธIn this insightful episode, Conner Stanfield, Assistant Director of Admission & Coordinator of Campus Visits at Grinnell College joins us to dive deep into the student experience at one of the most academically rigorous and intentionally student-centered liberal arts colleges in the country. ๐Ÿซ Whether you're just starting your college search or narrowing down highly selective schools, this conversation will benefit all students and families navigating the admissions process.

โญ๏ธ Top 4 Takeaways from the Episode:

๐Ÿ“š The Power of the Individually Advised Curriculum:

At Grinnell, there are no required general education courses. Instead, students work closely with advisors to des...


338. Grinnell College - Conner Stanfield - Assistant Director of Admission & Coordinator of Campus Visits
10/13/2025

๐ŸŽ™๏ธIn this insightful episode, Conner Stanfield, Assistant Director of Admission & Coordinator of Campus Visits at Grinnell College joins us to dive deep into the student experience at one of the most academically rigorous and intentionally student-centered liberal arts colleges in the country. ๐Ÿซ Whether you're just starting your college search or narrowing down highly selective schools, this conversation will benefit all students and families navigating the admissions process.

โญ๏ธ Top 4 Takeaways from the Episode:

๐Ÿ“š The Power of the Individually Advised Curriculum:

At Grinnell, there are no required general education courses. Instead, students work closely with advisors to des...


337. College Student Mini-Series - Josh, UC Irvine
10/08/2025

๐ŸŽ™๏ธ Real Talk with College Students โ€“ Reflecting on the College Search Journey

Welcome to a special episode in our ๐ŸŽ“College Student Reflection Mini-Series on The College Admissions Process Podcast! In this episode, host John Durante sits down with a current college student who has completed at least one full year to reflect on their personal college admissions experience โ€” from researching and applying to adapting to life on campus.

Whether you're a high school student, a parent, or a college counselor, this candid conversation is packed with firsthand insights that can help guide your journey with clarity and confiden...


336. Quinnipiac University - Kurtis Kalagher - Assistant Director of Undergraduate Admissions
10/06/2025

๐ŸŽ™๏ธIn this episode, Kurtis Kalagher, Assistant Director of Undergraduate Admissions from Quinnipiac University joins us to pull back the curtain on what makes Quinnipiac a standout choice for students looking for a close-knit, opportunity-rich college experience.ย 

๐ŸŽ“ From understanding how Quinnipiac reviews applications holistically to the range of academic and support services offered, this episode is packed with insights that will benefit all students and families navigating the college admissions journey.

โญ๏ธ Top 4 Takeaways from the Episode:

๐ŸŽฏ Holistic Review with a Personal Touch:

Quinnipiac looks beyond GPAs and test scores to find students who will thrive...


335. College Student Mini-Series - Emma, University of Pittsburgh
10/01/2025

๐ŸŽ™๏ธ Real Talk with College Students โ€“ Reflecting on the College Search Journey

Welcome to a special episode in our ๐ŸŽ“College Student Reflection Mini-Series on The College Admissions Process Podcast! In this episode, host John Durante sits down with a current college student who has completed at least one full year to reflect on their personal college admissions experience โ€” from researching and applying to adapting to life on campus.

Whether you're a high school student, a parent, or a college counselor, this candid conversation is packed with firsthand insights that can help guide your journey with clarity and confiden...


334. Deep Springs College - Current Students Tosca & Walker
09/29/2025

๐ŸŽ“I had the privilege of speaking with two current students from Deep Springs College, an incredibly unique institution that blends rigorous academics with hands-on labor and self-governance. These students share their first-hand experiences of life at Deep Springs, providing invaluable insight into what makes this remote college in California so extraordinary.

Here are the top highlights you donโ€™t want to miss in this episode! ๐ŸŒŸ

1. A Life-Changing Educational Model ๐Ÿง‘โ€๐ŸŽ“๐Ÿ’ผ

Deep Springs College offers a truly one-of-a-kind educational experience, combining a robust liberal arts curriculum with hands-on work in farming, ranching, and self-governance. With approximately 26 st...


333. College Student Mini-Series - Neal, Indiana University Kelley School to Babson
09/24/2025

๐ŸŽ™๏ธ Real Talk with College Students โ€“ Reflecting on the College Search Journey

Welcome to a special episode in our ๐ŸŽ“College Student Reflection Mini-Series on The College Admissions Process Podcast! In this episode, host John Durante sits down with a current college student who has completed at least one full year to reflect on their personal college admissions experience โ€” from researching and applying to adapting to life on campus.

Whether you're a high school student, a parent, or a college counselor, this candid conversation is packed with firsthand insights that can help guide your journey with clarity and confiden...


332. Wellesley College - Rebecca Simons - Director of Admission
09/22/2025

๐ŸŽ™๏ธ In this episode of The College Admissions Process Podcast (The CAPP), host John Durante welcomes Rebecca Simons, Director of Admission at Wellesley College, to unpack the application process and what makes a Wellesley education truly transformative.

Whether you're wondering how test-optional policies are handled, what really matters in the essay, or how financial aid works at one of the nationโ€™s top liberal arts colleges, this conversation is a must-listen for any student considering a womenโ€™s collegeโ€”or any college, really.

๐Ÿ” What Youโ€™ll Learn:

๐Ÿ“Œ Wellesleyโ€™s holistic approach to evaluating applications: no GPA recalculations, n...


331. College Student Mini-Series - Tyler, Community College to UCLA
09/17/2025

๐ŸŽ™๏ธ Real Talk with College Students โ€“ Reflecting on the College Search Journey

Welcome to a special episode in our ๐ŸŽ“College Student Reflection Mini-Series on The College Admissions Process Podcast! In this episode, host John Durante sits down with a current college student who has completed at least one full year to reflect on their personal college admissions experience โ€” from researching and applying to adapting to life on campus.

Whether you're a high school student, a parent, or a college counselor, this candid conversation is packed with firsthand insights that can help guide your journey with clarity and confiden...


330. Jeff Selingo - Author, Journalist & Higher Ed. Thought Leader
09/15/2025

๐ŸŽ™๏ธ I had the great honor of welcoming back Jeff Selingo, New York Times bestselling author, journalist, and higher ed thought leader, for a follow-up conversation on the ever-changing world of college admissions. Jeffโ€™s newest book, Dream School: Finding the College Thatโ€™s Right for You, challenges families to think differently about what makes a college a โ€œgood fit.โ€

Hereโ€™s what we covered in this insightful episode โฌ‡๏ธ

โœจ Key Topics Discussed

๐Ÿ“ˆ Application Inflation: Same number of students, but more applications than ever.๐Ÿ“ Test-Optional Policies: Why theyโ€™ve fueled stress for students โ€” and why STEM/business applicants may need to...


329. College Student Mini-Series - Jake, Binghamton to UNC Chapel Hill
09/10/2025

๐ŸŽ™๏ธ Real Talk with College Students โ€“ Reflecting on the College Search Journey

Welcome to a special episode in our ๐ŸŽ“College Student Reflection Mini-Series on The College Admissions Process Podcast! In this episode, host John Durante sits down with a current college student who has completed at least one full year to reflect on their personal college admissions experience โ€” from researching and applying to adapting to life on campus.

Whether you're a high school student, a parent, or a college counselor, this candid conversation is packed with firsthand insights that can help guide your journey with clarity and confiden...


328. University of Kentucky - Cara Franke - Executive Director of Strategic Recruitment
09/08/2025

๐ŸŽ™๏ธ In this episode of The College Admissions Process Podcast, I had the pleasure of interviewing Cara Franke, Executive Director of Strategic Recruitment at the University of Kentucky (UK). Cara offers invaluable insights into UKโ€™s holistic admissions process, the student experience at a large public university, and how applicants โ€” especially out-of-state students โ€” can stand out. Whether you're considering UK or just want to better understand how flagship public institutions make admissions decisions, this episode is a must-listen for students, parents, and counselors alike.

๐Ÿ”‘ Top 4 Takeaways:

๐ŸŽฏ Holistic Admissions with Purpose

UK uses a comprehensive, student-centered...


327. College Student Mini-Series - Grace, Grove City College
09/03/2025

๐ŸŽ™๏ธ Real Talk with College Students โ€“ Reflecting on the College Search Journey

Welcome to a special episode in our ๐ŸŽ“College Student Reflection Mini-Series on The College Admissions Process Podcast! In this episode, host John Durante sits down with a current college student who has completed at least one full year to reflect on their personal college admissions experience โ€” from researching and applying to adapting to life on campus.

Whether you're a high school student, a parent, or a college counselor, this candid conversation is packed with firsthand insights that can help guide your journey with clarity and confiden...


326. Southern Connecticut State University - Nilvio Perez - Director fo Admisions
09/01/2025

๐ŸŽ™๏ธ In this must-listen episode, I had the pleasure of speaking with Nilvio Perez, Director of Admissions at Southern Connecticut State University (SCSU). Whether you're a student, parent, or college counselor, this conversation offers valuable, honest, and strategic insight into the admissions process at a public university โ€” while spotlighting what makes Southern a compelling choice for many.

๐Ÿ“Located in New Haven, Connecticut, SCSU is a mid-sized regional public university that blends academic excellence, real-world preparation, and robust student support โ€” all in an urban setting rich with culture and career access.

๐ŸŽฏ Top 4 Takeaways for Students and Families:

1๏ธโƒฃ Holi...