Inside the Admissions Office: Advice from Former Admissions Officers

Need help with your college applications? Set up a complimentary strategy call with our team of admission experts: CLICK HERE. 

Is your student a fit for Caltech? Here’s what admissions really want. We spoke with someone who’s been inside the Caltech admissions room, and they revealed what really catches the attention of decision-makers at one of the world’s most rigorous STEM universities.

In this episode, you'll get clear, actionable insights on:

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With U.S. immigration and education policies changing, many students and families are looking to the UK for their college journey. But UK admissions are quite different from the U.S.—from the application process to student life.

In this episode, Harry Sherratt, Senior Managing Director, Asia-Pacific & Director of UK Services at InGenius Prep, breaks down:

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What makes a college essay stand out at top schools like Harvard, Stanford, or Yale?

In this episode, we sit down with Dave Marcus, Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist, bestselling author of Acceptance, and former high school teacher, to unpack the art of storytelling in college applications.

Dave shares tips he’s used to help CEOs, students, and professionals tell their stories with clarity and heart. Perfect for students, parents, and counselors guiding the college application process.

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From prescreen recordings and performance auditions to professor connections and portfolio prep, the music admissions process is uniquely challenging. In this episode, we sit down with the experts from Inside Music Schools to unpack everything you need to know about getting into top conservatories and university music programs. Whether you're aiming for Juilliard, Berklee, or a strong music program within a larger university, this conversation is packed with advice to help you stand out.

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We dive into the Trump Administration’s attempt to revoke Harvard’s Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) certification and explore what this means for international students around the world. Additionally, we will break down the legal and political background behind this controversial move and provide honest, empathetic insights for students and families caught in the middle. Whether you’re just starting your college journey, in the middle of your degree, or applying now, this episode is designed to keep you informed about your next steps.

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Today’s students are juggling intense academics, nonstop social media, and AI tools reshaping how they learn. In this episode, we dive into:

Plus, we’ll share practical tips on how you, as a parent, can help your teen feel b...

Are academic competitions worth the time and effort? We’re covering everything from the top competitions that impress admissions officers, to how to find a healthy balance between specializing and exploring different interests. We’ll also touch on the not-so-talked-about side of competitions—what happens when your student doesn’t win and how they can still come away with tons of value from the experience.

Juniors, ready to ace your college applications? Get exclusive insights from Former Admissions Officers at UC Berkeley and the University of Chicago in this must-listen episode!

We’re diving into expert strategies to help you stand out, avoid common mistakes, and balance academics with extracurriculars—plus, we’re answering real questions from students like you. Whether you're just starting or deep in the process, this episode is packed with insider admissions tips to give you the edge.

Hit play now and get ahead in your college journey!

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When it comes to choosing a college, rankings can feel like the end-all-be-all. We get it—seeing a school in the “Top 10” list is reassuring. But are those numbers telling the full story?

In this episode, we’re pulling back the curtain on college rankings. With insights from Former Assistant Director of Admissions at NYU, we dive into:

We’ll help you and your student move b...

With college admissions becoming increasingly competitive, many students feel pressured to "do it all" when it comes to extracurriculars. But is that really what colleges are looking for? In our latest podcast episode, we uncover the reality behind how admissions officers evaluate student activities.

You'll learn:

This episode is a...

With the recent changes in standardized testing, many families are asking: SAT or ACT—what’s the best fit for your student? In this episode, Jake Adams, Director of InGenius Test Prep, breaks down everything you need to know to make an informed decision. He discusses how to choose the right test based on your student’s strengths, the latest updates on the Digital ACT launching in April 2025, and offers strategies for students who may struggle with standardized testing. Jake also shares practical tips to help your teen prepare with confidence, showing that standardized testing doesn’t have to be stres...

Getting ready for college interviews? As competition increases, a strong interview can set you apart in the admissions process. In this episode, we speak with a Former Carnegie Mellon Admissions Director to provide expert insights on how students can confidently navigate their interviews and improve their chances of acceptance.

Key takeaways for parents & students:

Put their best foot forward. Listen now!

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In this episode, former admissions officers from Johns Hopkins, Yale, and Harvard Law share their honest feedback on real Common Apps from students who applied to Yale, Dartmouth, and Johns Hopkins. Discover what makes an application stand out—and what’s missing! Gain insights into the strengths and weaknesses they’ve observed, plus how domestic and international applications differ in the admissions process.You’ll get firsthand insider feedback on the strengths and weaknesses they've seen in these applications, plus hear how the admissions process differs for domestic vs. international applicants. Tune in for some eye-opening insights you won’t want to...

🎙️ Episode Overview

In this week's episode, we’re excited to have two Former Admissions Officers from Johns Hopkins and Yale join us for an exclusive, behind-the-scenes look at a real student’s Common App profile. They break down the activities list and personal essay, sharing what works, what doesn’t, and how the two pieces come together to tell a compelling story.

Want to know how to make your student's application shine? Tune in to see what admissions officers really look for—and what can make or break your chances.

For those of you eager to...

🎙️ Episode Overview
We’re thrilled to bring you a brand-new episode of our podcast, packed with expert advice on the college admissions process that you won’t want to miss—especially if you have a high schooler in the middle of applying!

This week, we sit down with three former admissions officers from Harvard, the University of Chicago, and the University of Pennsylvania to answer some of the most pressing, real-world college admissions questions straight from Reddit. These are the types of personal and thought-provoking questions that every student (and parent!) wants answers to, and we’re diving dee...

Are you ready to uncover the unique benefits of liberal arts colleges and help your student find their perfect fit?

In this episode, Krista, a seasoned admissions expert, will guide you and your student through aligning school choices with both academic and personal goals, ensuring your student is set up for success.

Here's what you'll learn:

Are you ready to break free from the traditional path and take your future into your own hands?

Today, we’re talking gap years and how they can completely reshape your college application (and your life).

The Admissions Advantage–Former Dartmouth admissions officer shares how a gap year can:

What Makes a Gap Year Transformative–Jaein Seo, Director of Global Higher Ed Relationships at Baret Scholars, explains:

Is your student interested in college athletic recruitment? Don’t miss our latest podcast episode, where we dive deep into the college sailing recruitment process! In partnership with US Sailing, we bring you expert insights from experienced professionals, including how to connect with coaches, meet recruitment deadlines, secure athletic scholarships, and prepare for tryouts and team dynamics. Tune in now for expert advice that will help your student navigate the college sailing recruitment process and set sail for success!

To set up a complimentary strategy call, CLICK HERE. 

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Ready to tackle college application season? Our latest podcast episode is here to help you navigate this critical time!

Join us as we bring together a panel of former admissions officers from the University of Pennsylvania, Brown, and Harvard to address the most common questions surrounding college applications, personal essays, the Common App, letters of recommendation, resumes, activity lists, and much more.

To set up a complimentary strategy call, CLICK HERE. 

Register for our upcoming webinars.

Questions, comments, or topic requests? Email jilian.yong@ingeniusprep.com.

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Curious about what it takes to get into grad school as an engineering major? Tune in to our latest episode featuring special guest Will Fenton! Whether you're aiming for a cutting-edge career in tech or looking to make an impact through research, this episode is packed with insider tips to help you succeed.

We cover the key academic skills needed to stand out, plus the extracurriculars and leadership experiences that can make your grad school application shine. Don't miss this chance to hear expert advice on how to build a competitive profile.

To set up...

What does it take to effectively parent high-achieving students and guide them toward Ivy League admissions? In this insightful episode, Heather McCutchen—Former Admissions Officer—shares her unique journey of homeschooling her three children during their junior high years, all of whom successfully gained admission to Ivy League schools. Discover practical parenting advice as Heather explains how she nurtured each child's individual strengths, built resilience, and encouraged them to think creatively. Learn how allowing her children to pursue happiness in their school choices fostered greater involvement, risk-taking, and leadership opportunities—key elements for academic success. Tune in for actionable tips o...

Wondering how to support your child in developing the skills they need to succeed in school and beyond? In this episode, we’re exploring the world of executive functioning—the critical skills that enable your child to manage time, stay organized, and succeed academically and personally. We’ll break down what executive functioning is, why it’s so essential for your child’s development, and how to recognize when they might need additional support.

We’ll also be sharing expert-approved strategies you can implement right away to strengthen your child’s executive functioning skills. And with technology being such a b...

Wondering how speech, debate, and mock trial competitions can impact your child’s future success?

In this episode, we dive into the dynamic world of speech, debate, and mock trial competitions, offering students, parents, and educators essential insights. Learn how participation in these activities can boost academic performance, enhance critical thinking skills, and pave the way for college admissions success. Our guest shares winning strategies, discusses the role of mentorship, and offers guidance on handling setbacks. Whether you're aiming for national or international competitions, this episode equips you with the tools to excel and leverage your achievements fo...

In this episode, we’re joined by two special guests: Matt Rosenbaum, a former UChicago Admissions Officer, and Maya Gobert, Director of the Leadership and Innovation Lab (LIL). Matt shares expert insights on nurturing curiosity in young students, how parents can support their educational journey, and common mistakes parents make during their child’s formative years. Maya explains how the Leadership & Entrepreneurship Exploration (LEE) program builds essential skills like confidence, communication, and problem-solving in just eight weeks. We also discuss how the LIL LEE program introduces entrepreneurship with valuable 1-on-1 support and offers tips on balancing focused learning with open...

Interested in what a Harvard Admissions Officer looks for in applicants? 

In today’s episode, we dive deep into the intricacies of the Harvard College admissions process with Bruno, a Former Admissions Officer at Harvard College. Bruno shares insider details on what Harvard truly values in both first-year and transfer applicants, providing a behind-the-scenes look at the selection process. We also explore the significant changes in admissions criteria following the recent lawsuit and discuss actionable strategies for prospective students to stand out in their applications. If you’re aiming to gain admission to Harvard, this episode is packe...

Curious how our students enjoy a 99% acceptance rate? On today’s episode, Joel Butterly, Co-Founder and CEO of InGenius Prep dives into the unique strategies and programs that set InGenius Prep apart. We also explore real-life examples and listener questions, offering continued insight into how students can craft standout college applications and achieve their college dreams. 

To set up a complimentary strategy call, CLICK HERE. 

Join our private Facebook Group to ask our Former Admissions Officers any questions!

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Questions, comments, or topic requests? Email noel.kim@inge...

Are you an aspiring computer science major looking to stand out? On today’s episode, Brian Skinner, founder of Breakout Mentors, walks us through how to best prepare for USACO, one of the most prestigious coding competitions, and how to leverage strong coding skills to craft unique signature projects for college applications. Whether you're a novice coder or a seasoned competitor, this episode will help you gain that competitive edge in the world of coding competitions and college applications.

To set up a complimentary strategy call, CLICK HERE. 

Learn more about Breakout Mentors.

Joi...

Waitlisted from your dream school? Struggling with no acceptance offers? Or are you split between multiple acceptances? On today’s episode, Krista Pickett, a Former Admissions Officer from Williams, discusses first some strategies for students to effectively navigate being waitlisted. From understanding the significance of remaining active on the waitlist to crafting compelling letters of continued interest, Krista offers advice for students vying for coveted spots at their dream schools. Krista then dives into possible options for students who find themselves in a tough spot with no viable acceptances. Lastly, Krista offers advice for students with multiple acceptance, emphasizing th...

Thinking about embellishing your extracurriculars? Wondering if your music teacher is the best person to ask for a letter of recommendation? Running behind in the college application process? On today’s episode, our Former Admissions Officers answer these questions and more in this special Q&A segment.

To set up a complimentary strategy call, CLICK HERE. 

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Questions, comments, or topic requests? Email noel.kim@ingeniusprep.com.

To learn more about InGenius Prep, visit us at ingeniusprep.com.

With an admit rate of 14.57%, how did we help our student, Maggie, get accepted into Columbia University, her top-choice school? On today’s episode, Kat Jennings, a Former Admissions Officer from NYU, gives us an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at how Maggie beat the odds during the Early Decision round this year. From creating a unique Application Persona to strategically enhancing her extracurriculars to fit her physics major, Kat shares valuable tips on how you can also secure that coveted acceptance letter.

To set up a complimentary strategy call, CLICK HERE. 

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Do non-STEM students need research experience in their college applications? On today’s episode, Christopher Brown, our Director of Academic Mentorship, shares insider tips on how to create impactful research projects. From discussing how to present challenges to unraveling the criteria Admissions Officers seek in research projects, this episode will be your ultimate roadmap to crafting a standout research project that sets you apart from your competition in your college application.

To set up a complimentary strategy call, CLICK HERE. 

Join our private Facebook Group to ask our Former Admissions Officers any questions!

Reg...

How do you capture an Admissions Officer’s attention through your college essays? On today’s episode, Nivanthi Karunaratne, a Graduate Coach at InGenius Prep, shares her personal journey of self-discovery through music and how it has influenced her approach in helping students find their voice in their college essays. From asking the right questions to discussing the power of introspection in the essay-writing process, Nivanthi shares valuable tips on how to write stellar college application essays. 

To set up a complimentary strategy call, CLICK HERE. 

Join our private Facebook Group to ask our Former Admiss...

How do you convince colleges that you are exactly what they are looking for? On today’s episode, Drew Hazen, a Former Admissions Officer from Northwestern, unveils effective strategies to stand out among a highly competitive pool of accomplished peers. From decoding the holistic review process to providing tips on how to craft a standout application, Drew covers the importance of a clear narrative, the challenge of showcasing personality in applications, and tips for tackling school-specific essay questions. Whether you're a high school student or a supportive parent, this episode will be a comprehensive guide to making a memorable im...

How do students stand out in popular STEM clubs, like robotics? On today’s episode, Stacy Wells Shea, a Former Admissions Officer from the University of Rochester, reveals what key qualities set apart standout STEM-related extracurricular activities. From engaging in unique, atypical projects to learning how to make a lasting impact within clubs, Stacy shares valuable insights on how STEM students can distinguish themselves in the competitive college admissions process. Whether you are a prospective STEM student or a parent guiding your child through the admissions process, this episode will be a crucial guide on how to elevate STEM ac...

Wondering when to reach out to coaches or how to stand out in the recruitment process as a fencer? On today's episode, Kevin Dupont, a Former Admissions Officer from Cornell, sheds light on the nuances of the fencing recruitment process and addresses key questions from students - such as when to reach out to coaches, and how to craft compelling interest letters and fencing resumes. Whether you're a seasoned high school fencer or just starting, this episode will set you on the right path to success in both academics and athletics.

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Are you applying to colleges this year? Or is your New Year's Resolution to get ahead with your college applications? If so, you're in the right place! On today's episode, our Former Admissions Officers shared their best advice for students gearing up for the college application process in the new year. From sharing the key to crafting unique applications to discussing how to navigate the challenges of feeling overwhelmed by schoolwork and college applications, this episode will help you approach the college admission journey with confidence and success.

To set up a complimentary strategy call, CLICK HERE. 

Want to learn our secrets to how we helped 11 students get admitted to MIT? On today’s episode, Krista Pickett, a Former Admissions Officer from Williams, reveals what it takes to create an outstanding profile that captivates admission committees. From breaking down the intricacies of the application process to offering actionable tips on balancing academic achievements, extracurricular involvements, and personal narratives, Krista shares valuable insights into navigating the complex terrain of admissions, understanding what distinguishes a compelling application, and how to present a multifaceted yet cohesive identity to top-tier colleges.

To set up a complimentary strategy call, CL...

In college admissions, excellence alone doesn't guarantee acceptance. On today's episode, Marianna Irizarry, a Former Admissions Officer from Stanford, sheds light on the multifaceted qualities that make standout applicants. Drawing from a wealth of experience in law, education, and admissions, Marianna shares her insights on how to craft a strategic approach and cultivate diverse, authentic interests. From creating impactful volunteer work to leveraging a student's unique strengths, this episode will provide valuable insights on how to gain a competitive edge in college admissions. 

To set up a complimentary strategy call, CLICK HERE. 

Register for our up...

The new Digital SAT presents hurdles and opportunities for students aiming for top scores. On today’s episode, Jake Adams, Director of InGenius Test Prep, unveils the strategies essential for scoring in the top percentile. Whether it's understanding the new modular adaptive testing format or unlocking the secrets behind maximizing performance, this episode equips students with the tools needed to ace the Digital SAT.

To set up a complimentary strategy call, CLICK HERE. 

Register for our upcoming webinars.

Questions, comments, or topic requests? Email noel.kim@ingeniusprep.com.

To learn more abo...

Should you use ChatGPT to write your personal statements?

On today's episode, Zak Harris, a Former Admissions Officer from Johns Hopkins, shares his strategies on how to stand out in college essays without the use of AI.

To set up a complimentary strategy call, CLICK HERE. 

Register for our upcoming webinars.

Questions, comments, or topic requests? Email noel.kim@ingeniusprep.com.

To learn more about InGenius Prep, visit us at ingeniusprep.com.