In this episode of The Ol' College Try Podcast, host Peg Keough sits down with admissions expert Jenna Schebell to pull back the curtain on what really happens after students submit their college applications.

Before diving into the admissions conversation, Peg shares this week’s song pick: Slide by Goo Goo Dolls — the fun, sentimental song she chose for the choreographed mother-son dance at her son’s wedding.

With more than 20 years of experience working in college admissions offices, high schools, and private counseling, Jenna explains how colleges evaluate applicants, why admissions decisions can feel unpredictable, and how institutional priorities shape every incoming class.

Families will learn:

• How holistic admissions actually works
• Why colleges recalculate GPAs differently
• What admissions officers look for beyond grades and test scores
• How school profiles and course rigor impact decisions
• Why one student can get rejected from one school and accepted to another
• How “yield protection” and enrollment strategy influence admissions
• Why public flagship universities have become dramatically more competitive
• What parents and students should focus on instead of obsessing over rankings and acceptance rates

Peg and Jenna also discuss the emotional side of the admissions process, the dangers of misinformation on social media, and why finding the right college fit matters more than chasing prestige.

Whether you're a parent of a high school student, a college counselor, or a student preparing your college list, this episode offers practical insights into today’s increasingly competitive college admissions landscape.

In this episode of The Ol' College Try Podcast, host Peg Keough sits down with admissions expert Jenna Schebell to pull back the curtain on what really happens after students submit their college applications.Before diving into the admissions conversation, Peg shares this week’s song pick: Slide by Goo Goo Dolls — the fun, sentimental song she chose for the choreographed mother-son dance at her son’s wedding.With more than 20 years of experience working in college admissions offices, high schools, and private counseling, Jenna explains how colleges evaluate applicants, why admissions decisions can feel unpredictable, and how institutional priorities shape every incoming class.Families will learn:How holistic admissions actually worksWhy colleges recalculate GPAs differentlyWhat admissions officers look for beyond grades and test scoresHow school profiles and course rigor impact decisionsWhy one student can get rejected from one school and accepted to anotherHow “yield protection” and enrollment strategy influence admissionsWhy public flagship universities have become dramatically more competitiveWhat parents and students should focus on instead of obsessing over rankings and acceptance ratesPeg and Jenna also discuss the emotional side of the admissions process, the dangers of misinformation on social media, and why finding the right college fit matters more than chasing prestige.Whether you're a parent of a high school student, a college counselor, or a student preparing your college list, this episode offers practical insights into today’s increasingly competitive college admissions landscape.

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