November 26, 2025

Jeff Selingo - What the Data Really Says About Dream Schools (Walk & Talk with Harlan)

1 hour 5 minutes

In this episode, I had a great walk around Evanston, Illinois, with New York Times bestselling author Jeff Selingo to discuss his latest book, Dream School. We talked about why getting into a highly selective college isn't necessarily the key to long-term success and what the data actually shows about how students from less selective, smaller schools go on to build equally fulfilling careers. Jeff and I explored how students can define success on their own terms and why focusing on fit and experience often leads to better outcomes than chasing prestige. Whether you're a student figuring out your next step or a parent trying to support your child through the college search process, this conversation offers practical advice and a much-needed perspective shift.

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ABOUT JEFF:

Jeff Selingo is a New York Times bestselling author, special advisor and professor of practice to the president at Arizona State University, and co-host of the Future U. podcast. For more than 25 years, he's been at the forefront of higher education journalism and analysis, having served as the top editor of The Chronicle of Higher Education for 18 years.

Jeff is the author of four books, including several New York Times bestsellers. His most recent book, Dream School: Finding the College That's Right for You, was published in September 2025. The Chronicle of Higher Education His previous book, Who Gets In and Why: A Year Inside College Admissions, was named one of the Most Notable Books of 2020 by The New York Times.

Website: https://jeffselingo.com

Latest Book (Dream School): https://amzn.to/4p19N8h

Newsletter (Next): https://jeffselingo.com (sign up link)

Future U. Podcast: https://www.futureupodcast.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffselingo

X/Twitter: @jselingo

OTHER INTERVIEWS & MEDIA:

Smerconish Interview (CNN): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wtI82sfwqtU

Dream School Reference in The New Yorker: https://www.newyorker.com/news/the-lede/the-great-student-swap

NPR Story: https://www.npr.org/2025/10/09/nx-s1-5567124/nprs-book-of-the-day-jeff-selingo-dream-school

THE HARLAN COHEN PODCAST New York Times bestselling author Harlan Cohen has candid conversations with top experts, and leading influencers. Guests share their greatest victories, devastating setbacks, and most valuable advice to help listeners dream big and take action. Hosted by Harlan Cohen, New York Times bestselling author, and speaker. Harlan is the founder of Best First Year, and has over 1 million books in print. His live events, books, programs, and workshops have reached millions of people and changed countless lives.

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