The College Admissions Process Podcast

By John DuranteEducation Self-Improvement How To

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The College Admissions Process Podcast episodes

October 26398. What Colleges Really Look For: Inside Regis College Admissions with Chris Lydon
In this episode of The College Admissions Process Podcast, host Dr. John Durante speaks with Chris Lydon, Vice President for Undergraduate Enrollment and Dean of Admission at Regis College. During Regis College’s centennial year, Chris discusses the college’s supportive campus community, nursing and health sciences programs, and how the admissions team evaluates applicants.
The conversation offers practical guidance on academic preparation, test-free admissions, extracurricular involvement, recommendation letters, and writing an authentic college application.
In This Episode
Regis College at 100: Explore its residential community, academic programs, and strengths in nursing and clinical health sciences.
A Supportive Campus: Learn about Regis’s commitment to knowing students individually and helping them succeed.
Transcript Evaluation: Understand how Regis recalculates GPAs on an unweighted 4.0 scale and considers course rigor in the context of each high school and intended major.
Test-Free Admissions: Discover why Regis does not use standardized test scores for admission or merit scholarship consideration.
Extracurricular Activities: Learn why commitment, responsibility, and depth of involvement matter more than simply having a long activity list.
Recommendations and Essays: Explore how specific anecdotes, authentic storytelling, and thoughtful proofreading strengthen an application.
Additional Information: Understand when providing context about academic challenges or disruptions can help admissions officers better understand an applicant.
Building Your College List: Consider an essential question before applying: Would you be happy attending the college if it were your only affordable option?

Memorable Insights
“The transcript is two-dimensional and black and white. Essays, recommendations, and activities are the color of the humans we're considering.” — Chris Lydon
“What's the most important year of high school? The answer is the year you're currently in. That is the only year that matters.” — Chris Lydon
Key takeaway: A strong college application goes beyond grades. Academic choices, personal experiences, meaningful involvement, and authentic storytelling help admissions professionals understand the student behind the transcript.
Regis Admission & Aid
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SPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS
👉 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.
🎯 Special Offer for Listeners: Use the code COLLEGETALK (one word) at checkout to receive 20% off.
📚 For full details on their programs and guarantees, visit www.PrepExpert.com
—-----------------------------
Straight From The Admissions Office: Insider Strategies For College Applications
If you're looking for helpful tips and insights for the college admissions process, check out my book by clicking the links below:
🔗 Get the Print Copy Here
🔗 Get the eBook Here
Alphabetical List of All Episodes with Links
www.collegeadmissionstalk.com
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50 min
October 19397. Suffolk County Community College: Affordable Pathways to College & Career Success
Pathways to Success at Suffolk County Community College
In this episode, Dr. John Durante welcomes Dr. Katherine C. Aguirre, Assistant Dean of Student Affairs at Suffolk County Community College, to discuss why community college can be a powerful pathway to academic, personal, and career success.
Topics include:
Why Suffolk County Community College is one of the nation's leading community colleges, offering nearly 100 degree and certificate programs across three campuses.
The benefits of small class sizes, personalized faculty support, and a vibrant campus life.
How the Honors Program prepares students to transfer successfully to institutions such as Cornell, Yale, Princeton, and UNC Chapel Hill.
Strategies for reducing college costs while earning transferable college credits.
High-demand programs including Nursing, Cybersecurity, Engineering, Automotive Technology, and Culinary Arts.
Opportunities for adult learners through Fast Career certifications and the SUNY Reconnect program, which provides free tuition for eligible students.
Admissions tips, including SUNY Free Application Week and how to apply.

Whether you're a high school student, parent, counselor, or adult learner, this episode highlights the many affordable pathways available to help students achieve their educational and career goals.
Resources
Apply to Suffolk County Community College: sunysuffolk.edu/apply
Learn more about the SUNY Reconnect program for eligible adult learners.

From Dr. Katherine C. Aguirre:
Contact: K. Aguirre
Email: [email protected] (Please mention THE CAP PODCAST when reaching out)
SUNY Reconnect: www.sunysuffolk.edu/reconnect
Apply Online: www.sunysuffolk.edu/apply
📬 Join my email list for practical college tips - and a free gift
SPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS
👉 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.
🎯 Special Offer for Listeners: Use the code COLLEGETALK (one word) at checkout to receive 20% off.
📚 For full details on their programs and guarantees, visit www.PrepExpert.com
—-----------------------------
Straight From The Admissions Office: Insider Strategies For College Applications
If you're looking for helpful tips and insights for the college admissions process, check out my book by clicking the links below:
🔗 Get the Print Copy Here
🔗 Get the eBook Here
Alphabetical List of All Episodes with Links
www.collegeadmissionstalk.com
LinkedIn Instagram Facebook TikTok
31 min
October 12396. Inside Bard College Admissions with Tessa Greenhalgh - Senior Assistant Director of Admission
In this episode of The College Admissions Process Podcast, we welcome back Tessa Greenhalgh, Senior Assistant Director of Admissions at Bard College, for an in-depth conversation about what makes Bard one of the most intellectually and socially distinctive colleges in higher education today.
Tessa shares how Bard blends rigorous academics with a deep commitment to civic engagement, social justice, and interdisciplinary learning. She also provides an honest look into today’s evolving admissions landscape, including the growing competitiveness of regular decision admissions and how students can present themselves authentically throughout the application process.
Whether you are a student exploring colleges that value creativity and critical thinking, or a parent navigating the increasingly complex admissions journey, this episode offers meaningful insights into finding the right college fit.
In This Episode, We Discuss:
Why Bard is known as a “private college for the public good”
Bard’s culture of civic engagement and social impact
The value of interdisciplinary study, joint majors, and the Senior Project requirement
What admissions officers are truly looking for in the “Why Bard” supplemental essay
How students can effectively use the additional information section of the application
Why the order of extracurricular activities matters more than many students realize
Bard’s expanded commitment to financial aid, including meeting 100% of demonstrated need for Early Action and Early Decision applicants
How families can shift their mindset from prestige-driven admissions to identifying genuine college fit

Tessa’s perspective provides practical advice, thoughtful reflection, and an encouraging reminder that the college admissions process should ultimately help students find a community where they can thrive academically, personally, and socially.
Bard Undergraduate Admissions
College That Change Lives
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📬 Join my email list for practical college tips - and a free gift
SPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS
👉 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.
🎯 Special Offer for Listeners: Use the code COLLEGETALK (one word) at checkout to receive 20% off.
📚 For full details on their programs and guarantees, visit www.PrepExpert.com
—-----------------------------
Straight From The Admissions Office: Insider Strategies For College Applications
If you're looking for helpful tips and insights for the college admissions process, check out my book by clicking the links below:
🔗 Get the Print Copy Here
🔗 Get the eBook Here
Alphabetical List of All Episodes with Links
www.collegeadmissionstalk.com
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49 min
October 05395. Beyond the Acceptance Letter: How Dominican University New York Creates a Personalized College Experience
What does it mean to provide a truly personalized college experience?
In this episode of The College Admissions Process Podcast, I speak with Nick Marter, Executive Director of Admissions at Dominican University New York, about how a smaller university creates meaningful relationships with students while preparing them for success in college and beyond.
Our conversation explores Dominican University's student-centered approach to admissions, academics, career preparation, and affordability. Nick also discusses how the university is thoughtfully integrating artificial intelligence into the classroom while continuing to emphasize the personal connections that help students thrive.
In this episode, you'll learn:
Why Dominican University's size allows it to provide a highly personalized student experience.
How the university supports students from application through graduation.
The strength of programs including Nursing, Health Sciences, Business, Education, and Criminal Justice.
How AI is being thoughtfully incorporated into the curriculum.
Why affordability, transparency, and student success remain central to the university's mission.

Whether you're a student, parent, or school counselor, this episode offers valuable insight into how to evaluate college fit beyond rankings and reputation.
Dominican University New York
-------------------------
📬 Join my email list for practical college tips - and a free gift
SPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS
👉 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.
🎯 Special Offer for Listeners: Use the code COLLEGETALK (one word) at checkout to receive 20% off.
📚 For full details on their programs and guarantees, visit www.PrepExpert.com
—-----------------------------
Straight From The Admissions Office: Insider Strategies For College Applications
If you're looking for helpful tips and insights for the college admissions process, check out my book by clicking the links below:
🔗 Get the Print Copy Here
🔗 Get the eBook Here
Alphabetical List of All Episodes with Links
www.collegeadmissionstalk.com
LinkedIn Instagram Facebook TikTok
42 min
September 28394. Inside University of Colorado Boulder Admissions: What It Really Takes to Stand Out
Curiosity to Lead: Inside CU Boulder Admissions with Carlos Jimenez
What does it take to stand out at one of the nation's leading public research universities? In this episode of The College Admissions Process Podcast, I sit down with Carlos Jimenez, Assistant Vice Chancellor for Admissions and Precollege in the Division of Enrollment Management at the University of Colorado Boulder, for an inside look at how admissions decisions are made at a highly selective flagship institution.
Carlos shares how CU Boulder evaluates applicants through the lens of curiosity, academic rigor, and authenticity while building a dynamic community of students representing a wide range of backgrounds, experiences, and interests. From understanding institutional priorities to crafting meaningful application essays, this conversation offers practical guidance for students and families navigating today's competitive admissions landscape.
In this episode, you'll learn:
Why curiosity is at the heart of CU Boulder's admissions philosophy.
How admissions officers evaluate academic rigor by looking at the opportunities available at each student's high school.
Why an upward academic trajectory can be just as important as a strong GPA.
How CU Boulder defines "fit" across more than 200 academic majors and over 500 student organizations.
The role institutional priorities play in shaping each incoming class, including Colorado residency requirements and the university's growing global initiatives.
Why authentic storytelling matters more than polished perfection in the age of artificial intelligence.
How memorable details in the activities section can help your application stand out.
What students should know before applying to highly competitive programs such as Business and Engineering.
Why researching individual courses within a major is often more valuable than focusing solely on the major's title.
How families can reduce stress by creating healthy boundaries around the college application process.
Why regularly checking email remains one of the simplest—and most important—habits during the admissions cycle.
Questions every student should ask while visiting a college campus.
How to choose recommenders who can provide meaningful context beyond your grades and test scores.

Whether you're just beginning your college search or preparing to submit applications this fall, this episode provides valuable insight into what selective universities are looking for—and how students can present their most authentic selves throughout the admissions process.
CLICK HERE to connect with the University of Colorado Boulder
If you enjoy The College Admissions Process Podcast, please subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with students, families, and educators who are navigating the college admissions journey.
📬 Join my email list for practical college tips - and a free gift
SPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS
👉 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.
🎯 Special Offer for Listeners: Use the code COLLEGETALK (one word) at checkout to receive 20% off.
📚 For full details on their programs and guarantees, visit www.PrepExpert.com
—-----------------------------
Straight From The Admissions Office: Insider Strategies For College Applications
If you're looking for helpful tips and insights for the college admissions process, check out my book by clicking the links below:
🔗 Get the Print Copy Here
🔗 Get the eBook Here
Alphabetical List of All Episodes with Links
www.collegeadmissionstalk.com
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42 min
September 21 393. Bryn Mawr Admissions: Finding Fit, Authenticity, and the Student Who Thrives
In this episode of The College Admissions Process Podcast, I speak with Caitlin Brown, Dean of Undergraduate Admissions at Bryn Mawr College, about what makes Bryn Mawr unique and how students can identify whether a college is the right fit.
They discuss holistic admissions, academic rigor, authentic student voice, and what colleges look for beyond grades and test scores.
Key Takeaways:
• Finding the Right Fit: Bryn Mawr looks for students who will thrive in a collaborative, intellectually curious community and contribute as engaged learners.
• Beyond Traditional Leadership: Admissions teams value impact in many forms — including initiative, responsibility, service, family commitments, and meaningful contributions to a community.
• Holistic Application Review: Caitlin shares how Bryn Mawr evaluates applications carefully, considering the full context of each student’s academic journey and personal experiences.
• The Power of Authenticity: Students do not need a perfect story. They need to demonstrate reflection, growth, and an understanding of who they are.
• Writing Strong Essays: The strongest essays sound like the student. Authentic voice, thoughtful reflection, and genuine connection matter.
• The Tri-College Consortium: Students gain access to expanded academic opportunities through partnerships with Haverford College, Swarthmore College, and the University of Pennsylvania.
• The Value of a Liberal Arts Education: Caitlin discusses how critical thinking, communication, collaboration, and adaptability prepare students for an evolving workforce.
Advice for Students and Families:
Start early, explore colleges thoughtfully, ask questions, and focus on finding a community where you can grow and thrive.
Listen now to learn more about Bryn Mawr College and the admissions process from the perspective of a Dean of Undergraduate Admissions.
Bryn Mawr Admissions & Aid
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📬 Join my email list for practical college tips - and a free gift
SPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS
👉 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.
🎯 Special Offer for Listeners: Use the code COLLEGETALK (one word) at checkout to receive 20% off.
📚 For full details on their programs and guarantees, visit www.PrepExpert.com
—-----------------------------
Straight From The Admissions Office: Insider Strategies For College Applications
If you're looking for helpful tips and insights for the college admissions process, check out my book by clicking the links below:
🔗 Get the Print Copy Here
🔗 Get the eBook Here
Alphabetical List of All Episodes with Links
www.collegeadmissionstalk.com
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36 min
September 14392. Inside Brandeis Admissions: What Dean Emily Roper-Doten Wants Applicants to Know
Navigating the Brandeis University Admissions Process with Dean Emily Roper-Doten
In this episode of The College Admissions Process Podcast, I sat down with Emily Roper-Doten, Dean of Admissions at Brandeis University, to discuss what makes Brandeis unique and how students can strengthen their college applications.
Dean Roper-Doten shares insights into Brandeis University's mission, admissions review process, test-optional policy, Early Decision program, financial aid resources, and the qualities that help students stand out in a highly competitive applicant pool. She also offers practical advice for students and families navigating today's college admissions landscape.
In This EpisodeUnderstanding the Brandeis University Experience
The history and mission of Brandeis University.
The institution's commitment to academic excellence, social justice, and intellectual inquiry.
How Brandeis combines rigorous academics, research opportunities, and a vibrant arts community.

How Applications Are Evaluated
Why the high school transcript remains the most important part of the application.
What admissions officers look for beyond GPA and test scores.
The importance of academic growth, course selection, and sustained achievement.

Authenticity Matters
Why students should focus on telling their story rather than trying to impress admissions officers.
Tips for writing a compelling college essay.
How meaningful extracurricular involvement matters more than the number of activities listed.

Early Decision, Demonstrated Interest, and Test-Optional Admissions
When Early Decision is the right choice.
How demonstrated interest fits into the admissions process.
What students should know about Brandeis' longstanding test-optional policy.

Innovation in Financial Aid and Career Preparation
An introduction to FAY, Brandeis University's AI-powered financial aid tool.
How Brandeis is helping students prepare for careers through innovative assessment of real-world skills.

Why Listen?
If you're interested in Brandeis University, highly selective college admissions, financial aid, test-optional admissions, college essays, or application strategies, this episode provides valuable insights directly from a Dean of Admissions.
Resources
Brandeis University Office of Undergraduate Admissions
FAYE Financial Aid Estimator

-------------------------------
📬 Join my email list for practical college tips - and a free gift
SPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS
👉 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.
🎯 Special Offer for Listeners: Use the code COLLEGETALK (one word) at checkout to receive 20% off.
📚 For full details on their programs and guarantees, visit www.PrepExpert.com
—-----------------------------
Straight From The Admissions Office: Insider Strategies For College Applications
If you're looking for helpful tips and insights for the college admissions process, check out my book by clicking the links below:
🔗 Get the Print Copy Here
🔗 Get the eBook Here
Alphabetical List of All Episodes with Links
www.collegeadmissionstalk.com
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44 min
September 07 391. Inside Bucknell Admissions: Dean Kevin Mathes on What It Really Takes to Get In
In this episode I sat down with Kevin T. Mathes - Vice President of Enrollment Management & Dean of Admissions at Bucknell University As both a senior leader and alumnus, he offers a clear, insider perspective on what truly defines Bucknell—and what it takes to stand out in its admissions process.
This conversation explores what makes Bucknell a distinctive “big small school,” blending the close-knit feel of a liberal arts college with the opportunities of a larger university. Kevin also shares how admissions decisions are made across different colleges within Bucknell, and why context matters when evaluating a student’s academic record.
Listeners will gain insight into how to approach transcripts, testing decisions in a test-optional landscape, and the role authenticity plays in essays. The discussion also touches on how emerging factors like AI are being viewed in the application process, along with key considerations around financial aid and scholarship opportunities.
The episode wraps with practical, experience-driven advice for families navigating the process—offering a grounded perspective on how to approach decisions with clarity and confidence.
If you're looking for a sharper understanding of selective admissions and how to position yourself thoughtfully, this episode delivers meaningful insight without the noise.
Bucknell University - Office of Admissions
Scholarship Programs - Bucknell University
📬 Join my email list for practical college tips - and a free gift
SPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS
👉 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.
🎯 Special Offer for Listeners: Use the code COLLEGETALK (one word) at checkout to receive 20% off.
📚 For full details on their programs and guarantees, visit www.PrepExpert.com
—-----------------------------
Straight From The Admissions Office: Insider Strategies For College Applications
If you're looking for helpful tips and insights for the college admissions process, check out my book by clicking the links below:
🔗 Get the Print Copy Here
🔗 Get the eBook Here
Alphabetical List of All Episodes with Links
www.collegeadmissionstalk.com
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46 min
August 31390. Inside WashU Admissions: What It Really Takes to Stand Out
In this episode of The College Admissions Process Podcast, I sat down with Victor Thomas, Director of Admissions at Washington University in St. Louis, for an in-depth conversation about what truly matters in today’s highly selective admissions process.
Victor offers a thoughtful and transparent look into how WashU evaluates applicants beyond grades and test scores, while also sharing insights into the university’s collaborative, interdisciplinary culture. From understanding transcript rigor to navigating the debut of WashU’s new Early Action plan, this episode provides valuable guidance for students, families, and counselors alike.
Whether you are applying to a highly selective institution or simply trying to better understand the concept of “fit,” this conversation highlights the importance of authenticity, curiosity, and self-awareness throughout the college admissions journey.
Topics Discussed in This Episode:
What makes the interdisciplinary “WashU Way” unique
How WashU reviews transcripts within the context of each high school
Why academic rigor and trends matter more than a single GPA number
The difference between demonstrated interest and meaningful engagement
WashU’s new Early Action option and how it compares to Early Decision
What “test optional” really means in a competitive applicant pool
How students should approach the academically focused “Why WashU?” supplement
Why authenticity is one of the most important qualities in an application
Victor Thomas’s best advice for students navigating senior year

Key Takeaways:
WashU encourages students to explore across disciplines and combine diverse academic interests.
Admissions decisions are heavily context-driven and focused on the student’s academic environment and opportunities.
Supplemental essays should clearly connect a student’s intellectual curiosity to specific opportunities at WashU.
Strong applications require evidence of academic readiness, even in a test-optional environment.
Students should start essays early, prioritize wellness, and lean into gratitude during the admissions process.

Quote to Remember:“Every student needs to hear... that you are a lot more interesting and you have more of a story than maybe you think.” — Victor Thomas
WashU Admissions
If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with students, families, and counselors navigating the college admissions process.
📬 Join my email list for practical college tips - and a free gift
SPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS
👉 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.
🎯 Special Offer for Listeners: Use the code COLLEGETALK (one word) at checkout to receive 20% off.
📚 For full details on their programs and guarantees, visit www.PrepExpert.com
—-----------------------------
Straight From The Admissions Office: Insider Strategies For College Applications
If you're looking for helpful tips and insights for the college admissions process, check out my book by clicking the links below:
🔗 Get the Print Copy Here
🔗 Get the eBook Here
Alphabetical List of All Episodes with Links
www.collegeadmissionstalk.com
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50 min
August 24 389. Inside Admissions at The College of Wooster with Jason McGrath, VP for Enrollment
Exploring The College of Wooster with Jason McGrath
In this episode, I spoke with Jason McGrath, Vice President for Enrollment Management, about what makes The College of Wooster a distinctive option for students.
A defining feature of Wooster is its Senior Independent Study (IS), a year-long, faculty-mentored research project required for all students, emphasizing independent thinking and real-world application.
The conversation also highlights Wooster’s holistic admissions process, where applications are reviewed in context, academic rigor is evaluated based on available opportunities, and standardized testing remains optional. Notably, test scores are not considered in scholarship decisions.
Jason shares practical advice for applicants, including how to approach the activities list, what makes a compelling personal statement, and when Early Decision is an appropriate choice.
The episode also explores Wooster’s strong support systems, commitment to personalized learning, and outcomes for graduates.
The College of Wooster - Admissions
Colleges That Change Lives
📬 Join my email list for practical college tips - and a free gift
SPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS
👉 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.
🎯 Special Offer for Listeners: Use the code COLLEGETALK (one word) at checkout to receive 20% off.
📚 For full details on their programs and guarantees, visit www.PrepExpert.com
—-----------------------------
Straight From The Admissions Office: Insider Strategies For College Applications
If you're looking for helpful tips and insights for the college admissions process, check out my book by clicking the links below:
🔗 Get the Print Copy Here
🔗 Get the eBook Here
Alphabetical List of All Episodes with Links
www.collegeadmissionstalk.com
Instagram Facebook TikTok LinkedIn YouTube Shorts
52 min

About The College Admissions Process Podcast

From the publisher's feed

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.