The College Admissions Process Podcast

The College Admissions Process Podcast

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The College Admissions Process Podcast episodes

  • 375. Inside Denison University Admissions: What Applicants Should Know

    In this episode of The College Admissions Process Podcast, I sit down with representatives from Denison University to take a closer look at the admissions process at a highly selective liberal arts college.

    From Denison’s philosophy of the “multi-interested” student to a behind-the-scenes look at how applications are reviewed, this conversation offers valuable insights for students and families navigating the college search.

    Featured Guests
    • Jesse Leary Yagher – Director of Recruitment, Denison University
    • Caitlin Ladda – Director of Selection, Denison University
    • Grace Ostrosky – Current sophomore, studying Creative Writing & Journalism

    Key Takeaways

    The “Multi-Interested” Student

    Denison encourages exploration. Students are not expected to declare a major right away and have the flexibility to discover their academic interests through their sophomore year.

    The Transcript Matters Most

    Denison places significant emphasis on the high school transcript as the strongest predictor of future success, supporting their long-standing test-optional approach.

    A Truly Holistic Review

    Applications are reviewed by real people—often beginning with a territory manager who understands the context of a student’s high school. Authenticity in essays matters far more than trying to sound “perfect.”

    Research & Mentorship Opportunities

    Programs like the Summer Scholars initiative give students the opportunity to conduct faculty-mentored research, with funding and housing support.

    A Campus That Continues to Evolve

    Denison continues to expand its academic offerings, including programs in Finance and Data Analytics, along with new campus facilities like Noble Hall.

    Demonstrated Interest

    Engaging with Denison—through interviews, visits, or virtual events—can play a meaningful role in the application process.

    Denison Admission & Financial Aid

    📬 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

    49 min
  • 374. Lehigh University - Bruce Bunnick - Director of Admissions

    🎙️ It was an honor to welcome back Bruce Bunnick, Director of Admissions at Lehigh University, to discuss how this R1 research university maintains the heart of a liberal arts college. They cover Lehigh’s interdisciplinary academics, holistic admissions process, and strategies for students navigating a test-optional environment.

    Key Takeaways ✅

    • The Lehigh Identity: ~6,000 undergrads across Arts & Sciences, Business, Engineering, and Health. Interdisciplinary options let students mix majors and minors across fields.
    • Holistic Review & Personal Voice: Essays matter—“give voice to an otherwise voiceless application.” A memorable essay can tip the scales. ✍️
    • Context is Key: Students are evaluated within their high school context; use available resources rather than feeling pressured to pad your resume. 📚
    • Strategic Testing: Test-optional (~50% submit). Take exams if helpful, but only report scores that truly reflect your academic performance. 🎓
    • Support for All Learners: Disability services, writing, and math centers support students with IEPs/504 plans or unique learning needs. 🧩
    • Financial Literacy: Use the Net Price Calculator early and contact financial aid to explore scholarships. 💰

    Notable Quotes 💬

    • "The personal essay provides a window into that student and their world... I will remember a student because of what they wrote about themselves." — Bruce Bunnick
    • "This is still a decidedly humanistic process... there are people reading those applications. We don't have an algorithm that determines what is the best fit." — Bruce Bunnick

    Lehigh University Admissions

    📬 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
  • 373. University of Alaska Fairbanks - Palmer H. Muntz - Senior Regional Admissions Counselor

    🎙️ University of Alaska Fairbanks: Research, Adventure, and a Test-Free Admissions Process

    What’s it really like to attend the University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF)—the smallest flagship university in the U.S. and a major research powerhouse?

    In this episode of The College Admissions Process Podcast, Dr. John Durante speaks with Palmer H. Muntz, Senior Regional Admissions Counselor at UAF, for a behind-the-scenes look at academics, campus culture, and admissions.

    🏔️ Why Students Choose UAF

    • A welcoming, inclusive campus with strong Indigenous representation
    • Ideal for adventurous, independent students—indoors or outdoors
    • LGBTQ- and military-friendly community

    🔬 Big Research, Small Campus Feel

    • 7,000 students | 11:1 student–faculty ratio
    • 💡 URSA grants up to $6,000 for undergraduate research
    • 🚀 Home to the only university-owned rocket range in the world
    • 🌍 National leader in climate and Arctic research

    📄 Admissions Made Simple

    • Test-free (SAT/ACT not considered)
    • No essays, no holistic review
    • Decisions based on major, coursework, and grades

    💰 Affordability Matters

    • Automatic merit scholarships (Nanook Pledge)
    • WUE tuition for eligible states
    • In-state tuition after 12 months in Alaska

    🎯 Final Takeaway:

    Choose an affordable “sure thing,” stay open-minded, and remember—transferring is always an option.

    Links Shared by Palmer:

    University of Alaska Fairbanks - www.uaf.edu/admissions/

    Western Undergraduate Exchange – www.wiche.edu/wue

    Life in Sub-Arctic Alaska Video - https://youtu.be/RPhTz6pXZi4

    The 40 Below Club - https://www.facebook.com/groups/2214146376/

    UAF’s “The College Tour” episode - https://www.thecollegetour.com/watch/university-of-alaska-fairbanks/

    My LinkedIn Profile - https://www.linkedin.com/in/palmermuntz/

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

    📬 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

    39 min
  • 372. UC Santa Cruz - Jasmine Tule and Beatrice Atkinson-Myers

    🎙️ Episode: Exploring UC Santa Cruz – Holistic Admissions, Research, and Student Life 🌊🌲

    In this episode of The College Admissions Process Podcast, host Dr. John Dante sits down with Jasmine Tule and Beatrice Atkinson-Myers to explore the unique educational experience at UC Santa Cruz. As the second-smallest campus in the UC system, UCSC offers a close-knit community nestled between the Redwood Forest and the Pacific Ocean, with a strong focus on environmental stewardship, social justice, and interdisciplinary research.

    💡 Inside this episode, you’ll learn about:

    • How 75% of students engage in research projects before graduation 🌱🔬
    • Innovative programs like the Global and Community Health major and humanistic approaches to AI ethics 🤖❤️
    • A holistic, test-free admissions process, evaluating academic growth from 9th–11th grade 📈
    • The role of Personal Insight Questions (PIQs) and strategies for maximizing the activities section ✍️
    • How students with disabilities can self-advocate to get the support they need ♿
    • Resources and guidance for the 30% of students entering as transfers 🔄
    • Major financial aid opportunities, including the Undergraduate Dean’s Award and UCSC’s high-ranking financial aid excellence 💰

    Whether you’re a student, parent, or counselor, this episode is packed with insights to help you understand UCSC’s admissions, student experience, and financial support options.

    UC Santa Cruz Admissions & Aid

    University of California's Application for Undergraduate Admissions and Scholarships

    Personal Insight Questions

    A-G Academic Subject Requirements

    UC Transfer Admissions Guarantee

    UC Transfer Admission Planner

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

    📬 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

    42 min
  • 371. Stevens Institute of Technology - Carlos Cano - Director of Undergraduate Admissions

    In this episode, Dr. John Durante welcomes back Carlos Cano, the Director of Undergraduate Admissions at Stevens Institute of Technology in Hoboken, New Jersey. Carlos provides an insider's look at how Stevens evaluates applicants, the introduction of a groundbreaking Artificial Intelligence major, and the university’s commitment to affordability through the new "Stevens Investment" program. Whether you are a student aiming for a career in STEM or a parent navigating the "passenger seat" of the admissions journey, this conversation offers practical advice on standing out in a competitive field.

    Key Takeaways:

    • New Affordability Initiatives: Stevens has introduced "The Stevens Investment," a program starting for the Fall 2026 class that meets 100% of tuition needs for families with an income of less than $75,000.

    • Cutting-Edge Academics: Stevens is launching one of the nation's few undergraduate majors in Artificial Intelligence for Fall 2026.

    • The Stevens Philosophy: The institution operates under the motto "Inspired by humanity, empowered by technology," focusing on bridging the gap between technical innovation and real-world impact.

    • Application Insights:

    ◦ Test-Optional Policy: Stevens will remain test-optional through Fall 2029, as internal data shows little difference in performance between students who submit scores and those who do not.

    ◦ Evaluation Process: Applications are reviewed by two to five readers who look for reasons to admit, focusing heavily on academic rigor (especially Calculus for engineering applicants) and demonstrated interest.

    ◦ Holistic Review: The team values quality over quantity in extracurriculars and encourages students to use the additional information section to provide context for personal circumstances or "intangibles".

    • Institutional Priorities: Current goals include increasing the female population in STEM and expanding the student body’s geographic diversity to represent all 50 states.

    Expert Advice for Families:

    • For Students: "Drive the process." Be the one communicating with admissions and making the final decisions. Stay organized and prioritize campus visits to ensure the "vibe" is the right fit.

    • For Parents: Act as the "biggest cheerleader" from the passenger seat. Support the journey without taking the wheel.

    • On Essays: Avoid common pitfalls like the "generic sports injury" story unless it reveals a deeper, unique discovery. Use the supplemental essay to specifically connect your goals to Stevens’ unique offerings.

    Memorable Quote:

    "This process at the end of the day is supposed to be fun for everyone involved... take the opportunities when you need to to take a step back and reenter and refocus so that when the victories come, you're ready to celebrate them in earnest." — Carlos Cano

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

    📬 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

    1 hr
  • 370. University of Idaho - Casey Campbell - Assistant Director of Admissions

    🎙️ In this episode I speak with with Casey Campbell, Assistant Director of Admissions at University of Idaho, about what makes the Vandal experience unique:

    🌟 Campus Culture: The “Hello Walk” keeps students and faculty connected through friendly greetings—every day.

    🔬 Early Research Access: Two-thirds of undergrads engage in research, often before senior year.

    📅 Rolling Admissions & Financial Planning: Apply early to secure housing and plan finances.

    💰 Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE): Save ~$16k/year for western students—stackable with GPA-based scholarships.

    ✏️ Additional Info Section: Use it to explain context for grades or outside responsibilities.

    🌲 Experiential Learning: Programs like “Semester in the Wild” let students research in Idaho’s wilderness.

    🤝 Student Support: CDAR & Raven Scholar programs provide personalized support for all students.

    Casey’s Top Tips for Applicants:

    1️⃣ Do Your Research – Make sure U of I offers what you need.

    2️⃣ Reach Out – Admissions counselors are here to help.

    3️⃣ Visit Campus – Virtual or in-person, get a feel for the environment.

    🔗 Resources Mentioned: ZeeMee, Scholarship Universe, Vandal Gateway Program

    💡 Analogy: U of I = a professional-grade research lab with the warmth of a family dinner table—top-tier resources, small-community feel, and yes…everyone says hello.

    Home | University of Idaho

    Admissions | University of Idaho

    Experiential learning | University of Idaho

    Visit — virtual and campus tours | University of Idaho

    A very busy day in the life | University of Idaho engineering student

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

    📬 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

    28 min
  • 369. Claremont McKenna College - Jennifer Sandoval-Danc - VP for Admission & Financial Aid

    🎙️ Claremont McKenna College: Mission, Fit & Holistic Admissions

    Guest: Jennifer Sandoval-Dance, VP for Admission & Financial Aid at CMC

    In this episode, Jennifer returns to break down what’s new at Claremont McKenna and what truly matters in their admissions review. If you’re applying to CMC—or any selective liberal arts college—this is a must-listen.

    🌟 What We Cover:

    • New academic and campus developments, including the Open Academy and the Kravis Department of Integrated Sciences

    • How CMC’s mission of leadership and responsible citizenship drives everything—from courses to the review process

    • What the two-officer holistic review really looks like 👀

    • How to approach the CMC supplemental essays, especially mission alignment + Open Academy

    • What CMC looks for in transcripts, rigor, and academic context 📚

    • Test-optional advice (and future testing considerations)

    • How to communicate leadership and impact in the Activities section

    • Guidance for students with IEPs/504s and how to think about disclosure

    • Why financial fit conversations need to start early 💸

    • Jennifer’s top advice for applicants and families navigating this process 🎯

    Whether you're just starting your search or finalizing applications, this conversation offers clear and actionable guidance straight from CMC’s admissions leadership.

    🎧 Tune in and share with a student exploring CMC or the Claremont Colleges!

    Open Academy

    Kravis Department of Integrated Sciences

    Robert Day Sciences Center

    Accessibility Services

    📬 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

    51 min
  • 368. Agnes Scott College - Miya Walker - Director of Admission

    🎓 Navigating the Admissions Journey with Agnes Scott College

    In this episode of The College Admissions Process podcast, Dr. John Durante sits down with Miya Walker, Director of Admission at Agnes Scott College, to explore what makes this historic women’s college truly distinctive. Located in Decatur, Georgia—just minutes from downtown Atlanta—Agnes Scott offers a close-knit, academically rigorous community designed to help students thrive both inside and outside the classroom.

    🌍 The Summit Experience

    Miya breaks down Agnes Scott’s signature Summit Experience, a required three-pillar program that prepares students for life after college:

    • Global Journeys: A funded, first-year experiential travel opportunity that builds a global mindset ✈️
    • Professional Success: Career exploration, mentorship, and post-graduate planning 💼
    • Leadership Development: Leadership (LDR) courses that help students define how they lead within a community 🧭

    📝 Admissions Insights & Deadlines

    Agnes Scott uses rolling admission, with decisions typically released within 2–4 weeks once an application is complete. The college has been test-optional for 15 years and is now recommendation-optional, reinforcing its commitment to access and equity. The January 15 priority deadline is especially important for merit scholarships, including the Presidential Scholarship.

    🔍 The Holistic Review Process

    Miya shares what the admissions team looks for—“thrivers” who will flourish in a collaborative environment. Key advice includes using the Additional Information section to provide context, fully capturing responsibilities in the Activities section, and ensuring the personal statement clearly answers the prompt and stays focused on the applicant.

    💰 Affordability & Support

    Agnes Scott offers strong financial support, including merit scholarships ranging from $25,000–$32,000 and the Atlanta Grant for out-of-state and international students. The college is FAFSA-only (no CSS Profile) and works closely with families to plan for all four years.

    💬 Final Advice

    Miya encourages students to visit campuses to find where they truly belong—and reminds families that, even in a stressful process, there is still room for joy and grace along the way ❤️

    Agnes Scott College - Admission & Aid

    📬 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

    54 min
  • 367. Inside College Admissions at Skidmore College: Essays, Test-Optional Advice, and What Really Matters
    Creative Thought Matters: Navigating Admissions at Skidmore CollegeEpisode Overview

    In this episode of The College Admissions Process Podcast, Dr. John Durante sits down with Dr. Janessa Dunn, Director of Admissions at Skidmore College, to pull back the curtain on the admissions process at one of the nation’s premier liberal arts colleges.

    Located in the quintessential college town of Saratoga Springs, Skidmore is a campus where “Creative Thought Matters” and interdisciplinary exploration are central to the student experience. In this conversation, Dr. Dunn shares how admissions officers evaluate applications, what truly stands out in the review process, and how students can best present their authentic selves.

    Whether you're curious about how to stand out among more than 12,000 applicants or simply want to learn what makes Skidmore’s campus community so distinctive, this episode offers valuable insights for students and families navigating the college admissions journey.

    What Listeners Will Learn

    • How admissions officers review applications using a holistic process

    • What makes a college essay truly stand out

    • When it makes sense to submit SAT or ACT scores at a test-optional school

    • What admissions officers really look for in letters of recommendation

    • The right—and wrong—way to use the Additional Information section of an application

    • What makes the student experience at Skidmore unique

    Key Highlights from the Episode

    The “Crust of the Pie” Analogy

    Dr. Dunn explains Skidmore’s holistic review process using a memorable pie metaphor. Learn the four key components that form the “crust” of a strong application and how your high school transcript helps tell your academic story.

    The 75/25 Essay Rule

    Why should most of your essay focus on the meaning behind your experiences? Dr. Dunn explains why roughly 75% of a compelling college essay should focus on reflection rather than simply retelling events.

    To Submit or Not Submit Test Scores

    With approximately 65% of the most recent incoming class applying test-optional, Dr. Dunn offers candid advice on how students should decide whether their SAT or ACT scores strengthen their application.

    Beyond the Grades: Letters of Recommendation

    What makes a recommendation letter stand out? Dr. Dunn explains why admissions officers value teachers who can speak to a student’s character, curiosity, and the “intangibles” that go beyond the transcript.

    The “Additional Information” Trap

    Learn how to use this often-overlooked section of the application effectively—including when bullet points can help provide useful context—and the one mistake students should avoid.

    Life at Skidmore

    From a completely nut-free dining hall ranked among the best in the country to a student “test kitchen,” Dr. Dunn shares what makes the Skidmore campus experience both distinctive and welcoming.

    Skidmore Admissions & Aid

    📬 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

    45 min
  • 366. UC Berkeley - Jua Howard - Assistant Director of Admissions

    🎙️ UC Berkeley Admissions with Jua Howard — Assistant Director of Admissions returns with powerful insights you won’t want to miss. 💛💙

    ⭐ What Makes Berkeley Stand Out

    UC Berkeley isn’t just the UC flagship — it’s a global powerhouse in research, innovation, and public service. 🌎

    📚 Academics That Push Boundaries

    150+ majors across top colleges, a brand-new College of Computing, and elite dual-degree programs like M.E.T. (Engineering + Business).

    Plus: student-taught Decal classes (yes, even Taylor Swift economics!) and global dual-degree options in France and Hong Kong. 🌍📖

    💡 A Mission of Service & Change

    From the Free Speech Movement to Cal in the Capital, Peace Corps leadership, and social-impact competitions—Berkeley students step up. ✊💼

    📝 Inside UC Berkeley Admissions

    Berkeley is test-free and fully holistic. They evaluate you in the context of your high school—no cross-school comparisons.

    Key notes:

    • Only 10th–11th grade grades used for UC GPA.

    • Self-reported app—but it must be accurate.

    • Use the additional comments sections to explain your story and context.

    • Senior year rigor matters. A lot. 🎓

    🔗 This conversation is packed with clarity, strategy, and insider perspective from someone who reads the applications. Don’t miss it.

    Berkeley Admissions: https://admissions.berkeley.edu/

    Admissions Email List: https://admissions.berkeley.edu/signup/

    Virtual Tour: https://www.youvisit.com/tour/berkeley

    Berkeley Financial Aid: https://financialaid.berkeley.edu/

    UC Berkeley Academic Catalog: https://undergraduate.catalog.berkeley.edu/

    Undergraduate Research: https://research.berkeley.edu/

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

    📬 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

    1 hr 14 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.

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The Truth about College Admission by Johns Hopkins Press

The Truth about College Admission

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Shift - College admissions in a changing world by shiftcollegeadmissions

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The Game: A Guide to Elite College Admissions by Great Minds Advising

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College Matters from The Chronicle by The Chronicle of Higher Education

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