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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 GuestsThe “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
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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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🎙️ 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 ✅
Notable Quotes 💬
Lehigh University Admissions
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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
Instagram Facebook TikTok LinkedIn YouTube Shorts
🎙️ 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
🔬 Big Research, Small Campus Feel
📄 Admissions Made Simple
💰 Affordability Matters
🎯 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/
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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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🎙️ 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:
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
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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
Instagram Facebook TikTok LinkedIn YouTube Shorts
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
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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
Instagram Facebook TikTok LinkedIn YouTube Shorts
🎙️ 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
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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
Instagram Facebook TikTok LinkedIn YouTube Shorts
🎙️ 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
🎓 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:
📝 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
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
🎙️ 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
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