The College Admissions Process Podcast

🎙️ Real Talk with College Students – Reflecting on the College Search Journey

Welcome to a special episode in our 🎓College Student Reflection Mini-Series on The College Admissions Process Podcast! In this episode, host John Durante sits down with a current college student who has completed at least one full year to reflect on their personal college admissions experience — from researching and applying to adapting to life on campus.

Whether you're a high school student, a parent, or a college counselor, this candid conversation is packed with firsthand insights that can help guide your journey with clarity and confidence. 🚀

✅ Where the student is from, where they went to high school, and where they’re currently enrolled

🧠 When they started thinking seriously about college — and how they approached the process

🎯 Who helped them (school counselor, private counselor, or DIY?)

🏫 Key decision-making factors: location, size, vibe, majors, and more

🚌 How many colleges they visited — and how those visits shaped their choices

⭐ Their top 3 schools and how the final decision came together

🎉 The biggest surprises after arriving on campus

🔁 What they wish they did differently

🎓 Honest advice for students applying to their college

💡 What they wish they knew during the application process

📣 Final advice for students and families just starting the college journey

This episode offers an authentic, unfiltered perspective straight from a college student who's been there. From eye-opening surprises to practical advice, listeners will gain real-world takeaways that demystify the process and encourage thoughtful decision-making. 🙌

If you’re looking to understand what matters most — and what really plays out after enrollment — this is the conversation you’ve been waiting for.

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👉 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. For full details on their programs and guarantees, visit www.PrepExpert.com 🎯📚

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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

Click Here To Join The Podcast Email List

www.collegeadmissionstalk.com

🎓I had the privilege of speaking with two current students from Deep Springs College, an incredibly unique institution that blends rigorous academics with hands-on labor and self-governance. These students share their first-hand experiences of life at Deep Springs, providing invaluable insight into what makes this remote college in California so extraordinary.

Here are the top highlights you don’t want to miss in this episode! 🌟

Deep Springs College offers a truly one-of-a-kind educational experience, combining a robust liberal arts curriculum with hands-on work in farming, ranching, and self-governance. With approximately 26 students on campus at any given time, this close-knit community creates a personalized educational environment unlike any other. The students shared how the intense academic challenge is complemented by the hard work they do on the ranch 🐄🌱 and how this unique blend has shaped their educational journey.

The students discussed how labor is an integral part of their experience at Deep Springs. From working on the college’s ranch to helping with kitchen duties 🍳 and maintaining the farm 🌾, they emphasized how this hands-on work is more than just chores—it’s part of their education. What sets Deep Springs apart is the emphasis on self-governance: students play a direct role in decision-making for the college, ensuring that they develop leadership skills while learning how to run a community. 🗳️🤝

One of the most compelling aspects of Deep Springs College is its commitment to accessibility. As the students shared, the college offers a fully funded education—there’s no tuition, and all students receive scholarships that cover everything, from tuition and room/board to travel costs 🌍. Deep Springs operates on a need-blind admission policy, ensuring that financial barriers don’t prevent talented students from attending. 💸✨

Episode Highlights:

• Hear from current students about how Deep Springs blends academics, labor, and leadership 🧑‍🏫💪🏽
• Learn about the labor component of the college experience, from working the farm to running student government 🐄🌾🗳️
• Get the scoop on how full scholarships make this elite education accessible to students of all financial backgrounds 🌍💰

This episode is perfect for anyone curious about nontraditional colleges that prioritize community, personal growth, and real-world experiences. If you're seeking a college where every student is highly involved in shaping their environment and educational journey, Deep Springs College is an institution to consider.

Deep Springs College Admissions

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👉 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. For full details on their programs and guarantees, visit www.PrepExpert.com 🎯📚

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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

Click Here To Join The Podcast Email List

www.collegeadmissionstalk.com

🎙️ Real Talk with College Students – Reflecting on the College Search Journey

Welcome to a special episode in our 🎓College Student Reflection Mini-Series on The College Admissions Process Podcast! In this episode, host John Durante sits down with a current college student who has completed at least one full year to reflect on their personal college admissions experience — from researching and applying to adapting to life on campus.

Whether you're a high school student, a parent, or a college counselor, this candid conversation is packed with firsthand insights that can help guide your journey with clarity and confidence. 🚀

✅ Where the student is from, where they went to high school, and where they’re currently enrolled

🧠 When they started thinking seriously about college — and how they approached the process

🎯 Who helped them (school counselor, private counselor, or DIY?)

🏫 Key decision-making factors: location, size, vibe, majors, and more

🚌 How many colleges they visited — and how those visits shaped their choices

⭐ Their top 3 schools and how the final decision came together

🎉 The biggest surprises after arriving on campus

🔁 What they wish they did differently

🎓 Honest advice for students applying to their college

💡 What they wish they knew during the application process

📣 Final advice for students and families just starting the college journey

This episode offers an authentic, unfiltered perspective straight from a college student who's been there. From eye-opening surprises to practical advice, listeners will gain real-world takeaways that demystify the process and encourage thoughtful decision-making. 🙌

If you’re looking to understand what matters most — and what really plays out after enrollment — this is the conversation you’ve been waiting for.

—----------------------------

👉 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. 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

Click Here To Join The Podcast Email List

www.collegeadmissionstalk.com

🎙️ In this episode of The College Admissions Process Podcast (The CAPP), host John Durante welcomes Rebecca Simons, Director of Admission at Wellesley College, to unpack the application process and what makes a Wellesley education truly transformative.

Whether you're wondering how test-optional policies are handled, what really matters in the essay, or how financial aid works at one of the nation’s top liberal arts colleges, this conversation is a must-listen for any student considering a women’s college—or any college, really.

• 📌 Wellesley’s holistic approach to evaluating applications: no GPA recalculations, no unfair comparisons.
• 📝 What makes an essay resonate—and what doesn’t.
• 🧑‍🏫 What teachers' recommendations reveal beyond your transcript.
• 📚 How course rigor is considered in the context of your high school.
• 🧭 Why Wellesley transitioned from the "Wellesley 100" to a new, reflective supplemental essay prompt.
• 📉 Wellesley’s test-optional philosophy—and when it’s best to submit scores.
• 💰 What you need to know about need-based aid (and why Wellesley offers no merit scholarships—proudly).
• 🌍 How institutional priorities like diversity, major interest, and geography influence admissions.
• 💬 The power of a women’s college experience—from leadership to confidence-building.
• 💡 Rebecca’s top 3 tips for families navigating the college process (including the underrated power of setting boundaries and using the MyIntuition calculator).

• Wellesley College Admissions
• MyIntuition Net Price Calculator

This episode goes beyond application mechanics and into what really matters: finding the right fit and making empowered choices. If you're even considering applying to a selective liberal arts college, Rebecca's advice will ground and guide you.

Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe and leave a review wherever you listen! And don’t forget to share with a student or family navigating the college process. 🎓✨

Other Related Links from Rebecca:

https://www.wellesley.edu/admission-aid/connect-with-wellesley

https://www.wellesley.edu/admission-aid/apply

https://www.wellesley.edu/w100

https://careereducation.wellesley.edu/

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👉 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. 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

Click Here To Join The Podcast Email List

www.collegeadmissionstalk.com

🎙️ Real Talk with College Students – Reflecting on the College Search Journey

Welcome to a special episode in our 🎓College Student Reflection Mini-Series on The College Admissions Process Podcast! In this episode, host John Durante sits down with a current college student who has completed at least one full year to reflect on their personal college admissions experience — from researching and applying to adapting to life on campus.

Whether you're a high school student, a parent, or a college counselor, this candid conversation is packed with firsthand insights that can help guide your journey with clarity and confidence. 🚀

✅ Where the student is from, where they went to high school, and where they’re currently enrolled

🧠 When they started thinking seriously about college — and how they approached the process

🎯 Who helped them (school counselor, private counselor, or DIY?)

🏫 Key decision-making factors: location, size, vibe, majors, and more

🚌 How many colleges they visited — and how those visits shaped their choices

⭐ Their top 3 schools and how the final decision came together

🎉 The biggest surprises after arriving on campus

🔁 What they wish they did differently

🎓 Honest advice for students applying to their college

💡 What they wish they knew during the application process

📣 Final advice for students and families just starting the college journey

This episode offers an authentic, unfiltered perspective straight from a college student who's been there. From eye-opening surprises to practical advice, listeners will gain real-world takeaways that demystify the process and encourage thoughtful decision-making. 🙌

If you’re looking to understand what matters most — and what really plays out after enrollment — this is the conversation you’ve been waiting for.

—----------------------------

👉 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. 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

Click Here To Join The Podcast Email List

www.collegeadmissionstalk.com

🎙️ I had the great honor of welcoming back Jeff Selingo, New York Times bestselling author, journalist, and higher ed thought leader, for a follow-up conversation on the ever-changing world of college admissions. Jeff’s newest book, Dream School: Finding the College That’s Right for You, challenges families to think differently about what makes a college a “good fit.”

Here’s what we covered in this insightful episode ⬇️

✨ Key Topics Discussed

• 📈 Application Inflation: Same number of students, but more applications than ever.
• 📝 Test-Optional Policies: Why they’ve fueled stress for students — and why STEM/business applicants may need to submit scores.
• 🎯 Yield Management: How colleges manage uncertainty with deferrals, waitlists, and early admissions.
• 💰 Full-Pay Families: The “golden ticket” reality for certain institutions, especially small liberal arts colleges.
• 🔎 Institutional Priorities: Why it’s critical to research what a college truly values.
• 📊 Return on Investment: Using tools like the College Scorecard to weigh cost vs. career outcomes.
• 🏫 Hidden Gems: 75 schools delivering strong outcomes beyond the rankings.
• 🧭 Advice for Juniors: Start by identifying what you want in a college experience before making a list.
• 🛠️ Advice for Seniors: Be open to course corrections — plans may shift, and that’s okay.

🌟 Jeff reminds us: finding a “dream school” is about fit, belonging, and opportunity — not just rankings or name recognition.

📚 Learn more about Jeff and his work: jeffselingo.com

https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/

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👉 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. 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

Click Here To Join The Podcast Email List

www.collegeadmissionstalk.com

🎙️ Real Talk with College Students – Reflecting on the College Search Journey

Welcome to a special episode in our 🎓College Student Reflection Mini-Series on The College Admissions Process Podcast! In this episode, host John Durante sits down with a current college student who has completed at least one full year to reflect on their personal college admissions experience — from researching and applying to adapting to life on campus.

Whether you're a high school student, a parent, or a college counselor, this candid conversation is packed with firsthand insights that can help guide your journey with clarity and confidence. 🚀

✅ Where the student is from, where they went to high school, and where they’re currently enrolled

🧠 When they started thinking seriously about college — and how they approached the process

🎯 Who helped them (school counselor, private counselor, or DIY?)

🏫 Key decision-making factors: location, size, vibe, majors, and more

🚌 How many colleges they visited — and how those visits shaped their choices

⭐ Their top 3 schools and how the final decision came together

🎉 The biggest surprises after arriving on campus

🔁 What they wish they did differently

🎓 Honest advice for students applying to their college

💡 What they wish they knew during the application process

📣 Final advice for students and families just starting the college journey

This episode offers an authentic, unfiltered perspective straight from a college student who's been there. From eye-opening surprises to practical advice, listeners will gain real-world takeaways that demystify the process and encourage thoughtful decision-making. 🙌

If you’re looking to understand what matters most — and what really plays out after enrollment — this is the conversation you’ve been waiting for.

—----------------------------

👉 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. 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

Click Here To Join The Podcast Email List

www.collegeadmissionstalk.com

🎙️ In this episode of The College Admissions Process Podcast, I had the pleasure of interviewing Cara Franke, Executive Director of Strategic Recruitment at the University of Kentucky (UK). Cara offers invaluable insights into UK’s holistic admissions process, the student experience at a large public university, and how applicants — especially out-of-state students — can stand out. Whether you're considering UK or just want to better understand how flagship public institutions make admissions decisions, this episode is a must-listen for students, parents, and counselors alike.

🔑 Top 4 Takeaways:

🎯 Holistic Admissions with Purpose

UK uses a comprehensive, student-centered review process. GPA, curriculum rigor, essays, and involvement all matter — and for test-optional applicants, there's ample opportunity to shine through storytelling and substance.

🏫 Big School, Small Feel

Despite having over 30,000 students, UK places a strong focus on community, connection, and individualized support, especially in a student’s first year through programs like Living Learning Communities and First-Year Experience initiatives.

💵 Affordability + Aid

UK offers robust merit-based scholarships — some awarded automatically — and generous financial aid opportunities. Students and families are encouraged to explore the Scholarship Universe platform 💸 and not overlook stackable awards.

💬 Stand Out by Being Genuine

Cara shares what makes personal statements memorable — authenticity and reflection over perfection. Letters of recommendation also matter most when they speak to a student’s character and growth. ✅

📘 Fast Facts About the University of Kentucky:

• 📍 Location: Lexington, KY
• 🎓 Enrollment: ~31,000 students
• 🧪 Top-tier Research: R1 research institution
• 💙 School Spirit: Home of the Wildcats! 🐱
• 🏫 Over 200 academic programs, with nationally recognized programs in business, engineering, health sciences, and equine studies.

🧭 Offers exploratory studies for undecided students and strong academic advising to help students discover their path.

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👉 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. 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

Click Here To Join The Podcast Email List

www.collegeadmissionstalk.com

🎙️ Real Talk with College Students – Reflecting on the College Search Journey

Welcome to a special episode in our 🎓College Student Reflection Mini-Series on The College Admissions Process Podcast! In this episode, host John Durante sits down with a current college student who has completed at least one full year to reflect on their personal college admissions experience — from researching and applying to adapting to life on campus.

Whether you're a high school student, a parent, or a college counselor, this candid conversation is packed with firsthand insights that can help guide your journey with clarity and confidence. 🚀

✅ Where the student is from, where they went to high school, and where they’re currently enrolled

🧠 When they started thinking seriously about college — and how they approached the process

🎯 Who helped them (school counselor, private counselor, or DIY?)

🏫 Key decision-making factors: location, size, vibe, majors, and more

🚌 How many colleges they visited — and how those visits shaped their choices

⭐ Their top 3 schools and how the final decision came together

🎉 The biggest surprises after arriving on campus

🔁 What they wish they did differently

🎓 Honest advice for students applying to their college

💡 What they wish they knew during the application process

📣 Final advice for students and families just starting the college journey

This episode offers an authentic, unfiltered perspective straight from a college student who's been there. From eye-opening surprises to practical advice, listeners will gain real-world takeaways that demystify the process and encourage thoughtful decision-making. 🙌

If you’re looking to understand what matters most — and what really plays out after enrollment — this is the conversation you’ve been waiting for.

—----------------------------

👉 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. 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

Click Here To Join The Podcast Email List

www.collegeadmissionstalk.com

📍Located in New Haven, Connecticut, SCSU is a mid-sized regional public university that blends academic excellence, real-world preparation, and robust student support — all in an urban setting rich with culture and career access.

SCSU takes a holistic approach to admissions — looking beyond GPA and test scores to consider course rigor, personal stories, and overall academic trajectory. Nilvio shares exactly what stands out during application review and how students can put their best foot forward.

Southern remains test-optional, but Nilvio provides clear, actionable advice on when it makes sense to submit SAT/ACT scores. He also explains how those scores are used if submitted, helping families make confident choices.

From the First-Year Experience Program to career advising and transition support, SCSU invests deeply in student success — both academically and personally. Students don’t just get in; they’re supported to thrive.

As part of the Connecticut State Colleges and Universities (CSCU) system, Southern students benefit from transfer-friendly pathways, shared academic resources, and greater access to career-aligned programs. This is a game-changer for students considering both two- and four-year options.

📍 Location: New Haven, CT (just 90 minutes from NYC!)

👨‍🎓 Undergraduate Enrollment: Approx. 7,000

📚 Notable Programs: Nursing, Education, Business, Computer Science, Psychology, Social Work, Environmental Systems & Sustainability

💸 Affordability: Competitive tuition with strong financial aid and merit scholarships

🌎 Diversity: SCSU is deeply committed to serving underrepresented populations and advancing social mobility through higher education

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👉 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. 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

Click Here To Join The Podcast Email List

www.collegeadmissionstalk.com