🎙️ In this insightful episode, we welcome back the University of Oregon to the podcast! Joelle Rankins Goodwin provides an inside look at what’s new on campus since their last feature in 2023, what joining the Big Ten means beyond athletics, and how students can strategically navigate the UO admissions process. Whether you're applying this fall or just beginning your college research, this episode is packed with relevant, timely, and honest insights for all students and families 🧠💡.

Joelle shares that UO’s admissions review is contextual and holistic, focusing not just on academics, but also personal achievements, essays, and extracurricular involvement. No GPA cutoff, no test score mandate — just a thoughtful review of each student’s story.

📝 Pro Tip: Essays and letters of recommendation help humanize the application — authenticity matters more than perfection!

From the prestigious Clark Honors College (small-class liberal arts experience within a major research university) to standout programs like Lundquist College of Business and the School of Journalism and Communication, UO offers rigorous, hands-on opportunities across disciplines.

🌍 Fun Fact: The School of Journalism at UO is one of the oldest and most respected in the country!

While fans are buzzing about Oregon Ducks football, Joelle explains how Big Ten membership expands academic collaboration and so much more!

🧬 Translation: More cross-campus research, academic partnerships, and increased visibility on the national stage.

1. 📍 Location: Eugene, Oregon – a vibrant college town with access to coastlines, mountains, and forests 🌲
2. 👩‍🎓 Undergrad Enrollment: ~20,000 students
3. 🏅 Test-Optional: Yes – for all applicants
4. 💼 Strong Programs: Business, Journalism, Environmental Studies, Education, Architecture, and more
5. 🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Student Life: Over 300 student organizations, robust support for first-gen and out-of-state students, and a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion
6. 🌟 Mascot: The Oregon Duck 🦆

Scholarship Websites mentioned in the podcast episode:

fastweb.com

scholarships.com

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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.

🎯 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

🎙️ Inside Sewanee Admissions – What You Need to Know!

📍 Guest: Sarah Butler, Assistant Dean of Admission, Office of Admission & Financial Aid

Are you considering a liberal arts college that combines academic rigor, strong community, and stunning natural surroundings? 🌲📚 Don’t miss this insightful conversation with Sarah Butler from Sewanee: The University of the South, where we unpack what makes Sewanee unique — and what students and families need to know before applying.

🔑 TOP 3 TAKEAWAYS for Your College Research Journey:

1️⃣ 🎓 A Place for the Intellectually Curious

Sewanee is a liberal arts college with a strong academic foundation, a low student-faculty ratio, and a faculty that is both deeply invested and highly accessible. Students benefit from:

1. Small classes and rigorous discussions 💬
2. Funded research, internships, and travel opportunities through the Sewanee Pledge ✈️💼
3. A distinctive academic calendar and immersive learning experiences

Sarah explains how Sewanee supports students who are “intellectually curious and community-minded” and thrive when fully engaged both in and out of the classroom.

2️⃣ 📄 Inside the Holistic Admissions Process

From GPA context to essays, Sarah walks us through how applications are reviewed at Sewanee, sharing:

1. They do not recalculate GPAs but evaluate them in the student’s academic context 📊
2. Honors, AP, IB, and dual enrollment courses are recognized for their rigor
3. Test-optional policy is truly optional, and applicants are not penalized for withholding scores 📝

Sarah also offers great advice on how to decide whether to submit SAT/ACT scores based on whether they add value to your application.

3️⃣ 🤝 Demonstrated Interest & Early Application Insights

While Sewanee does track demonstrated interest, Sarah emphasizes it’s not about checking boxes — it's about building a genuine relationship with the school. She encourages:

1. Visiting campus if possible 🚗
2. Joining virtual info sessions and regional events 💻🌎
3. Connecting with current students or your admission counselor

For students applying Early Decision or Early Action, Sarah clarifies the differences and explains how applying early can benefit students who are confident in their choice.

✨ BONUS ADVICE:

At the end of the episode, Sarah shares three must-hear tips for students and families navigating the college process — advice grounded in empathy, experience, and a deep understanding of student success.

🌐 CLICK HERE to learn more about Sewanee and start exploring.

Sewanee Admissions & Aid admission.sewanee.edu

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👉 This episode is brought to you...

🎓 In this episode of The College Admissions Process Podcast we welcome back the College of Charleston 🌴, this time featuring Ashley Holdridge, Regional Assistant Director of Admissions. Building on the college’s original appearance in Episode 195 📚, Ashley offers fresh insight into what continues to make Charleston a vibrant and attractive destination — especially for students from the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions 🗺️.

Ashley shares a compelling overview of academic life at Charleston, where a liberal arts foundation 🧠 meets career-ready pathways 💼 in high-impact programs like:

1. Marine biology 🌊
2. Business 💰
3. Education 🧑‍🏫
4. The arts 🎭

From internships at the Charleston Music Hall 🎶 to hands-on field research on the water 🐚, real-world experiences are deeply woven into the student journey.

🔍 In this episode, we explore:

1. The holistic admissions review process 🔄, including how applications are evaluated through two key lenses 👓: academic performance and everything beyond the classroom
2. How Charleston uses a contextual review 🔎, understanding students based on what was available to them in their high school environment
3. Why depth > breadth 📈 when it comes to extracurricular activities — it’s not about doing it all, but doing it well
4. How a thoughtful and reflective personal statement ✍️ can show resilience, growth, or key turning points
5. A host of student support services 🤝, such as:

The First Year Experience Program 🎉

Peer mentoring 👥

The popular Majors and Minors Fair 📖

Advice on navigating the waitlist ⏳ and how to connect with your regional admissions counselor 📬 (hint: she says go for it!)

💡 Ashley also encourages students to ask deeper questions 🤔 when researching schools — ones that focus on values, vibe, and fit ❤️, not just rankings or prestige.

✨ Don’t miss Ashley’s top 3 pieces of advice for students and families just starting the college journey:

1. Visit campuses when possible 🧭
2. Learn how to manage your “free time” in college (spoiler: it’s not always free! ⏰)
3. Show yourself and others grace throughout the process 💗

Whether you’re considering the College of Charleston 🌟 or simply looking to understand how admissions teams evaluate applicants in 2025 and beyond, this episode is packed with clear advice, encouragement, and expert perspective.