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The College Admissions Process Podcast

The College Admissions Process Podcast

By: John Durante
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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. Lastly, if you have any questions you’d like me to cover on future episodes, or any comments you’d like to share, please email me at: collegeadmissionstalk@gmail.com And don’t forget to visit our website at www.collegeadmissionstalk.com So, are you ready? Let’s talk about it.Copyright 2026 John Durante Personal Development Personal Success
Episodes
  • 382. Inside Ithaca College Admissions: What Really Matters (GPA, Test-Optional & Scholarships)

    382. Inside Ithaca College Admissions: What Really Matters (GPA, Test-Optional & Scholarships)
    Jul 6 2026
    In this episode I am happy to welcome back Jessica Dietrich, Senior Associate Director for Recruitment Strategy, to explore what’s happening right now in admissions at Ithaca College—and what families need to know.Jessica explains Ithaca’s commitment to “theory, practice, and performance,” blending a strong liberal arts foundation with hands-on learning. While transcripts remain the strongest predictor of success, Ithaca reviews applications holistically and contextually—asking not just what a student achieved, but how they challenged themselves within their environment.Though founded as a music conservatory, Ithaca is far more than the arts. With 200+ lab spaces and robust undergraduate research in STEM, many students are surprised by the breadth of opportunity. A test-optional pioneer since 2012, standardized scores carry little weight in admission or merit decisions. Academic rigor is evaluated in context, and GPAs may be recalculated to ensure fairness across schools.Application advice? Show growth and leadership in your activities. Let your authentic voice come through in your essay—AI-generated responses can raise integrity concerns. Audition-based programs add another layer to review, and students with IEPs or 504 plans are encouraged to connect early with Accessibility Services.What’s new: a full-tuition Presidential Scholarship (Nov. 1 deadline), a four-year financial forecast with capped tuition increases, and new programs in Strategic Leadership, Business Analytics, and Dance/Choreography.Jessica’s closing advice: tune out the noise, ask for help, and embrace the growth that comes with the college search.Ithaca College Admission📬 Join my email list for practical college tips - and a free giftSPEAKING 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 ApplicationsIf 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 HereAlphabetical List of All Episodes with Linkswww.collegeadmissionstalk.com​Instagram Facebook TikTok LinkedIn YouTube Shorts
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    35 mins
  • 383. University of Scranton Admissions: A Conversation with Hugh Doyle, Director of Undergraduate Admissions

    383. University of Scranton Admissions: A Conversation with Hugh Doyle, Director of Undergraduate Admissions
    Jul 13 2026
    In this episode, I sit down with Hugh Doyle, Director of Undergraduate Admissions at the University of Scranton, for a transparent look inside the college admissions process. From transcript review to essay evaluation, this conversation breaks down what truly matters — and what students often misunderstand.Rooted in the Jesuit principle of Cura Personalis — care for the whole person — Scranton’s admissions philosophy focuses on developing mind, body, and spirit. Students of all faith backgrounds are welcomed, and the review process reflects a commitment to understanding the full story behind each application.In This Episode, You’ll Learn:Why upward academic trends and course rigor matter more than a single GPA numberHow to use your personal statement to bring your story togetherWhen (and how) to use the Additional Information section effectivelyHow to maximize the 150-character activity descriptions on the Common ApplicationWhy students should never eliminate a college based solely on sticker priceThe continued growth of nursing and health science programs, including Communication Sciences and Disorders with direct entry into Speech-Language PathologyHow student support services and faculty engagement play a critical role in student successIf you want clarity on how applications are reviewed, what makes an essay stand out, and how to position yourself thoughtfully in the admissions process, this episode delivers actionable insight straight from someone making decisions every day.The University of Scranton - Undergraduate Admissions📬 Join my email list for practical college tips - and a free giftSPEAKING 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 ApplicationsIf 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 HereAlphabetical List of All Episodes with Linkswww.collegeadmissionstalk.com​Instagram Facebook TikTok LinkedIn YouTube Shorts
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    51 mins
  • 384. Amherst College Admissions Explained: How to Stand Out to Top Liberal Arts Colleges

    384. Amherst College Admissions Explained: How to Stand Out to Top Liberal Arts Colleges
    Jul 20 2026
    Podcast Episode: Navigating Amherst College Admissions with Dr. Matthew L. McGannIn this episode of The College Admissions Process Podcast, Dr. John Durante sits down with Dr. Matthew L. McGann, Vice President and Dean of Admission & Financial Aid at Amherst College, for an inside look at how one of the nation’s most selective liberal arts colleges evaluates applicants.What really matters beyond grades and test scores? How does Amherst’s Open Curriculum shape both the student experience and the admissions process? And what are admissions officers actually looking for when they read your application?This conversation challenges common assumptions and offers a clearer lens into holistic review, academic rigor, and the role of curiosity in a highly selective environment.In this episode, you’ll hear about:What makes Amherst’s Open Curriculum so impactfulHow admissions officers evaluate students beyond GPAThe role of essays, recommendations, and activitiesWhat “fit” really means at a place like AmherstKey insights students and families often overlookWhether you're exploring liberal arts colleges or aiming for a highly selective school, this episode offers perspective that can reshape how you approach the process.Amherst College Admission & Financial Aid📬 Join my email list for practical college tips - and a free giftSPEAKING 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 ApplicationsIf 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 HereAlphabetical List of All Episodes with Linkswww.collegeadmissionstalk.com​Instagram Facebook TikTok LinkedIn YouTube Shorts
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    1 hr and 1 min
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I’ve greatly enjoyed this podcast. I have high-performing junior in high school, so it’s helpful to hear admission counselors from so many wonderful universities. It’s far different from college admissions 30 years ago! I especially enjoy the student interviews.

Great podcast

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