🎙️ In this episode of The College Admissions Process Podcast, host John Durante is joined by Dr. Bryan Gross, Vice President for Enrollment Management and Athletics at Hartwick College 🦅. Together, they unpack the college’s application review process, how Hartwick stays rooted in its mission and values, and what families should focus on as they navigate today’s evolving admissions landscape. Whether you're a student, parent, or counselor, this episode is full of practical advice and behind-the-scenes insight.

📍 Hartwick College, located in Oneonta, NY, offers a personalized liberal arts education with a strong emphasis on experiential learning and community engagement.

🔥 Top 3 Highlights You Can’t Miss:

1️⃣ What Hartwick Really Looks For in Applications 📝📚

Dr. Gross takes us behind the scenes of Hartwick’s holistic review process, where every component of an application plays a meaningful role. He breaks down how academic performance, extracurricular involvement, the essay, and letters of recommendation are evaluated — and shares what can truly make an application stand out. 🎯 One key takeaway? Authenticity and alignment with the school’s values are more important than perfection.

2️⃣ Test-Optional Doesn’t Mean Test-Blind 🎯📊

With many schools going test-optional, Dr. Gross explains how Hartwick considers standardized test scores when submitted. Yes, Hartwick does superscore — meaning they’ll consider the highest section scores across test dates — and that can work in an applicant's favor when testing is strong. 🧠✅

3️⃣ Hartwick’s Core Mission: Values in Action 💙📖

Dr. Gross emphasizes Hartwick’s commitment to community, character, and experiential education. He encourages students to reflect on how their own values and goals align with Hartwick’s mission — and to communicate that alignment clearly in their applications. That kind of intentional match isn’t just appreciated; it’s noticed. ✍️🌟

🎯 Don’t miss his top 3 pieces of advice at the end of the episode — they’re a must-hear for every college-bound student and family.

✅ Fast Facts About Hartwick College:

• 📍 Location: Oneonta, NY
• 👨‍🎓 Undergraduate Enrollment: Approx. 1,200
• 🌟 Known For: Strong liberal arts education, experiential learning, close-knit campus community

🔗 Website: https://www.hartwick.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 🎯📚

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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

🎉 Episode 300: Mastering the College Essay with Kate Anderson & Laurie Wax ✍️📚

Welcome to the special 300th episode of The College Admissions Process Podcast! 🎙️ I am incredibly grateful for the unwavering support from my amazing listeners and the many admissions experts who have shared their invaluable insights along the way. Thank you for being a part of this journey! 🙌

In this milestone episode, I’m joined by Kate Anderson and Laurie Wax, two seasoned admissions professionals, to dive deep into one of the most crucial parts of the college application—the essay. 📄✏️

🔥 Key Takeaways:

1️⃣ The Power of the Essay: Your Story, Your Control 📝✨

Your grades, activities, and past experiences are set in stone, but your essay is still in your hands! Kate and Laurie emphasize how students should embrace this opportunity to showcase their personality and unique experiences.

2️⃣ AI & College Essays: Use Wisely, Not as a Shortcut 🤖🚫

With AI tools becoming more accessible, students may be tempted to rely on them for their essays. While AI can be a helpful brainstorming tool, Kate warns that it lacks soul and authenticity. Admissions officers can tell when an essay isn’t genuine, so always make it your own!

3️⃣ The Essay Won’t Make or Break You—But It Can Help! 📊✅

While grades and course rigor remain the top factors in admissions, a compelling essay can sway decisions in close cases. Laurie reminds students to focus on crafting an authentic and polished essay, as it’s one of the few application components still within their control.

4️⃣ Attention to Detail Matters: Beyond Just the Essay 🔍✍️

Many students put all their energy into their essay but neglect the activities section of the Common App. Kate stresses the importance of filling out every part of the application thoroughly—typos or missing activities can weaken an otherwise strong application.

As always, my goal is to bring you expert insights that demystify the college admissions process. Thank you for making these 300 episodes possible! Here’s to many more! 🎉🎧

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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

🎙️ Inside the Private Admissions World: An Interview with Akbar Rahel, Director of Admissions at Prep Expert

📌 Episode Summary:

In this insightful episode of The College Admissions Process Podcast, I sit down with Akbar Rahel, the Director of Admissions at Prep Expert — our podcast’s title sponsor — to discuss the realities and ethics behind private college counseling. This episode is a must-listen for students, parents, and college counselors looking to better understand how private admissions professionals support students while maintaining authenticity and integrity throughout the process.

Whether you're navigating the test-optional landscape or looking for ways to elevate your application, Akbar shares real strategies, ethical boundaries, and the inside scoop on what truly matters in today’s competitive admissions world. 🧠📚

✅ Top 3 Key Takeaways You Can’t Miss:

✍️ Keeping It Real – Students Must Own Their Voice

Akbar emphasizes the importance of authenticity in application materials. While private admissions counselors offer expert guidance, students are always expected to write their own essays and complete their own work. Maintaining the applicant’s unique voice is not just ethical — it’s essential to a compelling and honest application.

🎯 Setting Clear Expectations with Families

Private counselors work closely with families to align expectations and reduce stress. Akbar explains how transparency, mutual accountability, and realistic goal setting are key to a successful counseling relationship — ensuring the process stays focused, student-centered, and productive.

🧪 The Role of Test Scores in a Test-Optional World

Despite the growth of test-optional policies, strong SAT/ACT scores can still be a game-changer for students aiming to stand out in a large applicant pool. Akbar breaks it all down while discussing what other factors — like essays, activities, and academic rigor — admissions teams are looking for. 🧬📈

CLICK HERE to schedule a FREE consultation with the Prep Expert Admissions Counseling Team.

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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