🎙️ 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

📍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.

1️⃣ Holistic Review with a Personal Lens 💼🧠

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.

2️⃣ Test-Optional ≠ Test-Irrelevant ✍️📉🧪

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.

3️⃣ Student Support is a Pillar, Not an Afterthought 🤝📚🌱

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.

4️⃣ CSCU System Offers Flexibility & Opportunity 🔄🎓🚀

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

🎙️ 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