🎙️ 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 🎯📚

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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 Binghamton University Admissions: What’s New & How to Stand Out! 🚀

In this episode of The College Admissions Process Podcast, I sit down with Douglas Harrington, Associate Director of Admissions at Binghamton University, to uncover the latest updates, expert application tips, and what makes Binghamton a top choice for students! 🎓💡

🔑 Key Takeaways from This Episode:

✅ What’s New at Binghamton? 🏫🔬 – Since my last interview in 2023 (Episode #138), Binghamton has continued to grow and innovate! Hear about new academic initiatives, campus developments, and opportunities that make this school even more appealing.

✅ How Binghamton Supports Student Success 💪📚 – With an impressive 92% freshman retention rate, Binghamton ensures students feel at home through tight-knit residential communities, academic support, and career-focused experiential learning programs. Learn how students thrive both socially and academically!

✅Looking at the Admissions Process ✍️📄 – Douglas breaks down Binghamton’s holistic review process, the importance of course rigor vs. GPA, and how to craft a standout personal statement. Plus, find out whether demonstrated interest plays a role in your application!

💡 Thinking about applying to Binghamton? This episode is packed with essential insights to help you maximize your chances of admission and make an informed college decision!

SUNY Binghamton - 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

Key Highlights:

Cross-Disciplinary Spirit at MIT: David shares how the collaborative and interdisciplinary culture at MIT encourages students to merge different fields to innovate and solve real-world problems. It’s all about that cross-disciplinary spirit! 🔬✨

The Holistic Review Process:

David walks us through MIT's meritocratic admissions process. Here are the key areas they focus on:

• Academic Preparedness: They start with your transcripts, examining the rigor of the courses you’ve taken. 📚
• Essays and Recommendations: These components are your chance to provide meaningful insights about who you are. ✍️
• Extracurricular Activities: Your involvement and leadership outside the classroom matter greatly. 🎭⚽

Advice for Students:

• David emphasizes the importance of finding an institution that aligns with your personal and academic goals instead of just chasing prestige. 🎓
• He encourages you to reflect on who you are now and who you want to become. This self-awareness is crucial in selecting the right college for you. 🤔
• Use your application to showcase your authentic self. Don’t try to fit into a mold—just be genuine and true to who you are. 🙌

Empowering Student Agency: David makes a powerful point about trusting students in their decision-making process. Sometimes, they just know when a college isn’t the right fit, even before they step out of the car! 🚗💨

Final Thoughts: One key takeaway from our conversation is David’s mantra: “Focus on fit, not prestige.” With over 4,000 colleges in the U.S. alone, finding the place that will truly support your growth and aspirations is essential. 🌍

MIT website

MIT Admissions

MIT Student Financial Services

David duKor-Jackson’s published blogs

The specific blog that David mentioned

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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...

🎙️ In this episode I had the pleasure of speaking with Jon Westover, Associate Vice Provost & Director of Admissions at NC State University 🌟. This engaging conversation dives into what makes NC State unique, its admissions process, and invaluable advice for families navigating the college application journey. Whether you're considering NC State or looking for insights into the admissions process, this episode is packed with essential takeaways for students and parents alike!

1️⃣ Exceptional Academic Programs and Interdisciplinary Learning Opportunities

• NC State stands out for its innovative academic offerings like engineering, life sciences, textiles, and design 🛠️🌿🎨.
• The university encourages students to blend fields of study, fostering innovation through programs like interdisciplinary research projects and dual majors 📚✨.
• Who thrives here? Students with a curious mindset and a desire to solve real-world problems in a collaborative environment.

2️⃣ Financial Aid and Opportunities for All Students

• In-state and out-of-state tuition structures differ, but NC State offers competitive scholarships to make education accessible for out-of-state students 💵🌍.
• Scholarships include merit-based awards and unique opportunities for students in specialized fields 🏆.
• NC State is dedicated to providing financial resources to students, ensuring accessibility for all backgrounds.

3️⃣ A 94% Retention Rate: Support for Student Success

• NC State boasts a 94% freshman retention rate 🎉, showcasing its strong commitment to helping students thrive.
• Transition programs, mentorship opportunities, and extensive academic and personal support services are available to ensure students feel connected and supported 🎓❤️.
• The university values student well-being and provides resources tailored to diverse learning and personal needs.

4️⃣ Insights into the Holistic Admissions Process

• NC State takes a holistic approach to admissions, valuing academic rigor, extracurricular involvement, and personal stories ✍️📄.
• The admissions team looks beyond GPA, reviewing transcripts for academic trends and rigor while recalculating GPAs to align with their standards.
• Engaging essays and personal statements are a chance for applicants to stand out. Jon shares what NC State looks for and offers tips to craft a compelling narrative ✨🖋️.

• Location: Raleigh, North Carolina 🌳🏙️.
• Enrollment: Over 37,000 students, with representation from all 100 counties in North Carolina, all 50 states, and 120+ countries 🌎.
• Rankings: Ranked among the Top 10 Public Universities for ROI (Return on Investment) by Payscale 💼.
• Innovation: A leader in research, home to the Centennial Campus, which fosters partnerships with industry leaders like Red Hat and SAS 🧑‍💻🤝.

School Spirit: The NC State Wolfpack is legendary for its athletics and campus traditions 🐺❤️🤍.

NC State University - Undergraduate 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...

🎙️In this exciting episode, I had the pleasure of speaking with Keira Vollandt, Regional Assistant Director of First-Year Admissions at UMass Amherst 🎓. We covered everything from academic opportunities and application strategies to financial aid and student life. Whether you're applying to UMass or any other school, this conversation is packed with insights to help students and parents navigate the admissions process.

🔥 Top Takeaways from This Episode

1️⃣ UMass Amherst is More Than Just a School—It’s a Community 🌎

As the flagship public research university of Massachusetts, UMass Amherst offers over 100 majors and a vibrant campus culture rooted in academic excellence, diversity, and public service.

The school is part of the Five College Consortium, which allows students to take courses at Amherst College, Hampshire College, Mount Holyoke, and Smith College—expanding both academic and social opportunities! 📚🤝

2️⃣ The Application Process: Holistic, But Strategic 📝

UMass Amherst employs a holistic review process, balancing academic performance, extracurriculars, and personal qualities.

Early Action vs. Regular Decision? Applying Early Action can give you an advantage in terms of admissions and merit-based scholarships 💰, especially for out-of-state students!

UMass considers GPA and course rigor carefully—not all GPAs are created equal! Taking AP, IB, or honors courses can strengthen your application.

3️⃣ Accessibility & Support for Students with Disabilities ♿

UMass Amherst is committed to providing an inclusive and accessible campus for students of all abilities.

The Disability Services Office offers academic accommodations, assistive technology, and support for students who need additional resources.

Campus buildings, transportation, and housing are designed to be accessible, ensuring that all students can fully participate in academics and student life.

4️⃣ Student Success & Support Systems ❤️

College can be a big transition, and UMass Amherst offers academic advising, mental health support, and career services to ensure students thrive.

Living-learning communities, strong faculty relationships, and over 300 student organizations help students feel connected and supported throughout their college experience.

🎓 Fun Facts About UMass Amherst

✅ Ranked among the Top 30 Public Universities in the U.S. (U.S. News & World Report) 🏆

✅ Home to the #1 Campus Dining in the country—get ready for some delicious food! 🍕🍜

✅ Located in the scenic Pioneer Valley, offering access to both urban and outdoor adventures 🌿🏙️

UMass Amherst - 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

🎙️In this episode of The College Admissions Process Podcast, I had the great pleasure of speaking with Jim Bock, Vice President and Dean of Admissions at Swarthmore College. Swarthmore is one of the nation’s most prestigious liberal arts colleges, known for its intellectual rigor, close-knit community, and collaborative spirit. This conversation is a must-listen for students and parents navigating the college admissions process!

Swarthmore offers a challenging yet supportive environment where students are encouraged to think critically, embrace collaboration, and engage deeply in their learning. With a student-faculty ratio of 8:1, students have direct access to world-class professors and research opportunities. Swarthmore also blends STEM and the liberal arts, ensuring that students graduate with a well-rounded skill set that prepares them for diverse careers.

Swarthmore students can take courses and participate in activities at Bryn Mawr and Haverford Colleges, giving them access to a wider range of courses, professors, and extracurricular opportunities while maintaining the benefits of a small college environment. This academic and social collaboration helps students build a broader network and gain interdisciplinary perspectives.

Swarthmore reviews applications holistically, looking beyond just grades and test scores to understand the full student. Some key insights:

✔ Test-Optional Policy – Students who don’t submit standardized test scores are still given full consideration. Admissions evaluates academic rigor, extracurricular involvement, and essays closely.

✔ Supplemental Essays Matter – Thoughtful, authentic responses that showcase a student’s unique perspective and experiences can make a big difference.

✔ GPA & Academic Rigor – Admissions looks at the context of each student’s high school curriculum, giving weight to AP, IB, and honors courses.

Swarthmore boasts a 96% retention rate, one of the highest in the country! This speaks to the incredible support systems available, including:

✔ Academic advising and faculty mentorship 👩‍🏫

✔ Mental health and wellness resources 🧘‍♂️

✔ Career development programs and internships 💼

✔ Tight-knit residential community that fosters strong friendships 🏡

🏆 Ranked among the top liberal arts colleges in the U.S.

📍 Located in Swarthmore, Pennsylvania—just 11 miles from Philadelphia!

🔬 Strong STEM programs within a liberal arts framework

🌱 Deep commitment to sustainability and social responsibility

💰 Meets 100% of demonstrated financial need for all admitted students

Swarthmore College Admissions & Aid

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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...