College Admissions Insider

If there's one thing that's always constant, it's change. Nowhere is that more true than in the field of technology. Like many industries, higher education is transforming in the midst of the newest tech revolution: Artificial intelligence.

In this episode of College Admissions Insider, we'll explore some of the ways colleges are implementing AI assistance, how that impacts the experience for students and familie...

Submitting your application is the ultimate way you'll tell a college you want in. But that's just the end of the story. In the years before you apply, many admissions offices will be on the lookout for something called demonstrated interest.

In this episode, we talk about why demonstrated interest has become increasingly important in recent years, what counts as meaningful engagement, and what students should and shouldn&...

The application is the main way colleges and universities get to know you as an applicant. But it's not the only way. At some schools, students are invited to share their story in-person through an admissions interview.

In this episode of College Admissions Insider, we'll learn why interviews are valuable in the admissions process, what you can do to practice and prepare, and how building interviewing skills can benefit yo...

For some students, college is just a short drive away. For others, it means crossing time zones, states or even coasts.

In this episode of College Admissions Insider, we’re diving into what it’s really like to attend a college far from home. From culture shock to homesickness to learning how to fly solo (literally and figuratively), we’re sharing stories and insights that can help you decide just how far you’re willing — or excited ...

For some students, their dream school might be right down the road. While for others, it's a road trip, train or plane ride away.

On today's episode of College Admissions Insider, we'll talk about attending school far from home, what that means for your college search, and more importantly, your college experience.

Our guest is with my colleague Cameron Walsh, a regional associate director of admiss...

When so much of the college search is about what you'll do during university, it can be easy to push off what comes after until, well, after. 

But knowing what graduates go on to accomplish can be a powerful tool when deciding which schools are on your list. In this episode of College Admissions Insider, we're diving into outcomes.

We'll discover how universities manage and share outcomes data, the best time to start t...

Whether you're just now thinking about college or have been visiting campuses for months, there's a step in the college process that all students arrive at: Building a college list.

With thousands of colleges and universities in the U.S., choosing the ones you'd like to attend can feel like a tall order. Good news is you don't have to do it alone. 

In this episode of College Admissions Insider, we'll discuss ...

Spring is officially here, and with it, those long-awaited responses from college admissions.

You may think there's only two options. “Congrats, you're in,” or, “We regret to inform you.” But plenty of students will receive a third message, offering them a spot on the waitlist.

In this minisode, we'll chat about the most important tips for navigating that outcome.

Read a transcript for this episode. ...

From Google to mobile apps to podcasts like this, there are countless resources out there to help students find the school that's right for them and craft a strong application. 

Many students might find that the ultimate college support is right in their own backyard. On today's episode of College Admissions Insider, we're exploring community-based organizations. 

We'll define what community-based organizations ar...

Websites, brochures and social media can only tell you so much about what a college is like. While visiting in person is an excellent way to get a feel for campus life, there are even more immersive opportunities.

Today on College Admissions Insider, we're diving into pre-college programs. We'll learn what pre-college programs offer prospective students, what the experience looks like at Bucknell, and how it can ...

Tell us about a challenge you faced and how you overcame it.

Reflect on a moment when your actions made a difference for others.

Describe one of your passions and why it lights you up. 

These aren't just ideas for your next journal entry. They're prompts you might see when you sit down to write your college essay — one of the only places on the application where students use their own voice to tell an admissions committee ab...

There's no shortage of acronyms in higher education, but perhaps none are more important for prospective students than FAFSA and CSS.

For students and families seeking financial aid, these are the essential forms you'll need to submit. Today we'll break down these financial aid forms, the differences between them and some tips for using the FAFSA and CSS to secure aid at the schools on your list.

Ou...

In this minisode of College Admissions Insider, Brooke and Becca dive into minimum requirements. You'll learn what minimum requirements are, how they might differ between schools, and ways that you can ensure you're on the right preparation track for college.

Read a transcript for this episode

If you have a question, comment or idea for a future episode, email podcast@bucknell.edu.

Please note: Information presented in this ...

At schools like Bucknell that receive thousands of applications every year, there’s a good chance some applicants will have similar grades, academic rigor, and extracurricular involvement.

But there's a place where applicants can stand out — something guaranteed to be found in their application and no other. We're talking about the college essay — an applicant's best opportunity to show colleges who they are...

While it may be the student who gets admitted to college in the end, they aren't the only ones with a hand in the process.

From those initial Google searches to campus visits and beyond, parents and families are discovering and learning right alongside their student. On this episode of College Admissions Insider, we're taking a closer look at the parent and family experience.

We'll talk about the r...

No two college journeys are the same. For some, it might mean attending college right in their hometown, while others might travel halfway or even to the other side of the country for school.

Then, there are those who take their education beyond borders. At the request of one of our listeners, in this episode of College Admissions Insider, we are exploring options for attending college outside of the US.

We'll learn where studen...

After choosing where to enroll, the next major decision in the college process is, “What is going to live with you in your home away from home?”

In this College Admissions Insider minisode, we're sharing some tips and considerations to keep in mind when packing for your first year of college.

Read a transcript for this episode

If you have a question, comment or idea for a future episode, email podcast@bucknell.edu.

Please note: In...

If you've been listening to College Admissions Insider for a while, the title of this episode might ring a bell. In some of our early episodes, we invited real admissions counselors here to talk about how reading applications really works.

Today, we're doing it all again. We'll be chatting about the process front to back — and then some.

Our guest is Kevin Mathes '07, associate vice president and dean of admission...

Your grades, extracurriculars and essay responses paint a picture of who you are. But there's another part of your application that colleges and universities pay special attention to:  your intended major.

On this episode of College Admissions Insider, we're providing tips on identifying the primary discipline you'll study throughout your four years. We'll discuss when students should start thinking abo...