Inside the Admissions Office: Advice from Former Admissions Officers

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What makes a college essay stand out at top schools like Harvard, Stanford, or Yale?

In this episode, we sit down with Dave Marcus, Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist, bestselling author of Acceptance, and former high school teacher, to unpack the art of storytelling in college applications.

Dave shares tips he’s used to help CEOs, students, and professionals tell their stories w...

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From prescreen recordings and performance auditions to professor connections and portfolio prep, the music admissions process is uniquely challenging. In this episode, we sit down with the experts from Inside Music Schools to unpack everything you need to know about getting into top conservatories and university music programs. Whether you're aiming for Juilliard, Berklee, or a ...

To set up a complimentary strategy call, CLICK HERE.  We dive into the Trump Administration’s attempt to revoke Harvard’s Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) certification and explore what this means for international students around the world. Additionally, we will break down the legal and political background behind this controversial move and provide honest, empathetic insights for students and families caught in the mid...

To set up a complimentary strategy call, CLICK HERE. 

Today’s students are juggling intense academics, nonstop social media, and AI tools reshaping how they learn. In this episode, we dive into:

• The pressure to excel academically, socially, and online
• How social media and constant notifications are affecting focus and mental health
• Why skills like time management and emotional regulation are essential for coping with stress
• Th...

Are academic competitions worth the time and effort? We’re covering everything from the top competitions that impress admissions officers, to how to find a healthy balance between specializing and exploring different interests. We’ll also touch on the not-so-talked-about side of competitions—what happens when your student doesn’t win and how they can still come away with tons of value from the experience.

Juniors, ready to ace your college applications? Get exclusive insights from Former Admissions Officers at UC Berkeley and the University of Chicago in this must-listen episode!

We’re diving into expert strategies to help you stand out, avoid common mistakes, and balance academics with extracurriculars—plus, we’re answering real questions from students like you. Whether you're just starting or deep in the process, this episode is p...

When it comes to choosing a college, rankings can feel like the end-all-be-all. We get it—seeing a school in the “Top 10” list is reassuring. But are those numbers telling the full story?

In this episode, we’re pulling back the curtain on college rankings. With insights from Former Assistant Director of Admissions at NYU, we dive into:

• Why rankings can sometimes mislead students and families
...

With college admissions becoming increasingly competitive, many students feel pressured to "do it all" when it comes to extracurriculars. But is that really what colleges are looking for? In our latest podcast episode, we uncover the reality behind how admissions officers evaluate student activities.

You'll learn:

• How admissions officers evaluate what students actually contribute to their activities—not just participation
• The...

With the recent changes in standardized testing, many families are asking: SAT or ACT—what’s the best fit for your student? In this episode, Jake Adams, Director of InGenius Test Prep, breaks down everything you need to know to make an informed decision. He discusses how to choose the right test based on your student’s strengths, the latest updates on the Digital ACT launching in April 2025, and offers strategies for students who m...

Getting ready for college interviews? As competition increases, a strong interview can set you apart in the admissions process. In this episode, we speak with a Former Carnegie Mellon Admissions Director to provide expert insights on how students can confidently navigate their interviews and improve their chances of acceptance.

Key takeaways for parents & students:

• The most common (and unexpected) interview questions
• What ...

In this episode, former admissions officers from Johns Hopkins, Yale, and Harvard Law share their honest feedback on real Common Apps from students who applied to Yale, Dartmouth, and Johns Hopkins. Discover what makes an application stand out—and what’s missing! Gain insights into the strengths and weaknesses they’ve observed, plus how domestic and international applications differ in the admissions process.You’ll get firsthand in...

🎙️ Episode Overview

In this week's episode, we’re excited to have two Former Admissions Officers from Johns Hopkins and Yale join us for an exclusive, behind-the-scenes look at a real student’s Common App profile. They break down the activities list and personal essay, sharing what works, what doesn’t, and how the two pieces come together to tell a compelling story.

Want to know how to make your student's applicatio...

🎙️ Episode Overview We’re thrilled to bring you a brand-new episode of our podcast, packed with expert advice on the college admissions process that you won’t want to miss—especially if you have a high schooler in the middle of applying!

This week, we sit down with three former admissions officers from Harvard, the University of Chicago, and the University of Pennsylvania to answer some of the most pres...

Are you ready to uncover the unique benefits of liberal arts colleges and help your student find their perfect fit?

In this episode, Krista, a seasoned admissions expert, will guide you and your student through aligning school choices with both academic and personal goals, ensuring your student is set up for success.

Here's what you'll learn:

• How to research liberal arts colleges to fi...

Are you ready to break free from the traditional path and take your future into your own hands?

Today, we’re talking gap years and how they can completely reshape your college application (and your life).

The Admissions Advantage–Former Dartmouth admissions officer shares how a gap year can:

• Demonstrate leadership, maturity, and initiative to college admissions teams
• Help students stand out in a competitive applicant pool

Is your student interested in college athletic recruitment? Don’t miss our latest podcast episode, where we dive deep into the college sailing recruitment process! In partnership with US Sailing, we bring you expert insights from experienced professionals, including how to connect with coaches, meet recruitment deadlines, secure athletic scholarships, and prepare for tryouts and team dynamics. Tune in now for expert advice that wi...

Ready to tackle college application season? Our latest podcast episode is here to help you navigate this critical time!

Join us as we bring together a panel of former admissions officers from the University of Pennsylvania, Brown, and Harvard to address the most common questions surrounding college applications, personal essays, the Common App, letters of recommendation, resumes, activity lists, and much more.

To set up a complimen...

Curious about what it takes to get into grad school as an engineering major? Tune in to our latest episode featuring special guest Will Fenton! Whether you're aiming for a cutting-edge career in tech or looking to make an impact through research, this episode is packed with insider tips to help you succeed.

We cover the key academic skills needed to stand out, plus the extracurriculars and leadership experiences that can make your ...

What does it take to effectively parent high-achieving students and guide them toward Ivy League admissions? In this insightful episode, Heather McCutchen—Former Admissions Officer—shares her unique journey of homeschooling her three children during their junior high years, all of whom successfully gained admission to Ivy League schools. Discover practical parenting advice as Heather explains how she nurtured each child's individua...