301. Hartwick College - Bryan Gross - Vice President for Enrollment Management and Athletics

🎙️  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

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