Inside the Admissions Office: Advice from Former Admissions Officers
This podcast helps students and families navigate the complex college admissions process. Every other Monday, it features interviews with former admissions officers, graduates from top universities, and admissions experts. Each episode is filled with application tips and firsthand experiences aimed at helping listeners get into their dream school. The show is brought to you by InGenius Prep, which describes itself as having the world's largest team of former admissions officers.
Episodes
141. How to Write College Supplemental Essays (Why Us, Community & More) | Princeton Grad Explains
📅 Need help with your college applications? Schedule a FREE 30-minute 1:1 call with one of our Former Admissions Officers here and we'll help you improve your chances of acceptance with personalized support: https://hubs.la/Q02WyJTt0
🔔 Subscribe for more college admissions tips, essay strategy, and Ivy League application advice.
---
Struggling with your college supplemental essays? In this episode
140. How to Break Into Investment Banking, Starting in High School
📌 Schedule a FREE 30-minute 1:1 call with one of our Former Admissions Officers here and we'll help you improve your chances of acceptance with personalized support: https://hubs.la/Q02WyJTt0
Investment banking prep no longer starts in college. I sit down with Max Adams, Head Coach at Wall Street Mastermind, to map the full path from high school to a summer analyst offer: what the job actually is,
139. The 90-Day Strategy That Gets Students Into Their Dream School (Most Families Miss This)
COLLEGE APPLICATION TRAINING CAMP — JULY 2026
👉 Register here: https://hubs.la/Q04jNZ_n0 We're back for our third year, and this one is the biggest yet. Join experts from Harvard, Yale, and MIT as they walk your student through the entire application process LIVE — Common App, essays, application persona, and more. Spots are limited!
---
📩 Want to find out what candidacy building looks like for yo
138. Capstone Projects That Top Colleges Want/Don't Want To See
Want personalized guidance? Book a free consultation with our team here: https://hubs.la/Q02WyJTt0
Former Harvard interviewer and InGenius Prep VP of Undergraduate Services Kathryn reveals why hobbies are often neglected in middle and high school, and why that’s a huge missed opportunity. She explains how hobbies can evolve into powerful passion projects or capstone experiences that make students
137. Your Teen Loves Sports… Now What? | Sports Biz Bootcamp
Want personalized help with your application strategy? Book a free 1:1 call with one of our Former Admissions Officers here: CLICK HERE.
Whether you’re a student interested in sports careers, a parent seeking meaningful enrichment, or curious about sports management, this episode offers practical advice and insider perspective on the competitive sports industry. I sit down with Stephen Master, fou
136. Stop Relying on Your GPA. It’s Not Enough.
JOIN THE EXCLUSIVE WEBINAR (FEB. 24th): https://hubs.la/Q042YjBT0
Megan Bailey (Duke Graduate & Associate Director of College Counseling) reveals the exact roadmap she uses to guide students to top schools like Princeton, Yale, and Stanford, before junior year even begins.
Schedule a FREE 30-minute 1:1 call with one of our Former Admissions Officers here and we'll help you improve your chances
135. Early Admissions Results 2025–2026: Why Colleges Changed the Rules This Year
Want personalized help with your application strategy? Book a free 1:1 call with one of our Former Admissions Officers here: CLICK HERE.
CURRENT INGENIUS PREP 2025-2026 EARLY ADMISSIONS RESULTS: 17 offers from Harvard, Yale, Princeton, Stanford & MIT. 33 Ivy League offers. 50 offers from top 10 schools. 96 offers from top 20 schools, and also 135 offers from top 30 schools.
In this episode, w
134. Can You Get Away With Using AI on College Essays?
Want personalized help with your application strategy? Book a free 1:1 call with one of our Former Admissions Officers here: CLICK HERE.
" Eventually AI will be good enough that it should be able to mimic that voice. I expect essays will become meaningless and either abolished completely or they just won't have a significant impact on the admissions process."
Joel Butterly, CEO of InGenius Prep,
133. Part 3: How to Answer Johns Hopkins Supplemental Essay Prompt for 2025-2026
Want personalized help with your application strategy? Book a free 1:1 call with one of our Former Admissions Officers here: CLICK HERE.
Shannon and Titania are back—this time tackling the Johns Hopkins supplemental essay. With Hopkins celebrating its 150th anniversary, this year’s prompt sounds poetic, reflective, and… a little overwhelming. But what are admissions officers actually asking for?
P
132. Part 2: How to Answer Every Yale Supplemental Essay Prompts for 2025-2026
Want personalized help with your application strategy? Book a free 1:1 call with one of our Former Admissions Officers here: CLICK HERE.
Shannon and Titania return to break down every Harvard supplemental essay prompt, sharing how successful applicants actually approach each question, what admissions officers are really listening for, and the common mistakes that quietly hurt otherwise strong cand
131. Part 1: How to Answer Every Harvard Supplemental Essay Prompts for 2025-2026
Want personalized help with your application strategy? Book a free 1:1 call with one of our Former Admissions Officers here: CLICK HERE.
Shannon and Titania return to break down every Harvard supplemental essay prompt, sharing how successful applicants actually approach each question, what admissions officers are really listening for, and the common mistakes that quietly hurt otherwise strong cand
130. Colleges Won’t Tell You This: What the Numbers Say About Your Child’s Chances
Want personalized help with your application strategy? Book a free 1:1 call with one of our Former Admissions Officers here: CLICK HERE.
Explore real admissions insights on the InGenius Journal: https://hubs.ly/Q03XXVX80
We use real data and trends to help students make clear, confident decisions about navigating college admissions. In this episode, Lindsey Kundel, Editor-in-Chief of the InGeniu
129. What U.S. Admissions Officers Really Look For in International Applicants
Want personalized help with your application strategy? Book a free 1:1 call with one of our Former Admissions Officers here: CLICK HERE.
Applying to U.S. universities as an international student? This episode breaks down exactly what you need to know. Former Admissions Officer Kevin (MIT, Brown, UChicago, Cornell) explains:
✅ How international students can highlight their cultural identity authen
128. Is Homeschooling the Right Path for Aspiring College Athletes?
Want personalized help with your application strategy? Book a free 1:1 call with one of our Former Admissions Officers here: CLICK HERE.
In today’s shorter episode, Zak, a former Senior Assistant Director and Multicultural Recruiting Coordinator at Johns Hopkins University, responds to an email from a parent who’s considering homeschooling and trying to find the best path for a student-athlete wit
127. How She Made Yale Say ‘Yes!’ — Her Story, Her Strategy, and Her Advice for You
Want personalized help with your application strategy? Book a free 1:1 call with one of our Former Admissions Officers here: CLICK HERE.
Yale graduate and InGenius Prep counselor Titania shares how she got into Yale and the exact strategies that helped her stand out in the admissions process. She talks about what made Yale the right fit, how she approached Yale essays and interviews, and the parts
126. I Worked at WashU Admissions—Here’s What Really Gets You In
Want personalized help with your application strategy? Book a free 1:1 call with one of our Former Admissions Officers here: CLICK HERE.
In today’s episode, we’re diving deep into Washington University in St. Louis (WashU)—often called a “hidden Ivy” for its exceptional academics, selective admissions, and unique student experience. 🎯 Pro Tip: Don’t get caught up in rankings—academic stats matter,
125. The Future of College Admissions: RED FLAGS That Could Ruin Your Application
Want personalized help with your application strategy? Book a free 1:1 call with one of our Former Admissions Officers here: CLICK HERE.
In this episode, we delve into key takeaways from the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC) Conference. Our experts, Katherine—Director of Undergraduate Services, and Pia—Director of Counselor Management at InGenius Prep, share their first
124. Is Your Student’s Profile Strong Enough for MIT?
EXCLUSIVE VIRTUAL EVENT: Two Students. One Spot. Who Gets In? Watch Former Admissions Officers battle it out live in the first-ever Admissions Showdown—where you’ll witness the debates, the behind-the-scenes decision-making, and the exact factors that determine who gets in. Curious what actually happens after you hit submit on your college application? Join us on September 23rd and experience it f
123. Former UChicago Admissions Officer Answers YOUR Biggest Questions
EXCLUSIVE VIRTUAL EVENT: Two Students. One Spot. Who Gets In? Watch Former Admissions Officers battle it out live in the first-ever Admissions Showdown—where you’ll witness the debates, the behind-the-scenes decision-making, and the exact factors that determine who gets in. Curious what actually happens after you hit submit on your college application? Join us on September 23rd and experience it f
122. Yale Writing Expert Analyzes Two Successful College Essays
EXCLUSIVE VIRTUAL EVENT — COLLEGE APPLICATION TRAINING CAMP: Join our exclusive session with Shannon, Yale PhD Candidate and essay expert, as she walks you through how to write a supplemental essay that stands out. She'll cover researching the "why," structuring your response, and conveying personality inside a tight word count. Spots are limited. Here's the link to register.
📅 July 30 | 8PM ET
W
121. AI Is Changing College Admissions Forever. Here’s How to Beat the System.
FREE RESOURCE: Want personalized help with your application strategy? Book a free 1:1 call with one of our Former Admissions Officers here: CLICK HERE.
RISING SENIORS: This is your last shot to get everything in place for college apps. Our Application Counseling Program helps you stay on track, craft a standout application, and improve your chances of getting into a Top 10 school, by up to 7x: htt
120. Beating Duke’s 4.8% Admit rate
Need help with your college applications? Set up a complimentary strategy call with our team of admission experts: CLICK HERE.
Meet Brendan, one of our standout students at InGenius Prep. This fall, he’s off to Duke University to study biology and medicine. But what truly set Brendan apart wasn’t just his impressive accomplishments. It was the self-awareness, consistency, and personal growth he sh
119. 6 Qualities Caltech Admissions Officers Are Searching For
Need help with your college applications? Set up a complimentary strategy call with our team of admission experts: CLICK HERE.
Is your student a fit for Caltech? Here’s what admissions really want. We spoke with someone who’s been inside the Caltech admissions room, and they revealed what really catches the attention of decision-makers at one of the world’s most rigorous STEM universities.
In thi
118. This Is How You REALLY Get Into Top UK Universities
Need help from the best UK university admissions consultants? Set up a complimentary strategy call: CLICK HERE.
📘 Our free eBook covers everything you need to know about applying to top universities in 7 countries, including timelines, test requirements, and visa info. Whether you’re just starting your research or ready to apply abroad, this guide is your go-to.
---
With U.S. immigration and educ
117. Pulitzer Prize-Winning Journalist Shares How to Write College Essays That Get You In
To set up a complimentary strategy call, CLICK HERE.
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
116. What Top College Music Programs Look For in Applicants
To set up a complimentary strategy call, CLICK HERE.
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 a
115. Harvard, Visas & the Future: What You Should Do Now
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 stud
114. TikTok, AI & Burnout: What It’s Like Being A Student Right Now
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 esse
113. Do Competitions Really Help You Get Into Top Colleges? Here’s the Real Answer
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 ex
111. Expert Admissions Tips for Juniors from UC Berkeley & UChicago Experts
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 dee
112. College fit matters more than ranking—here’s why
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
The
110. Is 'Doing It All' in Extracurriculars Necessary? Insights from a Northeastern University Admissions Reader
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 activi
109. SAT vs. ACT: The Better Test for 2025 Admissions (It’s Not What You Think)
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 o
108. College Interviews: One Mistake That Could Cost You Admission
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 unexpe
107. What Former Yale, Harvard Law School and Johns Hopkins Admissions Officers Really Think of These Common Applications
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 admissi
106. Duke Admissions Secrets You Need to Know
🎙️ 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
105. Best college admissions advice revealed by Ivy League experts
🎙️ 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 mos
104. How to Choose the Best Liberal Arts College
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 find your bes
103. Maximize Your College Admissions With A Gap Year
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
102. College Athletic Recruitment: Expert Insights from US Sailing
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. Tu
101. College Application Q&A: What Admissions Officers from Brown, UPenn & Harvard Really Want from Applicants
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, a
100. Cracking the Code: The Roadmap to Grad School Success for Engineering Majors
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 leaders
99. Parenting Advice for High-Achieving High Schoolers
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
98. Empower Your Child: Essential Resources for Supporting Executive Functioning and ADHD in Children
Wondering how to support your child in developing the skills they need to succeed in school and beyond? In this episode, we’re exploring the world of executive functioning—the critical skills that enable your child to manage time, stay organized, and succeed academically and personally. We’ll break down what executive functioning is, why it’s so essential for your child’s development, and how to r
97. Mastering Speech, Debate, and Mock Trial: Essential Strategies To Stand Out
Wondering how speech, debate, and mock trial competitions can impact your child’s future success?
In this episode, we dive into the dynamic world of speech, debate, and mock trial competitions, offering students, parents, and educators essential insights. Learn how participation in these activities can boost academic performance, enhance critical thinking skills, and pave the way for college adm
96. Empowering Young Minds: Expert Insights from a Former UChicago Admissions Officer and How the Leadership & Entrepreneurship Exploration (LEE) Program Builds Future Leaders
In this episode, we’re joined by two special guests: Matt Rosenbaum, a former UChicago Admissions Officer, and Maya Gobert, Director of the Leadership and Innovation Lab (LIL). Matt shares expert insights on nurturing curiosity in young students, how parents can support their educational journey, and common mistakes parents make during their child’s formative years. Maya explains how the Leadershi
95. What Does a Harvard Admissions Officer Look for in Applicants? | Harvard College Admissions Insights
Interested in what a Harvard Admissions Officer looks for in applicants?
In today’s episode, we dive deep into the intricacies of the Harvard College admissions process with Bruno, a Former Admissions Officer at Harvard College. Bruno shares insider details on what Harvard truly values in both first-year and transfer applicants, providing a behind-the-scenes look at the selection process. We also
94. Crafting Successful College Applications: The Winning InGenius Prep Strategy
Curious how our students enjoy a 99% acceptance rate? On today’s episode, Joel Butterly, Co-Founder and CEO of InGenius Prep dives into the unique strategies and programs that set InGenius Prep apart. We also explore real-life examples and listener questions, offering continued insight into how students can craft standout college applications and achieve their college dreams.
To set up a complime
93. USACO and College Applications: A Winning Combination for Computer Science Majors
Are you an aspiring computer science major looking to stand out? On today’s episode, Brian Skinner, founder of Breakout Mentors, walks us through how to best prepare for USACO, one of the most prestigious coding competitions, and how to leverage strong coding skills to craft unique signature projects for college applications. Whether you're a novice coder or a seasoned competitor, this episode wil
92. What’s Next After College Decisions? A Guide for Waitlisted, Rejected, and Accepted Students
Waitlisted from your dream school? Struggling with no acceptance offers? Or are you split between multiple acceptances? On today’s episode, Krista Pickett, a Former Admissions Officer from Williams, discusses first some strategies for students to effectively navigate being waitlisted. From understanding the significance of remaining active on the waitlist to crafting compelling letters of continue
91. College Admissions Confidential: Listener Q&A with Former Admissions Officers
Thinking about embellishing your extracurriculars? Wondering if your music teacher is the best person to ask for a letter of recommendation? Running behind in the college application process? On today’s episode, our Former Admissions Officers answer these questions and more in this special Q&A segment.
To set up a complimentary strategy call, CLICK HERE.
Register for our upcoming webinars.
Qu
90. How We Helped a Physics Major Get Accepted Into Columbia University
With an admit rate of 14.57%, how did we help our student, Maggie, get accepted into Columbia University, her top-choice school? On today’s episode, Kat Jennings, a Former Admissions Officer from NYU, gives us an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at how Maggie beat the odds during the Early Decision round this year. From creating a unique Application Persona to strategically enhancing her extracurr
89. Is Research Experience a Must-Have in College Applications?
Do non-STEM students need research experience in their college applications? On today’s episode, Christopher Brown, our Director of Academic Mentorship, shares insider tips on how to create impactful research projects. From discussing how to present challenges to unraveling the criteria Admissions Officers seek in research projects, this episode will be your ultimate roadmap to crafting a standout
88. How to Find Your Unique Voice in College Application Essays
How do you capture an Admissions Officer’s attention through your college essays? On today’s episode, Nivanthi Karunaratne, a Graduate Coach at InGenius Prep, shares her personal journey of self-discovery through music and how it has influenced her approach in helping students find their voice in their college essays. From asking the right questions to discussing the power of introspection in the
87. College Admissions Unveiled: How Do Colleges Decide Who Gets Accepted?
How do you convince colleges that you are exactly what they are looking for? On today’s episode, Drew Hazen, a Former Admissions Officer from Northwestern, unveils effective strategies to stand out among a highly competitive pool of accomplished peers. From decoding the holistic review process to providing tips on how to craft a standout application, Drew covers the importance of a clear narrative
86. How to Elevate STEM Activities to Stand Out in College Applications
How do students stand out in popular STEM clubs, like robotics? On today’s episode, Stacy Wells Shea, a Former Admissions Officer from the University of Rochester, reveals what key qualities set apart standout STEM-related extracurricular activities. From engaging in unique, atypical projects to learning how to make a lasting impact within clubs, Stacy shares valuable insights on how STEM students
85. Fencing Your Way to College: Strategies for Admission Success
Wondering when to reach out to coaches or how to stand out in the recruitment process as a fencer? On today's episode, Kevin Dupont, a Former Admissions Officer from Cornell, sheds light on the nuances of the fencing recruitment process and addresses key questions from students - such as when to reach out to coaches, and how to craft compelling interest letters and fencing resumes. Whether you're
84. Starting 2024 Off Strong: Our Advice to Students
Are you applying to colleges this year? Or is your New Year's Resolution to get ahead with your college applications? If so, you're in the right place! On today's episode, our Former Admissions Officers shared their best advice for students gearing up for the college application process in the new year. From sharing the key to crafting unique applications to discussing how to navigate the challeng
83. 11 Students Admitted to MIT Last Round, 21.28% Above the Average Acceptance Rate: What’s Our Admissions Secret?
Want to learn our secrets to how we helped 11 students get admitted to MIT? On today’s episode, Krista Pickett, a Former Admissions Officer from Williams, reveals what it takes to create an outstanding profile that captivates admission committees. From breaking down the intricacies of the application process to offering actionable tips on balancing academic achievements, extracurricular involvemen
82. Developing Your Competitive Edge: Strategies for a Standout College Application
In college admissions, excellence alone doesn't guarantee acceptance. On today's episode, Marianna Irizarry, a Former Admissions Officer from Stanford, sheds light on the multifaceted qualities that make standout applicants. Drawing from a wealth of experience in law, education, and admissions, Marianna shares her insights on how to craft a strategic approach and cultivate diverse, authentic inter
81. Ace the Digital SAT: The Ultimate Guide to Scoring in the Top 1%
The new Digital SAT presents hurdles and opportunities for students aiming for top scores. On today’s episode, Jake Adams, Director of InGenius Test Prep, unveils the strategies essential for scoring in the top percentile. Whether it's understanding the new modular adaptive testing format or unlocking the secrets behind maximizing performance, this episode equips students with the tools needed to
80. ChatGPT vs. Authenticity: Navigating Essay Writing in College Applications
Should you use ChatGPT to write your personal statements?
On today's episode, Zak Harris, a Former Admissions Officer from Johns Hopkins, shares his strategies on how to stand out in college essays without the use of AI.
To set up a complimentary strategy call, CLICK HERE.
Register for our upcoming webinars.
Questions, comments, or topic requests? Email noel.kim@ingeniusprep.com.
To learn mor
79. Computer Science in College Applications: Is it the Right Major For You?
What does it mean to be a computer science major in college?
On today's episode, we dive into the fascinating journey of Elena Li, who went from being a computer science major at Cornell to landing a dream job as a software engineer at Amazon. From preparing for computer science internships to learning important soft skills to land coveted job positions, Elena reveals insider knowledge on what i
78. A Deep Dive Into Capstone Projects in College Applications
Struggling with how to create passion projects that stand out in college applications?
On today’s episode, Maya Gobert, Director of Student Innovation at InGenius Prep, reveals strategies on how to turn your interests into impactful projects that reflect your unique profiles, as well as some common misconceptions and successful project examples.
To set up a complimentary strategy call, CLICK H
77. The Art of Passion Projects in College Applications
What is a passion project and why are they so important in college applications? On today's episode, Evan Cudworth, a Former Admissions Officer from UChicago, shares his tips on how to create a passion project that stands out from the competition.
To set up a complimentary strategy call, CLICK HERE.
Register for our upcoming webinars.
Questions, comments, or topic requests? Email noel.kim@ingen
76. Exposing Our Secrets: The Insider’s Guide to College Applications
In the highly competitive world of college admissions, even the brightest students face unexpected challenges. On today’s episode, Nick Strohl, a Former Admissions Officer from Yale, reveals why even the best students with impeccable grades are unexpectedly rejected by their dream colleges. From crafting a balanced school list to strategically leveraging early decision and early action opportuniti
75. A Yale Student Shares His Success Story and Top Tips for College Applications
Discover the secrets to securing an acceptance letter from Ivy League schools with insider tips from Shan Lateef, a former InGenius Prep student. Learn how Shan not only earned the top score for his letter of recommendation but also skillfully combined his diverse passions into one cohesive college application. Whether your interests lie in neuroscience, music, or any other area, Shan's invaluable
74. Fine Tuning Success: Musical Talent in College Applications
Want to learn how to effectively showcase your musical talents to stand out from the crowd?
On today's episode, Kathryn Scherer, Director of Undergraduate Services at InGenius Prep, uncovers her best strategies for using music to enhance your college application. Whether you are an aspiring music major or looking for ways to leverage your musical talent as a non-music major, this episode will sh
73. How to Stand Out as a Pre-Med Student in College Applications
From showcasing a genuine passion for medicine to leveraging unique experiences and hobbies, Ryan Creps, a Former Admissions Officer from Brown, reveals his best strategies for making a lasting impression in pre-med applications.
To set up a complimentary strategy call, CLICK HERE.
Register for our upcoming webinars.
Questions, comments, or topic requests? Email noel.kim@ingeniusprep.com.
To l
72. Leadership Experience: The Missing Piece in College Applications
What does leadership really mean to schools and how can students successfully prove these qualities in their college applications?
On today’s episode, Maya Gobert, Director of Student Innovation at InGenius Prep, reveals strategies on where to start and the importance of framing leadership as the centerpiece of a college application.
To set up a complimentary strategy call, CLICK HERE.
Join our p
71. How to Succeed as a Computer Science Student in College Admissions
On today’s episode, we reveal strategies that help students stand out when applying to one of the most competitive majors – computer science. Natalia Ostrowski, a Former Admissions Officer from the University of Chicago, shares further insight into different programs, competitions, and application tips to create a well-rounded application as a computer science major.
To set up a complimentary stra
70. Early Admissions Case Studies: How Real Students Got Accepted Early to Their Dream Colleges
On today’s episode, we chat with Padya Paramita, an InGenius Prep Graduate Coach and our Digital Content Manager, and Vicky Rosenthal Madrid, our Assistant Director of Marketing. We discuss our first three case studies for the 2022-23 cycle of students accepted early to MIT, Brown PLME, and Rice University. We reveal the strategies these students used to stand out in the competitive admissions pro
69. The Top Summer Programs for High School Students and How to Gain Admission to Them
On today’s episode, we chat with Padya Paramita, a Columba MFA graduate, InGenius Prep Graduate Coach, and writing professor at the University of New Haven. Padya and I discuss the top summer programs and their impact on college applications. Padya outlines the requirements for the top programs for business, humanities, and STEM students. The programs we discuss include:
General
Yale Young Global
68. SAT and ACT Prep: Strategies to Boost College Admissions Test Scores
On today’s episode, we chat with Brad Bailey, the founder of Bailey Test Prep. Brad and I discuss how students can prepare for the SAT and ACT to boost their admissions odds. Brad highlights specific strategies students can use to increase their scores and feel more confident taking tests. We had a couple of audio issues in the first ten minutes of the episode, so please forgive us for the quality
67. 11th Grade Prep: How High School Juniors Can Prepare Early for College Admissions
On today’s episode, we chat with Kathryn Scherer, InGenius Prep’s Director of Undergraduate Services. Kathryn and I discuss how 11th grade students can maximize junior year to prepare for college admissions. Kathryn explores everything from extracurriculars to course loads and summer plans to help juniors make the most of this crucial year.
Check out our blog for more free resources:
College Admis
66. How High School Students Can Gain Research Experience to Stand Out in College Admissions
On today’s episode, we chat with Dr. Christopher Brown, InGenius Prep's Director of Academic Mentorships. Chris and I discuss the wide range of strategies high school students can use to gain research experience. Chris reveals how such practical exposure helps students stand out in the college admissions process.
Check out our blog for more free resources:
College Admissions 101: How to Start the
65. What a Georgetown Admissions Officer Wants from Applicants | Georgetown University
On today’s episode, we chat with Raheel Masood, the Former Associate Director of Admissions at Georgetown University. Raheel and I discuss the components of the Georgetown application and how applicants can stand out. Raheel highlights strategies for prospective students to gain admission.
Check out our blog for more free resources:
What College Admissions Officers Look For: Advice from Former Rea
64. The Future of College Admissions: 2022 National Association for College Admissions Counseling Conference Recap
On today’s episode, we chat with Erin Gu, InGenius Prep’s Chief Education Officer. Erin recently attended the 2022 National Association for College Admissions Counseling Conference. Erin and I discuss what she learned, including changes to FAFSA and the uncertainty surrounding the future of affirmative action policies.
Join our Facebook group the College Admissions Corner.
Check out our blog for m
63. 2022-23 College Application Cycle: Analysis of Admissions Changes and Trends
NOTE: We've received notice that it is possible to apply early to both Stanford and USC. If you have any questions, we recommend contacting their admissions offices.
On today’s episode, we chat with Padya Paramita, a Columba MFA graduate, InGenius Prep Graduate Coach, and writing professor at the University of New Haven. Padya and I discuss some of the major changes in the world of college admissi
62. Talent in College Admissions: Highlighting Artistic, Athletic, and Academic Abilities in Applications
On today’s episode, we chat with Kevin Dupont, an athletic recruitment specialist and Former Admissions Officer from UC Berkeley, Tufts, Cornell, and UCSC. Kevin and I discuss the myriad of different ways students can showcase their talents in their college applications. Kevin answers frequently asked questions about talent in college admissions such as “should I upload a portfolio?” and “is creat
Recommended
Take Back Your Health®
CBS Radio Mystery Theater | Old Time Radio
Solved Murders - True Crime Stories
紐約鳥｜New York Aperture
The Swerve Podcast: Obscure Topics | Conspiracy Theories
The Bread and Banter Podcast
The Church of What's Happening Now: The New Testament
Busted Open
Deadline: White House
Crickets Corner
History of the Earthquake and Fire in San Francisco
Fox news
