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The College Admissions Process Podcast

The College Admissions Process Podcast

John Durante 300 Episodes Oct 12, 2026

This podcast is a resource for students and parents navigating the college admissions process. Host John Durante speaks with college admissions representatives and other experts to share application tips and insider advice. Each episode highlights a different school or topic, offering guidance useful even for listeners not applying to that particular institution. The show encourages audience questions and comments via email and its website.

Episodes

396. Inside Bard College Admissions with Tessa Greenhalgh - Senior Assistant Director of Admission
396. Inside Bard College Admissions with Tessa Greenhalgh - Senior Assistant Director of Admission Oct 12, 2026 48:39 In this episode of The College Admissions Process Podcast, we welcome back Tessa Greenhalgh, Senior Assistant Director of Admissions at Bard College, for an in-depth conversation about what makes Bard one of the most intellectually and socially distinctive colleges in higher education today.Tessa shares how Bard blends rigorous academics with a deep commitment to civic engagement, social justice,
395. Beyond the Acceptance Letter: How Dominican University New York Creates a Personalized College Experience
395. Beyond the Acceptance Letter: How Dominican University New York Creates a Personalized College Experience Oct 5, 2026 41:40 What does it mean to provide a truly personalized college experience?In this episode of The College Admissions Process Podcast, I speak with Nick Marter, Executive Director of Admissions at Dominican University New York, about how a smaller university creates meaningful relationships with students while preparing them for success in college and beyond.Our conversation explores Dominican University
394. Inside University of Colorado Boulder Admissions: What It Really Takes to Stand Out
394. Inside University of Colorado Boulder Admissions: What It Really Takes to Stand Out Sep 28, 2026 41:54 Curiosity to Lead: Inside CU Boulder Admissions with Carlos JimenezWhat does it take to stand out at one of the nation's leading public research universities? In this episode of The College Admissions Process Podcast, I sit down with Carlos Jimenez, Assistant Vice Chancellor for Admissions and Precollege in the Division of Enrollment Management at the University of Colorado Boulder, for an inside
393. Bryn Mawr Admissions: Finding Fit, Authenticity, and the Student Who Thrives
393. Bryn Mawr Admissions: Finding Fit, Authenticity, and the Student Who Thrives Sep 21, 2026 35:25 In this episode of The College Admissions Process Podcast, I speak with Caitlin Brown, Dean of Undergraduate Admissions at Bryn Mawr College, about what makes Bryn Mawr unique and how students can identify whether a college is the right fit.They discuss holistic admissions, academic rigor, authentic student voice, and what colleges look for beyond grades and test scores.Key Takeaways:• Finding the
392. Inside Brandeis Admissions: What Dean Emily Roper-Doten Wants Applicants to Know
392. Inside Brandeis Admissions: What Dean Emily Roper-Doten Wants Applicants to Know Sep 14, 2026 43:37 Navigating the Brandeis University Admissions Process with Dean Emily Roper-DotenIn this episode of The College Admissions Process Podcast, I sat down with Emily Roper-Doten, Dean of Admissions at Brandeis University, to discuss what makes Brandeis unique and how students can strengthen their college applications.Dean Roper-Doten shares insights into Brandeis University's mission, admissions revie
391. Inside Bucknell Admissions: Dean Kevin Mathes on What It Really Takes to Get In
391. Inside Bucknell Admissions: Dean Kevin Mathes on What It Really Takes to Get In Sep 7, 2026 45:40 In this episode I sat down with Kevin T. Mathes - Vice President of Enrollment Management & Dean of Admissions at Bucknell University As both a senior leader and alumnus, he offers a clear, insider perspective on what truly defines Bucknell—and what it takes to stand out in its admissions process.This conversation explores what makes Bucknell a distinctive “big small school,” blending the clos
390. Inside WashU Admissions: What It Really Takes to Stand Out
390. Inside WashU Admissions: What It Really Takes to Stand Out Aug 31, 2026 49:49 In this episode of The College Admissions Process Podcast, I sat down with Victor Thomas, Director of Admissions at Washington University in St. Louis, for an in-depth conversation about what truly matters in today’s highly selective admissions process.Victor offers a thoughtful and transparent look into how WashU evaluates applicants beyond grades and test scores, while also sharing insights into
389. Inside Admissions at The College of Wooster with Jason McGrath, VP for Enrollment
389. Inside Admissions at The College of Wooster with Jason McGrath, VP for Enrollment Aug 24, 2026 51:43 Exploring The College of Wooster with Jason McGrathIn this episode, I spoke with Jason McGrath, Vice President for Enrollment Management, about what makes The College of Wooster a distinctive option for students.A defining feature of Wooster is its Senior Independent Study (IS), a year-long, faculty-mentored research project required for all students, emphasizing independent thinking and real-worl
388. University of Tennessee Admissions: What Students Need to Know
388. University of Tennessee Admissions: What Students Need to Know Aug 17, 2026 28:39 Navigating Admissions at the University of Tennessee with Sheryl TinglingIn this episode of The College Admissions Process Podcast, Dr. John Durante welcomes back Sheryl Tingling, Regional Admissions Recruiter for New Jersey and New York at the University of Tennessee, for an in-depth look at the university’s evolving admissions landscape.From expanded access pathways to transparent admissions pol
387. Howard University Admissions: What Every Applicant Needs to Know
387. Howard University Admissions: What Every Applicant Needs to Know Aug 10, 2026 29:37 What makes Howard University one of the most distinctive institutions in higher education? In this episode, Dr. John Durante welcomes Brie Mercedes, Admissions Officer at Howard University, for an insightful conversation about the university's admissions process, its culture, and what students can do to submit their strongest application.As one of the nation's premier research universities and a n
386. Inside Admissions at St. Olaf College with David Wagner: What Makes a Standout Applicant
386. Inside Admissions at St. Olaf College with David Wagner: What Makes a Standout Applicant Aug 3, 2026 47:07 In this episode, John Durante speaks with David Wagner, Director of Admissions, about what makes St. Olaf distinctive—from its Lutheran-rooted liberal arts foundation to its strong sense of community and purpose. With over 20 years of experience, Wagner provides insight into how the college evaluates applicants and builds a values-driven campus.Key Topics CoveredMission & Identity: A focus on
385. Long Island University Admissions: How to Choose the Right College Fit
385. Long Island University Admissions: How to Choose the Right College Fit Jul 27, 2026 33:07 Long Island University Admissions: Finding the Right Fit for College SuccessGuest: Michael Berthel, Vice President for Student Affairs and Admissions, Long Island UniversityEpisode SummaryWhat happens after a student is admitted to college? How can families identify a university that will help students thrive—not only academically, but personally and professionally?In this episode of The College A

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