Welcome to "The College Admissions Process Podcast," your ultimate resource for navigating the journey to higher education while receiving application tips and other college advice. I am your host, John Durante, and I am here to introduce you to college admissions representatives, and other professionals in the field of college admissions.
Our purpose is to serve you the students and parents, so that you may gain insight straight from the people who ultimately make the decisions. Regar…
Recommended
Oct. 16, 2023
166. University of Pennsylvania - Sara Cohen & Barkley Barton
In this episode of "The College Admissions Process Podcast," we had the privilege of speaking with Sara Cohen and Barkley Barton, admissions representatives from the renowned University of Pennsylvania. Join us as we dive deep into the world of college admissions and gain invaluable insights into what sets UPenn apart from other institutions and how students can navigate the admissions process successfully. Segment 1: Overview of the University of Pennsylvania History, Mission, Values What sets
April 22, 2024
203. UCLA - Karly Brockett - Senior Associate Director of Admissions
UCLA - Admission 🎙️ In this episode of "The College Admissions Process Podcast," we dive into the world of UCLA with the Senior Associate Director, Karly Brockett. Gain valuable insights into UCLA's distinctive features and the nuances of the college application process. 🎙️ Here is what you can expect to hear from this episode : 🏫 UCLA's Uniqueness : Explore what sets UCLA apart within the University of California system. Karly provides an overview of academic programs, campus culture, and uniqu
May 20, 2024
208. Carnegie Mellon University - Gloria A. Darko - Assistant Director of Admission
🎙 In this episode of The College Admissions Process Podcast, we're joined by Gloria A. Darko, Assistant Director of Admission at Carnegie Mellon University, to uncover what makes CMU a top choice for students and how they support their students' success both academically and personally. Some of the topics we covered include : 🎓 Why Carnegie Mellon? Gloria shares her passion for CMU, emphasizing its unique blend of rigorous academics and vibrant campus life. From cutting-edge research opportuniti
June 10, 2024
213. Florida State University - Andrea Flores - Assistant Director of Recruitment
🎓 In this episode we gain valuable insights into Florida State University's offerings with Andrea Flores, Assistant Director of Recruitment. Andrea shares her expertise in every aspect of admissions including: 🌟 FSU's Distinctiveness : Discover what sets Florida State University apart from other institutions and the aspects that make it attractive to prospective students. 📈 Impressive Retention Rate : Explore FSU's remarkable retention rate and uncover the secrets behind keeping students happy
March 9, 2025
288. University of Texas at Austin - Dr. Ramon Blakley - Interim Director of Admissions
🎙 In this insightful conversation with Dr. Ramon Blakley, Interim Director of Admissions, University of Texas at Austin, we explore the University of Texas at Austin's approach to admissions, academic offerings, and support for students. Whether you're considering UT Austin or just navigating the college application process, this episode is packed with actionable advice and key takeaways for students and parents alike. 🔑 Some Key Takeaways 1️⃣ Retention Rate and Student Support 🏫 UT Austin boast
April 20, 2025
294. Swarthmore College - Jim Bock - Vice President and Dean of Admissions
🎙️ In this episode of The College Admissions Process Podcast , I had the great pleasure of speaking with Jim Bock, Vice President and Dean of Admissions at Swarthmore College . Swarthmore is one of the nation’s most prestigious liberal arts colleges , known for its intellectual rigor, close-knit community, and collaborative spirit . This conversation is a must-listen for students and parents navigating the college admissions process! 🔥 Top 4 Takeaways from the Episode: 1️⃣ Swarthmore’s Unique Cu
May 11, 2025
297. MIT - David duKor-Jackson - Director of Admissions
🎙️Join me in this episode with David duKor-Jackson who is the Director of Admissions at MIT. We’re diving into essential topics like how to find the right fit in your college search and what you can expect from MIT’s holistic review process. Let’s get into it! 🌟 Key Highlights: Cross-Disciplinary Spirit at MIT : David shares how the collaborative and interdisciplinary culture at MIT encourages students to merge different fields to innovate and solve real-world problems. It’s all about that cross
June 15, 2025
302. NCAA - Matt Harris - Assistant Director of High School Review
🎙️In this episode, Matt Harris 🏅, Assistant Director of High School Review at the NCAA Eligibility Center 🏈, joins us to provide essential insights into the college recruitment and eligibility process for student-athletes. 🏃♂️ Key Takeaways: Understanding NCAA Eligibility and Division Differences 🏆📊 Matt explains the eligibility requirements for NCAA Division I 🏈, Division II 🏀, and Division III 🏐 schools. He highlights the differences in recruitment , eligibility , and scholarships 🎓 across di
Aug. 3, 2025
314. Big 10 Panel Discussion Live from NYSACAC - Exploring the Big Ten Academic Alliance
🎙️ This episode of The College Admissions Process Podcast features a panel of representatives from Big Ten universities discussing the academic and admissions landscape. The conversation covers the 🎯 holistic review process in admissions, the importance of 🌍 diversity, institutional goals 🏛️, and the latest trends in college applications 📈. Panelists share insights on how to best support students in their college search 🔍, the significance of understanding institutional needs 📚, and the value of
Aug. 7, 2025
316. University of Michigan - Jody Gore - Assistant Director of Admissons
🎙️ The University of Michigan Deep Dive with Admissions Expert Jody Gore! 〽️ Join host Dr. John Durante for an insightful one-on-one conversation with Jody Gore, Assistant Director of Admissions at the University of Michigan! In this must-listen episode, Jody unpacks all the latest updates and demystifies the admissions process at this prestigious Big 10 institution. 🎓 What’s New at UMich? 🎉 • 🆕 Early Decision is Here! For the first time ever, UMich is offering an Early Decision option with a 🗓️
Feb. 24, 2026
361. Inside Admissions at High Point University: The Life Skills Advantage
🎙️ On this episode I sat down with Dr. Kerr C. Ramsay III , Senior VP for Enrollment at High Point University (HPU) , for a deep dive into HPU’s educational philosophy, its focus on life skills, and what truly makes an applicant stand out. Dr. Ramsey breaks down HPU’s four pillars, explains why who you become matters just as much as your academics, and shares clear, practical tips for transcripts, recommendations, and supplementals. If you want real insight into how a values-driven, future-focus
March 1, 2026
362. Inside Georgia Tech Admissions: A Conversation with Rick Clark
Navigating the Modern College Admissions Landscape with Rick Clark In this episode of The College Admissions Process Podcast , I welcome back Rick Clark , Vice Provost for Enrollment Management at Georgia Institute of Technology and co-author of The Truth About College Admissions . With decades of experience leading enrollment at one of the nation’s premier STEM institutions, Rick offers thoughtful insight into the seismic shifts reshaping college admissions — and what families must understand t
Recent Episodes
July 5, 2026
382. Inside Ithaca College Admissions: What Really Matters (GPA, Test-Optional & Scholarships)
In this episode I am happy to welcome back Jessica Dietrich, Senior Associate Director for Recruitment Strategy, to explore what’s happening right now in admissions at Ithaca College—and what families need to know. Jessica explains Ithaca’s commitment to “theory, practice, and performance,” blending a strong liberal arts foundation with hands-on learning. While transcripts remain the strongest predictor of success, Ithaca reviews applications holistically and contextually—asking not just what a
June 28, 2026
381. Emory University Admissions: How to Stand Out with Tim Fields
In this episode, I welcome back Tim Fields, Senior Associate Dean of Admission at Emory University. We discuss Emory’s unique two-campus model, the realities of applying to highly selective colleges, and what students can do to stand out in an applicant pool of more than 40,000 students. Tim also shares valuable insights on essays, testing, rankings, and maintaining perspective throughout the admissions process. Key Topics Discussed Emory's Two-Campus Experience Learn the differences between Emo
June 21, 2026
380. Inside Clemson Admissions with Rick Barth, Director of Undergraduate Admissions
In this episode of The College Admissions Process Podcast , Dr. John Durante welcomes back Rick Barth, Director of Undergraduate Admissions at Clemson University, for an in-depth conversation about Clemson’s increasingly competitive admissions landscape. With more than 65,000 applications submitted this past cycle, Clemson continues to experience record growth while carefully managing enrollment to maintain quality and student experience. Rick shares how the admissions team evaluates application
June 14, 2026
379. Michigan State - Larry Alterman - Assistant Director and Manager of East Coast Recruitment
🎙 Episode: Inside Michigan State Admissions with Larry Alterman In this episode, host Dr. John Durante welcomes back Larry Alterman, Assistant Director and Manager of East Coast Recruitment at Michigan State University (MSU). Larry gives an insider’s look at what’s new on campus and shares how students can shine in MSU’s holistic review process. 🌟 Key Highlights & Takeaways: 🏫 What’s New at MSU: Explore major campus developments including a massive STEM teaching & research building, a new Multic
June 7, 2026
378. How the University of Chicago Evaluates “Fit” — From the Core Curriculum to Creative Essays
In this episode, I sat down with Deputy Dean Veronica Hauad of the University of Chicago to explore what the university calls the “life of the mind” — and what that truly means for applicants. If you’ve ever wondered how one of the most intellectually rigorous universities in the country evaluates students, this conversation pulls back the curtain. From the Core Curriculum to the famously creative essay prompts, Deputy Dean Hauad shares exactly what UChicago looks for — and why intellectual curi
May 31, 2026
377. United States Coast Guard Acedemy - CAPT Drew Behnke, Director of Admissions, and Katherine Fainer, Deputy Director of Admissions
Navigating Admissions at the U.S. Coast Guard Academy: Purpose, Service, and the 200-Week Journey What does it really take to earn a place at the United States Coast Guard Academy — and succeed once you arrive? In this episode, I sit down with CAPT Drew Behnke, Director of Admissions, and Katherine Fainer, Deputy Director of Admissions, to explore one of the most mission-driven college pathways in the nation. With a humanitarian focus on saving lives, no congressional nomination requirement, and
Recent Blog Posts
Nov. 12, 2023
🎙️ Podcast Blog: Navigating the University of Delaware Admissions Process - A Follow-Up Podcast Episode with Matt Lucatamo, Assistant Director of Admissions 🎙️
This weekend, I had the great pleasure of sitting down again with Matt Lucatamo, who is the Assistant Director of Admissions at the University of Delaware, for a follow-up episode of “The College Admissions Process Podcast.” Matt h…
Nov. 3, 2023
Navigating the College Admissions Process: Insights from the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy ⚓🎓
It is with great pleasure that I share my most recent recording of "The College Admissions Process Podcast," where I had the distinct honor of interviewing Commander Mike Bedryk, the Director of Admissions at the United States Merchant Marine Academ…
Nov. 1, 2023
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Are you feeling the pressure of standardized tests as you prepare for the college admissions process? The hunt for the perfect test prep solution can be a daunting task, but fear not, because we have an exclusive partnership that can make your journ…