367. Inside College Admissions at Skidmore College: Essays, Test-Optional Advice, and What Really Matters
Creative Thought Matters: Navigating Admissions at Skidmore College
Episode Overview
In this episode of The College Admissions Process Podcast, Dr. John Durante sits down with Dr. Janessa Dunn, Director of Admissions at Skidmore College, to pull back the curtain on the admissions process at one of the nation’s premier liberal arts colleges.
Located in the quintessential college town of Saratoga Springs, Skidmore is a campus where “Creative Thought Matters” and interdisciplinary exploration are central to the student experience. In this conversation, Dr. Dunn shares how admissions officers evaluate applications, what truly stands out in the review process, and how students can best present their authentic selves.
Whether you're curious about how to stand out among more than 12,000 applicants or simply want to learn what makes Skidmore’s campus community so distinctive, this episode offers valuable insights for students and families navigating the college admissions journey.
What Listeners Will Learn
• How admissions officers review applications using a holistic process
• What makes a college essay truly stand out
• When it makes sense to submit SAT or ACT scores at a test-optional school
• What admissions officers really look for in letters of recommendation
• The right—and wrong—way to use the Additional Information section of an application
• What makes the student experience at Skidmore unique
Key Highlights from the Episode
The “Crust of the Pie” Analogy
Dr. Dunn explains Skidmore’s holistic review process using a memorable pie metaphor. Learn the four key components that form the “crust” of a strong application and how your high school transcript helps tell your academic story.
The 75/25 Essay Rule
Why should most of your essay focus on the meaning behind your experiences? Dr. Dunn explains why roughly 75% of a compelling college essay should focus on reflection rather than simply retelling events.
To Submit or Not Submit Test Scores
With approximately 65% of the most recent incoming class applying test-optional, Dr. Dunn offers candid advice on how students should decide whether their SAT or ACT scores strengthen their application.
Beyond the Grades: Letters of Recommendation
What makes a recommendation letter stand out? Dr. Dunn explains why admissions officers value teachers who can speak to a student’s character, curiosity, and the “intangibles” that go beyond the transcript.
The “Additional Information” Trap
Learn how to use this often-overlooked section of the application effectively—including when bullet points can help provide useful context—and the one mistake students should avoid.
Life at Skidmore
From a completely nut-free dining hall ranked among the best in the country to a student “test kitchen,” Dr. Dunn shares what makes the Skidmore campus experience both distinctive and welcoming.
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Straight From The Admissions Office: Insider Strategies For College Applications
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