Episodes

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's student-centered approach to admissions, academics, career preparation, and affordability. Ni...

Curiosity to Lead: Inside CU Boulder Admissions with Carlos Jimenez What 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 look at how admissions decisions are made at a highly selective flagship institution. Carlos sha...

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 Right Fit: Bryn Mawr looks for students who will thrive in a collaborative, intellectually...

Navigating the Brandeis University Admissions Process with Dean Emily Roper-Doten In 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 review process, test-optional policy, Early Decision program, financial aid resources, and the quali...

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 close-knit feel of a liberal arts college with the opportunities of a larger university. Kevin also shar...

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 the university’s collaborative, interdisciplinary culture. From understanding transcript rigor ...

Exploring The College of Wooster with Jason McGrath In 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-world application. The conversation also highlights Wooster’s holistic admissions process, where...

Navigating Admissions at the University of Tennessee with Sheryl Tingling In 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 policies, Sheryl shares valuable insights to help students and families better understand what ...

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 nationally recognized HBCU, Howard offers students an environment where academic excellence, lead...

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 Covered Mission & Identity: A focus on intellectual exploration, interfaith dialogue, and meaningful contribution Collaborative Culture...

Long Island University Admissions: Finding the Right Fit for College Success Guest: Michael Berthel, Vice President for Student Affairs and Admissions, Long Island University Episode Summary What 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 Admissions Process Podcast, Dr. John Durante sits down with Michael Berthel, Vice President...

Podcast Episode: Navigating Amherst College Admissions with Dr. Matthew L. McGann In this episode of The College Admissions Process Podcast, Dr. John Durante sits down with Dr. Matthew L. McGann, Vice President and Dean of Admission & Financial Aid at Amherst College, for an inside look at how one of the nation’s most selective liberal arts colleges evaluates applicants. What really matters beyond grades and test scores? How does Amherst’s Open Curriculum shape both the student experience and...

In this episode, I sit down with Hugh Doyle, Director of Undergraduate Admissions at the University of Scranton, for a transparent look inside the college admissions process. From transcript review to essay evaluation, this conversation breaks down what truly matters — and what students often misunderstand. Rooted in the Jesuit principle of Cura Personalis — care for the whole person — Scranton’s admissions philosophy focuses on developing mind, body, and spirit. Students of all faith backgro...

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...

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 be...

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 applicati...

🎙 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 Multi...

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 intellectua...

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, ...

In this episode of The College Admissions Process Podcast, I am joined by Amanda Brady, Dean of Admissions at Nazareth University, for an honest and insightful conversation about the realities of today’s college admissions process—and what students often misunderstand when applying to college. Amanda shares how applications are truly reviewed at Nazareth University, why context matters more than perfection, and what separates memorable essays from forgettable ones. She also discusses the grow...

In this episode of The College Admissions Process Podcast, I sit down with representatives from Denison University to take a closer look at the admissions process at a highly selective liberal arts college. From Denison’s philosophy of the “multi-interested” student to a behind-the-scenes look at how applications are reviewed, this conversation offers valuable insights for students and families navigating the college search. Featured Guests Jesse Leary Yagher – Director of Recruitment, De...

🎙️ It was an honor to welcome back Bruce Bunnick, Director of Admissions at Lehigh University, to discuss how this R1 research university maintains the heart of a liberal arts college. They cover Lehigh’s interdisciplinary academics, holistic admissions process, and strategies for students navigating a test-optional environment. Key Takeaways ✅ The Lehigh Identity: ~6,000 undergrads across Arts & Sciences, Business, Engineering, and Health. Interdisciplinary options let students mix majors a...

🎙️ University of Alaska Fairbanks: Research, Adventure, and a Test-Free Admissions Process What’s it really like to attend the University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF)—the smallest flagship university in the U.S. and a major research powerhouse? In this episode of The College Admissions Process Podcast, Dr. John Durante speaks with Palmer H. Muntz, Senior Regional Admissions Counselor at UAF, for a behind-the-scenes look at academics, campus culture, and admissions. 🏔️ Why Students Choose UAF ...

🎙️ Episode: Exploring UC Santa Cruz – Holistic Admissions, Research, and Student Life 🌊🌲 In this episode of The College Admissions Process Podcast, host Dr. John Dante sits down with Jasmine Tule and Beatrice Atkinson-Myers to explore the unique educational experience at UC Santa Cruz. As the second-smallest campus in the UC system, UCSC offers a close-knit community nestled between the Redwood Forest and the Pacific Ocean, with a strong focus on environmental stewardship, social justice, and...