Episodes

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...

🎙 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...

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...

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...

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 growin...

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, Denison ...

🎙️ 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 and m...

🎙️ 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 A w...

🎙️ 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 , a...

In this episode, Dr. John Durante welcomes back Carlos Cano , the Director of Undergraduate Admissions at Stevens Institute of Technology in Hoboken, New Jersey. Carlos provides an insider's look at how Stevens evaluates applicants, the introduction of a groundbreaking Artificial Intelligence major , and the university’s commitment to affordability through the new "Stevens Investment" program. Whether you are a student aiming for a career in STEM or a parent navigating the "passenger seat" of th...

🎙️ In this episode I speak with with Casey Campbell, Assistant Director of Admissions at University of Idaho , about what makes the Vandal experience unique: 🌟 Campus Culture: The “Hello Walk” keeps students and faculty connected through friendly greetings—every day. 🔬 Early Research Access: Two-thirds of undergrads engage in research, often before senior year. 📅 Rolling Admissions & Financial Planning: Apply early to secure housing and plan finances. 💰 Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE): Save...

🎙️ Claremont McKenna College: Mission, Fit & Holistic Admissions Guest: Jennifer Sandoval-Dance , VP for Admission & Financial Aid at CMC In this episode, Jennifer returns to break down what’s new at Claremont McKenna and what truly matters in their admissions review. If you’re applying to CMC—or any selective liberal arts college—this is a must-listen. 🌟 What We Cover: • New academic and campus developments, including the Open Academy and the Kravis Department of Integrated Sciences • How CMC’s...

🎓 Navigating the Admissions Journey with Agnes Scott College In this episode of The College Admissions Process podcast, Dr. John Durante sits down with Miya Walker, Director of Admission at Agnes Scott College, to explore what makes this historic women’s college truly distinctive. Located in Decatur, Georgia—just minutes from downtown Atlanta—Agnes Scott offers a close-knit, academically rigorous community designed to help students thrive both inside and outside the classroom. 🌍 The Summit Exper...

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 c...

🎙️ UC Berkeley Admissions with Jua Howard — Assistant Director of Admissions returns with powerful insights you won’t want to miss. 💛💙 ⭐ What Makes Berkeley Stand Out UC Berkeley isn’t just the UC flagship — it’s a global powerhouse in research, innovation, and public service. 🌎 📚 Academics That Push Boundaries 150+ majors across top colleges, a brand-new College of Computing, and elite dual-degree programs like M.E.T. (Engineering + Business) . Plus: student-taught Decal classes (yes, even Tayl...

🎙️In this episode of The College Admissions Process Podcast , I sit down with Jennifer Gayles to unpack what makes Sarah Lawrence College one of the most distinctive liberal arts environments in the country. We dive into SLC’s interdisciplinary, writing-intensive curriculum and its signature four-year faculty mentorship model that supports every student from day one. 📚🧠 Jennifer also opens the door to SLC’s holistic admissions review , breaking down how essays are evaluated, the importance of op...

🎙 Episode Summary: Join Alyson Remsing - Assistant Vice President of Enrollment Management at Drew University as she gives an inside look at the "University in the Forest"—and its holistic admissions process. From Early Decision perks to maximizing your application, this episode is packed with insights for students and families. 🌳 Key Highlights: Campus + City: Safe, green campus in Madison, NJ, just 50 minutes from NYC, with programs at Wall Street and the UN. Early Decision Benefits: Priority ...

🎙️ Spotlight on Carleton College Guest: Adam Webster, Senior Associate Dean and Director of Admissions In this episode, Adam Webster shares insight into Carleton College’s distinctive academic culture and holistic admissions process. 📚 The Trimester Advantage Carleton’s 10-week trimester system allows students to focus on three courses at a time, encouraging depth, engagement, and resilience. 🔬 A True Liberal Arts Experience While over half of students major in STEM fields, Carleton remains deep...

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...

🎙️ 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...

🎙️ I had the pleasure of sitting down with Pamela Pillo, Assistant Vice President of Undergraduate Admissions at Sacred Heart University (SHU) , to give students, parents, and counselors valuable insights into SHU and the admissions process as a whole. Here are 3 key highlights from our conversation that you won’t want to miss : ✨ Holistic Review Process – Pamela breaks down how SHU evaluates applications, including the weight given to GPA, essays, extracurriculars, and demonstrated interest. Sh...

📬 Join my email list for practical college tips - and a free gift SPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS 👉 This episode is brought to you by Prep Expert , a proud sponsor of The College Admissions Process Podcast . Prep Expert offers award-winning test prep courses and strategies that have helped thousands of students improve their scores. 🎯 Special Offer for Listeners: Use the code COLLEGETALK (one word) at checkout to receive 20% off . 📚 For full details on their programs and guarantees, visit www.PrepExpert.co...

📬 Join my email list for practical college tips - and a free gift SPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS 👉 This episode is brought to you by Prep Expert , a proud sponsor of The College Admissions Process Podcast . Prep Expert offers award-winning test prep courses and strategies that have helped thousands of students improve their scores. 🎯 Special Offer for Listeners: Use the code COLLEGETALK (one word) at checkout to receive 20% off . 📚 For full details on their programs and guarantees, visit www.PrepExpert.co...

📬 Join my email list for practical college tips - and a free gift SPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS 👉 This episode is brought to you by Prep Expert , a proud sponsor of The College Admissions Process Podcast . Prep Expert offers award-winning test prep courses and strategies that have helped thousands of students improve their scores. 🎯 Special Offer for Listeners: Use the code COLLEGETALK (one word) at checkout to receive 20% off . 📚 For full details on their programs and guarantees, visit www.PrepExpert.co...