
Inside the Admissions Office: Advice from Former Admissions Officers
InGenius Prep


2 Listeners
All episodes
Best episodes
Seasons
Top 10 Inside the Admissions Office: Advice from Former Admissions Officers Episodes
Goodpods has curated a list of the 10 best Inside the Admissions Office: Advice from Former Admissions Officers episodes, ranked by the number of listens and likes each episode have garnered from our listeners. If you are listening to Inside the Admissions Office: Advice from Former Admissions Officers for the first time, there's no better place to start than with one of these standout episodes. If you are a fan of the show, vote for your favorite Inside the Admissions Office: Advice from Former Admissions Officers episode by adding your comments to the episode page.

109. SAT vs. ACT: The Better Test for 2025 Admissions (It’s Not What You Think)
Inside the Admissions Office: Advice from Former Admissions Officers
02/24/25 • 22 min
With the recent changes in standardized testing, many families are asking: SAT or ACT—what’s the best fit for your student? In this episode, Jake Adams, Director of InGenius Test Prep, breaks down everything you need to know to make an informed decision. He discusses how to choose the right test based on your student’s strengths, the latest updates on the Digital ACT launching in April 2025, and offers strategies for students who may struggle with standardized testing. Jake also shares practical tips to help your teen prepare with confidence, showing that standardized testing doesn’t have to be stressful. Tune in for expert advice on how to navigate this crucial part of the college admissions process!
---
To set up a complimentary strategy call, CLICK HERE.
Register for our upcoming webinars.
Questions, comments, or topic requests? Email [email protected].
To learn more about InGenius Prep, visit us at ingeniusprep.com.

1 Listener

20. How Your Test Scores Will be Evaluated by Admissions Officers
Inside the Admissions Office: Advice from Former Admissions Officers
05/25/20 • 31 min
On this week's episode Shoshannah Feinberg, a Former Admissions Reader from Northwestern, discusses standardized testing. Shoshannah explains how test-optional policies will impact admissions and how students should adapt to these changes.
Find a full list of test-optional schools here: https://ingeniusprep.com/blog/2020-test-optional-colleges/
Check out our blog: https://ingeniusprep.com/blog/
Sign up for a free consultation with an admissions expert: https://bit.ly/372g6RQ
Questions or comments? Email us at [email protected]

1 Listener

19. How Important Are Letters of Recommendation?
Inside the Admissions Office: Advice from Former Admissions Officers
05/11/20 • 28 min
On this week's episode, we talk to Amelie Lasker, a Graduate Coach from Columbia and Cambridge about letters of recommendation. Amelie discusses how your letter will influence your admissions decision and how you can ensure you get glowing letters.
Check out our blog: https://ingeniusprep.com/blog/
College Letter of Recommendation: How to Get a Glowing Letter: https://ingeniusprep.com/blog/college-letter-of-recommendation/
Who Should Write Your Letters of Recommendation?: https://ingeniusprep.com/blog/letters-of-recommendation/
Sign up for a free consultation with an admissions expert: https://bit.ly/372g6RQ
Questions or comments? Email us at [email protected]

103. Maximize Your College Admissions With A Gap Year
Inside the Admissions Office: Advice from Former Admissions Officers
12/02/24 • 40 min
Are you ready to break free from the traditional path and take your future into your own hands?
Today, we’re talking gap years and how they can completely reshape your college application (and your life).
The Admissions Advantage–Former Dartmouth admissions officer shares how a gap year can:
- Demonstrate leadership, maturity, and initiative to college admissions teams
- Help students stand out in a competitive applicant pool
What Makes a Gap Year Transformative–Jaein Seo, Director of Global Higher Ed Relationships at Baret Scholars, explains:
- How students gain life-changing experiences by immersing in new cultures
- The value of collaborating with mentors and industry leaders
- The impact of leading real-world projects and building critical skills
If you and your student have ever considered taking a year to pause, explore, and grow, this episode is a must-listen. Discover how a gap year can be the best investment in their future.
For more information on Baret Scholars and its gap year program, visit their website and and keep up with their current cohort's travel updates on Instagram.
---
To set up a complimentary strategy call, CLICK HERE.
Register for our upcoming webinars.
Questions, comments, or topic requests? Email [email protected].
To learn more about InGenius Prep, visit us at ingeniusprep.com.

106. Duke Admissions Secrets You Need to Know
Inside the Admissions Office: Advice from Former Admissions Officers
01/13/25 • 56 min
🎙️ Episode Overview
In this week's episode, we’re excited to have two Former Admissions Officers from Johns Hopkins and Yale join us for an exclusive, behind-the-scenes look at a real student’s Common App profile. They break down the activities list and personal essay, sharing what works, what doesn’t, and how the two pieces come together to tell a compelling story.
Want to know how to make your student's application shine? Tune in to see what admissions officers really look for—and what can make or break your chances.
For those of you eager to dive deeper and see the actual student's activities list and personal essay, we highly recommend watching the video version on Spotify here.
---
To set up a complimentary strategy call, CLICK HERE.
Register for our upcoming webinars.
Questions, comments, or topic requests? Email [email protected].
To learn more about InGenius Prep, visit us at ingeniusprep.com.

108. College Interviews: One Mistake That Could Cost You Admission
Inside the Admissions Office: Advice from Former Admissions Officers
02/11/25 • 26 min
Getting ready for college interviews? As competition increases, a strong interview can set you apart in the admissions process. In this episode, we speak with a Former Carnegie Mellon Admissions Director to provide expert insights on how students can confidently navigate their interviews and improve their chances of acceptance.
Key takeaways for parents & students:
- The most common (and unexpected) interview questions
- What admissions officers really look for in a candidate
- Biggest mistakes to avoid—and how to make a lasting impression
Put their best foot forward. Listen now!
---
To set up a complimentary strategy call, CLICK HERE.
Register for our upcoming webinars.
Questions, comments, or topic requests? Email [email protected].
To learn more about InGenius Prep, visit us at ingeniusprep.com.

87. College Admissions Unveiled: How Do Colleges Decide Who Gets Accepted?
Inside the Admissions Office: Advice from Former Admissions Officers
02/05/24 • 28 min
How do you convince colleges that you are exactly what they are looking for? On today’s episode, Drew Hazen, a Former Admissions Officer from Northwestern, unveils effective strategies to stand out among a highly competitive pool of accomplished peers. From decoding the holistic review process to providing tips on how to craft a standout application, Drew covers the importance of a clear narrative, the challenge of showcasing personality in applications, and tips for tackling school-specific essay questions. Whether you're a high school student or a supportive parent, this episode will be a comprehensive guide to making a memorable impression in the college admissions journey.
To set up a complimentary strategy call, CLICK HERE.
Register for our upcoming webinars.
Questions, comments, or topic requests? Email [email protected].
To learn more about InGenius Prep, visit us at ingeniusprep.com.

105. Best college admissions advice revealed by Ivy League experts
Inside the Admissions Office: Advice from Former Admissions Officers
12/30/24 • 61 min
🎙️ Episode Overview
We’re thrilled to bring you a brand-new episode of our podcast, packed with expert advice on the college admissions process that you won’t want to miss—especially if you have a high schooler in the middle of applying!
This week, we sit down with three former admissions officers from Harvard, the University of Chicago, and the University of Pennsylvania to answer some of the most pressing, real-world college admissions questions straight from Reddit. These are the types of personal and thought-provoking questions that every student (and parent!) wants answers to, and we’re diving deep into them with our expert panel.
In this episode, you’ll hear insights on:
🎓 The "Competition of Suffering": Why students often feel the pressure to write about the "worst thing" that’s ever happened to them in their college essays—and how to approach this tricky topic without falling into the trap.
🤖 Using ChatGPT in College Essays: Can admissions officers tell if a student used tools like ChatGPT? We’ll unpack what truly matters when it comes to writing authentic college essays and how to stand out in your application.
🔍 Behind-the-Scenes of College Admissions: Hear from our team of former admissions officers about their experiences reviewing applications and what they wish they had studied in college (if it were free!).
Get a rare, behind-the-scenes look at what happens in the admissions process at top-tier universities. Whether your student is just beginning their college journey or deep into application season, this episode is packed with valuable insider knowledge and actionable tips that both students and parents will find incredibly helpful.
---
To set up a complimentary strategy call, CLICK HERE.
Register for our upcoming webinars.
Questions, comments, or topic requests? Email [email protected].
To learn more about InGenius Prep, visit us at ingeniusprep.com.

111. Expert Admissions Tips for Juniors from UC Berkeley & UChicago Experts
Inside the Admissions Office: Advice from Former Admissions Officers
04/25/25 • 48 min
Juniors, ready to ace your college applications? Get exclusive insights from Former Admissions Officers at UC Berkeley and the University of Chicago in this must-listen episode!
We’re diving into expert strategies to help you stand out, avoid common mistakes, and balance academics with extracurriculars—plus, we’re answering real questions from students like you. Whether you're just starting or deep in the process, this episode is packed with insider admissions tips to give you the edge.
Hit play now and get ahead in your college journey!
---
To set up a complimentary strategy call, CLICK HERE.
Register for our upcoming webinars.
Questions, comments, or topic requests? Email [email protected].
To learn more about InGenius Prep, visit us at ingeniusprep.com.

26. How to Correctly Use the Additional Information Section
Inside the Admissions Office: Advice from Former Admissions Officers
08/17/20 • 29 min
On today's episode, we chat with Daniela Alarcon, a Graduate Coach from Rice University. Daniela and I discuss the additional information section as well as the new COVID-19 question on the Common Application. Daniela gives her tips on how to use and how not to use these application components.
Check out our blog.
Sign up for a free consultation with an admissions expert by clicking HERE.
Questions or comments? Email us at [email protected]
Show more best episodes

Show more best episodes
FAQ
How many episodes does Inside the Admissions Office: Advice from Former Admissions Officers have?
Inside the Admissions Office: Advice from Former Admissions Officers currently has 114 episodes available.
What topics does Inside the Admissions Office: Advice from Former Admissions Officers cover?
The podcast is about Courses, Podcasts, Education and Business.
What is the most popular episode on Inside the Admissions Office: Advice from Former Admissions Officers?
The episode title '20. How Your Test Scores Will be Evaluated by Admissions Officers' is the most popular.
What is the average episode length on Inside the Admissions Office: Advice from Former Admissions Officers?
The average episode length on Inside the Admissions Office: Advice from Former Admissions Officers is 35 minutes.
How often are episodes of Inside the Admissions Office: Advice from Former Admissions Officers released?
Episodes of Inside the Admissions Office: Advice from Former Admissions Officers are typically released every 14 days.
When was the first episode of Inside the Admissions Office: Advice from Former Admissions Officers?
The first episode of Inside the Admissions Office: Advice from Former Admissions Officers was released on Sep 20, 2019.
Show more FAQ

Show more FAQ