On today’s episode, we chat with Padya Paramita, a Columba MFA graduate, InGenius Prep Graduate Coach, and writing professor at the University of New Haven. Padya and I discuss the top summer programs and their impact on college applications. Padya outlines the requirements for the top programs for business, humanities, and STEM students. The programs we discuss include: General Yale Young Global Scholars  STEM MIT Research Science Institute Stanford University Math Summer Camp (SUMaC) Penn...

On today’s episode, we chat with Brad Bailey, the founder of Bailey Test Prep. Brad and I discuss how students can prepare for the SAT and ACT to boost their admissions odds. Brad highlights specific strategies students can use to increase their scores and feel more confident taking tests. We had a couple of audio issues in the first ten minutes of the episode, so please forgive us for the quality. Check out our blog for more free resources: What College Admissions Officers Look For: Advice...

On today’s episode, we chat with Kathryn Scherer, InGenius Prep’s Director of Undergraduate Services. Kathryn and I discuss how 11th grade students can maximize junior year to prepare for college admissions. Kathryn explores everything from extracurriculars to course loads and summer plans to help juniors make the most of this crucial year. Check out our blog for more free resources: College Admissions 101: How to Start the Application Process What College Admissions Officers Look For: Advice...

On today’s episode, we chat with Dr. Christopher Brown, InGenius Prep's Director of Academic Mentorships. Chris and I discuss the wide range of strategies high school students can use to gain research experience. Chris reveals how such practical exposure helps students stand out in the college admissions process. Check out our blog for more free resources: College Admissions 101: How to Start the Application Process How to Gain Research Experience in High School  How to Contact a Lab...

On today’s episode, we chat with Raheel Masood, the Former Associate Director of Admissions at Georgetown University. Raheel and I discuss the components of the Georgetown application and how applicants can stand out. Raheel highlights strategies for prospective students to gain admission. Check out our blog for more free resources: What College Admissions Officers Look For: Advice from Former Readers A Guide to the Georgetown Essays Click here to sign up for a free consultation with an...

On today’s episode, we chat with Erin Gu, InGenius Prep’s Chief Education Officer. Erin recently attended the 2022 National Association for College Admissions Counseling Conference. Erin and I discuss what she learned, including changes to FAFSA and the uncertainty surrounding the future of affirmative action policies. Join our Facebook group the College Admissions Corner. Check out our blog for more free resources: What College Admissions Officers Look For: Advice from Former Readers College...

NOTE: We've received notice that it is possible to apply early to both Stanford and USC. If you have any questions, we recommend contacting their admissions offices. On today’s episode, we chat with Padya Paramita, a Columba MFA graduate, InGenius Prep Graduate Coach, and writing professor at the University of New Haven. Padya and I discuss some of the major changes in the world of college admissions for the 2022-23 application cycle, including changes in test-optional policies and quotas at...

On today’s episode, we chat with Kevin Dupont, an athletic recruitment specialist and Former Admissions Officer from UC Berkeley, Tufts, Cornell, and UCSC. Kevin and I discuss the myriad of different ways students can showcase their talents in their college applications. Kevin answers frequently asked questions about talent in college admissions such as “should I upload a portfolio?” and “is creating an app an impressive talent?” Check out our blog for more free resources: What College...

On today’s episode, we chat with Nick Strohl, a former Academic Advisor in the College of Letters and Science Honors Program at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and the Former Senior Assistant Director of Admissions at Yale.  Nick and I discuss numerous strategies and resources that university freshmen can utilize to set themselves up for academic success. Nick highlights common mistakes and misconceptions and shares specific resources to help students plan for their future careers or...

On today’s episode, we chat with Padya Paramita, a Columba MFA graduate, InGenius Prep Graduate Coach, and writing professor at the University of New Haven. Padya and I break down 11 college admissions myths and misconceptions, including: MYTH #1 - True or False: Legacy students have a better chance of admissions MYTH #2 - True or False: You can buy your way into college MYTH #3 - True or False: There are stereotypical extracurricular activities you should avoid MYTH #4 - True or False:...

On today’s episode, we chat with Lydia Mason, a Former Admissions Reader at and graduate of NYU. Lydia and I discuss the type of students NYU looks for and how applicants can set themselves apart. Lydia reveals the many mistakes and misconceptions admissions officers encounter during the application process. Check out our blog for more free resources: How to Get Into NYU How to Succeed with the NYU Supplemental Essay Click here to sign up for a free consultation with an admissions...

On today’s episode, we chat with Padya Paramita, a Columba MFA candidate and InGenius Prep Graduate Coach. Padya and I discuss how students can utilize the principles of creative writing in their college applications. Padya shares examples of students she worked with, highlighting how they used creative writing to stand out from other applicants. Check out our blog for more free resources: Tips for Writing the Why School Supplemental Essay: Demonstrating Your Fit Former Admissions Officers...

On today’s episode, we chat with Erin Gu, InGenius Prep’s Chief Education Officer. Erin and I discuss the admissions trends we’ve identified from the 2021-22 application cycle and how we think these trends will affect future applicants. Erin and I explore the role of test-optional policies, the increasing importance of the early decision round, the most competitive majors, and more! Check out our blog for more free resources: College Admissions 101: How to Start the Application...

On today’s episode, we chat with Zak Harris, a Former Admissions Officer at Johns Hopkins University, George Washington University, Bowdoin College, and Regis College. Zak and I discuss admissions at Johns Hopkins, breaking down each component of the application. Zak reveals admissions strategies for students who hope to attend Hopkins. Check out our blog for more free resources: College Admissions 101: How to Start the Application Process Approaching the Johns Hopkins Supplemental Essay...

On today’s episode, we chat with Pat Williams, the former Director of Admissions at the United States Naval Academy and a current InGenius Prep counselor. Pat and I discuss the paths students can take to these service academies. Pat reveals how students can maximize their admissions odds at these prestigious schools. Check out our blog for more free resources: College Admissions 101: How to Start the Application Process Click here to sign up for a free consultation with an admissions...

On today’s episode, we chat with Karen Kerr, a Former Admissions Officer from the University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre, and Dance. Karen and I discuss how students can incorporate arts extracurriculars into their college application strategy. Karen highlights ways for these students to utilize these experiences to stand out in the admissions process. Check out our blog for more free resources: College Admissions 101: How to Start the Application Process Click here to sign up for...

On today’s episode, we chat with Heather McCutchen, a Former Admissions Reader at Dartmouth and a current InGenius Prep counselor. Heather and I discuss what makes Dartmouth special and what kind of applicants the college looks for. Heather reviews each aspect of the application from letters of recommendation to the alumni interview. Check out our blog for more free resources: How to Approach the Dartmouth College Supplemental Essays 2021-2022 A Comprehensive Guide to Liberal Arts...

On today’s episode, we chat with Padya Paramita, an InGenius Prep Graduate Coach and Columbia MFA candidate. Padya and I discuss the experiences of students who attend highly competitive high schools, and what admissions officers expect from these students. Padya details strategies students can use to stand out from their peers in the college admissions process. Check out our blog for more free resources: College Admissions 101: How to Start the Application Process 7 Ways to Stand Out as a...

On today’s episode, we chat with Victoria (Vicky) Rosenthal Madrid, InGenius Prep’s Assistant Director of Marketing and a former international student at Boston University and Florida International University and Miami Ad School. Vicky and I discuss what international students can expect when they apply to schools in the U.S. Vicky highlights key aspects of the student experience as well as postgraduate outcomes for international students. Check out our blog for more free resources: College...

On today’s episode, we chat with Jennifer Duran, a Former Admissions Officer from Columbia University and InGenius Prep counselor. Jennifer and I discuss what types of students Columbia looks for and what sets it apart from the other Ivy League schools. Jennifer highlights what attributes students should showcase in their applications as well as how to tackle the supplemental essays. Check out our blog for more free resources: A Guide to the Columbia Supplemental Essays 2021-2022 Former...

On today’s episode, we chat with Gail Rubin Dauer, a Former Application Review Specialist, at the University of Michigan Office of Undergraduate Admissions. Gail and I discuss what type of students the University of Michigan looks for and how applicants can stand out. Gail highlights what makes UMich special and how students should approach its supplemental essays. Check out our blog for more free resources: How to Write the University of Michigan Supplemental Essays 2021-2022 The...

On today’s episode, we chat with Heather McCutchen, a former Admissions Reader at Dartmouth, and Mary Chobanian, a former Admissions Reader at Harvard and Barnard. Heather and Mary share the insights they gained from the 2021 National Association for College Admissions Counseling conference. They discuss everything from test-optional policies to AI in admissions. Check out our blog for more free resources: 2022 Test Optional Colleges: Changes in Light of COVID-19  Register for one of...

On today’s episode, we chat with Melissa Rains, a former Director of Merit Scholarships at Duke University and an InGenius Prep counselor. Melissa breaks down what goes on behind the scenes in the Duke admissions and merit scholarship offices. She also provides students with tangible advice to increase their likelihood of receiving a merit scholarship at Duke and other elite universities. Check out our blog for more free resources: Analyzing the Duke Supplemental Essays...

On today’s episode, we chat with the team behind SMARTTRACK College Funding, National Program Director Cyndi Menegaz and Co-Founder & CFO Scott Greenameyer. Scott and Cyndi break down the different types of college funding and how families can maximize the aid they receive. They provide common misconceptions and mistakes to set families up for success on their college financial aid journey. Check out our blog for more free resources: How to Increase Your Chances of Maximizing...

On today’s episode, we chat again with Padya Paramita, an InGenius Prep Graduate Coach and Columbia student. Padya and I discuss why students might be deferred or rejected from their early decision or early action college. Padya explains the next steps students can take, including writing a letter of continued interest if they’re deferred and applying ED II  if they’re rejected.  Check out our blog for more free resources: Letter of Continued Interest for Deferrals Should You Apply to...