Inside the Admissions Office: Advice from Former Admissions Officers

116. What Top College Music Programs Look For in Applicants

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From prescreen recordings and performance auditions to professor connections and portfolio prep, the music admissions process is uniquely challenging. In this episode, we sit down with the experts from Inside Music Schools to unpack everything you need to know about getting into top conservatories and university music programs. Whether you're aiming for Juilliard, Berklee, or a strong music program within a larger university, this conversation is packed with advice to help you stand out.

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Questions, comments, or topic requests? Email jilian.yong@ingeniusprep.com.

To learn more about InGenius Prep, visit us at ingeniusprep.com.

115. Harvard, Visas & the Future: What You Should Do Now

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We dive into the Trump Administration’s attempt to revoke Harvard’s Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) certification and explore what this means for international students around the world. Additionally, we will break down the legal and political background behind this controversial move and provide honest, empathetic insights for students and families caught in the middle. Whether you’re just starting your college journey, in the middle of your degree, or applying now, this episode is designed to keep you informed about your next steps.

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Questions, comments, or topic requests? Email jilian.yong@ingeniusprep.com.

To learn more about InGenius Prep, visit us at ingeniusprep.com.

114. TikTok, AI & Burnout: What It’s Like Being A Student Right Now

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Today’s students are juggling intense academics, nonstop social media, and AI tools reshaping how they learn. In this episode, we dive into:

• The pressure to excel academically, socially, and online
• How social media and constant notifications are affecting focus and mental health
• Why skills like time management and emotional regulation are essential for coping with stress
• The rise of AI in education: Is it helping or making things worse?

Plus, we’ll share practical tips on how you, as a parent, can help your teen feel balanced, confident, and more in control.

📖 Read the Pew Research article on the pressures teens are facing today: https://www.pewresearch.org/social-trends/2025/03/13/pressures-teens-are-facing/

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Questions, comments, or topic requests? Email jilian.yong@ingeniusprep.com.

To learn more about InGenius Prep, visit us at ingeniusprep.com.

113. Do Competitions Really Help You Get Into Top Colleges? Here’s the Real Answer

Are academic competitions worth the time and effort? We’re covering everything from the top competitions that impress admissions officers, to how to find a healthy balance between specializing and exploring different interests. We’ll also touch on the not-so-talked-about side of competitions—what happens when your student doesn’t win and how they can still come away with tons of value from the experience.

Whether your student is gearing up for their first competition or already a seasoned participant, this episode offers insights to help make the most of the experience—and stay balanced in the process. Listen now to understand how academic competitions can impact your student's future (and how to make them work for you).

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Register for our upcoming webinars.

Questions, comments, or topic requests? Email jilian.yong@ingeniusprep.com.

To learn more about InGenius Prep, visit us at ingeniusprep.com.

 

111. Expert Admissions Tips for Juniors from UC Berkeley & UChicago Experts

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!

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Questions, comments, or topic requests? Email jilian.yong@ingeniusprep.com.

To learn more about InGenius Prep, visit us at ingeniusprep.com.

112. College fit matters more than ranking—here’s why

When it comes to choosing a college, rankings can feel like the end-all-be-all. We get it—seeing a school in the “Top 10” list is reassuring. But are those numbers telling the full story?

In this episode, we’re pulling back the curtain on college rankings. With insights from Former Assistant Director of Admissions at NYU, we dive into:

• Why rankings can sometimes mislead students and families
• The factors behind the numbers—and which ones really matter
• What students should prioritize instead: academic fit, campus environment, and long-term career impact

We’ll help you and your student move beyond the rankings hype and focus on finding a school that’s the right fit, not just a “top pick.”

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Register for our upcoming webinars.

Questions, comments, or topic requests? Email jilian.yong@ingeniusprep.com.

To learn more about InGenius Prep, visit us at ingeniusprep.com.

110. Is 'Doing It All' in Extracurriculars Necessary? Insights from a Northeastern University Admissions Reader

With college admissions becoming increasingly competitive, many students feel pressured to "do it all" when it comes to extracurriculars. But is that really what colleges are looking for? In our latest podcast episode, we uncover the reality behind how admissions officers evaluate student activities.

You'll learn:

• How admissions officers evaluate what students actually contribute to their activities—not just participation
• The value of demonstrating academic interest beyond the classroom through research, pre-college programs, or independent projects
• Why leadership isn’t just about holding a title, but about adding value and making an impact

This episode is a must-listen for parents and students through the admissions process.

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Questions, comments, or topic requests? Email jilian.yong@ingeniusprep.com.

To learn more about InGenius Prep, visit us at ingeniusprep.com.

 

109. SAT vs. ACT: The Better Test for 2025 Admissions (It’s Not What You Think)

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!

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Register for our upcoming webinars.

Questions, comments, or topic requests? Email jilian.yong@ingeniusprep.com.

To learn more about InGenius Prep, visit us at ingeniusprep.com.

108. College Interviews: One Mistake That Could Cost You Admission

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!

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Register for our upcoming webinars.

Questions, comments, or topic requests? Email jilian.yong@ingeniusprep.com.

To learn more about InGenius Prep, visit us at ingeniusprep.com.

107. What Former Yale, Harvard Law School and Johns Hopkins Admissions Officers Really Think of These Common Applications

In this episode, former admissions officers from Johns Hopkins, Yale, and Harvard Law share their honest feedback on real Common Apps from students who applied to Yale, Dartmouth, and Johns Hopkins. Discover what makes an application stand out—and what’s missing! Gain insights into the strengths and weaknesses they’ve observed, plus how domestic and international applications differ in the admissions process.You’ll get firsthand insider feedback on the strengths and weaknesses they've seen in these applications, plus hear how the admissions process differs for domestic vs. international applicants. Tune in for some eye-opening insights you won’t want to miss!

FOLLOW ALONG with our experts by clicking the links below as they walk through each Common App, giving you real-time insights into what works and what doesn’t!

• Yale application
• Dartmouth application
• Johns Hopkins application

You can now watch us in video on YouTube and Spotify as well! 

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To set up a complimentary strategy call, CLICK HERE. 

Register for our upcoming webinars.

Questions, comments, or topic requests? Email jilian.yong@ingeniusprep.com.

To learn more about InGenius Prep, visit us at ingeniusprep.com.