Inside the Admissions Office: Advice from Former Admissions Officers

119. 6 Qualities Caltech Admissions Officers Are Searching For

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Is your student a fit for Caltech? Here’s what admissions really want. We spoke with someone who’s been inside the Caltech admissions room, and they revealed what really catches the attention of decision-makers at one of the world’s most rigorous STEM universities.

In this episode, you'll get clear, actionable insights on:

• What Caltech looks for beyond perfect GPAs and test scores
• How their academic culture compares to schools like MIT
• What makes a standout Caltech personal statement
• Why intellectual curiosity matters more than big words or technical jargon
• What “enough” STEM experience actually means (hint: it’s about depth, not quantity)

Whether your student is starting their college application journey or preparing to apply this fall, this video will give you a clearer picture of what it takes to compete at the highest level.

Listen now and help your teen gain an edge in STEM college admissions!

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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.

118. This Is How You REALLY Get Into Top UK Universities

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With U.S. immigration and education policies changing, many students and families are looking to the UK for their college journey. But UK admissions are quite different from the U.S.—from the application process to student life.

In this episode, Harry Sherratt, Senior Managing Director, Asia-Pacific & Director of UK Services at InGenius Prep, breaks down:

• Key differences between UK and U.S. university applications
• How to write the UCAS personal statement and what top UK universities really want
• Choosing the right UK university beyond rankings and location
• Post-graduation opportunities in the UK and beyond

Whether you’re just starting your research or ready to apply, this episode will help you navigate the UK admissions landscape with confidence.

Subscribe and stay tuned for Part 2, where we explore admissions in Singapore, Hong Kong, and Australia!

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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.

117. Pulitzer Prize-Winning Journalist Shares How to Write College Essays That Get You In

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What makes a college essay stand out at top schools like Harvard, Stanford, or Yale?

In this episode, we sit down with Dave Marcus, Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist, bestselling author of Acceptance, and former high school teacher, to unpack the art of storytelling in college applications.

Dave shares tips he’s used to help CEOs, students, and professionals tell their stories with clarity and heart. Perfect for students, parents, and counselors guiding the college application 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.

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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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.

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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.

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

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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.

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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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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.