Inside the Admissions Office: Advice from Former Admissions Officers

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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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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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.

 

109. Choosing the Right Test: SAT vs. ACT – What You Need to Know in 2025

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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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.

108. How to Ace Your College Interviews: Tips + Common Questions From Former Carnegie Mellon Admissions Director

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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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.

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.

106. Former Admissions Officers Reveal How to Ace the Duke Application

🎙️ 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.

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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.

105. Best college admissions advice revealed by Ivy League experts

🎙️ 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.

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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.

104. Aligning Your Student’s Goals with the Right Liberal Arts College

Are you ready to uncover the unique benefits of liberal arts colleges and help your student find their perfect fit?

In this episode, Krista, a seasoned admissions expert, will guide you and your student through aligning school choices with both academic and personal goals, ensuring your student is set up for success.

Here's what you'll learn:

• How to research liberal arts colleges to find your best-fit options
• The importance of aligning your academic and personal goals with your school choices
• Shifting your mindset from “Will I get in?” to “How can I shape myself as an ideal candidate?”

Listen to the episode for more practical tips to help you and your student navigate the college journey with confidence!

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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.

103. Take a Gap Year, Secure Your Dream School

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. 

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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.

102. College Athletic Recruitment: Expert Insights from US Sailing

Is your student interested in college athletic recruitment? Don’t miss our latest podcast episode, where we dive deep into the college sailing recruitment process! In partnership with US Sailing, we bring you expert insights from experienced professionals, including how to connect with coaches, meet recruitment deadlines, secure athletic scholarships, and prepare for tryouts and team dynamics. Tune in now for expert advice that will help your student navigate the college sailing recruitment process and set sail for success!

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.