

Need help navigating the college admissions process? We’re here to help! Every other Monday we’ll bring you exclusive interviews with Former Admissions Officers, graduates from top universities, and admissions experts. Each episode will be filled with application tips and first-hand experiences that will help you get into your dream school. Brought to you by InGenius Prep, the world’s largest team of Former Admissions Officers. Questions or comments? Email us at contact@ingeniusprep.com InGeniusPrep.com
Episodes

Monday Jan 09, 2023
Monday Jan 09, 2023
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 Medical School Summer Program
- UChicago Research in the Biological Sciences (RIBS)
Humanities
- Stanford Humanities Institute
- Iowa Young Writers’ Studio
- Yale Summer Drama Program
- Interlochen Center for the Arts Summer Arts Camp
- Medill-Northwestern Journalism Institute
Business
- Launch X
- Wharton Leadership in the Business World
- NYU Summer at Stern
Check out our blog for more free resources:
InGenius Prep’s Resources On Summer Planning for High School Students
Top Summer Programs Based on Your Interests
Click here to sign up for a free consultation with an admissions expert.
Register for one of our webinars.
Questions or comments? Email contact@ingeniusprep.com
Visit us at ingeniusprep.com to learn more. See you every other Monday!

Monday Dec 19, 2022
68. SAT and ACT Prep: Strategies to Boost College Admissions Test Scores
Monday Dec 19, 2022
Monday Dec 19, 2022
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:
You can find more test prep resources at Bailey Test Prep and Khan Academy
Click here to sign up for a free consultation with an admissions expert.
Register for one of our webinars.
Questions or comments? Email contact@ingeniusprep.com
Visit us at ingeniusprep.com to learn more. See you every other Monday!

Monday Dec 05, 2022
Monday Dec 05, 2022
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 from Former Readers
Click here to sign up for a free consultation with an admissions expert.
Register for one of our webinars.
Questions or comments? Email contact@ingeniusprep.com
Visit us at ingeniusprep.com to learn more. See you every other Monday!

Monday Nov 21, 2022
Monday Nov 21, 2022
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 Supervisor or Professor: A Template
Click here to sign up for a free consultation with an admissions expert.
Register for one of our webinars.
Questions or comments? Email contact@ingeniusprep.com
Visit us at ingeniusprep.com to learn more. See you every other Monday!

Monday Nov 07, 2022
Monday Nov 07, 2022
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 admissions expert.
Register for one of our webinars.
Questions or comments? Email contact@ingeniusprep.com
Visit us at ingeniusprep.com to learn more. See you every other Monday!

Monday Oct 24, 2022
Monday Oct 24, 2022
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 Admissions 101: How to Start the Application Process
Click here to sign up for a free consultation with an admissions expert.
Register for one of our webinars.
Questions or comments? Email contact@ingeniusprep.com
Visit us at ingeniusprep.com to learn more. See you every other Monday!

Monday Oct 10, 2022
Monday Oct 10, 2022
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 top schools like the UCs.
Check out our blog for more free resources:
College Admissions 101: How to Start the Application Process
What College Admissions Officers Look For: Advice from Former Readers
2022-23 College Application Changes: Admissions Trends to Know
Click here to sign up for a free consultation with an admissions expert.
Register for one of our webinars.
Questions or comments? Email contact@ingeniusprep.com
Visit us at ingeniusprep.com to learn more. See you every other Monday!

Monday Sep 26, 2022
Monday Sep 26, 2022
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 Admissions Officers Look For: Advice from Former Readers
College Admissions 101: How to Start the Application Process
Click here to sign up for a free consultation with an admissions expert.
Register for one of our webinars.
Questions or comments? Email contact@ingeniusprep.com
Visit us at ingeniusprep.com to learn more. See you every other Monday!

Monday Sep 12, 2022
61. First Year College Success Strategies for Incoming University Freshmen
Monday Sep 12, 2022
Monday Sep 12, 2022
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 continued education.
Check out our blog for more free resources:
Should You Apply to Grad School: 25 Questions to Ask Yourself
Further Education or First Job? How to Decide What’s Right For You
Medical School Application Resources to Help You Through Every Step
Law School Applications 101: From College Academics to Final Submission
Click here to sign up for a free consultation with an admissions expert.
Register for one of our webinars.
Questions or comments? Email contact@ingeniusprep.com
Visit us at ingeniusprep.com to learn more. See you every other Monday!

Monday Aug 22, 2022
Monday Aug 22, 2022
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: Debate and MUN are impressive activities for college
- MYTH #5 - True or False: A High SAT score is all you need to get into college
- MYTH #6 - True or False: Colleges consider your family’s finances when deciding to admit you
- MYTH #7 - True or False: You need a perfect GPA to be admitted to top colleges
- MYTH #8 - True or False: Volunteer experience is a must
- MYTH #9 - True or False: Demonstrated interest is important
- MYTH #10 - True or False: You have to be well-rounded, excelling in every area
- MYTH #11 - True or False: Schools use AI to filter out applications
Check out our blog for more free resources:
Common College Admissions Myths Debunked by Former Admissions Officers
College Admissions 101: How to Start the Application Process
Click here to sign up for a free consultation with an admissions expert.
Register for one of our webinars.
Questions or comments? Email contact@ingeniusprep.com
Visit us at ingeniusprep.com to learn more. See you every other Monday!