College Admissions Decoded

NACAC's David Hawkins and Sean Robins discuss the administration's changes to education policy, including efforts to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education and anti-DEI initiatives, and how these policies impact students, institutions, and the college admission landscape. They also share opportunities and strategies for advocacy. (Recorded on March 18, 2025)NACAC advocacy and policy updates: https://www.nacacnet.org/advocacy/take-action/

In honor of National School Counseling Week, we are shining a spotlight on the work of school counselors and the vital role they play in students' lives. Every day, school counselors make a lasting impact by offering academic advising, providing college counseling, supporting the well-being of their students, and much more. Host Eddie Pickett is joined by NACAC members Jennifer Nuechterlein, Cicily Shaw, Randy Stamm, and Pauline Weber.

In this episode of College Admissions Decoded, host Eddie Pickett is joined by NACAC members Emily Pacheco and Sebastian Brown to explore the impact of AI in higher education: from students using AI tools for essays and test prep, to admission offices using AI for student outreach and data analysis. Our guests provide insights on the opportunities and complex challenges that artificial intelligence presents, including questions about privacy, ethics, and access.

In this episode of College Admissions Decoded, host Eddie Pickett and NACAC members Kimberly Rutland West and Brooklyn Duong unpack how Baby Boomers, Gen Xers, Millennials, and Gen Zers approach work, communication, and collaboration. We dive into the historical events and cultural shifts that have shaped each generation, explore strategies for fostering understanding and communicating effectively, and look ahead to Generation Alpha's arrival to the workforce.

In this episode of College Admissions Decoded, host Eddie Pickett sits down with three NACAC members—Priscilla Grijalva, Candice Mackey, and Stephanie Brazinsky—to explore the critical role of advocacy in education. They discuss how counselors can use data-driven strategies to make their impact visible, build meaningful collaborations with administrators and community partners, and advocate for equitable student support at local, state, and national levels. Tune in for practical tools to promote the value of school counseling and insights on shaping the future of education—one student and one policy at a time.

In this episode, NACAC Board Director Tahirah Jordan Crawford leads an engaging discussion with two accomplished women leaders in the world of college admission counseling, covering topics such as finding joy in the work, leadership, work-life balance, and overcoming challenges. Gain valuable insights into the experiences and perspectives of women who are shaping the landscape of higher education.Guests: Whitney Soule, vice provost and dean of admissions at the University of Pennsylvania, and Joy St. John, director of admissions at Harvard College. Moderated by Tahirah Jordan Crawford, Senior associate director and director of multicultural recruitment at Columbia College

Women's colleges offer transformative experiences for students that are more important than ever. These institutions provide access to inclusive campus communities and academic excellence with a focus on developing women leaders. In this episode, we will counter common myths, highlight unique opportunities from STEM programs to powerful professional networks, and explain why these nurturing environments empower women to fully be themselves.Guests: Chelsey Holley, Director of Admissions at Spelman College, Nichole Reynolds, Dean of Undergraduate Admissions at Bryn Mawr College, Deanna Dixon, Dean of Admissions at Smith College, and Laura Stratton, the Director of Admissions at Scripps College.Moderated by Eddie Pickett, Senior Associate Dean of Admissions and Director of Recruitment at Pomona College.

Studying abroad is so much more than enrolling in college courses in a different country—the experience can fundamentally change the course of your future. But who is this experience for, and what is the return on investment? In this informative discussion, leading experts break down everything students and parents need to know about studying abroad, covering everything from the resources needed, what steps you don't want to skip when applying for a visa and how to get the most out of the life-changing experience. Guests: Clay Hensley, international education consultant, Joan Liu, founder of Second Chance at Higher Education, Satya Dattagupta, chief enrollment officer at Northeastern University, and Dubois Jennings, Director of Engagement in North America for Education New Zealand. Moderated by NACAC member Eddie Pickett, Senior Associate Dean of Admissions and Director of Recruitment at Pomona College in Claremont, California.

Parents are undoubtedly an instrumental part of the college admissions process for incoming students—but how much influence should parents actually have in this process? In this enlightening conversation, we talk to experts about what role parents have in the “marathon” that is the college admissions process, and the lessons the whole family can learn during these stressful, but rewarding times. Guests: Emily Roper-Doten, Vice President for Undergraduate Admissions and Financial Assistance at Clark University in Massachusetts, and Rodney Morrison, Vice President of Enrollment Management at the University of Delaware.Moderated by NACAC member Eddie Pickett, a college counselor and dean at Polytechnic School in Pasadena, California.

As more colleges become test-optional, admissions officers are tasked with defining the value of ACT/SAT tests—what they convey about students, and their level of importance on the admission process. As standardized testing policies shift with each incoming class of students, our guests today look at in which ways removing the exams promotes access and equity to the college admission process, whether students should test when it's optional, and the long-term impacts of test-optional policies on college admission. Guests: David Hawkins, Chief Education and Policy Officer at NACAC; Twink Williams Burns, Strategic Advisor for Admission and Financial Aid Community Engagement at Williams College; Akil Bello, Senior Director of Advocacy and Advancement at Fair Test. Moderated by Eddie Pickett, Senior Associate Dean of Admissions and Director of Recruitment at Pomona College.

In this episode, host Eddie Pickett and his guests explore the role of over 500 HSIs in the United States in serving millions students from both the admission angle and via student support programs. We dive into why a Hispanic-identifying student might choose these institutions for their higher education and discuss how HSIs are a refuge and support system for the growing demographic of Hispanic students in the U.S. Guests: Belinda Sandoval Zazueta, Associate Vice President of Admissions at University of Redlands in California; Argenis Rodriguez, director of a support program for students. Moderated by Eddie Pickett, Senior Associate Dean of Admissions and Director of Recruitment at Pomona College. 

In today's episode, we talk about meeting veteran students where they are and how to best support them on their college journey. Veterans come from a range of backgrounds. These students bring a lot to a college campus—as well as their own unique challenges in the application process. We will discuss  the crucial elements in finding these applicants, how to create a healthy veteran community at college, and how to ensure their success in higher education. Guests: Veronica Peña, Director of the Houston Admissions Center at University of Texas at Austin and Ian Todd, a veteran who went through the application process and studied at Rhodes College. Moderated by Eddie Pickett, Senior Associate Dean of Admissions and Director of Recruitment at Pomona College.

Bridging Gaps in Context and Personal Writing in the College Application ProcessAs a prospective college student, how can you craft your college application to shine in the pool of thousands of applicants? One of the biggest hurdles in the application process is showcasing your skills, personality and goals—all in under 1,000 words. Finding your authentic voice to appeal to the admissions team can be especially difficult without knowing who your audience is, or what generation they're coming from!  In today's episode, school-based counselors help close the generational gaps between students and admissions counselors, helping students find the tools to help write the “perfect essay,” and the importance in getting feedback from a mentor, tutor, supporter or advocate.  Guests: Cuca Acosta, Associate Director of Admissions at UC Santa Barbara and Lara Sandora, Lead Counselor for 11th and 12th Grades & College Counselor at TIDE Academy. 

In celebration of Women's History Month, we speak with a leader who is the true definition of longevity and commitment, Mary Lou Bates, Vice President and Dean of Admissions and Financial Aid at Skidmore College. She speaks to us about the challenge of raising a family while maintaining a thriving career, and how her passion for her work in admissions has allowed her to craft creative solutions during 49 years at Skidmore.Guest: Mary Lou Bates, Vice President and Dean of Admissions and Financial Aid at Skidmore College

In recognition of Women's History Month, today's special episode focuses on empowering women to achieve their professional goals. We speak with one of the leaders in advancing equity in higher education, Youlonda Copeland Morgan, Former Vice Provost for Enrollment Management at UCLA. She talks with us about the misconceptions of creating balance in your work life, but rather, bringing your family into your work. As she reaches retirement, she attributes finding meaning in your work as a key to a long, successful career.Guests: Youlonda Copeland Morgan, Former Vice Provost for Enrollment Management at UCLA

College applications are meticulously designed to understand who a student is academically and interpersonally. In recent years, applications have included new prompts for students to talk about people they're grateful for and instances that have positively impacted their lives.  For college admission offices, the responsibility of building community on campus relies heavily on these responses. In this conversation, we talk with two college admissions experts about the research, science, and multifaceted results of adding a gratitude question to their college applications. Guests: Whitney Soule, Vice Provost and Dean of Admissions at University of Pennsylvania, and Scott Anderson, Senior Director of Association Engagement at Common App. Moderated by NACAC member Eddie Pickett, a senior associate dean of admissions and the director of recruitment at Pomona College in Claremont, California.

At least 10% of students on college campuses have a learning difference. In this conversation, two college admissions professionals share what students should look for when researching a college to determine whether and how the institution will facilitate their success in higher education. They share the many support systems they can look for when they start college.Guests: Marybeth Kravets, Past President of NACAC and Director of College Counseling at Wolcott College Prep in Chicago, Illinois; Kasey Urquidez, Vice President of Enrollment Management and Dean of Undergraduate Admissions at the University of Arizona. Moderated by Eddie Pickett, Senior Associate Dean of Admissions and Director of Recruitment at Pomona College.

Race-Conscious Admission has been a component of the college admission process for over half a century and has endured legal battles for decades. With three new justices appointed since 2016, the national debate has resurfaced. NACAC Board Member, Eddie Pickett, talks to Managing Partner and co-founder of EducationCounsel LLC Art Coleman about the two latest cases against Harvard University and The University of North Carolina and the history behind race and admission.Guest: Art Coleman, Managing Partner and co-founder of EducationCounsel LLC. Host: Eddie Pickett, Senior Associate Dean of Admissions and Director of Recruitment at Pomona College.

A lot of factors contribute to your success in college, from the academic rigor of your classes to the campus environment. The educational excellence and rich history and culture of HBCUs make them important options for many students across the U.S. In this conversation, two college admissions professionals share how their experiences at HBCUs set the stage for success in their own lives and the extraordinary return on investment for any student who attends.Guests:  Tahirah Crawford, Director of College Placement at People's Preparatory Charter in New Jersey; Joseph Montgomery, Vice President of Enrollment Management and Student Success at Tuskegee University. Moderated by Eddie Pickett, Senior Associate Dean of Admissions and Director of Recruitment at Pomona College.

How does the ticket price on higher education impact access, and what should families be paying? Two economists tackle these questions with the CEO of NACAC Angel Pérez. Together, they explore what financing constructs can increase equity, and what advice they have for those making difficult decisions about what they can afford.Guests: Sandy Baum, non-resident Senior Fellow at the Urban Institute, Phillip Levine, Katharine Coman and A. Barton Hepburn Professor of Economics at Wellesley College. Moderated by NACAC CEO Angel Pérez.

Getting into college is one thing; what about completing your degree, and making the most out of the experience? In this conversation, college counselors and administrators talk about the importance of having the right mindset on the first day you set foot on campus. The best advice: know who you are, how you find success, and be honest with yourself about it. Live that reality by tackling fears and seizing opportunities from day one.Guests:  Ralph Figueroa, the Dean of College Guidance at Albuquerque Academy; Dean Jacoby, Director of College Guidance at Albuquerque Academy; Aaron Stoller, Associate Vice President for Student Success at Colorado College. Moderated by Eddie Pickett, Senior Associate Dean of Admissions at Pomona College.

There are many ways to take advantage of all the opportunities community college provides. It serves some students as a stepping stone to four-year schools, a chance to obtain a practical skill that leads to a job, or a flexible option for students with families or work commitments. We debunk the outdated stereotype and stigma of community college, and look ahead at the bright future of this pathway to higher education.Guests: Candice Mackey, college counselor at the Los Angeles Center for Enriched Studies in California, Jen Nuechterlein, college & career counselor at Hunterdon Central Regional High School in New Jersey, and Claudia Leotaud, counselor at Santa Monica College in California. Moderated by NACAC member Eddie Pickett, senior associate dean of admissions and director of recruitment at Pomona College in Claremont, California.

Angel Pérez, CEO of NACAC, talks with two up-and-coming college admission professionals about lessons learned from the pandemic, how to find workplaces that share your values, and what they think lies ahead for the next generation of college admission counselors. NACAC's 2021 Rising Star Award Winners Jonathan Gowin, director of the Regional Student Program at the New England Board of Higher Education, and Noor Haddad, associate director of college counseling at The Bishop's School. Moderated by NACAC CEO Angel Pérez.

The month of April can be stressful for high school seniors who are making their final decisions about college after four years of classes, extracurricular activities, standardized testing, essay writing, and so on. What should you consider now that you've been accepted to college or if you've been waitlisted, or even denied, admission? Our guests give their best advice for making good decisions as you consider all your college options.

The gap year – that space after high school and before college devoted to experiential learning – can be magical and mystifying. Our guests define the gap year and its many iterations, offer grounded advice for deciding if it's right for you, and point you to resources that can help you plan and successfully complete the gap year and the subsequent transition to college. Guests: Jade Domingue, associate director of admission at Agnes Scott College, Victor Thomas, associate director of undergraduate admissions at Washington University, Dean Jacoby, a college guidance counselor at the Albuquerque Academy and a board member of the Gap Year Research Consortium at Colorado College. Moderated by NACAC member Eddie Pickett, a college counselor and dean at Polytechnic School in Pasadena, California.

The admissions process is different for college athletes. What do they, and their families, need to know?  When should they get started on their college preparation?  And what should they watch out for in the recruiting process?  Guests: Jennifer “JT” Thomas, who coached at the Division-I collegiate level, Bill Morrison, a college counselor and coach at Highland Park High School in Illinois, and Scott Verzyl, vice president for enrollment management and dean of undergraduate admissions at the University of South Carolina. Moderated by NACAC member Eddie Pickett, a college counselor and dean at Polytechnic School in Pasadena, California.

College visits are the best way for students to gather information on the schools they are considering. But visits can be a big investment of time and money and, sometimes, it's hard to avoid the sales pitches and get an accurate picture of a college. The right plan and the right mindset are essential for the visit to be worthwhile. Knowing what questions to ask, and who to ask, is essential.   Guests: Tom Campbell, college counselor at the Lakeside School in Washington State, and Yvonne Espinoza, college counselor at Garza Independence High School in Texas, Moderated by NACAC member Eddie Pickett, a college counselor and dean at Polytechnic School in Pasadena, California.

Beyond grades, test scores, and class rank, what non-academic factors do colleges consider when making decisions on whom to admit? And how should students present their nonacademic selves? We'll talk about these questions, and discuss college interviews and recommendation letters, too.    Guests: Courtney Vaughn, associate director of college counseling at Holy Innocents' Episcopal School in Georgia and Lenell Hahn, director of admissions at Southeast Missouri State University. Moderated by NACAC member Eddie Pickett, a college counselor and dean at Polytechnic School in Pasadena, California.

Creating a college list is both art and science. Our guests recommend first answering some important questions, like: What are my goals? What am I passionate about? Who do I want to be? Then they recommend giving yourself lots of options in terms of size, distance, location, even ‘vibes.' Guests: DeEnna Wisdom Holohan, founder of Collective Wisdom College Counseling, and Leilani Arita Takayama, associate director of college counseling at the 'Iolani School in Honolulu, Hawaii. Moderated by NACAC member Eddie Pickett, a college counselor and dean at Polytechnic School in Pasadena, California.

When we ask students what part of the application process makes them the most nervous, frequently the answer is the essay. It can make students feel vulnerable and exposed. They wonder how much to reveal about themselves, and what story would be the most effective.  Often, they just want to know what colleges are looking for.Guests: Gabrielle Dorsey, Executive Director, Bridges Educational Consulting in California, and Kelly Herrington, Director of College Counseling, University Preparatory Academy in Washington State. Moderated by NACAC member Eddie Pickett, a college counselor and dean at Polytechnic School in Pasadena, California.

Traditionally, campus visits have played a critical role in helping students figure out which school is right for them. But with coronavirus restrictions keeping many campuses (and families!) on lockdown, how can students get a feel for what life—and learning—looks like at their targeted institutions? Experienced school counselors offer tips for determining the right “fit” from afar.

Four higher education experts share tips and advice for making the right college choice. With Nicole Hurd, founder and CEO of College Advising Corps; Jeff Selingo, education reporter and bestselling author of Who Gets In and Why; Tevera Stith, Vice President for KIPP Through College & Career at KIPP DC; and Angel B. Pérez, CEO of the National Association for College Admission Counseling.

In these final weeks of the college admission season, many high school seniors and their families still have important decisions to make. Some are weighing offers of admission from multiple colleges and universities, comparing and contrasting those institutions’ respective communities and course offerings; others are crunching the numbers, taking the measure of potential tuition bills and financial aid packages. Still others may be in limbo on waiting lists or considering a gap year. But for all those uncertainties in the admission process, many students are now in a position of empowerment, and very much in the driver’s seat as they decide where they will go to college next year.

Colleges across the country made big changes in their admission requirements in response to the coronavirus pandemic. More than 1,600 institutions are currently test-optional, meaning students are not required to submit ACT or SAT scores with their applications. Transcripts look different, too, especially at schools that have canceled extracurricular activities and moved courses online. How are colleges evaluating applicants? What can students do to strengthen their admission chances?  Two admission directors take you inside the process.

The coronavirus pandemic has put severe financial strains on US colleges, and on students and their parents as well. As a result, more families need financial aid. Experts talk about applying for assistance, how to read an award letter, how to ask for more if it’s not enough, and other options for students on path to college.

Multiple studies have shown that the coronavirus crisis has made us more depressed, anxious, and stressed. Students are not immune from these effects, particularly when they are juggling other stressors, including the college admission process. Remote learning, physical distancing, and the cancellation of extracurricular activities and other milestone events have only ratcheted up feelings of isolation and anxiety for many students – and all this is happening as they’re engaged in the college search process, which can be overwhelming in the best of times. Hear real-life advice from veteran college counselors for easing students’ mental health concerns. 

College Admissions Decoded is sponsored by NACAC's National College Fairs. Start your college search for free at a National College Fair, hosted annually in over 90 cities across the country and internationally. Learn more at nacacfairs.org.

College Admissions Decoded is sponsored by NACAC's National College Fairs. Start your college search for free at a National College Fair, hosted annually in over 90 cities across the country and internationally. Learn more at nacacfairs.org.

College Admissions Decoded is sponsored by NACAC's National College Fairs. Start your college search for free at a National College Fair, hosted annually in over 90 cities across the country and internationally. Learn more at nacacfairs.org.

College Admissions Decoded is sponsored by NACAC's National College Fairs. Start your college search for free at a National College Fair, hosted annually in over 90 cities across the country and internationally. Learn more at nacacfairs.org.

Experts say that as many as 40 percent of today’s students transfer to another institution at least once during their college careers. They choose to transfer in order to lower their college costs, find the right academic program, restart and return to college after a break, and a range of other reasons.Despite transfer’s growing popularity, the process is sometimes difficult because of problems obtaining credit for previous coursework, a lack of adequate academic counseling, troubles obtaining financial aid, and more.This episode offers tips to potential transfer students and explores ways to make the transfer process between community colleges and 4-year schools more seamless. The conversation examines new honors programs, scholarship opportunities, and pathways to prestigious baccalaureate institutions that are encouraging students and their families to consider the transfer option. In this episode, admission experts—from both theCollege Admissions Decoded is sponsored by NACAC's National College Fairs. Start your college search for free at a National College Fair, hosted annually in over 90 cities across the country and internationally. Learn more at nacacfairs.org.

The college admission process can be long, bewildering and anxiety-producing for students and their families.  Many are looking for the secret formula for getting admitted to the “right” school where a student can grow, learn and thrive. How does a student find that right school? And what are colleges really looking for in an applicant? What really goes on “behind the curtain” when college admissions offices consider a student’s application?  In this episode, two experienced professionals take on these questions and try  to separate some of the facts and the myths in the college admission process. College Admissions Decoded is sponsored by NACAC's National College Fairs. Start your college search for free at a National College Fair, hosted annually in over 90 cities across the country and internationally. Learn more at nacacfairs.org.

In this episode, admission experts—from both the high school and college sides of the desk—offer tips to help parents ensure their students remain the focus of the college admission process. The panelists discuss ways parents can help their children not only get into college but through it. Offering empathy and a common-sense approach to applying to college, the panelists share ways parents can be effective, supportive partners throughout the process.The episode features Ashley Pallie, associate dean of admissions at Pomona College (CA); Jami Silver, director of college advising at the Kingswood Oxford School (CT); and Sharon Williams, college counselor at the University of Chicago Laboratory High School (IL). The conversation is moderated by Juleyka Lantigua-Williams.College Admissions Decoded is sponsored by NACAC's National College Fairs. Start your college search for free at a National College Fair, hosted annually in over 90 cities across the country and internationally. Learn more at nacacfairs.org.

At the 2019 NACAC national conference in Louisville, Kentucky, Jabari Sellars, a middle and high school humanities teacher at the Sienna School in Silver Spring, Maryland, spoke of the unique interests and experiences of Gen-Z students, our most diverse generation yet.  He called on college counselors and admission professionals to “fight for what doesn’t fit” in the standard college transcript. He also asks us to “fight for what doesn’t fit the narrative” and to challenge preconceptions and stereotypes that prevent us from seeing students as they truly are.   College Admissions Decoded is sponsored by NACAC's National College Fairs. Start your college search for free at a National College Fair, hosted annually in over 90 cities across the country and internationally. Learn more at nacacfairs.org.

In this episode, Jacques Steinberg, a member of the NACAC Board of Directors and the senior vice president for higher education and communications at Say Yes to Education and a former national education correspondent of The New York Times, welcomes Rafael Figueroa, dean of  college guidance at Albuquerque Academy and former admissions officer at Wesleyan University in Connecticut. Their candid discussion of what educators and college admissions professionals can do to help students and their families achieve the goal of getting into college provides practical advice and thought-provoking questions about the purpose and the pathways to higher education.  Journalist Juleyka Lantigua-Williams moderates the discussion.College Admissions Decoded is sponsored by NACAC's National College Fairs. Start your college search for free at a National College Fair, hosted annually in over 90 cities across the country and internationally. Learn more at nacacfairs.org.

In this episode, three admissions leaders talk about the pressures from campus stakeholders; the responsibility to serve families; and how colleges are adapting to the rapid evolution of the prospective college students. David Burge, VP for Enrollment Management at George Mason University, Mary Smith, Senior Associate Director of Admissions, Gettysburg College, and Gil J. Villanueva, Associate Vice President and Dean of Admission, University of Richmond join a discussion moderated by journalist Juleyka Lantigua-Williams.College Admissions Decoded is sponsored by NACAC's National College Fairs. Start your college search for free at a National College Fair, hosted annually in over 90 cities across the country and internationally. Learn more at nacacfairs.org.

The Varsity Blues college admissions scandal sparked national concern among students, parents and counselors alike as students wondered if their qualifications would be delegitimized as a result. In this episode, we explore the messages the scandal unintentionally sent, and look at ways to assuage worries about getting into college. Incoming NACAC president-elect Jayne Fonash welcomes Sanjay Mitchell and Jim Jump. Journalist Juleyka Lantigua-Williams moderates the discussion.College Admissions Decoded is sponsored by NACAC's National College Fairs. Start your college search for free at a National College Fair, hosted annually in over 90 cities across the country and internationally. Learn more at nacacfairs.org.

Operation Varsity Blues uncovered a complex bribing and cheating scandal in elite college admissions. Guilty pleas, lawsuits, and a growing cynicism about the college admission process have raised lingering questions about access to higher education in the US. In this episode, Stefanie Niles, current president of NACAC welcomes Angel Perez, vice president of enrollment and student success at Trinity College and Jim Rawlins, director of admissions at the University of Oregon in Eugene to talk about it all.College Admissions Decoded is sponsored by NACAC's National College Fairs. Start your college search for free at a National College Fair, hosted annually in over 90 cities across the country and internationally. Learn more at nacacfairs.org.