The College Admissions Process Podcast

Creative Thought Matters: Navigating Admissions at Skidmore CollegeEpisode OverviewIn this episode of The College Admissions Process Podcast, Dr. John Durante sits down with Dr. Janessa Dunn, Director of Admissions at Skidmore College, to pull back the curtain on the admissions process at one of the nation's premier liberal arts colleges.Located in the quintessential college town of Saratoga Springs, Skidmore is a campus where “Creative Thought Matters” and interdisciplinary exploration are central to the student experience. In this conversation, Dr. Dunn shares how admissions officers evaluate applications, what truly stands out in the review process, and how students can best present their authentic selves.Whether you're curious about how to stand out among more than 12,000 applicants or simply want to learn what makes Skidmore's campus community so distinctive, this episode offers valuable insights for students and families navigating the college admissions journey.What Listeners Will Learn• How admissions officers review applications using a holistic process• What makes a college essay truly stand out• When it makes sense to submit SAT or ACT scores at a test-optional school• What admissions officers really look for in letters of recommendation• The right—and wrong—way to use the Additional Information section of an application• What makes the student experience at Skidmore uniqueKey Highlights from the EpisodeThe “Crust of the Pie” AnalogyDr. Dunn explains Skidmore's holistic review process using a memorable pie metaphor. Learn the four key components that form the “crust” of a strong application and how your high school transcript helps tell your academic story. The 75/25 Essay RuleWhy should most of your essay focus on the meaning behind your experiences? Dr. Dunn explains why roughly 75% of a compelling college essay should focus on reflection rather than simply retelling events. To Submit or Not Submit Test ScoresWith approximately 65% of the most recent incoming class applying test-optional, Dr. Dunn offers candid advice on how students should decide whether their SAT or ACT scores strengthen their application.Beyond the Grades: Letters of RecommendationWhat makes a recommendation letter stand out? Dr. Dunn explains why admissions officers value teachers who can speak to a student's character, curiosity, and the “intangibles” that go beyond the transcript.The “Additional Information” TrapLearn how to use this often-overlooked section of the application effectively—including when bullet points can help provide useful context—and the one mistake students should avoid. Life at SkidmoreFrom a completely nut-free dining hall ranked among the best in the country to a student “test kitchen,” Dr. Dunn shares what makes the Skidmore campus experience both distinctive and welcoming.Skidmore Admissions & Aid

Navigating the Modern College Admissions Landscape with Rick ClarkIn this episode of The College Admissions Process Podcast, I welcome back Rick Clark, Vice Provost for Enrollment Management at Georgia Institute of Technology and co-author of The Truth About College Admissions. With decades of experience leading enrollment at one of the nation's premier STEM institutions, Rick offers thoughtful insight into the seismic shifts reshaping college admissions — and what families must understand to navigate this process wisely.We begin with the evolution of STEM and the changing landscape of Computer Science. Rick explains how artificial intelligence and prompting fluency are influencing disciplines far beyond a single major. Computing is no longer confined to one department; it is becoming embedded across the curriculum. For students, the message is clear: depth matters, but adaptability matters just as much.One of the most powerful moments in our conversation is Rick's “soup” analogy for admissions. Shaping a class is not about evaluating students in isolation. Institutions must balance residency goals, academic program needs, institutional priorities, and long-term enrollment strategy. Sometimes an admissions decision reflects the composition of the class more than the qualifications of the individual applicant. Understanding this distinction can bring clarity — and perspective — to families navigating outcomes.We also discuss the importance of storytelling within the application. The Common Application is not simply a form; it is a narrative. Letters of recommendation should function as a meaningful “forward,” adding new insight rather than repeating what is already visible. The Additional Information section should be used with intention, reserved for context that genuinely matters.Rick also addresses the ethical use of AI tools, including ChatGPT and Microsoft Copilot, as strategic resources for clarity and precision — particularly when refining activity descriptions within tight character limits. Used wisely, these tools can support organization and concision while preserving authenticity.We also highlight practical tools such as the Common Data Set and Net Price Calculators — resources every family should use early to ensure both academic and financial fit.This conversation is grounded, transparent, and empowering. If you are looking for clarity in a complex admissions landscape — and a way to move through it as a unified family — this episode delivers exactly that.Georgia Tech - Undergraduate AdmissionGeorgia Tech - Enrollment Management NewsLink to Rick's Book

QuestBridge Home PageQuestBridge National College MatchQuestBridge Resource LibraryFeel free to reach out to Taylor with any questions at: taylor.admissions@nd.eduNotre Dame Admissions Home Page

Alphabetical List of All Episodes with Links

Alphabetical List of All Episodes with Links