Determining Your Fit: Featuring Rice University & Spelman College

Florida State University, University of Massachusetts Amherst, and Samford University join Talk College to Me's last episode of the season. In Listeners' Choice, we discuss topics chosen by you: athletics/recruitment, demonstrated interest, how an applicant is picked, and the power of recommendations.

Welcoming and introduction from co-hosts Lynn Stewart and Vicki Thompson. - 0:29

Introduction of Hege Ferguson from Florida State University. - 1:03

Introduction of David Presley from Samford University. - 3:42

Introduction of Mike Drish from University of Massachusetts Amherst. - 6:00

“What is most important to know about athletic recruitment as it relates to the college process? Also, please talk a little about club/intramural sports?” - 9:25

Introduction of Nikolai from D100. - 20:48

“Is demonstrated interest still a factor given we remain in the midst of a pandemic? How

important was demonstrated interest prior to COVID-19?” - 20:57

Introduction of Dylan from D100. - 30:17

“Do admission officers look at the date/time a student submits the application? Once the student hits the ‘submit’ button, what happens to their application?” - 30:23

“How impactful are letters of recommendation? Who should write a recommendation - teacher, coach, youth leader?” - 39:36

What’s up next for Talk College to Me. - 50:10

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2020 has been a year to remember (or forget). Everyone's lives have been impacted by COVID-19, and the college admissions process is no different. Dylan Carollo and Nikolai Eggleton of D100 Radio share their experience of being seniors in the Class of 2021, and even give insight into what they have learned throughout the past eight weeks of Talk College to Me.

Welcoming and introduction from co-hosts Lynn Stewart and Vicki Thompson. - 0:29

Introduction of Dylan Carollo and Nikolai Eggleton from D100 Radio. - 0:37

“Are there any particular moments that stand out or things that surprised you from doing this podcast?” - 0:48

“How does your college list look different than the one you started with? What drove those changes/updates?” - 5:20

“What have you learned about yourself in the process?” - 9:12

“Is there anything you wish you had done differently so far? Do you plan to implement changes with any remaining applications?” - 11:56

“Who did you include in your village to review essays and talk through your college list? Was it helpful to enlist the support of adults in this process?” - 14:34

“What was the most intimidating factor about the whole process for you?” - 17:03

“What advice can you pass on to the Class of 2022 regarding the college search and application process?” - 22:50

Up Next on Talk College to Me and information about Listeners’ Choice. - 25:00

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Determining fit is one of the most critical components of the college search process. Seeing yourself on campus and bonding with other students is a must, and should be one of the top priorities when you are researching and visiting institutions (virtually). Rice University's Brandon Mack and Spelman College's Ingrid Hayes explain what you should look for.

Listeners' Choice: Cast your vote here.

Welcoming and introduction from co-hosts Lynn Stewart and Vicki Thompson. - 0:29

Introduction of Ingrid Hayes from Spelman College. - 0:47

Introduction of Brandon Mack from Rice University. - 4:10

“Is it important for students to answer the question - ‘Why do I want to go to college?’ before focusing on the question ‘Where do I want to go to college?’” - 8:07

Introduction of Nikolai from D100 Radio. - 12:13

“I hear Admission Representatives use the term, ‘fit.’ What is college

fit? Is fit more important than college rankings?” - 12:19

Introduction of Dylan from D100 Radio. - 24:37

“Can you explain the distinguishing characteristics of a liberal arts college, a comprehensive university, and an Honors College within a larger university.” - 24:43

“What are the most important factors or “drivers” for students to consider as they begin to explore colleges - especially if (1) they don't have a major picked out, or (2) they want to major in several different areas?” - 30:40

"Is it true that a student can find a fit and be happy in a lot of different colleges?" - 38:20

Up Next on Talk College to Me and information about Listeners’ Choice. - 43:10

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Social media is a part of most college applicants' lives. It even affects their admission into institutions around the country. Listen to University of Denver's Derek DuBose discuss the role of social media within the context of college admissions.

Welcoming and introduction from co-hosts Lynn Stewart and Vicki Thompson. - 0:29

Introduction of Derek DeBose from University of Denver. - 0:37

“Do Colleges have a specific review process when it comes to social media?” - 1:35

“If my social media accounts are private, do I have to worry about what I post/tweet?” - 4:45

Introduction of Nikolai from D100 Radio.- 07:10

“Are there any red flags when looking at an applicant's social media account? - 07:19

“And would following controversial sites/accounts hurt a student’s chances of admission?” - 08:10

Introduction of Dylan from D100 Radio. - 11:07

“Does the admission office bear any weight on “anonymous reports” about an applicant’s behavior on social media?” - 11:11

“How can students use social media to enhance/support their application?” - 14:13

“Advice for students who join the colleges Facebook/chat room before/during/after the admission process?” - 18:00

Up Next on Talk College to Me. - 23:10

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Every year, millions of high school students call the Common Application home during the fall. This admissions cycle is different, however, and the Common App is changing some of aspects of the application due to COVID-19. Senior Director and Board Secretary of the Common App, Scott Anderson, weighs in on the changes.

Welcoming and introduction from co-hosts Lynn Stewart and Vicki Thompson. - 0:29

Introduction of Scott Anderson from The Common Application. - 0:37

“Will you talk about how the Common Application has evolved over the years and why it is trusted by so many as the “go-to” application for students?” - 1:33

“A lot of students don’t have access to college counselors - how can the Common Application be a resource for them as they apply to college?” - 5:00

Introduction of Nikolai from D100 Radio. - 10:00

“A lot of the colleges I’m applying to accept the Common Application and also give me the option to use their own or another application as well. Do colleges prefer one application over the other?” - 10:04

Introduction of Dylan from D100 Radio. - 11:34

“What resources does the Common Application provide for students who might be struggling with paying application fees?” - 11:37

“The Common Application just removed the discipline question. Will you talk about that decision and how that will be helpful to students? Will colleges ask that discipline question in another way?” - 13:42

“The Common Application has added a place for students to talk about their experience during the pandemic. Why only 250 words? And how might that change as we approach the 2nd year of living with COVID-19?” - 20:10

“If you enter your test scores through the “testing” tab in the Common Application and you are applying test-optional to an institution, are they able to see your scores? Do you have a prediction about how many students will choose test-optional this year?” - 26:38

“Once you’ve his the submit button for an application to a school through the Common Application, what happens next?” - 30:21

Up Next on Talk College to Me. - 35:25

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This episode explains each step in the application process that every senior should be completing, featuring Yale University's Debra Johns and Rhodes College's Carey Thompson. Topics include, but are not limited to, the importance of senior academic rigor, the difference between application methods, and waitlist activity.

Welcoming and introduction from co-hosts Lynn Stewart and Vicki Thompson. - 0:29

Brief introduction of both guests. - 0:52

Introduction of Debra Johns from Yale University. - 1:10

Introduction of Carey Thompson from Rhodes College. - 2:41

“How can I best maximize my online time on a college or university website if this is the only way I can visit?” - 5:07

“If I can’t meet with a college representative in person, how do I let you know I’m interested?” - 9:23

“Should a student feel disadvantaged if they didn’t have a chance to personally meet/talk the admissions representative?” - 12:25

“Now that many colleges are putting less weight on standardized test scores, what will you place more emphasis on as you review my application for admission?” - 15:35

“Can you explain the difference between test-optional and test-blind?” - 19:40

“Is the essay more important? What do you hope to learn from my writing?” - 21:32

“How important are my grades senior year?” - 24:50

“Will my chances of being accepted be impacted by the students who took a gap year in 2020?” - 27:15

“Will financial aid offices be looking at things differently due to COVID as they consider a student’s financial aid package?” - 30:30

“What do early action, early decision and restricted early action mean?” - 38:00

“Is there an advantage to using those deadlines?” - 44:24

“Once I’ve applied, how will you communicate with me?” - 46:52

“Will you talk about the best time to make a final college decision once all of those answers are in hand?” - 50:25

“Should a student let a college know if they decide a school is not a good fit? How would you like to hear from them?” - 53:40

“Will you please talk about the waitlist?” - 56:52

“What should a student do if they are placed on a waitlist that might be their first choice? Should they place a deposit at another school?” - 1:04:00

“Are there anymore ‘To-Do’s’ you would like to add to our list? Final comments?” - 1:06:20

Up next on Talk College to Me. - 1:10:39

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Many just think about applying and getting accepted into their dream schools. There's more to it! Students need to know if they will be covered in terms of financial assistance. Join the University of Central Florida's Alicia Keaton, Fordham University's Dr. Patricia Peek, and Butler University's Lori Greene on the ins and outs of this process.

Welcoming and introduction from co-hosts Lynn Stewart and Vicki Thompson. - 0:29

Episode introduction for Student Financial Wellness. “I recently read an article in the CE by Alexander Kafka where he states: “The numbers make clear that finances are a major stressor for students and often an obstacle to their health, happiness, and college completion and success.” - 0:46

Introduction of Alicia Keaton from University of Central Florida. - 1:37

Introduction of Patricia Peek from Fordham University. - 3:56

Introduction of Lori Greene from Butler University. - 5:28

“Who should take the lead on managing the financial aid process – the parent or the student?”  - 8:44

“How is it different for a student who is dependent on parental support and for one who has little or no support from family?” - 10:57

“What forms are required to apply for financial aid?  What is the timeline for submitting those forms?” - 15:50

“What is Prior-Prior Year (PPY)?” - 20:40

“If I am 1st generation and attending high school virtually, where can I go for information on how to apply for scholarships?” - 21:36

“If my parents are divorced, who is responsible to help finance my education?” - 25:45

“If my parents are undocumented, but I am a legal resident - can I apply for financial aid?” - 28:42

Nikolai from D100 Radio introduces himself. - 33:21

“Has COVID-19 changed the way colleges calculate Cost of Attendance (COA)? And might this impact a student’s eligibility for financial aid?” - 33:27

“What qualifies as “special circumstances” when it comes to COVID-19?” - 35:56

“What is SwiftStudent?” - 38:18

Dylan from D100 Radio introduces himself. - 40:33

“What does it mean for a college to be need-blind and need-aware?” - 40:36

“If a student describes an unfortunate circumstance (parent loss or family losing a business) on the Common Application COVID-19 section, will financial aid see it?” - 45:04

Biggest mistake students can make. - 51:13

Up next on Talk College to Me. - 54:26

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Writing your college essay is one of the most difficult stages in the application process. With Vanderbilt University's John Gaines, this episode explains how to show your true self in 650 words.

Welcoming and introduction from co-hosts Lynn Stewart and Vicki Thompson. - 0:29

Introduction of John Gaines from Vanderbilt University. - 0:34

“As a veteran admission professional, talk a little about “positive advocacy,” and what that means for the Class of 2021 as they focus on trying to say something meaningful about their lives to a collection of strangers?” - 2:00 

Dylan from D100 Radio introduces himself. - 9:12

“With so many colleges and universities changing their policies to test-optional: Does holistic review place more emphasis on the essay?” - 9:16

“How important is it to submit an “optional” essay or resume?” - 10:51

“Can a student who’s never known poverty or significant hardship write a compelling essay?” - 12:35

Helpful tip from Lynn Stewart. - 17:34

“Varsity Blues blew the lid off of families paying for help to gain access to highly selective schools. How much help or input on an essay is too much? And how does a college admissions officer ‘sniff’ that out?” - 18:38

“Over the years admission offices have developed various methods to manage file review. Some offices pair up to review files, while others may have a single reader per territory. How easy is it to spot an essay that lacks authenticity?” - 23:34

“For students who want to know if their essay is headed in the right direction: Who should students trust to give them an honest opinion?” - 26:03

“Why do colleges ask supplemental questions? And realistically what can you learn about a person in 150 - 200 words?” - 26:46

“What should an applicant write about/include in the new COVID-19 section on the Common Application?” - 28:57

Explanation on one of the most important questions students fail to ask in the admissions process. - 30:39

“John, you experienced the college process firsthand with your own children. How much feedback did they seek from you?” - 33:55

“Is there anything you would like to share with our listeners that hasn’t been discussed?” - 37:39

Up next on Talk College to Me. - 38:26

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With test centers closed and many students not able to complete standardized testing, most institutions have either reverted to test-optional or test-blind application processes. But can you trust this move? College admissions veteran Jon Boeckenstedt of Oregon State University and Jeff Gallant of Boston College weigh in. See below for a detailed description of this episode's content, down to the minute.

Welcoming and introduction from co-hosts Lynn Stewart and Vicki Thompson. - 0:29

Introduction of Jon Boeckenstedt. - 0:34

“John, please share your experience in college admissions, what’s included you in the profession for so many years? - 1:00

Introduction of Jeff Gallant. - 2:36

“Jeff, please share your experience in college admissions including what’s kept you in the profession for so many years?” - 3:09

“The pandemic has made it even more difficult for low-income, first generation, and minority students to have access to test prep and opportunities to test. What concerns you for those students and what advice do you have for them as they go through the application process?” - 6:35

“When a school considers themselves test-optional can a student believe that’s sincere?” - 9:50

"As a veteran admission professional, what would you say to the Class of 2021 asking the question: To Test or Not to Test?" - 10:56

Dylan from D100 Radio introduces himself. - 15:10

“Mr. Boeckenstedt, should an applicant only submit an SAT/ACT score if they are in the middle-50% range of admitted students?” - 15:17

Nikolai from D100 Radio introduces himself. - 17:15

“If an applicant wasn't able to take a standardized test because of a test center cancellation (or a different COVID-19 related reason) should the student mention it in the Common App COVID-19 Section?” - 17:22

“You’re bringing a unique perspective to this topic, having gone through two conversions to test-optional at Oregon State and DePaul, please share some of the challenges from the college’s perspective.” - 18:44

“Are there certain things that come to mind that you would want test-optional colleges to start looking for from an applicant?” - 21:22

“Will you walk us through the decision to become test-optional and share with students what you will place a greater emphasis on as you consider them for admission?” - 23:04

“Do international students still need to take a TOEFL?” - 29:19

“Will a student be considered for merit scholarships if they don't submit a test score? What about requirements for honors colleges or athletics?” - 31:34

Helpful tips and follow-up from Lynn Stewart. - 34:33

Interesting story from Jon Boeckenstedt. - 35:13

Interesting tips from Jeff Gallant. - 36:30

“Is there anything else you would like to share with our listeners that hasn’t been discussed?” - 38:28

Up next on Talk College to Me. - 40:20

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This episode introduces you to Talk College to Me, its focus, and more. See below for a detailed description of this episode's content, down to the minute.

Welcoming and introduction from co-hosts Lynn Stewart and Vicki Thompson. - 0:29

Brief introduction about the format of Talk College to Me. - 0:40

Dylan from D100 Radio introduces himself. - 1:30

Nikolai from D100 Radio introduces himself. - 1:40

"Why start a college admission podcast right now? Is there really a need?"-  1:49

"Well let’s start with you Lynn, why did you become a college counselor?" - 4:07

"Lynn, how would you describe yourself in three words?" - 5:01

"Vicki, why did you become a college counselor?" - 5:13

"Vicki, what do you think your three words are?" - 6:42

"What do you guys really know about college counseling?" - 8:18

"What did it feel like being a mom in the college admissions process?" - 10:23

"What would be the most rewarding experience of being a college admissions counselor?" - 12:07

"What do you guys do in your free time?" - 13:12

"What’s your favorite dish to cook up for the whole family?" - 15:06

"Your personal gumbo analogy." - 15:16

"Dylan and Nikolai, can one of you explain D100 Radio to us?" - 16:48

Upcoming topics on Talk College to Me. - 17:15

"Is every episode like an interview with an expert in the field of college admissions?" - 17:48

"How useful is this podcast if I already have a college counselor at my high school?" - 18:09

"Is there one thing listeners can do before our next episode?" - 20:00

"Do you guys have any books you’d like to recommend for students or parents who are preparing for the college application process?" - 21:00

Details on The Truth About Admission: A Family Guide to Getting In and Staying Together by Brennan Barnard and Rick Clark. - 21:13

Details on Where You Go Is Not Who You'll Be: An Antidote to the College Admissions Mania by Frank Bruni. - 21:26

Details on Colleges that Change Lives by Lauren Pope. - 21:37

For more information of content discussed in this episode. - 22:39

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