In this episode of College Admissions Decoded, we’re focusing on one of the most important, but often overlooked, parts of the college journey: the transition from high school to higher education. Getting into college is just the beginning. Helping students find their footing, their people, and their purpose once they reach campus is key to their success. Together with our expert guests, we’ll explore how to prepare students emotionally and practically, and what students can do to build support ...
Jun 12, 2025•33 min•Season 7Ep. 6
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/
Apr 11, 2025•33 min•Season 7Ep. 5
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.
Feb 03, 2025•48 min•Season 7Ep. 4
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.
Jan 17, 2025•47 min•Season 7Ep. 3
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.
Dec 13, 2024•40 min•Season 7Ep. 2
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...
Oct 28, 2024•42 min•Season 7Ep. 1
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 J...
Apr 09, 2024•29 min•Season 6Ep. 5
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 Spelm...
Mar 06, 2024•33 min•Season 6Ep. 4
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-c...
Jan 24, 2024•34 min•Season 6Ep. 3
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 Cl...
Dec 20, 2023•29 min•Season 6Ep. 2
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 ...
Nov 30, 2023•35 min•Season 6Ep. 1
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 Univ...
Oct 05, 2023•18 min•Season 5Ep. 7
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 Ho...
May 09, 2023•20 min•Season 5Ep. 6
Bridging Gaps in Context and Personal Writing in the College Application Process As 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 fr...
Apr 11, 2023•19 min•Season 5Ep. 5
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 Financia...
Mar 21, 2023•17 min•Season 5Ep. 4
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...
Mar 07, 2023•23 min•Season 5Ep. 3
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 mult...
Feb 13, 2023•37 min•Season 5Ep. 2
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;...
Jan 19, 2023•26 min•Season 5Ep. 1
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, Managi...
Nov 14, 2022•38 min•Season 4Ep. 7
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...
Oct 13, 2022•35 min•Season 4Ep. 6
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....
Sep 12, 2022•28 min•Season 4Ep. 5
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 Albuq...
Aug 30, 2022•35 min•Season 4Ep. 4
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 Enri...
May 30, 2022•35 min•Season 4Ep. 3
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...
May 04, 2022•35 min•Season 4Ep. 2
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.
Apr 12, 2022•35 min•Season 4Ep. 1
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 undergradu...
Jan 26, 2022•38 min•Season 3Ep. 6
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 Unive...
Jan 12, 2022•27 min•Season 3Ep. 5
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,...
Dec 29, 2021•38 min•Season 3Ep. 4
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 m...
Dec 15, 2021•38 min•Season 3Ep. 3
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...
Dec 01, 2021•36 min•Season 3Ep. 2
