Inside College Admissions - podcast cover

Inside College Admissions

Scoir, Inc.scoir.com

We believe students are more than their test scores and colleges are more than their rankings. Higher education and career readiness is the gateway to expanded opportunities for advancement, yet far too many high school students fail to realize those opportunities. We set out to fix a flawed college and career readiness process.

You'll hear from a variety of Scoir team members who will host conversations with industry experts and thought leaders. Join us as we share advice from students, supporters, counselors, colleges, and more!

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Episodes

How to Have a Productive (and Fun!) Summer

Summer is for relaxing and recharging, but it’s also a great opportunity to set yourself up for success! In this episode, former college counselor and former dean of admission share their pro-tips for college-bound high schoolers on how to make the most of summer break. From working and volunteering, to exploring and getting creative, we've got you covered! Follow us on Instagram! Learn more about Scoir...

Jun 30, 202516 min

Campus Visits: What to Look for on Your Tour

Thinking about visiting colleges this summer? In this podcast episode, we’re breaking down the importance of campus visits, what to look for on the tour, and more! Follow us on Instagram! Learn more about Scoir

May 21, 202521 min

[For Counselors & Teachers] Tips for Writing Letters of Recommendation

We shared an episode for students about requesting letters of recommendation, now we're sharing our pro tips for counselors and teachers as they write letters of recommendation on behalf of their students! In this episode, you'll hear from Julie Kampschroeder, a former college counselor with 31+ years of experience, and Peter Van Buskirk, a former dean of admission, as they share advice from both sides of the desk. We hope you enjoy this episode and feel free to check out our episode for student...

May 08, 202526 min

[For Students] How to Ask for a Letter of Recommendation

Wondering how to ask for a letter of recommendation — and actually get a strong one? In this episode, we break down everything students need to know about recommendation letters: when to ask, how to ask, and what to share with your teacher or counselor to help them write a compelling letter. 🎙️ Our guests, Julie Kampschroeder (former college counselor with over 31 years of experience) and Peter Van Buskirk (former Dean of Admission), share insider tips and practical advice to help your letter s...

Apr 23, 202530 min

Course Selection: Strategies for Choosing your High School Courses

In this episode, Peter Van Buskirk, Strategic Advisor for Scoir and former Dean of Admission, shares pro tips for selecting your high school courses. We dive into what colleges are looking for and how to plan your classes strategically throughout your years in high school. Follow us on Instagram! Learn more about Scoir

Mar 31, 202514 min

Why Counselors Give Us Hugs at NACAC [Event Replay]

In this webinar-turned-podcast, hear the experts talk about how Scoir's foundational work with high school counselors benefits the work of colleges, too. Liz McGonigle, Managed Subscriptions Engagement Strategist at Scoir, Chris White from High Tech High, and Sebastian Brown from the University of Oregon share how Visits, Matches, and Parent/Guardian Messages in Scoir seamlessly bridge the gap and solve shared challenges between high school and college, empowering students, college staff, and hi...

Nov 15, 20241 hr 8 min

Pro Tips for Effective Writing and Communication

In this episode, Chief Growth Officer at Scoir, Ashley Smith, and former Dean of Admission, Peter Van Buskirk chat all things effective communication! Whether you're a college-bound student writing your college essay or heading into the workforce and want to sharpen your skills, we're sharing our tips for breaking out of the 5 paragraph essay and sharing your true sense of self! We cover: when to start the writing process how to move past writer's block AI's place in writing how to get into the ...

Oct 25, 202440 min

What Students Really Want to Hear from Colleges

Join Ciara and Erika, Senior Engagement Strategists at Scoir and college admissions marketing professionals, plus Abby deSilva, Inbound Marketing Strategist at Scoir and member of Gen Z, as they share strategies to authentically connect with Gen Z and thrive through today’s admissions challenges. They evaluate what students think about college admissions today and how this can inform how you market to students this year. This podcast covers: What students are saying about college admissions (wha...

Sep 04, 20241 hr

A Temperature Check on Admissions: Summer 2024

Our Chief Growth Officer, Ashley Smith, is joined by Peter Van Buskirk as he shares a recap of key takeaways and hot topics from this year's No Name Conference sessions. Take a listen as we discuss the FAFSA delays, how students can cope with the "achievement culture", and more. Follow us on Instagram! Learn more about Scoir

Jul 17, 202438 min

Navigating College Choices: Counselor Tips for Student and Parent/Guardian Harmony

In this episode, host Kaila Brown, former high school counselor, and guest Aaron Fulk, Director of College Counseling at the University School of Nashville, offer insightful strategies for counselors in supporting students and families through the college decision-making process. They emphasize the importance of asking the right questions to encourage exploration, navigate financial considerations, and foster open communication between students and their parents/guardians. You'll hear practical ...

May 09, 202444 min

Navigating Higher Education Budgeting Amid the Changing Admissions Landscape

By 2027, the number of names nationally available for search will drop by 38%, according to Forbes . A shifting public perception of college and post-high school plans along with a drop in the young adult population has shrunk the pool of college applicants. With these enrollment and search cliffs, colleges are faced with the challenge (and opportunity) of diversifying their lead generation strategies and tapping into true content personalization. Perhaps an even greater challenge is setting asi...

Feb 28, 202437 min

5 Essential To-Dos Before Junior Year

Back by popular demand, Tom from College Essay Guy Team joins us for this fun episode! We'll share 5 of the most essential tasks we recommend you complete BEFORE your junior year. So if you're a freshman, sophomore, or even a junior, listen for tips you won't want to miss! College Essay Guy Resources: College Essay Guy Website Explore 1-on-1 Services Begin Personal Statement Course Learn How to Apply to College Follow us on Instagram! Learn more about Scoir...

Jan 17, 202438 min

5 Essential To-Dos Before Senior Year

What do Olivia Rodrigo and college application culture have in common? 🤔 In this episode, Tom from the College Essay Guy Team joins Elena to talk about this and much more! If you're an underclassman (freshman, sophomore, or junior) or even a senior, listen for the 5 essential things to complete BEFORE senior year. College Essay Guy Resources: College Essay Guy Website Explore 1-on-1 Services Begin Personal Statement Course Learn How to Apply to College Follow us on Instagram! Learn more about S...

Jan 10, 202444 min

Getting to Know Colleges from Campus or the Couch

In this episode we're joined by Scoir team member with a background in admissions, Liz McGonigle! We dive into how college fairs and events typically work, how to engage with college reps, and fun ways to explore schools right from your couch! Follow us on Instagram! Learn more about Scoir

Dec 12, 202347 min

5 Things to Do During the Second Half of Senior Year

By winter break, you may have checked off a lot of your senior year To-Do list: applying to college, studying for exams, and of course, making memories! Wondering what to do with the rest of your senior year? In this episode, Elena from Scoir and Tom from College Essay Guy Team share their top 5 essential checklist items for you! College Essay Guy Resources: Explore 1-on-1 Services Begin Personal Statement Course Learn How to Apply to College Essay Tracker Sample How to Combine Your College Essa...

Dec 06, 202346 min

The Ins and Outs of Applying with Scoir

Curious about what applying with Scoir is like? Want to hear what's new this year? This episode is for you! We'll dive into the ways applying with Scoir streamlines your college applications and the exciting updates we made to the experience this year! Follow us on Instagram! Learn more about Scoir

Aug 23, 202336 min

From Counselor to Counselor: How to Prep for the School Year

Hello August! A new school year is quickly approaching and we're excited to share some advice for our counselor community. In this episode, we're joined by previous college counselor with experience working in both private and public schools, Kelly Weber. During our conversation, we share ways counselors can prepare for back-to-school season, tips for each class year, how to manage large caseloads, and even advice for newer counselors as they begin their career! Follow us on Instagram! Learn mor...

Aug 09, 202332 min

Thrifty College Tips: How To Dorm Shop on a Budget

Load up your shopping cart because, with these tips, you can get more of what you need for your dorm on a budget! In this episode, Elena and her sister Andrea talk about what they love most: finding things you need for less. We'll give you suggestions for where to shop, what student discount apps to download, and dorm tips we learned FROM college that can help you now! Follow us on Instagram! Learn more about Scoir...

Aug 02, 202330 min

The Digital SAT and Everything You Need to Know about Testing This Year

In this episode, we sit down with Celena from Test Innovators, our test prep partner! We cover the testing landscape, the main differences between the digital and paper SATs, how to prep, what colleges require, how to determine which test you should take (SAT v ACT), managing test day anxiety, and the role parents/guardians play in the testing process. Check out these resources from Test Innovators: SAT Prep for Students ACT Prep for Students Test Prep for Your High School The Student's Guide to...

Jul 26, 202328 min

A Temperature Check on Admissions: Summer 2023

In this episode we're joined by former Dean of Admission, Peter Van Buskirk, who shares key takeaways from this year's No Name Conferences. We dive into the digital SAT, upcoming changes to the FAFSA, the impact of ChatGPT, learning environments, and more! Follow us on Instagram! Learn more about Scoir

Jul 12, 202353 min

The Youth Mental Health Crisis: How We Can Help Our Students

In this episode we're joined by SEL experts, Dr. Dana Godek and Kelly Dolan Sapp for a conversation about the youth mental health crisis. We dive into what this means, how parents/guardians can approach checking in with their students, and practices we can take advantage of to support our students. Find Dr. Dana Godek & Kelly Dolan Sapp at edu-solve.com (@weareedusolve). Helpful Resources: Surgeon General Teen Social Media Advisory EduSolve Article on Adult SEL Follow us on Instagram! Learn ...

May 24, 202348 min

What To Ask On A College Visit

GRWM for a college visit 🤪 jk it's your college visit BUT I will be sharing questions that I definitely wish I had asked on my college visits! Whether you're listening in the car or are prepping in advance, this episode will give you things to look out for and questions to ask on your tour! Follow us on Instagram! Learn more about Scoir

May 10, 202319 min

5 Keys to Keep Your Student Debt to a Minimum

Before you make your final choice for college, listen to this episode! We are debunking the myth that students have to accrue a mountain of debt to go to college. 🙅‍♀️💰 Together with college expert and former Dean of Admissions, Peter Van Buskirk, we'll share tips and exactly what you and your family can do NOW in order to avoid burdensome college loan debt! Follow us on Instagram! Learn more about Scoir...

Apr 19, 202326 min

The Final Choice of a College: Tips for Getting It Right

College Decision Day is right around the corner! Still making your final choice? We've got tips for you! ⭐ We'll talk with college expert and former Dean of Admissions, Peter Van Buskirk, about what to do if you've been admitted OR are on the waitlist for schools, important things to consider (like fit and the financial aspect), and what you can do NOW before making your final decision! Follow us on Instagram! Learn more about Scoir...

Apr 19, 202341 min

Family Bootcamp: Financial Aid 101

Get your pen and paper out because in this episode, we're pulling back the curtain on all things financial aid! 💰 In this fifth and final episode of our family mini-series, Elena and Peter Van Buskirk will share Financial Aid terms, helpful strategies, and even the exact questions you need to ask in this financial aid process. IMPORTANT NOTE : Since recording this episode, the Department of Education has announced changes that will be made to financial aid and the calculations used for the FAFS...

Apr 12, 202341 min

Family Bootcamp: Tips for Building a Productive College List

Is your junior beginning to build a college list? This episode is a great place to get started! 🌟 In this fourth episode of our family mini-series, Elena and Peter Van Buskirk will discuss how you can advise your student, with lots of tips including what kinds of colleges and how many students should have on their lists! Follow us on Instagram! Learn more about Scoir

Apr 05, 202334 min

Family Bootcamp: Strategies for Managing the SAT/ACT Experience

To test or not to test? That is the question! 📝 In this third episode of our family mini-series, we explore how you can advise your student in the standardized testing experience! We'll go over the difference between the SAT and ACT, what super scoring and self-reporting mean, and tips for test preparation. Follow us on Instagram! Learn more about Scoir

Mar 29, 202328 min

Family Bootcamp: Why Course Selections Matter in the College Admissions Process

Should my student take another year of language classes? What about AP and Honors classes? 🤔 We'll answer these questions and more in this second episode of our family mini-series! Elena and Peter Van Buskirk will explore how your student's selection of high school classes can benefit them in college, and how they can help their academic record to stand out! Follow us on Instagram! Learn more about Scoir...

Mar 22, 202325 min

Family Bootcamp: Keys to Getting Started with College Planning

Want to guide your student in their college application journey but aren't sure where to start? With this episode (the first in our Family Bootcamp mini-series), you'll learn about the best way to engage your student, important things to look for on college campuses, and mistakes to avoid as both students and parents/guardians! Follow us on Instagram! Learn more about Scoir

Mar 15, 202344 min

How to Make the Most of Your Winter Break

Winter break may be short but there are a LOT of fun things to do! ❄️ In this episode, Elena and her sister, Andrea, talk about how your favorite songs can help with scholarship apps and how the childhood magic of sledding can make your winter break :,) Follow us on Instagram! Learn more about Scoir

Dec 14, 202227 min
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