Need help from the best UK university admissions consultants? Set up a complimentary strategy call: CLICK HERE . With U.S. immigration and education policies changing, many students and families are looking to the UK for their college journey. But UK admissions are quite different from the U.S.—from the application process to student life. In this episode, Harry Sherratt, Senior Managing Director, Asia-Pacific & Director of UK Services at InGenius Prep, breaks down: Key differences between U...
Jun 30, 2025•38 min•Ep. 118
To set up a complimentary strategy call, CLICK HERE . What makes a college essay stand out at top schools like Harvard, Stanford, or Yale? In this episode, we sit down with Dave Marcus, Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist, bestselling author of Acceptance, and former high school teacher, to unpack the art of storytelling in college applications. Dave shares tips he’s used to help CEOs, students, and professionals tell their stories with clarity and heart. Perfect for students, parents, and counsel...
Jun 16, 2025•19 min•Ep. 117
To set up a complimentary strategy call, CLICK HERE . From prescreen recordings and performance auditions to professor connections and portfolio prep, the music admissions process is uniquely challenging. In this episode, we sit down with the experts from Inside Music Schools to unpack everything you need to know about getting into top conservatories and university music programs. Whether you're aiming for Juilliard, Berklee, or a strong music program within a larger university, this conversatio...
Jun 02, 2025•47 min•Ep. 116
To set up a complimentary strategy call, CLICK HERE . We dive into the Trump Administration’s attempt to revoke Harvard’s Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) certification and explore what this means for international students around the world. Additionally, we will break down the legal and political background behind this controversial move and provide honest, empathetic insights for students and families caught in the middle. Whether you’re just starting your college journey, in the mi...
May 27, 2025•18 min•Ep. 115
To set up a complimentary strategy call, CLICK HERE . Today’s students are juggling intense academics, nonstop social media, and AI tools reshaping how they learn. In this episode, we dive into: The pressure to excel academically, socially, and online How social media and constant notifications are affecting focus and mental health Why skills like time management and emotional regulation are essential for coping with stress The rise of AI in education: Is it helping or making things worse? Plus,...
May 12, 2025•33 min•Ep. 114
Are academic competitions worth the time and effort? We’re covering everything from the top competitions that impress admissions officers, to how to find a healthy balance between specializing and exploring different interests. We’ll also touch on the not-so-talked-about side of competitions—what happens when your student doesn’t win and how they can still come away with tons of value from the experience. Whether your student is gearing up for their first competition or already a seasoned partic...
Apr 28, 2025•28 min•Ep. 113
Juniors, ready to ace your college applications? Get exclusive insights from Former Admissions Officers at UC Berkeley and the University of Chicago in this must-listen episode! We’re diving into expert strategies to help you stand out, avoid common mistakes, and balance academics with extracurriculars—plus, we’re answering real questions from students like you. Whether you're just starting or deep in the process, this episode is packed with insider admissions tips to give you the edge. Hit play...
Apr 25, 2025•48 min•Ep. 111
When it comes to choosing a college, rankings can feel like the end-all-be-all. We get it—seeing a school in the “Top 10” list is reassuring. But are those numbers telling the full story? In this episode, we’re pulling back the curtain on college rankings. With insights from Former Assistant Director of Admissions at NYU, we dive into: Why rankings can sometimes mislead students and families The factors behind the numbers—and which ones really matter What students should prioritize instead: acad...
Apr 14, 2025•29 min•Ep. 112
With college admissions becoming increasingly competitive, many students feel pressured to "do it all" when it comes to extracurriculars. But is that really what colleges are looking for? In our latest podcast episode, we uncover the reality behind how admissions officers evaluate student activities. You'll learn: How admissions officers evaluate what students actually contribute to their activities—not just participation The value of demonstrating academic interest beyond the classroom through ...
Mar 10, 2025•37 min•Ep. 110
With the recent changes in standardized testing, many families are asking: SAT or ACT—what’s the best fit for your student? In this episode, Jake Adams, Director of InGenius Test Prep, breaks down everything you need to know to make an informed decision. He discusses how to choose the right test based on your student’s strengths, the latest updates on the Digital ACT launching in April 2025, and offers strategies for students who may struggle with standardized testing. Jake also shares practical...
Feb 24, 2025•23 min•Ep. 109
Getting ready for college interviews? As competition increases, a strong interview can set you apart in the admissions process. In this episode, we speak with a Former Carnegie Mellon Admissions Director to provide expert insights on how students can confidently navigate their interviews and improve their chances of acceptance. Key takeaways for parents & students: The most common (and unexpected) interview questions What admissions officers really look for in a candidate Biggest mistakes to...
Feb 11, 2025•26 min•Ep. 108
In this episode, former admissions officers from Johns Hopkins, Yale, and Harvard Law share their honest feedback on real Common Apps from students who applied to Yale, Dartmouth, and Johns Hopkins. Discover what makes an application stand out—and what’s missing! Gain insights into the strengths and weaknesses they’ve observed, plus how domestic and international applications differ in the admissions process.You’ll get firsthand insider feedback on the strengths and weaknesses they've seen in th...
Jan 27, 2025•1 hr 2 min•Ep. 107
🎙️ Episode Overview In this week's episode, we’re excited to have two Former Admissions Officers from Johns Hopkins and Yale join us for an exclusive, behind-the-scenes look at a real student’s Common App profile. They break down the activities list and personal essay, sharing what works, what doesn’t, and how the two pieces come together to tell a compelling story. Want to know how to make your student's application shine? Tune in to see what admissions officers really look for—and what can ma...
Jan 13, 2025•57 min•Ep. 106
🎙️ Episode Overview We’re thrilled to bring you a brand-new episode of our podcast, packed with expert advice on the college admissions process that you won’t want to miss—especially if you have a high schooler in the middle of applying! This week, we sit down with three former admissions officers from Harvard, the University of Chicago, and the University of Pennsylvania to answer some of the most pressing, real-world college admissions questions straight from Reddit. These are the types of pe...
Dec 30, 2024•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 105
Are you ready to uncover the unique benefits of liberal arts colleges and help your student find their perfect fit? In this episode, Krista, a seasoned admissions expert, will guide you and your student through aligning school choices with both academic and personal goals, ensuring your student is set up for success. Here's what you'll learn: How to research liberal arts colleges to find your best-fit options The importance of aligning your academic and personal goals with your school choices Sh...
Dec 16, 2024•35 min•Ep. 104
Are you ready to break free from the traditional path and take your future into your own hands? Today, we’re talking gap years and how they can completely reshape your college application (and your life). The Admissions Advantage–Former Dartmouth admissions officer shares how a gap year can: Demonstrate leadership, maturity, and initiative to college admissions teams Help students stand out in a competitive applicant pool What Makes a Gap Year Transformative–Jaein Seo, Director of Global Higher ...
Dec 02, 2024•40 min•Ep. 103
Is your student interested in college athletic recruitment? Don’t miss our latest podcast episode, where we dive deep into the college sailing recruitment process! In partnership with US Sailing , we bring you expert insights from experienced professionals, including how to connect with coaches, meet recruitment deadlines, secure athletic scholarships, and prepare for tryouts and team dynamics. Tune in now for expert advice that will help your student navigate the college sailing recruitment pro...
Nov 18, 2024•43 min•Ep. 102
Ready to tackle college application season? Our latest podcast episode is here to help you navigate this critical time! Join us as we bring together a panel of former admissions officers from the University of Pennsylvania, Brown, and Harvard to address the most common questions surrounding college applications, personal essays, the Common App, letters of recommendation, resumes, activity lists, and much more. To set up a complimentary strategy call, CLICK HERE . Register for our upcoming webina...
Nov 04, 2024•40 min•Ep. 101
Curious about what it takes to get into grad school as an engineering major? Tune in to our latest episode featuring special guest Will Fenton! Whether you're aiming for a cutting-edge career in tech or looking to make an impact through research, this episode is packed with insider tips to help you succeed. We cover the key academic skills needed to stand out, plus the extracurriculars and leadership experiences that can make your grad school application shine. Don't miss this chance to hear exp...
Oct 21, 2024•37 min•Ep. 100
What does it take to effectively parent high-achieving students and guide them toward Ivy League admissions? In this insightful episode, Heather McCutchen—Former Admissions Officer—shares her unique journey of homeschooling her three children during their junior high years, all of whom successfully gained admission to Ivy League schools. Discover practical parenting advice as Heather explains how she nurtured each child's individual strengths, built resilience, and encouraged them to think creat...
Oct 07, 2024•30 min•Ep. 99
Wondering how to support your child in developing the skills they need to succeed in school and beyond? In this episode, we’re exploring the world of executive functioning—the critical skills that enable your child to manage time, stay organized, and succeed academically and personally. We’ll break down what executive functioning is, why it’s so essential for your child’s development, and how to recognize when they might need additional support. We’ll also be sharing expert-approved strategies y...
Sep 23, 2024•32 min•Ep. 98
Wondering how speech, debate, and mock trial competitions can impact your child’s future success? In this episode, we dive into the dynamic world of speech, debate, and mock trial competitions, offering students, parents, and educators essential insights. Learn how participation in these activities can boost academic performance, enhance critical thinking skills, and pave the way for college admissions success. Our guest shares winning strategies, discusses the role of mentorship, and offers gui...
Sep 09, 2024•22 min•Ep. 97
In this episode, we’re joined by two special guests: Matt Rosenbaum, a former UChicago Admissions Officer, and Maya Gobert, Director of the Leadership and Innovation Lab (LIL). Matt shares expert insights on nurturing curiosity in young students, how parents can support their educational journey, and common mistakes parents make during their child’s formative years. Maya explains how the Leadership & Entrepreneurship Exploration (LEE) program builds essential skills like confidence, communic...
Aug 26, 2024•39 min•Ep. 96
Interested in what a Harvard Admissions Officer looks for in applicants? In today’s episode, we dive deep into the intricacies of the Harvard College admissions process with Bruno, a Former Admissions Officer at Harvard College. Bruno shares insider details on what Harvard truly values in both first-year and transfer applicants, providing a behind-the-scenes look at the selection process. We also explore the significant changes in admissions criteria following the recent lawsuit and discuss acti...
Aug 12, 2024•33 min•Ep. 95
Curious how our students enjoy a 99% acceptance rate? On today’s episode, Joel Butterly, Co-Founder and CEO of InGenius Prep dives into the unique strategies and programs that set InGenius Prep apart. We also explore real-life examples and listener questions, offering continued insight into how students can craft standout college applications and achieve their college dreams. To set up a complimentary strategy call, CLICK HERE . Join our private Facebook Group to ask our Former Admissions Office...
Jul 29, 2024•35 min•Ep. 94
Are you an aspiring computer science major looking to stand out? On today’s episode, Brian Skinner, founder of Breakout Mentors, walks us through how to best prepare for USACO, one of the most prestigious coding competitions, and how to leverage strong coding skills to craft unique signature projects for college applications. Whether you're a novice coder or a seasoned competitor, this episode will help you gain that competitive edge in the world of coding competitions and college applications. ...
Apr 22, 2024•27 min•Ep. 93
Waitlisted from your dream school? Struggling with no acceptance offers? Or are you split between multiple acceptances? On today’s episode, Krista Pickett, a Former Admissions Officer from Williams, discusses first some strategies for students to effectively navigate being waitlisted. From understanding the significance of remaining active on the waitlist to crafting compelling letters of continued interest, Krista offers advice for students vying for coveted spots at their dream schools. Krista...
Apr 09, 2024•28 min•Ep. 92
Thinking about embellishing your extracurriculars? Wondering if your music teacher is the best person to ask for a letter of recommendation? Running behind in the college application process? On today’s episode, our Former Admissions Officers answer these questions and more in this special Q&A segment. To set up a complimentary strategy call, CLICK HERE . Register for our upcoming webinars. Questions, comments, or topic requests? Email noel.kim@ingeniusprep.com. To learn more about InGenius ...
Apr 02, 2024•28 min•Ep. 91
With an admit rate of 14.57%, how did we help our student, Maggie, get accepted into Columbia University, her top-choice school? On today’s episode, Kat Jennings, a Former Admissions Officer from NYU, gives us an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at how Maggie beat the odds during the Early Decision round this year. From creating a unique Application Persona to strategically enhancing her extracurriculars to fit her physics major, Kat shares valuable tips on how you can also secure that coveted a...
Mar 15, 2024•31 min•Ep. 90
Do non-STEM students need research experience in their college applications? On today’s episode, Christopher Brown, our Director of Academic Mentorship, shares insider tips on how to create impactful research projects. From discussing how to present challenges to unraveling the criteria Admissions Officers seek in research projects, this episode will be your ultimate roadmap to crafting a standout research project that sets you apart from your competition in your college application. To set up a...
Feb 24, 2024•29 min•Ep. 89
