Inside the Admissions Office: Advice from Former Admissions Officers

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 process and set sail for success! To set up a complimentary strategy call, CLICK HERE.  Join our private Facebook Group to ask our Former Admissions Officers any questions! Register for our upcoming webinars. Questions, comments, or topic requests? Email jilian.yong@ingeniusprep.com. To learn more about InGenius Prep, visit us at ingeniusprep.com.  

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.  Join our private Facebook Group to ask our Former Admissions Officers any questions! Register for our upcoming webinars. Questions, comments, or topic requests? Email jilian.yong@ingeniusprep.com. To learn more about InGenius Prep, visit us at ingeniusprep.com.

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 expert advice on how to build a competitive profile. To set up a complimentary strategy call, CLICK HERE.  Join our private Facebook Group to ask our Former Admissions Officers any questions! Register for our upcoming webinars. Questions, comments, or topic requests? Email jilian.yong@ingeniusprep.com. To learn more about InGenius Prep, visit us at ingeniusprep.com.

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 creatively. Learn how allowing her children to pursue happiness in their school choices fostered greater involvement, risk-taking, and leadership opportunities—key elements for academic success. Tune in for actionable tips on supporting your high achievers in their educational journeys and empowering them to become independent thinkers! To set up a complimentary strategy call, CLICK HERE.  Join our private Facebook Group to ask our Former Admissions Officers any questions! Register for our upcoming webinars. Questions, comments, or topic requests? Email jilian.yong@ingeniusprep.com. To learn more about InGenius Prep, visit us at ingeniusprep.com.

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 you can implement right away to strengthen your child’s executive functioning skills. And with technology being such a big part of daily life, we’ll dive into its impact on these skills and offer tips on how to maintain a healthy balance. Joining us is special guest Dr. Anna Levy-Warren from Organizational Tutors, who will provide her professional insights and practical advice. This episode is a must-listen for parents, teachers, and anyone dedicated to helping children reach their full potential. Here are additional resources referenced in the podcast by Dr. Anna Levy-Warren: Barkley, 12 Principles for Raising a Child with ADHD Gallagher, Abikoff, and Spira, Organizational Skills Training for Children with ADHD CHADD: Overview for Parents Understood.org Dawson, P., & Guare, R., Smart but Scattered: The Revolutionary Executive Skills Approach to Helping Kids Reach Their Potential Mougios, Action Potential: The Secrets of Superlearners ADDitude, The ADHD Healthy Habits Handbook for 2023 Palladino, Parenting in the Age of Attention Snatchers: A Step-by-Step Guide to Balancing Your Child's Use of Technology These resources provide valuable insights and strategies for supporting children with ADHD and enhancing their executive functioning skills. To learn more about the amazing work from Dr. Anna Levy-Warren at Organizational Tutors, check out their website here: https://hubs.la/Q02QDQSs0  To set up a complimentary strategy call, CLICK HERE.  Join our private Facebook Group to ask our Former Admissions Officers any questions! Register for our upcoming webinars. Questions, comments, or topic requests? Email jilian.yong@ingeniusprep.com. To learn more about InGenius Prep, visit us at ingeniusprep.com.

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 guidance on handling setbacks. Whether you're aiming for national or international competitions, this episode equips you with the tools to excel and leverage your achievements for future career opportunities. To learn more about the amazing work ModernBrain is involved in, including their classes, counseling services, and scholarship opportunities, visit https://hubs.la/Q02N-CLB0.  To set up a complimentary strategy call, CLICK HERE.  Join our private Facebook Group to ask our Former Admissions Officers any questions! Register for our upcoming webinars. Questions, comments, or topic requests? Email jilian.yong@ingeniusprep.com. To learn more about InGenius Prep, visit us at ingeniusprep.com.

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, communication, and problem-solving in just eight weeks. We also discuss how the LIL LEE program introduces entrepreneurship with valuable 1-on-1 support and offers tips on balancing focused learning with open-minded exploration during the crucial middle school years.  To set up a complimentary strategy call, CLICK HERE.  Join our private Facebook Group to ask our Former Admissions Officers any questions! Register for our upcoming webinars. Questions, comments, or topic requests? Email jilian.yong@ingeniusprep.com. To learn more about InGenius Prep, visit us at ingeniusprep.com.

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 actionable strategies for prospective students to stand out in their applications. If you’re aiming to gain admission to Harvard, this episode is packed with expert advice to help you navigate the competitive world of college admissions. To set up a complimentary strategy call, CLICK HERE.  Join our private Facebook Group to ask our Former Admissions Officers any questions! Register for our upcoming webinars. Questions, comments, or topic requests? Email jilian.yong@ingeniusprep.com. To learn more about InGenius Prep, visit us at ingeniusprep.com.

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 Officers any questions! Register for our upcoming webinars. Questions, comments, or topic requests? Email noel.kim@ingeniusprep.com. To learn more about InGenius Prep, visit us at ingeniusprep.com.

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. To set up a complimentary strategy call, CLICK HERE.  Learn more about Breakout Mentors. Join our private Facebook Group to ask our Former Admissions Officers any questions! Register for our upcoming webinars. Questions, comments, or topic requests? Email noel.kim@ingeniusprep.com. To learn more about InGenius Prep, visit us at ingeniusprep.com.

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 then dives into possible options for students who find themselves in a tough spot with no viable acceptances. Lastly, Krista offers advice for students with multiple acceptance, emphasizing the significance of factors such as academic offerings, campus culture and personal fulfillment.  To set up a complimentary strategy call, CLICK HERE.  Check out our InGenius Prep Regular Decision Results! Join our private Facebook Group to ask our Former Admissions Officers any questions! Register for our upcoming webinars. Questions, comments, or topic requests? Email noel.kim@ingeniusprep.com. To learn more about InGenius Prep, visit us at ingeniusprep.com.

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 Prep, visit us at ingeniusprep.com.

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 acceptance letter. 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 Prep, visit us at ingeniusprep.com.  

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 complimentary strategy call, CLICK HERE.  Join our private Facebook Group to ask our Former Admissions Officers any questions! Register for our upcoming webinars. Questions, comments, or topic requests? Email noel.kim@ingeniusprep.com. To learn more about InGenius Prep, visit us at ingeniusprep.com.

How do you capture an Admissions Officer’s attention through your college essays? On today’s episode, Nivanthi Karunaratne, a Graduate Coach at InGenius Prep, shares her personal journey of self-discovery through music and how it has influenced her approach in helping students find their voice in their college essays. From asking the right questions to discussing the power of introspection in the essay-writing process, Nivanthi shares valuable tips on how to write stellar college application essays.  To set up a complimentary strategy call, CLICK HERE.  Join our private Facebook Group to ask our Former Admissions Officers any questions! Register for our upcoming webinars. Questions, comments, or topic requests? Email noel.kim@ingeniusprep.com. To learn more about InGenius Prep, visit us at ingeniusprep.com.  

How do you convince colleges that you are exactly what they are looking for? On today’s episode, Drew Hazen, a Former Admissions Officer from Northwestern, unveils effective strategies to stand out among a highly competitive pool of accomplished peers. From decoding the holistic review process to providing tips on how to craft a standout application, Drew covers the importance of a clear narrative, the challenge of showcasing personality in applications, and tips for tackling school-specific essay questions. Whether you're a high school student or a supportive parent, this episode will be a comprehensive guide to making a memorable impression in the college admissions journey. 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 Prep, visit us at ingeniusprep.com.  

How do students stand out in popular STEM clubs, like robotics? On today’s episode, Stacy Wells Shea, a Former Admissions Officer from the University of Rochester, reveals what key qualities set apart standout STEM-related extracurricular activities. From engaging in unique, atypical projects to learning how to make a lasting impact within clubs, Stacy shares valuable insights on how STEM students can distinguish themselves in the competitive college admissions process. Whether you are a prospective STEM student or a parent guiding your child through the admissions process, this episode will be a crucial guide on how to elevate STEM activities to gain a competitive edge. 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 Prep, visit us at ingeniusprep.com.    

Wondering when to reach out to coaches or how to stand out in the recruitment process as a fencer? On today's episode, Kevin Dupont, a Former Admissions Officer from Cornell, sheds light on the nuances of the fencing recruitment process and addresses key questions from students - such as when to reach out to coaches, and how to craft compelling interest letters and fencing resumes. Whether you're a seasoned high school fencer or just starting, this episode will set you on the right path to success in both academics and athletics. LEARN MORE about the exciting partnership with USA Fencing. 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 Prep, visit us at ingeniusprep.com.

Are you applying to colleges this year? Or is your New Year's Resolution to get ahead with your college applications? If so, you're in the right place! On today's episode, our Former Admissions Officers shared their best advice for students gearing up for the college application process in the new year. From sharing the key to crafting unique applications to discussing how to navigate the challenges of feeling overwhelmed by schoolwork and college applications, this episode will help you approach the college admission journey with confidence and success. 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 Prep, visit us at ingeniusprep.com.  

Want to learn our secrets to how we helped 11 students get admitted to MIT? On today’s episode, Krista Pickett, a Former Admissions Officer from Williams, reveals what it takes to create an outstanding profile that captivates admission committees. From breaking down the intricacies of the application process to offering actionable tips on balancing academic achievements, extracurricular involvements, and personal narratives, Krista shares valuable insights into navigating the complex terrain of admissions, understanding what distinguishes a compelling application, and how to present a multifaceted yet cohesive identity to top-tier colleges. 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 Prep, visit us at ingeniusprep.com.