Episodes
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Inside the Guide: Exploring Ethical Practice in College Admission
In this episode, members of NACAC’s Admission Practices Committee share how NACAC’s Guide to Ethical Practice in College Admission supports college admission professionals in making sound decisions with integrity, equity, and transparency. We discuss ethical dilemmas and consider how the…
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Setting Your College-Bound Student Up for Success in 2025
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...
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Higher Education Advocacy in Uncertain Times: Navigating Policy Changes in College Admission
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...
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Celebrating School Counselors
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...
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AI in College Admission: How is artificial intelligence impacting students and professionals?
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...
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Bridging Generations: Navigating Workplace Dynamics in Higher Education
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…
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The Power of Advocacy: How School Counselors Can Drive Change in Education
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...
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Empowering Perspectives: Women Leaders in College Admission Counseling
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...
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Uniquely Powerful: Insights Into the Women’s College Experience
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...
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The True Benefits of Studying Abroad
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...
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Tips for Parents: Avoiding Mistakes and Assumptions
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...
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The State of College Admissions Testing
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…
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The Power of Hispanic Serving Institutions
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...
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Finding and Supporting Veteran Students on Campus
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...
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Bridging Gaps in Context and Personal Writing in the College Application Process
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…
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Women’s History Month Edition: Balancing Life, Family, and a Career You Love: Reflections from Admissions legend, Mary Lou Bates
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…
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Women's History Month Edition: Reflections on Building a Meaningful and Impactful Career: Featuring Higher Education Legend, Youlonda Copeland Morgan
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…
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Why Gratitude Matters in the College Application Process
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...
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A Guide for Students with Learning Differences to Applying, Choosing, and Thriving in College
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...
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Race-Conscious Admission and the Potential Implications of the Upcoming Supreme Court Ruling
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...
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Pride and Passion: The Enduring Legacy of Historically Black Colleges and Universities
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...
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Fit, Finance, and Equity: Two Economists Discuss College Affordability
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...
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Setting Your College-bound Student Up for Success on Day One
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...
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The Myriad Possibilities of Community College
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...
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Special Edition: Next Gen Admission Professionals Seek Balance, Values, and Self-Actualization at Work
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...
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How to Approach the Final Decision on a College
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…
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Why Take, or Not Take, a Gap Year
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...
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How College Admissions Are Different for Student Athletes
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...
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How to Make the Most of College Visits
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...
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What Non-academic Factors Actually Influence College Admissions
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:...
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The Keys to Building a Good College List
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:...
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Strategies for Acing the College Essay
When we ask students what part of the application process makes them the most nervous, frequently the answer is the essay. It can make students feel vulnerable and exposed. They wonder how much to reveal about themselves, and what story would be the most effective. Often, they just want to know...
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Getting to Know the Campus When the Coronavirus Lockdown Won't Let You Visit
Traditionally, campus visits have played a critical role in helping students figure out which school is right for them. But with coronavirus restrictions keeping many campuses (and families!) on lockdown, how can students get a feel for what life—and learning—looks like at their targeted...
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The Many Admission Choices in a Changed World
Four higher education experts share tips and advice for making the right college choice. With Nicole Hurd, founder and CEO of College Advising Corps; Jeff Selingo, education reporter and bestselling author of Who Gets In and Why; Tevera Stith, Vice President for KIPP Through College & Career at...
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Student Empowerment in College Admissions
In these final weeks of the college admission season, many high school seniors and their families still have important decisions to make. Some are weighing offers of admission from multiple colleges and universities, comparing and contrasting those institutions’ respective communities and course...
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How Colleges Make Admission Decisions in a Pandemic Year
Colleges across the country made big changes in their admission requirements in response to the coronavirus pandemic. More than 1,600 institutions are currently test-optional, meaning students are not required to submit ACT or SAT scores with their applications. Transcripts look different, too,...
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College Financial Aid in the Time of Covid-19
The coronavirus pandemic has put severe financial strains on US colleges, and on students and their parents as well. As a result, more families need financial aid. Experts talk about applying for assistance, how to read an award letter, how to ask for more if it’s not enough, and other options…
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Stressed Out: The Pandemic’s Effect on the Mental Health of Students Applying to College
Multiple studies have shown that the coronavirus crisis has made us more depressed, anxious, and stressed. Students are not immune from these effects, particularly when they are juggling other stressors, including the college admission process. Remote learning, physical distancing, and the...
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Why College Late Bloomers Are Special
Though many of us find a linear path from high school to college, that is not the case for a set of students whose life circumstance, economic realities, and ambitions lead them on slightly different paths to higher education. This episode is all about the late bloomers among us who come at…
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What Do College Rankings Really Mean?
Various magazines, websites, and listicles publish their college rankings every year, generating a lot of anxiety from college-bound students and their families. But what are they really telling you? Should these rankings have any influence on what college you choose? And, why do they generate…
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Understanding Financial Aid Award Letters
So you—or your child—got accepted to college. Congratulations! But now the financial aid award letter arrives. What does it mean? How much aid are you really receiving? What if it’s not enough? Will you have to pay it all back? This discussion aims to clear up some of the many mysteries about...
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How Families Can Talk About Paying for College
There’s almost too much information available about students finding a college with the right “fit” academically and socially, but what about the right financial fit? What’s the difference between a college’s “sticker price” and the actual cost of attendance? What kinds of financial assistance…
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Demystifying the College Transfer Process: What Students and Families Need to Know
Experts say that as many as 40 percent of today’s students transfer to another institution at least once during their college careers. They choose to transfer in order to lower their college costs, find the right academic program, restart and return to college after a break, and a range of other...
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What Colleges Are Looking For: Facts & Myths About the Application Process
The college admission process can be long, bewildering and anxiety-producing for students and their families. Many are looking for the secret formula for getting admitted to the “right” school where a student can grow, learn and thrive. How does a student find that right school? And what are...
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Avoiding the Parent Trap: A Common-Sense Approach to College Admission
In this episode, admission experts—from both the high school and college sides of the desk—offer tips to help parents ensure their students remain the focus of the college admission process. The panelists discuss ways parents can help their children not only get into college but through it....
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SPECIAL EPISODE: “Fight for What Doesn’t Fit: Celebrating Students’ Identities, Interests, and Unique Qualities”
At the 2019 NACAC national conference in Louisville, Kentucky, Jabari Sellars, a middle and high school humanities teacher at the Sienna School in Silver Spring, Maryland, spoke of the unique interests and experiences of Gen-Z students, our most diverse generation yet. He called on college...
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College for Everyone: How College Counselors and Admissions Officers Can Get You There
In this episode, Jacques Steinberg, a member of the NACAC Board of Directors and the senior vice president for higher education and communications at Say Yes to Education and a former national education correspondent of The New York Times, welcomes Rafael Figueroa, dean of college guidance at...
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The View from Campus
In this episode, three admissions leaders talk about the pressures from campus stakeholders; the responsibility to serve families; and how colleges are adapting to the rapid evolution of the prospective college students. David Burge, VP for Enrollment Management at George Mason University, Mary...
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Counseling Applicants and Families Amidst a Scandal
The Varsity Blues college admissions scandal sparked national concern among students, parents and counselors alike as students wondered if their qualifications would be delegitimized as a result. In this episode, we explore the messages the scandal unintentionally sent, and look at ways to…
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College Admissions After Operation Varsity Blues
Operation Varsity Blues uncovered a complex bribing and cheating scandal in elite college admissions. Guilty pleas, lawsuits, and a growing cynicism about the college admission process have raised lingering questions about access to higher education in the US. In this episode, Stefanie Niles,...
About this show
Created by the National Association for College Admission Counseling, every episode features insiders from the world of admissions breaking down the facts, myths, and rules of engagement for today's college landscape.
Hosted by
NACAC