Best Dean Of Admissions Podcasts (2025)

1
Dean Z of Michigan Law on Admissions Advice and AI: The Good, the Bad, & the Ugly 38:41

11d ago38:41

38:41

In this episode of Status Check with Spivey, Mike Spivey and Anna Hicks-Jaco have a conversation with Sarah Zearfoss (also known as "Dean Z"), who has long led the admissions office at the University of Michigan Law School as Senior Assistant Dean and who hosts the admissions podcast A2Z with Dean Z. The group discusses using generative AI to write…

1
YCBK 539: Do Colleges Blacklist High School’s That They Do Not Like 1:29:14

2d ago1:29:14

1:29:14

In this episode you will hear: (02:50) Question from a listener: Number 1 Julia joins me to answer a question from Cortnie from Connecticut and she wants to know if it is true that sometimes a college blacklists a high school they are not happy with. (19:04) Question 2 Carter, a student from VA asks a question and we also have a question from an an…

1
YCBK 539: Do Colleges Blacklist High School’s That They Do Not Like 1:29:14

2d ago1:29:14

1:29:14

In this episode you will hear: (02:50) Question from a listener: Number 1 Julia joins me to answer a question from Cortnie from Connecticut and she wants to know if it is true that sometimes a college blacklists a high school they are not happy with. (19:04) Question 2 Carter, a student from VA asks a question and we also have a question from an an…

1
For Profit - Part 3: The Evidence is Clear 41:10

3d ago41:10

41:10

The future of for-profit schools, and the millions of students who have attended them hangs in the balance as a key legal protection is under threat from the courts and the Trump administration. For a transcript of this episode: https://bit.ly/campusfiles-transcripts To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.aud…

1
YCBK 538: Students Are Facing Peer Pressure to Attend College With Low Acceptance Rates 48:09

5d ago48:09

48:09

In this episode you will hear: Mark shares a story from a meeting he had with a mom in Orange County, CA. Mark talks about the dispute Harvard University is currently facing. Mark interviews John Pollard, Dean of Admissions of Franke Honors College at the University of Arizona, Understanding Franke Honors College, Part 1 of 2 Preview ² Friends, you…

1
YCBK 538: Students Are Facing Peer Pressure to Attend College With Low Acceptance Rates 48:09

5d ago48:09

48:09

In this episode you will hear: Mark shares a story from a meeting he had with a mom in Orange County, CA. Mark talks about the dispute Harvard University is currently facing. Mark interviews John Pollard, Dean of Admissions of Franke Honors College at the University of Arizona, Understanding Franke Honors College, Part 1 of 2 Preview ² Friends, you…

1
YCBK 537: Advice for Students Who Are Thinking About Going to Med School 1:11:27

9d ago1:11:27

1:11:27

In this episode you will hear: (02:24) Question from a listener: Julia joins me to answer a question from a dad from North Carolina who wants to know if there is a way of figuring out class rank or a proxy for it when it is not explicitly listed. (16:20) Second Question from a listener: Mark and Hillary answer a question from a listener who has hea…

1
YCBK 537: Advice for Students Who Are Thinking About Going to Med School 1:11:27

9d ago1:11:27

1:11:27

In this episode you will hear: (02:24) Question from a listener: Julia joins me to answer a question from a dad from North Carolina who wants to know if there is a way of figuring out class rank or a proxy for it when it is not explicitly listed. (16:20) Second Question from a listener: Mark and Hillary answer a question from a listener who has hea…

1
Campus Visits: What to Look for on Your Tour 21:00

10d ago21:00

21:00

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 ScoirBy Scoir, Inc.

1
For Profit - Part 2: Thrown to the Wolves 42:32

10d ago42:32

42:32

Ashley Pizzuti fell in love with photography from an early age, and found what felt like the perfect opportunity to start the career of her dreams. She would soon learn that her school was part of an industry designed to prey upon students like her, and that legislators were key to finding relief. For a transcript of this episode: https://bit.ly/ca…

1
Reflections from a Rookie Dean 48:24

11d ago48:24

48:24

In the season seven finale, Dartmouth's Kathryn Bezella discusses lessons gleaned from her first year as an admissions dean with Lee Coffin, who just completed his 30th year in such a role. In a candid conversation about what they each bring to the conference table where decisions are made, the Dartmouth duo muse about the "roller coaster dynamic" …

1
YCBK 536: Reasons Why High Schools Should Not Rank Students by Grade Point Average 55:05

12d ago55:05

55:05

In this episode you will hear: Mark shares four things from his Texas trip he thinks will be of interest to our listeners. . Mark shares why he does not think high schools should rank students. Mark interviews John Pollard, Dean of Admissions of Franke Honors College at the University of Arizona. John gives an overview of Honors Colleges in the Uni…

1
YCBK 536: Reasons Why High Schools Should Not Rank Students by Grade Point Average 55:05

12d ago55:05

55:05

In this episode you will hear: Mark shares four things from his Texas trip he thinks will be of interest to our listeners. . Mark shares why he does not think high schools should rank students. Mark interviews John Pollard, Dean of Admissions of Franke Honors College at the University of Arizona. John gives an overview of Honors Colleges in the Uni…

1
YCBK 535: How Are Admissions Offices Using AI to Evaluate Students 1:06:40

16d ago1:06:40

1:06:40

In this episode you will hear: (01:45) Question from a listener: Mark and Hillary answer a question from a listener who wants to know how AI is being used in admissions (17:33) Second Question from a listener: Barry from New Jersey wants to know more about dual enrollment, and especially how dual enrollment classes are interpreted by colleges for a…

1
YCBK 535: How Are Admissions Offices Using AI to Evaluate Students 1:06:40

16d ago1:06:40

1:06:40

In this episode you will hear: (01:45) Question from a listener: Mark and Hillary answer a question from a listener who wants to know how AI is being used in admissions (17:33) Second Question from a listener: Barry from New Jersey wants to know more about dual enrollment, and especially how dual enrollment classes are interpreted by colleges for a…

1
The Hidden Cause of Maternal Mortality in the United States - Professor Stavroulaki 25:58

17d ago25:58

25:58

The United States has a maternal mortality issue. In 2021, the U.S. ranked 55th in the world for maternal mortality, by far the worst of any higher-income country. Even more concerning, Black women are disproportionately impacted and experience maternal mortality 2.6 times the rate for White women. Beyond the lack of access and ongoing systematic r…

1
For Profit - Part 1: The Pain Funnel 38:29

17d ago38:29

38:29

For the last 30 years, a group of schools have targeted America's most vulnerable students, saddling them with mountains of debt and a poor education, all for the sake of profit. Mike DiGiacomo fell victim to two of these schools. For a transcript of this episode: https://bit.ly/campusfiles-transcripts To learn more about listener data and our priv…

1
Now What? 51:33

18d ago51:33

51:33

For many high school seniors, the college search is an all-consuming process with three clear goals: apply to college, get into college, pick a college. Then, in May, it comes to a hard stop. Now what? Mary Pat McMahon, vice president and vice provost for student affairs at Duke University and AB host Lee Coffin from Dartmouth map out in both pract…

1
YCBK 534: What Can I Do To Support My Student With The College Admissions Process 54:45

19d ago54:45

54:45

In this episode you will hear: Mark shares two things from his Texas trip he thinks will be of interest to our listeners. . Mark shares how he answers the question, “What Can I Do To Support My Student With The College Admissions Process” Mark interviews John Pollard, Dean of Admissions of Franke Honors College at the University of Arizona, Topic, …

1
YCBK 534: What Can I Do To Support My Student With The College Admissions Process 54:45

19d ago54:45

54:45

In this episode you will hear: Mark shares two things from his Texas trip he thinks will be of interest to our listeners. . Mark shares how he answers the question, “What Can I Do To Support My Student With The College Admissions Process” Mark interviews John Pollard, Dean of Admissions of Franke Honors College at the University of Arizona, Topic, …

1
[For Counselors & Teachers] Tips for Writing Letters of Recommendation 25:50

23d ago25:50

25:50

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, College Counselor with 31+ years of experience, and Peter Van Buskirk, former Dean of Adm…

1
YCBK 533: What Do Colleges Think When A Student Doesn’t Have Any Service Hours 48:56

23d ago48:56

48:56

In this episode you will hear: (01:36) Question from a listener: Mark and Hillary continue giving tips for college fairs but then they discuss how it lands when a student doesn’t have any service hours. (17:33) Interview: Mark Stucker and Nate Haveman, VP of enrollment of Hope College Preview of Part 2 of 4 v Nate and I talk about why college costs…

1
YCBK 533: What Do Colleges Think When A Student Doesn’t Have Any Service Hours 48:56

23d ago48:56

48:56

In this episode you will hear: (01:36) Question from a listener: Mark and Hillary continue giving tips for college fairs but then they discuss how it lands when a student doesn’t have any service hours. (17:33) Interview: Mark Stucker and Nate Haveman, VP of enrollment of Hope College Preview of Part 2 of 4 v Nate and I talk about why college costs…

1
Weed in the Garden of Academe 35:02

24d ago35:02

35:02

Half of all college students and 73% of social fraternity members experience hazing. As it turns out, hazing has a long and deadly history in the United States and we know about this history in large part because of the hard work of one man, Hank Nuwer. For a transcript of this episode: https://bit.ly/campusfiles-transcripts To learn more about lis…

1
Waitlist Predictions for the 2024-2025 Law School Admissions Cycle 14:08

25d ago14:08

14:08

In this episode of Status Check with Spivey, Mike discusses the various factors that are at play for this cycle's waitlist season, his predictions for how it will go, and his advice for waitlisted applicants. For more on waitlist strategy, check out our Waitlist Deep Dive podcast episode! You can listen and subscribe to Status Check with Spivey on …

1
The Story of Luis: How One International Applicant Found His Own Route to College 25:38

25d ago25:38

25:38

Meet Luis Aguero, a first-generation college-bound student from San Bernardino, Paraguay. Self-taught in English as well as the unfamiliar ways of the college admissions process in the United States, Luis navigated his admissions process entirely on his own: "I didn't have any information at all, I had to go out of my way to learn about the college…

1
YCBK 532: Awards Are Given Out To Texas Universities in 25 Different Categories 46:13

26d ago46:13

46:13

In this episode you will hear: Mark gives out awards in 25 different categories to the 11 colleges he visited in Texas in his 3 weeks he spent in Texas in April. Mark interviews John Pollard, Dean of Admissions of Franke Honors College at the University of Arizona, Topic, Understanding the University of Arizona Preview of Part 1 of 2 · John gives h…

1
YCBK 532: Awards Are Given Out To Texas Universities in 25 Different Categories 46:13

26d ago46:13

46:13

In this episode you will hear: Mark gives out awards in 25 different categories to the 11 colleges he visited in Texas in his 3 weeks he spent in Texas in April. Mark interviews John Pollard, Dean of Admissions of Franke Honors College at the University of Arizona, Topic, Understanding the University of Arizona Preview of Part 1 of 2 · John gives h…

1
YCBK 531: What is your advice for a student who is content getting B’s 1:29:44

1M ago1:29:44

1:29:44

In this episode you will hear: (02:30) In The News Vince Garcia and Mark Stucker discuss observations from admission decisions from this year’s class. Part 3 of 3 (16:55) Question from a listener: Mark and Susan answer a question from a listener who wants advice for student who is content getting B’s (50:00) Interview: Mark Stucker and Nate Haveman…

1
YCBK 531: What is your advice for a student who is content getting B’s 1:29:44

1M ago1:29:44

1:29:44

In this episode you will hear: (02:30) In The News Vince Garcia and Mark Stucker discuss observations from admission decisions from this year’s class. Part 3 of 3 (16:55) Question from a listener: Mark and Susan answer a question from a listener who wants advice for student who is content getting B’s (50:00) Interview: Mark Stucker and Nate Haveman…

1
USC's Drug Peddling Dean 38:49

1M ago38:49

38:49

In 2016, a woman overdosed on meth in a Pasadena hotel room. The man who provided the drugs: Dr. Carmen Puliafito, the dean of USC’s Keck School of Medicine. As one reporter at the Los Angeles Times fought to expose the truth, he encountered a power structure that made publishing the story all but impossible.Read Paul's book about this story: https…

1
The Mindy Project: Admissions Edition 49:30

1M ago49:30

49:30

Mindy Kaling joins AB for its 100th episode as the multi-talented Hollywood star and Dartmouth alumna remembers her own college admissions process in which "I wasn't thinking about the correct things." A high-achieving "comedy nerd" who had been weaned on "mountains of flashcards,” Mindy ponders her journey from home to college as she battled procr…

1
YCBK 530: Ways in Which Colleges Make Their Acceptance Rates Look Lower Than They Really Are 47:57

1M ago47:57

47:57

In this episode you will hear: Mark shares many ways colleges make their admit rates look lower than they are. He shows families a few ways to know if a college is doing this. . Lisa interviews Jenny Anderson and Rebecca Winthrop, authors of the Disengaged Teen Preview of Part 4 ² Rebecca gives us three different insights when it comes to how to ap…

1
YCBK 530: Ways in Which Colleges Make Their Acceptance Rates Look Lower Than They Really Are 47:57

1M ago47:57

47:57

In this episode you will hear: Mark shares many ways colleges make their admit rates look lower than they are. He shows families a few ways to know if a college is doing this. . Lisa interviews Jenny Anderson and Rebecca Winthrop, authors of the Disengaged Teen Preview of Part 4 ² Rebecca gives us three different insights when it comes to how to ap…

1
YCBK 529: An interview with Jim Bock, Dean and VP at Swarthmore College-3 of 3 1:38:20

1M ago1:38:20

1:38:20

In this episode you will hear: (01:55) In The News Vince Garcia and Mark Stucker discuss observations from admission decisions from this year’s class. Part 2 of 3 (18:27) Question from a listener: Mark and Hillary answer a question from a listener about how her student can demonstrate interest effectively (39:37) Interview: Mark Stucker and David B…

1
YCBK 529: An interview with Jim Bock, Dean and VP at Swarthmore College-3 of 3 1:38:20

1M ago1:38:20

1:38:20

In this episode you will hear: (01:55) In The News Vince Garcia and Mark Stucker discuss observations from admission decisions from this year’s class. Part 2 of 3 (18:27) Question from a listener: Mark and Hillary answer a question from a listener about how her student can demonstrate interest effectively (39:37) Interview: Mark Stucker and David B…

1
[For Students] How to Ask for a Letter of Recommendation 29:30

1M ago29:30

29:30

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 counse…

1
Food Science? 30:12

1M ago30:12

30:12

Cornell's Brian Wansink was at the top of his field, renowned for translating behavioral science into practical tips for improving eating habits. He famously popularized the notion that we tend to eat more when served in large bowls. But, when skeptical researchers and journalists exposed Wansink for manipulating data, his fall from grace led to th…

1
"Trust Yourself": Advice from Applicants and Parents Who've Been Where You are Going 44:21

1M ago44:21

44:21

AB's third annual open-ended conversation with applicants and parents at Dartmouth's admitted student open house offers insights and tips from those who have just navigated a successful college search. AB host and Dartmouth Dean Lee Coffin and recurring cohost Jacques Steinberg field wide-ranging comments and questions about admissions-induced proc…

1
YCBK 528: A Way For A Parent To Help With College That No One Is Talking About 56:09

1M ago56:09

56:09

Mark shares a new survey he will be doing with YCBK listeners; he shares two recommended resources for studendts Mark then shares a project a parents can do to really help their student out a lot with the college process that he isn’t hearing anyone else talking about . Lisa interviews Jenny Anderson and Rebecca Winthrop, authors of the Disengaged …

1
YCBK 528: A Way For A Parent To Help With College That No One Is Talking About 56:09

1M ago56:09

56:09

Mark shares a new survey he will be doing with YCBK listeners; he shares two recommended resources for studendts Mark then shares a project a parents can do to really help their student out a lot with the college process that he isn’t hearing anyone else talking about . Lisa interviews Jenny Anderson and Rebecca Winthrop, authors of the Disengaged …

1
YCBK 527: What You Need To Know About Majoring in Engineering 1:50:22

1M ago1:50:22

1:50:22

In this episode you will hear: (02:12) In The News Vince Garcia and Mark Stucker discuss observations from admission decisions from this year’s class. (23:34) Question from a listener: Mark and Susan answer a question from an anonymous listener who has a number of questions about selecting an engineering program (56:18) Interview: Mark Stucker and …

1
YCBK 527: What You Need To Know About Majoring in Engineering 1:50:22

1M ago1:50:22

1:50:22

In this episode you will hear: (02:12) In The News Vince Garcia and Mark Stucker discuss observations from admission decisions from this year’s class. (23:34) Question from a listener: Mark and Susan answer a question from an anonymous listener who has a number of questions about selecting an engineering program (56:18) Interview: Mark Stucker and …

1
Trojan Course 35:03

2M ago35:03

35:03

In 2010, USC launched a fully remote version of its prestigious social work program. According to USC’s website, it offered the same professors, curriculum, and career services as the on-campus version. However, those who enrolled—at a cost of over $100,000—soon discovered that the program was far from what it claimed to be. In fact, it wasn’t even…

1
Lessons from the Stage 52:11

2M ago52:11

52:11

Extracurricular activities, which are essential ingredients of any college application, yield lessons and skillsets that animate a student's story. Reflecting on his own experience in the drama club at Shelton High School in Connecticut, AB host and Dartmouth Dean Lee Coffin welcomes Gary and Fran Scarpa, the longtime directors of Shelton's drama p…

1
Following a Law School Applicant Through the 2024-2025 Cycle (Part 3, Decisions & Wrap-Up) 40:43

2M ago40:43

40:43

In this episode of Status Check with Spivey, we have our third and final interview with "John" (not his real name; u/Muvanji on Reddit), who we've followed throughout his law school admissions cycle for 2024-2025. John discusses his final decision on where to attend, his process of requesting scholarship reconsideration, his decision not to pursue …

1
Introducing: What We Spend 11:03

2M ago11:03

11:03

Imagine if you could ask someone anything you wanted about their finances. On What We Spend, people from across the country and across the financial spectrum are opening their wallets—and their lives—to tell you everything: what they make, what they want, and—for one week—what they spend. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices …

1
YCBK 526: How To Get Access to the College-Specific Custom Prompts Before Aug 1st 50:34

2M ago50:34

50:34

In this episode you will hear: Mark shares insights from two conversations he had with two admission officers at the SACAC conference Mark then shares how a student can get access to the custom prompts that many colleges require in June or early July, instead of in August when the colleges release their Common Apps. . Lisa interviews Jenny Anderson…

1
YCBK 526: How To Get Access to the College-Specific Custom Prompts Before Aug 1st 50:34

2M ago50:34

50:34

In this episode you will hear: Mark shares insights from two conversations he had with two admission officers at the SACAC conference Mark then shares how a student can get access to the custom prompts that many colleges require in June or early July, instead of in August when the colleges release their Common Apps. . Lisa interviews Jenny Anderson…

1
YCBK 525: A Debate About Whether ACT/SAT Scores Should Be Mandatory 1:42:46

2M ago1:42:46

1:42:46

In this episode you will hear: (02:32) In The News Andy Strickler shares some of the changes admissions offices are making due to financial pressures. Part 3 of 3 (16:28) Question from a listener: Mark and Hillary answers questions from listeners about if a student applies for aid and doesn’t submit the CSS PROFILE, should that student not be admit…

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Dean Of Admissions Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen

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