Best Admissions Consultant Podcasts (2025)

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Washington Update: July 2025 Reconciliation Bill’s Impact on Higher Ed 38:48

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3d ago38:48

38:48

Higher education leaders are facing the most sweeping set of federal regulatory and funding changes in over a decade. In this Washington Update episode of the Changing Higher Ed® podcast, Dr. Drumm McNaughton welcomes back frequent guest Tom Netting, president of TEN Government Strategies, to discuss the July 2025 budget reconciliation bill—federal…

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Building a Connected College by Aligning Strategy and Services 37:26

10d ago37:26

37:26

Most colleges rely on more than 20 disconnected systems to support students, creating confusion, reducing engagement, and lowering graduation rates. In this episode of the Changing Higher Ed® podcast, Dr. Drumm McNaughton speaks with Elliot Felix is the founder of brightspot Strategy (acquired by Buro Happold in 2020) and the author of The Connecte…

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Military Applicants: Law School Admissions Strategy & More with Harvard Law Grad Brian Henson 1:13:04

10d ago1:13:04

1:13:04

In this episode of Status Check with Spivey, Spivey J.D. admissions consultants Danielle Early (former Associate Director of Admissions at Harvard Law School and military/veteran admissions specialist) and Mike Burns (former Director of Admissions & Financial Aid at Northwestern Law and Navy veteran) interview Brian Henson, a former consulting clie…

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Using AI to Fix Admissions and Enrollment Without Losing the Human Touch 38:22

17d ago38:22

38:22

AI can change how colleges and universities approach enrollment, making it faster, fairer, and more aligned with student success. In this episode of Changing Higher Ed® podcast, Dr. Drumm McNaughton talks with Ashish Fernando, founder and CEO of EDMO and iSchoolConnect, about how institutions can use artificial intelligence to improve admissions, a…

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Interview with Reproductive Endocrinologist Dr. Michael Levy 38:38

19d ago38:38

38:38

Dr. Tania Heller has a discussion with Dr. Michael Levy, board-certified Reproductive Endocrinologist and Co-founder and Director of IVF at Shady Grove Fertility (SGF). The content of the podcast is for general informational purposes and is not intended as medical advice.By Tania Heller, MD

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How Utah State Is Using a Connected Campus to Boost Student Engagement and Persistence 36:45

24d ago36:45

36:45

Digital transformation in higher education often focuses on technology. But for Utah State University, the transformation has been about outcomes: improving retention, strengthening equity, and building scalable systems of support without overhauling infrastructure. In this episode of the Changing Higher Ed® podcast, Dr. Drumm McNaughton speaks wit…

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Strategies to Help Adult Learners Re-Enroll and Graduate 37:53

1M ago37:53

37:53

How Cross-Sector Partnerships Help Adult Learners Return, Persist, and Complete Degrees With over 41 million adults in the U.S. holding some college credit but no degree, colleges and universities are under pressure to implement effective adult learner enrollment strategies. In this episode of the Changing Higher Ed podcast, Dr. Drumm McNaughton sp…

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High Structure Course Design for Student Engagement, Retention, and Success 40:38

1M ago40:38

40:38

Higher education leaders are searching for better ways to engage students, improve retention, and close equity gaps—especially in the wake of COVID-related learning disruptions. In this episode of the Changing Higher Ed® podcast, Dr. Drumm McNaughton speaks with Dr. Justin Shaffer, Associate Dean for Undergraduate Studies and Teaching Professor in …

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Top 25 Admissions Tips from Former Harvard Law Admissions Officer & New Spivey Consultant Sam Parker 1:27:14

1M ago1:27:14

1:27:14

In this episode of Status Check with Spivey, Anna Hicks-Jaco interviews Sam Parker, Spivey’s newest admissions consultant, on her top 25 (or so) strategic law school admissions insights from her years as Associate Director of Admissions at Harvard Law School. They discuss advice for prospective law students getting ready to apply for the 2025-2026 …

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Shared Services and Consolidation Strategies for Small Colleges 33:26

2M ago33:26

33:26

Shared services and consolidation strategies are helping struggling small colleges stabilize operations, reduce costs, and pursue sustainable growth—without compromising institutional identity or student outcomes. In this episode of the Changing Higher Ed® podcast, host Dr. Drumm McNaughton speaks with Jason Duggan, CEO of Thesis Elements, about ho…

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From Marine to Mentor: A Global Vision for Student Success 45:11

2M ago45:11

45:11

In this transformative episode of The Indian Scholar, we sit down with Scott Clyde, Vice President of Strategic Enrollment Management at Xavier University, Cincinnati. From his early days in the U.S. Marine Corps to shaping student journeys in higher education, Scott shares powerful lessons on resilience, leadership, and purpose-driven enrollment. …

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Adding Leadership Development to Academic Curriculum Design in Higher Ed 28:24

2M ago28:24

28:24

While higher education leaders often cite leadership development as a priority, few institutions treat it as a teachable, measurable skill. In this episode of Changing Higher Ed®, host Dr. Drumm McNaughton speaks with Dr. Scott Cowen about why leadership education should be integrated into the academic curriculum—and how institutions can implement …

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When DEI Is Off the Table: How Higher Ed Leaders Can Still Drive Institutional Change 45:14

2M ago45:14

45:14

Higher education’s approach to DEI is under fire—from political pressure, public skepticism, and internal fatigue. But abandoning DEI isn’t the only option. In this episode of Changing Higher Ed®, Dr. Drumm McNaughton speaks with Columbia Law professor Susan Sturm about how higher ed institutions can continue to drive inclusive institutional change…

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Aligning Higher Ed with Workforce Needs and Nontraditional Learners 31:36

2M ago31:36

31:36

Higher education is facing a growing disconnect between traditional academic pathways and the needs of today’s learners and employers. In this episode of the Changing Higher Ed® podcast, Dr. Drumm McNaughton speaks with Kathleen deLaski, founder of Education Design Lab and author of Who Needs College Anymore?, about how institutions can realign aca…

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

2M 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…

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Confronting the Storm: Resistance to Change and Current Attacks on Higher Education 37:43

2M ago37:43

37:43

Higher education faces increasing external pressures and diminishing public trust—creating an urgent need for institutional adaptation. In this episode of the Changing Higher Ed® podcast, Dr. Drumm McNaughton speaks with Dr. Brian Rosenberg, former president of Macalister College and author of "Whatever It Is, I'm Against It," about why resistance …

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Strategic Affiliation in Higher Education: What Colleges Can Learn from The Colleges of Law and TCS Education System 32:12

3M ago32:12

32:12

Strategic affiliation in higher education offers an alternative path for institutional sustainability—one that maintains mission and autonomy while accessing shared infrastructure and support. In this episode of the Changing Higher Ed® podcast, Dr. Drumm McNaughton speaks with Dr. Matt Nehmer, President of The Colleges of Law, about his institution…

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

3M 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 …

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Higher Education Strategic Planning That Drives Growth and Faculty Buy-In 34:20

3M ago34:20

34:20

Strategic planning in higher education isn't just about setting goals—it's about building the kind of stakeholder engagement and leadership alignment that can drive lasting institutional change. In this episode of Changing Higher Ed® podcast, Dr. Drumm McNaughton speaks with Dr. Andrew T. Hsu, President of the College of Charleston, about how a col…

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#229 AI's Impact on MBA Careers: An Insider's Perspective 40:53

3M ago40:53

40:53

Darren confronts his own "AI anxiety" with Sabine King, Director of the Career Accelerator at the Australian Graduate School of Management (AGSM) at University of New South Wales (UNSW). Together, they explore the impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on the demand for MBA graduates, the evolving strategies of career services, and how leading busi…

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How Southern Cross University Empowers Students For a Global Future? 44:35

3M ago44:35

44:35

In this episode of The Indian Scholar, we dive deep into the world of higher education, global careers, and the Southern Cross University advantage with two distinguished guests from Southern Cross University, Australia — Thomas Roche, Pro Vice-Chancellor (Academic Quality), and Christine Martin, a leader in international education at Southern Cros…

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From Nigeria to Hotchkiss & Brown : Elaine Oghoore 38:21

3M ago38:21

38:21

Elaine Oghoore is a junior at Brown University, where she is pursuing a degree in Business Economics. Originally from Lagos, Nigeria, she is passionate about a career in financial services. Before attending Brown, Elaine graduated from The Hotchkiss School in Lakeville, Connecticut. In addition to her academic pursuits, she co-founded Sweet Rush Ni…

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Capital Funding Strategies in Higher Education: How Universities Are Solving Infrastructure and Student Housing Challenges 32:47

3M ago32:47

32:47

With state capital support on the decline and infrastructure aging out of usefulness, higher education leaders are under pressure to find new ways to fund capital projects—without compromising mission, control, or long-term sustainability. In this episode of Changing Higher Ed®, Dr. Drumm McNaughton explores creative capital funding strategies inst…

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Why Australia Stands Out For Indian Students ? 38:02

3M ago38:02

38:02

Thousands of Indian students pack their bags every year, heading to a new life in Australia—but what’s really driving that decision? In this episode of The Indian Scholar, we’re sitting down with Professor Ren Yi, Pro Vice-Chancellor (International) at the University of Southern Queensland, to dig into the real reasons why Australia stands out as a…

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What’s Fueling the Collapse in Public Trust in Higher Education 32:54

3M ago32:54

32:54

Public confidence in colleges and universities has dropped dramatically—only a third of Americans say they trust higher education. In this episode, Dr. Drumm McNaughton talks with Dr. Courtney Brown, Vice President of Strategic Impact and Planning at Lumina Foundation, about Gallup–Lumina’s latest findings and what institutional leaders must do to …

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

3M 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 …

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The Growing Influence of US Universities in India 18:37

3M ago18:37

18:37

Why are US universities expanding their presence in India? Why do millions of Indian students aspire to study in the US every year? In this special episode, we have Jerry Czub, VP of Institutional Partnerships at GROK Global, who will shed light on how American universities are attracting Indian students and focusing on setting up campuses in India…

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Using Faculty Satisfaction Data for Strategic Change in Higher Education 36:13

4M ago36:13

36:13

Most institutions survey their faculty, but few turn that data into meaningful action. This episode explores how higher education leaders can use faculty satisfaction data to inform strategic planning, strengthen shared governance, retain talent, and lead institutional change. Dr. Drumm McNaughton is joined by Dr. R. Todd Benson, Executive Director…

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Short-Term Credentials: What College Leaders Should Know 36:14

4M ago36:14

36:14

As short-term credentials gain traction, higher ed leaders face a critical question: Are these programs truly cost-effective and accessible—or just shorter? In this episode, Dr. Drumm McNaughton speaks with Jinann Bitar, Director of Higher Ed Research and Data Analytics at Education Trust, about the cost-efficiency, accessibility, and policy implic…

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Washington Update: Dismantling the Department of Education and Redefining Oversight for Higher Ed 39:51

4M ago39:51

39:51

Tom Netting, president of TEN Government Strategies and a trusted Washington insider, returns to provide a critical update on sweeping federal changes affecting higher education. In conversation with Drumm McNaughton, he breaks down the Trump administration’s executive order to dismantle the Department of Education, a move that’s already led to maj…

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Fighter Jets to Stanford & Knight-Hennessy: Jasper Burns 32:24

4M ago32:24

32:24

Jasper Burns is a Stanford Law student and Knight-Hennessy Scholar. He served 8 years in the U.S. Navy, flying EA-18G Growlers, deploying aboard the USS Carl Vinson, and later supporting the intelligence community in D.C. He also served as a White House Social Aide and concluded his Navy career as a Military Fellow at McKinsey & Company. He graduat…

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Enrollment Marketing Strategy: How to Attract Students and Align Programs 37:12

4M ago37:12

37:12

Enrollment marketing strategy is no longer optional—it’s essential for institutions looking to grow in a competitive, high-cost digital environment. In this episode, Dr. Drumm McNaughton speaks with Max DesMarais, Director of Strategy at Vital, about how colleges and universities can use data, content strategy, and full-funnel marketing to improve …

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Unique Stories of Ivy League Students 0:42

5M ago0:42

0:42

Michael Lee, member of the AIGAC & an Ivy League-educated Professional American Filmmaker, helps you weave an authentic story that leaves the admissions committee in awe! The Ivy Dream LLC is the only admissions consultancy that refunds 50% to clients if they don’t get in to one of their preferred schools. In this podcast, we humanize Ivy League st…

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Higher Education Innovation That Builds Workforce-Ready Graduates 40:24

5M ago40:24

40:24

80% of Champlain College graduates land jobs in their field of study—because the college designed its model to make students workforce ready. In this episode, Dr. Drumm McNaughton speaks with Alex Hernandez, President of Champlain College, about how higher education institutions can build their innovation muscle to realign academic programs with wo…

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What’s Next for The Indian Scholar? 11:06

5M ago11:06

11:06

The Indian Scholar Podcast: Season 1 Finale After an incredible season packed with study abroad tips, application guides, and expert insights, we’re wrapping up Season 1 with a special Q&A session and key highlights! 👉 What’s inside this episode? ✅ Top Study Abroad Tips – Choosing the right country, MBBS & engineering abroad, SOP & LOR mastery, and…

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The Hidden Enrollment Market in Workforce Education 37:34

5M ago37:34

37:34

There are 41.5 million Americans who left college without earning a degree—but many would return if given the right opportunity. In this episode, Dr. Drumm McNaughton speaks with Alana Rose, Vice President of Academic Networks at InStride, about how workforce education and corporate partnerships can unlock a hidden enrollment market. The Workforce …

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Five Categories of Law School Admissions Interview Questions & How to Answer Them 34:36

5M ago34:36

34:36

In this episode of Status Check with Spivey, Anna Hicks-Jaco is joined by Karen Buttenbaum, one of Spivey's most experienced consultants and a former Director of Admissions at Harvard Law School, to talk about law school admissions interviews. They discuss a strategy for thinking about and preparing for interviews by categorizing the potential ques…

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Transforming College Advising: A New Approach to Student Success 42:22

5M ago42:22

42:22

Higher education institutions continue to struggle with student retention, career readiness, and underemployment among graduates. Traditional college advising models focus heavily on selecting a major, yet many students graduate with empty degrees that fail to translate into meaningful careers. In this episode of Changing Higher Ed®, Dr. Drumm McNa…

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#228 3 Exercises to Design Your Life and Find Best Fit MBA Programs 18:46

5M ago18:46

18:46

Darren shares 3 design thinking exercises from Bill Burnett and Dave Evan's Designing Your Life that will help you build a joyful life - and find MBA programs you are excited about. Topics Introduction (0:00) Make Odyssey Plans - Imagining Life 1, 2 and 3 (3:45) Prototype - "Building is Thinking" (8:20) Wayfind - Following Energy and Engagement (13…

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Top Risks in Higher Education and Why Leaders Must Have ERM Programs 40:58

5M ago40:58

40:58

Justin Kollinger, Senior Risk Management Consultant at United Educators (UE), brings valuable perspective in helping colleges and universities develop strategic risk initiatives. As co-author of "Risk Management: An Accountability Guide for University and College Boards" and creator of UE's annual Top 10 Risks report, Kollinger works with instituti…

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Following a Law School Applicant Through the 2024-25 Cycle (Part 2: Interviews, Decisions, Waiting) 43:38

5M ago43:38

43:38

In this episode of Status Check with Spivey, we catch up with "John" (not his real name; u/Muvanji on Reddit), the applicant who we're following throughout his law school admissions cycle for 2024-2025. We talk about rejection, decisions he has (or hasn't) received, interviews he's done, typos in applications, and more. Stick around until the end f…

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The Layperson's Prescriptive to ADA Compliance in Higher Education 31:13

5M ago31:13

31:13

New Federal ADA Regulation Deadlines Are Approaching – Is Your Institution Ready? Colleges and universities must now meet stricter ADA compliance requirements for websites and digital content or risk legal consequences, fines, and loss of federal funding. With the Department of Justice’s latest update to Title II of the Americans with Disabilities …

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Interview with Osteopathic Physician Rance McClain, DO 52:29

6M ago52:29

52:29

Dr. Tania Heller speaks with Dr. Rance McClain, osteopathic physician and Senior Vice President of Medical Education at the American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine (AACOM). The content of the podcast is for general informational purposes and is not intended as medical advice.By Tania Heller, MD

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Is Studying Abroad Only for the Rich? 8:04

6M ago8:04

8:04

Is studying abroad only for the wealthy? Will you have to settle there forever? What if you don’t speak the local language? In this episode of The Indian Scholar, host Krithin busts the biggest myths about studying abroad! From scholarships and financial aid to career opportunities and global recognition, we uncover the real facts. Tune in to clear…

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The Glass Cliff in Higher Education: Challenges Faced by Women University Presidents 46:33

6M ago46:33

46:33

According to recent ACE presidential survey data, women now constitute 33% of university presidencies, yet a troubling pattern has emerged: these leaders are often appointed during times of institutional crisis, creating what researchers call "the glass cliff" phenomenon. In this episode of Changing Higher Ed®, Dr. Lori Varlotta, former president o…

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Study abroad checklist 8:50

6M ago8:50

8:50

Ready to turn your study abroad dream into a reality? In this episode of The Indian Scholar, host Kritin, an experienced educational consultant, shares the ultimate study abroad checklist—your go-to guide for every step of the journey. From researching your destination and managing essential documents, to budgeting wisely and making the most of you…

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Keys to Launching New College Programs that Build Enrollment 34:39

6M ago34:39

34:39

Creating new colleges, new college programs, and growing enrollment is not an easy task in our current academic environment. Building enrollment for a brand-new academic program is one of higher education's toughest challenges. Yet, the University of Oklahoma's Polytechnic Institute (UOPI) successfully recruited its first class by flipping the trad…

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The Law School Waitlist: Deep Dive with Former Admissions Officers 1:10:43

6M ago1:10:43

1:10:43

In this episode of Status Check with Spivey, Anna Hicks-Jaco has a discussion with two Spivey consultants—Joe Pollak, former Associate Director of Admissions at the University of Michigan Law School, and Nathan Neely, former Director and Associate Director of Admissions at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas School of Law and The University of Hous…