Best Applying To Uni Podcasts (2025)

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Can I Afford It?! 48:01

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2h ago48:01

48:01

Sticker shock is real. Perceptions of college affordability represent one of the biggest concerns that most families navigate as a college search unfolds, with a 2024 survey of US voters revealing that 77% of Americans see college as “unaffordable.” This week, the pod tackles that (mis)perception as Admissions Beat becomes “Financial Aid Beat.” Jus…

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Lessons from the Search: Parent POV 56:56

7d ago56:56

56:56

Like so many things, a college search often looks—and feels—better in hindsight. Parents are important eyewitnesses to a search as it unfolds and concludes, and they have plenty of stories to tell. Two parents from suburban communities full of high-achieving, ambitious students share thoughts and lessons from their children's respective searches a …

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Episode 1 - Meet the Student Voices 8:33

8d ago8:33

8:33

Who burned their house down? Who likes playing blind football and tennis? Which Student Voice lent their voice to the Natural History museum? Listen to the Student Voices group introduce themselves, talk a little bit about their studies and sight loss and admit to arson, apparently.By thomaspocklingtontrust

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Josefine Schwarzer Applied Games and Mental Health 24:02

8d ago24:02

24:02

Josefine Schwarzer Applied Games and Mental Health In this episode of Experience Points, Dave Eng interviews Josefine Schwarzer, a German occupational therapist exploring how tabletop RPGs and LARPs support mental health. Josefine shares how role-play creates safe, expressive spaces that boost self-esteem and break from anxiety. She recounts client…

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Data Dive into the Transcript and Testing 53:51

14d ago53:51

53:51

A college application generates a lot of data. "The transcript is the heart of the application," Emily Roper-Doten of Brandeis notes, "and there's a story in that transcript." And while that story seems straightforward, admissions data is easily misunderstood, as a grade point average, SAT score, and class rank (when available) dance with the rigor…

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Let Your Life Speak in 650 Words or Fewer 49:35

20d ago49:35

49:35

By Sherri Geller, Ronnie McKnight

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Michael Low and Luna Uni: A New World of RPG Writing Instruction 28:24

22d ago28:24

28:24

Michael Low and Luna Uni: A New World of RPG Writing Instruction In this episode of Experience Points, host Dave Eng welcomes Michael Low—educator, game designer, and creator of Stories RPG. Michael shares the powerful story behind Luna Uni, a tabletop role-playing curriculum that transforms writing instruction through collaborative storytelling. F…

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Shaping Community, Finding Your Fit 1:07:17

27d ago1:07:17

1:07:17

From the annual conference of the National Association for College Admissions Counseling in Columbus, Ohio, an all-star cast of 12 deans and college counselors joins AB host Lee Coffin and recurring co-host Jacques Steinberg as they ponder the role of community in a college search and the ways an admissions committee "shapes" its campus vibe from t…

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The Enduring Value of 'Uni' in the U.S. 44:44

1M ago44:44

44:44

For decades, coming to America for university (or "uni," as it's known in the UK) has been the shared goal of students around the world. Today, that plan is less certain as geopolitical issues raise questions about the wisdom—and even the possibility—of coming to America for undergraduate studies. College advisors from the UK and India join AB host…

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Shaun McMillan on Turning Lectures into Games 30:13

1M ago30:13

30:13

Shaun McMillan on Turning Lectures into Games In this episode of Experience Points, host Dave Eng interviews educational game designer Shaun McMillan about transforming traditional lectures into interactive, game-like experiences. Shaun shares his framework for designing lectures around a single compelling multiple-choice scenario, enabling student…

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Headline Headaches? Don't Let Them Derail Your Search 47:26

1M ago47:26

47:26

The national admissions beat is abuzz with fast-breaking stories as the next admissions cycle gets underway. “The fundamentals are the fundamentals,” AB host and Dartmouth Dean Lee Coffin tells recurring co-host and former New York Times reporter Jacques Steinberg. “But some policies are in motion.” The AB duo is joined by Matt DeGreef, longtime co…

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Seniors, It’s Time to Pivot from Discovery to Applying! 51:00

2M ago51:00

51:00

In the eighth season premiere, AB host Lee Coffin and his guests map the shift from discovering college options to applying to those choices. As high school seniors embrace the next phase of their college search, the Dartmouth dean is joined by a guidance counselor from Connecticut and the deans from Colorado College and Princeton as they offer tip…

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AP Table Talk: Take That 58:56

2M ago58:56

58:56

AP Table Talk: Take That In this episode of AP Table Talk, Brian and Dave dig into the “Take That” game mechanic. From classics like UNO, Sorry!, and Risk to modern favorites like Munchkin, Blood Rage, and King of Tokyo: Duel, they explore how denial, betrayal, and revenge fuel tension, drama, and unforgettable tabletop stories. If you liked this e…

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Types of Games 7:26

2M ago7:26

7:26

Types of Games Today, we’re diving into something that might seem simple on the surface, but as it turns out, it's anything but. In this episode, we’re going to be talking about game types, and not just your usual categories like board games or video games. We’re digging deeper: into the psychology, the structure, and the social impact of how we pl…

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Ercan Altug Yilmaz Gamification in Action The TOY Framework 22:00

3M ago22:00

22:00

Ercan Altug Yilmaz Gamification in Action The TOY Framework In this episode, Dave Eng interviews Ercan Altuğ Yilmaz, a leading gamification expert and creator of the TOY Framework—an evolution of existing models like Werbach’s D6 and Octalysis. Drawing from over a decade of experience and 100+ projects, Yilmaz explains how TOY’s ten-step structure …

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Games as Mediums for Interactions 9:52

3M ago9:52

9:52

Games as Mediums for Interactions In today’s episode, we’re diving into how games function as mediums for interaction: as art, as social spaces, and as powerful tools for learning. We’ll explore everything from virtual worlds to tabletop classics and even some of the more unexpected ways games impact real life. If you liked this episode please cons…

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Game Goals vs Learning Outcomes 8:21

4M ago8:21

8:21

Game Goals vs Learning Outcomes In this episode, we’ll explore how learning objectives and game goals overlap, how serious games are designed for impact, and how we measure success beyond just ‘winning.’ So, buckle up—because today, we’re unlocking the next level of game-based learning! If you liked this episode please consider commenting, sharing,…

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BONUS: MECCA Beauty Loop: Everything You've Ever Wanted to Know 12:38

4M ago12:38

12:38

On this episode, we're taking you behind the scenes of one of the most iconic parts of the MECCA experience: MECCA Beauty Loop. Launched over a decade ago, MECCA Beauty Loop began as a bold reimagining of what a loyalty program could be - not just a reward system, but a community - one that celebrates discovery, surprise and a shared love of beauty…

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Oxygen-Infused Skincare is The Next Big Thing 35:35

4M ago35:35

35:35

We’ve been so lucky to host global skin pioneers on our podcast, from dermatologist-founder hybrids like Dr. Dennis Gross and Dr. Courtney Rubin, to groundbreaking luxury formulators such as Professor Augustinus Bader and most recently, pharmacist and Cosmetics 27 founder Michele Evrard. Today, we spotlight the latest gamechanger revolutionising th…

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AP Table Talk: Rock-Paper-Scissors 1:09:02

4M ago1:09:02

1:09:02

AP Table Talk: Rock-Paper-Scissors In this episode of AP Table Talk, Brian and Dave dive deep into the timeless “rock-paper-scissors” (RPS) game mechanic. They explore its origins, its non-transitive nature, and how it shows up in everything from Magic: The Gathering to StarCraft and Skull King. From nostalgic toys like Battle Beasts to modern stra…

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Randy O'Connor on Designing Through Constraints 23:22

4M ago23:22

23:22

Randy O'Connor on Designing Through Constraints In this episode of Experience Points, Dave Eng welcomes game designer, artist, and educator Randy O’Connor to explore the crucial role of constraints in game design and learning. From limited resources to time pressure, constraints shape player experiences and enhance engagement. Randy shares insights…

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Janna Kellinger on Designing Games in Learning Management Systems 25:02

5M ago25:02

25:02

Janna Kellinger on Designing Games in Learning Management Systems In this episode of Experience Points, Dr. Janna Kellinger shares her journey from using one-shot games in high school English classes to designing fully game-based courses at UMass Boston. She discusses her book Up Your Teaching Game and how educators can design story-driven curricul…

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Reflections from a Rookie Dean 48:24

5M 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" …

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Elena Rabkina on Gamified Media Literacy 17:14

5M ago17:14

17:14

Elena Rabkina on Gamified Media Literacy In this episode of Experience Points, host Dave Eng interviews interactive artist and game designer Elena Rabkina on the power of gamification in media literacy. Elena shares her journey from intellectual gaming in Belarus to designing impactful games like Media Mayhem, which teaches players how news is crea…

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The Story Behind Every MECCA Skin Specialists’ Favourite Cream 54:39

6M ago54:39

54:39

In today’s episode, Kate is joined by French pharmacist and Cosmetics 27 founder Michèle Evrard. If you’ve ever walked into a MECCA store looking for something to soothe sensitive or irritated skin, it’s likely our team has shown you the Cosmetics 27 range. Since launching at MECCA over 10 years ago, the brand has earned cult status thanks to their…

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Now What? 51:33

6M 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…

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

6M 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…

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AP Table Talk: Mega Topic: End Game 1:31:06

6M ago1:31:06

1:31:06

AP Table Talk: Mega Topic: End Game In this special End Game Mega Episode of AP Table Talk, hosts Brian and Dave Eng break down six key mechanics that define how board games conclude. They explore Elapsed Real-Time Ending, where a timer dictates the game's duration; Sudden Death Ending, where a triggering event abruptly ends play; and Finale Ending…

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Why ILIA’s Viral Skin Tint Almost Didn’t Happen 38:36

6M ago38:36

38:36

In today’s episode, Kate is joined by ILIA founder and beauty pioneer, Sasha Plavsic. Sasha was in her early 30’s when she launched ILIA from her grandmothers’ garage over 14 years ago. While working full-time as a branding executive, she took a closer look at the ingredient lists of her favourite beauty products and realised a gap for high-perform…

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The Mindy Project: Admissions Edition 49:30

6M 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…

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

6M 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…

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Outcomes Focused Games-Based Learning 10:34

6M ago10:34

10:34

Outcomes Focused Games-Based Learning In this episode, we’ll explore the practical applications of GBL, key design principles, and strategies for motivating learners. Now, let’s explore the potential of games to create dynamic, outcome-focused learning experiences. If you liked this episode please consider commenting, sharing, and subscribing. Subs…

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Isamaya Is The Artist Of The Next Generation 44:24

7M ago44:24

44:24

British born makeup artist Isamaya Ffrench has spent more than a decade bringing her avant-garde looks to life on some of the most recognisable faces. From Kate Moss to Rihanna, Zendaya to Cher. Her distinctive style and non-conformist approach to beauty has also made her one of the most sought-after artists for fashion shows and editorial campaign…

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Lessons from the Stage 52:11

7M 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…

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How Not to Get into the College of Your Choice 41:39

7M ago41:39

41:39

Veteran college counselor Doug Burdett, from Brunswick School in Connecticut, joins his longtime colleague and AB host Lee Coffin as they ponder the lessons from their 30-year careers on both sides of the admissions counseling desk. Drawing from those innumerable interactions with students and parents, they muse about the unintended pitfalls that c…

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Ryan Schaaf on Digital Games-Based Learning 30:23

7M ago30:23

30:23

Ryan Schaaf on Digital Games-Based Learning In this episode of Experience Points, host Dave Eng interviews Dr. Ryan Schaaf, an award-winning professor and author, about the transformative role of digital games-based learning in education. Dr. Schaaf shares his journey as a gamer and educator, highlighting how games foster skills like problem-solvin…

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Jerrod Blandino Built a Beauty Icon. Now, He’s Doing It Again. 42:09

7M ago42:09

42:09

In today’s episode Kate is joined by Polite Society founder, Jerrod Blandino. If the name sounds familiar, you’d be right – before founding Polite Society with his husband Jeremy Johnson, the two were best known for creating Too Faced in the late ’90s and building it into the beauty juggernaut it is today. Less than two years ago, the duo launched …

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Children Will Listen 41:40

7M ago41:40

41:40

Marcia Hunt, past president of the National Association for College Admission Counseling and the longtime dean of college advising at Florida's Pine Crest School, joins AB host Lee Coffin as he recreates his "Advice to Parents" presentation from Pine Crest's junior kickoff in January. As he shares his tips for successful admissions parenting, Hunt …

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Why Katie Jane Hughes Is Everyone’s Favourite Makeup Artist 41:01

7M ago41:01

41:01

In today’s episode Kate is joined in the studio by one of the industry's most beloved makeup artists, Katie Jane Hughes. 10 years ago the UK-born artist started an Instagram account to showcase her work as a nail technician. After pivoting from manicures to makeup, Katie began to build a following of loyal beauty enthusiasts, thanks to her approach…

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Good News/Bad News 49:37

7M ago49:37

49:37

College admission decisions for the high school class of 2025 have landed, and now it's time for seniors and their parents to assess those outcomes and move towards an enrollment decision by the National Candidate's Reply Date on May 1. Chris Gruber from Davidson College in North Carolina and college counselor Kate Ramsdell from Noble & Greenough S…

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Life as a Student with Disabilities | Ep 19: Manchester Voices 57:21

7M ago57:21

57:21

Welcome to another episode of Manchester Voices! In this episode, we dive into the experiences of students living with disabilities at university. From accessibility challenges to the support systems in place, our guests share their personal stories, struggles, and triumphs.By The University of Manchester

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What are Educational Games? 7:25

7M ago7:25

7:25

What are Educational Games? In this episode, we’re unpacking the concept of educational games. What are they? How do they differ from other types of games? And how can they be leveraged effectively in games-based learning? If you liked this episode please consider commenting, sharing, and subscribing. Subscribing is absolutely free and ensures that…

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Uni’s Alexandra Keating On Why The Best Body Care Is… Blue! 25:32

7M ago25:32

25:32

In today’s episode Kate is joined in the studio by tech-entrepreneur turned beauty founder, Uni’s Alexandra Keating. After starting not one, but two successful tech startups, Sydney born and LA-based Alexandra Keating (or as she prefers, AK) took a trip to the Great Barrier Reef with her husband Rupert. Realising how much the reef had changed since…

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Inside the Admissions Committee: The "Gatekeepers" in Action 44:31

8M ago44:31

44:31

Twenty-five years after New York Times education reporter Jacques Steinberg, author of The Gatekeepers: Inside the Admissions Process of a Premier College, spent a year observing at close range the selection process at Wesleyan University, Steinberg joined admission officers at Dartmouth for a day inside its selection committee. After his "fly on t…

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Reading an Application: The Work of the Work 39:15

8M ago39:15

39:15

For any college admissions officer, reading and evaluating an application is the work of the work. It is the heart of the admissions process itself, its most essential task. Reading season is the moment when recruitment yields to selection, when assessing merit and potential becomes a blend of reflection and decision as each application is evaluate…

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AP Table Talk: Multi-Use Cards 1:03:45

8M ago1:03:45

1:03:45

AP Table Talk: Multi-Use Cards In this episode of AP Table Talk, hosts Brian Eng and Dave Eng explore the versatile world of Multi-Use Cards in board games. They dive into defining the mechanic, discussing how it forces players to make meaningful trade-offs by using cards for one of several possible actions. Highlighting games like Risk: Star Wars …

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Rae Morris Teaches Us How To Actually Apply Eyeliner 36:59

8M ago36:59

36:59

In today’s episode Kate is joined by one of Australia’s most acclaimed makeup artists and founder of her eponymous brand, Rae Morris. Rae’s work with international brands, countless celebrities and major magazines like Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar and I.D. has earned her the title of Australian Makeup Artist of the Year – four times. With a passion for t…

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What Counts? 44:00

8M ago44:00

44:00

Many people ask, "What counts?" as they ponder the elements of "merit" in a college application. This week, two Ivy deans tackle this perennial query as Brown's Logan Powell joins AB host Lee Coffin from Dartmouth for a wide-ranging conversation about assessing merit and where it is discovered. They consider the numbers and the narrative--the quant…

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Junior Kickoff: It's Time to Discover! 48:26

8M ago48:26

48:26

Discovery is act one of every successful college search, and it should reveal as much about the searcher as about the places being explored. AB host and Dartmouth Dean Lee Coffin leads a “junior kickoff” deans panel that includes Elena Hicks from SMU and Karen Kristoff from Colorado College as well as college counselor Darryl Tiggle of Friends Scho…

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Rob Alvarez on Get Started in Gamification 29:19

8M ago29:19

29:19

Rob Alvarez on Get Started in Gamification In this episode of Experience Points by University XP, host Dave Eng welcomes gamification expert Rob Alvarez to discuss gamification and games-based solutions. Rob, known as Professor Game, shares his journey into gamification, emphasizing the importance of meaningful learning experiences tailored to spec…