Best InGenius Prep Podcasts (2025)

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114. TikTok, AI & Burnout: What It’s Like Being A Student Right Now 33:24

23h ago33:24

33:24

Today’s students are juggling intense academics, nonstop social media, and AI tools reshaping how they learn. In this episode, we dive into: The pressure to excel academically, socially, and online How social media and constant notifications are affecting focus and mental health Why skills like time management and emotional regulation are essential…

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113. Do Competitions Really Help You Get Into Top Colleges? Here’s the Real Answer 27:49

15d ago27:49

27:49

Are academic competitions worth the time and effort? We’re covering everything from the top competitions that impress admissions officers, to how to find a healthy balance between specializing and exploring different interests. We’ll also touch on the not-so-talked-about side of competitions—what happens when your student doesn’t win and how they c…

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111. Expert Admissions Tips for Juniors from UC Berkeley & UChicago Experts 48:24

18d ago48:24

48:24

Juniors, ready to ace your college applications? Get exclusive insights from Former Admissions Officers at UC Berkeley and the University of Chicago in this must-listen episode! We’re diving into expert strategies to help you stand out, avoid common mistakes, and balance academics with extracurriculars—plus, we’re answering real questions from stud…

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112. College fit matters more than ranking—here’s why 28:44

29d ago28:44

28:44

When it comes to choosing a college, rankings can feel like the end-all-be-all. We get it—seeing a school in the “Top 10” list is reassuring. But are those numbers telling the full story? In this episode, we’re pulling back the curtain on college rankings. With insights from Former Assistant Director of Admissions at NYU, we dive into: Why rankings…

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110. Is 'Doing It All' in Extracurriculars Necessary? Insights from a Northeastern University Admissions Reader 36:50

2M ago36:50

36:50

With college admissions becoming increasingly competitive, many students feel pressured to "do it all" when it comes to extracurriculars. But is that really what colleges are looking for? In our latest podcast episode, we uncover the reality behind how admissions officers evaluate student activities. You'll learn: How admissions officers evaluate w…

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109. SAT vs. ACT: The Better Test for 2025 Admissions (It’s Not What You Think) 22:40

3M ago22:40

22:40

With the recent changes in standardized testing, many families are asking: SAT or ACT—what’s the best fit for your student? In this episode, Jake Adams, Director of InGenius Test Prep, breaks down everything you need to know to make an informed decision. He discusses how to choose the right test based on your student’s strengths, the latest updates…

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108. College Interviews: One Mistake That Could Cost You Admission 26:17

3M ago26:17

26:17

Getting ready for college interviews? As competition increases, a strong interview can set you apart in the admissions process. In this episode, we speak with a Former Carnegie Mellon Admissions Director to provide expert insights on how students can confidently navigate their interviews and improve their chances of acceptance. Key takeaways for pa…

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107. What Former Yale, Harvard Law School and Johns Hopkins Admissions Officers Really Think of These Common Applications 1:01:59

4M ago1:01:59

1:01:59

In this episode, former admissions officers from Johns Hopkins, Yale, and Harvard Law share their honest feedback on real Common Apps from students who applied to Yale, Dartmouth, and Johns Hopkins. Discover what makes an application stand out—and what’s missing! Gain insights into the strengths and weaknesses they’ve observed, plus how domestic an…

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106. Duke Admissions Secrets You Need to Know 56:54

4M ago56:54

56:54

🎙️ Episode Overview In this week's episode, we’re excited to have two Former Admissions Officers from Johns Hopkins and Yale join us for an exclusive, behind-the-scenes look at a real student’s Common App profile. They break down the activities list and personal essay, sharing what works, what doesn’t, and how the two pieces come together to tell a…

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105. Best college admissions advice revealed by Ivy League experts 1:01:11

4M ago1:01:11

1:01:11

🎙️ Episode Overview We’re thrilled to bring you a brand-new episode of our podcast, packed with expert advice on the college admissions process that you won’t want to miss—especially if you have a high schooler in the middle of applying! This week, we sit down with three former admissions officers from Harvard, the University of Chicago, and the Un…

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104. How to Choose the Best Liberal Arts College 34:47

5M ago34:47

34:47

Are you ready to uncover the unique benefits of liberal arts colleges and help your student find their perfect fit? In this episode, Krista, a seasoned admissions expert, will guide you and your student through aligning school choices with both academic and personal goals, ensuring your student is set up for success. Here's what you'll learn: How t…

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103. Maximize Your College Admissions With A Gap Year 40:17

5M ago40:17

40:17

Are you ready to break free from the traditional path and take your future into your own hands? Today, we’re talking gap years and how they can completely reshape your college application (and your life). The Admissions Advantage–Former Dartmouth admissions officer shares how a gap year can: Demonstrate leadership, maturity, and initiative to colle…

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102. College Athletic Recruitment: Expert Insights from US Sailing 42:35

6M ago42:35

42:35

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 scholarshi…

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101. College Application Q&A: What Admissions Officers from Brown, UPenn & Harvard Really Want from Applicants 39:42

6M ago39:42

39:42

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, let…

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100. Cracking the Code: The Roadmap to Grad School Success for Engineering Majors 36:40

7M ago36:40

36:40

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 t…

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99. Parenting Advice for High-Achieving High Schoolers 30:21

7M ago30:21

30:21

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 p…

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98. Empower Your Child: Essential Resources for Supporting Executive Functioning and ADHD in Children 31:54

8M ago31:54

31:54

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 es…

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97. Mastering Speech, Debate, and Mock Trial: Essential Strategies To Stand Out 22:23

8M ago22:23

22:23

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 t…

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96. Empowering Young Minds: Expert Insights from a Former UChicago Admissions Officer and How the Leadership & Entrepreneurship Exploration (LEE) Program Builds Future Leaders 38:55

9M ago38:55

38:55

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’…

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95. What Does a Harvard Admissions Officer Look for in Applicants? | Harvard College Admissions Insights 32:37

9M ago32:37

32:37

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-…

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94. Crafting Successful College Applications: The Winning InGenius Prep Strategy 35:11

10M ago35:11

35:11

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 a…

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93. USACO and College Applications: A Winning Combination for Computer Science Majors 27:29

1y ago27:29

27:29

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 novic…

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92. What’s Next After College Decisions? A Guide for Waitlisted, Rejected, and Accepted Students 28:22

1y ago28:22

28:22

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 w…

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91. College Admissions Confidential: Listener Q&A with Former Admissions Officers 28:17

1y ago28:17

28:17

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…

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90. How We Helped a Physics Major Get Accepted Into Columbia University 31:11

1y ago31:11

31:11

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 Applicatio…

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89. Is Research Experience a Must-Have in College Applications? 29:12

1y ago29:12

29:12

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 wi…

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88. How to Find Your Unique Voice in College Application Essays 24:52

1y ago24:52

24:52

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 question…

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87. College Admissions Unveiled: How Do Colleges Decide Who Gets Accepted? 28:42

1+ y ago28:42

28:42

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 applicatio…

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86. How to Elevate STEM Activities to Stand Out in College Applications 33:25

1+ y ago33:25

33:25

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, S…

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85. Fencing Your Way to College: Strategies for Admission Success 26:05

1+ y ago26:05

26:05

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 int…

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84. Starting 2024 Off Strong: Our Advice to Students 19:25

1+ y ago19:25

19:25

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 appli…

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83. 11 Students Admitted to MIT Last Round, 21.28% Above the Average Acceptance Rate: What’s Our Admissions Secret? 29:13

1+ y ago29:13

29:13

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…

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82. Developing Your Competitive Edge: Strategies for a Standout College Application 32:17

1+ y ago32:17

32:17

In college admissions, excellence alone doesn't guarantee acceptance. On today's episode, Marianna Irizarry, a Former Admissions Officer from Stanford, sheds light on the multifaceted qualities that make standout applicants. Drawing from a wealth of experience in law, education, and admissions, Marianna shares her insights on how to craft a strateg…

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81. Ace the Digital SAT: The Ultimate Guide to Scoring in the Top 1% 29:40

1+ y ago29:40

29:40

The new Digital SAT presents hurdles and opportunities for students aiming for top scores. On today’s episode, Jake Adams, Director of InGenius Test Prep, unveils the strategies essential for scoring in the top percentile. Whether it's understanding the new modular adaptive testing format or unlocking the secrets behind maximizing performance, this…

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80. ChatGPT vs. Authenticity: Navigating Essay Writing in College Applications 26:58

1+ y ago26:58

26:58

Should you use ChatGPT to write your personal statements? On today's episode, Zak Harris, a Former Admissions Officer from Johns Hopkins, shares his strategies on how to stand out in college essays without the use of AI. To set up a complimentary strategy call, CLICK HERE. Register for our upcoming webinars. Questions, comments, or topic requests? …

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79. Computer Science in College Applications: Is it the Right Major For You? 18:49

1+ y ago18:49

18:49

What does it mean to be a computer science major in college? On today's episode, we dive into the fascinating journey of Elena Li, who went from being a computer science major at Cornell to landing a dream job as a software engineer at Amazon. From preparing for computer science internships to learning important soft skills to land coveted job posi…

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78. A Deep Dive Into Capstone Projects in College Applications 26:43

1+ y ago26:43

26:43

Struggling with how to create passion projects that stand out in college applications? On today’s episode, Maya Gobert, Director of Student Innovation at InGenius Prep, reveals strategies on how to turn your interests into impactful projects that reflect your unique profiles, as well as some common misconceptions and successful project examples. To…

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77. The Art of Passion Projects in College Applications 31:40

1+ y ago31:40

31:40

What is a passion project and why are they so important in college applications? On today's episode, Evan Cudworth, a Former Admissions Officer from UChicago, shares his tips on how to create a passion project that stands out from the competition. To set up a complimentary strategy call, CLICK HERE. Register for our upcoming webinars. Questions, co…

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76. Exposing Our Secrets: The Insider’s Guide to College Applications 34:51

1+ y ago34:51

34:51

In the highly competitive world of college admissions, even the brightest students face unexpected challenges. On today’s episode, Nick Strohl, a Former Admissions Officer from Yale, reveals why even the best students with impeccable grades are unexpectedly rejected by their dream colleges. From crafting a balanced school list to strategically leve…

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75. A Yale Student Shares His Success Story and Top Tips for College Applications 28:05

1+ y ago28:05

28:05

Discover the secrets to securing an acceptance letter from Ivy League schools with insider tips from Shan Lateef, a former InGenius Prep student. Learn how Shan not only earned the top score for his letter of recommendation but also skillfully combined his diverse passions into one cohesive college application. Whether your interests lie in neurosc…

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74. Fine Tuning Success: Musical Talent in College Applications 32:00

1+ y ago32:00

32:00

Want to learn how to effectively showcase your musical talents to stand out from the crowd? On today's episode, Kathryn Scherer, Director of Undergraduate Services at InGenius Prep, uncovers her best strategies for using music to enhance your college application. Whether you are an aspiring music major or looking for ways to leverage your musical t…

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73. How to Stand Out as a Pre-Med Student in College Applications 36:16

2y ago36:16

36:16

From showcasing a genuine passion for medicine to leveraging unique experiences and hobbies, Ryan Creps, a Former Admissions Officer from Brown, reveals his best strategies for making a lasting impression in pre-med applications. To set up a complimentary strategy call, CLICK HERE. Register for our upcoming webinars. Questions, comments, or topic r…

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72. Leadership Experience: The Missing Piece in College Applications 28:41

2y ago28:41

28:41

What does leadership really mean to schools and how can students successfully prove these qualities in their college applications? On today’s episode, Maya Gobert, Director of Student Innovation at InGenius Prep, reveals strategies on where to start and the importance of framing leadership as the centerpiece of a college application. To set up a co…

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71. How to Succeed as a Computer Science Student in College Admissions 29:35

2y ago29:35

29:35

On today’s episode, we reveal strategies that help students stand out when applying to one of the most competitive majors – computer science. Natalia Ostrowski, a Former Admissions Officer from the University of Chicago, shares further insight into different programs, competitions, and application tips to create a well-rounded application as a comp…

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70. Early Admissions Case Studies: How Real Students Got Accepted Early to Their Dream Colleges 38:33

2+ y ago38:33

38:33

On today’s episode, we chat with Padya Paramita, an InGenius Prep Graduate Coach and our Digital Content Manager, and Vicky Rosenthal Madrid, our Assistant Director of Marketing. We discuss our first three case studies for the 2022-23 cycle of students accepted early to MIT, Brown PLME, and Rice University. We reveal the strategies these students u…

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69. The Top Summer Programs for High School Students and How to Gain Admission to Them 31:24

2+ y ago31:24

31:24

On today’s episode, we chat with Padya Paramita, a Columba MFA graduate, InGenius Prep Graduate Coach, and writing professor at the University of New Haven. Padya and I discuss the top summer programs and their impact on college applications. Padya outlines the requirements for the top programs for business, humanities, and STEM students. The progr…

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68. SAT and ACT Prep: Strategies to Boost College Admissions Test Scores 45:41

2+ y ago45:41

45:41

On today’s episode, we chat with Brad Bailey, the founder of Bailey Test Prep. Brad and I discuss how students can prepare for the SAT and ACT to boost their admissions odds. Brad highlights specific strategies students can use to increase their scores and feel more confident taking tests. We had a couple of audio issues in the first ten minutes of…

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67. 11th Grade Prep: How High School Juniors Can Prepare Early for College Admissions 43:02

2+ y ago43:02

43:02

On today’s episode, we chat with Kathryn Scherer, InGenius Prep’s Director of Undergraduate Services. Kathryn and I discuss how 11th grade students can maximize junior year to prepare for college admissions. Kathryn explores everything from extracurriculars to course loads and summer plans to help juniors make the most of this crucial year. Check o…

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66. How High School Students Can Gain Research Experience to Stand Out in College Admissions 48:26

2+ y ago48:26

48:26

On today’s episode, we chat with Dr. Christopher Brown, InGenius Prep's Director of Academic Mentorships. Chris and I discuss the wide range of strategies high school students can use to gain research experience. Chris reveals how such practical exposure helps students stand out in the college admissions process. Check out our blog for more free re…

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65. What a Georgetown Admissions Officer Wants from Applicants | Georgetown University 57:46

2+ y ago57:46

57:46

On today’s episode, we chat with Raheel Masood, the Former Associate Director of Admissions at Georgetown University. Raheel and I discuss the components of the Georgetown application and how applicants can stand out. Raheel highlights strategies for prospective students to gain admission. Check out our blog for more free resources: What College Ad…

Podcasts Worth a Listen

InGenius Prep Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen