Inside College Admissions: Recent Episodes
Scoir, Inc.
Scoir presents conversations with intellectuals and thought leaders in the field of education and college admissions. Hear from people who are passionate about higher education and the opportunities it provides, and who are working to create a more transparent and effective college admissions process.
In this episode, we chat with Celena from Test Innovators, our test prep partner! If you’re feeling overwhelmed or confused about standardized testing, you’re in the right place.
In this episode for students and parents/guardians, we cover:
- What you need to know about test-optional
- Determining how many times to take the tests (and if you should take the tests at all)
- What you need to know about recent ACT changes and the SAT
- How to prepare for the tests
- Managing test anxiety
- What superscoring is and how to get your test scores
- How parents and guardians can help
Check out these additional resources from Test Innovators:
- SAT Prep for Students
- ACT Prep for Students
- The Student's Guide to the Digital SAT
- Which Colleges Require the SAT and ACT in 2025–2026?
- The Ins and Outs of the Enhanced ACT
- Digital SAT vs Enhanced ACT Infographic
- Digital SAT Infographic
- Enhanced ACT Infographic
- Test Anxiety Battle Guide
Learn more about our partnership with Test Innovators here.
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In this episode, we're joined by former Title I Counselor, Julie (aka Ms. K), and her former student, Chantal, as they fill us in on Chantal's incredible journey from student to Scoir team member!
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Summer is for relaxing and recharging, but it’s also a great opportunity to set yourself up for success! In this episode, former college counselor and former dean of admission share their pro-tips for college-bound high schoolers on how to make the most of summer break. From working and volunteering, to exploring and getting creative, we've got you covered!
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Thinking about visiting colleges this summer or fall? In this podcast episode, we’re breaking down the importance of campus visits, what to look for on the tour, and more!
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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, a former college counselor with 31+ years of experience, and Peter Van Buskirk, a former dean of admission, as they share advice from both sides of the desk.
We hope you enjoy this episode and feel free to check out our episode for students on the same topic here!
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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 counselor with over 31 years of experience) and Peter Van Buskirk (former Dean of Admission), share insider tips and practical advice to help your letter stand out in the college admissions process.
Prefer to read? Check out this blog post on the same topic!
For our counselors and teachers: We also recorded an episode for you about writing letters of recommendation for your students coming soon.
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In this episode, Peter Van Buskirk, Strategic Advisor for Scoir and former Dean of Admission, shares pro tips for selecting your high school courses. We dive into what colleges are looking for and how to plan your classes strategically throughout your years in high school.
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In this webinar-turned-podcast, hear the experts talk about how Scoir's foundational work with high school counselors benefits the work of colleges, too. Liz McGonigle, Managed Subscriptions Engagement Strategist at Scoir, Chris White from High Tech High, and Sebastian Brown from the University of Oregon share how Visits, Matches, and Parent/Guardian Messages in Scoir seamlessly bridge the gap and solve shared challenges between high school and college, empowering students, college staff, and high school staff every step of the way.
What You’ll Discover:
- The Scoir Love: Hear what counselors and admissions staff have to say about Scoir, and how it makes their jobs easier
- Real-World Applications: Learn actual ways colleges and high schools are using Scoir to support student success, right from your peers
- Connecting Communities: Learn how Scoir promotes collaboration among colleges, high schools, students, and parents/guardians throughout the college admissions process
- Why Scoir is Different: Find out what sets Scoir apart from traditional college marketing approaches and college guidance systems
Check out the blog post recap of this event or the replay on YouTube as well!
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In this episode, Chief Growth Officer at Scoir, Ashley Smith, and former Dean of Admission, Peter Van Buskirk chat all things effective communication! Whether you're a college-bound student writing your college essay or heading into the workforce and want to sharpen your skills, we're sharing our tips for breaking out of the 5 paragraph essay and sharing your true sense of self! We cover:
- when to start the writing process
- how to move past writer's block
- AI's place in writing
- how to get into the writing headspace
- tips for nailing the college interview
- and more!
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Join Ciara and Erika, Senior Engagement Strategists at Scoir and college admissions marketing professionals, plus Abby deSilva, Inbound Marketing Strategist at Scoir and member of Gen Z, as they share strategies to authentically connect with Gen Z and thrive through today’s admissions challenges. They evaluate what students think about college admissions today and how this can inform how you market to students this year.
This podcast covers:
- What students are saying about college admissions (what vibes with them)
- What students are looking for in a college and their marketing (what to yeet and what to keep)
- Actionable tips based on student feedback (embracing your Gen Z marketing era)
- How Scoir can help
THE ADMISSIONS GAME - SATIRE EDITION
Your satirical guide to elite college admissions by the fictional counselor to the...
Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify
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Our Chief Growth Officer, Ashley Smith, is joined by Peter Van Buskirk as he shares a recap of key takeaways and hot topics from this year's No Name Conference sessions. Take a listen as we discuss the FAFSA delays, how students can cope with the "achievement culture", and more.
THE ADMISSIONS GAME - SATIRE EDITION
Your satirical guide to elite college admissions by the fictional counselor to the...
Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify
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In this episode, host Kaila Brown, former high school counselor, and guest Aaron Fulk, Director of College Counseling at the University School of Nashville, offer insightful strategies for counselors in supporting students and families through the college decision-making process.
They emphasize the importance of asking the right questions to encourage exploration, navigate financial considerations, and foster open communication between students and their parents/guardians. You'll hear practical advice on managing application season as well. The discussion highlights the crucial role of counselors in guiding families with empathy, expertise, and practical support.
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By 2027, the number of names nationally available for search will drop by 38%, according to Forbes. A shifting public perception of college and post-high school plans along with a drop in the young adult population has shrunk the pool of college applicants.
With these enrollment and search cliffs, colleges are faced with the challenge (and opportunity) of diversifying their lead generation strategies and tapping into true content personalization. Perhaps an even greater challenge is setting aside the resources needed to pursue new avenues to reach students.
In this episode, Ashley Murphy and Liz McGonigle, both former college admissions professionals who are now on our Scoir team, share valuable lessons learned about higher education budgeting as institutions pave their path forward.
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Back by popular demand, Tom from College Essay Guy Team joins us for this fun episode! We'll share 5 of the most essential tasks we recommend you complete BEFORE your junior year. So if you're a freshman, sophomore, or even a junior, listen for tips you won't want to miss!
College Essay Guy Resources:
- College Essay Guy Website
- Explore 1-on-1 Services
- Begin Personal Statement Course
- Learn How to Apply to College
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What do Olivia Rodrigo and college application culture have in common? 🤔 In this episode, Tom from the College Essay Guy Team joins Elena to talk about this and much more! If you're an underclassman (freshman, sophomore, or junior) or even a senior, listen for the 5 essential things to complete BEFORE senior year.
College Essay Guy Resources:
- College Essay Guy Website
- Explore 1-on-1 Services
- Begin Personal Statement Course
- Learn How to Apply to College
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In this episode we're joined by Scoir team member with a background in admissions, Liz McGonigle! We dive into how college fairs and events typically work, how to engage with college reps, and fun ways to explore schools right from your couch!
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By winter break, you may have checked off a lot of your senior year To-Do list: applying to college, studying for exams, and of course, making memories! Wondering what to do with the rest of your senior year? In this episode, Elena from Scoir and Tom from College Essay Guy Team share their top 5 essential checklist items for you!
College Essay Guy Resources:
- Explore 1-on-1 Services
- Begin Personal Statement Course
- Learn How to Apply to College
- Essay Tracker Sample
- How to Combine Your College Essay Prompts (To Save 20+ Writing Hours)
- School-Specific Supplemental Essay Guides
- BEABIES Exercise
- A How-To Guide for the Short Answer Questions for Highly-Selective Colleges
- Paying for College in 4 Steps!
- How to Choose a College
- College Interview Tips and Strategies - The Ultimate Guide
- How to Write a Great Letter of Continued Interest
- College Kickstart
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Curious about what applying with Scoir is like? Want to hear what's new this year? This episode is for you! We'll dive into the ways applying with Scoir streamlines your college applications and the exciting updates we made to the experience this year!
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Hello August! A new school year is quickly approaching and we're excited to share some advice for our counselor community. In this episode, we're joined by previous college counselor with experience working in both private and public schools, Kelly Weber. During our conversation, we share ways counselors can prepare for back-to-school season, tips for each class year, how to manage large caseloads, and even advice for newer counselors as they begin their career!
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Load up your shopping cart because, with these tips, you can get more of what you need for your dorm on a budget! In this episode, Elena and her sister Andrea talk about what they love most: finding things you need for less. We'll give you suggestions for where to shop, what student discount apps to download, and dorm tips we learned FROM college that can help you now!
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In this episode, we sit down with Celena from Test Innovators, our test prep partner!
We cover the testing landscape, the main differences between the digital and paper SATs, how to prep, what colleges require, how to determine which test you should take (SAT v ACT), managing test day anxiety, and the role parents/guardians play in the testing process.
Check out these resources from Test Innovators:
- SAT Prep for Students
- ACT Prep for Students
- Test Prep for Your High School
- The Student's Guide to the Digital SAT
- The Educator's Guide to the Digital SAT
Learn more about our partnership with Test Innovators here.
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In this episode we're joined by former Dean of Admission, Peter Van Buskirk, who shares key takeaways from this year's No Name Conferences. We dive into the digital SAT, upcoming changes to the FAFSA, the impact of ChatGPT, learning environments, and more!
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In this episode we're joined by SEL experts, Dr. Dana Godek and Kelly Dolan Sapp for a conversation about the youth mental health crisis. We dive into what this means, how parents/guardians can approach checking in with their students, and practices we can take advantage of to support our students.
Find Dr. Dana Godek & Kelly Dolan Sapp at edu-solve.com (@weareedusolve).
Helpful Resources:
- Surgeon General Teen Social Media Advisory
- EduSolve Article on Adult SEL
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GRWM for a college visit 🤪 jk it's your college visit BUT I will be sharing questions that I definitely wish I had asked on my college visits! Whether you're listening in the car or are prepping in advance, this episode will give you things to look out for and questions to ask on your tour!
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Before you make your final choice for college, listen to this episode! We are debunking the myth that students have to accrue a mountain of debt to go to college. 🙅♀️💰 Together with college expert and former Dean of Admissions, Peter Van Buskirk, we'll share tips and exactly what you and your family can do NOW in order to avoid burdensome college loan debt!
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College Decision Day is right around the corner! Still making your final choice? We've got tips for you! ⭐ We'll talk with college expert and former Dean of Admissions, Peter Van Buskirk, about what to do if you've been admitted OR are on the waitlist for schools, important things to consider (like fit and the financial aspect), and what you can do NOW before making your final decision!
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Get your pen and paper out because in this episode, we're pulling back the curtain on all things financial aid! 💰 In this fifth and final episode of our family mini-series, Elena and Peter Van Buskirk will share Financial Aid terms (like Expected Family Contribution & Net Price Calculators), helpful strategies, and even the exact questions you need to ask in this financial aid process.
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Is your junior beginning to build a college list? This episode is a great place to get started! 🌟 In this fourth episode of our family mini-series, Elena and Peter Van Buskirk will discuss how you can advise your student, with lots of tips including what kinds of colleges and how many students should have on their lists!
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To test or not to test? That is the question! 📝 In this third episode of our family mini-series, we explore how you can advise your student in the standardized testing experience! We'll go over the difference between the SAT and ACT, what super scoring and self-reporting mean, and tips for test preparation.
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Should my student take another year of language classes? What about AP and Honors classes? 🤔 We'll answer these questions and more in this second episode of our family mini-series! Elena and Peter Van Buskirk will explore how your student's selection of high school classes can benefit them in college, and how they can help their academic record to stand out!
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Want to guide your student in their college application journey but aren't sure where to start? With this episode (the first in our Family Bootcamp mini-series), you'll learn about the best way to engage your student, important things to look for on college campuses, and mistakes to avoid as both students and parents/guardians!
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Winter break may be short but there are a LOT of fun things to do! ❄️ In this episode, Elena and her sister, Andrea, talk about how your favorite songs can help with scholarship apps and how the childhood magic of sledding can make your winter break :,)
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Through a conversation with Admissions Mom, we talk about why it's important to celebrate the big milestone of submitting your applications (and not just celebrating acceptances). Join us as we discuss ways to celebrate, what you can learn from this experience, and more!
- Admissions Mom Website
- Admissions Mom on Instagram
- Admissions Mom on Reddit
- ApplyingToCollege Reddit Community
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⚠️ TIME TO BE REAL ⚠️ in your college application! It turns out you can use humor and show your personality in your application (?!) and we'll tell you how! In this episode, Elena and Tom (from College Essay Guy Team) talk about the secret things you're probably worrying too much about and the things you don't want to forget in your college apps.
Tom Campbell is a Community Manager with the College Essay Guy Team. With years of admissions experience at Pomona College and College of the Holy Cross, Tom brings such valuable experience and shares those insider insights that could make a huge difference in your college essay!
Resources we mention:
- College Essay Guy Blog: How-To Guide for the Short Answer Questions for Highly-Selective Colleges
- College Essay Guy Blog: How to Format a College Essay: Step-by-Step Guide
- Join the College Essay Guy Parent Community
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Looking for that unique twist to make your college essay stand out? 🌟 It might be in your niche laptop stickers or celeb fandom! In this episode, we'll talk with Tom from the College Essay Guy Team about how the little things in your life can be essay inspiration, and small tweaks to make your essay really stand out.
Tom Campbell is a Community Manager with the College Essay Guy Team. With years of admissions experience at Pomona College and College of the Holy Cross, Tom brings such valuable experience and shares those insider insights that could make a huge difference in your college essay!
Resources from College Essay Guy we mention:
- Blog: The Values Exercise (at 12:06)
- Blog: Essence Objects Exercises (at 13:51)
- Blog: 27 Outstanding Personal Statement Examples
- Includes the Laptop Sticker and iTaylor sample personal statements (at 15:17 and 20:58)
- YouTube: How to Outline & Structure Your College Essay
- Overviews the Narrative and Montage paths (at 23:20)
- Podcast: Using the Secrets of Screenwriting to Write Your College Essay
- More details about the "Pixar" structure/Narrative structure from Ethan (at 24:03)
- Blog: How to "Show Don't Tell" in College Essays
- Great tips on how to bring small "nuggets of gold" and specific details to your personal statement during the final revision stages
- Join the College Essay Guy Students-Only Discord
- Join the College Essay Guy Parent Community
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Are you looking to study someplace new? In this episode, Elena and Tushar continue their conversation about Tushar's experience studying in the U.S. from India! Plus, Tushar will share his advice for other international students beginning the application process! 🌏
The information and recommendations shared in this episode are based on Tushar's personal experience, and your experience may be different; nonetheless, we hope it is helpful to hear from someone who's been through the process!
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Applying to college in the U.S.? 🌏 We're here for you! In this episode, Elena chats with her friend, Tushar, who is studying in the U.S. from India. They’ll talk about the motivations, challenges, and positive mindset that you may find as you begin applying!
Stay tuned for part two!
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Summer is for pizza bagels, long drives with friends, and doing... something cool? Not sure how to spend your summer? In today's episode, I talk with a recent grad (aka my sister, Andrea!) about how to get creative with your summer plans!
Check out this blog to learn more bout making the most of your summer!
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Dorm Essentials is BACK with new additions to your Ultimate College Packing List! In this episode, we talk about college must-haves, like photos from home, microwavable food (hello Kraft Mac & Cheese!), and more. : ) Timestamps below!
0:58 Conversation with D’Lanna about how pictures can make a space feel like home and always making sure you have medicine.
7:43 Conversation with Ashley about saving space with storage bins and having water on-hand.
13:14 Conversation with Noah about getting creative with microwave food.
16:35 Conversation with Emily about how a non-iphone camera can help you make new friends.
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Here’s the tea about college: your Future Self will thank you for packing bandaids and a box of Cheez-its, and you’ll NEED to bring flip flops for the shower! 🙏
In today’s episode, we’re spilling the Dorm Room Essentials and the things you’ll definitely want to bring with you to college! Timestamps below:
2:22 Conversation with Caroline about bringing the right snacks to school with you.
5:25 Conversation with Shohom about the importance of shower shoes and keys to making your dorm mattress more comfortable.
15:42 Conversation with Anna about the smaller dorm room essentials that you don’t want to forget.
18:33 Conversation with Paul about how noise cancelling headphones can save the day.
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Scoir welcomes back Peter Van Buskirk to the podcast with a discussion about how colleges are continuing to evolve through COVID, how they're evaluating students, waitlists, the pending enrollment cliff, and more.
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College 101 is BACK with more of the secret tips that colleges definitely didn't tell you on the tour! We reveal the truth about late nights at the library, getting creative with your meal plan, and the secret to sleep in college. Timestamps below!
1:07 Conversation with Caroline about the importance of sleep and how making lists can help you stay on track.
6:17 Conversation with Paul about meal plan alternatives.
9:56 Conversation with Noah about the best time to buy (or not buy) textbooks so you can save your money.
14:37 Conversation with Anna about making friends in your major and the value of asking for feedback.
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We're bringing you to college early with today's episode about College Hacks and the secret tips that colleges definitely didn't tell you on the tour. We'll talk with grads about how to spice up classic dining hall meals, the class times to absolutely avoid, and the truth about switching majors. Timestamps below!
2:11 Conversation with D’Lanna about organizing and taking advantage of a fresh start.
7:58 Conversation with Shohom about make your schedule (and reconsidering that Friday 8am)
12:15 Conversation with Emily about protecting your tech.
19:03 Conversation with Ashley about the importance of showing up to class and getting creative with dining hall food.
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Join us and our special guest, Carolyn Caplan (aka Admissions Mom), for a discussion about how parents and students can come together for a meaningful, collaborative, and transparent admissions journey.
Admissions Mom Website
Applying to College (A2C) subreddit
Admissions Mom on Reddit
Email Carolyn: carolyn@admissionsmom.college
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And we're back with Part 2 of "What I Wish I Knew Before College!" Y'all loved our first episode in this series so in today's episode, we talk with 5 more college grads about their biggest tips & advice for you. Time stamps below!
Time Stamps:1:10 Conversation with Shohom:
- 1:45 Social media
- 6:30 Not getting caught up in what you think you’re “supposed” to be doing
12:20 Conversation with D’Lanna:
- 12:50 Tips for introducing yourself to your professors
- 16:09 Changing friends throughout your college career
19:00 Conversation with Cole:
- 19:28 Learning another language before going to college
- 20:28 Saving money for college & student discounts
23:13 Conversation with Anna:
- 23:31 Being curious about and reflective of the things outside of class
- 27:15 Mastering the 20 minute nap
28:42 Conversation with Paul:
- 29:00 Researching professors with “Rate My Professor”
- 32:04 Setting yourself up for success senior year & internships
- 35:22 How joining clubs/meeting people can open doors for you in the future
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Here’s the tea: the dining hall food may be trash and you might actually miss your hometown, but you WILL make friends and join really cool clubs. In today’s episode, we talk with 4 college grads about what they wish they knew before college! Time stamps below!
Time Stamps:Conversation with Caroline: 1:55 - 13:40
- 2:22 Not letting the idea of being a "freshman" get to your head
- 5:04 Tips for building up confidence when starting at a new school
- 10:46 Finding a great study spot on campus
Conversation with Ashley: 13:47 - 27:25
- 14:29 Making the most of your dorm room space
- 18:13 Putting yourself out there & meeting people at college
Conversation with Noah: 27:31 - 34:17
- 27:55 Joining clubs
- 29:47 Studying abroad
Conversation with Emily: 34:21 - 38:10
- 35:13 Learning about your student loan and financial aid options early on
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Senior Product Marketing Manager at Scoir, Megan Kauffman is joined by Scoir's Chief Experience Officer, Matt Pitone, to discuss how colleges can leverage data and content to create scalable personalized experiences for students during the college search process and why it matters.
Scoir Product Marketing Manager, Erin Barnes, is joined by Former Dean of Admission and Strategic Advisor to Scoir, Peter Van Buskirk, to discuss the challenges of effectively parenting your child through the college process.
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Former Dean of Admission and Strategic Advisor to Scoir, Peter Van Buskirk, is joined by Director of College Partnerships for Mastery Charter Schools, Lance Dronkers, to offer tips for talking finances with your family.
This interview was conducted on November 4, 2021.
Ashley Smith from Scoir talks with special guest Carolyn Caplan (Admissions Mom) about early decision rejection, how to cope, and what to focus on to find your "Dream You."
Admissions Mom Website: https://admissionsmom.college/
Blog on Emotional Planning: https://admissionsmom.college/college-decisions/seniors-if-you-applied-early-this-fall-its-time-for-some-emotional-planning-spoiler-youre-gonna-be-ok/
Blog on if Early Decision Didn't go Your Way: https://admissionsmom.college/college-decisions/seniors-if-you-applied-early-this-fall-its-time-for-some-emotional-planning-spoiler-youre-gonna-be-ok/
Admissions Mom on Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/user/admissionsmom
Former Dean of Admission and Strategic Advisor to Scoir, Peter Van Buskirk, is joined by Director of College Counseling & Student Services at University Prep, Kelly Herrington, to discuss tips for underclassmen!
Our conversation covers topics such as: applying with a sense of purpose, self-reflection, testing, and course selection. This interview was conducted on October 15, 2021.
Scoir Strategic Advisor, Peter Van Buskirk, is joined by Director of College Counseling at Jackson Preparatory School, Malika Lindsay, to discuss building your college list, applying, and making a "plan b" if Early Decision/Early Action did not pan out as expected.
This episode was recorded on October 28, 2021.
Former Dean of Admission and Strategic Advisor to Scoir, Peter Van Buskirk, is joined by Diane Anci, Dean of Admission and VP for Enrollment at Kenyon College, to discuss college essays.
Our conversation covers topics such as: demonstrating your voice with honesty, the importance of the essay, investing time writing about topics that you enjoy, and much more. This interview was conducted on October 13, 2021.
Join Ashley Smith from Scoir for a conversation with Brennan Barnard, the director of college counseling at the Derryfield School, and Rick Clark, the director of undergraduate admission at the Georgia Institute of Technology, where they discuss their new book, who it's for, and how it can help students and families better navigate the college search experience.
Get your copy of the book here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1421442639/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_DJ16ZRYS11GGNZKD1THT
Former Dean of Admission and Strategic Advisor to Scoir, Peter Van Buskirk, is joined by Varo Duffins, Director of FA at Swarthmore and Lynell Engelmyer of The Hamilton Scholars to discuss student financial aid options.
Lynell Engelmyer has worked in college admissions and financial aid for 25 years. She served as a Director of Financial Aid at a small liberal arts college before joining the staff of Alexander Hamilton Scholars, a non-profit that serves talented, low-income college-bound students.
Varo Duffins has been in admissions and financial aid since 1995. Currently, he is director of financial aid at Swarthmore College, a private liberal arts college near Philadelphia. Prior to that Varo worked in admissions and then financial aid at Franklin & Marshall College in Lancaster, and he began his career in admissions at Elizabethtown College. Varo has a bachelor's degree in biology from the University of Delaware and a masters degree in higher education administration from Drexel University.
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Former Dean of Admission and Strategic Advisor to Scoir, Peter Van Buskirk, is joined by Director of College Counseling at the Hill School, Ellen Deitrich, to discuss early application strategies and tips.
Our conversation covers topics such as: when and why to apply early, different types of early applications, and much more. This interview was conducted on September 2, 2021.
Former Dean of Admission and Strategic Advisor to Scoir, Peter Van Buskirk, is joined by Scoir Counselor in Residence, Julie Kampschroeder, to discuss the senior year timeline.
Our conversation covers topics such as: when to apply for financial aid, getting those letters of recommendation, general timeline advice, and much more. This interview was conducted on August 19, 2021.
Scoir Content Marketing Manager, Erin Barnes, is joined by Former Dean of Admission and Strategic Advisor to Scoir, Peter Van Buskirk, to discuss the challenges of starting another academic cycle clouded by the uncertainty of COVID.
This episode was recorded on August 12, 2021.
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Scoir Content Marketing Manager, Erin Barnes, is joined by Former Dean of Admission and Strategic Advisor to Scoir, Peter Van Buskirk, to discuss college rankings and their effect on college culture.
Our conversation covers topics such as: when and why college rankings got their start, how college rankings come to arrive at a measure of quality, how that measure of quality affects the culture of higher education, and more. This episode was recorded on August 5, 2021.
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Scoir strategic advisor, Peter Van Buskirk, is joined by Moira McKinnon of Berwick Academy, to provide some insight into test-optional opportunities for students and families.
Our conversation covers topics such as: the reality of the student experience with testing, alternative requirements to testing, the nationwide increase of test-optional schools, and much more. This episode was recorded on June 24, 2021.
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Scoir Content Marketing Manager, Erin Barnes, is joined by Former Dean of Admission and Strategic Advisor to Scoir, Peter Van Buskirk, to discuss building a balanced college list.
Our conversation covers topics such as: when and how to start building a college list. More specifically, we talk about how to explore colleges, what to know before visiting a campus, the ideal list number, early applications, and more. This episode was recorded on July 8, 2021.
Scoir Content Marketing Manager, Erin Barnes, is joined by Former Dean of Admission and Strategic Advisor to Scoir, Peter Van Buskirk, to discuss the college interview.
Our conversation covers topics such as: how interviews factor into the admission process, virtual vs in-person interviews, actual interview tips, and more. This interview was conducted on June 10, 2021.
Scoir Content Marketing Manager, Erin Barnes, is joined by Mobile Product Manager, Jamie Brenner and Mobile Product Designer, Anna Cushing, to discuss the new Scoir mobile app for iOS!
Scoir Content Marketing Manager, Erin Barnes, is joined by Former Dean of Admission and Strategic Advisor to Scoir, Peter Van Buskirk, to discuss all things waitlist.
Our conversation covers topics such as: what to know before visiting a campus, the type of information to gather, and examples of questions to ask tour guides and other individuals while on campus.
Ashley Smith is joined by Former Dean of Admission and Strategic Advisor to Scoir, Peter Van Buskirk, to recap conversations and key takeaways from a third and final session of the No Name Conference.
This episode was recorded on May 26, 2021.
Scoir strategic advisor, Peter Van Buskirk, is joined by Heath Einstein, Dean of Admission at Texas Christian University, to discuss telling your personal story in your college application.
Our conversation covers topics such as: holistic admissions, presenting your strengths outside of academics, and much more. This episode was recorded on May 6, 2021.
Scoir strategic advisor, Peter Van Buskirk, is joined by Ann Fleming Brown, Director of Admissions at Union College, to discuss all things related to letters of recommendation.
Our conversation covers topics such as: the importance of letters of recommendation, how to acquire good letters, and much more. This episode was recorded on May 4, 2021.
Scoir strategic advisor, Peter Van Buskirk, is joined by Elena Hicks, Dean of Admission at SMU, to discuss how to use your summers wisely if you're a college-bound student.
Our conversation covers topics such as: taking time to relax and reflect, what kinds of activities make sense from the perspective of an admissions leader, and much more. This episode was recorded on April 22, 2021.
Ashley Smith, Director of Marketing for Scoir, is joined by Ethan Sawyer, The College Essay Guy! Ethan is a nationally recognized college essay expert, and the author of Amazon Best Sellers: College Essay Essentials, and College Admission Essentials. He offers his expertise through his blog, online courses, workshops, books, and one-on-one work. Our conversation covers all-things college essays, but here are the highlights:
- Where and how to write about the impact that the pandemic had on you personally
- What are some things you love or know a lot about? (An exercise)
- Not getting locked into your challenged-based stories
- The Feelings and Needs Exercise
- What are the “islands of your personality”?
- 7 montage paths and identifying the different sides of yourself
- Identifying values and finding examples of those values
- Having these things reflected back to you so that you can identify patterns and write a beautiful college essay
Scoir strategic advisor, Peter Van Buskirk, is joined by Rick Clark of Georgia Tech, to discuss standardized testing as it relates to college admission.
Our conversation covers topics such as: the original differences between the tests, score-choice and test-optional, the timing around test, and much more. This episode was recorded on April 13, 2021.
Scoir strategic advisor, Peter Van Buskirk, is joined by Postsecondary Counselor, Amy Belstra of Libertyville High School, to have an important discussion about exploring the options when beginning to think of college.
Our conversation covers topics such as: distinguishing between a college and a university, public versus private colleges, lifestyle and campus considerations, and much more. This episode was recorded on April 14, 2021.
Peter Van Buskirk joins us for a conversation about financial aid packages. Seniors: don't miss this one! We discuss when to appeal, reading the "fine print." comparing apples-to-apples, and other strategies to help you evaluate your options.
Scoir strategic advisor, Peter Van Buskirk, is joined by Rob Springall and Bert McBrayer of Penn State University, to discuss the importance of high school course selections.
Our conversation covers topics such as: how your transcript is evaluated, choosing a course load that challenges you, and ultimately, finding fulfillment in your courses. This episode was recorded on April 6, 2021.
Ashley Smith is joined by Former Dean of Admission and Strategic Advisor to Scoir, Peter Van Buskirk, to recap conversations and key takeaways from a second session of the No Name Conference.
This episode was recorded on March 29, 2021.
If you're a student or a family member of a college-bound student looking for some clarity around how to make your final choice of college, give this conversation a listen. Former Dean of Admission and Strategic Advisor to Scoir, Peter Van Buskirk, is joined by Director of College Counseling at The Taft School, Alison Almasian, to have a timely discussion about making your final choice of college, and much more.
Scoir Superintendent-in-Residence, Robert Avossa, is joined by Dr. Dana Godek for the third episode in our series on Social and Emotional Learning.
Scoir Superintendent-in-Residence, Robert Avossa, is joined by Dr. Dana Godek for the second episode in our series on Social and Emotional Learning.
Chiefs for Change - https://covid.chiefsforchange.org/
Pure Edge - https://pureedgeinc.org/
American Academy of Pediatrics - https://www.aap.org/en-us/Pages/Default.aspx
Scoir Superintendent-in-Residence, Robert Avossa, is joined by Dr. Dana Godek for the first episode in our series on Social and Emotional Learning.
Check out CASEL, The Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning, here!
Scoir Content Marketing Manager, Erin Barnes, is joined by Former Dean of Admission and Strategic Advisor to Scoir, Peter Van Buskirk, to discuss all things waitlist.
Our conversation covers topics such as: how to remain active on a waitlist, how waitlists are organized, when you'll have a final decision, and how to proceed.
Ashley Smith is joined by Former Dean of Admission and Strategic Advisor to Scoir, Peter Van Buskirk, to recap conversations and key takeaways from the recent No Name Conference.
This episode was recorded on February 1, 2021.
Scoir Senior Product Marketing Manager, Megan Kauffman, is joined by Assistant Dean of Admission at Bates College, Nicole Villacres-Reyes, to discuss zoom fatigue and prospective student engagement.
Our conversation covers topics such as: tips for keeping students engaged during virtual recruitment events, what makes video conferencing exhausting, unique ways to connect with prospective students, and more.
If you're a student or a family member of a college-bound student looking for some clarity around what exactly is going on in the world of college admission testing, give this conversation a listen. Erin Barnes is joined by Former Dean of Admission and Strategic Advisor to Scoir, Peter Van Buskirk, to discuss the history of standardized testing, present circumstances, and where testing fits into the future of college admission.
Scoir strategic advisor, Peter Van Buskirk, is joined by Dean of Admission at Marist College, Kent Rinehart, to discuss the challenges posed to the college admission process by the coronavirus pandemic.
Our conversation covers topics such as: connecting with prospective students, deferring enrollment, applying early decision, assessing applicants, and more. This episode was recorded on December 17, 2020.
Scoir strategic advisor, Peter Van Buskirk, is joined by Dean of Admission at Texas Christian University, Heath Einstein, to discuss the challenges posed to the college admission process by the coronavirus pandemic.
Our conversation covers topics such as: enthusiasm around early applications, TCU’s policy on test-optional, financial aid packaging, admission practices and more. This episode was recorded on December 7, 2020.
Scoir strategic advisor, Peter Van Buskirk, is joined by Vice chancellor for enrollment at the University of Denver, Todd Rinehart, to discuss the challenges posed to the college admission process by the coronavirus pandemic.
Our conversation covers topics such as: deferring enrollment, keeping students healthy, applying early decision, assessing applicants, and more. This episode was recorded on December 17, 2020.
Scoir strategic advisor, Peter Van Buskirk, is joined by Dean of Admission at Carnegie Mellon University, Mike Steidel, to discuss the challenges posed to the college admission process by the coronavirus pandemic.
Our conversation covers topics such as: test-optional, assessing student performance, maintaining connections, athletics, and more. This episode was recorded on December 18, 2020.
Scoir strategic advisor, Peter Van Buskirk, is joined by Vice President for Enrollment of Wake Forest University, Eric Maguire, to discuss the challenges posed to the college admission process by the coronavirus pandemic.
Our conversation covers topics such as: test-optional considerations, expressing yourself via essays, continuing your college search, asking questions, and more. This episode was recorded on December 10, 2020.
Ashley Smith is joined by Senior Product Marketing Manager at Scoir, Megan Kauffman, to discuss best practices and tips that colleges can use when thinking about how to better engage students.
Scoir strategic advisor, Peter Van Buskirk, is joined by Vice President for Enrollment Management at University of Richmond, Stephanie Dupaul, to discuss the challenges posed to the college admission process by the coronavirus pandemic.
Our conversation covers topics such as: test-optional considerations, putting together an authentic application, meeting full financial need, and more. This episode was recorded on December 14, 2020.
Scoir strategic advisor, Peter Van Buskirk, is joined by Chief Education and Policy Officer of NACAC, David Hawkins, to discuss the challenges posed to the college admission process by the coronavirus pandemic.
Our conversation stretches over topics such as: NACAC’s role, college rankings, finding your best-fit college, financing college, and much more. This episode was recorded on January 25, 2021.
Scoir strategic advisor, Peter Van Buskirk, is joined by Director of Undergraduate Admission at Georgia Tech, Rick Clark, to discuss the challenges posed to the college admission process by the coronavirus pandemic.
Our conversation covers topics such as: early action vs early decision, assessing applicants, test-optional, admission practices and more. This episode was recorded on December 8, 2020.
Scoir strategic advisor, Peter Van Buskirk, is joined by Vice Provost for Enrollment of Cornell University, Jonathon Burdick, to discuss the challenges posed to the college admission process by the coronavirus pandemic.
Our conversation covers topics such as: score-free vs test-optional, application reading practices, deferring enrollment, and more. This episode was recorded on December 10, 2020.
Scoir strategic advisor, Peter Van Buskirk, is joined by Vice President and
Dean of Admissions at Swarthmore College, Jim Bock, to discuss the challenges posed to the college admission process by the coronavirus pandemic.
Our conversation covers topics such as: assessing students with or without test scores, maintaining meaningful connections, financial aid considerations, and more. This episode was recorded on December 15, 2020.
Scoir strategic advisor, Peter Van Buskirk, is joined by Executive Director for Undergraduate Admission at Penn State University, Robert Springall, to discuss the challenges posed to the college admission process by the coronavirus pandemic.
Give this episode a listen to hear Robert’s perspective on test-optional, assessing candidates without test scores, applying locally versus across state borders, and the many ways that PSU is maintaining one-on-one interactions with prospective students. This episode was recorded on December 7, 2020.
Megan Kauffman is joined by Director of College Counseling at Battleground Academy, Dustin Lynn, to discuss alternate perspectives on the common college admissions practice of buying student names and contact information.
This episode was recorded on January 6, 2021.
Peter Van Buskirk is joined by Director of College Counseling at Tampa Preparatory School, Cheryl Leonhardt, to discuss the challenges of college counseling in a remote environment.
Join us for this conversation on creating new normals, the value of personal connection, test-optional considerations, and finally, applying to college in a year clouded by uncertainty. This episode was recorded on October 29, 2020.
Peter Van Buskirk is joined by Director of Counseling Services at Fayetteville-Manlius High School, Heidi Green, to discuss the challenges of college counseling in a remote environment.
Join us for this conversation on learning in a hybrid model, how students can stay connected with their counselors, attending virtual tours, student-athlete considerations, and finally, applying to college in a year clouded by uncertainty. This episode was recorded on October 26, 2020.
Peter Van Buskirk is joined by Director of College Counseling and Academic Dean of Grades 11 & 12 at The Overlake School, Kate Asgari, to discuss the challenges of college counseling in a remote environment.
Join us for this conversation on telling a student's story through letters, finding safe ways to connect face-to-face, test-optional considerations, and finally, applying to college in a year clouded by uncertainty. This episode was recorded on October 27, 2020.
Peter Van Buskirk is joined by Director of College Counseling & Outreach at The Derryfield School, and author of The Truth about College Admission: A Family Guide to Getting In and Staying Together, Brennan Barnard, to discuss the challenges of college counseling in a remote environment.
Join us for this conversation on finding intention and meaning in the college search process, the importance (or not) of college rankings, skepticism around test-optional considerations, and finally, applying to college in a year clouded by uncertainty. This episode was recorded on October 27, 2020.
Peter Van Buskirk is joined by CAP Counselor at Coral Reef Senior High School, Lou Gilman, to discuss the challenges of college counseling in a remote environment.
Join us for this conversation on the importance of telling your story to colleges, maintaining personal connections, test-optional considerations, and finally, applying to college in a year clouded by uncertainty. This episode was recorded on October 29, 2020.
Peter Van Buskirk is joined by CAP Advisor at Jose Marti MAST 6-12 Academy, Jonathon Milian, to discuss the challenges of college counseling in a remote environment.
Join us for this conversation on creating an impactful college application, attending virtual tours, test-optional considerations, and finally, applying to college in a year clouded by uncertainty. This episode was recorded on October 23, 2020.
Peter Van Buskirk is joined by Director of College & Career Counseling at Mariemont High School, Amanda Leszczuk, to discuss the challenges of college counseling in a remote environment.
Join us for this conversation on learning in a hybrid model, finding the fun in virtual tours, test-optional considerations, and finally, the importance of transcripts, curriculum and grades in college applications this year. This episode was recorded on October 26, 2020.
Peter Van Buskirk is joined by College and Career Counselor at Ritenour High School, Julie Kampschroeder, to discuss the challenges of college counseling in a remote environment.
Join us for this conversation on learning virtually vs in a hybrid model, making meaningful connections, attending virtual tours, college testing considerations, and finally, applying to college in a year clouded by uncertainty. This episode was recorded on October 22, 2020.
Peter Van Buskirk is joined by Postsecondary Counselor at Libertyville High School, Amy Belstra, to discuss the challenges of college counseling in a remote environment.
Join us for this conversation on developing a college list, attending virtual tours, college testing considerations, and finally, applying to college in a year clouded by uncertainty. This episode was recorded on October 15, 2020.
(We appreciate your patience with our audio quality as we continue to record in a remote setting!)
Peter Van Buskirk is joined by Director of College Counseling at The Taft School, Alison Almasian, to discuss the challenges of college counseling in a remote environment.
Join us for this conversation on developing a college list, attending virtual tours, college testing considerations, and finally, applying to college in a year clouded by uncertainty. This episode was recorded on October 12, 2020.
Welcome to the first episode of the Inside College Admissions podcast, presented by Scoir!
We have some exciting episodes coming your way in the near future 😉 Until then, be sure to subscribe and check out our website and social media channels:
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