Application to Admission

What does it actually feel like to go through the college admissions process, choose your school, and thrive once you get there? We brought in someone who lived it — and she is absolutely brilliant. This week, we sat down with Mercedes Patrick , a first-year student at Davidson College — yes, that Davidson, where Steph Curry put it on the map. 🏀 And let us tell you Mercedes is the real deal. Comi...

In this episode, we sit down with New York Times bestselling author Harlan Cohen seven books, over a million copies in print, and a speaker who has visited more than 400 college campuses. You've seen him on The Today Show, The Washington Post, and all over TikTok. In our world, he's a rock star. And in this episode, he brings the framework that changes everything. Harlan breaks down his SE...

In this powerful episode of Applicaiton to Admission ,we sit down with Dr. William R. Brody physician-scientist, entrepreneur, president emeritus of Johns Hopkins University, and coauthor alongside Mike Field of Uncommon Sense: Rethinking Ordinary Problems in Extraordinary Ways .Drawing from decades of experience in medicine, leadership, business, and higher education, Dr. Brody explores the uncom...

What if the most important college decision isn’t the campus you pick, but whether the price you pay sets your student up for success? In this practical, must-listen episode of Application to Admission, Shereem Herndon-Brown and Timothy L. Fields sit down with Miranda McCall, Associate Vice Provost & Director Financial Support, Duke University and national financial aid expert. Miranda whose o...

Check out this special edition of the Application Admission podcast as we break down what to do next after your admissions decision.  Whether you’ve been admitted, waitlisted, or denied, we’ll walk you through your nextsteps. Tune in to move forward with clarity and confidence.

What if the most significant threats to college success aren’t academic at all, but emotional, cultural, and psychological? In this timely and deeply insightful episode of Application to Admission , we are joined by Dr. Veronica Carey , Assistant Dean for Culture, Climate, and Belonging at Drexel University, scholar, international lecturer, and author of FrameYour Degree: How to Avoid Pain while S...

In this episode, we will focus on how parents can effectively support their students during this challenging and sometimes overwhelming period, especially between Early Decision results and Regular Decision deadlines. We’ll delve into key areas such as: Celebrating Wins : It's important to recognize and celebrate any acceptances, even if they aren't the "dream" schools. Navigating Deferrals and De...

In this unforgettable episode of Application to Admission , we sit down with Alicia Oglesby Associate Director of College Counseling at Winchester Thurston School, licensed counselor, equity advocate, Howard University alumna, and co-author of Interrupting Racism: Equity and Social Justice in School Counseling . Alicia brings experience, wisdom, and a sharp pen, all wrapped in Philly pride. This c...

Let’s Bust a Myth: College Isn’t a One-Way Ticket College is a journey and sometimes the smartest move you can make is to transfer. In this energizing episode, we sit down with Jaime Smith , founder of https://transfersavvy.com, Certified Educational Planner, longtime educator, and one of the nation’s leading voices on transfer admissions done right. With 25 years in education, two master’s degree...

Some people support your work from afar. Charlain Bailey has supported us from the front row. As a veteran school counselor and founder of Going-To-College.com ( https://www.going-to-college.com ) , Charlain has dedicated her life to helping students especially first-generation and underrepresented students understand how to navigate the often confusing and unequal college admissions process. She’...

What if your student’s love of the game could lead tomore than just a win on the scoreboard? What if it could open the door to college, mentorship, mental wellness, and long-term success? In this episode of Application to Admission, we sit down with Dr. Enzley Mitchell IV, founder of PrepSearch( https://prepsearch.net ) , seasoned NAIA and NCAA coach, and lifelong educator, to break down what athl...

We’re kicking off Season 3 with the wisdom and warmth of The Scholarship Mama herself, Laverne Mickens. This episode is not just a conversation, it’s a masterclass inturning hustle, heart, and strategy into real college money. Laverne is the proud mom of five, and together her children have earned over $3 million in scholarships. But her story is much bigger than the money. It’s about building con...

This week, we feature Julianna Mokaya, a Chicago native and first-year Princeton student, shares her experiences navigating the application process, choosing a college, andadjusting to campus life. She talks about the importance of researching schools, leveraging resources, and being intentional about her college choices—highlighting her focus on affordability, campus vibe, and academic interests....

Join us for a captivating and fun episode of the Application to Admission  podcast, featuring college counselor China Hutchins, Senior Associate Director College Counseling · Ransom Everglades School . Together, we dive deep into the pivotal junior year, highlighting crucial summer opportunities and unpacking the changing landscape of standardized testing. China shares targeted, actionable insight...

College creates experiences that can last a lifetime,both positively and negatively. In this deeply personal and inspiring episode, we're truly honored to talk with sisters, activists, and the co-founders of A Long Walk Home , Salamishah and Scheherazade Tillet. They bravely share how they transformed a life-changing experience into a powerful narrative of sisterhood, healing, and activism, bu...

Parents, if you’ve ever felt lost in the college admissions process, this episode is a MUST-LISTEN! We’re sitting down with Rhona Vega, the powerhouse behind Parent Matterz, an organization that’s changing the game for families navigating college prep. Rhona is a dedicated advocate, mentor, and event curator, hosting impactful workshops and networking experiences across the country—from New Jersey...

In this episode, we dive into the intersection of education marketing, data analytics, and admissions strategy with José Mallabo, Marketing expert and a seasoned professional with over three decades of experience spanning Fortune 200 companies, tech startups, and higher education.  José brings his expertise from leadership roles at institutions like Morehouse College and SCAD, where he reshaped ma...

In this thought-provoking episode of Application to Admission, we dive into the evolving role of artificial intelligence in the college admissions process with Emily Pacheco, co-founder of EdHub.ai and a trailblazer in leveraging AI for education. As AI reshapes how students prepare for college, write essays, and navigate the application process, it also raises critical questions about equity, aut...

In this uplifting episode of "Application to Admission," we welcome Dana Michelle, the dynamic host of "Dana Being Dana" and visionary founder of the Homecoming Challenge. Known for her powerful storytelling and dedication to community building, Dana inspires individuals to give back to the institutions that shaped them. The Homecoming Challenge invites alumni to return to their alma maters, creat...

In this episode of *Application to Admission*, we’re excited to feature Candice Mackey, an experienced college counselor and leader at Crenshaw High School in Los Angeles. With a commitment to empowering students from underrepresented communities, Candice has spent years guiding young people through the college admissions process, equipping them with the knowledge and confidence they need to succe...

In this insightful episode of Application to Admission, we sit down with Ron Lieber, a veteran journalist from The New York Times and the author of the bestselling book The Price You Pay for College . As a leading voice on the intersection of personal finance and higher education, Ron has dedicated his career to demystifying the complex world of college costs, financial aid, and merit scholarships...

In this in-depth episode of Application to Admission, we’re honored to be joined by Dr. Deondra Rose, a leading scholar on public policy and higher education, with a special focus on HBCUs, gender, race, and political power. Dr. Rose, a Duke University professor and author of The Power of Black Excellence: HBCUs and the Fight for American Democracy , sheds light on the transformative role HBCUs pl...

In this episode of *Application to Admission*, we sit down again with education expert Akil Bello, a leading voice in equitable college admissions and standardized testing. Akil shares his unique journey guiding his own son through the college application process and offering a rare, personal glimpse into how a professional approaches these crucial decisions. We dive into his expert insights on th...

Welcome back! As we launch season 3 of the Application to Admission podcast, we are thrilled to introduce Kevin Hudson, the Associate Director for Institutional Diversity and College Opportunity in the Office of the Vice Provost for Instititonal Equity and Diversity at Princeton University. With a distinguished career dedicated to expanding educational opportunities, Kevin shares invaluable insigh...

In this episode, we sit down with Ty Allan Jackson, an inspiring author and literacy advocate. Ty shares his journey from a corporate sales career to becoming a self-published children's book author, driven by his desire to teach his son about money. Despite facing 147 rejections, Ty's perseverance led to the successful "Danny Dollar" series. He discusses the importance of authen...