In this episode, NACAC Board Director Tahirah Jordan Crawford leads an engaging discussion with two accomplished women leaders in the world of college admission counseling, covering topics such as finding joy in the work, leadership, work-life balance, and overcoming challenges. Gain valuable insights into the experiences and perspectives of women who are shaping the landscape of higher education. Guests: Whitney Soule, vice provost and dean of admissions at the University of Pennsylvania, Nichole Reynolds, Joy St. John, director of admissions at Harvard College.  Moderated by Tahirah Jor ..read more

Women's colleges offer transformative experiences for students that are more important than ever. These institutions provide access to inclusive campus communities and academic excellence with a focus on developing women leaders. In this episode, we will counter common myths, highlight unique opportunities from STEM programs to powerful professional networks, and explain why these nurturing environments empower women to fully be themselves. Guests: Chelsey Holley, Director of Admissions at Spelman College, Nichole Reynolds, Dean of Undergraduate Admissions at Bryn Mawr College, Deanna Dixon, D ..read more

Studying abroad is so much more than enrolling in college courses in a different country—the experience can fundamentally change the course of your future. But who is this experience for, and what is the return on investment? In this informative discussion, leading experts break down everything students and parents need to know about studying abroad, covering everything from the resources needed, what steps you don’t want to skip when applying for a visa and how to get the most out of the life-changing experience.  Guests: Clay Hensley, international education consultant, Joan Liu, founde ..read more

As more colleges become test-optional, admissions officers are tasked with defining the value of ACT/SAT tests—what they convey about students, and their level of importance on the admission process. As standardized testing policies shift with each incoming class of students, our guests today look at in which ways removing the exams promotes access and equity to the college admission process, whether students should test when it’s optional, and the long-term impacts of test-optional policies on college admission.  Guests: David Hawkins, Chief Education and Policy Officer at NACAC; Twink W ..read more

In this episode, host Eddie Pickett and his guests explore the role of over 500 HSIs in the United States in serving millions students from both the admission angle and via student support programs. We dive into why a Hispanic-identifying student might choose these institutions for their higher education and discuss how HSIs are a refuge and support system for the growing demographic of Hispanic students in the U.S.  Guests: Belinda Sandoval Zazueta, Associate Vice President of Admissions at University of Redlands in California; Argenis Rodriguez, director of a support program for student ..read more

In today’s episode, we talk about meeting veteran students where they are and how to best support them on their college journey. Veterans come from a range of backgrounds. These students bring a lot to a college campus—as well as their own unique challenges in the application process. We will discuss  the crucial elements in finding these applicants, how to create a healthy veteran community at college, and how to ensure their success in higher education.  Guests: Veronica Peña, Director of the Houston Admissions Center at University of Texas at Austin and Ian Todd, a veteran who wen ..read more

Bridging Gaps in Context and Personal Writing in the College Application Process As a prospective college student, how can you craft your college application to shine in the pool of thousands of applicants? One of the biggest hurdles in the application process is showcasing your skills, personality and goals—all in under 1,000 words. Finding your authentic voice to appeal to the admissions team can be especially difficult without knowing who your audience is, or what generation they’re coming from!  In today’s episode, school-based counselors help close the generational gaps between stude ..read more

In celebration of Women’s History Month, today’s special episode talks about the motivation needed to be successful in any career.  It has historically been true that professional women often face the decision of either starting a family or climbing the corporate ladder. In today’s professional spaces, allowing for flexibility in the workplace has helped break these glass ceilings—ushering women to high positions. Our guest today speaks about the challenge of having a happy family and a flourishing career as a woman, and how her passion for her work in admissions has allowed her to craft ..read more

In recognition of Women’s History Month, today’s special episode focuses on empowering women to achieve their professional goals. We speak with one of the leaders in advancing equity in higher education, Youlonda Copeland Morgan, Former Vice Provost for Enrollment Management at UCLA. She talks with us about the misconceptions of creating balance in your work life, but rather, bringing your family into your work. As she reaches retirement, she attributes finding meaning in your work as a key to a long, successful career. Guests: Youlonda Copeland Morgan, Former Vice Provost for Enrollment Manag ..read more

College applications are meticulously designed to understand who a student is academically and interpersonally. In recent years, applications have included new prompts for students to talk about people they’re grateful for and instances that have positively impacted their lives.  For college admission offices, the responsibility of building community on campus relies heavily on these responses. In this conversation, we talk with two college admissions experts about the research, science, and multifaceted results of adding a gratitude question to their college applications.  Guests: W ..read more