👉 This episode is brought to you by Prep Expert, a proud sponsor of The College Admissions Process Podcast. Prep Expert offers award-winning test prep courses and strategies that have helped thousands of students improve their scores.

🎯 Special Offer for Listeners: Use the code COLLEGETALK (one word) at checkout to receive 20% off.

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with Dr. Shaan Patel (CEO & Founder of Prep Expert)

In this episode, I welcome back Dr. Shaan Patel, CEO and Founder of Prep Expert and title sponsor of The College Admissions Process Podcast. A board-certified dermatologist and Shark Tank success story (Mark Cuban deal), Dr. Patel breaks down what families must understand right now about the Digital SAT, the PSAT, and how high test scores can unlock life-changing scholarships.

🧠 Why the Adaptive Format Matters

The Digital SAT adjusts by module. Strong performance on Module 1 is essential to unlock the harder Module 2—the only path to top scores.

🏆 PSAT = Scholarship Opportunity

The PSAT isn’t “just practice.” Top 1% scorers can earn National Merit recognition, leading to full or half-tuition scholarships at 100+ colleges.

📈 Testing Is Making a Comeback

With many colleges—including Ivies and major state schools—reinstating test requirements, high scores matter more than ever for admissions and merit aid, especially amid grade inflation.

📝 Use Scratch Paper—Always

Writing out work boosts accuracy and frees mental bandwidth, even on a digital exam.

✍️ Writing Section Red Flags

Passive constructions (“being,” “is why,” “is because”) are almost never correct.

➗ Hard Math Tip

When stuck between two answers, the “uglier” option (square roots, fractions) is often right on higher-level questions.

📚 Beat the Clock the Right Way

Students lose time debating answers—not reading. Elimination strategies cut decision time dramatically.

1️⃣ Start prep in 9th or 10th grade—especially to be ready for the 11th-grade PSAT

2️⃣ Practice with the College Board Blue Book App

3️⃣ Pair strong content with proven strategies to reach the 99th percentile

4️⃣ Explore Prep Expert’s courses or 1:1 college counseling support

www.PrepExpert.com

College Board Blue Book

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Straight From The Admissions Office: Insider Strategies For College Applications

If you're looking for helpful tips and insights for the college admissions process, check out my book by clicking the links below:

🔗...

🎓 Podcast Show Notes: Colorado State University (CSU)

Guest: Heather Daniels, Executive Director of Admissions, Colorado State University

Host: Dr. John Durante, The College Admissions Process Podcast

📍 About Colorado State University

1. Located in Fort Collins, Colorado, about an hour north of Denver and at the foothills of the Rocky Mountains.
2. A land-grant university known for agriculture, engineering, business, natural resources, and liberal arts.
3. Mission-driven with a strong focus on access, service, and real-world impact.

📊 Admissions & Enrollment Highlights

1. By state mandate, approximately 55% in-state and 45% out-of-state enrollment.
2. Nearly 40,000 applications for an incoming class of about 5,550 students.
3. Accessible admit rate of approximately 87–88%.
4. No formal waitlist; some applications may be held to review senior-year grades.

🧠 Holistic Review Process

1. Academic performance and course rigor matter most—but context matters.
2. Admissions officers consider each student’s story and circumstances.
3. Test-optional and effectively test-free: scores are not used for admission, scholarships, financial aid, or placement.
4. Essays are encouraged to be authentic and reflective, not formulaic.

💰 Affordability & Transparency

1. Applications are free for Colorado residents.
2. Families are encouraged to use the Net Price Calculator and plan for all four years.
3. Scholarship opportunities and criteria are clearly outlined on CSU’s website.

💡 Advice for Applicants

1. Be yourself—authenticity matters.
2. Finish senior year strong; grades still count.
3. Visit a variety of campuses to understand fit.
4. Ask questions—admissions offices are there to help.

Colorado State University - Admissions

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👉 This episode is brought to you by Prep Expert, a proud sponsor of The College Admissions Process Podcast. Prep Expert offers award-winning test prep courses and strategies that have helped thousands of students improve their scores.

🎯 Special Offer for Listeners: Use the code COLLEGETALK (one word) at...

🎙️ In this episode of The College Admissions Process Podcast, host John Durante sits down with Megan Starling, Director of Admission at Rhodes College 🎓 — a nationally recognized liberal arts institution located in the heart of Memphis, Tennessee. Known for its tight-knit community and powerful blend of classroom learning and real-world experience, Rhodes offers students a unique place to learn, grow, and thrive.

Whether you're a student building your college list or a parent navigating the admissions maze, this episode provides must-hear insights into how Rhodes reviews applications, what they look for in an ideal candidate, and how students can take full advantage of what the school — and city — has to offer. 🌟

✅ 1. Memphis Matters: Location as a Learning Laboratory 🏙️

Rhodes isn’t just located in Memphis — it’s deeply connected to it. Megan shares how the college’s partnerships with St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, FedEx, and Memphis nonprofits offer students transformative research, internship, and service opportunities across disciplines — from biology to business to urban studies.

“Being in a major metropolitan city allows our students to walk to meaningful experiences that build their resumes while they’re still undergrads.”

✅ 2. Holistic Admissions: What Really Counts at Rhodes 📝

Rhodes has long used a holistic approach to application review. Megan emphasizes that academic rigor is key — but how they define that rigor depends entirely on the context of each high school. No formulas. No rigid GPA cutoffs.

“We really look at the transcript to understand what was available to the student and what they chose to take advantage of. That’s how we define rigor.”

📌 Rhodes does not recalculate GPA, and their team carefully evaluates each course — including AP, IB, dual enrollment, and honors — within a student’s unique academic environment.

✅ 3. Authenticity Over AI: The Role of Essays & Recommendations 💬🤖

With the rise of AI tools, Megan doubles down on the importance of authentic storytelling in personal statements and supplements.

“The students who really stand out are those who write in their own voice — who make me feel like I know them by the end of their essay.”

She also shares tips for recommendation letters (hint: choose someone who truly knows you), and common pitfalls to avoid in writing.

🎓 Quick Facts About Rhodes College:

1. 📍 Located in Memphis, TN, a cultural and economic hub
2. 🧠 Over 50 majors, with standout programs in neuroscience, business, biology, and international studies
3. 💼 80%+ of students complete internships or research
4. 🧬 Direct partnerships with institutions like St. Jude
5. 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Average class size: ~14 students
6. 💰 Generous merit-based scholarships and need-based aid
7. 🤝 Test-optional since 2021 and staying that way

Rhodes College Admissions

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👉 This...