College Admissions Insider

Send us a text Submitting your application is the ultimate way you'll tell a college you want in. But that's just the end of the story. In the years before you apply, many admissions offices will be on the lookout for something called demonstrated interest. In this episode, we talk about why demonstrated interest has become increasingly important in recent years, what counts as meaningful engagement, and what students should and shouldn't do as they try to stand out. Our guest is Kevin Mathes '07, vice president of enrollment management and dean of admissions at Bucknell University. Read a transcript for this episode. If you have a question, comment or idea for a future episode, email podcast@bucknell.edu. Please note: Information presented in this episode was accurate at the time of recording, but may have since changed. Participants may have changed roles or no longer hold positions at Bucknell University. Links: Find your Bucknell admissions counselorInfo about applying to BucknellApplication dates and deadlinesPlan a visit to Bucknell@iamraybucknell, our student-run InstagramBuild a Bucknell Custom ViewbookLatest news for prospective studentsBucknell Virtual Welcome Centerhttps://www.bucknell.edu/admissions-aid/admissions-dates-deadlines

Send us a text The application is the main way colleges and universities get to know you as an applicant. But it's not the only way. At some schools, students are invited to share their story in-person through an admissions interview. In this episode of College Admissions Insider, we'll learn why interviews are valuable in the admissions process, what you can do to practice and prepare, and how building interviewing skills can benefit you in the future. Our guest is Alison Slater, founder of Interview Prep, which provides personalized coaching for high school students to help them make the most of college interviews. (Use code BUCKNELL10 for 10% off coaching booked in 2025.) Read a transcript for this episode. If you have a question, comment or idea for a future episode, email podcast@bucknell.edu. Please note: Information presented in this episode was accurate at the time of recording, but may have since changed. Participants may have changed roles or no longer hold positions at Bucknell University. Links: Get interview tips and prep resourcesInfo about applying to BucknellApplication dates and deadlinesPlan a visit to Bucknell@iamraybucknell, our student-run InstagramBuild a Bucknell Custom ViewbookLatest news for prospective studentsBucknell Virtual Welcome CenterWhen you visit campus for a preview session and guided tour, chat with our student ambassadors, or experience an interactive virtual tour of campus, you'll have a front-row seat as you explore this place we call home. This combination of in-person and virtual visit offerings means you can learn more about Bucknell in the way that fits you and your family best. We hope to see you soon — either on campus or online.

Send us a text For some students, college is just a short drive away. For others, it means crossing time zones, states or even coasts. In this episode of College Admissions Insider, we’re diving into what it’s really like to attend a college far from home. From culture shock to homesickness to learning how to fly solo (literally and figuratively), we’re sharing stories and insights that can help you decide just how far you’re willing — or excited — to go. Our guests are Bucknell students Clara Carroll, a senior from Sacramento, Calif., and Terian Williams, a sociology major originally from Atlanta, Ga. Both have first-hand experience navigating college life far from home, and they’re here to talk travel, campus life, friendships and how going the distance helped them grow. 🎙️ In this episode, you’ll hear about: Whether you’re considering schools nearby or nationwide, this episode offers candid advice and plenty of encouragement for students ready to explore beyond their hometowns. Read a transcript for this episode. If you have a question, comment or idea for a future episode, email podcast@bucknell.edu. Please note: Information presented in this episode was accurate at the time of recording, but may have since changed. Participants may have changed roles or no longer hold positions at Bucknell University. Links: Get to know Lewisburg, Pa.Info about applying to BucknellApplication dates and deadlinesPlan a visit to Bucknell@iamraybucknell, our student-run InstagramBuild a Bucknell Custom ViewbookLatest news for prospective studentsBucknell Virtual Welcome CenterWhen you visit campus for a preview session and guided tour, chat with our student ambassadors, or experience an interactive virtual tour of campus, you'll have a front-row seat as you explore this place we call home. This combination of in-person and virtual visit offerings means you can learn more about Bucknell in the way that fits you and your family best. We hope to see you soon — either on campus or online.

Send us a text For some students, their dream school might be right down the road. While for others, it's a road trip, train or plane ride away. On today's episode of College Admissions Insider, we'll talk about attending school far from home, what that means for your college search, and more importantly, your college experience. Our guest is with my colleague Cameron Walsh, a regional associate director of admissions at Bucknell. Read a transcript for this episode If you have a question, comment or idea for a future episode, email podcast@bucknell.edu. Please note: Information presented in this episode was accurate at the time of recording, but may have since changed. Participants may have changed roles or no longer hold positions at Bucknell University. Links: Get to know Lewisburg, Pa.Info about applying to BucknellApplication dates and deadlinesPlan a visit to Bucknell@iamraybucknell, our student-run InstagramBuild a Bucknell Custom ViewbookLatest news for prospective studentsBucknell Virtual Welcome Center When you visit campus for a preview session and guided tour, chat with our student ambassadors, or experience an interactive virtual tour of campus, you'll have a front-row seat as you explore this place we call home. This combination of in-person and virtual visit offerings means you can learn more about Bucknell in the way that fits you and your family best. We hope to see you soon — either on campus or online.

Send us a text When so much of the college search is about what you'll do during university, it can be easy to push off what comes after until, well, after. But knowing what graduates go on to accomplish can be a powerful tool when deciding which schools are on your list. In this episode of College Admissions Insider, we're diving into outcomes. We'll discover how universities manage and share outcomes data, the best time to start thinking about careers, how parents and families can best support their students' post-graduate goals and more. Our guest is Pam Keiser, executive director of career services at Bucknell. Read a transcript for this episode If you have a question, comment or idea for a future episode, email podcast@bucknell.edu. Please note: Information presented in this episode was accurate at the time of recording, but may have since changed. Participants may have changed roles or no longer hold positions at Bucknell University. Links: Dig into Bucknell's outcomesInfo about applying to BucknellApplication dates and deadlinesPlan a visit to Bucknell@iamraybucknell, our student-run InstagramBuild a Bucknell Custom ViewbookLatest news for prospective studentsBucknell Virtual Welcome CenterWhen you visit campus for a preview session and guided tour, chat with our student ambassadors, or experience an interactive virtual tour of campus, you'll have a front-row seat as you explore this place we call home. This combination of in-person and virtual visit offerings means you can learn more about Bucknell in the way that fits you and your family best. We hope to see you soon — either on campus or online.

Send us a text Whether you're just now thinking about college or have been visiting campuses for months, there's a step in the college process that all students arrive at: Building a college list. With thousands of colleges and universities in the U.S., choosing the ones you'd like to attend can feel like a tall order. Good news is you don't have to do it alone. In this episode of College Admissions Insider, we'll discuss how to find schools that match your interests, how to organize the colleges that make your list, how parents can play a supporting role and more. Our guest is Stacey Hewitt, a school counselor at Downingtown STEM Academy in eastern Pennsylvania. Read a transcript for this episode If you have a question, comment or idea for a future episode, email podcast@bucknell.edu. Please note: Information presented in this episode was accurate at the time of recording, but may have since changed. Participants may have changed roles or no longer hold positions at Bucknell University. Links: Info about applying to BucknellApplication dates and deadlinesPlan a visit to Bucknell@iamraybucknell, our student-run InstagramBuild a Bucknell Custom ViewbookLatest news for prospective studentsBucknell Virtual Welcome CenterWhen you visit campus for a preview session and guided tour, chat with our student ambassadors, or experience an interactive virtual tour of campus, you'll have a front-row seat as you explore this place we call home. This combination of in-person and virtual visit offerings means you can learn more about Bucknell in the way that fits you and your family best. We hope to see you soon — either on campus or online.

Send us a text Spring is officially here, and with it, those long-awaited responses from college admissions. You may think there's only two options. “Congrats, you're in,” or, “We regret to inform you.” But plenty of students will receive a third message, offering them a spot on the waitlist. In this minisode, we'll chat about the most important tips for navigating that outcome. Read a transcript for this episode. If you have a question, comment or idea for a future episode, email podcast@bucknell.edu. Please note: Information presented in this episode was accurate at the time of recording, but may have since changed. Participants may have changed roles or no longer hold positions at Bucknell University. Links: Learn more about waitlistsInfo about applying to BucknellApplication dates and deadlinesPlan a visit to Bucknell@iamraybucknell, our student-run InstagramBuild a Bucknell Custom ViewbookLatest news for prospective studentsBucknell Virtual Welcome CenterWhen you visit campus for a preview session and guided tour, chat with our student ambassadors, or experience an interactive virtual tour of campus, you'll have a front-row seat as you explore this place we call home. This combination of in-person and virtual visit offerings means you can learn more about Bucknell in the way that fits you and your family best. We hope to see you soon — either on campus or online.

Send us a text From Google to mobile apps to podcasts like this, there are countless resources out there to help students find the school that's right for them and craft a strong application. Many students might find that the ultimate college support is right in their own backyard. On today's episode of College Admissions Insider, we're exploring community-based organizations. We'll define what community-based organizations are, who they serve and the difference they can make in a student's admissions journey. Our guest is Adam Navarro-Jusino, associate dean of admissions for access & outreach at Bucknell. Read a transcript for this episode If you have a question, comment or idea for a future episode, email podcast@bucknell.edu. Please note: Information presented in this episode was accurate at the time of recording, but may have since changed. Participants may have changed roles or no longer hold positions at Bucknell University. Links: Info about applying to BucknellApplication dates and deadlinesPlan a visit to Bucknell@iamraybucknell, our student-run InstagramBuild a Bucknell Custom ViewbookLatest news for prospective studentsBucknell Virtual Welcome CenterWhen you visit campus for a preview session and guided tour, chat with our student ambassadors, or experience an interactive virtual tour of campus, you'll have a front-row seat as you explore this place we call home. This combination of in-person and virtual visit offerings means you can learn more about Bucknell in the way that fits you and your family best. We hope to see you soon — either on campus or online.

Send us a text Websites, brochures and social media can only tell you so much about what a college is like. While visiting in person is an excellent way to get a feel for campus life, there are even more immersive opportunities. Today on College Admissions Insider, we're diving into pre-college programs. We'll learn what pre-college programs offer prospective students, what the experience looks like at Bucknell, and how it can help you decide where you'd like to attend. Our guests are Carrine Phillips, senior assistant director of admissions at Bucknell, and Elena Mohan '27. Read a transcript for this episode If you have a question, comment or idea for a future episode, email podcast@bucknell.edu. Links: Explore our Camps, Conferences & Visit ProgramsLearn more about the Bucknell Academy Summer ExperienceInfo about applying to BucknellApplication dates and deadlinesPlan a visit to Bucknell@iamraybucknell, our student-run InstagramBuild a Bucknell Custom ViewbookLatest news for prospective studentsBucknell Virtual Welcome CenterWhen you visit campus for a preview session and guided tour, chat with our student ambassadors, or experience an interactive virtual tour of campus, you'll have a front-row seat as you explore this place we call home. This combination of in-person and virtual visit offerings means you can learn more about Bucknell in the way that fits you and your family best. We hope to see you soon — either on campus or online.

Send us a text Tell us about a challenge you faced and how you overcame it. Reflect on a moment when your actions made a difference for others. Describe one of your passions and why it lights you up. These aren't just ideas for your next journal entry. They're prompts you might see when you sit down to write your college essay — one of the only places on the application where students use their own voice to tell an admissions committee about themselves. In this episode of College Admissions Insider, we chat about crafting a strong outline, how to keep your reader engaged, mistakes to avoid in the essay and more. Our guest is Jennifer Hilborn, a former high school English teacher and current admissions reader at Bucknell. Read a transcript for this episode If you have a question, comment or idea for a future episode, email podcast@bucknell.edu. Links: Info about applying to BucknellApplication dates and deadlinesPlan a visit to Bucknell@iamraybucknell, our student-run InstagramBuild a Bucknell Custom ViewbookLatest news for prospective studentsBucknell Virtual Welcome CenterApply to Bucknell Nov. 15, 2024Jan. 15, 2025Jan. 15, 2025

Send us a text There's no shortage of acronyms in higher education, but perhaps none are more important for prospective students than FAFSA and CSS. For students and families seeking financial aid, these are the essential forms you'll need to submit. Today we'll break down these financial aid forms, the differences between them and some tips for using the FAFSA and CSS to secure aid at the schools on your list. Our guest is Erin Wolfe, Director of Financial Aid at Bucknell. Read a transcript for this episode If you have a question, comment or idea for a future episode, email podcast@bucknell.edu. Links: Learn more about financial aid at BucknellExplore Bucknell scholarshipsInfo about applying to BucknellApplication dates and deadlinesPlan a visit to Bucknell@iamraybucknell, our student-run InstagramBuild a Bucknell Custom ViewbookLatest news for prospective studentsBucknell Virtual Welcome CenterApply to Bucknell Nov. 15, 2024Jan. 15, 2025Jan. 15, 2025

Send us a text In this minisode of College Admissions Insider, Brooke and Becca dive into minimum requirements. You'll learn what minimum requirements are, how they might differ between schools, and ways that you can ensure you're on the right preparation track for college. Read a transcript for this episode If you have a question, comment or idea for a future episode, email podcast@bucknell.edu. Links: Bucknell's undergraduate admissions requirementsInfo about applying to BucknellApplication dates and deadlinesPlan a visit to Bucknell@iamraybucknell, our student-run InstagramBuild a Bucknell Custom ViewbookLatest news for prospective studentsBucknell Virtual Welcome CenterApply to Bucknell Nov. 15, 2024Jan. 15, 2025Jan. 15, 2025

Send us a text At schools like Bucknell that receive thousands of applications every year, there’s a good chance some applicants will have similar grades, academic rigor, and extracurricular involvement. But there's a place where applicants can stand out — something guaranteed to be found in their application and no other. We're talking about the college essay — an applicant's best opportunity to show colleges who they are. Writing a great college application essay doesn't have to be an intimidating process. In this episode of College Admissions Insider, brought to you by Bucknell University, Brooke Thames and Bryan Wendell share proven tips to help students craft a killer college application essay. Read a transcript for this episode If you have a question, comment or idea for a future episode, email podcast@bucknell.edu. Links: More tips for writing a college application essay Information about applying to BucknellBucknell admissions dates & deadlinesInformation for prospective studentsBucknell Virtual Welcome CenterApply to Bucknell Nov. 15, 2024Jan. 15, 2025Jan. 15, 2025