Explore every episode of the podcast Inside College Admissions
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chantal & Julie: A Scoir Success Story! | 05 Sep 2025 | 00:34:35 | |
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! | |||
| How to Have a Productive (and Fun!) Summer | 30 Jun 2025 | 00:15:45 | |
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! | |||
| Campus Visits: What to Look for on Your Tour | 21 May 2025 | 00:21:00 | |
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! | |||
| [For Counselors & Teachers] Tips for Writing Letters of Recommendation | 08 May 2025 | 00:25:50 | |
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! | |||
| [For Students] How to Ask for a Letter of Recommendation | 23 Apr 2025 | 00:29:30 | |
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. | |||
| Course Selection: Strategies for Choosing your High School Courses | 31 Mar 2025 | 00:14:19 | |
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. | |||
| Why Counselors Give Us Hugs at NACAC [Event Replay] | 15 Nov 2024 | 01:08:29 | |
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:
| |||
| Pro Tips for Effective Writing and Communication | 25 Oct 2024 | 00:40:28 | |
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:
| |||
| What Students Really Want to Hear from Colleges | 04 Sep 2024 | 01:00:26 | |
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:
| |||
| A Temperature Check on Admissions: Summer 2024 | 17 Jul 2024 | 00:37:53 | |
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. | |||
| Navigating College Choices: Counselor Tips for Student and Parent/Guardian Harmony | 09 May 2024 | 00:43:51 | |
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. | |||
| Navigating Higher Education Budgeting Amid the Changing Admissions Landscape | 28 Feb 2024 | 00:37:08 | |
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. | |||
| 5 Essential To-Dos Before Junior Year | 17 Jan 2024 | 00:37:42 | |
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: | |||
| 5 Essential To-Dos Before Senior Year | 10 Jan 2024 | 00:43:37 | |
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. | |||
| Getting to Know Colleges from Campus or the Couch | 12 Dec 2023 | 00:46:33 | |
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! | |||
| 5 Things to Do During the Second Half of Senior Year | 06 Dec 2023 | 00:45:54 | |
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!
| |||
| The Ins and Outs of Applying with Scoir | 23 Aug 2023 | 00:36:24 | |
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! | |||
| From Counselor to Counselor: How to Prep for the School Year | 09 Aug 2023 | 00:32:12 | |
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! | |||
| Thrifty College Tips: How To Dorm Shop on a Budget | 02 Aug 2023 | 00:30:27 | |
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! | |||
| The Digital SAT and Everything You Need to Know about Testing This Year | 26 Jul 2023 | 00:28:27 | |
In this episode, we sit down with Celena from Test Innovators, our test prep partner!
| |||
| A Temperature Check on Admissions: Summer 2023 | 12 Jul 2023 | 00:52:35 | |
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! | |||
| The Youth Mental Health Crisis: How We Can Help Our Students | 24 May 2023 | 00:48:28 | |
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: | |||
| What To Ask On A College Visit | 10 May 2023 | 00:18:30 | |
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! | |||
| 5 Keys to Keep Your Student Debt to a Minimum | 19 Apr 2023 | 00:25:52 | |
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! | |||
| The Final Choice of a College: Tips for Getting It Right | 19 Apr 2023 | 00:40:54 | |
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! | |||
| Family Bootcamp: Financial Aid 101 | 12 Apr 2023 | 00:40:49 | |
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, helpful strategies, and even the exact questions you need to ask in this financial aid process. | |||
| Family Bootcamp: Tips for Building a Productive College List | 05 Apr 2023 | 00:33:56 | |
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! | |||
| Family Bootcamp: Strategies for Managing the SAT/ACT Experience | 29 Mar 2023 | 00:28:14 | |
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. | |||
| Family Bootcamp: Why Course Selections Matter in the College Admissions Process | 22 Mar 2023 | 00:24:33 | |
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! | |||
| Family Bootcamp: Keys to Getting Started with College Planning | 15 Mar 2023 | 00:43:45 | |
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! | |||
| How to Make the Most of Your Winter Break | 14 Dec 2022 | 00:27:20 | |
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 :,) | |||
| Why You Should Celebrate Submitting Your College Applications | 02 Nov 2022 | 00:27:24 | |
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! | |||
| The Don't Sweat It's & Don't Forget It's of Your College Application | 26 Oct 2022 | 00:52:48 | |
⚠️ 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. | |||
| How the 'Little Things' Make your College Essay Stand Out | 19 Oct 2022 | 00:29:48 | |
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.
| |||
| Applying to College in the US: Advice for International Students [Part Two] | 07 Sep 2022 | 00:34:09 | |
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! | |||
| Applying to College in the US: Advice for International Students [Part One] | 17 Aug 2022 | 00:21:22 | |
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! | |||
| How to Make the Most of Your Summer | 22 Jun 2022 | 00:14:55 | |
Summer is for pizza bagels, long drives with friends, and doing... something cool? Not sure how to spend your summer? In today's episode, Elena chats with a recent grad (aka her sister, Andrea!) about how to get creative with your summer plans! | |||
| Dorm Room Essentials Part 2: What to Bring to College | 08 Jun 2022 | 00:22:34 | |
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! 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. | |||
| Dorm Room Essentials Part 1: What to Bring to College | 01 Jun 2022 | 00:21:51 | |
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: 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. | |||
| Everything You Need to Know about the Current State of College Admissions | 25 May 2022 | 00:40:46 | |
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. | |||
| COLLEGE 101 // Part 2 | 11 May 2022 | 00:21:23 | |
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! 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. | |||
| COLLEGE 101 // What they definitely didn’t tell you on the tour | 04 May 2022 | 00:27:08 | |
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! 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. | |||
| Parents' Role in the Admissions Process with Admissions Mom | 20 Apr 2022 | 00:39:32 | |
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. | |||
| What I Wish I Knew Before College: Part 2 | 30 Mar 2022 | 00:39:18 | |
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:
12:20 Conversation with D’Lanna:
19:00 Conversation with Cole:
23:13 Conversation with Anna:
28:42 Conversation with Paul:
Learn more about Scoir: www.scoir.com | |||
| What I Wish I Knew Before College: Part 1 | 16 Mar 2022 | 00:38:48 | |
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!
Conversation with Noah: 27:31 - 34:17
Conversation with Emily: 34:21 - 38:10
| |||
| Building Meaningful Connections Through Personalization | 24 Jan 2022 | 00:23:08 | |
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. | |||
| Being a Partner for Your Child in the College Process | 17 Jan 2022 | 00:25:29 | |
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. Follow us on Instagram! @scoirinc | |||
| Thinking Through The Cost of College: Tips for Discussing Finances with Your Family | 10 Jan 2022 | 00:34:41 | |
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. | |||
| Early Decision Rejection | 02 Dec 2021 | 00:37:27 | |
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." | |||
| Advice for Underclassmen: Applying With a Sense of Purpose, Testing, and Course Selection | 27 Nov 2021 | 00:31:48 | |
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! | |||