Best new podcasts?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I think The Game is a perfect example of the dangers of independent counselors.

Girl liked Brown (10/10), Pomona (10), Tufts (9), Smith (8 with legacy), Amherst (8)

About he Smith he says something like, "a whole bunch of people right now are saying, what the heck is Smith College.No offense, but it's not a well known name college."

He basically advises tufts. maybe Pomona ED1 and tufts ed2. But the signal is strong - lean into Tufts.

But applicant ranks brown and Pomona first. and he acts like Smith is a school nobody has heard of.

As a parent, if I had Smith in my back pocket as a safety and you were happy with that. I'd say go for favorite for sure.

But he maybe doesnt think Smith is a good enough school to have on his website so he pushes tufts

Such bad advice. ED1 should only be for your top choice. ED2 can be a school that is #2 or #3 but you should never pick your #3 school (in this case Tufts) for ED1.

Since Smith is very close to Tufts for this student and she has legacy and it is a likely for RD, she doesn't need to panic at ED1 stage (or even at ED2 in this case).

Finally, Tufts is so female-heavy it's not even a great ED choice for women students either (like Brown).

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I think The Game is a perfect example of the dangers of independent counselors.

Girl liked Brown (10/10), Pomona (10), Tufts (9), Smith (8 with legacy), Amherst (8)

About he Smith he says something like, "a whole bunch of people right now are saying, what the heck is Smith College.No offense, but it's not a well known name college."

He basically advises tufts. maybe Pomona ED1 and tufts ed2. But the signal is strong - lean into Tufts.

But applicant ranks brown and Pomona first. and he acts like Smith is a school nobody has heard of.

As a parent, if I had Smith in my back pocket as a safety and you were happy with that. I'd say go for favorite for sure.

But he maybe doesnt think Smith is a good enough school to have on his website so he pushes tufts

Such bad advice. ED1 should only be for your top choice. ED2 can be a school that is #2 or #3 but you should never pick your #3 school (in this case Tufts) for ED1.

Since Smith is very close to Tufts for this student and she has legacy and it is a likely for RD, she doesn't need to panic at ED1 stage (or even at ED2 in this case).

Finally, Tufts is so female-heavy it's not even a great ED choice for women students either (like Brown).

Based on the two hours of detail he provided about her grades and scores and activities, I think he was arguing she just can’t get into Brown and probably not Pomona either. So if she likes Tufts, might as well ED1 there.

[Anonymous]

Anyone check out the YCBK listener survey?

Demo: Majority were white women (with advanced degrees) btw 40-50, mostly all A, public school students:
https://yourcollegeboundkid.com/ycbk-2025-listener-survey-results-2/

[Anonymous]

The College Admissions Process Podcast — he interviews admissions officers from different schools, one school per episode, and I like that he includes a range of public, private, selective, and less selective schools. Not just focused on the top schools but something for everyone.

[Anonymous]

There are many. Which one gave best tips?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:While these podcasts give you some info, most of it is marketing for their services. More than that they create stress and FOMO.

Use only podcasts by current AO's, not former AO's who now do counseling. I looked into many of them, spoke with them, and found them to be less than useful, especially when considering highly competitive colleges. This is where they shine - making the process look more complex and littered with pitfalls. Only they can help you navigate this.

Agreed- We looked at Admittedly after tuning into their podcast and I practically laughed in the guys face on the sales call.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:While these podcasts give you some info, most of it is marketing for their services. More than that they create stress and FOMO.

Use only podcasts by current AO's, not former AO's who now do counseling. I looked into many of them, spoke with them, and found them to be less than useful, especially when considering highly competitive colleges. This is where they shine - making the process look more complex and littered with pitfalls. Only they can help you navigate this.

Agreed- We looked at Admittedly after tuning into their podcast and I practically laughed in the guys face on the sales call.

+1

Listen to actual AO's podcasts.

Former AO's who are currently selling counseling services are completely misleading. "The Game" they are playing is with the parents.