In this cross-published episode from You’ll Thank Us Later, Christine Wilson sits down with Richard for an open, clear-eyed conversation about the college application process, mainly what influences decisions, what applicants should prioritize, and how to navigate a system that often feels opaque or anxiety-inducing.

Richard shares practical insights from his experience in admissions and his ongoing doctoral research on trust in higher education. Together, they explore:

• Why Early Decision is often misunderstood
• How admissions officers actually read applications and evaluate essays
• Which extracurriculars signal authentic engagement, and which ones don’t matter nearly as much as people think
• How institutional priorities shape outcomes more than “perfect” student profiles
• Why families should stop comparing their student to everyone else
• How public and private universities differ in mission, incentives, and evaluation
• What financial aid offices are really doing behind the scenes

For parents, students, counselors, or anyone curious about how admissions decisions get made, this episode offers clarity, calm, and a more trustworthy pathway through a process that can otherwise feel overwhelming. Note: This episode was originally recorded in June 2025.

Keywords

college admissions, higher education, trust, financial aid, application strategy, essays, public vs. private universities, student success, education policy, parental guidance

Stay Connected

If this episode resonated with you, here are a few ways to stay connected and go deeper:

• 📩 Substack – Read essays and reflections that expand on each episode at Trust Be Told on Substack.
• ▶️ YouTube – Watch clips, shorts, and full conversations on the Trust Be Told YouTube channel.
• 📲 Instagram – Join the conversation and see behind-the-scenes stories at @trustedpod.
• 🌐 Website – Explore resources and download The Trust Toolkit at Trusted Arc Labs.

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