🎓 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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🎯 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...

🎙️ In this insightful episode, we welcome back the University of Oregon to the podcast! Joelle Rankins Goodwin provides an inside look at what’s new on campus since their last feature in 2023, what joining the Big Ten means beyond athletics, and how students can strategically navigate the UO admissions process. Whether you're applying this fall or just beginning your college research, this episode is packed with relevant, timely, and honest insights for all students and families 🧠💡.

Joelle shares that UO’s admissions review is contextual and holistic, focusing not just on academics, but also personal achievements, essays, and extracurricular involvement. No GPA cutoff, no test score mandate — just a thoughtful review of each student’s story.

📝 Pro Tip: Essays and letters of recommendation help humanize the application — authenticity matters more than perfection!

From the prestigious Clark Honors College (small-class liberal arts experience within a major research university) to standout programs like Lundquist College of Business and the School of Journalism and Communication, UO offers rigorous, hands-on opportunities across disciplines.

🌍 Fun Fact: The School of Journalism at UO is one of the oldest and most respected in the country!

While fans are buzzing about Oregon Ducks football, Joelle explains how Big Ten membership expands academic collaboration and so much more!

🧬 Translation: More cross-campus research, academic partnerships, and increased visibility on the national stage.

1. 📍 Location: Eugene, Oregon – a vibrant college town with access to coastlines, mountains, and forests 🌲
2. 👩‍🎓 Undergrad Enrollment: ~20,000 students
3. 🏅 Test-Optional: Yes – for all applicants
4. 💼 Strong Programs: Business, Journalism, Environmental Studies, Education, Architecture, and more
5. 🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Student Life: Over 300 student organizations, robust support for first-gen and out-of-state students, and a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion
6. 🌟 Mascot: The Oregon Duck 🦆

Scholarship Websites mentioned in the podcast episode:

fastweb.com

scholarships.com

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

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