Episode 20: Marissa Turchi, Senior Assistant Director of Admission at Bryn Mawr College

Just a short train ride from the center of Philadelphia is one of the nation's most renowned women's colleges– Bryn Mawr College. A sincere focus on the liberal arts and its ardent support of women in STEM fields, Bryn Mawr is a place where women leaders and scholars are nurtured. The admissions process mirrors the academic experience, says Marissa Turchi, Senior Assistant Director of Admission, in that both are individualized. To that end, Bryn Mawr has adopted a "test optional" admissions policy. Added to the stellar academic offerings are some deep-seated traditions–like May Day and class colors–that make the Bryn Mawr experience truly distinctive.

Episode 19: Wendy Livingston, Associate Dean of Admission at the College of William & Mary

Think that a small public school doesn't exist? Or, that a liberal arts school can't seamlessly incorporate a business program? Think again. The College of William & Mary bills itself as a true one-of-a-kind college: it's a small public college dedicated to the liberal arts. Yet it still offers a business major, though students do not engage in pre-professional coursework until their junior year! The focus on the liberal arts is at the core of the William & Mary curriculum, and it continues to inform the lives of its graduates well after they earn their degree. For Wendy Livingston, the Associate Dean of Admissions, that was certainly the case.

Episode 18: Leah Baker, MVS Class of 2015, Matriculant to Bryn Mawr College

I have never met a student who has visited as many colleges as Leah. Beginning even before her freshman year of high school, she was already pounding the pavement and visiting an array of schools. Eventually she decided to attend Bryn Mawr College, one of our nation's premier women's colleges. Though initially hesitant to matriculate to a women's college, she learned to put aside her own stereotypes and keep an open mind. In doing so, she found her future home.

Episode 17: Tori Maurer, MVS Class of 2015, Matriculant to The George Washington University

It's not too often that you hear about a student getting lost on the metro and finding the school of her dreams. But for Tori, this was exactly what happened when she went to Washington, DC, to visit colleges. She unexpectedly found herself on the campus of The George Washington University, and she knew that she had discovered her "best fit" college.

Episode 16: Maansi and Saagar Kulkarni, MVS Class of 2015, Matriculants to the University of Chicago

Maansi and Saagar are fraternal twins with a passion for the biological sciences and a strong desire to attend an academically rigorous research institution. They eventually decided to attend the same school: the University of Chicago. For them inspiring summer programs helped lead them through their college search process. Their interactions with their peers and faculty at UChicago were foundational for them.

Episode 15: Adam Green, MVS Class of 2015, Matriculant to Washington University in St. Louis

Adam hoped to find a place that was both affordable and would challenge him to think deeply across academic disciplines. For him, Washington University in St. Louis seemed to fit perfectly. His experience at a "preview day" undoubtedly influenced him to accept his offer of admission. He offers some great tips on how to get started and push through the essay writing process.

Episode 14: Ian Squiers, MVS Class of 2015, Matriculant to Bowdoin College

Ian had a distinctive college search and admissions experience: as a talented squash player looking at small liberal arts schools in the northeast, he was drawn to the highly selective NESCAC schools. The sometimes grueling recruiting process made finding the right fit a highly intensive endeavor. For Ian, considerable research, contact with coaches, and numerous visits ultimately led him to a small school in Maine, the venerable Bowdoin College. In this interview he also offers some advice for other athletes interested in the recruiting process.

Episode 13: Sarah Gaglione, MVS Class of 2015, Matriculant to Ithaca College

Sarah Gaglione will be attending Ithaca College next year and studying the visual arts. Her application process was slightly different from the vast majority of her peers because of the need to submit a portfolio. Though initially apprehensive, she has finished the college application process with more self-confidence than ever. Be prepared to laugh while listening to her encouraging story!

Episode 12: Claire Weinstein, MVS Class of 2015, Matriculant to Vanderbilt University

How did a phenomenal ballet dancer choose to study neuroscience and psychology at Vanderbilt University? For Claire, the people in her life–and a stellar campus visit–encouraged her to apply Early Decision II to Vanderbilt's Peabody College, where she found that she could merge her divergent interests. She also recounts how the numerous essays actually allowed her to learn some new things about herself.

Episode 11: Cora Ceipek, MVS Class of 2015, Matriculant to Yale-NUS College in Singapore

Cora reflects on her college application process in this episode. An exceedingly bright student, she describes how finding the right community aided in her final decision, and she offers some advice to underclassmen and women about following their passions (rather than joining clubs for the sake of college admissions).