Episode 26: Kevin Mathes, Associate Director of Admissions at Dartmouth College

Dartmouth College is one of the most elite institutions of higher education in America, but it also sets itself apart from its peers through its quarter-based academic calendar. This system allows students to enroll in up to three intensive courses each quarter, and by graduation, students have typically taken more courses than their peers at other institutions. The quarter system also encourages students to study abroad, volunteer, or intern for one or more quarters. It provides an immense level of flexibility. Kevin Mathes, the Associate Director of Admissions at Dartmouth, also encourages parents to let their students be the driver of the admissions process.

Episode 25: Bryan Hudson, Assistant Director of Admissions at the University of Southern California

The University of Southern California (USC) is one of the most iconic schools in America. It's football games against archrivals Stanford and Notre Dame are not the only reasons so many students–nearly 50,000 students apply for about 3000 spots–are attracted to this university. Its location in Los Angeles, strong business and engineering programs, and extensive alumni network make this university stand out. Bryan Hudson, the Assistant Director of Admissions, discusses the Trojan Community in way that one might describe his family. The care that the admissions office takes with each applicant file is a true testament to its "holistic" review process.