College Admissions Decoded

In this episode, members of NACAC’s Admission Practices Committee share how NACAC’s Guide to Ethical Practice in College Admission supports college admission professionals in making sound decisions with integrity, equity, and transparency. We discuss ethical dilemmas and consider how the profession can respond to emerging challenges in ever-involving higher education landscape.

NACAC's David Hawkins and Sean Robins discuss the administration's changes to education policy, including efforts to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education and anti-DEI initiatives, and how these policies impact students, institutions, and the college admission landscape. They also share opportunities and strategies for advocacy. (Recorded on March 18, 2025)

In this episode of College Admissions Decoded, host Eddie Pickett is joined by NACAC members Emily Pacheco and Sebastian Brown to explore the impact of AI in higher education: from students using AI tools for essays and test prep, to admission offices using AI for student outreach and data analysis. Our guests provide insights on the opportunities and complex challenges that artificial intelligence presents, including questions about privacy, ethics, and access.

In this episode of College Admissions Decoded, host Eddie Pickett sits down with three NACAC members—Priscilla Grijalva, Candice Mackey, and Stephanie Brazinsky—to explore the critical role of advocacy in education.

Women's colleges offer transformative experiences for students that are more important than ever. These institutions provide access to inclusive campus communities and academic excellence with a focus on developing women leaders. In this episode, we will counter common myths, highlight unique opportunities from STEM programs to powerful professional networks, and explain why these nurturing environments empower women to fully be themselves.Guests: Chelsey Holley, Director of Admissions at Spelman College, Nichole Reynolds, Dean of Undergraduate Admissions at Bryn Mawr College, Deanna Dixon, Dean of Admissions at Smith College, and Laura Stratton, the Director of Admissions at Scripps College.Moderated by Eddie Pickett, Senior Associate Dean of Admissions and Director of Recruitment at Pomona College.

Parents are undoubtedly an instrumental part of the college admissions process for incoming students—but how much influence should parents actually have in this process? In this enlightening conversation, we talk to experts about what role parents have in the “marathon” that is the college admissions process, and the lessons the whole family can learn during these stressful, but rewarding times. Guests: Emily Roper-Doten, Vice President for Undergraduate Admissions and Financial Assistance at Clark University in Massachusetts, and Rodney Morrison, Vice President of Enrollment Management at the University of Delaware.Moderated by NACAC member Eddie Pickett, a college counselor and dean at Polytechnic School in Pasadena, California.

In this episode, host Eddie Pickett and his guests explore the role of over 500 HSIs in the United States in serving millions students from both the admission angle and via student support programs. We dive into why a Hispanic-identifying student might choose these institutions for their higher education and discuss how HSIs are a refuge and support system for the growing demographic of Hispanic students in the U.S. Guests: Belinda Sandoval Zazueta, Associate Vice President of Admissions at University of Redlands in California; Argenis Rodriguez, director of a support program for students. Moderated by Eddie Pickett, Senior Associate Dean of Admissions and Director of Recruitment at Pomona College.

Bridging Gaps in Context and Personal Writing in the College Application ProcessAs a prospective college student, how can you craft your college application to shine in the pool of thousands of applicants? One of the biggest hurdles in the application process is showcasing your skills, personality and goals—all in under 1,000 words. Finding your authentic voice to appeal to the admissions team can be especially difficult without knowing who your audience is, or what generation they’re coming from! In today’s episode, school-based counselors help close the generational gaps between students and admissions counselors, helping students find the tools to help write the “perfect essay,” and the importance in getting feedback from a mentor, tutor, supporter or advocate. Guests: Cuca Acosta, Associate Director of Admissions at UC Santa Barbara and Lara Sandora, Lead Counselor for 11th and 12th Grades & College Counselor at TIDE Academy.

In recognition of Women’s History Month, today’s special episode focuses on empowering women to achieve their professional goals. We speak with one of the leaders in advancing equity in higher education, Youlonda Copeland Morgan, Former Vice Provost for Enrollment Management at UCLA. She talks with us about the misconceptions of creating balance in your work life, but rather, bringing your family into your work. As she reaches retirement, she attributes finding meaning in your work as a key to a long, successful career.Guests: Youlonda Copeland Morgan, Former Vice Provost for Enrollment Management at UCLA

At least 10% of students on college campuses have a learning difference. In this conversation, two college admissions professionals share what students should look for when researching a college to determine whether and how the institution will facilitate their success in higher education. They share the many support systems they can look for when they start college.Guests: Marybeth Kravets, Past President of NACAC and Director of College Counseling at Wolcott College Prep in Chicago, Illinois; Kasey Urquidez, Vice President of Enrollment Management and Dean of Undergraduate Admissions at the University of Arizona. Moderated by Eddie Pickett, Senior Associate Dean of Admissions and Director of Recruitment at Pomona College.

A lot of factors contribute to your success in college, from the academic rigor of your classes to the campus environment. The educational excellence and rich history and culture of HBCUs make them important options for many students across the U.S. In this conversation, two college admissions professionals share how their experiences at HBCUs set the stage for success in their own lives and the extraordinary return on investment for any student who attends.Guests: Tahirah Crawford, Director of College Placement at People's Preparatory Charter in New Jersey; Joseph Montgomery, Vice President of Enrollment Management and Student Success at Tuskegee University. Moderated by Eddie Pickett, Senior Associate Dean of Admissions and Director of Recruitment at Pomona College.

Getting into college is one thing; what about completing your degree, and making the most out of the experience? In this conversation, college counselors and administrators talk about the importance of having the right mindset on the first day you set foot on campus. The best advice: know who you are, how you find success, and be honest with yourself about it. Live that reality by tackling fears and seizing opportunities from day one.Guests: Ralph Figueroa, the Dean of College Guidance at Albuquerque Academy; Dean Jacoby, Director of College Guidance at Albuquerque Academy; Aaron Stoller, Associate Vice President for Student Success at Colorado College. Moderated by Eddie Pickett, Senior Associate Dean of Admissions at Pomona College.

Angel Pérez, CEO of NACAC, talks with two up-and-coming college admission professionals about lessons learned from the pandemic, how to find workplaces that share your values, and what they think lies ahead for the next generation of college admission counselors. NACAC's 2021 Rising Star Award Winners Jonathan Gowin, director of the Regional Student Program at the New England Board of Higher Education, and Noor Haddad, associate director of college counseling at The Bishop's School. Moderated by NACAC CEO Angel Pérez.