🎙️ In this episode of The College Admissions Process Podcast (The CAPP), host John Durante welcomes Rebecca Simons, Director of Admission at Wellesley College, to unpack the application process and what makes a Wellesley education truly transformative.

Whether you're wondering how test-optional policies are handled, what really matters in the essay, or how financial aid works at one of the nation’s top liberal arts colleges, this conversation is a must-listen for any student considering a women’s college—or any college, really.

🔍 What You’ll Learn:

📌 Wellesley’s holistic approach to evaluating applications: no GPA recalculations, no unfair comparisons.
📝 What makes an essay resonate—and what doesn’t.
🧑‍🏫 What teachers' recommendations reveal beyond your transcript.
📚 How course rigor is considered in the context of your high school.
🧭 Why Wellesley transitioned from the "Wellesley 100" to a new, reflective supplemental essay prompt.
📉 Wellesley’s test-optional philosophy—and when it’s best to submit scores.
💰 What you need to know about need-based aid (and why Wellesley offers no merit scholarships—proudly).
🌍 How institutional priorities like diversity, major interest, and geography influence admissions.
💬 The power of a women’s college experience—from leadership to confidence-building.
💡 Rebecca’s top 3 tips for families navigating the college process (including the underrated power of setting boundaries and using the MyIntuition calculator).

🔗 Resources Mentioned:

👂 Why Listen:

This episode goes beyond application mechanics and into what really matters: finding the right fit and making empowered choices. If you're even considering applying to a selective liberal arts college, Rebecca's advice will ground and guide you.

🔁 Follow + Share:

Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe and leave a review wherever you listen! And don’t forget to share with a student or family navigating the college process. 🎓✨

Other Related Links from Rebecca:

https://www.wellesley.edu/admission-aid/connect-with-wellesley

https://www.wellesley.edu/admission-aid/apply

https://www.wellesley.edu/w100

https://careereducation.wellesley.edu/

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👉 This episode is brought to you by Prep Expert, a proud sponsor of The College Admissions Process Podcast. Prep Expert offers award-winning test prep courses and strategies that have helped thousands of students improve their scores. For full details on their programs and guarantees, visit www.PrepExpert.com 🎯📚

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Straight From The Admissions Office: Insider Strategies For College Applications

If you're looking for helpful tips and insights for the college admissions process, check out my book by clicking the links...

332. Wellesley College - Rebecca Simons - Director of Admission

The College Admissions Process Podcast