🎙️ Real Talk with College Students – Reflecting on the College Search Journey

Welcome to a special episode in our 🎓College Student Reflection Mini-Series on The College Admissions Process Podcast! In this episode, host John Durante sits down with a current college student who has completed at least one full year to reflect on their personal college admissions experience — from researching and applying to adapting to life on campus.

Whether you're a high school student, a parent, or a college counselor, this candid conversation is packed with firsthand insights that can help guide your journey with clarity and confidence. 🚀

💬 What We Cover in This Episode:

✅ Where the student is from, where they went to high school, and where they’re currently enrolled

🧠 When they started thinking seriously about college — and how they approached the process

🎯 Who helped them (school counselor, private counselor, or DIY?)

🏫 Key decision-making factors: location, size, vibe, majors, and more

🚌 How many colleges they visited — and how those visits shaped their choices

⭐ Their top 3 schools and how the final decision came together

🎉 The biggest surprises after arriving on campus

🔁 What they wish they did differently

🎓 Honest advice for students applying to their college

💡 What they wish they knew during the application process

📣 Final advice for students and families just starting the college journey

🎁 Why This Episode Matters:

This episode offers an authentic, unfiltered perspective straight from a college student who's been there. From eye-opening surprises to practical advice, listeners will gain real-world takeaways that demystify the process and encourage thoughtful decision-making. 🙌

If you’re looking to understand what matters most — and what really plays out after enrollment — this is the conversation you’ve been waiting for.

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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

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337. College Student Mini-Series - Josh, UC Irvine

The College Admissions Process Podcast