362. Inside Georgia Tech Admissions: A Conversation with Rick Clark

College admissions are increasingly driven by institutional priorities, including managing enrollment for high-demand fields like computer science and shaping diverse, balanced classes. Applicants should treat their submissions as a cohesive narrative, using letters of recommendation and the additional information section to provide unique context rather than redundant data. While internships and extracurriculars build essential life skills, students should prioritize depth and impact over quantity. Families must engage in early, transparent discussions regarding financial constraints, utilizing resources like the Common Data Set and Net Price Calculators to evaluate true affordability. Success stems from identifying schools that align with the student’s personal identity and long-term goals rather than chasing prestige. Rick Clark, Vice Provost for Enrollment Management at Georgia Tech, emphasizes that navigating this complex landscape requires a reflective, collaborative approach that prioritizes family health and realistic expectations over rigid, predetermined outcomes.