The Common Application opened August 1, which means that it's officially time to start working on college applications. Whether you're a high school senior looking for essay inspiration or a freshman seeking to build an impressive resume, here are four admission podcasts that will help you navigate the college application scene.

On the list are both traditional audio-only podcasts as well as YouTube channels with great insights into how applications are evaluated and strategies for crafting the perfect essay, extracurriculars list, and more. Let's begin!

The College Admissions Process Podcast

Where to stream: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, The College Admissions Process Podcast website, and YouTube (for older episodes)

Wondering what college admission officers are looking for in your application to your dream school? The College Admissions Process Podcast is the perfect place to hear from actual admission offices from schools across the United States (like New York University, UNC Chapel Hill, and the Claremont Colleges). The universities with available podcast interviews include public, private, T20, liberal arts, and music conservatories all over the nation.

There also are interviews with other professionals in the college sphere whose episodes feature advice for incoming freshman about dorm life, standardized testing prep, and essay tips and tricks.

Each episode is between 25 minutes and an hour long, full of questions about admissions policies, course recommendations, application insights, testing policies, and unique opportunities both academically and socially at a particular university. Often, the admission officers will discuss their school's student life and traditions which can help you pick which schools to apply to or even commit to.

With hundreds of available videos (and more to come!), definitely add this admission podcast to your saved list.

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Inside the Yale Admissions Office

Where to stream: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, SoundCloud, Android Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and the Yale website

For anyone looking for college advice for Ivy League applications, Yale University's Inside the Yale Admissions Office is the perfect resource for behind-the-scenes information. Led by Hannah and Mark, two Yale Admissions Officers, the podcast goes through how applications turn into acceptances, admission cycle updates, how to answer essay and supplemental essays prompts, the standardized testing policy, and more.

Image Credit: Richard Liu from Unsplash

Started five years ago, the podcast now has around 50 episodes available for streaming, with each video around 25 minutes in length. Many of the episodes are also series spanning across several videos. For example, episodes four through six focus on application essays where Hannah and Mark (along with other Yale admission officers) share how students can strengthen their essays and short-answer responses, along with what to avoid while answering prompts.

Other released episodes include busting myths about college admissions, explaining likely letters, discussing how to approach an alumni interview, and Q&As with real questions from podcast listeners.

If you're looking to become a Yalie or just curious about how universities' admission offices work, then this podcast is calling your name.

Amy Wang

Where to watch: YouTube and Instagram

Check out Amy's interview with The Teen Magazine here!

Real and motivating are two words used to describe Caltech chemical engineering grad Amy Wang's content. The NYC resident has a plethora of helpful videos for students (or any young adult) who are looking to build study and time management skills.

Most of her YouTube videos are between 12 and 25 minutes with engaging visuals and tips to help you achieve your academic and personal goals, including getting into your dream school.

Wang's college and graduate school content (including standardized testing tips, reading through her Common Application, and more) is just one topic covered through her YouTube channel. In addition to admissions help, there are also videos about internships, jobs, finance, productivity, and personal growth, such as ideas for side hustles, overcoming burnout, and reducing procrastination.

If you're looking for advice on how to tackle a busy school and social schedule while applying to universities, then be sure to hit the subscribe button.

The College Essay Guy Podcast

Where to listen: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and the College Essay Guy's website

With over 600 available episodes for streaming, The College Essay Guy Podcast is a great resource for current and future college applicants. The topics covered include drafting personal statements, how to prepare for the SAT and ACT, how to create a well-rounded application, and more.

Image Credit: lilartsy from Unsplash

Recently, the podcast featured a six-part series called Admission Nutrients where Ethan Sawyer, the founder of College Essay Guy, interviewed several college admission officers to ask about qualities that make applicants stand out in admissions. He has also done a series with a class of 2025 high school graduate as she navigated her college admissions process from brainstorming her essays to deciding on a school.

Many of the episodes are around the 1 hour mark; however, there are shorter videos as well. With episodes released throughout the admission cycle (about 2-3 a month), The College Essay Guy Podcast is one you should consider adding to your listening lineup for college admissions insights.

Conclusion

Applying to college can be daunting. Thankfully, there are many free podcasts, YouTube channels, and websites online that are here to help you navigate every step of the process, from starting your university research to writing supplemental essays to committing to a school.

The list above of college admissions podcasts is a good place to start, especially if you're looking for an easy way to fit learning college tips and tricks into your daily routine. Now, let's get applying!