Episode
367. Inside College Admissions at Skidmore College: Essays, Test-Optional Advice, and What Really Matters
- Published
- Mar 30, 2026
- Duration seconds
- 2666
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Summary
Creative Thought Matters: Navigating Admissions at Skidmore College Episode Overview In this episode of The College Admissions Process Podcast, Dr. John Durante sits down with Dr. Janessa Dunn, Director of Admissions at Skidmore College, to pull back the curtain on the admissions process at one of the nation’s premier liberal arts colleges. Located in the quintessential college town of Saratoga Springs, Skidmore is a campus where “Creative Thought Matters” and interdisciplinary exploration are central to the student experience. In this conversation, Dr. Dunn shares how admissions officers evaluate applications, what truly stands out in the review process, and how students can best present their authentic selves. Whether you're curious about how to stand out among more than 12,000 applicants or simply want to learn what makes Skidmore’s campus community so distinctive, this episode offers valuable insights for students and families navigating the college admissions journey. What Listeners Will Learn • How admissions officers review applications using a holistic process • What makes a college essay truly stand out • When it makes sense to submit SAT or ACT scores at a test-optional school • What admissions officers really look for in letters of recommendation • The right—and wrong—way to use the Additional Information section of an application • What makes the student experience at Skidmore unique Key Highlights from the Episode The “Crust of the Pie” Analogy Dr. Dunn explains Skidmore’s holistic review process using a memorable pie metaphor. Learn the four key components that form the “crust” of a strong application and how your high school transcript helps tell your academic story. The 75/25 Essay Rule Why should most of your essay focus on the meaning behind your expe…