Unlock Expert Insights on College Admissions with Dr. John Durante

For many parents of high school students, navigating college admissions can feel like an overwhelming maze of deadlines, requirements, and emotional decisions. You want to support your teen in finding their best-fit college—yet you worry about missing crucial steps or overlooking valuable opportunities. That’s why I’m excited to share an illuminating conversation I had with Dr. John Durante, an expert who has interviewed over 250 college admissions representatives through his College Admissions Process Podcast. His behind-the-scenes perspectives can help you and your teen understand what colleges really look for in an applicant—and how to stand out in an increasingly competitive landscape.

Below, you’ll find the replay of our recent webinar with Dr. Durante. During this event, we covered:

1. What College Admissions Officers Want
   Drawing from his extensive interviews, Dr. Durante demystifies the qualities colleges value in prospective students—from academic rigor and extracurricular involvement to intangible factors like curiosity and passion. By understanding these preferences, you can better guide your teen toward choices that align with their interests and impress admissions committees.

2. Strategies to Make Your Student Shine
   The college application process isn’t just about high GPAs and test scores; it’s also about showing who your teen is beyond the numbers. Dr. Durante offers actionable tips on how to highlight your student’s strengths, unique experiences, and authentic personality in personal essays and supplemental materials.

3. Easing the Pressure
   It’s no secret that this whole process can place immense stress on both parents and students. Dr. Durante shares best practices for pacing your teen’s application tasks, so they have time to reflect on their college choices and put their best foot forward—without turning senior year into a marathon of anxiety.

4. Avoiding Common Pitfalls
   From missing application deadlines to neglecting campus visit opportunities, plenty of missteps can hurt your teen’s chances of admission or scholarship offers. Dr. Durante points out key ways to stay ahead of deadlines, manage the application process efficiently, and avoid last-minute scrambling.

How This Conversation Can Transform Your Family’s College Search

One of the biggest gifts you can offer your teen is the clarity and confidence to make decisions that align with their future goals. Through my work with families, I’ve seen firsthand how empowering it is when students finally figure out their career direction, select colleges intentionally, and take charge of the application process. Dr. Durante’s insights—gathered from speaking with hundreds of admissions officers—can serve as a catalyst for that transformation because they give you a roadmap for guiding your teen with less stress and more purpose.

Watch the Webinar with Dr. John Durante

Be sure to watch the video below for our full conversation, packed with practical tips to help your teen gain clarity and stand out to college admissions officers.

Ready for More Support? Get Our Free Video Training

Feeling inspired—and maybe a little bit relieved—to have such expert guidance? Keep the momentum going! If you want more resources to support your student, sign up for our free training video:
How to Guide Your Teen: Free Training

This quick, actionable video will help you:

• Understand the most common barriers students face in making college and career decisions
• Empower your teen to choose a path that fits both their strengths and interests
• Avoid costly mistakes that could derail your teen’s college and career journey

Take advantage of this free resource to continue building a solid foundation for your teen’s future. And if you have any questions or simply need a trusted partner in this journey, I’m here for you—let’s help your teen find their unique path to success.