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In this episode—part 2 of 2— we discuss:

What exactly is demonstrated interest?
Does Pomona College track demonstrated interest?
Why is college yield important?
What are the do’s and don’ts for students attending a college fair?
How do schools like Pomona decide which supplemental essay prompts to include in their applications?
Which Common App prompt should students write their Personal Statements for?
How closely do students need to follow supplemental essay prompts?
Does your major matter when applying?
Red flags that get students immediately rejected

[4:20] What is demonstrated interest?

[6:30] Does Pomona track demonstrated interest?

[9:20] Why is it important for colleges to know how likely a student is to enroll (aka college yield)?

[11:10] What is “yield”?

[13:50] What student data does Pomona track compared to other highly selective schools?

[15:37] How much do interviews matter at Pomona?

[20:46] Why it’s important to ask questions to admissions officers directly

[22:20] Do’s and don’ts for students at a college fair

[27:10] What can folks learn about Pomona based on their supplemental essay prompts? How does Pomona decide which prompts to use?

[39:00] In Tom’s opinion, what makes a memorable personal statement?

[44:00] Does it matter which Common App personal statement prompt you choose?

[45:45] Do students have a better or worse chance of getting in if they choose the “topic of your choice?” prompt?

[46:40] Should students stick closely to the prompt for the supplemental essays?

[50:20] Does it matter which major a student chooses when applying?

[53:55] Tom reacts to a sample email from a student asking about major choice

[1:00:45] What are some “red flags” Tom remembers that got students immediately rejected?

[1:03:50] Are there ever situations where a student had amazing grades/test scores/essays, and yet they were rejected?

[1:07:20] Ultimately, how much can students and families control in the admissions process?