The Game: A Guide to Elite College Admissions
Great Minds AdvisingIn this podcast series, we break down the complex game that is elite college admissions and the strategies and pitfalls students need to adopt or beware of if they hope to win admission to one of America’s top colleges.
“The Game” is hosted by Sam Hassell and brought to you by Great Minds Advising.
Sam is a published scientist, having spent four years as a neuroscience researcher at Columbia Un... more
| Publishes | Weekly | Episodes | 60 | Founded | 2 years ago |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number of Listeners | Categories | Kids & FamilyEducation for KidsParenting | |||
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Latest Episodes
For many students targeting top colleges, summer has become synonymous with college admissions. Summer programs, summer internships, and summer research are treated as though they are the key to building a competitive candidacy.
In this episode, we ... more
In this case study episode, we analyze the profile of a high-achieving junior interested in political science, public policy, and pre-law. Despite a 4.0 GPA, top 1% class rank, strong course rigor, and a 34 ACT, the student’s extracurricular profile ... more
In this episode, we break down a viral parent forum post from the family of a student allegedly admitted to Harvard, Yale, Princeton, Stanford, and MIT. The post argues that in today’s admissions landscape, even a traditional “spike” or hook––such as... more
In this case study, we walk through how to take a high-performing STEM student and strategically refine her profile to stand out at top colleges. We analyze academics, testing, awards, and extracurriculars—highlighting not just strengths but also sub... more
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Reviews
- Fantastic podcast
Some of the critiques of this podcast are fair (over-explaining, assuming the listener is new to all this) but I gave it five stars because it’s the most useful content on the subject I’ve come across by far. The application profiles are all excellent.
Apple Podcasts5Will T11
United States2 months ago - Great advice, the format is a grind!
I think this podcast provides excellent advice, but the fact that it is one man speaking the entire time with zero editing results in a slog. Too much very high level input without concrete examples - so so much repetition and over explanation. For the expert: please assume those listening are not beginning from square one - if we are listening we are generally not newbies who need the concept of elite admissions explained again and again. The best episodes have concrete examples, broken down... more
Apple Podcasts4Mama1234456789United States2 months ago - Best advice if your kid serious
Every hater on Sam’s tough love who says “let kids be kids” makes me laugh because their kid will do great at state school. But if your kid is tough, ambitious and focused, no one is more specific on strategic advice than Sam.
Apple Podcasts5JTH080United States5 months ago - Straight talk and so helpful
I am many years away from my kids going to college. However, I figured it was not too early to just start listening, and I started listening based on the recommendation of my sister, whose son is applying to college this year. I so appreciate how the host is a straight shooter and does not mince his words. Incredibly helpful and insightful. I have learned so much. Bravo!
Apple Podcasts5BV teacherUnited States6 months ago - Wonderful podcast
It's truly rare to get the kind of information that you'll find from this podcast. Very thorough and very insightful podcast for sure!
Apple Podcasts5incredible-audibleUnited States6 months ago
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Apple Podcasts | #59 | United States/Kids & Family/Education for Kids |
Apple Podcasts | #81 |  Italy/Kids & Family/Education for Kids |
Apple Podcasts | #16 |  Singapore/Kids & Family/Education for Kids |
Apple Podcasts | #26 |  United Arab Emirates/Kids & Family/Education for Kids |
Apple Podcasts | #37 |  Finland/Kids & Family/Education for Kids |
Apple Podcasts | #41 |  Sweden/Kids & Family/Education for Kids |
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Frequently Asked Questions About This Podcast
What is This Podcast about and what kind of topics does it cover?
This show breaks down elite college admissions with practical, no-nonsense guidance and data-backed insights. Episodes mix case studies, Q&A, and strategic frameworks to help students, families, and advisors build standout candidacies, optimize coursework, and choose the right narrative or “hook.” Across episodes, listeners get concrete examples of balancing rigor with well-rounded profiles, interpreting transcript and activity impact, and planning timelines to align with top-tier programs. A notable edge is the creator's hands-on experience running a premium advising program, offering actionable playbooks and realistic expectations about outcomes in highly selective admissions. The format tends to favor pragmatic strategies over broad theo... more
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Which podcasts are similar to this podcast?
These podcasts share a similar audience with this podcast:
1. The Truth about College Admission
2. Admittedly: College Admissions with Thomas Caleel
3. Your College Bound Kid | Admission Tips, Admission Trends & Admission Interviews
4. Admissions Beat
5. The College Admissions Process Podcast
How many episodes of this podcast are there?
this podcast launched 2 years ago and published 60 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.
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