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Artwork for The Game: A Guide to Elite College Admissions

The Game: A Guide to Elite College Admissions

Great Minds Advising
College Admissions
Application Strategies
High School Juniors
Extracurricular Activities
Strategic Positioning
College Essays
Admissions Narrative
Application Metrics
STEM
Liberal Arts
Pre-Med Admission
Restrictive Early Action
Early Decision
Single-Choice Early Action
College Applications
Caitlin Younger
Summer Programs
Common Application
Business
Admissions Hook

In 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

PublishesWeeklyEpisodes27Foundeda year ago
Categories
Education for KidsParentingKids & Family

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Artwork for The Game: A Guide to Elite College Admissions

Latest Episodes

In this episode, we analyze the application strategy of a high-achieving student preparing to apply Early Decision in the 2025–26 cycle. We evaluate her academic and extracurricular profile, explore how to elevate her thematic positioning around iden... more

In this episode, we break down the profile and application of a top student deciding between Yale and Stanford for early action in the upcoming 2025-26 application cycle.

We analyze both the strengths and weaknesses in her profile, identify admissio... more

Much of what students and families worry about or hear in college admissions actually matters less than they might know. 

In this episode, we expose the most overrated pieces of the process—and traditional guidance—from the importance of leadership,... more

In this episode, we flip the script and walk through the 10 fastest ways to sabotage your college admissions chances—so you can do the opposite. 

From staying “well-rounded” to avoiding commitment to a hook, we discuss common traps that smart studen... more

Key Facts

Accepts Sponsors
Contact Information
Podcast Host

Host

Sam Hassell
Sam Hassell is an experienced college consultant and educator with a background in neuroscience research. He leads the Great Minds Advising program, offering hands-on mentorship and strategic insights for elite college admission processes.

Reviews

4.4 out of 5 stars from 62 ratings
  • Sports are important too

    Had some interesting advice but he lost me at ‘I don’t believe sports and typical teenage jobs are worthwhile.’ These are kids and they should be encouraged to do kid things.

    Apple Podcasts
    2
    Kup678
    United States2 months ago
  • Phenomenal

    This is the only college admissions podcast worth listening to. Sam provides an exhaustive analysis of every aspect of applying to highly selective colleges citing concrete, real world examples with actionable takeaways. He does so in a manner that is concise and candid while also meticulously detailed and nuanced. I wish I could give it more stars. I’m on my second listen.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Painted Dad
    United States4 months ago
  • Thanks, Sam

    Finally, an honest and open podcast about the reality of the process. I like how Sam does not sugar coat and tells it like it is!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    freshandflavor
    United States8 months ago
  • You are never getting into college

    If you listen to him you might as well give up and never apply to college. Everything is a “low value activity” other than what he guides folks through. These are kids - give them some hope

    Apple Podcasts
    1
    PD12234
    United States9 months ago
  • Vocal Fry but Excellent Info

    Vocal Fry but great Information

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Kaydee Monty
    United Statesa year ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Some criticism exists regarding the perceived harshness of the advice, indicating that not all listeners agree with the blunt assessments shared.
Listeners appreciate the practical and no-nonsense approach to college admissions, finding the insights valuable and actionable.
There is a strong appreciation for the host's candid discussions and the avoidance of sugarcoating the admissions process, which resonates with many parents and students alike.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Is Legacy A Backdoor To The Ivy League?
Q: Do you have any insight into how much legacy status helps students nowadays, especially at Harvard?
Legacy status can provide a significant advantage at Harvard, especially in the past. However, changes and litigation around affirmative action may have affected the actual benefits, and it's important to consider the specific context of each applicant's candidacy.
Is Legacy A Backdoor To The Ivy League?
Q: Is the goal to abandon any talk of pre-law and instead focus on a niche concentration in English or poli sci?
Yes, it is more beneficial to focus on a specific area within the humanities and to develop a strong narrative around that rather than to label oneself narrowly with career goals.
“Help With My Vanderbilt Essay!” & Answering Other Student Qs
Q: Is it legal to shorten 'Michigan Institute of Technology' to 'MIT' on applications?
Using 'MIT' in this context could lead to misleading information, as it may not reflect the institution accurately.
“Help With My Vanderbilt Essay!” & Answering Other Student Qs
Q: Help with the Vanderbilt Supplemental. I'm struggling because I don't have much culture. Is my ADHD diagnosis a viable topic?
Discussing neurodiversity can be valuable, but focus on your academic passions and how they relate to your identity, as personal growth doesn't always stem from adversity.
“Help With My Vanderbilt Essay!” & Answering Other Student Qs
Q: If a school has greater than two teacher recommendations, should I put a non-core subject teacher in the main recommender section or the other recommender section?
It is not advisable to submit a third teacher recommendation, as it may not provide new information and can dilute the quality of your application.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

Gender Skew
Location
Interests
Professions
Age Range
Household Income
Social Media Reach

Frequently Asked Questions About This Podcast

What is This Podcast about and what kind of topics does it cover?

The series focuses on the intricate and competitive landscape of elite college admissions, offering listeners a strategy-driven approach to mastering the application process. Hosted by an experienced college consultant, the content is rich with insights on common misconceptions, pitfalls, and the need for authenticity in applications. Engaging discussions cover various topics ranging from the significance of academic hooks and personal narratives to dissecting admissions trends and standards. The host emphasizes a blend of strategic thinking and personal growth as keys to navigating the rigorous selection processes of highly esteemed institutions. The pragmatic advice provided aims to demystify the chase for top-tier college admissions and ... more

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this podcast launched a year ago and published 27 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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