Our guest this episode is Emily Parliman. She has read thousands of college applications and studied how selective universities make admissions decisions. She spent two seasons reviewing applications for the University of California, Berkeley. Additionally, she served as an alumni interviewer at Kenyon College, her alma mater.
As a first-generation college student, Emily found the admissions and financial aid process confusing. This experience inspired her to pursue a career in admissions and college counseling.
In this episode, Emily explains how to approach test-optional college applications. She breaks down how admissions readers review and discuss applications. Furthermore, she shares advice on extracurricular activities, explaining why quality matters more than quantity.
This interview is part of The Future of Higher Education podcast. Our Test-Optional Admissions series explores the rise of test-optional policies at colleges and universities across the United States. It also examines broader changes in college admissions. Stay tuned for more conversations with experienced admissions professionals.
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