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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
Admissions Narrative
College Essays
Application Metrics
Liberal Arts
STEM
Pre-Med Admission
Restrictive Early Action
Early Decision
Common Application
Single-Choice Early Action
College Applications
Caitlin Younger
Summer Programs
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

PublishesTwice weeklyEpisodes53Founded2 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
ParentingKids & FamilyEducation for Kids

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Artwork for The Game: A Guide to Elite College Admissions

Latest Episodes

In this episode, we analyze 2025–26 early admissions data at arguably America’s most famous high school, Phillips Exeter Academy. Drawing upon the Exeter data, we reveal the hidden advantages that actually drive top college acceptances, from demograp... more

In this episode, we reveal five “rules of the game” of elite college admissions and why the process is fundamentally different from almost every other performance domain students—and their parents—are used to.

The core idea is simple: admissions out... more

Course selection has arrived for many students and is just around the corner for many others. 

In this episode, we shed light on a particular “hidden trap” that many students fall into when beginning their selected courses, causing them to remain in... more

Many applicants to top colleges obsess over “activities” and significantly overlook the value of more informal pursuits such as hobbies. 

In this episode, we break down seven major advantages of a student’s hobbies––from piggybacking on existing use... more

Key Facts

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Podcast Host
Number of Listeners
Find out how many people listen to this podcast per episode and each month.

Host

Sam Hassell
Sam Hassell is an experienced host and educational consultant specializing in elite college admissions. As a former neuroscience researcher with a robust educational background, he has developed significant expertise in guiding students toward successful college applications, focusing on strategic insights and personalized mentoring.

Reviews

4.4 out of 5 stars from 72 ratings
  • 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 Podcasts
    5
    BV teacher
    United States2 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 Podcasts
    5
    incredible-audible
    United States2 months ago
  • Extremely informative

    Love this podcast for navigating the college admissions process… This is beneficial in my humble opinion for all levels, especially for elite schools

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    GioPoc
    United States2 months ago
  • Please keep the episodes coming!

    Appreciate the honesty and no nonsense approach to college applications.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Roadrunner NYC
    United States4 months ago
  • 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 States6 months ago

Listeners Say

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

There are mixed reviews, with some enjoying the direct style, while others may find the emphasis on certain priorities controversial.
The insights offered are praised for being thorough and practical, especially regarding elite school applications.
Listeners appreciate the straightforward, no-nonsense approach to navigating college admissions.

Chart Rankings

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

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

The Truth About Early Decision & Deferrals
Q: Does the student's file get revisited during regular decision, or are the admissions officers too busy reading new applicants?
Yes, deferred applications are typically reread alongside regular decision applicants, especially if accompanied by a compelling letter of continued interest.
The Truth About Early Decision & Deferrals
Q: Would an ED deferral put the student at a disadvantage in the regular decision pool?
It depends on the college; a deferral from schools like Stanford can signal a stronger candidacy, while other schools may defer many applications without meaningful signal.
The Truth About Early Decision & Deferrals
Q: Are ED rates at IVs and IV-plus schools falsely inflated for students who have no legacy sports donor?
Yes, the ED rates are somewhat inflated at the top line due to students in special buckets, particularly recruited athletes, but regular decision pools also contain students with advantages.
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.

Audience Metrics

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Frequently Asked Questions About This Podcast

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

The podcast explores the intricacies of elite college admissions, providing listeners with insightful strategies and critical insights to enhance their chances of gaining acceptance into top institutions. The discussions center on various aspects of the admissions journey, including the significance of an applicant's unique narrative, strategic course selection, and the importance of a well-rounded yet focused profile. Listeners can expect to hear about practical advice on resume building, common pitfalls to avoid, and detailed analyses tailored for students seeking admission to prestigious universities across the U.S. With a focus on actionable takeaways and real-world examples, the series stands out for its no-nonsense approach to the com... more

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this podcast launched 2 years ago and published 53 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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