The Podcast Team is feeling bittersweet about this being the last episode of Season 2. We start with our Shifting Currents segment and a discussion about our favorite topics that have been covered, as well as if any thoughts or opinions have changed since the episode has aired. Then, the current Presidential Trio has a conversation about the importance of our association, relevance of the college admissions industry, and how PCACAC members can and should stay involved. Anchors Away and stay tuned for Season 3!

March means something big in higher education: March Madness! In this episode of The Anchor Exchange, we explore how big athletic moments can shape college admissions.Kiara talks with Dale Bittinger from University of Maryland Baltimore County about the impact of the 2018 NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Tournament and how moments like that influence student interest, campus culture, and admissions.Later, Janssen is joined by Roger Burke from James Madison University and Michael Nixon from University of Maryland College Park to continue the conversation.Our Shifting Currents segment highlights how admissions teams can better use junior-focused programming in their recruitment strategies.

Spring yield season is here and we’re diving into it from both sides of the desk.In this episode, we sit down with Assistant Director of Admissions at the University of Delaware Kasey McAlister and College and Career Specialist Amy Ferguson to talk about what yield season really looks like on both sides of the desk. From student decision-making trends to relationship-building, and the emotional weight of spring enrollment decisions, we explore how institutions and high schools work together to support students through one of the most important moments in their college journey.We also take time to recognize Black History Month and reflect on what it means to support both Black students and professionals within admissions.We hope you enjoy this episode!

In this episode, we sat down with members of PCACAC’s Government Relations Committee to discuss how the higher education landscape has shifted one year into the current presidential administration. The conversation covers updates to FAFSA, funding changes, and what may lie ahead for the Department of Education. The episode also features our Shifting Currents segment, where we explore pre-college programs as an option for students.

In this episode, we’re pulling back the curtain on what really happens during application reading season and what student engagement looks like throughout the process. We talk about how applications are reviewed, the ways students show up during this time, and what that means for counselors on both sides of the desk. As the holiday break approaches, we also reflect on the importance of logging off, setting boundaries, and giving ourselves permission to unplug and recharge. Whether you’re deep in application review or counting down to winter break, this episode is a reminder that rest is part of the work, too.

In honor of November being the First-Gen Student month, Lauren MacGregor sat down with Nakia Waters from the First Gen+ Center at George Mason Universty, and Ellen Spokes from CollegeBound Foundation to talk about supporting students and their families through the admissions process. They were also joined by two first-gen identifying students, both named Angel. The episode also features our Shifting Currents segment on AP versus Dual Enrollment credits.

It’s Homecoming season! In this episode of The Anchor Exchange, hosts Kiara Alexander and Candace Leake dive into the energy, history, and community that make HBCU Homecomings so special.They’re joined by Lisa Fuller, Independent Educational Consultant with College-Primed and proud Spelman College alumna, to reflect on her experiences and what makes HBCUs such vibrant spaces of tradition and pride. Later, the conversation continues with Christine Burnette, Director of College Counseling at Saint John’s College High School and Howard University graduate, along with Carla Goodwin, Senior Assistant Director of Admissions at Howard University, as they share their insights on HBCU life, admissions advice, alumni involvement, and what Homecoming means to them.Candance Leake kicks off the episode with our Shifting Currents segment for a conversation on Counselor Fly-In programs.Listen now on Spotify!

Happy Hispanic Heritage Month! Janssen sits down with Wendy Ayala, Director of Collegiate Directions and co-chair of PCACAC’s Latiné SIG, to discuss community, advocacy, and access. We also feature a conversation with the president of Marymount University on the significance of being a Hispanic-Serving Institution. Plus, as always, we kick things off with our Shifting Currents segment, this month we are discussing 'legacy admissions'. Thanks for your support!

New episode alert! We’re diving into the world of high school visits - how admissions professionals connect with students and counselors, support first-generation students, and make each visit meaningful. Tune in to hear how these conversations shape the path to college.

In the fifth episode of the season, we present a one two punch! First, Candace sits down with Hamzat Saba and Khala Granville Wiliamson of theCurrent Trends and Future Issues (CTFI) committee to discuss AI in admissions. Then, we move from future technologies to reflecting on the past with Janssen interviewing Scott Cooper and Kiara Alexander about their experiences with travel season. We hope you enjoy the insights from this episode!