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The College Spy PodcastAuthor: Michelle McAnaney
College admissions is confusing and complex. Host Michelle McAnaney breaks down the admissions and application process for parents and students, With over 20 years of experience and over 240 college campuses visited, The College Spy helps your family navigate the college admissions process with confidence and excitement. Listen for expert college admissions advice to help your college-bound student prepare, apply, get in and thrive! Language: en Genres: Education Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it |
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#27: Inside the College Tour: A Conversation with a UVA Tour Guide
Tuesday, 29 July, 2025
In this episode, host Michelle McAnaney talks with Sean Dermody, a junior at the University of Virginia and current campus tour guide, about how families can get the most out of college tours. With a longtime personal connection (dating back to when Sean was 5 months old!) conversation is both warm and informative, offering valuable behind-the-scenes insights into what college tours are really like and how to approach them strategically.Sean shares his experience becoming a UVA tour guide, how he personalizes his tours and how students and parents can ask meaningful questions to get past the scripted basics. He also talks about lingering after the tour, the most and least helpful questions he’s received, and how families can connect with the right tour guide to learn about specific interests.The episode wraps with a spotlight on UVA, plus a reminder that any time is a good time to take a tour—summer included—and sign up info for The College Spy’s Summer Application Bootcamp.******* College SpotlightUniversity of Virginia******* Episode Highlights1:42 Meet Sean Dermody - the funny story about how Michelle and Sean know each other8:43 The worst part of UVA (spoiler: finding an open spot at the gym!)11:44 The best questions Sean has been asked on a tour12:55 Parents + tours18:40 How to customize your tour to fit your student's interest19:20 Sean's experience of working with The College Spy to build a list & work on his application21:21 A great essay tip to bring the reader along with you (celebrating Sean's 5 minute mile!)22:22 The best way to jumpstart your applications this summer********* Links & ContactRegister for The College Spy Bootcamp sessions this August: https://thecollegespy.com/coursesandcamps/the-college-spy-boot-campLearn more about The College Spy and the admissions advisory services offered by Michelle and her team: https://thecollegespy.com/Contact Michelle McAnaney at Michelle@TheColleseSpy.com
