April 7, 2026

Rethinking the College Admissions Journey with Dr. Jay Jacobs

How can students rethink the college admissions journey as the beginning rather than the whole story? What are the most important factors for students and families to look at when deciding where to go to school? Dr. Jay Jacobs answers all of these questions and more in this week’s episode of Office Hours!

Or listen on:

About this episode

In this episode, Vice President of Enrollment Management at the University of Vermont Dr. Jay Jacobs breaks down some of the misconceptions students have about the University of Vermont, and what makes this school a great place for both in-state and out-of-state students. He specifically highlights their financial aid options, retention rates, and exciting programs the university offers.

Dr. Jacobs also dives further into the admissions process at UVM at a holistic level, and explains the sorts of topics and qualities that UVM students exhibit. He wraps up the episode by reminding students that the admissions process is only the start of their higher education journey.

Mentioned in this episode

Host

Will Geiger

Will Geiger is the co-founder of Scholarships360 and has a decade of experience in college admissions and financial aid. He is a former Senior Assistant Director of Admissions at Kenyon College where he personally reviewed 10,000 admissions applications and essays. Will also managed the Kenyon College merit scholarship program and served on the financial aid appeals committee. He has also worked as an Associate Director of College Counseling at a high school in New Haven, Connecticut.Will earned his master’s in education from the University of Pennsylvania and received his undergraduate degree in history from Wake Forest University.

Guest

Dr. Jay Jacobs

Dr. Jay Jacobs assumed the role of VP for Enrollment Management at the University of Vermont in January 2021. Jay is a strategic, data-driven, collaborative leader with a passion for access initiatives and student success. He leads and manage all areas relating to the university’s undergraduate student recruitment and retention through a division comprised of Undergraduate Admissions, Graduate Admissions, Student Financial Services, Office of the Registrar, New Student Orientation, Strategic Retention, and Enrollment Marketing.