Ever wonder what actually happens after you click “submit” on your college applications? Join former Rice University Admissions Officer, Brandon Mack, to find out.
During this expert-led webinar from CollegeAdvisor.com, former Rice University Admissions Officer Brandon Mack pulls back the curtain on the decision-making process inside selective college admissions offices. Drawing on his real-world experience reviewing applications, Brandon will walk you through how files are evaluated, what stands out (and what doesn’t), and how admissions teams build an incoming class.

This session is designed to help students and families better understand what admissions officers prioritize so you can approach your applications with clarity, confidence, and strategy.

You’ll learn:
- How admissions officers read and score applications
- What makes an applicant memorable in a competitive pool
- How essays, activities, academics, and recommendations are weighed together
- Common misconceptions about “perfect” applicants
- Practical ways to strengthen your application based on how decisions are really made

Whether you’re early in your college planning journey or actively preparing applications, this webinar will give you a clearer picture of what matters most behind the scenes.
  • How Admissions Officers Make Decisions Presentation
  • Live Q&A
  • 1734478615-2866c810cd7d0433
    Former Admissions Officer at Rice University
    I hold a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology and Political Science from Rice University. I also hold a Masters in Education from the University of Houston in Higher Education Administration and Supervision. I am currently working on a Doctorate in Higher Education Leadership and Policy Studies at the University of Houston.

    I started my career in college admissions at Rice University in 2009. I worked my way up from an Admission Counselor to Associate Director of Admission. I have over 12 years of experience in advising students through the college admission process. While I represented Rice University, I have always viewed my job as being a representative of higher education. Therefore, I have assisted students in their college admissions journey whether their final destination was Rice or any other college or university. I have also conducted workshops on highly selective admission practices, essay writing, and mock admission committee case studies. I served as an admission committee chair for all areas of study including international student admissions and transfer admissions. I have served at the national level as part of the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC) Anti-Racism Institute Faculty and the Guiding the Way to Inclusion Conference Faculty

    My approach is to serve as a guide and a coach. The college admission process should be an amazing time in your life in which you get to dream big and think about the environment you want to spend your time in. My job is to help guide you to places that will help fulfill your dreams, places that will provide the environment where you will feel happy, healthy, and supported, and places that will open you to new opportunities/possibilities. This process can seem daunting, but it truly isn't. Together we will put together your best application, hit submit, and take a deep breath as you watch the admission doors open.
Share