Kaleidoscope: Indian American Youth Perspectives & Reflections

Dr. John Durante: The Voice Guiding Students Through the College Admissions Process

Tuesday, 14 Jan, 2025
Photo courtesy Giovanni Durante (Principal, Syosset High School)

By Krishiv Shah 

Dr. John Durante, the proud principal of Syosset High School, oversees one of the nation’s top academic high schools. Ranked as the 5th best school district in America and the 3rd best high school in New York State by Niche.com, Syosset High School thrives under his leadership. With 31 years of educational experience and 15 years as principal, Dr. Durante’s dedication to student success extends far beyond the classroom. 

His passion for demystifying the college admissions process began not as an administrator, but as a parent. When his daughters navigated the often-daunting journey to higher education, Dr. Durante realized how helpful and accessible college representatives were. Inspired by his own experience, he created The College Admissions Process Podcast—a comprehensive resource designed to ease the stress of applying to college. Since its inception, the podcast has been a 

vital tool for students and families, featuring 278 episodes and averaging 15,000–20,000 downloads per month. Guests have included representatives from institutions like Duke, University of Pennsylvania, Cornell, Brown, Stony Brook, NYU, and more. 

When I asked Dr. Durante about the concept of “holistic review,” a cornerstone of the admissions process, he explained it with clarity: “Holistic review means that colleges look at every single part of the application. They don’t just focus on one piece—they evaluate your transcript, activity sheet, and supplemental essays. It’s about understanding what kind of community member you are, what you’ve done outside the classroom, and how those experiences align with the institution’s mission.” 

He emphasized the importance of supplemental essays, distinguishing them from the personal statement. “Unlike the personal statement, the supplemental essays are your opportunity to demonstrate a deep understanding of an institution—how its mission resonates with you and how you plan to contribute once you’re there.” 

Dr. Durante also acknowledged the unpredictable nature of admissions, particularly at highly selective schools. “Sometimes, the profiles of those who are rejected are nearly identical to those who are accepted. While you can control how you present yourself—through a strong application and a well-crafted ‘marketing package’—there are factors like institutional priorities that are beyond your control.” 

His advice for high schoolers? Focus less on the prestige of a single-digit acceptance rate and more on finding the right fit. “There are over 4,000 colleges and universities in the U.S. There’s a school for everyone, but not every school is for you. Enjoy the process. Have a balanced application list. Use this as an opportunity to explore who you are.” 

As a senior currently navigating the college admissions process, I found Dr. Durante’s insights both refreshing and reassuring. His emphasis on showcasing individuality resonates with my own journey. For me, embracing my identity as an Indian American has been important

throughout my life. By weaving my heritage into my story, I aimed to offer a perspective unique to me. 

Dr. Durante’s words serve as a reminder: the college admissions process is not just about getting in—it’s about finding a place where you can truly belong and grow.

(Krishiv Shah, the founder and submission coordinator of Kaleidoscope, is an Indian-American senior at Syosset High School with aspirations to pursue a degree in South Asian Studies and Business.)