358. Colorado School of Mines - Dr. Jen Gagne - Executive Director of Admissions

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🎙️ In this episode, Dr. John Durante sits down with returning guest Dr. Jen Gagne from the Colorado School of Mines (Mines) to explore the university’s hands-on, collaborative culture, holistic admissions review, and exciting new innovations. 🚀

Dr. Gagne shares how Mines develops world-class scientists and engineers while emphasizing community, authenticity, and purpose-driven learning.

🔧 Key Highlights

🤝 Engineering a Collaborative Community

1. “Engineer Our Engineers” – Mines builds collaboration, not competition.
2. 🪨 The M Climb: Students carry hometown rocks up Mount Zion to symbolize “we climb together.”
3. ⚙️ From cycling champs to esports and intramurals — everyone supports each other through shared rigor.

🧠 Hands-On Learning & Innovation

1. 🪓 Real-world resources: the Edgar Experimental Mine, Labriola Innovation Hub, and McNeel Center for Entrepreneurship.
2. 🚀 Mines students founded Orbital Mining Corp., winning $500K from NASA’s Watts on the Moon Challenge!
3. 🧪 Undergrads dive into research early through programs like MURF and SURF, tackling real-world problems like lithium battery recycling and women’s health innovations.

📄 Holistic Admissions Review

1. Mines reviews everything: transcript, essays, LORs, and personal context.
2. 🔬 Academic rigor matters — especially in math and science — but effort and growth count too.
3. 🗣️ Strong recommendations highlight persistence, character, and communication skills.
4. 📝 Use the “Additional Information” section to explain any personal challenges.

⚛️ The New Supplemental Question

1. 💡 “What element on the periodic table best represents you — and why?”
2. Dr. Gagne encourages authentic, creative responses that reflect who you truly are.
3. ✍️ Also required: “Why do you want to be an Ordigger and what do you want to study?”

🏫 Institutional Priorities & Admissions Tips

1. Mines must enroll at least 55% in-state students.
2. Demonstrated interest matters! Out-of-state applicants should attend virtual events or reach out directly.
3. 📐 Coursework: 4 years of math (through pre-calc/trig), 3 years of lab science (chem or physics required).

💼 Career Connections & Financial Aid

1. 1,600+ companies recruit at Mines each year — the largest career fair in the Rockies!
2. 💰 Merit awards: up to $8K/year in-state and $16K/year out-of-state (test optional).
3. Additional competitive scholarships available via a separate application.

🔮 Looking Ahead: The Quantum Commons

1. Mines broke ground on Quantum Commons — the largest quantum ecosystem in the U.S. ⚡
2. Offering grad-level programs and an undergrad minor in quantum engineering.

🎧 Tune in to hear Dr. Gagne’s insights on authenticity, opportunity, and what it truly means to “climb together” at Mines.