Holiday Potpourri
As another year winds down, it seems only appropriate to take stock of a college going process that continues find its course amidst the news of the day. I would like to comment on a number of hot button issues that continue to drive conversations as they relate to access and choice.
- Despite the difficult economy, there are affordable college opportunities for everyone. They just may not be where you at first want to find them. Target schools where your odds of gaining admission are at least 50:50 and put yourself in situations where you are likely to be embraced for what you have to offer. Schools will continue to give financial assistance, both need and merit-based, to the students they value most.
- Resist the temptation to load up on “reach schools.” There is no basis in fact to support the notion that applying to more will give you a better chance of getting in.
- Your ability to pay the full amount has never been more of a credential than it is now. Colleges everywhere are eager to take on as many qualified “full-pay” students as they can.
- Early Decision (ED) remains a viable option if a clear first choice college has emerged for you. Many selective institutions extend ED Round II options to their applicants. If you have a clear first choice and affordability is not a factor, contact the school to find out how you can compete in the ED Round II admission process. I will discuss your various college application options, including ED Round II as well as the impact of financial need on the ED commitment in the first segment of “Web-Side Chats” for Best College Fit(tm) Members on January 12 at 7PM. (For a description of the Best College Fit(tm) Membership program click here.
- I am hearing from a lot of students who are still stressing over their essays. If this sounds familiar, relax. Find your voice. Tell your story. One of the biggest mistakes students are making is that they are trying to anticipate the style and content that will appeal to an admission officer. Frankly, admission officers want to see you as you really are.
- Essay editing tip #1: Make a conscious effort to reduce the word count of your final drafts by 10%. Engaging in this type of exercise will force you to examine both your word choice and the construction of each sentence. More is not always better.
- Essay editing tip #2: Read your final draft out loud. Your mind can play tricks on you as you proofread silently and it is easy to overlook missing or misused words. Read your essay out loud, preferably to someone, so you can hear how the words sound. Do you hear yourself talking in those words or someone who is reading from a script?
- Make sure you feel comfortable in your own skin! Don’t let the process of finding and getting in colleges change you or the way you see yourself. If a standardized test score or admission outcome doesn’t match your expectations, it’s not the end of the world. Be happy with who and what you are—and, more importantly, what you can become.
Life as a high school student can be incredibly draining, especially if you are meaningfully engaged beyond the classroom. The next six months won’t be any less chaotic. So, during this holiday season, take time to relax, de-stress and enjoy your time with family and friends.
Happy Holidays!
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