•The first thing Mr. Singer did was to assure students that there are tons of possibilities. There are schools for everyone who wants to further his or her education.
•Next . . . Mr. Singer encouraged students to really R E A D the information provided by schools regarding how the admissions process works at each given possible college choice. Evaluate your credentials and see how you fit into the mix.
•The uh-oh moment–you might have all the right credentials and still not be admitted if the college is highly selective. Colleges are crafting classes–so they are building on what their needs are in a given year and the highly selective ones have far more possible candidates than they can admit. Be prepared for rejection . . . it happens–in admissions and in life.
•If you don’t focus on a one-and-only choice, you’ll be better prepared to be happy at any place you’re admitted.
•Deadlines, spelling, neatness all count. You know–that is a theme I seem to keep hearing from all corners–teachers, counselors, parents, admissions officers.
•Essays really do matter.
Mr. Singer said: “Print it. Proof it. Crumple it. Drop pizza on it. Don’t rely on spell check and grammar check.” Before you snail mail it or punch the submit button, make sure you have done everything to make it the best it can be. However, it needs to be your voice that comes through–not your parents’ or anyone else’s voice. “Don’t be controversial–real people with opinions read these essays. Don’t write what might offend someone.” The real key is to make sure that the essay shows a side of you that the reader cannot glean from any other part of your application. “The essay is a way to personalize an impersonal process.” What distinguishes you in a competitive admissions pool is your essay and your out-of-class accomplishments.
•Every year in high school is important. Work to capacity with the motto that your hard work brings you closer to attaining your goals.
•Don’t rule out a college based on the sticker price. Apply for financial aid/scholarships. Complete all the forms that a college requires. Complete them by the deadlines. Know whether the school can meet demonstrated need.
Mr. Singer talked a good bit about interviews. The basic recommendation–if you have the opportunity to interview, DO IT! Realize that interviews can be conducted by alums in your area, students at the college, or admissions reps. Interviews can be informational or evaluative. Know which kind you’ll be having. Don’t wear a sweat shirt from another college–it happens!
Dress appropriately. Don’t chew gum. Don’t let your parent set up the interview for you. And, by all means, know something about the college and be able to talk about why you are interested in this particular school. Avoid the typical “ya’ know . . . like . . . ” comments. Practice interviewing with another student, your counselor or a parent. One reason you want to interview is it shows demonstrated interest in a given school. While demonstrated interest is not a factor in admission at BC, Mr. Singer’s school, he noted that it has become an increasingly important factor in admissions at some schools. He noted there are many ways to demonstrate interest– a campus visit, an interview with an alum, speaking with a college rep who visits your school, connecting with a college at a college fair, or a written inquiry, etc.
Seniors–get a move on it. Juniors–start making those college visits.
As for me, I’m bone chasing!
L8R,
Clyde
