2010.05.21 20:29:43

Patrick OConnor

College Admissions Advice from College Admission Officers at Hot Schools

If a college you love is too far away to visit, there’s a good chance the college will come visit you.  Some popular colleges will visit high schools in the fall, so ask your school counselor if the college you care about ever pays your school a visit. 

If they don’t, they may still visit your area; they’ll just host a visit on a weekend or at night, usually at a hotel.  These hotel visits can draw a big crowd (300 or more!), but since the information is valuable, you should go—and be sure to ask a question!

These same colleges often host meetings with school counselors—hey, you’re not the only one who needs to keep up with the hot schools!  I had the chance to attend one of these breakfasts last week, which was hosted by five strong colleges, and they had some good ideas to pass along:

APs or college classes?  High school students often decide to take classes at a local college instead of taking the AP classes their high school offers.  The thinking here is colleges will be more impressed by a student taking “real” college classes than students who stay at the high school and slave away over AP courses.

The reps at the breakfast—from Duke, Georgetown, Harvard, Penn, and Stanford—felt otherwise.  They said taking APs was actually the better thing to do; they felt staying at the high school showed a greater commitment to the school community, and they added that credits from other colleges most likely won’t transfer to their schools, where high AP scores might earn credit. 

They didn’t address what to do if you want to take a college class that isn’t offered at your high school—your best bet is to call the admissions office of the colleges you’re interested in and ask.

Surprises in this year’s applications.  The college reps were asked if they saw any trends or changes in the applications they read this year.  They said they saw an increase in the number of students who indicated an interest in math, science, and business.  This isn’t unusual—an increase like this also occurred in the last bad economy, since students wanted to make sure they would have marketable job skills—and since the economy is taking its time turning around, it’s likely these majors will also be popular ones next year.

Counselor letters.  Like most colleges, these five require a Secondary School Report, where counselors are asked to provide some basic information on each student.  This is also an opportunity for the counselor to share their thoughts about the student, or talk about any unusual circumstances the student might have been through in high school.

The reps said they knew it was hard for counselors to write good recommendations on their students, since counselors have to see so many students—they said they thought counselors had about 200 students to see, when in fact it’s usually much higher.  They encouraged the counselors to write as much as they could about each student, and then they talked about some counselor “recommendations” that are a form where the counselor basically says the student was never suspended or expelled, or has a criminal record.

My advice?  Counselors can really cheer for you, but since they have so many students to see, you’re going to have to make the first move.  Respect their time and space, but find a way to get your counselor to get to know you; if every other applicant sends in a checklist, your counselor’s letter will help that much more.

college admission | college counseling | Ivy League | College advising | AP | advanced placement | school counselor

2010.05.06 21:34:41

Patrick OConnor

Meeting Next Year's Challenge of Getting Into College Begins May 17th

In the last couple of weeks, we’ve talked about this being a record-breaking year for college applications, and I’ve offered come hints to juniors on how to make sure their college application process is as smooth as possible.  It seemed like all of the bases were covered…

…and of course, that meant something had to change—which it did.

The surprise came this week, when plans were announced to lay off at least 26 counselors in Oakland County, Michigan.  Oakland County is the third wealthiest county in Michigan, and was the home of some very serious money before the US auto industry took a hit two years ago.

Most of the eliminated positions are elementary counselors, so a number of experienced elementary counselors could be transferred into high school counseling jobs next fall.  It’s great that they have counseling experience, but it’s unlikely they will have experience counseling students about college.

If that’s the case in a county that’s still doing OK in the dollar department, chances are your school district is thinking about similar plans, which could mean the counselor you have now won’t be the counselor you have senior year—and that’s not good.

Every part of the college selection process works best if parents, students and counselors work together and plan ahead, and this challenge is no different.  To make sure your senior year is strong, and their college options are all they can be, take these simple steps as a family:

* Ask about counseling plans for next year.  Now is the time to find out if your school is planning a reduction in counselors, or a change in counselors.  This would also be a good time to urge your school board to look elsewhere for budget savings; since most counselors work with 350 or more students, now isn’t the time to make that number bigger.

* Introduce yourself to your new counselor early. If you are getting a new counselor over the summer, now is not the time to be a stranger.  Contact them over the summer, and ask for a meeting to bring them up to speed on your college plans.  Better yet, have your folks contact the principal and offer to host an open house at the high school for all the students of the new counselor.  This will allow the counselor to hit the ground running come September.

* Insist on well-trained counselors.  Parents are surprised to find out most school counselors didn’t have any training in graduate school in how to help guide families through the college selection process.  That’s not their fault—only about 30 counselor training programs offer a course devoted just to college advising—but such training is available.  I offer an online course that trains counselor in college advising—it’s under the Classes and Events tab on the Web site.

* Warm up your computer.  The week of May 17th is National Action Week, a time to tell school boards, principals, state legislators, and Congress that school counselors are valuable and necessary.  There’ll be more information on the Web site next week, and there’s more at http://www.nacacnet.org/LegislativeAction/LegislativeNews/Pages

/NationalActionWeek.aspx—tell your friends, tell the PTA, and be ready to fax at will.

Applying to college isn’t as easy as it was when today’s parents were high school seniors, but a little advanced planning, combined with keeping the best interests of the students at heart, can create a solid foundation of college success for the Class of 2011 and beyond.  Get your letters ready—the time for action is now.

college admission | college counseling | college entrance

2010.03.17 21:09:22

Patrick OConnor

College Decisions-- Yours, Not Theirs-- May Be Surprising

When it came to applying to colleges, Bob put together a strategy that expected the unexpected.  Knowing the three colleges he liked the most were highly selective, he followed his counselor’s advice and applied to 4 other colleges that were only a little less selective—but the difference was slight enough to increase the chances Bob would be admitted to at least 2 of these schools. 

With seven applications in, Bob figured he could count on 2 of his Plan B schools, and maybe one of his top schools.  Once he had three admissions letters in front of him, Bob figured the choice would be obvious.

That’s when Surprise Number One came in. 

Bob’s already heard from his 4 “safety” schools, and he was admitted to all of them.  As he expected, three of them offered him a merit scholarship, but two of those offers were for over half the cost of attendance.  It’s not unusual for students with comparatively high grades and scores to be offered money, but this was more money than Bob (and his counselor) had expected, and it was more acceptances that he was anticipating.

Then along came Surprise Number Two.

Bob’s also been admitted to one of his top pick colleges, and went back for a visit last week.  Since one of his B schools was in the same area, he stopped and visited there as well—and now it’s his top choice.  He found out more about the research opportunities and small classes, and felt very much at home when he stayed overnight on campus.  “I’m really surprised” he said, “This college doesn’t match up at all with what I was looking for last fall.”

What lessons can you learn from Bob’s experience?

Admit rates are higher at some schools.  The top colleges may be admitting fewer students, but many other colleges are admitting more, knowing a larger number of those admitted students are less likely to come, either because of money, or because they applied to more colleges than students in past years.  Either way, you may find more colleges are saying yes.

Merit money is up.  These colleges are making the most of record numbers of applications from strong students.  If you attend that college, their average GPA and test score rankings go up, and so does their reputation.  That’s why they’re digging deep to get strong students to their schools.

Look closely.  People do indeed change in 6 months—like Bob, what you wanted in a college may be different now than it was in September.  This is why another visit to each campus is a must, if you can do it.  You’re that much closer to going, so you have to be that much more confident in knowing. Hit the road.

Look closely, Part II.  It’s always nice to be wanted, but when you visit your B schools, look with your eyes and heart, and less with your wallet.  Paying half tuition is still a waste of money if the place isn’t for you, or if they’ll run out of interesting classes for bright students like you next year. It’s great to have new goals today—just make sure they’re new for the right reason.

Bob ended up with a different kind of unexpected than the one he planned for, but if he uses the same tools of self-knowledge and self-listening, he’ll still end up with a rock solid school.  March Madness is for basketball teams—learn some lessons from this student, and you’ll go bobbin’ along on the road to the right college.

college decisions | college acceptance | college entrance | college admission | merit scholarship

2010.03.12 21:32:49

Patrick OConnor

College Admission and Community Service

One of the most perplexing parts of the college selection process has nothing to do with classes, grades or testing—it’s community service. This nuanced (hey—SAT word!) part of the college application made headlines a few years ago, when a number of able-walleted students participated in “designer” community service programs that took them across the globe, where they dug latrines, built roads, and created water purification plants in remote villages. 

Students thought this kind of work would be a real eye-catcher to the colleges, but they turned out to be wrong.  Colleges certainly value missionary work and emergency support for victims of disasters, but it turns out they put equal value in fixing up the street where you live and the town you call home.

Since community service hasn’t been in the headlines lately, families wonder if colleges care about it any more—and the answer is yes, but in a different way.  Many high schools have instituted mandatory community service as part of their graduation requirements, thinking this would give all of their students a boost in the college application process.  Once again, the colleges were not amused; it turns out if “volunteer” work is required, it loses most of its shine in the eyes of a college.

So what do colleges value in the eyes of volunteer work, and how much is “enough?” 

Colleges have always valued students who get that community service is a natural extension of who they are, and that is no different today.  The student who walked by a homeless man and decided to start a homeless shelter is a hero in the eyes of a college, not because the student looked good on paper, but because the student had a good heart.  Ditto for a basketball player who coaches 4th graders at the Y, the chess whiz who starts a club at the town library, and the student who reads to Alzheimer’s patients at the local hospital.  These students aren’t wondering how much more they have to volunteer to get into college—they’re wondering what more they can to do make a difference.

“But my kid doesn’t see the world that way.  What am I supposed to do?”

If you mean “what am I supposed to do about getting them into college?”, most colleges consider community service along with work, sports teams, and the play as “extra curricular” activities, so if your child is strong in other areas, you may be OK.  There are some places that look solely at community service; to sort out which is which, ask the college.

But if your question means “what can I do to motivate my child to make a difference”, the answer is-- set the example.  Most students engaged in community service started out at an early age, boxing food with their parents at the food shelter, serving Thanksgiving dinner as a family at the Salvation Army, or being the errand runner while Mom and Dad built a Habitat for Humanity.  Just because they’re teens doesn’t mean it’s too late; the need for volunteers is great, and as long as you have a car that can fit the whole family, there’s a project that can fill your schedule.

If your kids are video game mavens, it’s even easier.  “Evoke” is a new online game with serious graphics and a serious mission—work with your fellow secret agents to solve a real-world global task (see http://socialentrepreneurship.change.org/blog/view/could_this_game_be _a_game-changer) .  If you can’t get your student off the couch, take a laptop and some cheese doodles and join ‘em—and begin the journey of self that ends in serving others.   

community service | college admission | college choice | college entrance

2010.02.10 19:49:36

Patrick OConnor

Give Semester Advice the Old College Tri

Last week’s column on scheduling brought a response from a family where the high school is on trimesters, so classes (and grades) switch in November, March, and June, not at all like the January-June semester schedule.  Their two main points were:

-Telling us to mail first semester grades in January doesn’t help, since we already sent first trimester grades in early December.

-Ditto for schedule changes.  Since trimesters started in December, it is what it is—and since trimesters are harder to schedule, juniors have already scheduled their classes for next year.

Trimesterites, lest you think the last two columns are merely kindling to fan the flames of your cozy Valentines Day fire, uncrumple those two fine tomes, and go with the flow as follows:

If a college has deferred you, students on trimesters sent updated grades in early December, long before most colleges decided on their Early applicants.  Even if you sent a note and your grades were en el fuego back then, it will be 3 or 4 months between the time you last contacted the deferring college that said “tell us more”(which really means “show us how much this means to you”) and the time they review your file again.  Tell me—does this time warp translate as showing genuine interest?

The solution here is simple, Danny Zuko—tell them more, one more time!  If your high school sends home mid-trimester grades, passing those good grades along to colleges will show that not only were you good in December, but you’re still good now, and their college is where you still want to be.  Some high schools may even finish the second trimester in mid-March, which could be enough time to send some colleges the good word just as they’re reviewing their deferred applicants. 

Either way, mid-trimester grades can go out now.  Use the occasion to write another very brief note about what’s new in your life and your genuine interest in the school, and they’ll have the latest news—and a refreshed perception—about where you are, and what matters to you.

In terms of schedules, I’m sticking to my guns. Whether you’re a senior starting second semester or third trimester, the chance will come—either right now or in a month-- to ratchet your schedule down a notch. If your grades were strong last report card, there’s no reason to do this—just say no. This may be even harder for trimester students, since the start of your last term is that much closer to the finish line; practice in the mirror if you need to, but a little nyet, nein, non, and “as if” now goes a long way later.

Juniors, if your school really has asked for your schedule for next year, don’t worry—Like Arnold, they’ll be back.  Low enrollment, computer glitches, and last minute layoffs will give you at least three opportunities to pick up “AP Ultimate Frisbee” and drop “Jane Adams and Jane Addams: Common Souls Separated by an Uncommon Spelling”. 

The goal is to make the most out of the learning experiences you have in high school, and I have a hunch your house has 4 Dyn-O-Glos hanging around, but nary a copy of Twenty Years at Hull House. Keep the challenge high—colleges will notice, and more important, so will you.

GPA | college entrance | college admission | college counseling

2010.02.06 18:07:30

Patrick OConnor

Applying to College? Schedule Wisely

We’re a week away from President’s Day, which means there’s only one thing on the minds of college-bound students—schedules.  By this, I don’t mean “My homework is really cutting into my social schedule” or “Dude!  Three girls asked me to the Sadie Hawkins Dance—do you think I can make that work?”  Rather, I mean your school schedule—of classes—for school?

Wow, it’s clearly time for winter break.

I know you’re storing up on wings and dip for tomorrow, so I’ll make this quick:

Seniors, even though this is the last semester of your high school career, you still need a strong schedule.  Even as we speak, colleges are reviewing your applications, and one of their big questions is if you have the ability *and* the desire to really tear up college classes.  Your grades from past semesters may say “You bet”, but if this semester has six sections of The Anthropology of Texting, chances are you’ll hit campus with a rusty brain and an inability to write words with vowels in them.  Bottom line?  Keep the neurons firing by taking classes that make you think.

“But hombre” say you, “I’m smart enough to make this work.  I’m entitled to some time off.” 

OK—consider this.  If your college application says you’re taking a challenging load of academics, and you change your schedule to swap out AP English for “American Idol:  Boon or Boondoggle?”, you have to contact the college immediately to tell them your schedule has changed..  No matter how smooth you think you are, do you really think there’s any way a college will see this change as good news?  Sure, it’s tough now, but Tom Hanks was right—it’s supposed to be hard, or everyone could do it.  Your teachers will cut you some slack come May and June—meanwhile, jump into the work you told colleges you love, and see what’s there to get juiced about.

Juniors, you don’t need a pep talk to take tough classes now, since sixth semester is Show and Tell time. However, your counselors will be coming around in three weeks to sign you up for senior year classes—and that’s when the temptation to board the Blow-it-off bullet train will be strong.

Here’s my encore:  The primary factor used by nearly every college in reading an application is if the student has challenged him/herself by taking the most demanding classes available.  If you’re getting As in French 3, and there’s a French 4, it goes on the schedule; ditto for Calculus and Shakespeare.  If your school offers a course called Expository Writing, it’s on the list; college students tell me this is THE course that helped them see how to write great papers in classes other than English.  Be advised--  “Expository” comes from the Latin expos, which means “to write so many papers you’ll wear out a pencil a week.” Tough?  Yes.  Beyond you?  Please!

You’ve probably heard that the number of high school graduates will go down next year, and that leads you to believe you won’t have to work as hard to get admitted to college.  The first part is right, but the second part isn’t; even with the bad economy, more students are going to college than ever before, so colleges are likely to pick and choose the top students for at least the next few years.  Make their work easy for them—gird yourself, smoke the tough classes, and give yourself a reason to be proud when the thick envelope arrives from your college.  That’s the recipe for a super touchdown.

college counseling | schedules | college entrance | college admission

2010.01.28 22:05:28

Patrick OConnor

College Applications-- The Early Returns, and What They Mean to You

Since President Obama failed to mention it last night, the state of college admissions is strong—in fact, maybe a little too strong!  Many colleges are reporting record application years again, and some will be accepting applications for two more months.  This makes sense, since this is the largest high school class in history (next year’s class will be smaller, by the way)—it seems the bad economy is having very little impact on applications.

While applications are up, the number of admitted students is mixed.  Some schools have already admitted more students than last year, but it seems a number of colleges with Early Action (EA) programs are taking more of a wait-and-see approach; students are reporting an increase in the number of deferrals from EA, where colleges ask students for grades from their current classes, and compare these deferred students to those who applied to the college on a later deadline,

The larger number of “tell us more” responses isn’t too much of a surprise; with more high school seniors wanting to hear sooner from colleges, and since EA programs don’t require an early commitment from the student, colleges want to make sure there’s plenty of room for good students who apply later on.  Still, it’s understandable why students with above-average records could see a deferral as a defeat, rather than a delayed possibility for achievement.  It takes a great deal of thought and planning to submit early applications, and when a letter comes back with an answer of maybe, it’s hard not to take it personally.

What does this news all mean to seniors?  It depends on where you are in the application process:

-- If you haven’t applied to any colleges just yet, two words—“now” and “more”.  Most colleges have received at least 80% of all the applications they’ll be getting, which usually means they will evaluate any new applications more closely.  Make sure your applications are neat, thorough, and sent in by Ground Hog Day, and if you were going to apply to 4 colleges, make it 8—the volume of traffic is very heavy, so everyone can be more choosy.

--If you have applied and don’t have a firm acceptance yet, it’s time to break out the college guides one last time.  More EA applications usually means more regular applications—and that will lead to more deferrals and rejections this spring.  Don’t play the April fool; there are great colleges with deadlines of February 15 and March 1 that will give you a decision 2 or 3 weeks after you apply.  Find one that will work for you, and let that be your winter blanket.

--If you’ve been deferred, be sure you’re in touch with the college now.  Most students who are deferred will obediently submit their current grades, keep their head down, and hope for the best—but colleges will not be admitting most of their deferred students.  A three-paragraph note that updates what you’ve been doing, what you plan on doing, and why State U is still of interest will separate you from the crowd, and create room for dialogue with the college.  If you haven’t done so, this too is a must this week—and if you have no acceptances, see the point above, and find a school that will say yes in February.

--If you’re in at the college of your choice and feeling good about things, well done.  Get back to the business of high school-- spring will soon be here with senior mayhem—and lend a kind word to seniors who haven’t heard.

applying to college | early action | college admission | college selection | college counseling