Last February, I posted:
“Finally, South Carolina tops the list (of southern states) with a grand total of 27 applications divided between Clemson, the University of South Carolina, and the College of Charleston. (No wonder so many were deferred.) Add to that Coastal Carolina, a growing favorite offering interdisciplinary majors and resort-like atmosphere.”
The Class of 2024 has continued the trend. That’s why I am heading off to visit Clemson University, Furman University, the University of South Carolina, Coastal Carolina University, and the College of Charleston this coming week.
As popular as southern schools have become with students, families often have questions:
“Is it too southern?” When I ask what they mean, the answer sometimes refers to an emphasis on politics or religion.
Would a student from the northeast feel out of place or not welcome?
My experiences visiting colleges in North Carolina, Georgia, and Florida has shown me that college students everywhere are generally welcoming. Colleges that are religiously-affiliated, some of which require chapel service, constitute a small percentage of the total. These are desirable for some, but not all--like any colleges. While I have had students from Texas and Florida who have applied to them, my students from the northeast have not.
About ten years ago, I had a student transfer out of Wake Forest because it felt "too southern” to her. The real truth was that she felt more at home in a city and transferred to a university in Washington D.C. In the past ten years, southern colleges have enrolled many more students from the northeast, other parts of the country, and the world.
Do you have questions about colleges in South Carolina? I’ll be glad to ask them to the admissions offices and/or students walking around the campus. I won’t be surprised if some of them are from New York and New Jersey…that happens wherever I go!
When I start talking about majors/careers with a student, I often ask the above question. It was recommended to me by a friend who is an economist. I understand that many, if not most, students are not ready to answer this. I keep asking questions, trying to get them to dig a little deeper. If students have an answer or more questions for me, they may be candidates to do research. I direct them to the UN Sustainable Development Goals below.
There are plenty of projects to explore here for for every kind of future scientist, engineer, architect, urban planner, sustainability expert, computer science specialist, and medical professional. But while the assumption is usually that research is for STEM fields only, you can see that many of these issues are dependent on those in the political sphere, including lawyers, public relations teams, educators, advocates for the rights of women and children, and above all--strong communicators who can use their skills to improve their communities, and eventually, their world.
When I ask the big question, students, especially those with comfortable lives, don't respond because they haven't thought about what really matters to them yet. That's ok, because their process is simply at a different level. But students who are passionate about a big issue might consider a research project to show colleges who they are--and give them a hint as to the great things they will do.
There are several companies offering mentored research for high school students. These can lead to further research, publishing opportunities, and strong letters of recommendation. If students have relationships with professors and teachers, they can ask them if there are research opportunities. All that's needed is curiosity and direction. See the video below and contact me for specific recommendations.
"List current extracurricular activities/find ideas in the extracurricular file…let’s meet to discuss!"
Why do I assign this? Maybe you’re already doing enough, and that’s fine. However, consider thinking beyond those if you’re aiming for the most competitive colleges
I encourage students to review their extracurriculars because these can set them apart from other applicants. Which extracurriculars matter most? Those that show your desire to help your community, your passion about a particular idea, subject, or goal, and most of all–your curiosity and desire to learn.
One college recommended that students think about how they will be remembered in 5 years. That sounds like an impossible task. But a few years ago, one of my students created a mural painting project for the school hallway and enlisted classmates to help paint. It will be there to spread good feelings longer than 5 years. Another helped her town initiate its plastic bag ban, eliminating years of landfill litter.
Here are some additional ideas that will impact you and others for 5 years:
Raising $ for new library computers for an underserved school
Lobbying for meatless Mondays
Starting and leading a tutoring club
Create an AP study guide
Campaigning for a candidate
Becoming a city youth council member
Join your town’s Environmental Commission
Create a traveling library to serve underserved communities
Create a race fundraiser
Launching an educational YouTube channel (about any subject or interest) to reach a global audience.
For my students: let’s discuss after you complete the assignment. For all students: meet with me for an hour to discuss how you can boost your extracurricular profile.