Prepared To Build Your College List?

Some students prepare a list by sophomore year, while others wait until they get test scores and a final GPA in June of junior year. The right time is after smart research.

Academic fit? Evaluate your academic record, starting with rigor before moving on to GPA and test scores if applicable. Two or three reaches are ok, but too many “unlikelies” may not be.

Competitive major? Expect certain majors to be tougher admits at some colleges.

Tempted by prestige and reputation? This one has three parts (at least):

1. Do you have a list of schools chosen for their reputation, but no idea what you would study there? Do they even offer your major? That's fine if you’re truly undecided, but it’s best to explore the academic offerings and college’s strength’s first.

2. Are you a serious student with high rigor/grades/test scores/extras? Instead of building a list from the USNWR, research colleges that fit your needs…and may award you merit aid. Successful? That’s who you are, and the college you attend won’t diminish it.

3. Athletes hoping for recruitment? Keep your fingers crossed…but don’t count on it. Think practically and consider colleges that fit your academic profile and location/size/cultural preferences as well as playing for the Penn soccer team.

Pre-professional college goals? Clarify if the programs you plan to apply to are direct admit only or if you can transfer into them once in college.

Not serious academically, at least not yet? While you enjoy the fun of college (that’s the easy part), there are plenty of colleges that will help support you educationally.

Is affordability a consideration? Only add schools that fit your budget after you complete the NPC (net price calculator) on the college website. Won’t qualify for need-based aid? Let’s look for merit aid opportunities and explore colleges you didn’t know about.

Assess yourself honestly. Research and understand majors, or careers if appropriate, that appeal to you. Being undecided is appropriate, but think about the high school classes and extracurricular experiences you enjoy and take direction. Colleges are academic institutions, and admissions officers think of applicants as purposeful young adults who will use their resources and enhance their communities.

Build your list after soul-searching and research, then contact me for the nuances about particular colleges at lesscollegestress@gmail.com.

In a Manner of Speaking

Want to interview more comfortably and effectively?

Give stronger oral presentations?

Up to 77% of people have a public speaking phobia. It’s unlikely to get better.

Research shows that Gen Z is particularly at risk since so many in this age group communicate more frequently through texting than written and spoken language. They may be more comfortable speaking on screen than in person. While some seem to communicate well enough within their friend group (both onscreen and off), they could use help when the stakes are higher.

My college applicants ask me whether they should interview, and I always say “yes” because an interview is a unique opportunity to stand out and make an impression. A successful interview is simply an engaging conversation. How to engage? Come prepared knowing who you are and ready to share stories that show your positivity and enthusiasm. Other factors? Confidence in yourself and a command of what you know.

Anyone who has given a good presentation knows what it’s like to master a topic beyond simply presenting. You can think on your feet to answer questions and build a dialogue. That’s not much different than what’s needed in a good interview.

The first step to improving public speaking is identifying interests (make a list). If you’re not sure, let’s brainstorm. Experiences count too. Are they allied with your goals of having a successful interview or presentation? Learning the skills is not that difficult, and becoming a good speaker will serve you for life. Ask me about inexpensive public speaking courses too.

Is that a good school?

It's the most common question, and the real answers are not found in rankings. Colleges, like just about anything else, can't be lumped into "good" and "bad" piles. High school students and families: why not approach this question in a way that will serve you best? After reviewing your personal profile (rigor, GPA, test scores if applicable, and extracurricular activities--check with me about requirements to more competitive majors at specific schools) to see if you are a match, start with this question:

"Is this a good school for me?"

• Can your family comfortably afford this college, or will you need to take out loans that take many years to repay? Use the college's Net Price Calculator (aka EFC) to check.

• Do you want to be able to get home easily? Establish how much location truly matters.

• Does the college offer your major of choice? What are professors researching and/or publishing?

• Are you set on a specific career above all else? What are the internship opportunities? Who are the alumni and what is their involvement with undergraduates? Which companies recruit at this college?

• Undecided? Is there an exploratory program with a personal advisor who will help you find your path?

• Do you perform best by connecting with my professors and peers in small classes?

• What is the college's culture? Read the student newspaper to get a sense of what's happening on campus. I will connect you with current students and give insight to the level of Greek life at schools.

Do your own research or ask for my help. My best advice? Tune out the comments, laughs, and raised eyebrow reactions to colleges until you learn more about what makes a college good for you.