Over 300 Essays...and All is Well

Several colleges have essay prompts that start with the words “I believe” or “This I believe.” Students then have to fill in the rest of the sentence.

I hate this. Many students figure that they must say something profound, which is never original or deep when read by an admissions officer lost in a sea of thousands of applications. Students are also apprehensive when I suggest saying something funny. Creative thinkers, like my jazz drummer from last year, used the line, “Drum machines have no soul.” This was a perfect window into his character; however, I understand that this prompt is a real roadblock for many students.

How would I respond to this prompt myself? Would I really say, “Aliens are stealing my socks?”

(I likely heard that somewhere else and it stuck in my brain, which is why I give it as a “funny” example to students.) I probably wouldn’t.

At this moment, just one week into August, here is my response:

I believe my students are amazing and many of them are exceeding expectations.

My college process philosophy is to reduce stress by completing as much essay and application work as possible in the summer. This way, students can begin senior year with less pressure as they take on the demands of senior year courses, sports and other activities.

Regarding the college process, my students’ only concerns should be requesting transcripts from guidance and letters of recommendations from teachers, which requires clicking a few keys on Naviance and perhaps filling out a few forms. As soon as the high schools reopen Naviance, Genesis, Schoology, or whatever programs they use, students will be able to enter their grades for the colleges which require that. A few still need to have their senior year courses confirmed. But that’s it.

They will be ready to submit their applications early in the fall because all the time-consuming parts of the applications will be complete by then.

I admit that I worried when I tallied up over 300 essays that needed to be written. Now I have total confidence in my students. Colleges should know how impressive they are!

Visiting Campuses, Getting Updated Admissions Data

What a treat to be on a college campus again! I visited Vassar, Marist and SUNY New Paltz yesterday--my first college trip since going to the University of Tampa and the University of South Florida in February of 2020.

Colleges are still being careful: Vassar and SUNY New Paltz are offering limited tours and none on weekends. My Marist tour was fabulous: the beautiful campus nestled on the Hudson River looked impeccable. While nearly the entire SUNY New Paltz campus was under construction, every Marist building and field is ready for the Fall semester. A very well-attended infosession yielded great info about Marist’s top study abroad programs, including those at its own Florence campus and smaller options in Washington DC, New York City, and London, as well as other affiliated study-abroad programs all over the world. The NY and interim NJ admission rep Megan Fergus filled us in on the many five year dual-degree options, the opportunity for students to work on the Marist Poll, and the school’s excellent relationship with nearby IBM in Poughkeepsie. My tour leader Pavel, a native of Berlin, was double majoring in Computer Science and Business, swimming for the D1 team, and of course, working for admissions. If you have questions about Marist, this is a good time to ask me!

Each August, two of my wonderful colleagues share data on ED admissions percentages, both the percentage of students accepted early decision, as well as the percentage of the incoming class accepted early decision. They also share valuable data on which schools give merit aid to students who do not qualify for need-based aid, and what percentage of students receive merit aid overall.

But this year, I have a large supply of data shared from consultants all over the US about individual colleges’ 2021 admissions: who they admitted by region, numbers (including those submitting test scores vs. test optional), major, gender, and any outstanding characteristics about a given student.

Looking forward to a smooth admissions season with less procrastination and less stress!

Pamela

It’s complicated...but it’s not

As August 1st approaches and my deadlines loom, it’s easy for students and parents to go into the high alert phase. Common App opens for you, class of 2022. It’s time to add your colleges to the application and create/complete other applications for colleges not on the Common App, such as ApplyTexas and JMU. If you completed the Common App part of the Common App, much of this can be copy/pasted. The Common App essay should be in good shape, or nearly complete. Supplemental essays must be written now that we can see the colleges’ prompts. So many details and so much work!

But is it really? After adding colleges to the Common Application, you must answer their questions. Some of these ask if you have been employed at the college, have a relative who was employed there, which extracurricular activities you might choose, and if you have been arrested. Most official forms are far more complicated and nuanced.

So what requires more focused attention?

Supplemental Essays:

Most ask why you want to attend a college and/or choose a particular program. We have an easy formula to follow for creating a unique response for each school. Others are about extracurriculars and other common topics. A few are long, most are not.

Have a parent/student conversation about the following...have your answers now, before August 1st.

Choosing a major/college within the college to apply to: It’s the moment of truth, but be honest: if you’re undecided, say so. Remember that you will likely work for a business whether you major in business or not--that business major/college is tailored for students who know they have a strong aptitude/interest in a specific aspect of economics. Review Academic Offerings on the website before choosing.

Financial Aid:

Don’t check that you will be applying for “need-based financial aid” if you know you don’t qualify for it, especially if you are applying to colleges that are tough admits. Not sure? It takes 10 minutes: just go to the College’s EFC (Expected Family Contribution) or NPC (Net Price Calculator) and enter your financial information.

The way to less college stress is simply handling and completing tasks, one at a time, on schedule. There are plenty, but they are generally not complicated. How to make it happen: keep emotions out of the process after August 1st.