Programs for Education

One of the most common questions from students is “How important is an admissions interview?”  The common response for this and many other questions is, “It depends”.

That is, which colleges on your list recommend or require interviews. If so, are they informational (most say they are) or evaluative? What time of year of year are they offered?

All those questions can be quickly answered when the student does his due diligence at each college web site using the AAA method. That issue I addressed in detail in the past as well here.

But for another look at this topic, the New York Times is always a good source for up to date views on this and other topics. Be sure to read the comments too. Several are from alumni interviewers at the most competitive colleges.

The interview can be before the application deadline or after. If it is required, the interview is obviously an important part of your application. If you are a client of ours with interviews in the future, be sure to contact us. We can do some practice together.

 Some colleges require that you request an interview. By the way, if you are not yet a senior, most colleges will not be interviewing you unless you have traveled from a great distance to visit the college. Check with your regional admissions counselor for each college. Most of the elite colleges may simply contact you after your applications is submitted. These are generally conducted by local alumni of that college and are limited. Sometimes, depending on where you live, there may not be an opportunity for an alumni interview. In such instances, the schools may strive to offer you a telephone interview. If that’s not possible, then you will not be penalized for not having an interview. It is the effort you put forth that counts, so don’t worry.

Yes, your college application essay is your “personal statement”. It is an opportunity to express your viewpoints, to be creative, to demonstrate your writing ability, and to distinguish your application from the many others that the Admission Officer will read.

Your essay can provide the Admission Officer with insight into at least three of your personal qualities:
1) How well you think
2) How well you write, and
3) Who you are

Your college essay is an important part of your application. An outstanding essay can have a positive influence on the decision. Likewise, a poorly-written, hastily done or sloppy essay can have a negative influence on the admission decision. It is worth your time to produce your best work.

Without a doubt, high school students fear writing the personal essay more than anything else, especially those who are not “writers.” It doesn’t have to be that way, if you follow some proven techniques for organizing your thoughts, writing, editing and typing.

Quite possibly the most important thing to keep in mind is that you should be expressing yourself – who you are and what you believe in. Your goal is to make the admissions staff notice you…and to show them what you’re all about…and why they should accept you.

There are no right and wrong ways to write essays – only what is right for you.  Since you may have different essays to write for different colleges, the first part of this section are specific hints, do’s, don’t, tips, suggestions and techniques.

                       Just How Important Is the Essay? . . . VERY!

Sometimes, in the hoopla about SAT and ACT test scores, class rank, AP courses and GPA, the weight of the personal statement/essay is overlooked. Most admissions counselors will tell you that the essay ranks right up there as an important piece of the puzzle, and can often be the final deciding factor between candidates who are otherwise equally qualified.

To show you the relative importance of the essay, here are a couple of paraphrased comments about the essay made by guidance counselors and college admissions:

*The better the college or university, the greater the importance of the essay, and the more it contributes to the final determination.

* At a very large university receiving over 15,000 applications per year, every
essay is read.

* College admissions staffs use the essay to get to know the student more
personally to go beyond what the numbers show.

* Many admissions staff views the application as a “flat” document, but they
view the essay as a third dimension, to bring life to the application.

                         Just What Are They Looking For?
On a very broad plane, the admissions staff is looking for these characteristics in your essay – regardless of the topic – they want to see your ability to:  (more…)

“You can not solve a problem with the same thinking that created the problem.”

Albert Einstein

By Thomas H. Benton

Chronicle of Higher Education 

Lack of student preparation. Increasingly, undergraduates are not prepared adequately in any academic area but often arrive with strong convictions about their abilities. So college professors routinely encounter students who have never written anything more than short answers on exams, who do not read much at all, who lack foundational skills in math and science, yet are completely convinced of their abilities and resist any criticism of their work, to the point of tears and tantrums: “But I earned nothing but A’s in high school,” and “Your demands are unreasonable.” Such a combination makes some students nearly unteachable.

Grade inflation. It has become difficult to give students honest feedback. The slightest criticisms have to be cushioned by a warm blanket of praise and encouragement to avoid provoking oppositional defiance or complete breakdowns. As a result, student progress is slowed, sharply. Rubric-driven approaches give the appearance of objectivity but make grading seem like a matter of checklists, which, if completed, must ensure an A. Increasingly, time-pressured college teachers ask themselves, “What grade will ensure no complaint from the student, or worse, a quasi-legal battle over whether the instructions for an assignment were clear enough?” So, the number of A-range grades keeps going up, and the motivation for students to excel keeps going down.

Student retention. As the college-age population declines, many tuition-driven institutions struggle to find enough paying customers to balance their budgets. That makes it necessary to recruit even more unprepared students, who then must be retained, shifting the burden for academic success away from the student and on to the teacher. Faculty members can work with an individual student, if they have time, but the capabilities of the student population as a whole define the average level of rigor that is sustainable in the classroom. At some institutions, graduation rates are so high because the academic expectations are so low. Failing a lot of students is a serious risk, financially, for the college and the professor.

Student evaluations of teachers. Although a lot of emphasis is placed on research on the tenure track, most faculty members are not on that track and are retained on the basis of what students think of them. The common wisdom, for the untenured, at least—whether it is true or not—is to find ways to keep the students happy: Expect little, smile a lot, gesture freely, show movies, praise them constantly, give high marks, bring cookies on evaluation day. Wise administrators may read confidential evaluations in context, but students can now use the Internet to retaliate against professors in ways that can damage their ability to sustain minimal enrollments in their classes.

Enrollment minimums. Students gravitate to lenient professors and to courses that are reputedly easy, particularly in general education. Some students may rise to a challenge; many won’t. They’ll drop, withdraw, or even leave a college that they find too difficult. If you are untenured and your courses do not attract enough students, then you can become low-hanging fruit for nonrenewal. If you are tenured, then it means being “demoted” to teach service courses. In such contexts, the curriculum—populated by electives and required courses competing for the lowest expectations—is driven increasingly by student demand rather than by what a community of scholars believes undergraduates should know.

Lack of uniform expectations. It is impossible to maintain high expectations for long unless everyone holds the line in all comparable courses—and we face strong incentives not to do that. A course in which the professor assigns a 20-page paper and 200 pages of reading every week cannot compete with one that fills the same requirement with half of those assignments. Faculty members cannot raise expectations by themselves, nor can departments, since they, too, are competing with one another for enrollments.

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It was inevitable. Computer technology is here to stay. I remember in 1994, when one of my students said “Mr. Goodhart, you should get on the Internet, there is a lot of great information about colleges on it.” This revelation may come as a surprise to our current crop of students who were born in 1994. They never had the ‘pleasure’ of working a slide rule in their advanced math classes.  

But after a few years I saw a need to help students understand college websites. They were spending an inordinate amount of time on the site, but coming away with little substantive knowledge about the college. Therefore, I designed an efficient AAA method to do one’s due diligence. When done properly the student should know the important aspects of each college’s particular offerings and ethos. I like to hear students say that it was almost a déjà vu experience once they arrived at the college…for the first time.  

As we head into spring it is a great time for juniors to visit a few colleges while classes are still in session. That is, after applying the AAA method. I will never forget one college admissions officer describe her experience. She drove her daughter 357 miles to tour Lehigh University. The young scholar would not even get out of the car! “Why not?” asked the seasoned admissions officer (aka mom).  “I am not going to a college where I have to hike up a mountain every day!”  

No exaggeration. Now you know. Even college admissions officers have kids. Plus, they too can be tripped up occasionally by poor planning. The AAA method will provide the answers (even to questions not asked) ahead of time and smooth your journey. Go ahead and download it to your desktop now.

Many high school seniors have heard back from some of the colleges to which they applied. The most competitive colleges will be sending out their letters no later than April 1. All students (and parents) will then have thirty days to make their final college decision.  

If you are a client be sure to FAX both your acceptance letters and subsequent financial aid letters to us as they come in. We will then help you make your decisions based on both academic and financial criteria.  If you have done a “Dry Run” earlier in the process, we will update the numbers.

Unfortunately, every year I hear about families who experienced something like this family did. There are many uncertainties in our world, but this does not have to be one of them. If you have college aspirations, take time to discuss the options in paying for college as a family unit. In fact, call us to learn how thousands of families are paying for college from income alone, and not borrowing a nickel.  

Attention juniors and sophomores. Two other spring rites are for you. If you have a list of possible colleges (and you should) try to do some college visits while classes are still in session. If some of the colleges on your list are too far away, they may be coming to you!

March, April and May is ‘College Fair’ time. Check the National Association of College Admission Counselor site here for the date, time and location near you! There are several college fairs coming up in many states.  For instance, Anaheim, CA on April 2, New York City, April 10 and Boston is on April 12.  

Some of the so-called Elite colleges do not participate in such marketing efforts but check each college website for their travel plans. In addition, you should also check out the location for the group of 40 colleges that have been identified by the late Loren Pope in his popular tome, Colleges That Change Lives. 

The second spring rite is actually a four-season ritual. Yes, I am referring to the ubiquitous standardized tests. There is a plethora of ways to prepare including no preparation at all. But if you are looking at possible merit scholarships or very competitive colleges, then you should prepare. Would you compete in your favorite sport without practicing? 

But if you want to practice with unequivocally the best test prep yet, we can help. Take the demo here with 30 practice questions. For the PSAT, SAT, ACT and Math II tests, I believe there is NO better way to prepare outside of an individual tutor like Kris Fox.

If you have any questions, I look forward to answering them for you.

Best wishes for college success…and beyond.

Eric

Are you a high school student with college aspirations? This is for you. Grades have been shown to be the single most important predictor of academic success in college. The College Board SAT and ACT Standardized tests are not to be ignored but the more A’s and B’s you have in your record the more positive attention admissions committees (adcoms) will pay to your application. If you are a junior, you can rectify some academic slumps in the freshman and sophomore years by finishing strong this year.

But if you are looking at very competitive colleges and not taking the most challenging courses offered at your high school, it may be much harder.  A few aberrant C’s will not automatically exclude you from consideration, but you may have to explain the reasons behind the lower grades. Many college application supplements, in fact, ask students to explain any performance that is inconsistent with the larger academic record. It is not uncommon for a strong student to experience a downturn in grades due to an illness, injury, family or school relocation and so on. (“I did not like the teacher” is not a good reason.)

Having said that, however, colleges know that sometimes a particular subject is unfathomable, or that a disconnect with the instructor’s style of teaching makes it difficult to learn the material. Being honest and forthcoming in taking responsibility for such inconsistency will only earn you the respect of the admissions folks.   

Some applicants with mixed grades will still be accepted to selective colleges because of their considerable talent in other areas. I refer here not only to athletes, but also to musicians, actors, dancers or student leaders. Their record may likely show that they have dedicated hundreds of hours to their passion. This is seen as a demonstration of their drive and discipline that will be applied to their academic studies in colleges.  

I have been saying since 1999 that each subsequent year will be the largest and most competitive college bound class in United States history. This escalation will peak in 2012. This year and next, therefore, fewer allowances will be made for candidates with unimpressive academic performances and fewer are admitted. Of course, everyone knows about the perennially low admit percentages of the Ivy League and schools of that ilk.

But the good news is that if college is your future, there are many very good options. Those options do not have to be confined to your local state college or university. Those should be looked at closely but with states having trouble meeting their budgets; educational funding is decreasing while enrollment has increased. That translates into extending the years in college to five or more. If you are just getting started ask us for a complimentary “get acquainted” consultation to explore those options.

Snow has now replaced the beautiful fall foliage that colored campuses here in New England. The thousands of newly minted freshman college students have adjusted to college life after saying good bye to parents. Most are already on holiday break and back home. Meanwhile, high school seniors are finishing their college essays and submitting college applications. Many of them have had personal college interviews. For many students there is nothing more nerve-racking than the college interview. But it need not be, with proper preparation. 

In addition, do not hesitate to share the leadership of the interview.  You are not on the witness stand; it is seldom a grilling.  You should use the interview as a chance to see if the college fits you, too.  Moreover, colleges will want to make both your campus visit and your interview a positive experience for you.

Students using the AAA method will learn quickly as to what the colleges’ interview policies are. Franklin College, for instance, not only recommends them but also makes off campus interviews available in Asia, United States, Europe, the Middle East and Latin America. They may tell you what kind of campus demographic they have.

Also, many selective colleges will grant local interviews with alums; these are helpful, and alumni can be valuable sources of information about a college. Remember, however, that alums are likely to be volunteers, not employee of the university. As such, their level of current information about the college varies considerably. 

In our March newsletter I wrote about five extraordinary colleges that you never heard of, but should. I am not sure if my putting the spotlight on them increased their application count, probably not, but here are five MORE extraordinary colleges in a periodic series we plan, to expand the vision of the college bound, beyond the “usual suspects”.  I look forward to your thoughts on these and other colleges you may feel need more recognition.    

Of course, when all is said and done, does it matter that much where one goes to college?  If you are not looking for a specific technical training only offered at a particular college, I say, not necessarily. What really matters is what you do when you get there.

Once in a while I like to step back and look at the colleges that have something to offer that make them stand out. It does not mean they are right for you. But one or more of them could be.

Three of these colleges are definitely not ones that would come up in casual conversation at the dinner table or the country club. Come with me now and enjoy the tour. 

# 1. In the beautiful Pacific Northwest just 35 miles from Seattle sits the University of Puget Sound. Founded in 1888, it is a highly selective liberal arts college with close to 3,000 undergraduates. Because of the Graduate programs in the health sciences and education it is a University. However, the emphasis and Mission Statement is focused on the undergraduate. It offers over 40 majors and 1,200 courses taught by a strong faculty that comes from all over North America.

Because of its gorgeous location and living conditions, it attracts educators to Puget Sound. For that reason, the University is in the enviable position to be able to hire only the most qualified faculty applicants. The result is a fine Liberal Arts program in addition to rich programs in Asian Languages and Culture, English/creative writing, Communication/Journalism, Music, International Business and the Sciences. They are all impressively strong.  

Students describe the academic experience this way. “The professors challenge their students and hold high expectations of them. Writing is stressed across all disciplines at UPS, and students can expect to do a lot of it.” All classes, including labs, are taught by professors and, what I like, all freshman students are assigned a professor from one of their classes to serve as an advisor for their entire first year.

So, if you are a lover of the great outdoors and you want to be challenged academically, “Puget Sound is a beautiful place to spend four years” many students say.

# 2. Now let us travel east across the Rockies to  Montana. In the capitol, Helena, you will find one of the most successful(in terms of student outcomes) liberal arts and pre-professional colleges in the west. Founded in 1909 by Catholic Missionaries, Carroll Collegeoffers strong programs in the core liberal arts plus eight pre-professional programs, including law, medicine, veterinary science, pharmacy and dentistry.   

Is a city too crowded for you? Do you want solid pragmatic programs in business, accounting or Engineering, among others, at a college that gives you more space to breathe? Well, contact one of Carroll College’s bright and enthusiastic regional counselors here. There is much to see and learn. 

This college came to my attention several years ago as one of the “hidden gems” of higher education by a colleague. Although 40% of students are from outside of Big Sky country, it is not as well known as other “gems” like Allegheny, Elon, Kenyon and Beloit colleges.

But definitely worth your consideration.

The tour continues here…

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     It never fails. As fall approaches each year, college bound seniors are being asked by their peers, “What schools are you applying early to?” or “What is your ED (early decision) school?” The questions are almost presumptive in tone, as if applying early is the best strategy in applying to college.  

     Students assume they will be applying early…somewhere. Forget about the fact that they may have not even started the essays, done any substantive research into the college or have learned if it is affordable or not.  

     I remind them each year that if they have identified a college that it absolutely their first choice and would die if not admitted, to discuss the merits with me.  There are many different types of admission policies. Here I will discuss how to approach making the Early Decision, decision. But it is also applicable for Early Action which is often a more competitive pool in which to compete.  

     However, since Early Decision is a binding commitment to attend if admitted, it is important to make sure that each student considers the most important question of all. That is…Is applying Early Decision the right choice for you? Here’s a self-quiz to help you decide if you’re ready to apply Early Decision.

Answer Yes, No or Not Sure to the following questions:

1. Are you applying Early Decision mainly because you have decided that one particular college is your clear first choice?

2. If the college you’re considering for Early Decision suddenly became less prestigious, or its ranking dropped 50 points, would you still want to apply to this college Early Decision?

3. Would you still want to apply Early Decision to this college if your chances of being admitted Early Decision were the same as if you applied Regular Decision?

4. Have you visited your prospective Early Decision College at least once, and did your visit include taking a formal admissions tour rather than just walking around on your own?

5. Have you visited several other colleges, including taking their formal admissions tour rather than just walking around on your own?

6. Have you had some form of personal contact with the admissions office at your prospective Early Decision College?

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