Blog
It is not uncommon at this time of year to get a few calls from clients who are freshmen in college. These are usually students who have experienced the normal homesickness in the first six to eight weeks of college but have settled into campus life, have begun to make friends, and are getting a handle on the workload. Just when their parents let out a sigh of relief, winter vacation comes around, and their child comes home and sees all of their high school friends.
While I agree that college isn’t always right for everyone, I also believe that your college experience doesn’t have to be a repeat of your high school one. I’ve worked with students whose struggles with the high school learning environment made them question whether or not college was the right path for them. For those students it was important to take a hard look at what worked well in high school environment and what did not, and build those factors and resources into their college plan. Thankfully, college is a time to make adjustments - so don’t automatically count yourself out.
Q: When do we set up college interviews? What should I do to prepare?
A: Early on, it is a good idea to take a look at the interview policies at each of the schools that you are seriously considering applying to. Why? Not all interviews are “counted” as a part of the admissions decision. "The Fiske Guide to Colleges" spells out each college's interview policy. For example: “Campus interviews: recommended, evaluative. Alumni interviews: optional, informational.” This tells you that if you do an on-campus interview, the interviewer will take notes and put them in your file. If you interview well, this can help you in the process. You can also interview with an alumnus in your local area, but, in this case, these interviews are only to provide you with information on the college. In an informational interview, nothing about the interview will be used in the decision-making process, with the exception of the knowledge that you had an alumni interview.
Also, know the timing of interviews. Generally, the more applications the school receives, the more restrictions that they will have about interviews. Some large state universities do not interview at all. Many of the elite and Ivy League colleges will only interview students who have submitted an application, or at least the first part with the application fee. Many schools only offer interviews to prospective students between April 1 of the junior year and January 15 of the senior year. After that, they are reading applications and making decisions.
Q: My junior has always been so conscientious about school, but I can’t get him engaged in the college process.
A: “What’s the rush, Mom?” Procrastination about beginning the college search process is normal for many juniors. While they are excited about the prospect of college, they are held back by fear of failure and trepidation about leaving home.
Parents, understanding the competitive nature of the college admissions process, may focus too much energy on this upcoming transition by talking about it daily. Try making a deal with your student; we will only discuss college planning on the weekend or Wednesday nights. A few hours of good communication is much better than daily resistance.
Because many students take direction better from almost anyone other than their parent, an educational consultant can help by setting goals and assisting in meeting deadlines. We can also brainstorm and proof the essay, and make sure that all the applications are complete and submitted on time.
So take a deep breath and try to relax. The SAT will get taken, the college visits will be made, and the applications will get submitted. It may not be on your timeline, but they do tend to get it done.
Each year, as the leaves begin to turn, college admissions representatives hit the road. They visit high schools and man college fairs, whipping students and families into a frenzy to apply, only to reject a majority of those who do. Some are recent graduates, still green, while others are marketing masters. Students often ask if it is worth their time to attend a college fair or take time out of class to meet with one of these reps at their high school. When it comes time to award “demonstrated interest” points, a campus visit and interview are indeed valued more, but many colleges keep track of any contact with the admissions office. So, it may be worth your while.
Q: I was invited by a coach for an overnight. What should I expect?
A: Congratulations! Expect to be busy. The purpose of the overnight visit is to expose you to the life of a student-athlete at that particular college. You will probably be matched with a host from the team and will follow them around a bit. You will most likely attend classes, eat a meal or two with the team, attend a practice or game, have an interview, and meet with the coaching staff. All in 48-hours!
So soak it all in! This is what college life is going to be like! Pay attention in class. Is this somewhere you can be successful? Watch the interaction between the coach and players during practice. Would you fit in athletically? Ask questions of your future teammates and their friends.
He slammed his fist down on the rickety desk, “So, did you bubble B for the last three questions of the science section for a reason … Did you run out of time … DID YOU?” The beads of sweat dripped down my ashen face as I racked my brain for answers. Gazing around the windowless room, I was convinced the stifling air would surely crack the two-way mirror behind which two other officers stood scrutinizing my every move. Collapsing my head into my hands, I muttered, “I don’t know” and was convinced I had sealed my fate.
No, this is not the typical college interview and please pardon the over-dramatization. Many students have misconceptions about the interview experience. In general, the purpose of the interview is not to make you nervous or to rapid-fire difficult questions that you are ill-equipped to answer. Most interviewers want to make you feel comfortable so that they can get to know you better and get an honest assessment of who you are and what you will contribute to the campus community. Yes, some college interviews are more challenging than others, so it’s critical to prepare and practice. But remember, try to relax and be yourself. Oh, and never seal your fate by answering, “I don’t know.”
“$62,000 per year? Are you kidding me? There is no way!” What many families fail to recognize is that the pricing model colleges use is unlike buying a car from Saturn; everyone doesn't pay the same amount. In fact, colleges function more like the airline industry where the person seated next to you, most likely, paid a different amount for their seat than you did for yours. At many private colleges and universities, few students actually pay the full price tag, and many either get merit money or need-based financial aid that reduces the price.
Every year we have students admitted to private colleges where the net cost is less than at their in-state university. How is this possible? If you are a compelling applicant, many private colleges can be very generous with merit money, a non-need-based financial award that you aren't required to pay back. If you are applying for need-based financial aid, many private colleges are better equipped to meet a greater percentage of your financial need and may meet it with grant money. Obviously, I am painting with a broad brush, but the takeaway is: don’t count a private college out simply because of the sticker price.
