Three Messages about College Admissions for Juniors

 

Georgia Tech Admission Blog Read on blog or Reader By: Rick Clark Warning: The subtitle is this blog is “That you may not like to hear.” And unlike most of my intros, we’re not going to waste time or words on analogies, personal anecdotes, or admittedly stretched parallels. Instead, after watching this cycle repeat itself, here are the three direct messages/ primary hopes I have for juniors entering the college admission experience. Don’t apply to a college you would not actually attend. Seniors did this. I know, right? They basically walked into a store looking for jeans and went to the section three sizes up from theirs and were like- “Yea, I'll put those in my cart just to have a few extra.” Does that sound dumb? It is. Think about it this way- there are 2000+ four-year colleges in America, not to mention the thousands of other post-secondary options around our country and abroad. I’m guessing if someone lined up that many pairs of jeans you could easily find 7 or 9 or 11 that you could afford, fit well, and you would be excited about/proud to wear. Many application fees are $50 or more. Need suggestions for better uses of that money? Donate to a local non-profit, take your mom out to lunch, Venmo me, basically do anything with it except what the seniors just did. Want more details and insight? Check out this podcast with Rachel Hernandez, vice provost for student affairs at Johns Hopkins University. Not a podcast listener? Ok. Then hear this: Don’t apply to a college you would not actually attend! The “College Search” is internal. See, the seniors heard “search” and they went looking like a Survivor contestant scouring the island for immunity idols. This ain’t that. How do you know what to plug into a Google search if you haven’t taken time to reflect on what you value, or your hopes and goals for college and life beyond? So, yea. I’m going to be that guy and tell you to get off your phone. Worse still- I'm telling you to go somewhere quiet on your own and really listen to yourself...more than once. And too really go overboard here, maybe even bring a pen and paper and right stuff down about what you really need and want. Again, the subtitle is, “that you may not like to hear.” Promise made- promise kept. Look. As a talented student and a relatively good person, an annoyingly large number of people are going to have opinions about where and why you should visit, apply, or attend certain schools. Oh... and they’re going to tell you whether you like it or not. At the end of the day, we live in a noisy, busy world. My hope is that you will consistently pull away for a few hours to listen and be honest with yourself. The truth is that these decisions just keep getting bigger- where to apply becomes where to attend. Where to attend becomes what to major in. What to major in becomes job, city, community, family. Oh, yea. I can draw a throughline from today to one far in the distant future based on how you approach this. But hey- you are a junior and we are just on #2, so let’s start with and commit to this. Don’t do what they seniors did! Don’t begin by searching Google with criteria someone else told them was important. Don’t start by looking at rankings or lists of colleges that a marketer developed to sell ads and peddle clicks. The college admission search is internal. Nothing happens to you in college admission. Read that carefully. I did not say “nothing happens.” Just that nothing happens to you. Now, to be fair to the seniors, this has been a tumultuous and unprecedented year, particularly in light of the FAFSA situation, the first cycle following a landmark SCOTUS case, and noise and variance in testing policies around the country. Still, there was way too much why did this happen to me mentality and not enough why did this happen for me? inquiry. Here’s the truth- next year there will also be change, unexpected events, personal and macro challenges, and general unpredictability. This spring, as admission and scholarship information has come out, a lot of seniors (and their parents) have effectively said: “What did I do wrong?” or “What else could I have done?” or (directly or indirectly) “This whole thing is broken and unfair.” Well, in the spirit of “messages you might not like to hear,” that’s college admission, that’s college, and really that’s life. As a junior, however, you have a choice. When things don’t go exactly as you hope/plan, i.e. you get deferred, denied, waitlisted, or you don’t receive the amount of money you need to attend a particular school, you can cry/wallow/point fingers/ take your ball and go home OR you can re-frame from why is this happening to me? to why is this happening for me? Ok. I got deferred. “Why is this happening for me?” Now, I get to decide if I’m still really interested in this school. If so, I get to send my fall grades and submit updated information. I didn’t get admitted. Or I didn’t get into the honors program. Or that scholarship amount is just not enough to make it affordable... why is this happening for me? Now, I get to pivot. I get to figure out another way or explore a different option. I get to show up somewhere else committed to succeeding, building a network, maximizing my opportunities. Nothing happens to you in college admission. What messages do we like to hear? I can help you control this. I can make this easier for you. You are special and amazing and it’s all going to work out. I get it. I’m human. That all sounds good to me too. But it is not true (well, you’re kind of special and amazing). And you best believe you can find (often for $$) lots of people who will guarantee you things in college admission. If you see an ad online or have someone approach you claiming to have the magic formula, the secret sauce (or some other noun preceded by a descriptor), RUN! So, I will not make any guarantees, but I will make you a promise. If you will only apply to places you really want to go and would be excited to attend; if you will begin with asking yourself big and tough questions; and if you will adopt the mindset that the year ahead, while absolutely not predictable or fully in your control, will be one of formation, transformation, growth, discovery, and opportunity; then on the Ides of April 2025, you will have been truly successful in your college admission experience.

Virtual Summer Paid Research Program for Students

 The School of Business at Stevens Institute of Technology is offering a paid virtual summer research program for high school students. The Stevens Select Summer Scholars Program is a six-week program where students will have the opportunity to participate in an online research course taught by School of Business professor Dr. Donald Lombardi that covers topics such as: organizational leadership, entrepreneurship, finance, and marketing. The final assignment will include a PowerPoint presentation detailing the participants’ research findings profiling a Fortune 500 company.  

The program will run from July 8, 2024, through August 12, 2024, and students will receive a $500 stipend after completing the program.

Eligibility: Applicants must currently be in their junior year of high school (no exceptions). 

Deadline: Applications are due by March 1, 2024. 

Notification: Applicants will be notified by April 1, 2024.  

The application packet must include all the following: 

• 1-page essay in which you describe yourself and detail what you hope to gain from this experience  
• a copy of your current resume  
• a copy of your unofficial high school transcript  
• one letter of recommendation from a teacher, a guidance counselor, or a work supervisor    

Feel free to share this application link with your students who are in their junior year.   

If you have any questions about this program, please reach out to Lindsay Hartelius at businessresearch@stevens.edu  

College Application & Admissions Timeline (AKA What Should I be Doing Right Now?)

 From the College Essay Guy

This college admissions timeline tells you what tasks to prioritize each year of high school in order to prepare for college.

Inside, you’ll find tons of resources for finding out how long the admissions process takes, when you should begin preparing (hint hint, now), and even when to take those pesky standardized tests.

Click here to download our simple college application information tracker

9th grade Timeline

• Do the Values Exercise to determine what’s important to you.

• Take a personality assessment to learn more about your strengths, challenges, and communication and learning style.

• Explore and engage with extracurricular activities (e.g., clubs, sports, community service, fine and performing arts, work, and other in-­or out-­of-­school activities) that align with  your values and strengths

• Create an activity log to track all your extracurricular activities, summer experiences, academic honors, and other achievements.

• Develop your time management and study skills.

• PSAT: Some high schools allow you to take the October PSAT as a freshman.

• Take an interest assessment to explore possible college majors and careers. 

• Plan your high school classes using insight from the bullet above.

• Meet with your school counselor to explore clubs, classes, and discuss course selection. Start building a relationship with them by doing this regularly.

• Parents: Start exploring how to pay for college.

• Athletes: Familiarize yourself with the NCAA and NAIA athletic recruiting requirements. 

• Plan a summer experience that helps you explore a passion or interest.

• Summer reading: Expand your vocabulary and your world.

10th grade timeline

• Do the Values Exercise to see if your ever-evolving self has new priorities. If they’ve changed, assess whether you want to change your current activities so they align with your values.

• Continue participating in non-­academic extracurricular activities. See if you can deepen your involvement or take on a leadership role in the activities you’ve already been doing. Or step outside your comfort zone and try something new.

• Update your activity log.

• Stay focused on keeping your grades up--this year’s grades are important to college admissions officers. 

• If your school offers higher-level (honors or AP) classes, challenge yourself academically by taking one a higher-level (honors or AP) class or two (honors or AP classes), in areas that you’re interested in.

• PSAT: Some high schools allow you to take the October PSAT as a sophomore.

• Attend a local college fair.

• Meet with your school counselor at least once a year to discuss course selection. Continue building this relationship by asking lots of questions about new courses and suggestions for ways to develop your interests..

• Parents: Continue researching how to pay for college and set up a college budget.

• Visit a college or two locally or while you're on vacation.

• Read more about possible college majors and careers to better plan out your high school classes.

• If you think you may play Division I or II sports in college:

  • Register for the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Clearinghouse.

  • Register for the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletes (NAIA) Eligibility Center.

  • Familiarize yourself with National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) requirements. Then double-check that all of your courses are NCAA-approved. Not all high school classes count towards their requirements.

  • Let your high school counselor know you’re considering college athletics. 

• Testing 

  • If you're taking an AP class this year, consider sitting for the AP exam (May). If you're concerned about your readiness, check in with your teacher for advice. 

  • At the end of the school year, take a practice ACT and SAT to determine which test may be better for you, then set up a testing timeline.

• Summer reading: Continue expanding your vocabulary and your world.

• Continue exploring your interests during the summer. This could be through a job, internship, volunteer experience, or self-designed project.

11th grade Timeline

FALL

• Check in with the Values Exercise. Has anything changed?

• Stay consistent with your non-­academic extracurricular activities if your values and priorities haven’t changed. If they have, try something new. Continue to look for ways to explore and deepen your interests in these activities. Try a leadership role if you haven’t already.

• Continue to update your activity log.

• Start your college search by attending a local college fair and a few college admission rep presentations at your high school (if they are offered).

• Explore your college interests by sorting the college criteria on www.Corsava.com. Then use those preferences to searches for a few college matches.

• Start a preliminary list of colleges to visit using the results of your college match searches. Have a family meeting to block out dates for college visits throughout junior year.  

• Keep your grades up. Junior year grades are the last ones some schools will see before making an admissions decision.

• Take an aptitude or career assessment such as YouScience to learn more about your interests and strengths, which will change as you grow and learn.

• Continue challenging yourself academically with higher level AP or honors classes.

• Schedule a meeting with your school counselor to discuss the colleges you are interested in. Tell them about your college preferences and ask for their suggestions of colleges that might be a good fit for you. Continue to develop your relationship with your counselor.

• Testing

  • Take the PSAT/NSMQT in October. This test qualifies students for the National Merit Scholarship.

  • Stay on track with your ACT/SAT testing timeline and study schedule.

• Athletic Recruitment

  • Double-check that  your classes meet the NCAA Clearinghouse requirements 

  • Complete online athletic recruitment forms for each college you're considering. You'll find these on the college's website under "athletics."

  • Once you’ve completed the online recruitment forms, make your sports resume and recruitment videos.

  • Spread out your correspondence with coaches by sending the resumes and video a few weeks after you complete the online forms.

• Fine & Performing Arts Students

  • Sign up for Performing & Visual Arts College Fairs.

  • Create an admissions requirements spreadsheet for fine and performing arts programs.

  • You most likely need to create a portfolio and audition materials, so spend junior year working on pieces.

WINTER & SPRING

• Investigate summer experiences.

• Register for senior year classes. Remember colleges will want to see a strong senior year course load including five academic core classes.

• Continue visiting colleges. Use local colleges to sample certain types of schools (single-sex, small liberal arts, larger university, etc.)

• Start building your college list based on your values and your research.

• Start researching scholarship opportunities.

• Complete the Letter of Rec questionnaire and request letters of recommendation from two academic teachers from junior year.

• Testing

  • Select testing dates. Most likely your first ACT or SAT will take place between December and May.

  • Take the AP/IB exams in May.

• Athletes

  • Send your sports resume and video to college coaches and fill out the athletic recruitment surveys on the college websites.

• Fine & Performing Arts Students

  • Explore how the audition and portfolio process works for college admission.

  • Build your portfolios and audition videos.

• Set up a meeting with your school counselor to ask questions about college choices, your senior year schedule, testing, and anything else you're curious about.

SUMMER

• Participate in summer experiences (research, reading, internships, fun stuff).

• Refine and finalize your college list. Be sure it reflects a balance of admission probabilities (likely, possible, and reach schools).

• Research the type of applications required for each school on your list, as these vary.

• Write your Common Application personal statement. 

• Complete the Common Application.

• Visit more colleges.

• Research the admission requirements and deadlines for schools on your list and create a spreadsheet to organize information. Research to see if an interview is offered or required at each school.

• Create a scholarship spreadsheet to list deadlines and requirements.

12th grade Timeline 

AUGUST & SEPTEMBER

• Confirm your final college list, application deadlines, and requirements.

• Write your college-specific supplemental essays.

• Ask an expert outside reader to review your Common Application and personal statement.

• Continue to research scholarships, adding requirements and deadlines to your list.

• Set up on-campus or local rep interviews with colleges.

• Check in with your recommendation writers. Update your Letter of Rec Questionnaire and ask for a letter of recommendation from your school counselor.  

• Apply to scholarships throughout the school year.

• Parents: Start preparing financial aid paperwork and develop a deadlines list. 

SEPTEMBER - NOVEMBER

• Complete and send out all EA and ED applications no later than late October. (These deadlines are typically around November 1. )

• Many portfolio-based arts programs have December 1st deadlines. And some universities require submission by December 1st to be considered for scholarship opportunities. Schedule a meeting with your school counselor to review your college list to get his or her feedback and review your application deadlines, and ask any questions you may have.

• Attend high school presentations and programs.

• Apply for financial aid using the FAFSA and CSS/PROFILE (if required).

• Completed final college visits.

• Send test scores to your colleges after checking whether they allow self-reported scores.

• Ask your school counseling office to deliver letters and transcripts to colleges. 

DECEMBER

• Regular Decision (RD) deadlines are typically around January 1. Complete and send out all RD applications no later than mid-December. Give yourself a relaxing holiday break by completing your applications before November 15.

JANUARY - MARCH

• January: If deferred, send an email to your region/state/country admissions representative. Reaffirm your interest in the school and offer any updates (activities, achievements, awards, etc).

• Wait for application decisions.

MARCH - APRIL

• Colleges have until April 1 to release decisions.

• Plan visits to accepted colleges, if needed, in order to make your final college choice.

• Attend local admitted student events when possible.

• Evaluate financial aid packages and scholarship offerings to figure out how to pay for college.

• Students need to enroll and submit a deposit by May 1.

MAY

• Take AP/IB exams.

• Notify your school counselor of your college decisions and scholarship opportunities.

• If you've been waitlisted, this is a good time to send a)your “I'd like to stay on the wait list" form and b) the email to your designated admissions rep which states your interest in the school and offers updates (activities, achievements, awards, etc).

• Sign-up for campus housing if you plan to live on campus.

JUNE - AUGUST

• Continue saving for college.

• Check your email for waitlist notifications.

• Attend orientation sessions.

• Sign up for meal plans and register for classes.

• Find out what you need for your dorm and classes, and go shopping.

• Contact your future roommate(s).

• Make travel and move-in arrangements.

• Set up a bank account on or near ­campus.

• Continue applying for scholarships.

• Set up a meeting with an academic advisor at your college to plan your classes.

To learn more about how to have an amazing pre-college summer, click here!

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College Trends to Watch for 2023

By Suzanne Shaffer from Collegiate Parent

Applications Will Continue to Increase

Inside Higher Ed reports that the Common Application, which is widely used by over 900 colleges, saw an increase in applications this past year. As of February 15, over 1 million distinct first-year applicants applied to college, an increase of 13.9 percent over 2019–20 numbers.

The Common App Reports and Insights shows there were substantial increases in underrepresented minorities and first-generation applicants. Minority applications increased 21 percent; first-generation applications increase at nearly twice the rate of other applicants over the same period. International applicants nearly tripled the rate of domestic applicants.

What does this mean for your student? Increased applications means increased competition. Your student should position themselves to stand out in the applicant pool and be strategic in which colleges receive their application in the fall.

Test-Optional Colleges Are Now Mainstream

Test-optional policies generally provide students with more flexibility in how they position themselves in the college admissions process. Test-optional doesn’t necessarily mean "test-blind," however. Just because a school doesn’t require students to submit SAT or ACT scores doesn’t mean that a strong testing performance won’t work in a student's favor. If a college is “test-blind” it will not accept test scores and will not use them to influence an admission decision. Some colleges are “test-flexible,” meaning students can provide AP and IB test scores in lieu of their SAT or ACT.

Waitlists Will Continue to Grow

According to a recent study, “the number of students admitted from the waitlist rose 97% from 22,223 in 2019 to 43,867 in 2020.” This past year, the trend continued.

Wait lists can be perceived as good news or bad news. On the one hand, if your student is waitlisted, there is a possibility they will be offered admission. It’s an opportunity for students to assess their options. If the school is your student’s top choice, they should be proactive and communicate that with the college. On the other hand, waitlists are a gamble. Your student should always carefully consider the other colleges who offered them admission.

Colleges Will Continue to Attract International Students

Colleges across the country took huge hits in international student enrollment during the 2020–21 school year due to travel restrictions imposed by the pandemic. During the 2020–2021 admissions cycle, international enrollment fell by as much as 43%.

After this dramatic downfall, international enrollment has more than rebounded during the 2021–2022 admissions cycle, with a reported 63% increase from the prior year.

Given the importance of students with varying perspectives and backgrounds, this influx of diversity could add tremendous value to college campuses across the U.S. and it’s expected colleges will pursue this diverse group in the upcoming admission season.

Expect Gap Years and Transfers to Continue

Even though COVID-19 numbers continue to decrease, parents and students might be hesitant to believe college campuses will return to normal. All the flip-flopping over the last two years has certainly made them reluctant to commit to paying for an expensive college education if that education changes again. Gap years could still be a viable option for many students.

In addition, there will continue to be high numbers of transfers. Many students who didn’t have a chance to tour a college before enrolling, or opted to attend a local community college, will be interested in transferring to schools that better meet their needs and goals.

Students and Families Will Still Focus on Value

As a result of this increased emphasis on value, increasing numbers of applicants will be drawn to colleges with sizable financial aid, work-study programs, opportunities to graduate in three years as opposed to four, and colleges with lower net prices. Families may also focus on state schools, which are generally the more affordable option for students who live in the state.

AP Exams May Take a Bigger Role

SAT Subject II tests have been eliminated permanently. In the past, they were used to prop up course rigor and gaps in grades. They were used to show evidence of course mastery and college readiness. With their elimination, more emphasis will be placed on AP classes and AP test scores. Some colleges will look at AP scores to assess college readiness.

Diversity Policies Are Top Priority

Colleges are looking to improve their optics with regards to diversity, equity, and inclusion. This will certainly affect their admissions policies. Therefore, record numbers of students who represent diversity in terms of race, income, disability, gender and other groups will be offered admission. This also includes first-generation students.

Legacy Preferences Are on the Way Out

Hand in hand with the priority to cast the net for talent as wide as possible is the trend at many schools, including Amherst College in Massachusetts, to abolish legacy preferences in admissions. This doesn't mean the children of alumni won't be accepted at elite institutions but they'll need to qualify for admission completely on their own merits.

Essays Will Play a More Significant Role

With more and more colleges making standardized test scores optional, the essay and supplemental essays in the college application will play a more significant role in the admissions decision.

In addition, the SAT essay has been discontinued and unless your student takes advantage of the ACT essay, admissions officers will only have their application essay when making an admissions decision.

Not only does this essay provide the college with unique information into the student’s background and abilities, it gives them the opportunity to gauge the student’s writing ability. The application essay can be a deciding factor in an admission officer’s decision to accept or deny admission.