One of the greatest sources of stress in the college admission process is the fear. Fear you won’t get in. Fear you won’t get into the “right” college. Fear that no one will validate the hard work you’ve done through high school.
Fear that you’ll look foolish to your friends, who will end up doing “better” than you.
But here’s the thing. You have control right now! You can impact your results. You are the captain of your own ship!
Michelle and Evelyn recently presented a webinar with great information for both parents and students who are aiming high for college. Our focus was on supporting student mental health. If you spend a little time watching this video, you’ll have a better understanding of what the college admission landscape looks like now, and you’ll be more prepared to approach the process with the right mindset. Bottom line, you’ll get better results!
The video above has tons more info, but here are five basic tips to keep in mind as you prepare to apply to college:
Make sure to have a balanced list. Colleges that admit fewer than about 25-30% of their applicants are generally “reach” schools for everyone. You’ll want to have a few reach schools, but also at least 3 “target” schools - colleges where your GPA and test scores, if you’re submitting them, fall right into their admitted student profile - and that admit between 35% and 65% of their applicants. You’ll also want to include at least 2 schools where the numbers show you will be admitted. Call them safe, call them backup, call them whatever you want - but don’t put them on your list if you’d never actually consider attending.
Don’t assume you’ll get into any of the super-selective colleges, those that admit fewer than 25-30% of their applicants. Your grades ROCK! Your test scores are AWESOME! And guess what? So are everyone else’s who apply to those tippy-top super-selective colleges. No one is a "shoe-in" for MIT; UCLA is no one's "safety school." It’s wise to do your research and learn about other schools. Spread your love around - don’t fall head over heels for one!
Talk about ALL of the colleges on your list. The more time you spend talking about the super-unlikely ones, the more you’ll think those are the only “successful” outcome. When you research each college on your list, you’ll find little tidbits that can help you see why each of them could be a great place for you - and why you should celebrate being admitted to each of them! Make sure you only apply to colleges that will help you grow academically, socially and emotionally.
Don’t spend all your time on the “reach” school essays. All of the schools on your list deserve your full effort! Make sure to spread out the work so that you’re giving your best work to each essay. If you spend all of your time on the schools that are most unlikely, you may actually be reducing your chances of being admitted to the schools where you have a stronger chance!
Applying to more “reach” schools doesn’t increase your chances at any of them. Literally - statistically - it doesn’t help to apply to more (don’t believe me? Read this!)! All of their admission decisions are independent, not connected to each other at all. So all you’re doing by loading up your list with super-reach schools is giving yourself a ton more work…and more chances to have your heart broken with bad news. Choose the 2 or 3 that REALLY speak to you and about which you can really articulate why you are a great fit.
We hope these tips help you have a more balanced approach to your college admission experience - and get better results! We’re here to support you - and to help you feel that it was all worth it in the end.
Here's the slide deck from the presentation we gave in the video:
Aiming High - College Admission Today
If you (student) or your child needs help with their college admission journey, we’re here to help. Please get in touch to ask how we can support your family through this exciting time!