A College Primer for Freshmen and Sophomores

Early last week we held a college program for parents of freshmen and sophomores.  Our goals were simple: provide parents with some of the basic information they need as their daughters begin thinking about college and allow them the opportunity to ask as many questions as they liked. And did they ever ask great questions!

Our first topic was "what are colleges are looking for in an applicant?" and I suspect most people already knew the answer.  A student's transcript is the most important, and that includes their grades, the appropriate strength and depth of coursework, and patterns over time (upward/downward trends in individual subjects).  And by the way, AP classes are not mandatory for college admission. Test scores are also important, but most colleges will accept the SAT or the ACT, and some don't even require standardized test scores (see fairtest.org for a complete list).  Last, but certainly not least, colleges will consider a student's activities.  This could include school clubs, sports, and fine arts, but it is not limited to that.  Many students are involved in their greater community, some hold part-time jobs, and others have unique hobbies or outside interests.  All of these will be part of a student's application.

While it is impossible to name every characteristic a potential college might be interested in,  I believe it's safe to say that schools also want students who demonstrate a willingness to engage with their academics and their peers, students who show intellectual curiosity and signs of independent learning, students who appreciate diversity and have an awareness of the world around them, and students who have the fortitude to bounce back from failure.  It is important to note, however, that there is no simple, objective formula that all universities use when making admissions selections, and in the end, authenticity is key.

Among some other tips we mentioned were:

1. Context is important, so communicating with the college counselors will be very important. It is also essential that everyone reads their email thoroughly. I know email can sometimes be a pain, but now is not the time to ignore it.
2. The focus of the college search should be on the student, not the college.
3. The answer to almost every college question is "it depends." It depends on the college, the student, the year...it's almost impossible to have a single answer for every question.

I cannot recap everything we reviewed during the program, but I do will leave you with this.  It is paramount that parents discuss expectations, concerns, and realities with their daughters. April of the senior year is not the best time to find out that they cannot go to school north of the Mason-Dixon line.  It is also important that students and parents be willing to think a little outside the box, especially if scholarships and/or financial aid are part of the equation.  There are some amazing programs out there that are worth your consideration.  Exploring college options takes time and energy, but the chances are your daughter will be happier with the outcome if she puts the work into it on the front end.

Rick Clark, the Director of Admission at Georgia Tech, recently wrote that it is unfortunate we describe college admissions as a process, as if it is something you encounter or endure.  "When," he explains, "the admission process becomes a verb, you change because you challenge yourself to think and grow."  And if students are willing to think and grow, they are much more likely to find colleges that will fit them for the next four years.  That is our goal for your daughters.

The Junior's Road to College Wrap-Up

First, thank you so much for joining us at 'The Road to College' program last Sunday.  We know we provided you with an avalanche of information, but we hope that as you go through the college process with your daughter, you will be reminded of what you learned.

Here are a few highlights I hope you'll keep in mind.

1.  Your daughter is in good hands.  We can't wait to share our experience and expertise with your daughter, and we look forward to advocating for you her.  From brainstorming essay topics and proofreading applications to investigating scholarships and weighing the pros and cons of each college as she makes her final decision, we're available for her as often as she needs.  And of course, GPS has an excellent reputation, and we have the stats to prove it.

But remember, this is your daughter's college search, and she needs to lead the way.

2.  You know your daughter better than anyone, and the parent perspective letter we have asked you to write will be invaluable as we write recommendations. Due February 1, please take the time to write down your thoughts about your amazing daughter.

3.  Authenticity is critically important.  Your daughter doesn't need to be what she thinks a college wants her to be, and in fact, most will be able to see through that.  Likewise, we do not want to "package" her, but we do want to help her present her many strengths and talents so that schools will understand and value who she really is.  If she is her authentic self, she is more likely to find a college where she will thrive long-term.

As one of my wise colleagues likes to say, "College is a match to be made, not a prize to be won."

4.  There are over 3,000 colleges and universities to choose from in the US alone.  Even though your daughter may think she wants a large state university or a school below the Mason-Dixon line, there might be a hidden gem out there that fits her perfectly!  There are amazing small to medium size liberal arts schools, women's college (yes, I said it), urban campuses, rural locations, and even schools in Canada or abroad that might offer what she is looking for, including financial incentives. So don't shut the door to the possibilities too quickly.

5.  Ultimately though, you should listen to what your daughter is telling you.  She wants to please you, but she also may not want to apply to the school(s) you prefer.  Ask her why the school doesn't "fit," and then pay attention. Truly, this is not your college search (or application), and she may know more about it than you - or we - know.

6.  The next year and a half may at times be exhilarating, frustrating, and disappointing, but ultimately it will be joyful.  It is indeed a rite of passage, and it is a privilege for us to be along for the ride.

Dear Juniors...

Chances are you have been thinking about college for a while now.  You and your parents have hopefully visited a few colleges, attended college fairs, and you may already be tiring of it all. However, in anticipation of your college classes which begin this week, I ask you to consider the following.

1.  Yesterday, Eric Hoover, an education writer for The Chronicle of Higher Education, tweeted this New Year's resolution: stop using the term "top colleges." Agreed!  The goal of the college search is to find the right college for you, not the right college for everyone else or the one you think will be most impressive when we post the Where O' Where's at the end of next year. If you will do the necessary research (and be forewarned, it is hard work), work closely with your college counselor, and communicate with your parents, you will develop a list of schools that uniquely fit you.  That should be your goal, and that is what we will help you do.

2.  When considering your transcript and resume, we like to say "It is what it is."  What we mean is that even if you do start making all A's, your GPA isn't going to go up a whole point (sorry!).  Yet I want to offer a different perspective on that phrase.  Yes, by this point in your junior year, your transcript is what it is, but you still have the power to make changes.  All is not lost.  If you don't like your English grade or you're not satisfied with your extracurricular involvement, you still have the power - and the time - to do something about it. English may not be your favorite or best subject - and you may not move the grade needle significantly - but by the end of the year, your teacher might be able to talk about your renewed focus and interest, your willingness to go the extra mile, or your attempt to be more involved in class discussions.  Likewise, if you choose, you can step up and decide to lead the Amnesty letter writing campaign, or you can be the lacrosse teammate who decides to be a role model for the younger players.  The changes may seem insignificant or even pointless to you, but even those small changes have the power to make a difference in your college process. What changes in your attitude or participation are you willing to make as the second semester begins?

3.  Lin-Manuel Miranda wrote two songs for Hamilton in two years.  Two songs in two years! Why do you believe you can write your college essay in one sitting?  No, you're not writing a Broadway masterpiece, but your essay can be the tipping point, so you will have to write multiple drafts (think at least four or five) before it will be worthy of submission.

4.  And finally, I picked up another Twitter tip today.  "Be honest about what you want from college and from life."  These are big questions we are asking you to consider, but if you will take the time to think about them seriously and have in-depth conversations with your parents and your counselor, you will have a better chance of finding the right college for you.

The college search process is not rocket-science, but it requires considerable introspection and a great deal of hard work.  I know you're up for the challenge, and I look forward to meeting with you soon.

Happy new year,
Ms. McCarter