Notes from the Holy Innocents' Deans and Directors Panel

Last Thursday, we were fortunate to welcome enrollment managers from four universities to Holy Innocents'.  Our panel of experts gracefully shared their wisdom and expertise, as well as a bit of humor - a good reminder that the college research and application process has plenty of room for lighter moments.  Many thanks to the students and families who attended.  For those who couldn't make it (or for those who want to revisit what was said), below are notes I took during the program.  Because they are fairly detailed, I'll start with the closing statements which did a nice job of capturing some of the big themes.  Think of them as the cliff notes.   

Our Panel

• Lee Ann Backlund, Dean of Admission and Financial Aid at Sewanee: The University of the South. 

• Rick Clark, Director of Undergraduate Admission at Georgia Tech. 

• Barbara Hall.  Currently consulting at Arcadia University, formerly served as Director of Financial Aid and Career Services at Sewanee, Associate VP for Enrollment Services at Georgia Tech, and Associate Provost for Enrollment Management at New York University.  

• Byron Lewis, Associate Dean of Admission at Southern Methodist University.  

Parting Wisdom

• Plan ahead for the investment of college; have tough conversations early; thoroughly research.  Finaid.org is a very helpful website. 

• Students - take ownership of this process.  You have a say in what classes you pick, how hard you study, and where you apply.  Maintain a sense of humor, manage stress, and don't forget to enjoy your senior year.  

• Stay open to what's out there; allow for your interests to adapt and change as you grow.  Make the most of college when you get there.  

• Remember how much your parents care about you and want for you to succeed; don't let the application process tarnish that awareness.  

• You are not a fundamentally better person because of any college that admits you.  You are not a fundamentally worse person because of any college that doesn't admit you.  

Complete Questions and Responses

When should students begin the college search, and how should they build a list?
Start thinking about college early and prepare to build a list of schools to consider in your junior year.  Keep an open mind initially and don't be afraid to look at places outside of your comfort zone.  Remember that starting your college list starts with learning about yourself.

Liberal arts college vs. research university...
Larger research universities may offer more resources and have relatively limited requirements outside a student's major, meaning academic experiences can vary.  Liberal arts colleges tend to require a broader curriculum outside of a student's major, with an emphasis on preparing critical thinkers and well-rounded learners.  Research universities may offer more in the way of research or hands-on experience.  Liberal arts colleges tend to boast smaller classes and more personalized attention from professors. 

What are the benefits of a women's college?
 At a college solely made up of women, it is women who hold all leadership roles on campus.  That presents an opportunity for young women to become vocal, active members of their community.  Academically, more women persist to earn degrees in the STEM fields at women's colleges than mixed gender schools.

How does regional diversity affect admission decisions? 
Some state institutions are subject to legislative limitations on the number of out-of-state students they can admit.  At especially popular schools, this can make out-of-state admission more difficult.  Most colleges, private and public alike, are interested in creating campus diversity by bringing together people of different backgrounds, experiences, cultures, etc.  Geographic diversity is considered in this, and at some schools a student from Georgia might offer a different, valuable perspective.

How is a group of applications from the same high school considered?
Applications are evaluated individually.  School groups are then later reviewed as a whole to make sure decisions make sense within the group.  There are no quotas or limits on admits from specific high schools.

How important is it to know what you want to study before you apply?
It is not terribly important to know exactly what you want to study.  From time of application to the time they enroll, 1 in 4 GA Tech students will already change their mind, without having even taken a college class.  40% switch after freshman year.  And that's OK.  Have an idea of the types of things you might want to study and find schools that will accommodate your various interests.  Remember that just because you're good at something doesn't mean you have to major in it.

Do essays really matter?
Yes.  And essay writing is a good time for parents to step aside.  It's the student's voice the college wants to hear.  Remember to answer the question; simple can be OK; authenticity is important; stick to your strengths.  If you're funny, it's OK to be funny (if you're not, don't try).  You can take a bit of a risk to sound like yourself.

Do extracurriculars and summer activities matter? 
Yes, but there is no magical collection of activities that adds up to an admit.  Depth is more important than being a "serial club-joiner."  Find the things you like, and do them at the highest and most committed level you can.  Not everyone will be well-rounded; it's ok to be angular. 

What is demonstrated interest?  How much contact is too much?  
Some schools, especially selective schools, try to look for enrollment predictors (of the kids they've admitted, how many are likely to actually enroll?).  Have you visited campus, attended a visit at your high school, been to a local reception?  Those things can sometimes break the tie between you and a similarly qualified student who has demonstrated little or no interest.  Just don't be a stalker!  No daily emails.  If you have questions about whether or not a particular school will value demonstrated interest, ask your college counselor. 

What is the importance of a rigorous high school curriculum?
You compete against what your school offers and are reviewed only in the context of your school. What have you done vs. what was available to you?  Push yourself, especially in the classes you are good at or enjoy.  For most colleges, a B in the AP or honors class is preferred over an A- in the standard level class.

What is the parents' role in the application process? 
Talk to your kids about boundaries - cost, distance, etc.  Once those boundaries have been set, let your child drive the decision about where to actually enroll.  Let kids soak in their visits and form their own opinions and reactions.  Try to set aside your preconceived notions about schools; places change.  Set aside time to talk about college.  Don't make it the subject of conversation every moment you have with your kids.