COLLEGE: IT’S NOT WHERE YOU GO. IT’S WHAT YOU DO WHEN YOU GET THERE.
Admissions decisions for the Class of 2022 are coming fast and furious. Some students are elated, while others are certainly disappointed. It’s been a particularly brutal year for those students exploring big dreams. Test-optional policies have driven up applications at the nation’s most selective schools. In turn, that skews acceptance rates. Harvard has posted its lowest acceptance rate in history at 3.19%, admitting only 1,214 students out of the 61,220 that applied. Other selective schools – Vanderbilt, Duke, Rice, WashU – are following this trend. At the end of the day, each school has evaluated thousands more applications this year, and yet, they are filling the same number of freshman seats.
The current mood has me dusting off my bookshelf and returning to the wise words of New York Times columnist, Frank Bruni. In his book, Where You Go is Not Who You’ll Be,” Bruni reminds us all that there are more than 10 worthy colleges in America. He writes about the success of Fortune 500 leaders who have graduated from much lesser known schools than the Ivies. He notes that parents are interested in having their children attend a decent college at a price they can afford.
Bruni’s book is a helpful reminder that there is more to the college experience than the name of the institution. What your student does in four years at college matters. Opportunities in research, leadership, internships, and in the classroom are combined with discovering oneself, finding a passion, and cultivating relationships that will likely last a lifetime. Ultimately, Bruni’s words are a great reminder that college has almost everything to do with the attitude you bring to it. And it provides yet another perspective that the best approach to the college search is to assess your student’s strengths and find schools that will provide the best fit for success.
I’m all for dreaming big, but I am also for helping you find and fund an ideal college experience for your student. If you would like some help navigating the college admissions process, I would love to work with you. Take a peek at the SCOUT website to learn more about my approach.
Thanks for joining me!
smb
CURRENT FRESHMEN & 8TH GRADERS: Want to explore how you can make the most of your high school experience? I would love to help! Sign-up for a Road Map Session and get a personalized plan cultivated to help you shine. We’ll look at academics, activities, community impact, and much more! Click the button below if you’re ready to get started.
JUNIORS: Are you thinking about college? Let me help with the entire admissions process! By starting now, you’ll have ample time to add the finishing touches to your résumé, explore lots of college options, and navigate the application process with ease. Click the button below if you would like more details.
EVERYONE: Join the new Facebook group – OKC College Conversations. This group is for OKC area students, parents, college counselors, and test prep professionals to discuss and share information about college. Information may include admissions, specific colleges, financial aid, scholarships, test prep, and other similar topics. Parents and students from anywhere in the OKC Metro are welcome. Public or Private Schools located in OKC, Edmond, Deer Creek, Piedmont, Moore, Midwest City, Jones, Norman, and neighboring towns. Invite your friends and family members Click the button below to join. It’s FREE!
Want to receive this newsletter in your email box every Tuesday?
Scout College Consulting 