College List Building Mistakes: Watch Out!
Burning College Questions Webinar
We're in the midst of Early Decision season, and hearing good news from our clients (Tulane, Boston College, Lehigh) so far..
I'm extremely happy for our kiddos who worked their collective buns off on the applications and essays, not to mention their actual high school careers.
But here's the thing...
Everyone does NOT get into the colleges they're lusting after.
That was a Captain Obvious point if I ever wrote one, but bear with me.
Let me bend your ear, and show you one of the BIG reasons kids fail to get into their Numero Uno schools.
Almost exactly one year ago, on a late Friday night, my phone buzzed from a client, Sarah (fake name).
"I didn't get into BC. Did I do something wrong?"
I gallantly refrained from complaining about the 10:27pm text, in consideration of her emotional state.
Instead, I told her that I'd be back in the office the next day, would look over her file and get back to her. Even though I knew the answer already.
The following morning I reviewed Sarah's grades, ACT scores, rigor of coursework and extracurricular activities.
I also factored in non politically-correct items such as her race, ethnicity, zip code and parents' educational and professional backgrounds.
I glanced through her actual Common App, including the essays and Activities Section.
This took HOURS.
Kidding. We use a software that lets me do almost all of this in about 13 seconds. (But that doesn't mean I don't work hard. Man, do I have a work ethic!)
Back to the story.
When I evaluated how Sarah "stacked up" compared to kids who got into BC the previous year, my best guess was that she had a 2% chance of being admitted. Two out of 100.
Not a slam dunk.
Not even a three-quarter court, Jerry West heave. (I know that reference is lost on most of the people on my list and not worth writing, but clearly, that's not the standard I adhere to.)
I reminded and reassured Sarah that, no, she didn't "do" anything wrong on her applications.
The summer before she applied, when we finalized her college list, Sarah and I went over all these factors, and agreed that BC was a long shot.
But to her credit, Sarah decided to throw her hat in the ring and go for it, knowing full well that she didn't stack up favorably to her competition across the 25 ish factors admissions officers evaluate.
I think it's terrific that she gave it a go anyway, against the odds.
Three months later, Sarah got caught up in the frenzy of ED Season and forgot about that "real world" conversation in August.
OK, so here's my point:
The overwhelming majority of kids applying to college today NEVER have that honest and thorough conversation with their school counselors, whether private or public school.
They might discuss "Reach", "Target" and "Safety" schools, but they never go over ALL of the items that admissions committees evaluate.
It's not only about grades, SAT or ACT and other kids at your high school.
There are 20+ additional factors.
And our kids are competing with applicants from all over the country, not just the other students at school who may also be applying to the same colleges.
(Reread that if you need to, let it sink in.)
Tomorrow night, I'm holding an informal, unscripted and impromptu chat called "5 Burning College Questions," based on the top five questions we get here at the world headquarters of Lockwood College Prep.
I'm not doing a fancy-schmancy Power Point or Ted Talk. There will be plenty of unpolished stutters, ums and ahs.
And probably some annoying giggling at my own jokes. ("Probably.")
Stylistic shortcomings aside, I wholeheartedly recommend that you tune in tomorrow to participate in the discussion of these and related questions:
How do we help our child stand out? Should we apply Early Decision — or avoid it? What schools should be on our list (and which should NOT)? What makes an essay stand out (he has no idea what he'll write about)? Can we get merit scholarships even if we’re “full pay”?
This "Burning College Questions" webinar happens tomorrow, Wednesday night, December 10 (not Tuesday as you might have seen elsewhere. My mistake. It's tomorrow. Don't show up tonight, things will be very quiet.).
Here are the details:
See you tomorrow.
-Andy "Live at the College Questions Improv" Lockwood
P.S. A couple of people asked if they could pass this invitation onto their friends.
The answer is YES, by all means.
Please pass the word to those who need this information. It's free, and there's no sales pitch or time share presentation to sit through.
Just me jabbering away, answering your questions.
P.P.S. Sarah texted me last week (during normal business hours). She's at BU and VERY happy.