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Recent Posts
- Global Grid for LearningJune 23, 2021
- Setting Yourself Apart – Interview StrategyJune 23, 2021
- Setting Yourself Apart – College DNAJune 22, 2021
- Global Grid for Learning
In part one of Setting Yourself Apart we talked about MAs (Mature Activities) and how they can help your student stand out from the rest of the crowd. In this post we’ll explore how to discover each college’s DNA so that you can find the right fit for your student and package them in a way that will help them stand out!
Colleges don’t like to be rejected so getting to know and understand your student gives them a higher degree of confidence that their offer for admission will be accepted. Getting to know the atmosphere, the DNA, the departments, faculty, and other students of each college gives your student a clearer idea of whether or not it’s a good fit for them. It also shows the college the demonstrable interest that they are looking for from valued students.
While schools frequently measure the demonstrable interest of each student it is imperative that the student and family fulfill their own due diligence to ensure success.
Essential questions about the qualities needed for success in the department, undergraduate research opportunities, leadership positions, and most importantly job placement statistics within the first year of graduation are the types of questions that will get the college’s attention and position your student for higher consideration. During the interview your student should discuss current activities (the MAs) and high school activities.
The interview process itself demonstrates maturity and students should be prepared to assert themselves and ask the department chair or other faculty member outright if they think that they would be a good fit at the school.
When the answer is yes about fitting in ask that the individual support your submission and request that they call your contact in admissions and recommend your acceptance. Again this is a mature move that can pay huge dividends.
Why is it important to bring up activities and interests during the interview? If your student happens to play the tuba and mentions their tuba playing in the marching band and the admission director knows that the school needs tuba players your student just earned another tag on their application. This increased the value of the student to the school.
In our next post we’ll talk about the ins and outs of a Campus Visit and give you a specific guideline for ensuring your success!