Weekly Column Patrick OConnor College Decisions-- Yours, Not Theirs-- May Be Surprising
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When it came to applying to colleges, Bob put together a strategy that expected the unexpected. Knowing the three colleges he liked the most were highly selective, he followed his counselor’s advice and applied to 4 other colleges that were only a little less selective—but the difference was slight enough to increase the chances Bob would be admitted to at least 2 of these schools. With seven applications in, Bob figured he could count on 2 of his Plan B schools, and maybe one of his top schools. Once he had three admissions letters in front of him, Bob figured the choice would be obvious. That’s when Surprise Number One came in. Bob’s already heard from his 4 “safety” schools, and he was admitted to all of them. As he expected, three of them offered him a merit scholarship, but two of those offers were for over half the cost of attendance. It’s not unusual for students with comparatively high grades and scores to be offered money, but this was more money than Bob (and his counselor) had expected, and it was more acceptances that he was anticipating. Then along came Surprise Number Two. Bob’s also been admitted to one of his top pick colleges, and went back for a visit last week. Since one of his B schools was in the same area, he stopped and visited there as well—and now it’s his top choice. He found out more about the research opportunities and small classes, and felt very much at home when he stayed overnight on campus. “I’m really surprised” he said, “This college doesn’t match up at all with what I was looking for last fall.” What lessons can you learn from Bob’s experience? Admit rates are higher at some schools. The top colleges may be admitting fewer students, but many other colleges are admitting more, knowing a larger number of those admitted students are less likely to come, either because of money, or because they applied to more colleges than students in past years. Either way, you may find more colleges are saying yes. Merit money is up. These colleges are making the most of record numbers of applications from strong students. If you attend that college, their average GPA and test score rankings go up, and so does their reputation. That’s why they’re digging deep to get strong students to their schools. Look closely. People do indeed change in 6 months—like Bob, what you wanted in a college may be different now than it was in September. This is why another visit to each campus is a must, if you can do it. You’re that much closer to going, so you have to be that much more confident in knowing. Hit the road. Look closely, Part II. It’s always nice to be wanted, but when you visit your B schools, look with your eyes and heart, and less with your wallet. Paying half tuition is still a waste of money if the place isn’t for you, or if they’ll run out of interesting classes for bright students like you next year. It’s great to have new goals today—just make sure they’re new for the right reason. Bob ended up with a different kind of unexpected than the one he planned for, but if he uses the same tools of self-knowledge and self-listening, he’ll still end up with a rock solid school. March Madness is for basketball teams—learn some lessons from this student, and you’ll go bobbin’ along on the road to the right college.
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