Another year. Whew. Time, at least for most of us, for at least a few days of remembering just how great it feels to sit without a computer screen in front of us, and, if we’re lucky, how sweet a ripe watermelon really tastes.
Given that well deserved rest, we might also have time to think some bigger thoughts about our profession, and consider ways to take on issues that, if done well, can help every student who’s thinking about college. Here’s my list for summer ponderings.
We say we hate the mania, and yet… All the May 1 news continues to be about the same 25 colleges with admit rates lower than the chances of getting struck by lightning. Until that changes, perhaps we should stop wondering why rising senior families are anxious about college, and may decide not to even bother to apply, even though the vast majority of colleges admit 50-75% of their applicants. Our profession, and our society, continues to be content with keeping this secret—and our profession seems to like it that way.
The Brag List A day hasn’t gone by in the last week when at least seven high schools or independent college counselors have posted their “Admitted To” lists to LinkedIn, with more schools posting them in full-page ads in their local paper.
While the stated goal is to congratulate their college-bound students, that’s something that can be done—and is best done—with a handwritten note, small gift, or direct conversation. Printing the acceptance list may seem to do this, but it has the disadvantage of lending a tone of “look at me” that reinforces the idea that college admissions is about winning and losing. It also continues to suggest students doing something else with their lives—like going to HVAC technical training for six months to begin a career where they can support their ailing parents—are less noble.
Double Depositing This is also the time of year when a handful of professionals come out in favor of double depositing, the practice where a student gets to May 1 with all the information they need to choose only one college, but decides to choose more than one.
College choice is about the student, and that in turn is about making sure the student learns the skills, mindset, and maturity needed to make a strong college choice. It’s also about the college, because this is a partnership. If the student has all the information in hand by May 1, expecting them to make a firm commitment is an opportunity to practice the adult skill of decision-making with integrity to their decision-making partner. Any college that asks for a May 1 commitment without giving the student a full financial aid offer is demonstrating the height of hypocrisy, and, with all respect, gets what they deserve. Otherwise, the band is playing, and it’s time for the student to dance with one partner.
The college selection process remains, at its core, a pretty simple idea—spend time working with 9-11 grade students to understand more about themselves and the world around them, and help them find a next place to continue that exploration. We can get back there, as long as we are willing to stop blaming the problem on others. The great cartoon character Pogo is right again. We’ve met the enemy, and the enemy is us. It’s a hard truth, but the sooner we take it in, the sooner we can move forward.
Have a great summer, and, as always, thank you for reading.
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