Minimizing the stress in your college search
Here are a few tips on how to make your college search more successful and less stressful. (Yes, this can be done.)
- Take the lead in thinking critically to get down to a short list of colleges. Don’t let other people’s interests and values drive your college search.
- Be realistic when developing your list of potential colleges, based on your interests, values, skills and aspirations.
- Gather information about the colleges. The range and diversity of our higher education system is wonderful, so never assume there are any universal policies, strengths or preferences.
- Don’t assume that what is right for someone else will fit for you. Decide for yourself.
- Keep in mind that for most students there isn’t one perfect college. Against the backdrop of thousands of fine options, you probably have the talent and flexibility to succeed at a number of colleges. Allow yourself to feel buoyed by the variety of options you have rather than oppressed by the competition and process.
- Redefine “best college” as “right college for me.” Concentrate on finding the right accessible college first, so you can say, “If this is the only college that accepts me, I’ll be delighted to attend.”
- Choose Early Decision only if it is true love… not to “get it over with” or game the system.
- Apply to less-selective schools even if you are a “super candidate.” The most competitive colleges turn away thousands of stellar candidates every year because they do not have room to admit them all. Fair? No. Reality? Yes.
- Don’t be overwhelmed by all that you have to do senior year. Getting organized and staying ahead of deadlines will give you more room to maneuver, and you may even feel a bit saner.
- Remember that students control two-thirds of the process. You chose where to apply and then where to attend. Colleges only make admission decisions.
- Understand that since most applicants to competitive colleges are admissible due to grades and SATs, most offers of admission are based on the applicants’ personal presentation – their special talents, background, ambitions and ability to clearly and persuasively discuss the academic and personal match between them and a particular college.
- Know that the goal of the admissions officer is to get an understanding of what makes an individual candidate tick. An application presented in one’s natural voice and style – be it serious, sober, wry or humorous – helps accomplish that goal much better than an application that has been tailored to fit the perceived confines of an application form. Use the form as your forum.
- Don’t forget the “heart factor” when choosing your college. Objective criteria such as academic programs, size, location and cost are important, but your choice also needs to make you feel: “This is home.”
- Finally, please remember that your college education begins with the search process, and try to keep it in perspective. Though it’s a serious process, you needn’t be deadly serious about finding the right college!