Keep An Open Mind When Creating Your Perfect College List

Case Western University buildings

This is a Personal Story Told by a Former WisePath College Consulting Student
We invited some of our students to share their stories with us about creating their college list. Here’s one that stands out.

This student surprised herself after she realized that her strong opinions were unexplored and limited her college list. She changed her mindset, started researching, and ended up at a college she had initially crossed off her list!

One Student’s Surprising Story of Why it’s Important to Stay Open-Minded

Snowball fight“I never believed it when people said that I ‘would probably end up where (I) least expected.’ In fact, I found this phrase really frustrating. I didn’t want the college process to be a surprise. I didn’t want to ‘end up’ somewhere I didn’t initially expect.

Of course, that’s exactly what happened. And I couldn’t be happier.”

Don’t Blind Yourself to What Might be Your Best Option

“My telling of this story is not to say that the same kind of surprise will happen to you. It is simply a reminder that predispositions or impressions can blind you to possibilities if you’re not careful.”

Don’t Let Certain Preferences Carry Too Much Weight

“For me, my most significant influence was a geographical one. Growing up in California, I thought it was limiting if I attended college in the same state. I also ruled out most of the South because I felt I wouldn’t like the lifestyle and food. Similarly, I ruled out the Midwest for its lack of oceanic proximity. So, with a wave of my wand, I eliminated thousands of schools because I thought they wouldn’t work for me.

The lesson here is to be careful when narrowing down your college lists. Having preferences is undoubtedly important, but don’t let your preferences overwhelm you.”

But, Don’t Minimize Your Desired Major

“While some preferences like geography can be arbitrary, your desired major is certainly not. For example, if you know for a fact that you want to study computer science, then whether or not a school has a computer science major is a determining factor. Desired major is a pretty clear-cut example.”

Take a Second Look at Potential Locations

“Less clear, however, are factors such as geography and location. Suppose you want an urban environment. Knowing this, you may discount, let’s say, Case Western University because you’re unfamiliar with Ohio’s city scene. Had you looked further, you may have discovered that Case Western is just five miles from bustling, beautiful downtown Cleveland. (Did you know that Cleveland has the largest performing arts center outside of New York City? Or that downtown resides on the edge of Lake Erie so you can enjoy sunsets and water sports galore?).”

Don’t Dismiss What You Don’t Know

“The point is–don’t dismiss a school, state, or region because of what you think you may know about it. Doing research takes time, but it’s worth it.

When I was crafting my college list–unsubstantiated opinions in hand–I was left with just a few schools that fit my strict criterion. Mainly, they were located in the Northeast with some geographical outliers.

As fate would have it, one of those outliers would become the school I now attend–but I almost didn’t even apply. Fortunately, I realized in time that this school had everything truly important for my college experience, such as a respected business school and a spirited student body. The school’s only ‘problem’ was its home state: California.

My opinion about not wanting to attend college in California almost ruined my chances of going where I was supposed to go.”

Don’t Be Your Own Worst Enemy

“The takeaway? When creating your college list, start with just a couple of absolutely non-negotiable factors (e.g. desired major). Then, before you start narrowing down your list, do some research. Don’t let your internal knowledge (or lack thereof) be your biggest enemy. Remember, applying to schools is about cultivating options. A lot can change between the fall (application season) and spring (decision season) of senior year. Give yourself the gift of choice.”

Katherine now attends the University of Southern California in Los Angeles.

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6 Tips for Showing Your Demonstrated Interest to Colleges

three college students talking and NYU flag in background

Your Interest Matters to Colleges

You would think it’s enough to simply submit an application. But in this day and age, you also have to demonstrate your interest in a school is sincere. Thus, demonstrated interest.

Your application, interviews, tours, and other means of “getting to know you” are just that– the beginning of your relationship with the college you will eventually attend. Making the extra effort to demonstrate your interest will pay off. Here’s why and how.

What is Demonstrated Interest and Yield Rate?

Demonstrated interest is a way for students to exhibit their serious consideration of specific colleges.

Universities are concerned about their yield rate, which is the percentage of accepted students who ultimately decide to attend. A higher yield makes a college more selective. Since this increases tuition revenues, colleges are constantly working to improve their yields. Most colleges do track demonstrated interest; however, more selective colleges do not.

Here are six tips for how you can show your genuine interest in colleges.

 

Tip #1:
Visit Universities

Visiting universities will help you compile information and first-hand experience that can later be used to write compelling “why here” essays in applications.

By visiting universities, you can get a strong sense of what life would be like academically, socially, and personally. You can also gain insight into the programs and extracurricular activities that make colleges unique.

Students and their parents should sign up for official campus information sessions and tours to record attendance.

While on a tour, take the opportunity to ask questions and learn about student life from their tour guides, who are usually current students. It is wise to take notes as you identify courses, majors, programs, and activities of interest. You’ll thank yourself later.

Tip #2:
Join University Social Media and Mailing Lists

You might not be able to visit all the schools you are interested in, so joining universities’ Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook accounts is an indication of interest. It is also a good idea to sign up for admissions mailing lists from college websites to receive emails and mail, which keep students informed.

Tip #3:
Make Personal Connections with Admission Representatives

High schools often hold college fairs or information sessions where admissions representatives from colleges across the country attend to talk about various aspects of their universities and the admissions process.

By attending these events, you can gain incredible knowledge about what specific universities are looking for. You should participate with a list of prepared questions and meet admissions representatives if possible. (This means–shaking their hand and looking them in the eye. Any semblance of a relationship is a good start).

We highly recommend sending a thank you note to show gratitude and interest.

Tip #4:
Prepare for Interviews

Interviews during the admissions process are optional at many universities, so you may opt to skip them, but it’s best to participate and be prepared if you are interested in the college. The interviews are usually somewhat casual, but you should get ready by writing a list of questions ahead of time and be able to speak about your interests and future goals if admitted. All this will add to a robust and sincere conversation.

It is important to send a follow-up note or email to your interviewer.

Tip #5:
Write a Compelling “Why Here” Essay

“Why here” essays in college applications should be executed thoughtfully.

Spending time researching the school will help you craft authentic essays, which will show the application reader why the school is an excellent fit for you. In addition, the essays should have specific information explaining why that university is a place where you can see yourself thriving. (Here, you can use the notes you took during your on-campus tour)!

Tip #6:
Apply Early Action or Better Yet, Early Decision

One of the most substantial ways to demonstrate interest is by applying EA or ED. Since these deadlines are set months before Regular Decision, the school knows that the student prioritizes their institution enough to submit their application early.

Apply All Six Tips to Make an Impact on Your Chances for Admission.

These tips are ways to establish that you have a sincere interest in a university. But, fair warning–simply following a university’s Instagram account or strolling around a college fair is not going to get anyone very far. By applying all of these tips together, the admissions officer will know that you are a great addition to their yield and their school.

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3 Tips for Tackling the Waitlist and Getting Admitted

student expressing joy sitting on grass with laptop

Don’t Let the Waitlist Be Your Endgame

Decision day arrives, and you anxiously open your decision letter, only to find a frustrating result—you’ve been waitlisted. While being placed on a waitlist may feel like an acceptance is hopeless, the contrary is often true, and there’s no need to assume the waitlist is the end of the story. You can instead take action. A waitlisted student can significantly increase their chances of recognition within the admissions office in these three simple steps.

Tip #1:
Your first step involves some research.

Make sure to check your college’s waitlist acceptance protocol before you do anything else. Before sending any supplementary material, you will want to know these facts; if a school doesn’t want added communication, DO NOT send anything else. Doing so may cause more harm than good.

Letters of Continued Interest (LOCI)

Does your college accept letters of continued interest (LOCI), additional letters of recommendation, or updated test scores? If so, check in with your college counselor to discuss strategies for moving forward.

Tip #2:
Keep in touch!

If you haven’t already contacted your school’s local representative, you will want to do so now.

Your local rep will likely review any added materials you send in and might even vouch for you in the admissions process if you make a noteworthy impression. Keeping your rep updated with recent (but important) achievements and continued interest will distinguish you from other competitive applicants in your area. Don’t be afraid to ask your representative what you can do to further communicate your commitment to attending their institution. That said, do not overburden your rep with several calls and emails—one or two brief check-ins will suffice.

Please Note: The following tip #3 applies only to schools whose waitlist specifies acceptance of added materials.

Tip #3:
As the third and final step, you will want to write a LOCI.

Should your college accept LOCI’s, crafting a persuasive and personalized argument may hold the power to transform your application from a ‘maybe’ to a definitive acceptance. While every college has unique standards in what they look for in a waitlist letter, the following template is a basic format that we highly recommend you follow.

Include Your Thanks, Your Commitment, Your Place in The University, Your Recent Achievements In Your LOCI.

Boston College campus green

Now Let’s Break Down What You’ll Write.

Begin with Your Thanks
Start by thanking the institution for their continued consideration of your application and acknowledge the thoughtful nature of the admissions committee’s process.

Next, State Your Commitment
Once you’ve delivered a brief appreciation, you will want to explicitly state your commitment to attending the university. If you will absolutely attend if accepted, you should make that clear—the committee will consider that.

Here’s an example of how you might thank the college and state your commitment, but make sure to write your own and make it personal.

“I would like to sincerely thank the Boston College Admissions Committee for the continued consideration of my application for the class of 2024. I know that the process of carefully constructing a community of thoughtful, passionate, and adventurous individuals is difficult, and I am thankful for the additional chance provided to me by being included on the waitlist…I would like to express how committed I am to attending Boston College. This school remains my top choice, and if I am admitted, I will attend.”

Now, Describe Your Place. How do you envision your place in the college you’re waitlisted for?

You’ll want to write about your place in the university’s population, educational programs, and more.

Be as specific as possible.

  • What do you have to bring to the table that melds with the current study body?
  • Mention particular student organizations and campus traditions—your LOCI reader will know you’ve done your research and that you are committed to being a member of their vibrant community.
  • What did you see in current students (on your campus tour) that you identified with or inspired you?
  • What clubs will you be involved in?
  • What traditions excite you, and how will that excitement embody your college experience?

Here’s an example of how you might describe your place in the university community. Again, use your personal touch and be genuine.

“There are several reasons why Boston College is the right fit for me: the vibrant, challenging academic community, the incredible professional, intellectual, and service-based opportunities, the prevalent sense of camaraderie and tradition, the many student organizations like…”

“When I toured last spring, I was welcomed by all these aspects—and in picturing myself on campus, I felt belonging and excitement.”

And Now Here’s Your Chance to Mention Your Recent Achievements
Make brief mention of recent achievements and notable work. While it’s important to keep the committee informed on your latest undertakings, let this section be no longer than any other.

Your application will send a more holistic picture of your academic achievements, and this is not a place to restate everything in your submitted application.

Choose one or two things you’re excited or proud about and communicate that briefly.

Here are a couple of examples of how you might describe recent achievements.

“By taking part in weekly meetings with my school’s administration, student council, and senior class, I’ve helped to organize less stressful class schedules, new opportunities to connect across grades, and created a “Giving Back” campaign…”

“Since joining my Entrepreneurship & Innovation class in the second semester, I recently pitched a marketing strategy campaign to our first business partner, Hitch, a sustainable water bottle company. After my presentation, I was the only student asked by the owners to be a consultant for their company.”

We’re almost there, but not quite done yet. There’s another opportunity to move from the waitlist to college admittance.
Inform the committee on how you plan to take advantage of the opportunities present on campus.

  • Make mention of specific classes you’re excited to take with particular professors in your program.
  • Talk about the intellectual and professional resources you can’t wait to experience.
  • Acknowledge what you’ll take part in both in and outside of the classroom as an academic and fellow community member.

Here’s an example of how you might demonstrate your excitement about taking advantage of the opportunities on campus.

“At Boston College, I hope to take advantage of the opportunities available in the same way that I have done in high school. In the classroom, you’ll find me actively participating in discussions while seeking to create thoughtful connections between the student body, faculty, and surrounding community.”

Last But Not Least, Reiterate your Appreciation Before You Sign-Off
Lastly, you’ll restate your appreciation of the committee’s continued examination of your application. Sincere gratitude will go a long way here. The goal is to make sure that what you say is heartfelt and reiterates your continued commitment to attending their university.

Here’s a simple and straightforward example of expressing your appreciation.

“There is no place I would rather be than XXXXX,”

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