<p>My school is putting on a workshop called "Winning the Admission Game" with Peter Van Buskirk. Has anyone attended one of these? From a CC standpoint, was it worthwhile? </p>
<p>Unfortunately, my d. cannot attend due to a scheduling conflict with other school activities- so though it is a kids + parents event, I'll have to go without her. I guess I'll let her know that I'm going and act as her proxy, which will be hard as she has decreed that I am not allowed to talk to her or utter the words "college" until after prom two weeks hence.</p>
<p>OK, I went to the workshop and it turned out to be pretty good. It was run by a man who was dean of admissions at a top tier LAC for 12 years, and focused on looking at college apps from the point of view of ad coms for a highly selective college. Here are some highlights:</p>
<ol>
<li><p>There is no such thing as need-blind admissions. No matter what the college says their practice is, they aren't going to admit more needy students than their financial aid budget allows. It is NOT going to hurt to check the box that you will be applying for financial aid on the application form - they don't count that against you, mainly because 1/3 of families who say they are applying for fin aid don't qualify anyway. But it is an edge if you don't check the box - just one more factor favoring admission. And sometime in March, when the apps are in but before the letters have been mailed out, the ad com will run the names by financial aid, and if fin aid reports back that the proposed admit list will take them over budget, then adjustments are made among borderline apps. </p></li>
<li><p>For the most selective colleges - those that are reach schools for just about everyone - you have to have a hook. There are no 2 ways about it. ALL the applicants have good stats -- the hook is simply what decides which ones make the cut. The hook can be anything --it does not have to be an academic achievement or talent, and it can vary with the needs of the college - but it needs to be something that stands out on the application form and is consistently demonstrated in the applicant's background. For example, a student's dedication to community service could be the hook -- if it stood out, such as through the student's demonstrated committment and service awards that student had earned. </p></li>
<li><p>It is very, very important to demonstrate interest in the college... a lot. Yield is a critical factor - you have to make the college believe you will come. If you can visit, you should do so -- if you live on the opposite coast, the college will understand, but in that case you should cultivate some sort of relationship with the regional admissions rep for that college. </p></li>
<li><p>High end athletic ability counts in a sport the school cares about counts for a LOT. A relatively mediocre candidate who is wanted by a coach is going to get in over candidates with better stats, but only if it appears likely that the student will attend. The trick is that it the player needs to be the sort who will lead the team to a championship --and colleges know that those sort of players are very much in demand. </p></li>
<li><p>Indicating "undecided" for a major won't hurt, but it will help if the student is interested in a major that is underenrolled in that college -- if the student's academic record & EC's also back up that interest. Faking an interest won't work; the college needs to see evidence that the interest is genuine and that the student has taken the kind of courses in high school that will lay the foundation for the major. </p></li>
<li><p>Students with an artistic or musical talent should make sure the college is aware of that - for example, submitting a CD - even if they are not intending to major in the area of the talent. It's just one more plus factor in favor of admissions.</p></li>
<li><p>It is very important to explain reasons for any weaknesses in the record, preferably by having the guidance counselor explain these. For example, if the student cannot take AP's senior year because of a scheduling conflict, or if the student stops taking math or a language because the school doesn't offer the next year of the subject - the record should indicate that. Don't assume that the ad com will figure that out for themselves. </p></li>
<li><p>An essay that is extremely memorable and compelling can really win a student admissions. Anything less doesn't matter. So it's worthwhile to focus a lot of attention on the essay -- figure out what story you want to tell, and tell it in an interesting way. Basically, the essay needs to be a standout or else it will barely be read. </p></li>
</ol>
<p>There was a lot more, in case anyone has any questions. Obviously what was said can't be taken as gospel -- this is just one experienced admissions guy's point of view -- but I thought that most were good points. After the workshop, I really felt I understood why some people who seem to have very good stats end up getting rejected from all of their choices. Also, I understood that no one "loses" their place to anyone else -- it's a matter of the others having done a better job of winning over the ad com by making a better presentation as to what they are bringing to the college.</p>
<p>Elisa, this workshop was arranged at my daughter's school by the college g.c. - so it was just announced through the various bulletins that go out from the school. There is a web site at <a href="http://www.theadmissiongame.com/%5B/url%5D">http://www.theadmissiongame.com/</a> that describes the workshop. It has a schedule there, and it looks like it is something done only through various high schools -so I guess it is something to ask for.</p>
<p>Northstarmom - I wrote my summary right away when things were still fresh in my mind, so I have nothing general to add - but I'd be glad to answer questions, as they might jog my memory.</p>
<p>This thread was filled with such useful information that I moved it to the main parent section, where more people are likely to see it. Thanks for sharing this Calmom!</p>
<p>These tips may not only help for admission at "reach" colleges but help in attaining merit aid at "match" colleges which was important for our family due to an $83000 EFC.</p>
<p>With the exception of Oberlin, we were pleasantly surprised with all the merit scholarship offers he received. BTW, his 'hook" was being an Elder in our PCUSA church, which was one of the student accomplishments mention by Pres Jackson's in her speech about Rensselaer's incoming Class of 2008. I guess that caught someone's eye and may have been worth a $7000/yr Leadership scholarship.</p>