Dean J Featured in Chronicle of Higher Education Article

Colleges and Universities A-Z University of Virginia
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<p>College</a> Confidential: A Field Guide - Students - The Chronicle of Higher Education</p>

<p>The Chronicle of Higher Education published a long article on CC, which is free online at the link. Skim down about 75% into the article and there is discussion about our Dean J. Here's an excerpt:</p>

<p>"Jeannine C. Lalonde, senior assistant dean of admissions at the University of Virginia, posts regularly, as Dean J, in College Confidential's UVa forum, where respect for her is evident. ("Dear Dean J, YOU JUST MADE MY DAY," wrote UVAorBUST after reading Ms. Lalonde's post about how most applications are far from perfect. "She makes the entire process so open and less scary," blueiguana responded.)</p>

<p>Ms. Lalonde answers questions and looks for "teachable moments" when she can step in, like when someone says UVa considers an applicant's "demonstrated interest." (It doesn't.) She avoids pro-UVa cheerleading...."</p>

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<p>Oh, UVAorBUST. He’s probably doing so well that he doesn’t need CC anymore. :)</p>

<p>I wanted to tell Eric a cool story about a time CC allowed a student who had was in an accident over a break and wasn’t reaching the people he needed to at UVa, but we ran out of time. Believe it or not, when I have a little quote in an article, it’s often the result of an hour on the phone.</p>

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<p>Hooray for DeanJ!</p>

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<p>If you read the article much of it focuses on all the negatives of CC (yes, we all know they exist). There are quotes of people in higher ed, and guidance counselors who obviously dislike the site, jabs at the ‘chance me threads’, etc. Shocker, what a surprise. :wink: The quote from, and mention of, Dean J was one of the few bright spots in the article. I’m not disagreeing that some of the negativity and drawbacks exist here, they absolutely do. I was however glad to see Dean J get credit for the much appreciated and positive interaction she provides here. There are other college reps who have tried interacting on their schools forums over the years and have left due to misinformation, negativity in general or towards them personally. It’s not easy to put yourself out there to help day after day when people blame you for every aspect of the admissions process, visit, people they come in contact with on grounds, and the ultimate admissions decision. So, thanks for sticking with us Dean J!! :)</p>

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<p>Dean J was also in the Washington Post Magazine in April.</p>

<p>[The</a> Education Issue: Does anyone read all those college applications? A parent finds out.](<a href=“http://www.washingtonpost.com/sf/feature/wp/2013/04/11/the-education-issue-does-anyone-read-all-those-college-applications-a-parent-finds-out/]The”>http://www.washingtonpost.com/sf/feature/wp/2013/04/11/the-education-issue-does-anyone-read-all-those-college-applications-a-parent-finds-out/)</p>