myUsearch blog

Every year, the question arises: Will it be tougher to get into college?  Each year the process is assumed to be more difficult and this coming year will be no different. Unless every student decides to limit his/her college applications to an average of 3 or 4 vs. the current 5 to 7, there will be no change……except it will be MORE COMPETITIVE.So what can you do to make sure you get into college? As the college selections become more difficult to navigate, we find ourselves in a time when staying a bit closer to home and understanding really positive in-state or near-state options is a wise idea. Additionally, it may be wise to look into rising areas of interest - any states other than Florida, California, Massachusetts, New York, Virginia and Texas. Some of the places I have grown fond of this past year are in both the Midwest and the Southeast:

The Midwest:

1. Tulsa
2. Indiana
3. Louisville

The Southeast:

1. Charleston
2. New Orleans
3. Atlanta

However, there are more options. In fact, options abound. The majority of universities in America have a higher than 50% admission rate, we just need to look around and understand that college is more about what one makes of their time than where one chooses to pursue the experience. Certainly there is a big difference between a city like San Francisco and a town like Bozeman, Montana, but honestly, the experience could be so rich at either. Factor in the opportunities available, the interesting people and the study abroad or exchange programs — any university is truly what one makes of it.

Certainly the Common Application has made the process much more streamlined, but this has also damaged the concept of what applying to college really means. Now, as opposed to 10-15 years ago, we hear things such as “I’ll apply to all of these schools and visit whichever ones I am admitted to”. This to me is reverse logic. I advocate students and families visit campuses and college areas as early as they are able so they can begin to understand what they are shooting for. College and campuses must be tangible, not just conceptual.

I often hear from different universities that a campus visit will bolster a student’s chance to get into college. This is even more true when a student sits in the middle 50% of the school’s applicants. Some schools advocate campus visits so highly that they discount the freshman year tuition, provide a no-fee college application or provide other incentives.

Most importantly, what better way for a student to form a relationship with an admission official than by visiting the campus and introducing him/herself in-person? There is nothing more attractive in this industry of fawning parents and absent high school counselors than a student who can introduce herself, shake hands and ask some thoughtful questions which show an interest as well as an ability to think for his/her self.

In summary, as we embrace a new year and a new cycle of what many consider to be the most difficult year to get into college, remember these tips:

1. Learn how to speak up for yourself.
2. Begin investigating your options early.
3. Don’t apply to more schools than you can choose from
4. Understand the differences in cost and location. More expensive doesn’t mean better and a new setting doesn’t necessarily mean uncomfortable.
5. Initiate your process by beginning early.
6. Get some help if you need it!

And of course, if you need help choosing a college, take the myUsearch.com college match quiz. Happy Hunting!

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