With most seniors having submitted a great part of their college applications, the college counselors are now shifting their attention to the juniors, who are beginning to prepare for their application process.
Parents and guardians were invited from 6:30 p.m. until 8:30 p.m Nov. 12 to hear national guest presenter, Peter Van Burskirk, speak about the application process. Mr. Van Buskirk, a former dean of admissions, shared insight from the perspective of both a parent and a professional, offering advice on how to help their children through this time and the reality of the admission’s process.
Mr. Van Buskirk also offered his expertise on the admissions process to juniors Nov. 13, during second and third period in the gym. His main point was how to get from where you are to where you want to be.
Mr. Van Buskirk began by emphasizing the importance of choosing to go to college because students want to, not because they believe they are obligated to. He continued to explain the importance of choosing a university that will continue to challenge them, especially after coming from a competitive high school.
He also stated that, perhaps the most important aspect of finding the best college for a student “is [finding] the place that values [them] for what [they] have to offer.”
A majority of seniors apply to competitive colleges, also known as reaches. Mr. Van Buskirk illustrated the challenge of getting into these schools: “Put yourself into a room with 20 people who have the same credentials you have, now choose one person. That’s the competition you have for these rigorous institutions.”
He continued by outlining the three fundamental questions admissions officers will ask about every applicant: First, can they handle the work? Next, if they are admitted, what does the university get from them? And last, what is the likelihood that the student will actually attend the school if accepted? Admissions officers consider the severity of the courses taken, their performance in those classes, increasing course load difficulty and what they have done to improve the community while reviewing applications.
Many colleges also track student’s demonstrated interest, beginning from the very first time they engage with the college. He stated colleges value the connection applicants built with them, whether that be attending visits and going on tours or signing up to their mailing list. This predictive analytics has a big impact on whether students will be admitted.
Mr. Van Buskirk also stressed the importance of telling one’s story in a thoughtful manner through the application and carefully considering how students are showcasing themselves.
“You need to think about ‘what is there about me that isn’t apparent anywhere else in the application?… You are talking about the where, when and the what. I want to know the why and the how of your story,” he said.
After a short break, 29 seniors shared some advice and their experience with the college application process. Junior class president Elizabeth Xiao and junior Noah Duro conducted the Q&A section, asking common questions regarding the process. Their most important points were not to procrastinate, take the assignments the counselors give them seriously and to do the common app essay over the summer.
Overall, the workshop provided insights in approaching the college application process from different perspectives, and advised students to get an early start in the process so they won’t be overwhelmed at the end.
Juniors listen about the college process in the gym from senior classmates, as they respond to the junior’s questions about their experience. (Photo/Zoe Horwitz)
The student panel took questions from the students as well as answered pre-requested questions. (Photos/Nina Vieira)
