Countdown to College

Each fall our junior class gets an early crash course in the college admission process. Recently they met with the office of College Guidance in Caldwell Commons for brunch and brainstorming.  

Susan McCarter, Director of College Guidance, led the charge as the girls sat at tables with faculty members. McCarter gave the students pointers on how to not only investigate colleges but also how to interact with representatives from universities whom they meet at college fairs and visit days.

On butcher paper laid across their tables, the students wrote down three characteristics about themselves they’d like a college to know. Then they wrote what they’d like to find in a college. McCarter suggested talking to colleges that might not be where they want to go but offer an area of study that interests them—just to obtain a basis of comparison.

McCarter also explained the term “demonstrated interest” to the girls and how it can make a difference to a college admission officer when choosing between two students. “Colleges want to know that you are interested in them—and have demonstrated interest—when deciding whom to admit,” she said. Showing interest in a school can be as simple as registering for a campus tour, meeting with an admission advisor, or simply introducing yourself at a college fair and asking good questions.

Then Amelia Mann, Associate Director of College Counseling, did an example of role playing when you talk to a representative of a college.

Included with college applications and essays are teacher recommendations, typically written by junior-year teachers. History teacher Dr. Andrea Becksvoort, who is also Dean of the Sophomore Class, shared that she will be writing some 24 college recommendations this year and offered pointers to students. “I love writing them, but it’s a big ask,” she said. “I generally take an hour to an hour and a half writing each one. I’m describing you and what makes you unique. So when you ask someone to write a recommendation for you, be thoughtful.”

Dr. Becksvoort added that 3.5 million high school seniors will graduate this year and suggested that students create opportunities throughout the school year for teachers to get to know them better. “My job is to make you stand out, and the only way I can do that is to know something unique about you,” she said. “And you need to remember to invite me to your Chapel Talk.”

Even talking about a failure that was overcome is good, she added. “It speaks to your grit and resilience and helps colleges get to know you.”

While some colleges will be visiting GPS throughout the school year, college fairs held on the campuses of McCallie and GPS allow Upper School students and their families to meet with representatives of hundreds of colleges from across the nation. Mark your calendars for these upcoming fairs:

Monday, September 17, 7-8:30 p.m., at GPS

Monday, September 24, 7-8:30 p.m., at McCallie

Tuesday, October 2, 7-8:30 p.m., at GPS

Monday, October 15, 7-8:30 p.m., at McCallie

And Thursday, September 13, 6:30-7:30 p.m., John Leach, Assistant Vice Provost of Enrollment and Director of Financial Aid at Emory University, will join us for a Financial Aid Program in The Evans Center. Leach will discuss the basics of financial aid, including the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid), as well as the CSS Profile (administered by the College Board) and what tax information is used. Also being presented are merit- and talent-based scholarship resources.

Be sure to watch the Parent/Student Update each week for more news about college events including Cup o’ College, where parents can meet over coffee and pastries to discuss current trends in the college admission process. Anyone is welcome to attend, but parents of Upper School students, particularly sophomores and older, are encouraged to stop by. The next coffees will be Thursdays, October 11 and November 1, 7:30-8:30 a.m., in the Rachor Dining Room. Please feel free to come and go as there is no formal presentation.