91猫先生

From the desk of Celia Tucker, Academic Counselor:

At a recent conference I heard a thought provoking comment.

鈥淲e live in a day in which it has never been easier to get into college.鈥�

Why?…Because there are over 4000 colleges in the United States.

鈥淲e live in a day in which it has never been harder to get into college.鈥�

Why?…Because students are all applying to the same 30 colleges.

To me, this makes so much sense. Colleges still report that two-thirds of the students who apply to college get into their first choice school. This is reassuring in a day and time that has students and parents confused and panicked about whether or not they/their student will ever be admitted to a college. As we have talked before, highly selective schools will be much harder to get into given the overwhelming number of applicants and their limited number of spots to fill. For schools that admit 50% or more of their applicants, student鈥檚 chances will of course go up.

In my experience, students apply to three different kinds of schools. A) Students will apply to schools that have always been and will always be their dream schools but perhaps are so selective that even perfect people are denied admission; B) students will also apply to schools that they are right at or slightly below the average GPA and test score statistics of the college鈥檚 freshman class; and C) students will apply to schools that they meet and even exceed the GPA and test score statistics of the college鈥檚 freshman class.聽 This list of schools will be considered a student鈥檚 reach schools, their anchor schools, and their safety schools. When making this list, students should ask:

1. Does the school have what I want to major in?
2. Do my GPA and test scores compare favorably with their freshman class statistics?
3. Would I go to the school if offered admission? (Size, location, feel)
4. What companies recruit their graduates for the work force and how quickly do students go to work?

Why not turn these thoughts into questions (suggestions below) and ask them of each representative at the East Texas Area College Fair next week (Tuesday, April 21^st, 6:00-8:00, Ornelas Activity Center):

1. I am thinking of majoring in ______________________. Would this be possible on your campus?
2. Can you tell me what GPA and test scores you are looking for in a freshman applicant?
3. Can you tell me the main reasons students choose to apply to your school?
4. Can you tell me about career services that your school offers and how many students graduate with an offer of employment?

Searching for the perfect place to spend post secondary years training for the career God is calling you to is so exciting. Prepare, search, explore, investigate, and ultimately decide—but most of all live life to the fullest, be confident, and enjoy the process. Confidence is contagious.

See you at the Fair!