Admit it. Wait, wait, please tell me.
Admit it, waiting is not easy. This week many students were notified of their admission status to some of the most competitive colleges and universities in the United States. The Huffington Post reported that the class of 2015's application rates climbed and acceptance rates plummeted to single digits. Although many students were declined and a few were accepted, many students found their thin envelopes detailing their status as “Wait listed.”
Selective colleges and universities strategically utilize the wait list to assure the budgetary needs of an incoming class while keeping their acceptance rates low and making their college seem even more prestigious and desirable. Given the monumental overlap of applications to selective schools, more and more exceptional students are finding them selves on the wait list. Harvard University’s Dean of Admissions and Financial Aid, William Fitzsimmon, acknowledges that selective schools create wait lists that are close to the size of the admitted class. “This year, Yale and Princeton—both with an average class size of approximately 1,300—wait listed 996 and 1,248 students, respectively.”
Crisp Consulting + Coaching offers critical information to those students finding them selves on the wait list. Similar to Napolean Hill, patience, perseverance and planning are an unbeatable combination for success.
Patience not panic. Over the past few years, between 49 and 228 students have been accepted to selective colleges from the wait list. Only once in the last decade have no students been admitted to Harvard from the wait list.
Perseverance not passivity. Set yourself apart from the other wait listed applicants by constructing a plan. Contact the admissions office to better understand their wait list policy and for opportunities to send additional materials that may help affect a positive outcome.
Plan not piecemeal. Your educational plan for college admissions should provide you with choices that will support your future goal. Knowing that you have other choices will help alleviate stress and keep you from reacting and making a rash decision that could negatively affect your desired educational outcome.
Waiting is never easy. Yet, with an intentional plan, you can maximize your prospect for admission, reduce the college admission frenzy and achieve your great educational goals.
Crisp Consulting + Coaching has information regarding admission, education and school options and on our YouTube Channel.
Brian D. Crisp is an independent educational consultant with Crisp Consulting + Coaching who works with families in Asheville, Charleston, and Savannah to optimize and realize their unique educational fit and admission success. As a former professor, administrator, and teacher, Brian has the knowledge and skills to counsel families in all aspects of educational planning.
Sunday, April 3, 2011
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Admit it. We all have questions
Admit it, we all have questions. Recently, Crisp Consulting + Coaching was asked to address other educational consultants and professionals on unique factors of our educational consulting practice. Passionately, we identified our purpose as equipping families with skills beyond the achievement of desired admission. Our full thoughts will be published by the Independent Educational Consultants Association. We wanted to share these with our readers.
First and foremost, I am and will always be a teacher. During my career, I have had the privilege to teach a wide range of learners from preschoolers to graduate students. Students, regardless of their age, have never ceased to amaze me with their voracious desire to know and understand. All seem to possess myriad intellectual abilities, talents and wisdom. The fulfillment of decoding, deconstructing and demystifying to understand, predict and reflect is compelling for all members of a learning community. Simply, education is powerful.
For many years, a Chinese proverb has influenced my approach to teaching,
Tell me and I forget. Show me and I remember. Involve me and I understand.
For me, learning and teaching invites participants into an experience that potentially allows for a new understanding of self and the world. When I transitioned from teacher, professor and head of school to an educational consultant, maintaining the dynamics of learning and teaching was critical to my practice. To focus on this goal, I crafted an essential question that would govern my approach to working with families and students:
What ideas, skills and values can be constructed while engaging in the process of school fit and the admission process?
Recently, during a local meeting for sustainable business practices, I was asked to reflect upon and further define this essential question. Although there are several meaningful values, I identified inquiry as a critical practice and skill acquired by students and family members during our work together. While educational fit and admission serve as the immediate goal, the process itself encourages the strengthening of this critical skill that will serve participants beyond the paradigms of school.
My own journey with inquiry was bolstered during 2004 while working with the talented educators in the municipal schools of Reggio Emilia, Italy. I was amazed by the thoughtful and intentional questions utilized to provoke and engage students. One morning I was particularly fascinated as a very talented teacher, Marina, asked a small group of children, “What makes a city desirable? If you could build a city, how would you make it?” Excited by the questions, the small group launched into a conversation that would be heralded by urban planners and politicians alike. The children described the welcoming feeling of their city, the beauty of their city and the opportunities the city could provide to all its citizens. Completely engaged, the children began to draw and sculpt their city replica while their conversation continued feverishly. Their intellectual fires were sparked by the right question. Inquiry promotes wonder, a desire to understand deeply and an invitation to invest completely.
As independent educational consultants, we have diverse resources and tools to ascertain an educational fit. Yet, we also have the gift of asking simple questions and often these questions have the ability to move beyond the product of education to the core of educational values. Harkening back to my time with the Reggio educators, I now utilize critical questions. When first meeting with a family, whether for early childhood, boarding school or college admission, I ask a simple question: “What are your hopes and dreams for your child?” Rarely, do families answer “We just wanna get into school X.” In fact, the values expressed are critical and help guide the process as families convey hopes for critical thinkers, confident students and global citizens.
For students, inquiry is also a critical gateway. “If you could go to the best school for you, what would it be like? What would it look like? What would it feel like? What would it sound like?” Students, youngest to oldest, provide answers that are insightful and outweigh heavily a standard answer as a result of a multiple-choice assessment. Students voice their ideals as they convey their desire to belong to a community where the best work is the norm and everyone’s voice is essential.
Empowering students and family members to ask questions is equally critical in the process. Being the eternal teacher, I assign homework to families between appointments. These assignments go beyond application completion and brochure browsing; I ask students and family members to compile questions. Also, I ask them to reflect on the questions and contemplate why their questions are critical and how the answers could influence future decisions.
Inquiry allows students and family members to gather information that will assist them in critical decisions and allow them to construct meaning about themselves and the world. Reaching the educational goal is essential, yet, the process in which we all engage is just as critical As John W. Gardner proclaimed in Self-Renewal: The Individual and the Innovative Society, “All too often we are giving our young people cut flowers when we should be teaching them to grow their own plants. We are stuffing their heads with the products of earlier innovation rather than teaching them to innovate.”
Recently, after working with a family and a very bright student, I asked a family one of my favorite questions, “If you had to give advice to another family about finding the right school and working with me, what would you tell them?” After a very prolonged silence, the nine-year-old daughter said, “I would tell other children that this is like a journey to a really happy land and you may not always get what the map is saying but, really, it helps to ask questions (along the way).”
Now, any questions?
Brian D. Crisp is an independent educational consultant with Crisp Consulting + Coaching who works with families in Asheville, Charleston, and Savannah to optimize and realize their unique educational fit and admission success. As a former professor, administrator, and teacher, Brian has the knowledge and skills to counsel families in all aspects of educational planning.
First and foremost, I am and will always be a teacher. During my career, I have had the privilege to teach a wide range of learners from preschoolers to graduate students. Students, regardless of their age, have never ceased to amaze me with their voracious desire to know and understand. All seem to possess myriad intellectual abilities, talents and wisdom. The fulfillment of decoding, deconstructing and demystifying to understand, predict and reflect is compelling for all members of a learning community. Simply, education is powerful.
For many years, a Chinese proverb has influenced my approach to teaching,
Tell me and I forget. Show me and I remember. Involve me and I understand.
For me, learning and teaching invites participants into an experience that potentially allows for a new understanding of self and the world. When I transitioned from teacher, professor and head of school to an educational consultant, maintaining the dynamics of learning and teaching was critical to my practice. To focus on this goal, I crafted an essential question that would govern my approach to working with families and students:
What ideas, skills and values can be constructed while engaging in the process of school fit and the admission process?
Recently, during a local meeting for sustainable business practices, I was asked to reflect upon and further define this essential question. Although there are several meaningful values, I identified inquiry as a critical practice and skill acquired by students and family members during our work together. While educational fit and admission serve as the immediate goal, the process itself encourages the strengthening of this critical skill that will serve participants beyond the paradigms of school.
My own journey with inquiry was bolstered during 2004 while working with the talented educators in the municipal schools of Reggio Emilia, Italy. I was amazed by the thoughtful and intentional questions utilized to provoke and engage students. One morning I was particularly fascinated as a very talented teacher, Marina, asked a small group of children, “What makes a city desirable? If you could build a city, how would you make it?” Excited by the questions, the small group launched into a conversation that would be heralded by urban planners and politicians alike. The children described the welcoming feeling of their city, the beauty of their city and the opportunities the city could provide to all its citizens. Completely engaged, the children began to draw and sculpt their city replica while their conversation continued feverishly. Their intellectual fires were sparked by the right question. Inquiry promotes wonder, a desire to understand deeply and an invitation to invest completely.
As independent educational consultants, we have diverse resources and tools to ascertain an educational fit. Yet, we also have the gift of asking simple questions and often these questions have the ability to move beyond the product of education to the core of educational values. Harkening back to my time with the Reggio educators, I now utilize critical questions. When first meeting with a family, whether for early childhood, boarding school or college admission, I ask a simple question: “What are your hopes and dreams for your child?” Rarely, do families answer “We just wanna get into school X.” In fact, the values expressed are critical and help guide the process as families convey hopes for critical thinkers, confident students and global citizens.
For students, inquiry is also a critical gateway. “If you could go to the best school for you, what would it be like? What would it look like? What would it feel like? What would it sound like?” Students, youngest to oldest, provide answers that are insightful and outweigh heavily a standard answer as a result of a multiple-choice assessment. Students voice their ideals as they convey their desire to belong to a community where the best work is the norm and everyone’s voice is essential.
Empowering students and family members to ask questions is equally critical in the process. Being the eternal teacher, I assign homework to families between appointments. These assignments go beyond application completion and brochure browsing; I ask students and family members to compile questions. Also, I ask them to reflect on the questions and contemplate why their questions are critical and how the answers could influence future decisions.
Inquiry allows students and family members to gather information that will assist them in critical decisions and allow them to construct meaning about themselves and the world. Reaching the educational goal is essential, yet, the process in which we all engage is just as critical As John W. Gardner proclaimed in Self-Renewal: The Individual and the Innovative Society, “All too often we are giving our young people cut flowers when we should be teaching them to grow their own plants. We are stuffing their heads with the products of earlier innovation rather than teaching them to innovate.”
Recently, after working with a family and a very bright student, I asked a family one of my favorite questions, “If you had to give advice to another family about finding the right school and working with me, what would you tell them?” After a very prolonged silence, the nine-year-old daughter said, “I would tell other children that this is like a journey to a really happy land and you may not always get what the map is saying but, really, it helps to ask questions (along the way).”
Now, any questions?
Brian D. Crisp is an independent educational consultant with Crisp Consulting + Coaching who works with families in Asheville, Charleston, and Savannah to optimize and realize their unique educational fit and admission success. As a former professor, administrator, and teacher, Brian has the knowledge and skills to counsel families in all aspects of educational planning.
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Admit it, Take a little time
Admit it, our lives are rather busy and many of us are hard pressed to find extra time in our day, With the FAFSA deadline quickly approaching and time running out, Crisp Consulting + Coaching would like to share this short FAFSA primer from FastWeb. Running just over five minutes, it contains critical information and is peppered with ample humor. Taking a little time could help your family finance your college education.
Crisp Consulting + Coaching has information regarding admission, education and school options and on our YouTube Channel.
Brian D. Crisp is an independent educational consultant with Crisp Consulting + Coaching who works with families in Asheville, Charleston, and Savannah to optimize and realize their unique educational fit and admission success. As a former professor, administrator, and teacher, Brian has the knowledge and skills to counsel families in all aspects of educational planning.
Crisp Consulting + Coaching has information regarding admission, education and school options and on our YouTube Channel.
Brian D. Crisp is an independent educational consultant with Crisp Consulting + Coaching who works with families in Asheville, Charleston, and Savannah to optimize and realize their unique educational fit and admission success. As a former professor, administrator, and teacher, Brian has the knowledge and skills to counsel families in all aspects of educational planning.
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Admit it. Be in the know
Admit it, we all know a little something about education. The past year has brought K -12 education to the forefront of the conversations of many Americans. Two films, Race to Nowhere and Waiting for Superman, followed the plight of students and families striving to navigate the pitfalls of the public school. The news media has chronicled the misfortunes of accreditation loss, budget cuts and booming class size from Atlanta to Kansas City to Los Angeles to Raleigh. Washington DC has provided ample news topics from the Department of Education’s Race to the Top grants to the politics of its school system with reforms and the resignation of Michelle Rhee. The news coupled with growing concerns that American students are falling behind in the global market have many families considering private school, or independent day school, as an educational option. With many of the independent schools’ applications deadlines coming to completion, many families are already turning their attention to the 2011-2012 admissions cycle. Crisp Consulting + Coaching offers parents considering an independent day school the following information critical to the school fit and admission process.
Know your child. The most critical step of school fit is understanding your child. What are you child’s strengths and passions? Is he creative with a proclivity for writing stories or expressing ideas with drawing and painting? Is she analytical with a passion for understanding how leaves change colors or how a caterpillar becomes a butterfly? Understanding your child will help your family identify a school that will foster learning potential and opportunities.
Know the landscape. It is critical to know the educational opportunities in your area. How many independent schools are in your area? What are the co-educational or single-gendered school options? Which schools hold a religious affiliation? Are there any school options within a close vicinity of our neighborhood? What are the public and charter school options? These questions will assist your family in gathering information to the fit and admission process.
Know your resources. It is critical to understand reliable resources while navigating the school fit and admission process. The National Association of Independent Schools offers a directory of member schools complete with internet links and enrollment and admission information. The Independent Educational Consultants Association offers a directory of professionals who are knowledgeable in school fit and admissions.
This information will initiate your school search and have an impact on the admission process. How well you understand their impacts will affect your application. Being informed about all the aspects of school fit and admission will help reduce the anxiety of education and allow parents to intentionally invest in vibrant and enriching education for their children.
Brian D. Crisp is an independent educational consultant with Crisp Consulting + Coaching who works with families in Asheville, Charleston, and Savannah to optimize and realize their unique educational fit and admission success. As a former professor, administrator, and teacher, Brian has the knowledge and skills to counsel families in all aspects of educational planning.
Know your child. The most critical step of school fit is understanding your child. What are you child’s strengths and passions? Is he creative with a proclivity for writing stories or expressing ideas with drawing and painting? Is she analytical with a passion for understanding how leaves change colors or how a caterpillar becomes a butterfly? Understanding your child will help your family identify a school that will foster learning potential and opportunities.
Know the landscape. It is critical to know the educational opportunities in your area. How many independent schools are in your area? What are the co-educational or single-gendered school options? Which schools hold a religious affiliation? Are there any school options within a close vicinity of our neighborhood? What are the public and charter school options? These questions will assist your family in gathering information to the fit and admission process.
Know your resources. It is critical to understand reliable resources while navigating the school fit and admission process. The National Association of Independent Schools offers a directory of member schools complete with internet links and enrollment and admission information. The Independent Educational Consultants Association offers a directory of professionals who are knowledgeable in school fit and admissions.
This information will initiate your school search and have an impact on the admission process. How well you understand their impacts will affect your application. Being informed about all the aspects of school fit and admission will help reduce the anxiety of education and allow parents to intentionally invest in vibrant and enriching education for their children.
Brian D. Crisp is an independent educational consultant with Crisp Consulting + Coaching who works with families in Asheville, Charleston, and Savannah to optimize and realize their unique educational fit and admission success. As a former professor, administrator, and teacher, Brian has the knowledge and skills to counsel families in all aspects of educational planning.
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Admit it. Mother knows best
Admit it. Moms know a lot. This week we have a guest blogger. Jill Campbell is an educator and mother who recently completed the independent day school admission process and has some insights for parents engaged in the same process.
As a parent who has recently navigated the independent school admission process for our children. I would love to share my experiences of searching for schools and finding the right fit for my children. I hope, as a mother, this will help many parents who might be considering options for your children's education.
My husband and I decided to investigate independent schools because we were not sure that the district public school was the best fit for our sons. We are both educators and were concerned about growing class sizes and continued budget cuts. Don’t get me wrong, many public schools and their teachers do wonderful jobs at educating children, but I have been home with my sons for years now and I feel that I truly understand what makes their hearts beat and brains tick. We wanted them to be individuals in their school, not just a number and we wanted a school community where all people were valued and could be involved. Another factor for us to consider was that, being a musician, I wanted a school with a commitment to the arts.
While investigating our local public schools, we learned that our district has 30 kids in each kindergarten class and for a large portion of the day they are expected to sit at a desk. After teaching in a public school for seven years, I recognized that many boys struggled with their behavior in school. In my experience, this was not because that boys were deliberately “bad”, but because they were naturally more active, more physical, and more assertive than some girls. Instead of meeting the needs of young boys, many are heavily disciplined and made to feel their innate manners are wrong. I didn’t want my young boys in detention or saddled with a dread of school because they were active little boys.
As we became concerned and confused about our educational options, we contacted Crisp Consulting + Coaching. As a parent and educator, I knew that there must be a school out there that wanted to educate boys as vital children and not as tiny adults. Brian was so helpful and encouraged me to explore our options in our city. He encourage and supported our search and assured me that many schools would fit what we were looking for. With that confidence, we ordered many information packets and took school tours all over the city with the thorough guidance of an educational professional.
We were delighted when we found a school that we fell in love with and more importantly, that our sons fell in love with. When we walked into our final choice, I actually cried in the art classroom when I saw that there was actually a place that valued children for being who they are.
I was so thankful for the educational planning that Crisp Consulting + Coaching was able to provide for my family’s schooling needs. Through out the process, Brian provided us with critical information and professional opinions while allowing my husband and I to make and understand our ultimate decision. He constantly checked on our progress and answered many mundane questions with passion and reminded us of the reasons we started the admission process. From financial aid to application questions to tours and screening, the admission experience can be overwhelming.
If you are considering going through a school search, and admission process, I would highly advise that you take the first step and contact a professional educational consultant. You will feel so much better going through uncharted territory with a master guide. Don’t wait!!! You are making a decision for your family that is more important than where you go on vacation, what you eat for dinner, or what kind of car you drive. Invest in your children. You won’t be sorry!
We are so thankful to know that our children’s education will be beyond what we ever dreamed it would be. Crisp Consulting + Coaching’s confidence in our family will change our son’s lives forever.
Jill Campbell holds a BM/ME in vocal music education from The University of Kentucky as well as a minor in violin performance. She earned both a MM in choral conducting and a Rank 1in Music Education from University of Kentucky and completed the Graduate Certificate in Orff Schulwek. Mrs. Campbell has experience teaching both elementary and middle school music in KY. For the past eight seasons, she has conducted the advanced choir and served as the administrative assistant for the Lexington Singers Children’s Choir . Mrs. Campbell is often a guest adjudicator and clinician for district and all-state honor choirs, including directing the 2008 KY ACDA All-State Children's Chorus and the 2010 CKMEA Elementary Honors Chorus. She is married to Mickey, a high school economics and goverment teacher, and they have 2 boys, Andrew and Nathan.
As a parent who has recently navigated the independent school admission process for our children. I would love to share my experiences of searching for schools and finding the right fit for my children. I hope, as a mother, this will help many parents who might be considering options for your children's education.
My husband and I decided to investigate independent schools because we were not sure that the district public school was the best fit for our sons. We are both educators and were concerned about growing class sizes and continued budget cuts. Don’t get me wrong, many public schools and their teachers do wonderful jobs at educating children, but I have been home with my sons for years now and I feel that I truly understand what makes their hearts beat and brains tick. We wanted them to be individuals in their school, not just a number and we wanted a school community where all people were valued and could be involved. Another factor for us to consider was that, being a musician, I wanted a school with a commitment to the arts.
While investigating our local public schools, we learned that our district has 30 kids in each kindergarten class and for a large portion of the day they are expected to sit at a desk. After teaching in a public school for seven years, I recognized that many boys struggled with their behavior in school. In my experience, this was not because that boys were deliberately “bad”, but because they were naturally more active, more physical, and more assertive than some girls. Instead of meeting the needs of young boys, many are heavily disciplined and made to feel their innate manners are wrong. I didn’t want my young boys in detention or saddled with a dread of school because they were active little boys.
As we became concerned and confused about our educational options, we contacted Crisp Consulting + Coaching. As a parent and educator, I knew that there must be a school out there that wanted to educate boys as vital children and not as tiny adults. Brian was so helpful and encouraged me to explore our options in our city. He encourage and supported our search and assured me that many schools would fit what we were looking for. With that confidence, we ordered many information packets and took school tours all over the city with the thorough guidance of an educational professional.
We were delighted when we found a school that we fell in love with and more importantly, that our sons fell in love with. When we walked into our final choice, I actually cried in the art classroom when I saw that there was actually a place that valued children for being who they are.
I was so thankful for the educational planning that Crisp Consulting + Coaching was able to provide for my family’s schooling needs. Through out the process, Brian provided us with critical information and professional opinions while allowing my husband and I to make and understand our ultimate decision. He constantly checked on our progress and answered many mundane questions with passion and reminded us of the reasons we started the admission process. From financial aid to application questions to tours and screening, the admission experience can be overwhelming.
If you are considering going through a school search, and admission process, I would highly advise that you take the first step and contact a professional educational consultant. You will feel so much better going through uncharted territory with a master guide. Don’t wait!!! You are making a decision for your family that is more important than where you go on vacation, what you eat for dinner, or what kind of car you drive. Invest in your children. You won’t be sorry!
We are so thankful to know that our children’s education will be beyond what we ever dreamed it would be. Crisp Consulting + Coaching’s confidence in our family will change our son’s lives forever.
Jill Campbell holds a BM/ME in vocal music education from The University of Kentucky as well as a minor in violin performance. She earned both a MM in choral conducting and a Rank 1in Music Education from University of Kentucky and completed the Graduate Certificate in Orff Schulwek. Mrs. Campbell has experience teaching both elementary and middle school music in KY. For the past eight seasons, she has conducted the advanced choir and served as the administrative assistant for the Lexington Singers Children’s Choir . Mrs. Campbell is often a guest adjudicator and clinician for district and all-state honor choirs, including directing the 2008 KY ACDA All-State Children's Chorus and the 2010 CKMEA Elementary Honors Chorus. She is married to Mickey, a high school economics and goverment teacher, and they have 2 boys, Andrew and Nathan.
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Admit it. The new math
Admit it, numbers and statistics concerning the college admission process are compiling faster and faster in our media-driven society. With the January undergraduate applications deadlines completed, many people are already turning their attention to the 2011-2012 admission cycle. Crisp Consulting + Coaching discussed forthcoming trends last week in Admit it. In this post we would like to dissect some of these statistics that continue to change the undergraduate admission process. The numbers may seem overwhelming at first but they are needed to understand the full scope of the upcoming admission cycle.
1+1 =13 = 0. 7, 10, 16, 18 is the sequence of rising percentages in college applications. Everyone from the New York Times to Inside Higher Education continues to report a growing number of applications to colleges and universities. As we noted last week, the rise in applications can be contributed to a growing number of American high school students coupled with the submission of multiple applications. Although this is great business for colleges, it may not be the best for applicants as their chances of being deferred, denied or wait listed also increases. The Detroit Free Press recently reported that large universities like The University of Michigan are being more cautious with admittance. In this case, more does not equal more.
The common denominator. The Common Application continues its growth as record number of students submit applications via this internet portal. On December 1, 2010 there were 3.5 submissions per second. The Common Application accounts for two-thirds of all applications. Although accessibility makes multiple submissions easier, it is equally as easy to make uniform applications in a process that requires students to be unique.
C<. China continues to be an unknown variable in the admission process. In 2009-2010 Chinese students constituted 40,000 applicants and the number is projected to grow substantially over the next few years. China’s rigorous education system coupled with its growing economy make these students desirable. Chinese students will contribute to the existing strengths of the U.S. higher education system where multi-disciplinary studies and innovations are stalwarts.
These trends and how well you understand their impacts will affect your application. Yet, with a thorough focus on academic, financial and social fit there is no need for frenzy and anxiety. There are some factors that will serve you well in the college admission process. Plan ahead, strive for the best academic performance, get involved in your school and community and seek successful strategies in the admission process.
Brian D. Crisp is an independent educational consultant working with families in Asheville, Charleston, and Savannah to optimize and realize their unique educational fit and admission success. As a former professor, administrator, and teacher, Brian has the knowledge and skills to counsel families in all aspects of educational planning.
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Admit it. The new rules of the engagement
Admit it, the college admission process continues to change. With most undergraduate applications due this week, it is important to identify several trends that continue to change the admission process. These will heavily affect applicants in the new application cycle where tuition prices continue to climb, spots in the freshman class become more coveted and the digital age becomes the application norm. Put simply. the game has change and Crisp Consulting + Coaching would like to identify a few of the new rules of engagement.
Rule No. 1. The Tide is High. The children of the Baby Boomers are entering college in increasing numbers. In 2006 there were approximately 2.5 million high school graduates. In 2011 there are more than 3.3 million and the number is expected to rise over the next few years. Only 50 percent of the parents of 2011 graduates applied to college. More than 75 percent of the class of 2011 applied to college A record number of graduates coupled with a greater percentage applying to college has caused an onslaught of college admission applications.
Rule No. 2. More is More. Students are applying to more schools. A few years ago applying to more than three or four schools was considered absurd. In fact, in 1975 less than 3 percent of students applied to more than seven schools. Today more than 25 percent of students are applying to seven or more schools with many students submitting applications to 15 or more colleges. According to a recent article in the New York Times, UCLA, Brown and Stanford are experiencing an annual 7-10 percent growth in applications. This can result in almost 60,000 applicants vying for just a few thousand spots.
Rule No. 3. Demand and Supply. The number of applicants and applications continue to rise at a rate that is unmatched by enrollment growth. Providing new courses can be expensive and opening a new college is basically unheard of. A substantial growing pool of applicants for a basic fixed number of spots is making the admission process more competitive and difficult.
Rule No. 4. The Road More Common. The Common Application has made it accessible to point, click and submit applications. According to the National Association for College Admission Counseling research, four-year colleges received an average of 43 percent of their applications online in 2004. This number increased to 68 percent in 2007 and 80 percent in 2009.
These trends and how well you understand their impacts will affect your applications. Yet, with a thorough focus on academic, financial and social fit there is no need for frenzy and anxiety. There are some factors that will serve you well in the college admission process. Plan ahead, strive for the best academic performance, get involved in your school and community and seek successful strategies adn seasoned counsel in the admission process.
Brian D. Crisp is an independent educational consultant working with families in Asheville, Charleston, and Savannah to optimize and realize their unique educational fit and admission success. As a former professor, administrator, and teacher, Brian has the knowledge and skills to counsel families in all aspects of educational planning.
Rule No. 1. The Tide is High. The children of the Baby Boomers are entering college in increasing numbers. In 2006 there were approximately 2.5 million high school graduates. In 2011 there are more than 3.3 million and the number is expected to rise over the next few years. Only 50 percent of the parents of 2011 graduates applied to college. More than 75 percent of the class of 2011 applied to college A record number of graduates coupled with a greater percentage applying to college has caused an onslaught of college admission applications.
Rule No. 2. More is More. Students are applying to more schools. A few years ago applying to more than three or four schools was considered absurd. In fact, in 1975 less than 3 percent of students applied to more than seven schools. Today more than 25 percent of students are applying to seven or more schools with many students submitting applications to 15 or more colleges. According to a recent article in the New York Times, UCLA, Brown and Stanford are experiencing an annual 7-10 percent growth in applications. This can result in almost 60,000 applicants vying for just a few thousand spots.
Rule No. 3. Demand and Supply. The number of applicants and applications continue to rise at a rate that is unmatched by enrollment growth. Providing new courses can be expensive and opening a new college is basically unheard of. A substantial growing pool of applicants for a basic fixed number of spots is making the admission process more competitive and difficult.
Rule No. 4. The Road More Common. The Common Application has made it accessible to point, click and submit applications. According to the National Association for College Admission Counseling research, four-year colleges received an average of 43 percent of their applications online in 2004. This number increased to 68 percent in 2007 and 80 percent in 2009.
These trends and how well you understand their impacts will affect your applications. Yet, with a thorough focus on academic, financial and social fit there is no need for frenzy and anxiety. There are some factors that will serve you well in the college admission process. Plan ahead, strive for the best academic performance, get involved in your school and community and seek successful strategies adn seasoned counsel in the admission process.
Brian D. Crisp is an independent educational consultant working with families in Asheville, Charleston, and Savannah to optimize and realize their unique educational fit and admission success. As a former professor, administrator, and teacher, Brian has the knowledge and skills to counsel families in all aspects of educational planning.
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