Each summer we host a program for faculty, staff, and friends of Georgia Tech who have kids in high school. This has come to be known as “Admission 101.” In about an hour we discuss the landscape of higher education; how students can/should build a list of schools; how to make a good campus visit; what colleges are looking for in applicants/ how admission decisions are made; and how families can go through their college admission experience in a unified and healthy manner. It’s a lot. A lot!
In fact, someone could probably write an entire book on what we try to cover in an hour. Hmmm…
One piece of feedback we received this year is attendees wanted more of the nuts and bolts of each part of the application (academics, essays, testing, extracurriculars, interviews, recommendations, etc.)
So, now that college applications are open and Early Action and Early Decision deadlines are on the horizon, we are launching a two month podcast mini-series as part of The College Admission Brief (available on iTunes, Spotify, and Spreaker).
Holding to the same promise of 10 minutes or less, the first three episodes of The Basics of College Admission are live, and ready for your listening pleasure.
Understanding Fit
Alexis Szemraj (Senior Admission Counselor) discusses the questions you should ask yourself as you consider colleges, as well as practical ways to evaluate and compare schools.
Listen to “Basics of College Admission: Understanding Fit – Alexis Szemraj” on Spreaker.
Top Tips: Use your network, keep an open mind, and ask yourself tough and real questions. Check out the alumni magazine and student newspaper from the schools you are considering, as well as their various social media channels. Think career, not major.
Listen For: Legacy lurk.
Key Quote: “The process should start by looking at yourself- not just a list of colleges.”
Further Reading: Cappex and Big Future
Campus/Virtual Visits
Katy Beth Chisholm (Assistant Director for Campus Visits) provides key tips for students and families about how to access colleges using online resources, such as online tours, sessions, webinars, and other campus resources.
Listen to “Basics of College Admission: Campus/Virtual Visits – Katy Beth Chisolm” on Spreaker.
Top Tips: Take and keep notes, debrief with friends, family members, school counselors. Find authentic sources. Pace yourself.
Listen For: The Massive Matrix Spreadsheet. (I did find this one.)
Key Quote: “Check out the YouTube channel, Facebook Live, and Instagram stories (from individual colleges).”
Further Reading: YouVisit and Inside HigherEd
General Application Tips
Alex Thackston (Senior Admission Counselor) provides great insight on who admission readers really are, and discusses practical tips and common pitfalls students should know while working on their applications.
Listen to “Basics of College Admission: General Application Tips – Alex Thackston” on Spreaker.
Top Tips: Prepare, don’t procrastinate! Find a trusted proofreader. Be yourself.
Listen For: Underwater karate against sharks.
Key Quote: “We can read the rush in your application.” (aka Don’t procrastinate.)
Further Reading: College Admission Timeline for Seniors and Common App Application Guide
We’ll be releasing an episode each week throughout September and October. You can subscribe and listen on iTunes, Spotify, and Spreaker.
Upcoming episodes include:
- Early Action v Early Decision
- Standardized Testing and Test Score Optional vs. Test Score Blind
- Extracurricular activities (Impact, Involvement, and Influence)
- Special Circumstances/ Additional Information
- Recommendation Letters
- Interviews
