Recently, a good friend of mine told me that after his wife delivered their baby he went down to the hospital cafeteria and the “panic” of paying for college was all he could think about while eating his soggy salad. While I challenged his priorities and encouraged him to definitely practice his swaddling technique, he […]
Four Key Lessons of a Lifetime
Even though he was several decades older than me, Jerry Hitt was my friend. Over the years, we developed a special bond. Jerry started working in undergraduate admission at Georgia Tech in the 1960s and continued to work full-time at the Institute until the 1990s. When I met him, he was still reading applications seasonally […]
A Championship (Admission) Season
A few years ago our staff started a Fantasy Football league. Developing careers, having kids, going to grad school, and life in general have spread our group across Georgia Tech’s campus and to other institutions including Harvard, Columbus State, Duke, the University of Texas, and beyond. Amidst our trash talking and complaints of injured players, we often […]
A Family Affair, Part 3
“Look Beyond What You See” If you have ever watched My Big Fat Greek Wedding, you will remember Kostas “Gus” Portokalos issuing a challenge: “Give me a word, any word, and I show you that the root of that word is Greek.” So call me the Gus of college admissions. Here’s a few examples: What’s the […]
The Coalition Application, perspective for professionals
Since the Coalition Application was announced in September, it has spurred significant press, healthy debate, and at times, heated criticism. Let me be clear: I do not work for The Coalition Application. So just as much as we tell students not to take one tour guide’s voice as gospel, please know this is not intended to be inclusive of all members, nor is it the “party line.” […]