Seth Godin posted an interesting take yesterday about how to voice a complaint. It's a good technique with lots of applications for students and parents going through the college planning years.
The message here is not to complain more often. I think the college admissions process needs less complaining, not more.
But sometimes you do have a legitimate complaint. Maybe your counselor didn't send your transcripts or the college never told you that they hadn't received your test scores? Maybe your SAT scores didn't go up after the prep class, or you feel like you're not getting a fair chance to be the starting catcher on the baseball team? Whatever the complaint, why not approach it in a way that invites respect and collaboration.
You have a better chance of getting someone to try to be helpful. And you'll be putting yourself and the person to whom you're complaining on the same team.
Helen says
I have been reading the blog EVERYDAY since November. The posts not only give me great advice on college application, but somehow also teach me how to deal with problems in life as well. Feeling encouraged after reading Steve Job’s Commencement address… Thanks a lot and hope you’ll keep it up 🙂