Here are ten things I’ve noticed in 2013 after interviewing over 100 applicants, most of whom have worked in admissions, to fill our open positions as directors of college counseling in our new offices.
1. I’ve yet to speak with a single one who claimed to enjoy denying students.
2. Even at the most selective colleges, the person reading your application will probably be a nice person with a good heart. Education isn’t a hotbed of cold-blooded hatchet men and women.
3. Every single admissions officer from a highly-selective college that I’ve spoken with has expressed frustration that families are too focused on prestigious colleges. If the people who work in admission at prestigious schools believe there are plenty of other equally great options available, you might consider believing them.
4. Expressions of interest are important, but only if they’re sincere.
5. Test scores are important, but never more important than your academic work.
6. They can sniff out when a parent fills out college applications, writes the essays, or otherwise hijacks the process.
7. Honesty and authenticity are more important than polish and packaging.
8. The more competitive the school, the less likely there is a secret formula that will guarantee admission.
9. Yes, they read the essays, many of which are clichés. To avoid that fate, see #7.
10. They’re on your team. This process is almost never adversarial even though it feels like it at times.