Our newest Collegewise counselors and I celebrated the conclusion of our week of training with a tour of Seattle University (that’s Curt and Leigh in the photo–and it’s a pen, not a cigarette, tucked behind Curt’s ear).
I asked the tour guide, Noah, to name a popular misconception people have about Seattle U (which happens to be a Jesuit school). His answer:
“The Jesuit thing. People think it means we’re really conservative. This is a very liberal school. Veeeery liberal. I’ve had people on tours ask me who the gays are on campus. People who ask questions like that aren’t going to be happy here.”
I liked his answer for a reason that might surprise some people—because his answer will inevitably turn off some students from applying.
In their efforts to draw as many applicants as possible (and often on the advice of expensive marketing consultants), many colleges try to appeal to everyone. But just like no student is right for every college, no college is right for every student. I have asked this question of many tour guides, and his was probably the most honest answer.
This isn’t a post about judging the validity of anyone’s values or politics. It’s about getting what you want and what you’re paying for when you accept an offer of admission from a college. Every student deserves to make informed college decisions. Colleges have a responsibility to tell the truth to potential customers, even if some potential customers won’t buy the product because of that truth.
It seems like a simple thing for colleges to do—be honest. Yes, you’ll turn off some students who probably wouldn’t have joined your freshman class anyway. But you’ll draw more of the students who are likely to accept your offer to attend, and who will thrive once they get there. You’ve got to repel some to get many.
Thank you, Noah.
And here’s a past post on how I wish colleges would do tours.