The reality of admissions at highly selective schools

It’s no surprise that college admissions is more and more competitive every year. Students are applying to more schools and for the most part, the high-flyers are applying to the brand name select schools that everyone has heard of.

For example, New York University’s acceptance rate was approximately 21% in 2021 but dropped to 12% in 2022. Villanova University’s acceptance rate was over 30% prior to 2021 but dropped to 23% in 2022. Northeastern University saw a huge drop: In 2019 their acceptance rate was 18% and it dropped to around 7% in 2022.

There are a few factors that have caused the drop in acceptance rate at well known institutions. Students are applying to more schools. The Common App makes it easy and simple to do so. Test optional policy has made it accessible for more students to feel they are applicable for these highly selective schools. Often times, students do not take the time to find schools that are the right fit but apply to the popular schools, that many households have heard of because of alumni connections or if the school won an NCAA championship, etc.

Students who have earned straight As, excelled in school, extracurriculars, starred in their high school play, were captain of their high school basketball team or interned at their local hospital feel they have a shot at these schools and they should. The problem is there are just too many great applicants and not enough spots in the incoming class. Many times, when a student is denied, it has nothing to do with the applicant and more to do with the institution. There just aren’t enough spots.

What can you do?

1.Students need to work on researching and finding schools that are a good fit for them, not just schools that they have heard of. Thinking of location, size, major, demographics, to name a few traits is very important. Go to the source- and read up on different college websites. Take a virtual tour, virtual information session, webinar, and visit in-person if you have the time.

2. It’s also very important to research the acceptance rate of a school from the previous year. A simple google search will not do this. Usually in August or the early Fall, the institution will post this information on their website so go to their Admissions page but if you cannot find it there, google the institution name and Common Data Set and look at Section C for the admissions information from the previous year.

3. Follow school’s social media accounts: Instagram and TikTok for example. You learn a lot about the student body from following their accounts and get a feel for life at a certain school. This will help you create a list that is personal to you!

4. If you know that you absolutely love a school and that you have a reasonable chance at acceptance, then I suggest you apply Early Decision (ED). ED is a binding agreement so you must be sure you want to attend that school and you need to be sure that you have a chance of acceptance, not a Hail Mary. Acceptance rates are typically higher for the ED rounds of admissions as well.

I have confidence that students can create a college list that fits their personality and character, it just takes a little extra time. And remember to have a balanced list of likely, target and reach schools. Good luck!

10 Things Current College Students want First Year Students to know.

Suzanne Lagemann, Owner of Lagemann College Consulting, has been published in Grown & Flown! Here is the article:

https://grownandflown.com/best-advice-for-first-year-college-students/?fbclid=IwAR295X_Yxpj5Z83AHK8k7VdYaJCkgUpCdbu66JK39x-c4m-LuX_fOfF96_4

How to navigate college with learning differences

Along with the ups and downs of your teen leaving home to head off to college, students with learning differences need to also ensure that they understand their rights and responsibilities in receiving similar accommodations that they had in high school. Unlike in a public school system, colleges and universities do not provide a case study team, nor is there a ‘special services’ department. But they do have an accessibility resource center (ARC), or an office of a similar title, that provides student support for their need for reasonable accommodations.

How do students and parents begin to understand how it works? Here is a basic breakdown of the three key areas that need explaining.

1. Student:

If you are a student who had an Individual Education Plan (IEP) or a 504 plan or any other arranged accommodation, you need to contact the accessibility resource center (ARC) at the college you attend or plan to attend.

 It is the student’s responsibility to self-identify as a person who is eligible to receive accommodations at the college or university.

In general, colleges need up-to-date documentation. Therefore, a student must bring his documents from his high school or from a private doctor who administered a series of assessments, which was then used to support academic accommodations. Documentation should be from within 3 years from the time you request accommodations.

2. Accessibility Resource Office:

A student should bring her documentation to the university’s accessibility resource center (ARC). It is up to the student to request accommodations with supportive documentation. The student should request the same accommodations as he received in high school.

I have worked with and taught students who decided that they would just 'wait and see' if they needed accommodations at college. Not a good idea. Securing extra test-taking time, note-taking support or other basic accommodation should be arranged prior to the start of the semester. Make your transition to college as smooth as possible. 

3. Professor:

The student must hand a copy of the ARC form to each professor, which states the reasonable and appropriate accommodations.

The professor will not be informed of the learning difference diagnosis, but will only be told of the appropriate accommodations. The professor, by law, must provide those accommodations for the student.

At the beginning of each semester, professors should review how college students receive academic accommodations.  As a professor of a new student seminar, I review how to go about this and the importance of taking the initiative to do so.

**It is important to know that if a student waits until the middle of the semester, after struggling, to notify the ARC of his learning difference, the accommodations are not retroactive. The assistance would start when the professor(s) receives an official DRC form stating the needed accommodations.**

4. Prospective college student:

You should inquire about the college’s ARC when visiting campus as a prospective college student. Ask to visit the office while on campus so you can see the size and scope of their services.

Every college that receives federal aid has an accessibility resource center, but some schools have allocated more resources to this office than others.

Also, review the college’s ARC page on their website. This can provide valuable insight.

Overall, I find my students who request academic accommodations to have a strong understanding of their needs and how to navigate their education experience accordingly.  Success is the result of the student taking responsibility.

For more information: www.LDAAmerica.org

Starting in 2024, the SAT will be digital!

Starting in 2024, the SAT will undergo significant changes. Many of us have been waiting for either the SAT or ACT to go digital and I am guessing the ACT will not be far behind in making necessary changes to compete with the SATs new format. Here’s a short breakdown of what you need to know.

First, the entire test will be digital. The exam will be taken on an electronic device, most likely a laptop at a testing location such as at a high school. If a student does not have access to a laptop or device, the College Board will provide a device for that student.

Second, the exam will be only two hours long. This is shortened from being just a little over three hours long which for many is a very long time. I am very excited for this change.

Third, students will be permitted to use a calculator for the math section. Also, the entire test will be adaptive. This means that students will have different questions and they will vary. The new SAT will effect the Class of 2025 and beyond. Last, scores should be available in a matter of days versus weeks.

These changes were needed to help keep the exam stay relevant in the college admissions world where test optional has become more and more common. It will be interesting to see how the ACT reacts.

Choosing between the SAT vs. ACT

The chart I posted breaks down the differences between the SAT and ACT. Students should consider taking both the PSAT and a practice ACT either during their sophomore or early junior year. This will help you do the following:

1. By taking the practice exam for both, you will be able to get ‘a feel’ for each. They are different. Use these practice exams for the sole purpose of assessing which you’d prefer to pursue taking.

   By doing this, you will not be concerned with you score (as much as you may think you need to) and can focus on which test you’d want to take.

2. After you receive both scores, decide which is the best test for you. Then do the following:

   1. Timeline: Research test dates on either the College Board www.collegeboard.org for the SAT or the www.act.org for the ACT exam. Discuss with your parents which upcoming date would work best with your schedule. Outline your school year: when are you more busy? Do you play a fall sport? Perform in a winter musical?

      1. After you identify a test date, I recommend that you prepare for the exam. There are a number of ways to prep for the test. Take the exam during your Junior year of high school.

      2. Here are some ideas:

         1. Online Test Prep: Princeton Review, Applerouth Tutoring Services, Khan Academy just to name a few.

         2. In-person 1-on-1 or group tutoring: There are a number of private and group tutoring businesses to choose from, depending on your location. Reach out to me for referrals.

         3. Online/Textbook test practice: This would be for a student who feels they just need to practice.

         4. Testing Accommodations: For students who are eligible for testing accommodations, please review the process at these sites:

            1. https://www.collegeboard.org/students-with-disabilities/eligibility

            2. http://www.act.org/content/act/en/products-and-services/the-act-educator/accommodations.html

3. Practice: Regardless of what type of tutoring route your choose, practicing and practicing for a few weeks leading up to the test date is needed for every type of student. Practicing the test taking strategies taught by a tutor is the KEY to eliminating getting tricked.

4. And remember:

   1. Stick with one test.

   2. And take the test no more than 3 times over a span of time. 2 is typical and ideal.

   3. Using solid and positive test prep strategies will work! You’ve got this!

Financial Aid Letters & Information

Typically, between February and April, a student will receive his financial aid letter from the schools where he was accepted. What to do now? Here are a few tips:

1. Determine the Cost of Attendance. If this is not listed in your letter, call the college and ask. The COA includes all costs: Tuition, fees, room & board, books, supplies, etc.

2. Subtract Grant and Scholarship amounts, if applicable, from your aid offer from the COA. You can then subtract any college savings so you can see the actual amount you will need to pay out-of-pocket.

3. Each financial aid letter will differ per college. Read and review each and compare what your Net Price will be at each school. Net Price is what you are expected to pay by using work income and loans.

4. If your situation has changed, for example, you decided to commute instead of living on campus or your financial circumstances have changed since you completed the FAFSA or from what your tax information shows, call each college’s financial aid office to discuss.

5. Local scholarships opportunities are a chance to help assist in your net cost. Apply! When your high school releases its annual scholarship book, take the time to scroll through and apply to as many applicable scholarships as you can. It’s worth the time to write any required essays for FREE money.

6. Make sure to line up a summer job, now. A few saved dollars leading up to your first year in school can help!

This website has more tips and valuable information.

https://studentaid.ed.gov/sa/fafsa/next-steps/comparing-aid-offers

4 Tips on how to use social media to get acquainted with a college

I am often asked for advice and insight into how to decide which schools to apply. Well, here is a tip I share with anyone who will listen.

Follow, friend, like and comment on every social media account for a college or university of interest.

This is a simple, easy and often helpful resource to gain the following:

1. Follow a college’s social media accounts. Often schools have Twitter, Instagram and Facebook pages for not just the university but for individual offices, programs and schools within the university community.

   For example, I follow the Instragram page for a specific college’s basketball team because I have a client who is interested in playing for this coach/college and it gives me insight into what is important to the team. They post team dinners, team community service projects, pre-season training work outs which all show that team unity is of importance to this coach. This gives a potential player a feel for the team, which can help instrumentally in deciding whether to apply.

2. Many schools, programs, clubs, offices and teams have their own social media accounts. Find them and follow them! Are you interested in a certain major at a university?

   For example, if I am interested in computer science at Montclair State University, I would follow their College of Math and Science’s Twitter feed to see what they find relevant and important.

   Or love rugby? Follow a school’s club rugby team and learn about them!

3. Interviewing as an applicant? If you interview at a college, use the information you learn from following their social media accounts when discussing your interest and demonstrated knowledge of the school.

4. Learn and gain insight: As a high school student who is unsure of where to begin, start with a university’s social media accounts. This is easy and fun for the student to learn in a casual way that will give the student a deeper level of understanding and feel for a certain school.

   *What’s the take away? Using social media to gain insight, knowledge and a general feel for a certain school will help a high school student not only feel better prepared to apply but more confident in himself. You’ve got this!

2022: Thinking ahead for Sophomores and Freshmen…

As you near the latter half of your school year, here are few topics to keep in mind and to work on going forward.

1.     Course selection for next year:

Over the next two months, you will most likely meet with your guidance counselor. You will talk through your remaining required courses and how best to complete them before the end of senior year.

For sophomores, as you move into your upperclassmen years, you will have more selection and electives to chose from. Read your high school course catalog and programs of study.

 Trying to determine if you should take a CP, Honors or AP level course? A good indicator is to determine if you are struggling at the current course level. If you are receiving a ‘B’ or better, you are most likely at the right level. If you are struggling, it may be good to speak with your guidance counselor to move into a better fit next year. And if you are sailing through and are bored, try a higher-level course next year.

2. This leads me to say to each and every one of you to make sure and ask questions if you are struggling in a course. The only person who will regret not taking ownership of his/her studies is him/herself.

 Time management and taking ownership of understanding course content is the student’s responsibility. Make sure to stay on top of both of these items by using a planner, meeting with teachers during after school hours, during lunchtime or during ‘drop’ class sessions to make sure you understand what will be asked of you on the next test. 

3.     Standardized Tests: If you have taken the PSAT already, you may want to take a practice ACT next in order to assess which test you will focus on preparing for. Students should not take both but should choose and prep for one of them. 3 attempts at a test is the maximum. Typically, students take one of the tests twice.

4.     Summer Plans: Are you traveling, working, or attending camp during the summer months? It’s time to start to think about applying to jobs, registering for camps and discussing with your parents what you would like to do over the summer break.

 You’ve got this!

How to build a balanced college list

There are many factors to consider when creating a college list. Here are some thoughts on what to focus on from the beginning.

1. During your junior year, you will meet with your guidance counselor in late winter or early spring to discuss your courses for senior year and to discuss a potential college list. This list is the beginning of what you can call a ‘work in progress’ list. It will be a work in progress up until you actually apply the following fall.

2. There are many factors to consider and since every human is unique, these factors will vary in type, style and importance. Here’s a brief list of what to think about:

   1. Location: How far from home would you like to be? Urban, suburban, college town, rural, study abroad: These are the type of location categories you need to consider.

   2. Size of School: Under 1,000, or over 20,000? The size of school can help you determine which schools to consider.

   3. Academics: Is there a certain field of study that you are interested in or do you have no idea? Think about which type of school and which degree(s) you may want to pursue. Did you have an IEP in high school? Inquire about the Disability Resource Center at each school. This will help you decide where to consider applying to.

   4. Extracurriculars: Are you looking for a strong theatre department? A big rah-rah sports team to cheer for? Strong LGBTQ+ community? What about Greek life? Are you interested in pledging for a certain fraternity? It’s important to visit as many campuses as possible so you can determine what type of campus life fits your personality. With Covid still going strong, you can always visit schools virtually by using the colleges virtual tours on their websites.

3. By the beginning of your senior year, you should have visited a few schools and made your list as final as possible as it’s time to apply. 7-10 schools is your target number. Consider the following aspects while making the list:

   1. Your list should have a range of ‘safety’(likely)-’target’-’reach’ schools.

      1. Safety (likely) schools: An applicant falls well above the 50th percentile of all applicants.

      2. Target schools: An applicant falls in the middle of the 50th percentile of all applicants.

      3. Reach school: An applicant falls well below the 50th percentile of all applicants.

      4. Read online, follow colleges’ social media accounts and attend local college fairs. This will help you firm up your college list.

How to get recruited for college sports?

There are many ways to go about getting recruited for college sports. My suggestions are broad so that they can cover a variety of sports. But recruitment varies per sport.

1. Email coaches directly: I would suggest that you target schools that fit the student both academically and athletically and reach out to the coach directly. Make your email message unique and add in a fun fact about the school to show your interest. Attach your recruitment video to the email as well.

2. Create a recruitment video: Design a video that highlights your position in the sport. Do not make your video too flashy but just show highlights of your play.

3. Fill out online recruitment forms on college’s athletic website: Complete the recruitment questionnaire to express interest in the college and team.

4. Attend showcases, camps at select colleges and play travel/club sport (if applicable). This will give you exposure to college coaches.

5. Remember when speaking to coaches to be polite and formal. Good luck.