College Answer Day, April 1st, No Fooling!

 

Today is the day of great answers and big surprises. For most students, this is a day of interpreting the data. What? I wasn’t accepted by UCLA or Berkeley? Denied by Notre Dame? Wait Listed at Howard? How can I possibly go on?

 

While there is plenty of great news out there, sometimes it is the disappointing news that stays quiet.  While one student cheers with friends, another student is feeling as if her future is over.

 

I’d like to think that every college on your list is one you chose because you could really see yourself there. I’d like to think that you thought ahead and included wonderful safety and financial safety schools. That’s what I’d like to think.  Amazingly enough, not everyone thinks that way. Some applied to all the UCs thinking that surely one would accept them. Oops. The UCs are getting tougher every year. And if you didn’t receive any yeses, you’re not alone. There are amazing options out there even at this late date. (But that’s a story for another blog.)

 

Colleges give you a month to decide. From April 1st to May 1st your job is to choose your best college option. You can hop a plane and check out your colleges in person. You can also talk to teachers, alums, and counselors and get their take on your college choices. Sometimes there are facts that you’re not aware of.  Below is a list of hidden strengths to look for in the college selection that you now have. Call the schools or check the websites of your “yes” or “wait listed” colleges and discover their hidden strengths.  It could be that by taking this step, you’ll find a new favorite school and fall in love all over again.  Here are a few ideas to research:

 

1.    The Study Abroad Program: some are on ships, some allow travel sophomore year, some emphasize international business, and more!

2.    The Segue to Graduate School Programs:  If you didn’t get your top choice, think graduate school.  Where do grads from your #2 option go to grad school?

3.    Alumni connections: Schools these days are connecting more and more with their alumni base for job opportunities.  Call the alumni office of your #2 school and ask!

4.    Housing options:  Check housing for niche options.  Sometimes housing is themed—so you can live with like-minded friends. This makes a big difference in your education.

5.    Quality of professors: Professors in your area of study might have just won big prizes or be new hires from famous work. Start reading professor bios.  This is where the real meat and value of your education will be.

 

There are many special touches at each school.  Your job now is to work with the list you have and choose your future college home by discovering what secrets they have to offer. If you do this, you’ll be proud of your choice. Then you’ll be smiling with the other kids and maybe even smitten that you’ve found your perfect college fit!

 

All the best from www.perfectfitcollege.net