Demystifying College Admissions: Find Value, Personal Fit

The 2017 college admissions landscape is drastically different than it was just a decade ago. Education costs have skyrocketed year over year, and steep tuition and fees leave many graduates in extreme debt. More universities now use waitlists than any other time in history. An “uncollege” movement is also growing among some thought leaders.

To bring clarity to this uncertain landscape, Billy Downing, CEO of ESM Prep, an international educational mentorship organization, offers a perspective to students. Downing works closely with families to find the right-fit college for each individual student, versus seeking brand prestige for a graduate’s resume. He focuses on how to assess the best long-term value for tuition and how to set expectations at the beginning of the convoluted admissions process.

“Value is crucial in 2017, as the process of obtaining an education and the expectation of getting a high-paying job is not what it once was,” said Downing. “Students today need to pursue a path that will meet their needs and talents, without getting lost in a sea of debt just to say they went to a certain school.”

The U.S. News & World Report published an article titled “Twice as Many College Grads in Minimum Wage Jobs as 5 years Ago.” This is just one of many articles and studies published in recent years that covers the changing landscape for college-educated workers.

Drawing on more than a decade of experience as a college coach and mentor, Downing recently published College Greatness: A Family’s Guide to the Admissions Process. In the book, he unveils information about how students can stand out in today’s crowded college admissions world and still stay true to a path that’s right for them.

Parents often encourage their children to pick schools for prestige or brand recognition, even when such schools may not be the best fit for a student’s personality or strengths. Through College Greatness, Downing aims to get students and parents to approach the process of college admissions in a totally different way.

“I’ve learned so much over the years about how the college admissions process works and what students need to be successful,” said Downing. “This book will give families clarity on the process and how their students can be most competitive.”