I Care About Your College Admission, But Care Much More About Whether You Stay In and Graduate!

 

As I work with students and families throughout the college exploration and decision-making process, it’s important to look beyond the immediate concerns about college admission to consider whether the college chosen is a place where the student will achieve satisfaction and accomplish their goals.

 

With the rising cost of a college education and the trend towards 6 year graduation rates, it’s become apparent that “Exploring Your College Options” before you apply is well worth your valuable time. Statistics quote that 46% of students who enter one college, change colleges within two years contributing to extended college attendance and the increase in the COA (Cost of Attendance) for students.  Of greater concern today, are the number of students who are dropping out of college prior to completion leaving them in serious debt and without the skills, certifications and the benefits that go along with college completion.  “The job market barely distinguishes between people who never went and people who dropped out,” said Kevin Carey of the New America Foundation, a Washington-based research institution. “

 

                                           Taken from http://americandream2-0.com/

What factors contribute to extended graduation and dropout rates in college?

 

1.       One factor in the higher drop-out rates, according to a Harvard study, is the rising cost of a college education. College tuition and fees today are "559 percent of their cost in 1985.”

2.       Research links financial difficulties to attendance length and dropout rates, citing that 41% of students from lower incomes manage to graduate within five years, while 66% of higher income students complete their degree.

3.       Students drop-out because college did not meet their expectations for academic or social reasons or because they had “unrealistic” views of what they could expect from the college experience.

4.       Poor study habits, lack of motivation, or inadequate preparation carry forward from high school.

5.       Lack of direction or focus and changing majors during college prolongs graduation and contributes to drop-out rates.

6.       Students need to work to pay college costs and lose track of their number one priority, College Graduation.

What Steps to Take To Choose The Right College For You?

There really are no hard and fast rules for making sure you’re headed for your “best-fit” college, but I do know that this decision begins with finding out more about who you are and what you want in your future. Although speaking with friends and relatives about their choices will add their perspectives to your knowledge bank; remember that these are “personal” decisions and what may have contributed to their “perfect” experience may not be the same factors that you are looking for in a college.

So given that disclaimer, here are some questions, I think might begin to help you explore your choices. When I’m asked by students, what colleges should be “on my list” my replies are:

1.       What are you looking to get out of the college experience? 

2.       What majors do you need to explore at college?

3.       Do you have an idea about your career direction?”

4.       Have you done any visiting, which size campus feels comfortable to you?

5.       How far away from home have you been, and have you stayed overnight by yourself?

6.       Do you have financial concerns about attending college, and have you spoken with your parents about college costs?

7.       Do the colleges that you’re considering have strong programs in your areas of interest?

8.       How good is the Academic Advisement at the colleges you’re considering?

9.       If a job after graduation is your primary goal, what corporations come to the campus to recruit students for employment?

10.   Have you explored what “campus life” is like at that college and how involved are the students in generating activities and driving decisions?

Lastly, I always emphasize “doing your homework” for the college exploration process and leaving enough time to research by starting early.  Take time to look at the curriculum in a major you’re interested in.  Are the courses presented in their online syllabus exciting to you and are they being presented in a way that’s engaging? Compare course offerings between colleges, look at graduation rates and financial support offered by colleges before you put them on your list.

Once you make the final decision on the “College of Your Choice,” maximize your success by following these simple suggestions:

1. Develop strategies, study skills, and a network of support!
2. Attend class.
3. Arrive on time, pay attention, and participate in class discussions and activities.
4. Talk to the instructor. Ask questions.
5. Complete and check all work. Turn in neat and clear assignments.
6. Monitor your progress. If you begin to fall behind, ask for help.
7. Stay in contact with your academic adviser and your professors.

Opening Doors Through Community Service

As I'm doing presentations for juniors throughout Palm Beach County, Florida we discuss their involvement in extracurriculars and linking those interests to the colleges that they decide to put on their "College List."  The other factor that comes into play, is how does this involvement contribute to a winning application and how to express their involvement so that colleges "read their passions" through their extracurricular and community service involvement.  Here's an article I wrote this month for "The Inside Track" newsletter. 

 

Opening Doors Though Community Service 

As a volunteer, you have the opportunity to make a difference—change lives, support a cause, or improve your community. Volunteerism makes you feel good about yourself, and is its own reward.  However, you will gain skills through your altruistic efforts. You get to develop your leadership style, hone your job-readiness skills, create a network of new friends and connect to businesses, schools, or other community-based organizations. You’ll explore career options, and (don’t forget the all-important) establish a powerful resume.  Your passion for helping others provides colleges with evidence of your strong character, commitment and motivation.  I’ve seen instances where community service involvement has generated “winning” college essays and more than that, students have really learned about their own abilities by doing good things for others. You will always get far more out of these experiences than you give!

This is not the place for the “Rebel without a Cause.”  Pick a cause that’s really reflective of your interests, that demonstrates who you are and then--stick with it.  It’s never too early to get involved, so start in middle or high school to explore your options. Look around your community, your school, your peer group--is there something needed that hasn’t been addressed before?  You can join existing community service groups or venture out on your own to “right a wrong” or help others help themselves.  Be inventive, creative, and resourceful, then-- actualize your dreams.  Thinking about it doesn’t “make it happen.”  What college or university wouldn’t want a student on their campus with those traits?

If you have a career goal, think about getting involved in community service activities that “mesh” with your “brand.”  We’ve talked about developing a marketing brand before as you approach your applications, here’s your chance to demonstrate your interests and gain “real-life” experience in your stated career zone.

Scholarship opportunities are abundant for the student who has demonstrated a commitment to their community service over time. Communities, corporations and individuals have established rewards for the student who stands out.  Inside Track To College puts together a monthly scholarship list of over 30 pages.  Many of those scholarships include Community Service as a component.  These scholarships are targeted to those who have a true passion for service. While many local high school and districts require service as part of the regular curriculum, to qualify for a community service scholarship, you’ll need to go above and beyond basic hour requirements. 

Scholarship committees will want to see proof of service, hear from references, and have an idea that you are committed to continuing service into the future. Typically winners of these awards began early in their high school careers and dedicate hours weekly throughout the year. We’re not talking about a one-time “Race For The Cure”. The kind of volunteerism that wins awards is sustained and genuine.

In addition to specific school-based scholarships, national scholarship opportunities are available, but the competition is tough. Here is a website for national scholarships available to high school students who are deeply involved in community service:  Fastweb.com and I recommend that all of the students that I work with sign up and complete a mini-profile to get scholarships delivered to their email everyday!

 

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You're Paying for More Than the Mascot  -- 
What's in THEIR BRAND?

We ask college bound students to wrack their brains to market themselves and "brand" their application. "After all most colleges will only see you on paper , shouldn't you try to transmit who you are and separate yourself from the crowd using a branding strategy?  The colleges and universities on your list are "very selective" and you will need to clearly present what it is that you'll be adding to the mix when you join their next freshman class."

But what are we expecting from the colleges to which most of students in the US are appling? Unless you're a student and  family exploring the Ives, name recognition and more importantly a "real and meaningful" identity that differentiates one institution from another is almost non-existent.  At the cost of $55 to $58,000, shouldn't those colleges whose names don't flow right off the tip of our tongue do more to define their brand? 

In today's marketplace, a college education that contributes to the resume is a sought after commodity.  As a counselor for over 27 years, I have made it a point to visit colleges and universities all over the country.  My impression, in the majority of cases, is that our "institutions of higher learning" have much to offer and most have clearly defined zones of excellence.   But are they articulated and have they managed to clearly "spread their word" to the public?  Even more importantly, do their graduates know how to market their "Alma Mater's" brand in an interview?

The bar is being raised every year to enter colleges and universities in this country and competition for a seat has allowed the costs of attendance to skyrocket.  Isn't it time for college graduates to come out of their college experience with more than $25,000 in loans to pay back? 

The college selection and application process is a difficult landscape for students and their parents to navigate, clearly defined "road signs" that distinguish one institution from another could only help to make a "best-fit" decision, improve graduation rates and enhance employability.