5 Steps to Ensure YOU Control Your College Applications Process

The pandemic resulted in test-optional admissions policies at most institutions; the result was threefold:

ONE: More applications

TWO: Increased competition

THREE: More rejections

In a nutshell, “highly selective” = “highly rejective.”

As the Class of 2022 ends its quest for college admittance, some are celebrating. Others feel rejected, unworthy, humiliated, beat up, even traumatized as they reflect on what they did wrong, why they are unworthy.

Two critical lessons the Class of 2023 should learn from the Class of 2023:

ONE: Rejection is not a reflection of who you are. For more information, read  Two Reasons Colleges Reject Competitive Candidates and Seven Super Annoying Reasons Colleges Reject Qualified Applicants. 

TWO: The importance of strategy, resilience, hope, empowerment, and objectivity

The Class of 2022 dealt with unprecedented competition for access to highly rejective colleges. Several institutions including Harvard, Yale, and New York University once again broke records. State flagships, including the University of Georgia, the University of Virginia, UNC-Chapel Hill, and the University of Michigan to name just a few, also broke records. Not surprisingly, record applications = record rejections. Although rejection is a blow, it is a natural part of a life well-lived, and learning to mitigate the impact of rejection is an important skill.

So, what can you do about increased competition and how can you avoid mass rejections?

one: BE OBJECTIVE, NOT EMOTIONAL

The national publication—U.S. News and World Report—profits from sensationalizing the college applications process. Steering clear of hysteria-inducing headlines designed to pull you into a click frenzy that leads down a rabbit hole of skewed information and questionable data will help you stay grounded during the college applications process.

#beobjective #parktheemotions

two: RELY ON FACTS, NOT FICTION

During each admissions cycle, my students ask me a myriad of questions stemming from what they hear from peers, family, well-meaning teachers, neighbors, etc. We have access to massive amounts of information: some good, some bad. Resist the temptation to convert bleacher banter and well-intended advice to facts without fact-checking. Use data. Assess the authority of sources. Lean on experts. Email admissions counselors. Being an informed consumer will help you stay grounded during the college applications process.

#factcheck #knowledgeispower

three: BE REALISTIC, NOT IRRATIONAL

Nobody goes to the gas station each morning to buy lottery tickets and equates it with going to work and collecting a paycheck. As a result, when the Powerball winning numbers are announced, people don’t unravel. While the odds of admittance to Stanford, Harvard, Princeton, Yale, Notre Dame, the University of Virginia, Chapel Hill, etc., etc., are better than winning the Powerball, they are low enough that they should never be considered more than a good shot. Even if you have a stellar GPA and test scores, impressive activities, a quality application, research and publications, remember: numbers and institutional whim rule the day. Try to think of this for what it is: Numbers. Understanding the odds for what they are will help you stay grounded during the college applications process.

#beobjective #controlwhatyoucan

four: PRIORITIZE STRENGTHS, NOT DEFICITS

Flip the script. Colleges will be lucky to have you, but you have to believe it!  Many students go into the process with a, “I hope I am good enough” mindset. Instead ask yourself, “which colleges are good enough for me.” Do not allow your value as a person to be defined by what college you attend. If you apply to colleges where you are a good fit and you don’t get in, it’s not about you. For more information, read Reasons Colleges Reject Candidates and What You Should Do About It. Having a positive and healthy mindset will help you stay grounded during the college applications process.

#powerofmindset #youareenough

five: BE PREPARED, DON’T IMPROVISE

Applying solely to highly rejective schools is not strategic. Neither is applying to highly rejective schools along with a few token schools you know little about—that you aren’t really into. Conversely, taking the time to ensure that your college list contains schools that you feel confident you can access AND where you can succeed is strategic.  Having good-fit backup schools will reduce the blow of rejections. Having a solid Plan B will help you avert a potential identity crisis and stay grounded during the college applications process.

#bestrategic #haveaplan

Deferred or waitlisted? Click HERE to learn about your options.

To learn more about how to navigate the highly rejective college admissions landscape and still thrive, drop me a line at kathy@fineeducationalsolutions.com