Managing Expectations in College Admissions
As students eagerly await responses from colleges they’ve applied to, emotions will inevitably run high and students may feel erratic. Some will receive joyful news, while others will face disappointment that feels crushing. It’s a time of great anticipation, often accompanied by questions about what could have been done differently to influence the admissions office outcomes. The answer, though, is typically “nothing”. However, before the college admissions process even begins, there’s one crucial that both students and parents need to consider: setting and managing realistic expectations. We will explore the art of managing expectations in the context of college admissions, with a particular focus on high-achieving and gifted students who may find themselves facing similar challenges.
It is fair to admit that managing expectations can be a daunting task, especially in families where various factors come into play. In my experience in supporting students and families in the college process, there is no doubt that the cloud of parent pressure and image comes into play more than anything else. Pride, consider if this is at play. Ask yourself honestly why certain factors are important to you and your family when choosing a college. Ensure that it is for the right reason despite how hard it may be to admit. The impending parental pressure, external peer pressure extolling a student’s brilliance or accomplishments, internal expectations, and pressure from those whom the student knows well can contribute to intense levels of anxiety surrounding college admissions. The problem is further exacerbated when students repeatedly hear about how exceptional they are and how they’re destined to secure spots in the nation’s top-tier schools. Caution listening to advice that may be a year or more old as the college admissions landscape is ever-changing and just because someone you know got into Harvard back in the day does not mean your student will get in. Times change, let’s be honest.
To guard against unrealistic expectations, it’s essential to be well-informed about the competitiveness of college admissions, especially at the highly-ranked institutions listed in ranking publications like the US News & World Report. To start, gathering recent admissions data respective to colleges is a valuable exercise. However, relying solely on admissions rates may not provide a complete picture.
Let’s keep digging further…Many colleges admit students directly into certain majors or take into account an intended major. This means that the selectivity of specific majors can significantly impact the overall admissions rate. For instance, consider UCLA, which had an admissions rate of 18% in 2016, however, the admissions rate just released for fall 2023 was 9% overall. Specifically, the admit rate was 1% for nursing, 5% for Engineering, and 3% for Theatre, Film & TV. This holds true across institutions nationwide in fields like engineering, bioengineering, computer science, and even specialized conservatory and arts programs at some institutions. Therefore, selecting a potential major that aligns with your strengths and interests is a prudent strategy.
Beyond admissions rates, it’s vital to comprehend that top American colleges employ a holistic admissions process. This approach considers an array of factors that vary from college to college based on what the institution bases its selection of admission. For example, the rigor of the secondary school record, application essay, GPA, test scores, awards, other test scores, demographics, volunteer/work, level of applicant’s demonstrated interest, personal hardships, recommendation letters, legacy status, talents and ability, and character or personality qualities. Colleges determine which factors they consider: very important, important, considered, and not considered as a part of the admissions criterion to build a well-rounded student body to meet their institutional priorities. The complexity of this process underscores the challenge of securing a spot in colleges that admit only a small percentage of applicants.
While some students with strong “hooks,” such as celebrity connections, exceptional talents, or recruited athletes, may have a higher likelihood of admission to highly selective schools, the majority of applicants must rely on a combination of achievements and factors mentioned earlier. Nevertheless, it is paramount to include “high acceptance rate” schools on the college list. No matter the schools that end up on the list the student must have a desire to attend and be happy attending.
The message to students is clear: it’s acceptable to aim high, but going into the application season with realistic expectations about the competitive nature of college admissions can be immensely helpful. Such an approach will guide students in crafting a well-balanced college list. Ultimately, remember that your value is intrinsic, not dependent on your accomplishments or your college destination. College is what you make of it ~ and that can happen with an open mind to the colleges you are researching. No matter the outcome you are inherently valuable and you have a purpose for this world given your unique talents and gifts, and no college acceptance can alter that fundamental truth. There is more to your story…
