Secrets of College Admissions Collegewise – Maryland, Virginia, Washington DC Jordan Kanarek, Director of College Counseling jordank@collegewise.com (240) 406-5414

Seminar Overview About us College admissions state of the nation (good news/bad news) What do colleges consider? Transcripts Test scores Activities Essays Matchmaking Parents How Can You Help? Things to Avoid

Who are we? Collegewise Jordan Kanarek, Director of College Counseling Founded in 1999 by Kevin McMullin Helped over 8,000 families gain admission into over 800 different colleges and universities Jordan Kanarek, Director of College Counseling Gettysburg College, B.A. Political Science & Environmental Law UCLA Extension Degree, College Counseling Former Admissions Officer- Gettysburg College Director of Tutoring- The Princeton Review

College Admissions State of the Nation

College Admissions State of the Nation The good: Colleges accept on average two-thirds of their applicants The bad: Roughly 40 highly selective schools accept less than 10% of their applicants Takeaways: Create a balanced college list Great college experiences happen everywhere

Transcripts Three parts: Senior grades count Course rigor Grades Love of learning Senior grades count Interest in learning > GPA How can you show your love of learning? The more selective the college, the more important it is to demonstrate a love of learning

Test Scores Simply not the most important aspect of a student’s application Super selective schools: Test scores don’t get you in they just keep you out Fairtest.org List of 900 or so test optional colleges For every college you’re considering find out: What tests are required Average scores for admitted students How multiple scores are used

Activities Don’t be a joiner Invest time and effort Hobbies count, too Use the application, essay, and interview to show your real passions

Essays Don’t try to impress. Just be honest. Colleges use essays to get to know you better. Freshman Year Roommate Test

Matchmaking Yield = number of students offered admission vs. number of students who applied US News & World Reports (USNWR) encourages colleges to achieve high yields for ranking purposes FIT becomes crucial Many essays ask: “Why are you applying here and why do you think you’ll be a good fit?” “Codes” behind essays and short answer questions Authenticity is easy to spot ED vs EA

Decisions, Decisions Don’t Panic Deferrals and the Waitlist Making the right choice May 1st deadline

Parents We know it isn’t easy! Cannot control how students grow, but we can foster a healthy learning environment. Ways to help vs. Ways to hurt What do we really want for our kids? Rather than pushing harder, be more expansive. Focus on fit rather than name brand.

Helping Your Student Make your conversations be about all the cool things that happen at college and less about getting in. Help them discover who they are, to get to know themselves. Allow your students to become more independent and get comfortable talking to adults. Help them develop good study habits. Reinforce kindness and putting others first. Model the same behavior. Encourage your student to get to know his/herself.

Doing the Opposite Waking them up in the AM Making breakfast and packing lunch Filling out their paperwork Delivering forgotten items Doing their laundry Making their failure your emergency Emailing/calling teachers & coaches Meddling in their academics

The Collegewise Strategy Our belief: College admissions should be an exciting time for every family. Our approach: Finding right fit and encouraging student ownership over process Our delivery: Free advice via our blog, newsletter, and seminars Products for sale on our website include books, videos, and guidelines (almost all under $20) Individual counseling sessions with yours truly

Next Steps Want more? Fill out the sheet in front of you to sign up for: Want the slides? Email me! Free monthly newsletter Free 30-minute introductory meeting with me 

Collegewise – Maryland, Virginia, Washington D. C Collegewise – Maryland, Virginia, Washington D.C. Jordan Kanarek, Director of College Counseling jordank@collegewise.com (240) 406-5414 www.collegewise.com