Scott Lush ’86 Alumni Mentor Program September 22, 2005 How to present yourself well to colleges

What is this talk about? How to present yourself in college applications – in your choice of what to write about, your choice of activities to mention, your choice of recommendations Not about interviews specifically Not about how to write an essay About developing some key central concepts used throughout your college application

Why listen to me? Have screened applications for Georgetown Have interviewed for Dartmouth Have spoken with graduates from Harvard, Yale, Cornell, NYU, Dartmouth, Haverford, Bryn Mawr, Naval Academy, Colgate. Have spoken with graduates of top High Schools competing for colleges: Exeter, Andover, Dalton School, Deerfield Observed approx. 4,000 students up Dartmouth & Georgetown ?

What problem am I trying to solve? Wall Street Journal, April 2,

Defining the challenge: Who gets into top colleges? Overwhelmingly from private day schools, prep schools, wealthy suburbs >> these are safe applicants Bathed in resources: computer labs, playing fields, swimming pools, photography labs, art classes, field trips, foreign trips, internships from networked parents Everyone does extra-curriculars; is well-rounded: sports, volunteer, AP classes >> better building blocks Better teacher recommendations because better known; smaller classes Better summer experiences Coached extensively about how to get into college: mock interviews, essay coaching, SAT prep Strong relationship of college office with college admissions Strong alumni networks at those schools Legacies? Pay full tuition? Very well prepared The competition is “safe” and living in the suburbs

How do you compete against these students? There is a way More resources Appear better rounded More AP classes More extra-curriculars More interesting stories

Ways to pitch yourself to colleges Colleges keenly aware of fit: want students that fit their mold. Pick a college where you fit!! i.e. Dartmouth: well-rounded outdoorsy suburban MIT: math, engineering, science Yale: liberal arts, standout in at least 1 activity Colleges keenly interested in students with motivation & drive >> this can outweigh many advantages of suburban applicants Pick a clear message to carry throughout your application >> you need a concise 30-second elevator pitch Bronx Science students have a unique story to tell !

What are the people in admissions looking for? Concerned about overall mix of school Wants safe people – good scores, good grades, good essays Wants a well-rounded class Conservative: wants people who fit a mold and are from schools s/he knows historically Admissions Officer Part-time screener Devoting 5-10 minutes per application Wants to play it safe for admissions office Needs crisp concise “sales pitch” for you Need a 30-second elevator pitch for you to present to others on committee

Focus your application around a “value proposition” What is a value proposition? Clearly articulated reason you are suitable for that school Defines your strengths as meeting that school’s needs “Reason to believe” – give 5-10 Before writing essays, getting written recommendations, understand your value proposition All examples in your application should support that value proposition Essays Choice of extra-curriculars Choice of people writing recommendations Statements in interview

What are these companies’ value propositions? Crisp, clear value propositions. What is yours?

8 ideas for value propositions Flaunt your talent Be passionate Find the perfect balance Lead the pack Beat the odds Write the standout essay Make and use connections Make yourself heard and campaign to win (squeaky wheel)

One suggestion: to be on par with suburban kids, you work twice as hard Average 1.5 hours travel to/from school a day >> you are dedicated Thrive despite fewer resources >> you are industrious Perhaps first member of family to attend college >> you are driven Parents may have immigrated to give you & siblings a better life >> you are motivated You may be fluent in other cultures & languages >> colleges want unique students You may have unique life experiences >> living outside US, immigrating, caring for extended family, volunteering This is very different from students at the top private & suburban schools! Pitch it!