Is College Admissions Fair?

Is college admissions fair? Probably not, nor has it ever been! The college admissions process is primarily centered on the needs and preferences of the universities rather than on the individual applicants. Colleges strive for a diverse and well-rounded student body that aligns with their institutional goals, values, and priorities. While applicants present their grades, achievements and qualities, the ultimate decision-making process is driven by how well an individual fits into the broader needs of the college community, academic programs, and overall campus culture. Understanding this perspective can help applicants navigate the process more effectively, recognizing that successful admission is a two-way match between the student and the college.

Arguments for Fairness:

1. Merit-Based Selection: Proponents argue that college admissions, when based on merit, reward hard work, dedication, and academic excellence. By prioritizing these qualities, institutions aim to admit students who have demonstrated their ability to succeed in a rigorous academic environment.
2. Holistic Approach: Many universities employ a holistic admissions approach, considering various aspects of an applicant’s profile. This method seeks to recognize the diverse talents and experiences students bring, acknowledging that success goes beyond academic achievements alone.
3. Equal Opportunities: College admissions, when implemented fairly, offer equal opportunities for students from different backgrounds. Admissions officers strive to consider socio-economic factors, ensuring that students are not penalized for circumstances beyond their control.

Arguments Against Fairness:

1. Socio-Economic Disparities: Critics argue that socio-economic disparities can hinder equal access to education. Students from privileged backgrounds may have access to better educational resources, test preparation, and extracurricular opportunities, giving them an advantage in the admissions process.
2. Standardized Testing Bias: The reliance on standardized tests has been criticized for potential biases, favoring students with the means to afford test preparation courses. Some argue that these tests may not accurately reflect a student’s true potential or capabilities.
3. Lack of Transparency: Transparency in the admissions process is often a point of contention. Some believe that undisclosed criteria and subjective evaluations can lead to an opaque and potentially unfair selection process.

The fairness of college admissions remains a complex and multifaceted issue. While institutions strive to create a balanced and inclusive process, challenges persist. Addressing concerns related to socio-economic disparities, standardized testing, and transparency can contribute to a more equitable admissions system. Balancing merit-based evaluations with a holistic approach and continuously reassessing and refining the process are crucial steps in working towards greater fairness in college admissions.

Contact Susie Watts at collegedirection@yahoo.com. Visit the College Direction website at http://www.collegedirection.org To order Susie’s new book, “Beyond the GPA: How to Give Your Student an Edge with College Admissions,” go to

Free Webinar: My College Direction, a New, Innovative College Planning Program

My College Direction is a new, innovative college counseling program that is for families who want the best advice and most up-to-date information for their student.

Susie Watts is a college consultant in Denver who has 30 years experience helping students create a college list and assist them as they go through the college application and admissions process.

She has felt for a long time that college counseling should be more available to many students who need the guidance, but found it unaffordable. As a result, she has started My College Direction.

Students often do not receive the assistance they need from high school counselors, not because counselors would not like to provide it, but they simply have too many students to work with and too many other responsibilities.

Susie always felt that she enjoyed and was more effective when she worked with students individually in her office. It wasn’t until the Coronavirus struck that she began to move some of her college counseling and test prep online. Much to her surprise, it has worked out quite well, and her students love the fact that they don’t need to travel to an office, but still get the same kind of college planning help they need.

My College Direction will be very similar to the comprehensive college planning program that Susie has offered for the last 30 years. The only difference will be that it is online. Some sessions will be for a group of 20 students (maximum) and others will be individual. The main benefit to you as a family is the cost.

Susie will be doing a free webinar to provide details on the My College Direction program which she has just launched. It will be on Tuesday, June 30 at 7:00 MDT. You can register on the link below.

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/free-webinar-my-college-direction-an-new-approach-to-college-planning-tickets-110359883382?utm-medium=discovery&utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-source=strongmail&utm-term=listing

 

Is Your High School Graduate Ready to Transition to College?

Soon after students graduate from high school, it is important to begin the “transition to college” conversations with your teens to help them better acclimate to this new experience. It is not just the academic changes they will encounter, but more importantly an opportunity to discuss what they will need to do in order to have a successful transition.

As a college admissions consultant, I make an appointment with each student to discuss time management, financial matters and getting off on the right start. I know that many students are academically prepared, but the college schedule is usually dramatically different from what they are used to in high school. They need to learn where and when to study and understand the expectations of their college professors. They also need to know where to go if they need academic help.

New college students need to understand how to handle their finances and learn the basics of financial literacy so that their credit remains good and they do not get into problems involving money. Most importantly, students need to be responsible with credit cards and realize how easy it is to go into debt by charging items and not paying off the balance. Too many credit companies prey on college students.

As a independent college consultant, I like to pay special attention to safety on a college campus and helping students do everything they can to use the necessary precautions. I think every student needs to understand how drinking and drugs can be the road to disaster. I emphasize, especially with the young women, that they come together and leave together when attending a party or event, watch their drinks and never leave them unattended, and be very cautious when walking on a campus at night.

Since mental health is such a big issue on college campuses, I emphasize to every student how important it is to get help if they feel anxious, depressed or suicidal. Students should know where to go on the college campus to get the assistance they need and not wait and hope things will get better. They also need to tell their parents how they are feeling so that their parents can intervene if necessary.

These are just a few of the “transition to college” talks to have with your student. They need not be long, but they do need to be discussed. I think if parents begin these conversations during the summer, students will feel more confident as they begin their college experience.

College Direction meets with high school graduates and their parents to have the “transition to college” conversation. Call 303-692-1918 if you are interested. Sometimes students respond better to a college consultant because I am not their parent.

Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

 

Who Cares about College Rankings?

Quite frankly, I am sick of college rankings. If it isn’t U.S. News, it’s Forbes, Money or endless other publications ranking what they consider the best colleges and universities.  The college rankings can tell us anything from the most connected schools to the best value universities. These college rankings measure different attributes that may or may not be important to a family when they are considering schools for their child. Often they are more confusing than helpful.

Many college rankings are oversimplified and downright unfair. They can be the result of professors, students, or even the universities themselves answering questionnaires that have been sent to them by a magazine or newspaper.  Many times college administrators are asked to evaluate colleges with which they have no knowledge, not just their own school.

Rankings often lead to misleading conclusions. Some colleges will spend money to improve something that will help their ranking, but may not benefit the students at all. Many use college rankings in their marketing materials.  These rankings often ignore factors that are of concern to prospective students.  Too frequently, they contain the same schools over and over.

As a private college counselor, I pay very little attention to these rankings because I want my students to consider colleges that are right for them. The highest ranked schools may not be the best fit or a college where they will have a successful academic and social experience. That to me is what is far more important than any ranking.

 

What Can A College Admissions Consultant Do For You?

Most families would agree that the college application and admissions process is both stressful and overwhelming. There are so many questions parents and students face when trying to find the right colleges. They can be equally confused with the different applications, deadlines and required information for financial aid and scholarships. Unfortunately, most high school counselors do not have the time to devote to these matters. Some families think that a college admission consultant is out of their budget, but many don’t realize that in the end, they usually save money because they have received the guidance and correct information to make the right decisions. This is what a college admissions consultant can do for your student and family.

1.   Individual help most students do not receive in high school

2.   Availability for your child and family when you need it

3.   Expertise in the college admission process 

4.   Decreased family stress and more peace of mind. Try to eliminate parental nagging about college applications.

5.   Specific knowledge of colleges, their admission requirements and SAT and ACT testing updates

6.   Get help from an objective third party to brainstorm and read applications and college essays

7.   Gain a competitive edge in the college admission process

8.   College visits that provide first-hand knowledge of schools and their suitability for different students

9.   Save money ​by helping your child enroll in one college, stay there, and graduate in four years.

10. Increased financial aid and scholarship opportunities