Monday, May 21, 2012

Admissions Tips for the Class of 2013

As juniors in high school across the country/world prepare for the college search/admission season, I want to draw upon my former years coaching and recruiting collegiate rowers and offer 5 tips for any student looking to improve their applications and resume. These are all actions anybody can begin taking immediately to improve their prospects, regardless of current academic standing.

1. Market Yourself- You don’t want your dream school to have any other choice but to say yes to you, and with that comes some salesmanship on your part.  Do not lie or even embellish, but you must aggressively market your character, accomplishments, and potential. Use action verbs when describing your activities and responsibilities, and don’t be hesitant or bashful when they ask you what you bring to the table! You know what you’re capable of and you know what you want, and it’s up to you to make sure you articulate and communicate that to as many people as you can.

2. Utilize Technology- Whether it was FDR with the radio, JFK with the television, or Barack Obama with social networking and web 2.0 tools, history has fared well for folks who utilize the latest technology to create some of the most impressive campaigns of their time. Use the tools around you at your disposal, and take full use of your Facebook, Twitter, Youtube, etc. accounts to achieve the marketing mission discussed above. With the extra scrutiny that may be coming, take this opportunity to begin reflecting on your digital footprint, and what someone like an admissions rep would think if they were to stumble across your Instagram.  Instead of having accounts that you hope schools and potential employers do not find, create a presence that you can encourage recruiters to go to for even more reasons why they should invite you on board.

3. Be Visible- You can gain an incredible feeling for a what a school is all about with online research, interviews, webinars, etc, but you must actually spend time on the campus and visit/interview with folks that work and study there in order to really know if it’s a place for you. It also communicates to admissions that you are more interested than all the applicants who chose not to visit the campus; by separating yourself in any way from the pool will only improve your chances.

4. Articulate the Why- You must go beyond what you do and how you perform given tasks; the key to a successful application is expressing why you do all that you do.What drives you to pack your schedule, join and lead clubs, play three sports, and sing in the play? You may have never thought of it, but the answer is crucial for numerous reasons. It was truly humbling to realize there were hundreds of students in my class at Holy Cross that did all the same stuff I did in high school better than I did, but that hindsight better prepares me to advise now. Focus on the why. Simon Sinek’s TED talk on how to inspire others explains it all.

5. Start Climbing- Stagnation is your enemy; growth is the only option. You want to finish stronger than ever, and your senior year is no time for study halls and lazy afternoons.  Challenge yourself both in school and out, and make a personal pact not to sully any future options simply by not working hard enough in 12th grade.  Focus on your goals, put in the time and effort, and transform weaknesses into opportunities to get better. Don’t dwell on what you’ve already done; prepare for all that you’re going to do!

I used to always tell my recruits that this process was one they would remember forever, and that it was important to take the necessary steps to ensure the memories would be fond. Have fun!