How to Tell a College They’re Your First Choice
Hey, everyone. We're back for another deep dive. And, you know, the college admissions process can be a real head scratcher sometimes. Especially, when you're trying to make sure your kid's application really stands out from the crowd. It's like everyone's fighting for those acceptance letters and you start to wonder if there's some secret formula you're missing.
Speaker 1:Today, we're tackling a question I bet a lot of you out there have thought about. Does telling a college they're your kid's absolute top choice actually make a difference? And if so, how do you even do that without sounding, you know, a little too over the top?
Speaker 2:Right. That's the big question, isn't it? It's tricky because it's not a simple yes or no answer. Obviously, good grades and test scores are huge, but but there's another piece of the puzzle that sometimes gets overlooked, and that's what colleges call demonstrated interest. It's basically a way for colleges to see how genuinely pumped a student is about actually being part of their community.
Speaker 1:Okay. That makes sense. But I'm just picturing parents, like, sending smoke signals to admissions offices or something. Mhmm. How do you show interest without going overboard?
Speaker 1:Like, is a well placed food basket gonna do the trick?
Speaker 2:Uh-huh. Well, thankfully, it's not quite that dramatic. But you've hit on a key point. Colleges can totally sniff out insincerity. The interesting thing is there are actually a ton of ways to show interest in a way that feels real and authentic.
Speaker 2:Like campus visits, for example, those are big. Colleges often keep track of who shows up for tours and info sessions. It's a chance for your child to get a feel for the campus firsthand and see
Speaker 1:if it clicks for them. So it's not just about checking a box. It's more about showing real curiosity. Mhmm. I remember visiting, college with a friend, and she actually sat in on a lecture in a subject she was interested in.
Speaker 1:That left a big impression on her and probably on the professor too.
Speaker 2:Exactly. It's about digging deeper than the surface and showing that you're eager to learn and engage. And it's not just campus visits either. Emails to admissions reps, attending college fairs, webinars, even following the college's social media, all those things send a signal that your child is actively interested in the school.
Speaker 1:It's almost like you're trying to build a relationship with the college. Right? Like, you would just walk up to someone and say, hey. Be my friend. You'd take some time to get to know them.
Speaker 2:That's a perfect analogy. It's all about making a connection showing that your child has done their homework, and they're not just blindly applying to every school with a decent ranking.
Speaker 1:Speaking of rankings, I sometimes wonder if colleges secretly roll their eyes when they read another essay about how their school is the best in the world. Does it actually work to just heap on the compliments?
Speaker 2:That's where being specific comes in. Let's say your child is really passionate about environmental science, for instance. Instead of just saying they love the college's environmental program, they could mention a specific research project that caught their eye or a professor whose work they admire.
Speaker 1:So it's about showing that they've gone beyond the surface level, that their interest is based on something real and tangible.
Speaker 2:Precisely. It shows that they're not applying to just a name or a ranking, but to a place where they can actually see themselves thriving.
Speaker 1:Okay. That makes total sense. But let's go back to the timing thing. You mentioned earlier that when you show interest matters. Can you expand on that a bit?
Speaker 2:Of course. There are a few strategic times to do it. For instance, if your child gets accepted through early action or rolling admission, that's a prime time to reiterate their excitement. You know, early action usually means applying early in the fall and getting a decision before the regular deadline, while rolling admission lets you apply any time within a window, usually starting in the fall and getting a decision pretty quickly.
Speaker 1:Ah, so early action is kinda like saying we're serious and we're ready to commit.
Speaker 2:Exactly. It shows they're ready to be part of the community, and it can even play a role in scholarship decisions and if your child ends up on a wait list.
Speaker 1:That makes sense. Yeah. What about before the application deadline? Is there any point in expressing interest even before you hit that submit button?
Speaker 2:Definitely. Especially for colleges that track demonstrated interest as part of their admissions process. A well timed email or letter before the deadline can go a long way. It's like saying, hey. We're serious about this, and we've done our homework.
Speaker 1:But I'm sure there are some colleges that say they don't look at demonstrated interest. So what's the strategy then? Could you just ignore that and send a message anyway?
Speaker 2:That's a great question. In those cases, it's best to respect their policies. If they specifically say they don't factor it in, then focus your energy on other parts of the application.
Speaker 1:So it's all about being strategic and understanding each college's approach. There's no one size fits all solution here.
Speaker 2:Exactly. It's about tailoring your approach to each college. And even if a college doesn't officially track demonstrated interest, it never hurts for your child to connect with a professor whose research they're interested in or attend a virtual event about a program that excites them. It really comes down to showing that your child is genuinely interested and would be a valuable part of that college's community.
Speaker 1:Okay. So we've talked about how to show interest, but let's be real here. Does actually saying this is our first choice really matter in the admissions process?
Speaker 2:Now that's where things get interesting. It's not like a magic phrase that guarantees acceptance or anything, but it can definitely show a strong level of commitment, which colleges do pay attention to.
Speaker 1:I bet they do. I mean, if a college knows a student is very likely to accept their offer, it probably helps their yield rate right. Yeah. And colleges love those stats.
Speaker 2:You're exactly right. Colleges want to admit students who are actually going to enroll. It makes them look good and helps them predict how many students they'll have.
Speaker 1:So while it's not the only thing saying your child is really committed could give them a bit of an edge.
Speaker 2:It could, especially if they're right on the borderline.
Speaker 1:It's like that little extra boost that gets them over the hump. Yeah. But I'm also thinking about the other side of that. Could it backfire if it doesn't sound genuine? Like, if it feels forced or fake.
Speaker 2:That's a great point. Colleges have a pretty good sense for when someone's not being authentic. If it sounds desperate or manipulative, it could actually hurt your child's chances. It's all about finding that balance between real enthusiasm and respectful communication.
Speaker 1:So it's not about showering the college with praise or making promises you can't keep. It's more about showing a genuine connection and understanding what makes that college special for your child.
Speaker 2:You got it. And remember, actions often speak louder than words. If your child has visited campus, connected with professors, or participated in online events, those actions will back up their words and show their interest in a much more powerful way.
Speaker 1:This is all super helpful. But let's face it. Sometimes it feels like college admissions is a bit of a popularity contest. With all this talk about showing interest, I wonder if it's really just about who can schmooze the best.
Speaker 2:While there's definitely a social aspect to it, it's important to remember that academics are still king. Most colleges say that academic performance is the most important factor in their admissions decisions.
Speaker 1:So no matter how charming your kid is, they still need good grades and test scores to back it up.
Speaker 2:Absolutely. A strong academic record is the foundation of a good application. It shows colleges that child is ready for the challenge of college level work. Encourage your child to push themselves academically, take challenging courses if they can, and aim for consistent improvement.
Speaker 1:Okay. Solid grades are a must, But what about those dreaded essays? I think a lot of parents, myself included, feel like their child's entire future hinges on those few pages.
Speaker 2:I understand. The essays can feel like a make or break situation. But remember, they're just one piece of the puzzle. Colleges look at the whole applicant, everything from grades and test scores to extracurriculars and recommendations.
Speaker 1:So one not so great essay won't automatically ruin their chances?
Speaker 2:Exactly. Think of it as a chance for your child to show their personality, their passions, their unique voice. It's an opportunity to tell their story and connect with the admissions committee on a personal level.
Speaker 1:Okay. That's good to hear. But how can parents actually help their kids write essays that stand out? I mean, we're not all professional writers here.
Speaker 2:Well, the good news is you don't have to be a professional to write a good essay. The most important thing is authenticity. Encourage your child to write in their own voice, share their real experiences, and let their personality come through.
Speaker 1:So no more trying to sound like a mini professor or using words they'd never say in real life.
Speaker 2:Exactly. Colleges wanna hear from real teenagers, not robots or dictionaries. And remember, being vulnerable can be really powerful. Encourage your child to share their challenges, their moments of growth, their hopes and dreams. Those are the things that make us human and make their stories relatable.
Speaker 1:That's a great point. I I think sometimes we get so caught up in presenting this perfect image that we forget it's the imperfections that make us interesting.
Speaker 2:Absolutely. Colleges are looking for well rounded individuals with unique perspectives and experiences. And don't underestimate the power of storytelling. Encourage your child to think of their experiences as a narrative. What's the story arc?
Speaker 2:What are the turning points? What lessons have they learned?
Speaker 1:So it's about framing their experiences in a way that grabs the reader's attention and makes them wanna know more.
Speaker 2:Exactly. And lastly, don't forget about the practical side of essay writing. Encourage your child to start early, give themselves plenty of time to brainstorm, draft, and revise.
Speaker 1:So treat it like a marathon, not a sprint. Sprint.
Speaker 2:Exactly. Good writing takes time and effort, and the more time your child puts in, the better their essays will be. And encourage them to get feedback from people they trust, like teachers, counselors, or even friends and family. A fresh perspective can catch things they might have missed.
Speaker 1:It sounds like there's a real strategy to those essays, but let's shift gears a bit. You mentioned extracurriculars earlier. How much do those actually matter in the whole admissions picture? Does every kid need to be, like, captain of the debate team and president of every club?
Speaker 2:That's a a big myth. Colleges aren't necessarily looking for kids with a 1000000 activities. They wanna see genuine passion and commitment. They wanna see that your child is using their time outside of class to explore their interests, develop their skills, and make a difference.
Speaker 1:So it's not about having a super long list of activities. It's about showing real engagement and a willingness to contribute.
Speaker 2:Exactly. Whether your child is into robotics, volunteering, writing for the school paper, or anything else, colleges want to see that they're involved in things that align with their values and interests. And it's not just about what they do, but how they think about those experiences. Encourage your child to reflect on the skills they've gained, the challenges they've faced, and the impact they've made.
Speaker 1:That makes sense.
Speaker 2:Yeah.
Speaker 1:It's about showing depth of a breadth.
Speaker 2:Right.
Speaker 1:It's better to have a few activities you're really passionate about than a ton you're just kinda doing.
Speaker 2:Absolutely. Colleges can tell when someone's truly engaged versus just trying to pad their resume. And speaking of important parts of the application, don't forget about recommendations. Those can give colleges valuable insights into your child's character, work ethic, and potential.
Speaker 1:Right. Recommendations. Those always feel a bit like a mystery to me. Yeah. How can parents help their kids get good ones?
Speaker 1:Should we be sending the guidance counselor cookies or something?
Speaker 2:Uh-huh. Well, a little appreciation never hurts, but the best way to get great recommendations is to encourage your child to build real relationships with their teachers and counselors.
Speaker 1:So it's about more than just showing up for class and getting good grades.
Speaker 2:Exactly. Encourage your child to participate in class, ask thoughtful questions, seek out help when they need it, and just show a genuine interest in learning. Those are the things that will make a student stand out to a teacher and lead to those amazing recommendations.
Speaker 1:This has been so insightful. I feel like we've busted some myths about college admissions and learned some really valuable strategies. But it's clear that this process can be a lot, especially for families going through it for the first time.
Speaker 2:It's definitely a journey and it can feel overwhelming at times. But remember, you're not alone. There are tons of resources out there to help you and your child navigate this process successfully.
Speaker 1:That's a good point. It's easy to get caught up in the stress and forget that there's help available.
Speaker 2:Exactly. And remember, the college admissions process is really about finding the right fit for your child. It's about helping them figure out what they're passionate about, explore their options, and find a college community where they can truly thrive.
Speaker 1:That's a great way to put it. We've covered a lot of ground today. From demonstrating interest and writing those essays to building relationships with teachers and counselors, It's all about showing colleges who your child really is and what they bring to the table. And for anyone feeling overwhelmed by the process, there's help out there. We've heard great things about an AI platform called College Journey that can help families navigate admissions with less stress.
Speaker 1:It even has this AI named Alice who can answer your questions and give personalized guidance. Definitely worth checking out.
Speaker 2:That sounds amazing.
Speaker 1:Thanks so much for joining us on this deep dive. Until next time. Happy learning, everyone.
