In light of recent news concerning fraudulent processes of college applications and acceptances, some of whom are from our own community, Lynn Hamilton, M.A., a nationally recognized college and secondary school consultant for more than 35 years, feels it is important to note that most educational consultants, and college/university admissions offices are honest.
One thing to look for in choosing a consultant is membership in organizations like the Independent Educational Consultants Association, as they maintain standards of integrity, and interaction with such groups provides transparency and peer awareness.
For example, IECA requires that no consultant can accept compensation from any school or program, and no promises can be made guaranteeing recruitment or acceptance. Parents should be aware that any consultant providing such promises or guarantees is not reputable.
Although there are circumstances when a family can provide contributions toward endowment or building, students who are accepted under such circumstances are still qualified. This is a critical standard, as these students must still maintain ability to do the work, and their success reflects on the success of the institution as a whole.
“The charges presented today exemplify the intense anxiety that even some parents feel about their children being admitted to their preferred colleges,” says Mark Sklarow, CEO of IECA.
“The charges presented today exemplify the intense anxiety that even some parents feel about their children being admitted to their preferred colleges. A fully vetted independent educational consultant (IEC) will be solely concerned about an individual student’s well-being, and will help them gain admission to a school where they will thrive and succeed on their own merits.”
As the area’s most experienced educational consultant, Hamilton has compiled a selection of common misconceptions in understanding the college application and acceptance process.
Myth 1: There is one college that is perfect for me. If I am not accepted there, I will not be happy or successful.
Fact: There are many choices of colleges that can be a good fit. Be sure you keep an open mind. Read as much as you can about many colleges. Visit colleges that are near you to see the difference between large state universities, small private colleges and technical options. Accept and enter a college with a positive outlook. Plan to commit to four years.
Myth 2: I should know what I want my major to be before I apply.
Fact: Most colleges assume that at 17 you probably don’t know what you want to do for the rest of your life, or maybe not even after you graduate. At many colleges you do not have to declare a major until the end of your sophomore year. However, there may be a need to look at a broad field that you are interested in: such as liberal arts versus engineering.
Myth 3: The colleges that are ranked the highest in the U.S. News & World Report are the best colleges.
Fact: “All rankings are misleading at best, and counterproductive at least,” says Richard Shaw, dean of admission and financial aid at Stanford University. Hamilton believes “these rankings exist to sell magazines.” Her experience over many years has shown magazine rankings of colleges have little to do in predicting a student’s future success. Often, when a parent’s choice is based on these rankings, the college may not fit the student’s best interests.
Myth 4: Private Colleges are more expensive that public universities.
Fact: Many private college colleges provide merit-based scholarships, which can lower the sticker price considerably. Plus, a student will find it easier to graduate in four years. At many large state universities, it is often difficult to get into prerequisites for your major, making it likely that you may not graduate in four years. This not only adds to the cost of tuition and living expenses but keeps you out of the work force longer.
Myth 5: A degree from a college is not as valuable as a degree from a university.
Fact: College faculties focus more on the undergraduate student, while universities also include graduate students and may have teaching assistants instead of professors teaching the undergraduate classes. You may have a better under graduate experience at a college.
Myth 6: I can’t get into a good college unless I have a 4.0 GPA and very high test scores.
Fact: Many colleges read applications with a holistic view in mind. See the book, Colleges That Change Lives, by the late New York Times education editor and journalist Loren Pope. Hamilton’s experience concurs with Pope’s finding that many acceptances are based on the rigor of courses. For example, a “B” in an Advanced Placement course will be regarded more highly than an “A” in a less challenging curriculum.
Myth 7: A perfectly crafted essay will make the difference as to whether I am admitted or not. I need a “hook.”
Fact: Colleges are looking for your authentic voice. An essay that is too heavily edited raises a red flag to admission officers. One college asks, “Who helped you with your essay?” The answer they were looking for was, “Anyone that I could get to bounce ideas off, but I wrote it myself.” An essay about working at local restaurant can tell more about your character than charity work in an African country. Indeed, it is better to write about something that your parents did not pay for, although that, too, can work if it truly made an impact on your life.
Myth 8: A recommendation from a family friend, who is a well-known celebrity/high-powered businessman/wealthy, will get me into a prestigious college.
Fact: You are applying to an academic institution. Teacher and counselor recommendations will speak to your ability as a student and a member of an academic community, which is what the colleges are looking for. Belief that anything other than your own capabilities and achievements can influence a college’s decision can be distracting and counter productive. Remember, your success is their success.
Myth 9: Getting into an elite college will ensure my success in the future.
Fact: Getting into an elite college should not be the final goal. Finding the “right fit,” and how you graduate is more important. Have you gained competence and confidence? Are you looking forward to the next step? Your college experience will contribute hugely to the development of who you are, and what direction your future will take … but it will all depend on you. Some of the most successful students have attended the college that was right for them, not because it was impressive to others. One of Hamilton’s students, Mary, was determined to attend an Ivy League school, but was wait-listed there. At Hamilton’s encouragement, she enrolled at Bard College intending to transfer to her first choice, but after two months realized she was at the perfect school for her and graduated with high honors.
Myth 10: A low SAT/ACT score will destroy my chances of being accepted to a competitive college.
Fact: Colleges are looking at more than SAT or ACT scores. In viewing an application, admission officers consider many factors: grades, the rigor of the courses taken, the rigor of the courses available to you in the high school you attend, extracurricular activities, teacher and counselor recommendations, essay, and extenuating circumstances (as an explanation of difficult circumstances, but not an excuse.) There are many colleges that are on the Fair Test List, and are test optional; for example highly regarded colleges such as The University of Chicago, Bowdoin College, Smith College and Worcester Polytechnic Institute.
Of course, in Hamilton’s extensive experience, there are many factors that affect and influence college application choices and the acceptance process. Her comprehensive knowledge, as well watching the futures of her many students evolve, has given her a profound understanding of how important making the right educational decisions can be. But the process does not have to be intimidating or full of anxiety … with the right knowledge this next step of a student’s life can be one of excitement, enrichment and confidence.
About Lynn Hamilton
Lynn Hamilton, M.A., is a nationally recognized college and secondary school consultant. For more than 35 years she has been dedicated to understanding and helping students find the right fit for their academic and future success. Lynn is the only counselor in the Santa Barbara area who is a Certified Educational Planner (CEP), as well as a member of all of these organizations: Independent Educational Consultants Association (IECA), Western Association for College Admission Counseling (WACAC), National Association of Therapeutic Schools and Programs (NATSAP), Secondary School Admissions Testing (SSAT), and the Gap Year Association (GYA).
Hamilton has worked with more than 1,200 students in preparing for, and achieving, school and college placement, as well as gap year planning and learning differences assessment. She travels extensively throughout the United States and abroad to gain in-depth firsthand knowledge of colleges, universities, secondary schools and therapeutic programs.
— Jan Helsel for Hamilton & Associates.