Fall Thoughts

[Chris Boehm]

My fall travels to high schools have ended. And while the leaves on the trees are changing outside, the admission office appears very similar to the way it did last year. Applications are everywhere! It's almost impossible to keep up. We are running up about 3% from last year's 26% increase so everyone is knee deep in reading and updated files, and calling students. Fall admission programs are running well, hope to see some of you at the Visual, Design, and Performing Arts Day tomorrow.

Travel reminded me of the unequal guidance that students receive in the college search, admission, and selection process. I attended four interview days at private schools this year. These interview days give students the ability to improve their interviewing skills, meet counselors from colleges they will be applying to, and get feedback and recommendations on how to improve their opportunities for admission to the schools they are interested in. Unfortunately these days only occurred at private high schools. I think it is a shame that everyone isn't on a level playing field. However, all students should know that they can always contact their local colleges if they would like to get recommendations on interviewing, essay writing, and methods to make your application shine. Don't be afraid to use the resources available to you! Contact me if you like.

I don't think enough students maximize the networking part of the applications process. At most schools a real person will read your application and many times an applicant can make them better known to that person. How? Attend a high school visit, attend a college fair, interview at the college, attend an open house, send an email with questions, attend an open house and seek out the person responsible for your application and asking them for a business card. These items can personalize an application and make it 3-dimensional. If a student is serious about a school they need to make themselves known, because other applicants are, like the ones that have interview days at their high schools.

Fall travel highlights:
- One young lady told me she has 13 email addresses and checks them all. I don't have 13 of anything! Ok, maybe ties
- did the college fair at Montclair HS again this year b/c of love Cuban Pete's - the food was great again
- Holy Name HS had the best goodie bag for counselors again this year!
- the interview day at LaSalle HS was amazing this year, best interviews in my 12 years of doing the program, thanks guys
- had some great visits this year! Thanks to Springfield Township, Upper Dublin, Wilson, Conrad Weiser, Holy Name, and Kutztown for great visits
- love the Classic Diner in Malvern!
- it was great having the Yankees back in the World Series and listening to the games on the way home from college fairs
- narrowly escaped being part of a lock down drill at Episcopal Academy, but wasn't as lucky at Governor Mifflin HS
- I've been visiting Upper Merion HS for 12 years and used a GPS this year and was late for the first time ever, their address takes you to a dead end street

Back in the office today. Two great interviews, thanks Julie and DaBreea!