Ask the Experts; Advice from College Admissions Directors
Last week, the North Shore College Consulting team had the opportunity to participate in a webinar for admissions professionals regarding the 2021-2022 admissions cycle. We heard from Carol Lee Conchar, the Associate Director of Undergraduate Admissions at George Washington University, Rick Clark, the Director of Undergraduate Admission at Georgia Institute of Technology, and Shawn Felton, the Director of Undergraduate Admissions at Cornell University. We asked your most burning questions, and we got insightful and honest feedback in return that we are eager to share with you. Check out our questions and their answers below!
How many AP courses should high school students take? What AP scores to submit? AP courses vs. dual enrollment classes?
George Washington University
Ms. Conchar suggested that students ramp up their rigor every year while continuing to gravitate toward their favorite topics and subjects. There is no formula for the number of AP classes a student should take to be considered competitive. However, it is essential that students do well in their AP classes, not just take these classes simply because they are AP.
Georgia Institute of Technology
Dual enrollment classes are guaranteed college credit at certain colleges, so if students know they want to go to a school that will accept those credits, Mr. Clark suggests that dual enrollment might be the better option. Otherwise, students should determine which classes will best prepare them for selective college admissions. If students are looking at more selective colleges, they should decide what type of classes will push and stretch them the most, particularly in any subjects they want to pursue in college. Students should ask themselves, “what is the more rigorous choice in that particular academic area?” For instance, AP Calculus will usually be more rigorous than a calculus class taken at a community college at the dual enrollment level. Mr. Clark stressed that the answer to this question is nuanced, and there is no singular or “correct” answer. An AP class should not just be a box to check; it should be an area where the student should want to dig deeper. Essentially students need to ask themselves, what will be the best preparation for where they are going to school and what they want to study?
Cornell University
In terms of submitting AP scores, Mr. Felton believes that it is the students’ decision as to which scores to share, but the transcript will tell the college what test scores they should expect to see. If a student does not self-report a score for a particular exam, the college will likely assume that they didn’t do well on the AP exam. Most students only submit higher AP scores (4’s and 5’s, and depending on the college, possibly 3’s). In terms of a holistic review, not submitting one or two scores will not be the single factor in whether a student receives admission. Taking the AP curriculum is more important than sharing a score that might not be favorable. If a student is unsure what the college wants to see, they should call admissions and ask without giving their name.
What are your opinions on standardized testing and the test-optional movement?
Cornell University
At first, becoming test-optional was shocking, according to Mr. Felton, but now that they have been test-optional for two years, they realize that testing is only one factor among many considered in the holistic review process. Mr. Felton believes that test-optional admissions has empowered students, and in some areas of study, he acknowledges that testing is not that useful. Additionally, he admitted that testing is a barrier for many candidates. However, Mr. Felton conceded that testing remains helpful in the engineering and STEM realm since math scores are a strong predictor of the ability to succeed in these areas. Cornell will remain test-optional for the next two years, and it is uncertain if and when they will require test scores again or possibly just require scores for specific programs.
George Washington University
George Washington has been test-optional since merging with Corcoran School of Art and Design seven years ago. GW was the largest private institution to go test-optional before the University of Chicago. Ms. Conchar suggested that students review the mid-50% range of ACT and SAT scores submitted by admitted students to decide whether to submit scores. However, George Washington does look at the whole applicant with or without scores. Before the pandemic, approximately 35% of GW applicants applied test-optional. However, in the 2020-2021 cycle (one year after the pandemic began), GW’s test-optional applicant pool increased to 55%, and this year, 59% of students applied test-optional. If a student does decide to submit test scores, the school does not allow self-reporting, so students must send their official scores from the testing agency. Ms. Conchar suggests that students take a standardized test before deciding whether they should apply test-optional.
Georgia Institute of Technology
Georgia Tech operates differently from private institutions since it is a public institution. In Georgia, the Board of Regents reinstated the standardized testing requirement for all public institutions of higher learning, mandating test scores for the 2021-2022 application cycle. However, recently, the Board of Regents pivoted to allow public colleges in Georgia, other than the University of Georgia and Georgia Tech, to resume test-optional admissions. Mr. Clark believes that the Board did this because of low enrollment numbers at these other state institutions. However, Mr. Clark emphasized that Georgia Tech does not prioritize testing in its holistic review process despite requiring test scores. Although, as a side note, he stated that most students who apply to Georgia Tech naturally seem to have good test scores, which makes sense given Georgia Tech’s overall focus on STEM areas. Regardless, Georgia Tech puts more time into evaluating the applicant’s transcript and activities when reviewing applications.
When asked about how rigorous and selective the admissions process has become at highly selective colleges, what would you say to parents? How do you counsel students who haven’t gotten into their dream school?
Georgia Institute of Technology
Mr. Clark suggested that high school sophomores and juniors should listen to and closely watch the seniors. Every year, many students are not admitted to their first-choice school but are ultimately so happy at the institution they do attend. Most of these students state they could never imagine attending a college other than the one in which they enrolled. Students are more adaptable and resilient than parents give them credit for. Covid has been an “AP life” kind of experience, and students have been forced to be adaptable and resilient. Mr. Clark believes that the pandemic has prepared high school students for college (and life) far more than most academic classes. He recommends that students don’t label one particular school a dream school or top choice since students are far more multi-faceted than one school.
Cornell University
Felton always recommends students not have their hearts set on one college. Every institution will be another applicant’s second choice. Nothing in admissions is guaranteed, and students must apply to a range of colleges. Students should make a balanced list that works for them and not apply to a college because of their name or reputation. Students need to build a list of colleges that include those they will get into and be happy attending.
What do you like to see in an essay or personal statement?
George Washington University
The essay is Ms. Conchar’s favorite part of the college application. She suggests avoiding cliched essay topics such as “sports” essays about when “I got injured right before the finish line….” When writing about community service projects, students should avoid talking about how great it was to get to know people less fortunate than themselves. Instead, applicants should write about what they have done since volunteering, what they learned, and how they brought that experience home. Ms. Conchar also stressed the importance of proofreading their essays, especially the “why” essay, because it is not uncommon for applicants to mention the wrong college in these essays. She laughingly shared a situation when one student mentioned the incorrect institution three times in her Why GW essay. She was not admitted! Last, Ms. Conchar emphasized that parents must stay away from their student’s essays! The voice of a 50-year-old is very different than that of an 18-year old high school student.
What lessons can we take from this year?
Georgia Institute of Technology
Mr. Clark believes the admissions cycle is getting very blurry with deadlines, decision releases, etc. He believes that waitlists will continue to carry into summer as yield is less predictable than ever before. He stressed that students remember that they can only control what they can control. Students should focus on their end goal, and that goal should not be ending up at a particular college. Students should concentrate on having options and choices. They should balance their list and not get too fixated on one place.
What is the importance of demonstrating Interest?
George Washington University
Every college will have some virtual visit component. Students should explore these options from home before visiting a college in person. Ms. Conchar claims GW does not track demonstrated interest, but regardless of a college’s official policy on demonstrated interest, they are looking for real exchanges not unnecessary communication. If a student has done no virtual engagement, the admissions rep will send the student links to virtual opportunities before engaging in conversation.
What is the last thing that you want parents and students to know?
Georgia Institute of Technology
Mr. Clark understands that the words college admissions create anxiety over many things, including finances, testing, self-worth, etc. He wants students to remove the word “admissions” and focus instead on the word college. Memories of “college” bring a smile to those who have graduated. College brings new friendships and relationships. It brings adventure, challenge, independence, and adventure.
Are you looking for expert guidance with the college admissions process? At North Shore College Consulting we are here to help you with every step of the college admissions process. Send us an email at info@nscollegeconsulting.net to find out how we can help you succeed.