Have you ever had a crush on someone? If so, you might be familiar with those tingly, excited feelings that develop just thinking of the possibilities with this special someone. You take one glance and begin to imagine your future together. If you think about it, assessing the possibility of a relationship with a college or university can produce similar feelings. In a sea of options, the student begins to sort out not only the institutions that meet their basic criteria but what feels like a fit. This is the school that has that special something. The future looks bright and promising.
Just as in dating, at some point, someone acknowledges their interest in the other. Typically, what follows are opportunities to begin getting to know each other. Conversations are fun, general, and broad. Nothing too deep, just yet. You start to understand quirks and personality. Similarly, as a prospective college student, the admission office becomes the personality of the school. Admissions counselors are trained in marketing and communicating the distinct values of the institution. They are typically young and upbeat road warriors. As the face of the institution to prospective students and their families, admissions teams give presentations, meet with families at college night programs, blog and email all with the sole mission of making a good first impression. They are often very positive and speak generally about the university. Their sole goal is to impress as many prospective students as possible, so much so that students commit to submitting an application.
Choosing a college that is the perfect fit takes time and discernment. Many admissions offices are split between two teams: pre-admissions and post-admissions. Both represent the same institution that you care about. Both want you to join their community. Both will communicate that differently.
Just as a dating courtship might progress as interest grows, so too will a relationship with an institution. Once a student is admitted, a different type of recruitment occurs. Messages might come now from a particular academic department’s Dean’s office, written by someone with white hair and a tweed jacket. Information may come from those in the admissions office who are prepared to give depth to your knowledge of the school. Personally, I preferred to work with admitted students when I worked in an admissions office. Conversations at this point in the admissions cycle are often more thoughtful, more specific, and more in-depth.
As your interest and relationship with the preferred institution progresses, the communication you receive will likely change and this is okay (and to be expected). If you conducted your campus visit with a keen eye, this is the same school you fell in love with. The tone of messages and substance are just different. As the relationship evolves further, changes in the message and messenger will occur again. As the May 1 deadline comes and then goes, classes are selected and the orientation team will take over. You’ll settle on a move-in date, a place to live, manage payments, decide on a roommate, and an initial course of study. You are well on your way!
While it’s true that each university wants you to join its ranks (and convert as many accepted students into deposited students), each student's choice must be the best for themselves and their family. I️ hope this message comes to you as a reassurance that the university in which you are interested is the same no matter where the message is coming from.
As someone who has been on both sides of the admission desk, I am here as your guide, to put you at ease as these big conversations come up in your college relationship.
Gail McNiece
Independent Educational Consultant
www.mcniececc.com
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