With the start of the school year, there’s been a lot of talk about changes in the admissions process—that the post-COVID landscape may never be the same. We’ve already seen SAT subject exams go away and the UC system going test-blind, but we’ll have to wait to see what else happens over the next few years. But no matter how much the admissions world evolves, there are some essential truths that have emerged in my mind throughout my time on both the college and high school side. Some things will never change. And in no particular order...except maybe the last one, here they are.

#1 Admission decisions are subjective – Notice I did not say “random” or “a crapshoot.” I admit that I’ve used those words in the past, but describing it in that way is really an insult to the admission counselors who put so much work into this process. Colleges are striving to construct a well-rounded class, which is why may will describe their selection process as holistic. The “well-rounded” versus “angular” student is worth its own blog post, but essentially, there is more than one way to stand out. Unfortunately, it also means that colleges have to pass on many deserving applicants every year. During my time in admissions, I remember thinking how close some of the denied students were to getting in, and just how fortunate some of the admitted students were. Maybe on a different day, some of those decisions would have gone the other way.

#2 Everyone is an “expert” – I have internet access, which means I can diagnose diseases, conjugate Spanish verbs perfectly, and apparently create a website, among many other things. You see where I’m going here? Students, you are going to receive a lot of advice, much of it unsolicited and/or unsubstantiated. Always be wary of the source, especially when the advice is potentially anachronistic, and when rumors start spreading, talk to someone who’s actually in the know. 

#3 There are more than 30 colleges in the US and 2 in the UK – No one seems to know the exact number of four-year colleges in the US. Let’s just say just short of 3,000. Students often start their college research process with the schools they’ve heard of—the ones with national reputations or regional colleges that are more practically appealing. But think of the research process as a world of possibility. Challenge your own perceptions, expand your horizons, and consider that you might only be in love with the idea of a college rather than the reality. Which pretty much leads to the next point.

#4 Any ranking system should be met with skepticism – I suppose US News and World Report is the main culprit here. They are one reason why I even had to bring up #3. I’ll admit that I like to look at these rankings from time to time just because I’m a bit of a college junkie, but please recognize that selectivity and fit are not the same thing. You need to define for yourself what you consider to be a “good” school, essentially creating your own personal unpublished rankings in the process. Because let’s be real, how much do you really care about the alumni giving rate?

#5 Comparisons are inevitable – This one is more for parents, and it makes me a little sad. I often hear well-meaning adults compare their child to other students or even another family member. I guess it’s just human nature to do so, but the collective effect can be emotionally draining—the thousand papercuts effect if that makes sense. And here’s the thing—it doesn’t even matter if the comparisons are positive or negative. It’s sending the message that the child has a measure to live up to. 

#6 Early applications can be an advantage, but not for everyone – The admissions process has become more accelerated with the rise of early applications. For Early Decision (a binding agreement to attend if admitted) in particular, students are enticed by the statistically higher admit rates of many schools. However, that’s misleading. A higher admit rate doesn’t necessarily mean you have a better chance of getting in. The early applicant pools are also the most competitive, and they include the committed athletes, the legacies, and other “hooked” applicants. It also may not make sense to apply early anyway if you intend to compare financial aid packages. But if applying Early Decision is still appealing to you, think very carefully about where you choose to place that chip. 

#7 So much stress – Mental health is a serious issue that tends to manifest during the college application process. Maybe parts of this post are stressing some of you out. Students in academically competitive environments are particularly affected because of the comparison culture introduced in #5. I wish I had the expert advice or the magic words to make the anxiety go away. Maybe the last point will help a little…

#8 “Where You Go Is Not Who You’ll Be” – Frank Bruni inspired this last and most important reality. His book has heavily influenced how I do my job, as idealistic as I can become at times. If you are not admitted to your first-choice school, all is not lost. You are still just getting started and your college experience will always be about what you make of it. 

Seniors, I hope you are able to find a college that will support you through your own personal changes and essential truths. Until then, good luck with the start of application season.