THE COLLEGE ADMISSION PROCESS
By Mike Kennedy

One of the most discussed topics in education today is college admission. It is a topic that brings about a great deal of enjoyment, interest, and at times, confusion and fear; all of which contribute to a very interesting process that involves the entire family.

Over the last twenty-five years, I have seen the college admissions process go from being relatively simple and uncomplicated, to one that can be extremely involved and uniquely personal. This should be an enjoyable time for families as they get together and look for the schools that best suit their academic, social and financial needs. With close to 3000 two and four year colleges and universities in this country, however the process can be somewhat overwhelming. Too often the process is filled with emotion and misinformation that can contribute to a student making a decision that may not be in their best interest. During the admissions process it is imperative that families remember how the process works and how they can make it work for them.

In order not to get bogged down discussing the various formulas, equations, etc., that the colleges use to make admission decisions, the focus of this article is on how the family can begin the process in a way that will make the entire process truly enjoyable. The following issues should be addressed before the actual college search begins.

1) Flexibility There are literally thousands of opportunities for students to pursue. This can be somewhat overwhelming. You must realize that there is almost always more than one school that will accommodate your needs. Don’t rule anything out as you begin the process. Maintain flexibility, as it will allow the process to work for you.

2) Honesty It is extremely important that all members of the family be honest with each other. Too often there are hidden agendas that both the student and the parents bring to the process. The student will often want to go to a school for reasons that have absolutely nothing to do with the school’s academic program. Parents will have economic or geographic limitations that they expect to be followed. Rather than truly communicating with each other both student and parent will “dance around “ these issues, which will inevitably lead to some interesting discussions that may negatively impact the overall college search.

3) Do your research. This process is one that is seriously hampered by rumors, misinformation and blatant untruths. People and institutions that the family is looking to for help promote much of it. Newspapers often don’t get into the specifics of how the process works. Many high school counselors are not that informed about the many opportunities that exist. They may try to “funnel” you to a few schools that they are familiar with. Also many of the guides that exist are, in many ways, for entertainment rather than providing purely objective information. It is important that you investigate your options by contacting the schools and asking questions concerning the programs.

4) Appreciate your strengths. When I work with families I ask students what their worst fear is and they often tell me that they are fearful of not being accepted anywhere. If you are flexible you will be accepted somewhere. Every student has a strength that will be appealing to a college. It is a matter of understanding what the college is looking for and being realistic about your options.

5) Enjoy the process. You are about to embark on an exciting part of your life. Please appreciate all of the opportunities that are available to you. It is a time for personal reflection as you evaluate your academic, social and financial needs. Once you have defined you needs do the research and enjoy the college search.

Mike Kennedy is President of The Kennedy Consulting Group, which is one of the most comprehensive educational consulting firms in the country. The firm specializes in the field of college admission and works with families, high schools and colleges in the area of college advising, consulting and marketing. He can be reached at 813/335-0546 or kenngrp@tampabay.rr.com, www.kenngroup.com