I’m the oldest of three, first through college, and now hand down advice to The Middle Child about what to expect with college admissions, everything from advice on essay topics to my personal preference over in-person meeting than virtual(when current COVID conditions don’t apply). As I work my way into a M.Ed. in Higher Education, I find myself on the other side of the table, so to speak, and have a new perspective on the admissions process. Talking with Susquehanna University admissions representative Reuben Councill, here are the hardest questions he’s had to answer!
Location, Location, Location
Location is always a challenge. Students tend to think they want a big city, which Reuben counters with the idea of wanting a “big city” or wanting “stuff to do”? If you want “stuff to do”, you need a campus with an active and engaging student life. Cities may not be as interested in you unless you have money to spend. Active campuses on the other hand, have much to engage with without additional costs.
“You Know All of You Say the Same Things, Right?”
This from our more snarky high school seniors too jaded by the many college fairs.
As a former tour guide, storytelling is incredibly important. Reuben points out the distinction by serving up the same story two different ways. Specific stories make the campus come alive. They are things that students can only do on your specific campus in your specific location and let the student identify with exactly what their experience will be.
Version A.) During senior week, our students hike a mountain with the president for some great bonding time.
Version B.) During senior week, it is a long standing tradition that our seniors take a hike up Mount Mahanoy with President Green. The whole way up they swap stories about all their wonderful experiences over the past four years. After a grueling hike, they are rewarded with views for miles of the Susquehanna Valley and beverages of their choice while President Green shares a few of his own favorite memories with this particular class. What a great way to reflect on and celebrate your time on campus! And speaking about the on-campus experience…
Questions About Diversity
Reuben helps families understand that diversity is about more than skin color and that a “more diverse” campus is not always a “more inclusive” campus. It opens the door to a much more nuanced conversation that gives a more vivid picture of life on our particular campus.
“First-gen families have a special place in my heart. It is always important for a counselor to understand that they may be well-prepared by their guidance office, but they may also know NOTHING about the college search process. It is always best to err on the side of too much information as they often times won’t know how to ask clarifying questions.”
Reuben Councill
“Be very specific about the application process- the types of apps, the requirements, the timelines, the scholarships, etc. Also, spend extra time talking about the on-boarding process if a student chooses to enroll.”
- How do they get housing?
- How do they find roommates?
- How do they get all their stuff moved in?
- How do they travel to and from home?
He also points out many also don’t understand the structure of a college. They need to be introduced to the idea of a faculty advisor, a registrar, student financial services, tutoring services, career services, where to find help from residence life if they need it. First gen’s generally just require a more comprehensive overview of “what college is like” at the same time you are explaining what “life is like at your college.”
Let us know in the comments how your college admissions process was, or, if you aren’t quite there yet, what questions do you have? Reuben has been so kind as to make himself available to us, and allows a direct line we can tap whenever a question stumps us. For me personally, dealing with FASFA every year was the worst part! Share your favorite(or least favorite) memories about it with us!
firstgenclass.school.blog 