“We used to joke that the thicker the file, the thicker the kid.”, Joie Jager-Hyman, a consultant at CollegePrep360, has heard the same line. And by treating the position as a stepping stone or opportunity to explore the field of higher education, rather than dwelling on the drawbacks, it can be a beneficial learning experience. Recently, he served as director of the Webster University Myrtle Beach Metropolitan Extended Campus. “You’re showing a passion for a hobby.”, Captain of nine different squads? “And a guidance counselor may not like a family that’s rude or pestering. */. As the chief administrative officer, he worked to implement programs and policies to achieve Webster University's overall goals and objectives at the extended campus. Northeastern lecturer Adriel Hilton shares his firsthand perspective of what it’s like to work in college admissions. I was in the ideal position to learn my institution’s business model, as well as the political nuances of higher education, to advance my profession. A second committee member then sees the score and reads … He said his nickname was “Twinkie.” A week later, Toor got a box of Twinkies in the mail. Not only do they represent their school when recruiting students but, without students, there would be no need for a college or university. A job in admissions empowers you to help young people make a crucial life decision and navigate the transition from high school to college. “To put down ‘volleyball in grade nine’ is not really enhancing your application,” Friedfeld says. We offer a variety of resources, including scholarships and assistantships. EdD vs. PhD in Education: What’s the Difference? It can be a rewarding entry-level position working with prospective students, helping them make life-changing decisions. Adriel Hilton, PhD, MBA, is a lecturer in Northeastern's Master of Education in Higher Education Administration program, as well as the dean of students and diversity officer at Seton Hill University. 360 Huntington Ave., Boston, Massachusetts 02115 | 617.373.2000 | TTY 617.373.3768 | Emergency Information© 2019  Northeastern University | MyNortheastern. "Before a student gets her … Begin "Dear Dr/Mrs/Mr X" End "Kind regards" Corresponding with an admissions officer, particularly regarding an application, is serious, and requires a formal format. “Several years ago, Harvard researchers did a study that found that applying 'early decision' gives students the statistical equivalent of 100 extra SAT points after controlling for factors like legacy status or being a recruited athlete.” But, she cautions, selective colleges will still turn you away if you’re not a fit: It’s best to keep your targeted schools reasonable. “They’ll say they liked the writing. In a Daily Beast exclusive, college admissions officers reveal just how whimsical the selection process can be. Northeastern’s Master of Education (MEd) program, Professional Development Opportunities in Education, Tips for Taking Online Classes: 8 Strategies for Success. If your student is asking a genuine and interesting question, their email can also serve as a form of demonstrated interest for the college, which is an increasingly important factor in college admissions decisions. I’ve been here for about ten months. “ We asked three medical school admissions officers to give their best advice for how to approach reapplying and ways to strengthen your application. Since the college admissions counselor is a representative of the school, he or she must be knowledgeable of the institution, and possess strong oral and written communication skills, a suitable math aptitude, and be personable and energetic. Admissions officers typically need to make a case for borderline applicants at faculty meetings. Find out the steps you need to take to apply to your desired program. There are recruitment goals to meet, numerous personalities to deal with, typically a heavy travel schedule during peak recruitment periods—which, in most cases, is early fall—and always a lot of paperwork and digital media to maintain. The holistic review approach benefits applicants who may have not had the best academic marks, but can contribute to the college community in other ways. But you have few words, so use them to "talk about you as person and the life experiences you've had." An institution’s marketing department also develops a strategy, often including brochures, advertising campaigns, and social media, but it’s the admissions counselors’ job to use these tools to travel to high schools and college fairs and follow-up on generated leads for the purpose of selling the university to students. Will I feel at home at this school? Admissions officers usually provide their contact information via the admissions website because they want to be accessible and available to answer questions from applicants—either about the college application process or about the school. When building a well-balanced class, the committee review process can be a great tool to help admissions officers learn what makes a particular student tick and why he or she might be a good fit for the class. It’s not about that. In the words of retired four-star general Colin Powell, “A dream doesn’t become reality through magic; it takes sweat, determination and hard work.”. Reecy Aresty College Admissions/Financial Aid Expert & Author Payless For College, Inc. I took on a faculty role and then was given the position of university diversity officer, which added to my responsibilities. Having earned a doctorate, it was never my intention to stay at this level, but I had a plan and turned my rank into an opportunity to advance by listening, learning, pursuing a graduate education, and working hard. It's all about building a collaborate, balanced school, not just your skills. Prior to this I was working for the past four years in the Office of Admissions at Harvard Divinity School. That said, there can also be some drawbacks to the role. Greg Kaplan, a California-based independent college counselor and author of Earning Admission: Real Strategies for Getting Into Highly Selective Colleges, says, “Many students feel the need to be perfect at everything to present a ‘well-rounded’ application.” However, that’s often not what schools want. Although admission officers are friendly (you definitely need to be in their position) and a lot of them are pretty young (many are recent college grads themselves! The job of a college admissions counselor can be stressful and cause burnout. A college is a college, right? In the past, Hilton has served as chief of staff and executive assistant to the president of Grambling State University and assistant professor and director of the Higher Education Student Affairs program at Western Carolina University. Take a car dealership, for example: Its marketing department develops an advertising strategy to drive consumers to the showroom, where a salesperson takes over the actual function of selling a car to the customer. Admissions officers go through thousands of applications to curate their annual class of entering undergrads. Teaching yourself to play guitar is viable, and it’s something people don’t think about.”. I would like to thank the Office of Undergraduate Admissions once again for reviewing my application, and I would eagerly matriculate if offered a position in the Class of 2018. “As an admissions officer, you’re picking people to enroll in your community, your space, for the next four years. 7 Business Careers You Can Pursue with a Global Studies Degree. Conversely, if a student came from a family without a higher level of education, I revised those expectations.”, Officers will always have a profile of your high school, whether it’s part of your application or as an electronic resource. Even the comparatively welcoming University of Virginia greeted only 28.8 percent of applicants. “I was invited to a cattle ranch in Argentina once,” she says. YOUR HIGH SCHOOL MATTERS, TOO. “I’ve written many notes to students asking them to meet me as soon as they get to campus.” Friedfeld says universities are essentially looking for community residents with a four-year lease. If one’s objective is to have a career in higher education, however, there’s no better job to start with. So a lean file with excellent versions of all the required material is best.”, As most any college application advisor will tell you, the essay is your chance to personalize your file, turning it from a sterile collection of grade point averages to something with a beating heart. “I think it’s great to submit that stuff,” Friedfeld says. “Two letters of endorsement are enough,” she says, “unless a third can really shed new light on the student.” The record at Duke was 32 letters, though Toor once heard Georgetown had an application with 70. (Toor's next book, on writing essays, is due from the University of Chicago Press in fall 2017.) ‘An over­eager Eagle Scout on the wait list pitched a tent on the lawn of the Admissions Office to show how ardently he was interested. “If a student is coming from a background where their father is a lawyer and their mother is a doctor, the expectations are going to be higher regarding grades and extracurricular activity. If you enjoyed the college experience, a job as an admissions officer may be fulfilling, as it allows you to pass on that experience to others. “People do whatever they think is going to help them.”, Higher learning can be a lofty ambition. While most any topic will work in the right hands, dwelling on your chronic medical conditions may not be best, Friedfeld says. “Officers look at social media to help figure a student out. #mc_embed_signup{background:#fff; clear:left; font:14px Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif; } The job of a college admissions counselor can be stressful and cause burnout. Two traits they especially value are demonstrated leadership and strength of character. Officers will always have a profile of your high school, … Have a crazy or interesting job you'd like to tell us about anonymously? “It’s just pointing out you didn’t stick with it.” Instead, opt for four to seven extracurricular activities and commit to them. A student admissions officer from a prominent NE medical school helps elucidate the admissions process at his school. Explore Northeastern’s first international campus in Canada’s high-tech hub. (Getty Images) Grades and test scores may measure a … "We often tell students, 'if we were seated with you at a table, and asking you some questions, kind of conversational, what might you tell us?' “You never know who’s reading an application. It’s no different in higher education. Admission officers look for a wide variety of factors before deciding which applicants they would like to interview. What is a typical day on the job like … I like angst-ridden poets with green hair who like to go riding, while a colleague might like eagle scouts. Soon, things began to pay off. In-Demand Biotechnology Careers Shaping Our Future, The Benefits of Online Learning: 7 Advantages of Online Degrees, How to Write a Statement of Purpose for Graduate School, Online Learning Tips, Strategies & Advice, 6 Tips for Navigating Group Work in an Online Class, Career Resilience: What it Is and How to Build It, 360 Huntington Ave., Boston, Massachusetts 02115. This job also enables you to remain connected to the education environment and enjoy the vibrant culture of campus life … College admissions counselors serve a key role at their institution. While they may seem like the judge, the jury, and the hangman; that is only one aspect of their position! I graduated from Harvard in 2006, and have spent eight of the last nine years working as an admissions officer for my alma mater. “There’s a concern if we admit a student like that, he or she won’t fare well because they’ve been under-prepped.”, Rachel Toor worked in college admissions at Duke before writing a book, Admissions Confidential. It’s about whether you liked who wrote it.”, A portfolio of photography, illustrations, or musical recordings isn’t a bad idea even if you’re looking at a non-art major. Any admissions officer worth their position knows rankings like the US News & World Report Best Colleges list are capitalistic undertakings rooted in junk science. Like if you're a complete narcissist, if that comes across in tone even though the essay is creative it will put off admissions officer. Those who pursue an MEd will quickly realize that what they’re learning translates to the work they’re doing within their current role. “It means that weaker applicants often send more supplementary materials to compensate for their lack of credentials. Email [email protected]buzzfeed.com. I work in the Office of Admission at Teachers College, Columbia University where I am an Assistant Director of Admission. By providing us with your email, you agree to the terms of our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. For the past three years, I've been an admissions officer at a large university. Stay up to date on our latest posts and university events. Other less-than-optimal clotheslines: poetry, or how you cope with privilege. Submitting applications to colleges in late fall has its advantages. If you have specific questions about academic programs or campus life (or just want to touch base with the admissions officer assigned to your geographic … “Founding a club or starting a program in your community shows initiative. They accepted just 2106. While you may think you’re showing diversity, you may actually be convincing the admissions office you can’t sit still. If you weren’t accepted on your first try, don’t be discouraged! This blog provides tips for students on how to contact an admissions officer at their prospective colleges and why it is important during coronavirus. Abbott adds, if your resume is largely focused on one thing (sports, business, politics, etc.) It could be a 23-year-old liberal or a 65-year-old conservative.” And if your Facebook or Twitter profile consists of you passed out in bars, consider closing or locking the accounts. While it certainly can’t hurt to have parents donating enough money for a new building on campus, it’s far more likely your mom and dad will impact your application in a different way. Industry Advice By the time the president was ready to move on to another job, so was I. The essay is your forum to tell an admissions officer and committee a story." Higher learning can be a lofty ambition. ... You tell us to find gems like … (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics). “80 percent of students who apply could do the work if they were admitted,” Toor says. Another time, she asked a student during an in-person interview to reveal something interesting. For the class of 2020, Harvard. Admissions officers like Warren are excited to admit students who are passionate, creative, gritty, and driven. These personal qualities could include integrity, caring for others, thoughtfulness, humor, and passion. “If someone is coming from a very challenging high school, there’s some forgiveness for slightly lower grades or class standing,” Friedfeld says. Admissions officers will read the applications of thousands of club presidents, captains, and elected officials. articles revealing the “secrets” of the college admissions process 2 Admissions officers want to get to know students and admit those applicants who they think will excel at the institution and make a positive impact on the campus community. Not so fast. Boring math geniuses, oboe-playing poets, and rich … “People write stronger and better letters for students they like,” Friedfeld says. It may not be a negative letter, but it will be modest.” An exasperated teacher may write that a student will “come into his own.” That’s code, he says, for someone immature. Admissions officers want to learn about your personal qualities and strengths from your recommenders. /* Add your own Mailchimp form style overrides in your site stylesheet or in this style block. Deleting it or locking it is the way to go.”, Toor recalls reviewing applications that came with some not-quite-subtle attempts at currying favor. you might want to consider another subject to write about. It goes without saying that the medical school application process is competitive. “Context is everything,” says Stephen Friedfeld, a former admissions officer for Cornell and co-founder of AcceptU, an admissions counseling service. This is a good thing, since having a passionate advocate means your application stood out—but it also means not everyone is going to agree. But if a school has a relatively low percentage of students that go on to four-year colleges, you’ll have to work harder to impress. The public and private are inevitably in conflict, and the place on each campus where that conflict plays out is the admissions office. There are recruitment goals to meet, numerous personalities to deal with, typically a heavy travel schedule during peak recruitment periods—which, in most cases, is early fall—and always a lot of paperwork and digital media to maintain. My next position was a step up as an assistant vice president at a state university. An 18-year-old fresh out … At Northeastern, faculty and students collaborate in our more than 30 federally funded research centers, tackling some of the biggest challenges in health, security, and sustainability. Faculty Insights Learn more about Northeastern University graduate programs. While a negative rating won’t hurt, a positive rating could be the small boost that makes a difference. Education. Tangible accomplishments within leadership are what show character-- not just the position itself. Public Health Careers: What Can You Do With a Master’s Degree? Process Overview At this particular school, members of the medical school admissions committee screen applications and assign a score, which conveys the level of desire to extend the candidate an interview. "Admission officers are savvier than ever in comparing your application persona versus your recommender's impression of your persona versus your online persona to see if … To learn more about how you can advance your career in higher education administration, download the guide below. You make an argument for the kid you like the most.”, Doing everything right on your application can be undermined with a return email address of beerpong59@aol.com. Email an admissions officer when you have a legitimate question that you can’t find the answer to on the college website. Different sport every year? To learn more about the process, mental_floss spoke with several former admissions officers on what happens when your condensed life story hits their desk. Look for ways to better evolve your club or team; don't be afraid to make changes for the better. “I tell kids that their job is to make the [officer] fall in love with you,” Toor says. We recommend moving this block and the preceding CSS link to the HEAD of your HTML file. “I understand it affects them meaningfully, but it might be better to choose something other than an ailment to make the essay more positive.”. Admissions officers can also use a “+” or a “-” to enhance or reduce the ranking. Higher education administration jobs are expected to grow 15% by 2020. ), you still need to be formal when emailing them. “I’d rather read about a student learning French cooking at home than learning French because their family vacationed in Europe,” Friedfeld says. Plus receive relevant career tips and grad school advice. Personally, I used my first role as executive assistant to the president at a private university as a stepping stone in my career. Admissions officers are human and their job is to help you determine if the school is a good fit for you and them. We obviously can't do that for everybody, so this is a way to get that conversation." “Maybe if a student is phenomenal, but if it’s on the cusp, it can break an application,” Friedfeld says. “At Cornell, we’d send music to the recording department and they’d rank it from one to four.” (Admissions officers might have tin ears.) It is not enough just to have a position. They can have a pretty big say in what happens after graduation, particularly when it comes to recommendation letters. “We all have our personal predilections. Vetting these thousands of hopefuls are college admissions officers, typically alumni of the school who review applications for the best, brightest, and most valued would-be graduates. Surely there is a head of admissions? Typically, an admissions counselor works daily with some unit of the university, such as financial aid, student affairs, the president’s office, athletics, or alumni relations. In 2016, Cornell admitted 14 percent of prospective students. As a lecturer within Northeastern’s Master of Education (MEd) program and an advocate for higher education administration and student affairs, I encourage individuals who want to advance at a college, university, nonprofit, or think tank to pursue a graduate education. Personal qualities are not easy to measure, but admission officers look at the items listed below for clues to an applicant's character. After all, you want to show that you’re mature, articulate—and ready for college and the real world. A low-level volunteer, sure, but an official one all the same. Even starting a blog is worthwhile. Extracurricular activities: What you do outside the classroom reveals a … CMD has distinguished itself as a top institution for me, and I am continuously in awe as I read about its amazing work in helping students achieve their dreams. Some of today’s most in-demand disciplines—ready for you to plug into anytime, anywhere with the Professional Advancement Network. “Applying ‘early decision’ is undoubtedly a boost at almost any college,” Jager-Hyman says. For the class of 2020, Harvard received 39,041 applications for admission. Admissions officers look at much more than the topic students select when assessing college essays. They’re going to choose who they like and who they want to get to know.” At AcceptU, Friedfeld hands out sample essays, then asks students their thoughts. Learn more about how you can change the course of higher education—from the skills you need to the different roles available. 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