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An insightful article by Hamilton Gregg on why brand name institutions don’t necessarily equate to ‘best fit’ institutions in US college admissions
Often students assume that, just because they apply to a school, they should be admitted. They forget that there are other students also applying. Parents state that their child has such potential, they attend a great school and have earned top grades and should therefore be admitted to top schools. Infrequently, students take the necessary steps to stand out in the application process or more importantly do the required research on the schools to which they are applying.
One of the most important factors students overlook is the type of student they are and what educational environment would truly allow them to find the success they need to pursue careers in an ever changing world. They mistakenly assume that the name of the school will bring them the job of a lifetime. Thus, they create a laundry list of schools, known by name or ranking without a thought as to whether those schools truly suit them, their aspirations, or their goals. So caught up with the ‘brand name’ factor, they give little thought to whether those schools provide them with a setting in which they will thrive and prosper.
With the ease of applying through the Common or Universal Application, students often overlook the fact schools are looking for some kind of match with regard to the student. It is a two way process – student chooses school, school chooses student. So what will make the difference?
It is important to realise that there are many different types of schools and educational settings. Do the research and don’t just jump on a school because of name or ranking. Find out why that school will provide you with the educational opportunities to excel. While the common type of applications have simplified the process, many schools now require supplements which require a student to ‘make the case’ on why they have chosen that particular school. Viewing the main essay to common applications as the key to the admissions door, the supplemental essays are what actually open the door. In these essays, students state why they have chosen particular schools, why they think they are qualified candidates and what they hope to achieve if admitted. In order to answer any one of these questions well, students need to learn as much as they can about each school to which they apply. Simply stating ‘X University is a good school’ will only result in a letter of denial come April.
So, in an effort to truly stand out in the admission process remember that you are a unique candidate with special talents and strengths. Seek schools that can not only match and improve on those talents, but will also provide you with challenges and opportunities to take you further on your educational path. Remember, you are an individual with your own needs and goals. Apply that individuality to the research that you do and don’t be a sheep blindly walking forward. Take charge of your applications and reap the rewards.
The last word – so much hype has gone into earning a coveted place at a ‘top’ school. The media, peers and parents have increased the hyper sense of achievement if one attends a school of that calibre. Yet, if we look at the work place, successful people have found and made their opportunities at many different institutions. It is not about the school, it is about what the student does at the school, the opportunities they have made in the context of the education at the school they attend. So, go find the school or set of schools where you can be truly successful. Know why you are applying and be able to clearly state why you fit that institution’s goals, educational opportunities and community.
Written by Hamilton Gregg M. Ed (2011)
Educational Consultant
Hamilton Gregg International Educational Consulting (Beijing, China)
