College Admission Brief: Recent Episodes
Georgia Tech Admission
Brief stories, tips, insight and advice for students and parents about the college admission experience. How bad could it be? Find out here.
Like what you hear and want to read more? https://sites.gatech.edu/admission-blog/.
Follow us @gtadmission across social platforms
This week, Senior Assistant Director Katie Mattli breaks down everything you need to know about Georgia Tech's waitlist. We talk about how and when we notify students, how we assess our waitlist, and provide more information for your next steps.
previous waitlist episodes can be found here and here.
This month, Transfer Program Manager Lasean Price joins us to demystify the details and requirements of our various transfer pathway programs.
All Georgia Tech Transfer Pathway Programs
Transfer Pathway FAQ
Hear more from our transfer counselors: Transfer Pathway Video Playlist
Rick and Sammy share tips and insights for deferred students, and pull back the curtain on what goes on in the Georgia Tech Office of Undergraduate Admission leading up to decision release.
submit your question: https://b.gatech.edu/3RRo1rq
We're back! In today's episode, Rick Clark and Sammy Rose-Sinclair catch everyone up with a look back on the evolution of the College Admission Brief, and discuss a shift in the direction it's headed. They kick off the show's new focus by easing some anxiety surrounding document deadlines, and answering whether self-reporting standardized test-scores has any impact on admission review.
We'll be back soon with an episode on next steps for deferred applicants at Georgia Tech, then look forward to returning next year with our new content and monthly schedule!
NACAC Podcast Network
First-Year Admission Deadlines
Happy 100! The College Admission Brief was created for students and their support networks from the very start, so today, we're celebrating number 100 with an episode of questions from you!
Suggest a question or topic for an upcoming episode: https://b.gatech.edu/3GD2Yn3
This week, AVP and Executive Director of Undergraduate Admission Rick Clark shares nuances in GPAs and standardized tests, and what students might instead focus on to encourage their success in their admission experience.
Blog part 1: https://b.gatech.edu/3qgV38H
Blog part 2: https://b.gatech.edu/3eyWddb
In this blog and recording from 2018, AVP and Executive Director of Admission Rick Clark offers his reflections to students and their parents about finding the right institution for them.
Read the blog: https://sites.gatech.edu/admission-blog/2018/06/06/hey-ya/
This week, AVP and Executive Director of Admission Rick Clark explores the drivers behind college application deadlines, the different college application plans, and how students can stay on top of them throughout the process.
Read the blog: https://b.gatech.edu/3cki5aR
Suggest a question or topic for an upcoming episode: https://b.gatech.edu/3GD2Yn3
Bringing wealth of knowledge in the college admission search process, Brennan Barnard (Director of College Counseling at Khan Lab School) shares how students can find and utilize open data about colleges to inform their search process.
Read the articles: https://bit.ly/3ae03X8
Suggest a question or topic for an upcoming episode: https://b.gatech.edu/3GD2Yn3
Assistant Director of Admission and Digital Media Sammy Rose-Sinclair joins Dr. John Durante to talk about Georgia Tech and our admission process on his show, the College Admission Process Podcast.
Listen to the full episode-
Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3MXPYei
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/39sUKCK
Or, search “College Admission Process” on your preferred podcast platform.
It’s high school graduation season for the Class of 2022! This week, AVP and Executive Director of Admission Rick Clark shares messages of wisdom, guidance, and support for graduating seniors as they prepare to start their next chapter.
Read the blog: https://b.gatech.edu/38yROEb
Suggest a question or topic for an upcoming episode: https://b.gatech.edu/3GD2Yn3
Getting ready for your student to head to college? This week we're joined by Georgia Tech’s Director of Parent & Family Programs, Laci Weeden, as she shares helpful tips for parents and supporting adults on how to navigate the transition from home to campus.
Read the blog: https://b.gatech.edu/39P3eDW
Submit your own question to be answered on a future episode: https://b.gatech.edu/3GD2Yn3
With early May college decision dates now behind us, AVP and Executive Director of Admission Rick Clark shares advice and hopes for the parents and guardians of the next class of students to apply to college.
Read the blog: https://b.gatech.edu/3P8lJnd
Suggest a question or topic for an upcoming episode: https://b.gatech.edu/3GD2Yn3
This week, Associate Director of Guest Experience, Andrew Cohen shares insights into ways that admitted students can refine and reframe their campus visit questions to help guide them in making a final college choice.
Read the blog: https://b.gatech.edu/3K5mppF
Suggest a question or topic for an upcoming episode: https://b.gatech.edu/3GD2Yn3
This week, Regional Director of Admission for the Mid Atlantic, Kathleen Voss, is back to provide an update on her daughter's college search journey and the process and factors that her family is using to make a final choice.
Suggest a question or topic for an upcoming episode: https://b.gatech.edu/3GD2Yn3
It might be April, but we're talking March Madness this week with AVP and Executive Director of Admission, Rick Clark. Rick shares parallels between making it to the big dance and admission to college, as well as the considerations that admission representatives look at in waitlist and major review.
Read the blog:https://b.gatech.edu/36TQSJZ
Suggest a question or topic for an upcoming episode: https://b.gatech.edu/3GD2Yn3
Deferrals, waitlists, and rejections are all part of the college admission process, but difficult to face. Admission Director Rick Clark tries to soothe some of the anxiety and frustration by explaining the missions behind college admission.
Read the blog post here: https://sites.gatech.edu/admission-blog/2017/05/16/admission-its-not-fair/
Share a question or topic you'd like discussed in an upcoming episode: https://b.gatech.edu/3GD2Yn3
Inspired by a recent message from a young student concerned about college admission, Assistant Vice Provost and Executive Director of Undergraduate Admission Rick Clark discusses his hopes for the perspective that underclassmen will have when looking ahead at college.
Read the blog: https://b.gatech.edu/36CTmvK
Suggest a question or topic for an upcoming episode: https://b.gatech.edu/3GD2Yn3
P.S... curious about the whistle you heard? https://traditions.gatech.edu/whistle.html
The dreaded waitlist decision is inevitable for many students applying to college. This week on the podcast, Executive Director of Admission Rick Clark explains why students get waitlisted and offers them advice on how to move forward.
Read the full article on our admission blog here: https://sites.gatech.edu/admission-blog/2019/03/06/the-waitlist-still-sucks/
Suggest a question or topic for an upcoming episode: https://b.gatech.edu/3GD2Yn3
This week, Regional Director of Admission for the Mid Atlantic, Kathleen Voss, provides perspective while she parents her daughter through her admission experience and decisions.
Read the blog: https://b.gatech.edu/3I87cUs
Suggest a question or topic for an upcoming episode: https://b.gatech.edu/3GD2Yn3
This Valentine's Day, we're taking quite the contrarian approach to holiday norms and deep diving into discipline records. Undergraduate Admission Director Rick Clark explains how a student’s discipline history is reviewed through the lens of the holistic admission process.
Read the blog here: https://b.gatech.edu/3HXuFrm
Have a question you’d like us to discuss on a future episode? Leave it here: https://b.gatech.edu/3GD2Yn3
This week, Admission Director Rick Clark shares a few messages of advice and perspective for parents and guardians of college applicants- listen, and read more messages for parents below!
Three Messages Parents of High School Students Need to Hear About College Admission (blog)
Part One: https://b.gatech.edu/3HLe9uN
Part Two: https://b.gatech.edu/3HLeail
Have a question you’d like us to discuss on a future episode? Leave it here: https://b.gatech.edu/3GD2Yn3
It can be tempting to rip open the envelope and solve the mystery without actually finishing the game of Clue. Undergraduate Admission Director Rick Clark explains why making the most of your college admission experience is worth it in the end.
Read the article on our Admission Blog here: https://sites.gatech.edu/admission-blog/2019/01/30/admission-mystery-follow-the-clues/
NEW: Submit a question or topic for a future episode! https://b.gatech.edu/3GD2Yn3
This week Assistant Director of Admission & Digital Media Sammy Rose-Sinclair discusses holistic academic review and the limitations comparing GPAs as an indicator of a future admission decision
Read the blog: https://b.gatech.edu/3ruIq9Z
This week, we welcome our first student podcast and blog guest, Sarah Engel! Sarah chats with Rick about the skewed perspective on college admission that movies, TV, and social media give, and offers and important reminder to take a break from the screen.
Read the blog: https://b.gatech.edu/3qBA6pR
Normal People, Hulu: https://hulu.tv/3dWKXn5
Submit a question or topic for a future episode! https://b.gatech.edu/3GD2Yn3
On this week’s episode, we’re bringing back a 2017 reading of Rick Clark’s blog for students as they await admission decisions: Be Cool
Read the blog: https://sites.gatech.edu/admission-blog/2017/03/09/be-cool/
Submit a question or topic for a future episode! https://b.gatech.edu/3GD2Yn3
Georgia Tech's Director of Undergraduate Admission Rick Clark offers a Thanksgiving reflection to high school students and their parents.
A note—while this episode discusses parent/student relationships, we also hope you’ll share these reflections with guardians, loved ones, and trusted adults supporting you in your admission experience.
From her recent career change of college & career counseling to admission, to her fantastic media recommendations (see below), Tara Miller (Assistant Director of Admissions at St. Mary’s University) shares valuable insights and lessons learned through the lens of new perspectives.
Recommendations
Reservation Dogs https://www.fxnetworks.com/shows/reservation-dogs
Wonder Years: https://abc.com/shows/the-wonder-years
What If… : https://bit.ly/32jVS7P
Muhammad Ali: https://www.pbs.org/kenburns/muhammad-ali/
The 19th News: https://19thnews.org/
Happy First Gen Day! For this year's First-Generation College Celebration, Georgia Tech's first First-Generation and Limited Income Program & Operations Manager, Dr. Charmaine Troy, joins us to share her insights. Listen for thoughts on finding community, navigating imposture syndrome, and reminders about scholarships and deadlines.
More on Dr. Troy's work at Georgia Tech: https://b.gatech.edu/3khocOa
It's time to change the question of "Is that a good school?" to "Is that a good school 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘮𝘦?"
Undergraduate Admission Director Rick Clark shares tips for embracing a more nuanced approach to your college search.
Read the blog:https://sites.gatech.edu/admission-blog/2021/10/24/is-that-a-good-school/
Happy National Transfer Student Week! Associate director of operations and transfer, Chad Bryant, joins us to provide tips, insight, and resources for students and their support networks as they navigate transfer admission.
Resources
National Student Clearinghouse Research Center: https://bit.ly/35gUvEC
National Institute for the Study of Transfer Students: https://www.nists.org/
American Association of Community Colleges: https://bit.ly/2ILu8iN
NACAC: https://bit.ly/2HnaNE0
Jack Kent Cooke Foundation: https://www.jkcf.org
The Aspen Institute: https://www.aspeninstitute.org/
Adam Grant book and social: https://www.adamgrant.net/book/think-again/
Planning out your college visits? Associate Director of Guest Experience, Andrew Cohen, and Senior Assistant Director of Admission, Katie Faussmagne, share their insights on when to visit virtually vs in person, and how to make the most of different visit opportunities available.
College Visit Bingo: b.gatech.edu/3BJtqZY
Have you ever wondered how colleges know how many students to admit? Or the models that admission deans everywhere rely on in enrolling a class? Undergraduate Admission Director Rick Clark digs into the process in this week's episode. Lot's of numbers and rates to unpack here, so if you have lingering questions you'd like us to follow up on, let us know on social: @gtadmission
Read the blog (Spoiler alert: the BS rate isn't quite as scandalous as we made it out to be): https://b.gatech.edu/3lcaLjB
Read more from last year's blog, Nuance in the Numbers: https://b.gatech.edu/3AarBDH
The FAFSA and CSS profile are available for submission starting later this week. Need to brush up on the basics of financial aid before then? Assistant Director Larry Stokes and Regional Director of Admission Kathleen Voss walk you through financial aid 101.
Resources mentioned in the episode:
Careeronestop (US Department of Labor): https://bit.ly/careeronestopscholarships
College Board: https://www.collegeboard.org
Fast Web: https://www.fastweb.com/
Scholarship America: https://scholarshipamerica.org
This week, Senior Admission Counselor Caroline Cox discusses how admission counselors consider the context of a student's environment, interests, and the pandemic, to review their extracurricular involvements
In this episode, Assistant Director of Digital Media Sammy Rose-Sinclair walks students through the steps of the admission process from a counselor’s perspectives, and the types of priorities and conversations we’re having as we review.
This week, Director of Undergraduate Admission Rick Clark shares insights on how colleges review applications in part one of his blog, as well as ways you should approach your college admission experience like an Olympian.
Blog, part one: https://b.gatech.edu/3zVUwvO
Blog, part two: https://b.gatech.edu/3tckRn5
This week, Senior Assistant Director Katie Mattli talks to Admission Director Rick Clark about how admission counselors are reviewing changes to students’ academics during covid, and how students can best communicate those changes on their application.
What questions should students be asking in their college admission experience? Who should they be asking? Julian Taylor talks to Admission Director Rick Clark to share his insights.
The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People: https://www.franklincovey.com/the-7-habits/
In this week’s episode of the Basics of College Admission 2.0 series, Admission Director, Rick Clark, and Assistant Director of Digital Media, Sammy Rose-Sinclair, share thoughts on finding your “why” and choosing an essay topic.
What's the question? And why should you be asking? Georgia Tech Admission Director Rick Clark discusses in this week's episode
John Meacham Podcasts-
Hope Through History: https://www.history.com/hope-through-history
It Was Said: https://www.history.com/it-was-said-podcast
Recha Reid is Assistant Director for Student Innovation and Undergraduate Research for the Office of Undergraduate Education (OUE) at Georgia Tech. On this episode, she discusses the details of research opportunities for undergraduate students, and how high school students can start exploring research now.
More on Recha: http://www.undergradresearch.gatech.edu/about-us/who-we-are
Introducing the Basics of College Admission 2.0. In the coming months, we’ll be sharing episodes on asking good questions during the college admission search, answering the community disruption question, academic review within the context of Covid, applied opportunities you might look out for at the colleges you’re applying to, and more. We’ll see you back here tomorrow for the first episode on research opportunities in college!
Have a question you want answered on the podcast? Message us on social media (gtadmission)
Before the Common Application opens for submission for the 2021-2022 year this weekend, we’re bringing back a reading of Admission Director Rick Clark’s 2018 blog, The Other Side
Read the blog: https://b.gatech.edu/3iRpqy7
Listen to the song, The Other Side, from the Greatest Showman: https://youtu.be/Wk008ADh4iY
In this episode Rick shares how mission plays into admission decisions, and how students might consider their own missions & what’s important to them as they begin their college search.
Big Future: https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/
Niche: https://www.niche.com/
Campus Pride Index: https://www.campusprideindex.org/
Colleges that Change Lives: https://ctcl.org/
Read the "Mission Matters" blog: https://b.gatech.edu/2Uz07cf
Read the “NEEDED-New College Admissions Map" blog: https://b.gatech.edu/2VYaJS9
As he prepares for his second, first day of work and a new role with the Greater New Orleans Foundation, Jeff Schiffman, Director of Admission at Tulane University, sits down with Rick to share parting words of advice with students and parents, and his hopes for the future of college admission.
Jeff’s recommendations:
Greater New Orleans Foundation: https://www.gnof.org/
Tulane University Admission Blog: http://tuadmissionjeff.blogspot.com/
Georgia Tech Admission Blog, “Is it OK if I…?” : https://b.gatech.edu/3kdtWtp
Calm App: https://www.calm.com/
Peloton App: https://www.onepeloton.com/
Designing Your Life: https://designingyour.life/
Trevor Noah, Born A Crime: https://g.co/kgs/jQ45mh
Throughout the year, you’ve heard Georgia Tech’s Director of Undergraduate Admission Rick Clark share his predictions for the 2020-2021 application cycle. How’d they turn out? Well, it depends! Listen as Rick takes a look back at his predictions, and shares a look forward at what the outcomes mean for future college applicants.
Read the blog: https://b.gatech.edu/3xZyHdo
How will you be described by others one day? What will your sentence be? Georgia Tech Football’s Head Strength and Conditioning Coach Lewis Caralla joins Admission Director Rick Clark, as Caralla discusses earning your sentence, and surrounding yourself with people who move you forward.
Follow Coach Caralla:
Instagram: https://instagram.com/lewcaralla
Twitter: https://twitter.com/LewisCaralla
Watch the video: https://bit.ly/3zExuKg
Read the blog: https://b.gatech.edu/3wE4ssw
Slighty different length and logo, but overall still the same College Admission Brief. Thank you so much for listening over the past year, we'll be back with a new episode Monday!
Giving 110%? Call us cynics, but that just doesn’t add up! Instead, Admission Director Rick Clark makes a case for controlling what you can control, and focusing on the parts of the admission cycle that you own as an applicant... your 75%.
Read the blog: https://b.gatech.edu/3frwzoz
In this extended episode, Senior Assistant Director of Admission Katie Faussmagne, and Regional Director of Admission Kathleen Voss, join Admission Director Rick Clark for their first chat about parenting through the admission experience.
Read the blog: https://b.gatech.edu/3fFOjLR
This week we welcome Director of Communications for Enrollment Management, Becky Tankersley, to the blog. Welcome, Becky! Becky provides insight on decision release from an enrollment communicator’s perspective, and shares the importance of mindful engagement with communications throughout the admission cycle.
Read Becky’s blog: https://b.gatech.edu/2PsDQdw
Discussed in the episode:
Navigating College Admissions: An UN-Romantic Solution: https://b.gatech.edu/3gKwg9u
The Muppet Movie: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0079588/
Center for Puppetry Arts: https://puppet.org/
When admission decisions don’t go as expected, it can really sting. This week, Admission Director Rick Clark offers some perspective on those decisions.
Read the blog: https://b.gatech.edu/3v2PPxx
How do waitlists work? How don't they work? And WHY do waitlists exist?! Admission Director Rick Clark shares insights.
Read the blog: https://b.gatech.edu/3rVi5Aj
Time to grab a new map! This week, Admission Director Rick Clark is challenging you to expand your horizions and get a sense of all your options as your start your college search.
Read the blog: https://b.gatech.edu/3vUgOwv
In a typical year, colleges rely on historical yield models to guide their admission decisions. This year? There's a few extra variables to consider. Georgia Tech Admission Director Rick Clark makes his predictions for what the next few months may hold.
Read the blog: https://b.gatech.edu/2QxWVLE
Uncertainty is unfomfortable! This week, Senior Admission Counselor Sammy Rose-Sinclair shares some perspective while you wait for your admission decision.
Read the Blog, Waiting In Uncertainty: https://b.gatech.edu/3rclJGw
More resources:
Grown & Flown's Best College Admission Blogs: https://bit.ly/306nkBx
More admission podcasts: https://bit.ly/2PwkIeo
Cited Research on waiting: https://psycnet.apa.org/record/2014-19904-010
This week, it's all about the numbers! Admission Director Rick Clark is talking admit rates, deferral rates, and application numbers. Spoiler: there's more than meets the eye here.
Read the blog: https://b.gatech.edu/3pVHkkP
This week we welcome Katie Lloyd, Ed.D., Associate Dean, Evening and Full-time MBA Programs at the Scheller College of Business to the podcast! Dr. Loyd shares myths and misperceptions undergraduate students may have about the MBA, as well as insights learned from her college selection & and her son's current admission experience.
Read the blog: https://b.gatech.edu/3pogzW4
The Daily Podcast: https://www.nytimes.com/column/the-daily
We’ve got an extended episode to celebrate one year of the College Admission Brief! (We know it’s still only 13 minutes... but “extended” is relative when we’ve typically got a ten minute promise, right?)
We’re spending some extra time chatting with Admission Director Rick Clark about the words that shape our perspective of college and college admission.
Thank you to everyone who’s listened along this year- more to come! Let us know what you’d like us to talk about next- @gtadmission
Read the blog: https://b.gatech.edu/3p4Vccd
This week, Admission Director Rick Clark draws parallels between the emotions that students and admission counselors experience as they prepare for, and respond to, admission decisions. He also takes a look back at how review and decisions have changed (and not changed!) this year.
Read the blog: https://b.gatech.edu/2YCHN0i
The first days of 2021 have been difficult and dark. However, for admission counselors around the world, reading of students' hopes, dreams, resolve, and purpose has brought us encouragement and light.
This week, Admission Director Rick Clark returns the favor by sharing his own words of hope and encouragement back to students.
Read the blog: https://b.gatech.edu/2LEiibQ
We're back to basics once again! In this second half of a two part conversation, we're talking to Assistant Director of International Recruitment, Sara Riggs, about what international students should know as they navigate college admission to American universities. Missed part one? Check out the episode that immediately precedes this for thoughts on standardized testing and visits.
Note: The Georgia Tech interviews discussed in this episode are solely to determine English language proficiency. Georgia Tech does not conduct informational interviews.
Open Doors Data: https://www.iie.org/opendoors
For more like this, check out our admission blog: https://sites.gatech.edu/admission-blog/
We're back to basics once again! In this first half of a two part conversation, we're talking to Assistant Director of International Recruitment, Sara Riggs, about what international students should know as they navigate college admission to American universities.
Get Wise podcast: https://bit.ly/3ojQlEA
For more like this, check out our admission blog: https://sites.gatech.edu/admission-blog/
Rejection hurts! In this recording of his 2018 blog by the same name, Admission Director Rick Clark shares some truths about handling that moment.
Read the blog: https://b.gatech.edu/3gS7Dpl
What does being deferred really mean? Why are students deferred, and what should they do (and not do) next? Admission Director Rick Clark shares his insights.
Read the blog: https://b.gatech.edu/3mcibAu
Submit a question or topic for a future episode! https://b.gatech.edu/3GD2Yn3
In this recording of his 2019 blog “I Have a Brother”, Admission Director Rick Clark shares an encouraging story of growth, hope, and triumph through disappointment.
Read the blog: https://b.gatech.edu/36Ul5G0
In this episode, Rick Clark answers questions and talks about his recent blog, College Admission: Read, See, Discuss (…and Be Thankful). Which parts of the admission experience do you control, how can you wait and prepare for decisions, and how important are test scores? Lets talk about it.
If you have something you'd like us to cover in a future episode, share your question with us on Twitter/Instagram/Facebook/Reddit/YouTube (gtadmission on all platforms).
Brennan Barnard, Fact-Checking College Admission: https://bit.ly/36EwDNm
Read Rick's Blog: https://b.gatech.edu/2IdqbDF
Did you take the Preparation Day pledge this week? It’s not too late! Admission Director Rick Clark explains what that means, and gets you prepared for upcoming admission decisions in this recording of his 2018 blog, Preparation Day.
Read the blog: https://b.gatech.edu/2L29f40
This week, Rick Clark reminds students that numbers, while helpful, rarely tell the entire story. Your goal is to dig deeper, look beyond the numbers, and ask the questions that are important to them.
Read the blog: https://b.gatech.edu/3pISvPg
Fewer apps? Higher admit rates? Our Admission Director predicts changes in the admission landscape for the year ahead, and discusses what that means for students.
More numbers from this year: https://www.wsj.com/articles/college-admissions-season-was-already-stressful-pandemic-made-it-chaotic-11604917801
Read the blog: https://b.gatech.edu/32AmY7V
Check out the pumpkin patch: https://bit.ly/3nem2hE
Senior Assistant Director of Admission Katie Faussemagne joins us to answer the question, who are the people reading your application after your press submit? (And who are they not?) She delves into their background, mentality, and goals-- all important pieces to understand as you apply to college and interact with these folks in the year ahead.
Our Five Part Series on the Admission Team starts here: https://sites.gatech.edu/admission-blog/2016/11/03/breaking-down-the-admission-team-week-1-defensespecial-teams/
For more like this, visit our admission blog: https://sites.gatech.edu/admission-blog/
Lary Stokes, Tech alum and Customer Service Manager for the Office of Scholarships & Financial Aid, discusses the basics of financial aid, including the FAFSA, CSS Profile and the critical importance of deadlines, document completion, and the need to familiarize yourself with the different processes and requirements from one college to the next.
Further reading:
https://www.fastweb.com/
https://collegecost.ed.gov/
https://studentaid.gov/
https://sites.gatech.edu/admission-blog/
Happy National Transfer Student Week! Join us as Associate Director of Undergraduate Admission Chad Bryant breaks down some data and tips behind the transfer admission process
National Student Clearinghouse Research Center: https://bit.ly/35gUvEC
National Institute for the Study of Transfer Students: https://www.nists.org/
American Association of Community Colleges: https://bit.ly/2ILu8iN
NACAC: https://bit.ly/2HnaNE0
Chelsea Scoffone, Associate Director of Georgia Tech's Office of Special Scholarships, shares great tips on how to prepare for an admission or scholarship interview, and what university representatives are hoping to glean from those conversations.
Tips on interviews from Big Future: https://bit.ly/2ID5wsv
College Interview Questions to Prepare for, from US News: https://bit.ly/3lMdD46
For more like this, visit the admission blog: https://sites.gatech.edu/admission-blog/
Admission Director Rick Clark shares reflections and lessons learned from Covid-19, and gives his take on what may lie ahead for students and college admission. He encourages students to take the same approach we've taken in our office. Consider- Silver linings, lessons learned, what you want to keep forever, and what you never want to go back to.
(And, importantly, a strong Ferris Bueller recommendation.)
Read the blog: https://b.gatech.edu/2GInNnJ
Regional Director of Admission (Mid-Atlantic) Kathleen Voss covers the who’s, the how’s, and the when’s that surround letters of recommendation from your counselors and teachers.
Listen for tips on which teachers you should ask, and how admission readers will use those recommendations.
College Board- Teacher Tips for Recommendations: https://professionals.collegeboard.org/guidance/applications/teacher-tips
MIT guidance on recommendations: https://mitadmissions.org/apply/parents-educators/writingrecs/
For more like this, check out our blog: https://sites.gatech.edu/admission-blog/
This week we welcome Dr. Shannon Dobranski, Director of Pre-Graduate and Pre-Professional Advising at Georgia Tech. Shannon shares her insights on how students might prepare for their long-term plans early on, as well as her own path to her alma mater.
More on our guest: https://career.gatech.edu/shannon-dobranski
Trinity College (San Antonio): https://www.trinity.edu/
Read the blog: b.gatech.edu/3jxQEJB
Learn more about ZZ Packer: bit.ly/3lgve44
Meet Betty! https://bit.ly/3nqg9yx
In this episode of our series the Basics of College Admission, Admission Director and author Rick Clark shares tips for writing your personal statements and supplemental essays for your college applications.
College Essay Guy: https://www.collegeessayguy.com/ or College Essay Guy on Twitter
Five Practical Tips for Writing for Colleges: https://sites.gatech.edu/admission-blog/2020/08/19/five-practical-tips-for-writing-for-colleges/
This week as part of our series on the Basics of College Admission, Senior Admission Counselor Ellery Kirkconnell walks you through what admission committees are looking for and pitfalls to avoid when filling out the activities section of your applications.
How can you convey your involvement, impact, and influence on your application- and how is that different at all during Covid?
Further Reading- GT Admission's YouTube collateral on reading first year applications: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-JVFkoAjNho
www.admission.gatech.edu/blog
Senior Assistant Director, Katie Mattli discusses the special circumstances/additional information section. What is it? What is it and is it not for?
Key Tips: It's OK to leave blank. It's not an extension of your essay or a continuation of your extra-curricular activities.
https://thewritelife.com/
Admission blog: https://sites.gatech.edu/admission-blog/
Grade Trends, Rigor, Course Choice, GPA, Transcripts... this is a big one! Director of Non-Degree Programs Laura Simmons breaks down how admission committees review a student’s academic preparation in this episode of our mini-series, the Basics of College Admission.
Further Reading: Putting the rivalry aside and giving major props to the blog of our friend and colleague David Graves at UGA. https://www.admissions.uga.edu/blog/ or on Twitter @drgravesUGA
EA, REA, ED... What’s it all mean? Regional Director of Admission (West Coast) Ashley Brookshire breaks it all down and gives you the tools to consider which plans may work best for you.
Tulane Admission Blog: http://tuadmissionjeff.blogspot.com/
In this episode of our mini-series, the Basics of College Admission, Mary Tipton Woolley dives into standardized testing: What is test score optional? What might students consider when deciding whether to take or send a test to colleges?
Further Reading:
FairTest: https://www.fairtest.org/
NACAC “Test-Optional Means Test-Optional” statement: bit.ly/3hcN4m6
In this episode, Admission Director Rick Clark discusses factors a student can consider in deciding whether to answer Common App’s new Covid & natural disasters question, and reminds students of the human element of application review.
The Covid Question from Common App: https://www.commonapp.org/blog/COVID-19-question-common-app
Read the blog: https://b.gatech.edu/2Zh4CYf
Chadwick Boseman tribute by Senegalese artist Boubou: https://bit.ly/3lIdSOl
Alex Thackston, Senior Admission Counselor at GT provides great insight on who admission readers really are- and discusses practical tips/ common pitfalls that students should know while working on their apps.
- Don't procrastinate
- Find a trusted proofreader
- Be Yourself
https://www.affordablecollegesonline.org/college-resource-center/college-admissions/
https://www.commonapp.org/apply/first-time-students
Blog: https://sites.gatech.edu/admission-blog/
Senior Admission Counselor, Alexis Szemraj discusses her decision to attend the American University- Paris, as well as how students can be honest with themselves in determining what a good college fit really looks like.
Use your network, keep an open mind, ask yourself tough and real questions. Have confidence to choose places that are genuinely yours.
Check out the alumni magazine and student newspaper from the schools you are considering, as well as their various social media channels.
https://www.niche.com/
https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/find-colleges/how-find-your-college-fit
https://www.aup.edu/
http://admission.gatech.edu/blog
Katy Beth Chisholm, Assistant Director for Campus Visits provides key tips for students and families about how to access colleges virtually. https://admission.gatech.edu/staff-page/katy-beth-chisolm
YouVisit: https://www.youvisit.com/
Virtual Visits: https://admission.gatech.edu/virtual-visit
Admission blog: https://sites.gatech.edu/admission-blog/
In the weeks ahead, we'll explore some of the common topics and basic elements of the college admission experience, including: Finding a Fit, Writing for Colleges, Early Action/Early Decision, Visiting Campuses (esp during Covid), Extra-curriculars, and much more.
This week, Admission Director Rick Clark shares his most recent blog, Five Practical Tips for Writing for Colleges
Read the blog: https://b.gatech.edu/32hj5E2
Check out Malcolm Gladwell on Twitter: @Gladwell
And Outliers among other books here: https://www.gladwellbooks.com/
Rick talks about why it’s so important for students to be proactive about discussions on money, hopes & dreams & goals- not just during the admission experience, but headed into the college years and life beyond.
Including a Special guest host!
Read the Blog: https://b.gatech.edu/2Q1zC9o
Hamilton the Movie: https://disneyplusoriginals.disney.com/movie/hamilton
Trey Kennedy: https://www.youtube.com/c/treykennedy
Rick Clark, Director of Undergraduate Admission at Georgia Tech discusses the college search that took him to play soccer at Lafayette College, as well as transferring to UNC- Chapel Hill.
He delves into how Covid is impacting students' ability to participate in outside activities, and how admission committees will review that this year.
And notably he references the central question committees are always asking when reading applications- "Will this student be missed when the graduate?"
Read the blog here: https://b.gatech.edu/3gTczta
The Last Dance (also available on Netflix): https://es.pn/3anvf1K
Revisionist History Podcast: http://revisionisthistory.com/
Lafayette College: https://www.lafayette.edu/
UNC- Chapel Hill: https://www.unc.edu/
Director of Stamps Program and Special Scholarships Chaffee Viets discusses his decision to attend North Carolina State, how scholarship programs approach their selection process, and why you should check out Hoosiers and Remember the Titans.
Read Chaffee's blog here: http://pwp.gatech.edu/admission-blog/2020/07/17/university-scholarships-in-the-time-of-covid-19/
More on NCSU here: https://www.ncsu.edu/
In this week’s episode, Rick reminds students that when applying to college, inspring your community, and creating the change and healing our local campuses, cities, and country need: YOUR VOICE MATTERS.
Read the blog: b.gatech.edu/2YaEHB3
Listen to the Real Cost of Silence: b.gatech.edu/2YGOqyh
Explore the Transformative Narratives series: b.gatech.edu/3hFbGoP
West Coast Admission Director Ashley Brookshire discusses her decision to attend Georgia Tech, opportunities to get started on projects and things you've been putting off during quarantine, and plugs Dolly Parton's America Podcast.
Read Ashley's blog here: http://pwp.gatech.edu/admission-blog/2020/05/21/hang-your-picture/
Dolly Parton's America Podcast: https://www.wnycstudios.org/podcasts/dolly-partons-america
More on Georgia Tech: admission.gatech.edu
Director of Communications, Becky Tankersley, discusses her decision to attend UNC Asheville, how Disney movies inform college admission, and solid advice for us all about being content, at peace, and thankful for choices and decisions- even when those feel difficult.
Read Becky’s blog here: http://pwp.gatech.edu/admission-blog/2020/05/08/the-next-right-thing/
The Next Right Thing from Frozen 2 (just in case you want to listen while you read): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w6g1yQV0dIY
More on UNC Asheville, https://www.unca.edu/
Rick Clark discusses some of the uncertainty college admission deans/directors around the country have at this time of year, as they attempt to predict how many students will ultimately "show up" on campus (or online) in the fall. In contrast, he offers reassurance to juniors about how holistic admission review really does not change too much, even amidst a pandemic- in fact, he argues, it actually becomes even more "whole person."
Full blog here: http://pwp.gatech.edu/admission-blog/2020/05/01/what-i-do-and-do-not-know/
Bonus reading: https://www.chronicle.com/article/The-Coronavirus-Enrollment/248724?utm_source=pm&utm_medium=en&utm_source=Iterable&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=campaign_1201398&cid=pm&source=ams&sourceId=4671
Senior Admission Counselor, Alex Thackston, offers advice on navigating the waitlist, including being patient, trusting the process, and believing it will all work out in the end.
She discusses her route to Florida State University and gives a "mom joke" about students heading off to college. https://www.fsu.edu/
Full blog here: http://pwp.gatech.edu/admission-blog/2020/03/27/navigating-the-waitlist/
Regional Admission Director, parent, and deeply genuine Kathleen Voss with words of wisdom & reassurance during Covid-19.
She discusses her route to Salve Regina and delivers one of the best jokes so far!
https://salve.edu
Full blog here: http://pwp.gatech.edu/admission-blog/2020/04/24/rising-to-the-occassion/
Andrew Cohen, Associate Director for Campus Visits and Guest Experience talks about:
Selecting Ithaca College
How seniors can choose a college when they cannot visit campus
And some absolutely phenomenal Laffy Taffy/Dino Jokes in finale.
Blog Link: http://pwp.gatech.edu/admission-blog/2020/04/15/10-ways-to-make-your-college-decision-without-visiting-campus/
Key Links-
https://www.ithaca.edu/
https://bestlifeonline.com/laffy-taffy-jokes/
Special guest hosts lead this conversation about Rick's recent blog, "Great Minds Think Differently," which covers some ways seniors can/should be thinking about finalizing their spring semester, making a final college choice, and preparing for college next year.
Critical links:
5 Minute Crafts https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC295-Dw_tDNtZXFeAPAW6Aw
Some Good News: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oilZ1hNZPRM
Plywood People's Encouragement Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xOiHUE_D98I
Blog link: http://pwp.gatech.edu/admission-blog/2020/04/10/class-of-2020-great-minds-think-differently/
Katie Mattli, Senior Assistant Director, discusses how admission officers "see" students when they apply. in a time of uncertainty and anxiety, she's a voice of solace, encouragement, and much needed perspective.
Katie offers hope and the humanity that we want students to remember when they sit down this summer or next fall to communicate their thoughts, goals, and dreams.
Want more insight on how admission professionals will be thinking about, considering, and extending grace and flexibility to applicants in the year(s) ahead?
Special shoutout to Adam Grant, @adamMgrant and https://www.adamgrant.net/
READ ON:
https://www.getrevue.co/profile/next-jeff-selingo/issues/coronavirus-what-s-next-for-admissions-and-higher-ed-234111 by Jeff Selingo
https://www.forbes.com/sites/brennanbarnard/2020/04/01/virtually-possible-locking-down-the-college-search-in-a-global-pandemic/#152426982710 by Brennan Barnard
https://tuadmissionjeff.blogspot.com/2020/03/coping-in-time-of-corona.html by Jeff Schiffman
An early look at how Covid 19 is impacting college recruitment, and what that does/does not mean for Juniors in their college admission experience.
http://pwp.gatech.edu/admission-blog/2020/03/20/change-is-the-only-constant/
Further reading: https://www.forbes.com/sites/brennanbarnard/2020/03/17/the-covid-college-choice-how-to-pick-a-college-during-a-global-pandemic/#447045e2767a
https://insidehighered.com/admissions/article/2020/03/23/admissions-state-uncertainty
https://www.youtube.com/user/GTAdmission
Examples and stories of life‘s reroutes and pivots. Several staff members share their thoughts & encouragement for students who are deferred, denied, waitlisted, or for other reasons in the app needing to choose a college other than the one they initially expected to attend.
http://pwp.gatech.edu/admission-blog/2020/03/10/it-works-out/
What happens after you hit submit? Who is reading your application and what are they looking for? Senior Associate Director, Mary Tipton Woolley breaks down the basics of admission application review.
Have questions about how the colleges you are interested in read/review apps? Her advice is simple- check out their websites or simply call them and ask.
For more on Committee-Based Evaluation check out: https://www.chronicle.com/article/A-Belief-Change-in/239452
Rick Clark's blog "What is Taking So Long?" http://pwp.gatech.edu/admission-blog/2020/02/27/what-is-it-taking-so-long/
Georgia Tech's video explaining the review process, https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=1&v=GSffbVVVntI&feature=emb_logo
Christina Wan, Asst. Director of Summer Session Initiatives talks about her decision to attend Trinity University in San Antonio, TX; how to find a college that feels like "home; using social media to get a better sense of a campus culture, and much more!
Christina's full blog, "Coffee and Good Neigbors": http://pwp.gatech.edu/admission-blog/2020/02/21/coffee-and-good-neighbors/
Learn more about iGniTe Summer Session at Tech at: summer.gatech.edu/iGniTe
Samantha Rose-Sinclair, Senior Admission Counselor, and the person behind @gtadmission discusses her path to the University of Connecticut, insight on how errors on apps are really considered, and all things line journal.
Check out her full blog here: http://pwp.gatech.edu/admission-blog/2020/02/07/typ0s-repeated-words-words-and-other-signs-of-humanity-on-your-college-application/
More on line journals here: https://jamesclear.com/journaling-one-sentence
A podcast for high school students about the college admission experience. Tips, insight, and perspective that you can use as you visit, apply to, and ultimately choose colleges.
Produced by Georgia Tech but content, issues, topics are broad and pertain to general applications and admission.