Meet the Right People
Schools and educational systems are getting larger every year and it takes more staff to run these institutions. As a result, families may become frustrated with the process of locating information and making the necessary contacts. This is where the benefit of having a private educational advisor acting as an advocate for students can make a major impact. Proper direction is provided and the more technical details of applying to college are not overlooked. Through my associations I have an extensive network of people with whom I may collaborate from time to time. I am better positioned to know who may be of assistance in my pursuit of information.

EXAMPLES OF RELEVANT NETWORKING

• An SAT specialist who does one-to-one test preparation
• College recruiters who I have met at fairs and events
• The local department chair who organizes college tours
• Athletic directors and coaches who scout for students
• A former valedictorian who will assist with essay writing
• The ACT boot camp director who runs small classes locally
• Contacts in state agencies who can process paperwork
• My peers nationally with whom I may seek assistance
• A local publisher who can put student writing into print

THE BOTTOM LINE

No one ever said that applying to college was fair. If it were, students would not get preference in admissions just because their parent(s) went to that college. Nor would athletes get admitted simply because they are talented at their chosen sport. There would be no priority given to certain students based on their gender or nationality. However, campuses around the country are looking to add diversity to their student enrollment and recruit accordingly. Why are top applicants who were valedictorians or had perfect SAT/ACT scores denied admission? Something has to be the determining factor in each of these cases. Don’t you want that “intangible” to be in your favor?

There is never any guarantee that any particular student will be admitted into a certain college of choice. All that can be done is to prepare the student and application as best as possible up to the point of admission review. If all the necessary planning and preparation has been done, then a student is able to be proud of the effort put forward. The result may be disappointing, but it may also be a blessing in disguise. Just remember that applying to colleges is not to be regarded as a contest with your peers. A student should only be seeking acceptance into programs that will further their pursuit of a chosen career. And families need to keep the whole process in proper perspective.