The class of 2019 is just about to be finalized, and I am already hitting the road today to meet the future class of 2020! I'll be all over California this week meeting you all, so come say hello. I thought now might be a good time to speak on a topic that's definitely been a hot one as of late.
"Demonstrated interest." It's a term that certainly has become quite the buzzword in the world of college admission over the last few years. Over the last decade or so, you high school kids have started to apply to more and more schools. Thanks to the ease of applications, platforms that allow you to apply to multiple schools with just a few additional clicks, and free applications (like us here at Tulane!), the whole concept of "demonstrating your interest" has started to play a much bigger role in the admission process. Reason is, schools have a vested interest in admitting students who are not only qualified for admission, but also have a genuine interest in attending said school. Off the record, schools like to see a healthy "yield," as in the percentage of students who are admitted that end up enrolling at that school. One way to help yield is to admit great kids who really want to attend that school. But more important than managing yield, we truly want to seek out students who have done their research, have a solid idea of what they are looking for, and clearly are inspired enough by what we have to offer that they truly see themselves falling in love with the school when they arrive as freshmen in the fall.
So... how do you let a school know you are interested? There are a few ways, which I will list out here. Now, big time disclaimer here on this one. Please, please, really only utilize these at the schools you have a true passion for. Don't express your genuine interest in 14 schools. Don't spread yourself too thin, and don't lead a school on or misinform them—never tell a school they are your top choice if they are not. You want my real advice? Only apply to schools that you would definitely enroll at if you were to be admitted. Really! Even if that means you are only applying to six schools.
Here goes. Five tips for demonstrating your interest in schools that you are authentically interested in.
1) Apply Early. Specific to Tulane, the earlier you apply, the better. We find that students who write their essay over the summer, are ready to apply in September or October, and have everything in and completed for November 15th, are usually seriously considering our school. Of course, there is no better way to express your interest in a school than by applying through their Early Decision (binding) program, but also look into plans like Single Choice (or Restrictive) Early Action, like we have at Tulane. Based on the timing and method of your application, admission officers can definitely sense your level of interest. While you are certainly not at a disadvantage whatsoever if you apply later or regular decision, you won't get a leg up in the committee reviews.
2) Do the optional statement. Period. That's it. See my previous blog on this very topic.
3) Communicate with your counselor. Despite what some may think, the college application process is a very human process. Real people read your file and real discussions are had about each applicant. We also want to establish relationships with our students. Take the time to reach out to your counselor during the admission process (one e-mail will do, maybe after an information session or high school visit, or after a decision comes out). If we can put a face with a name when the file goes to the committee, it can certainly help. You can read about the best ways to e-mail us here. And yes, I did say e-mail us after the decision comes out. It can help with a deferral or a waitlist, but for those admitted, we are still here to help as a resource and for some of you who enroll, as a mentor here on campus. You can meet your Tulane admission rep here.
4) Attend a high school visit or information session. Admission officers are on the road in your hometown a lot. Make it worth our while! Come to the high school visit or the information night in your hometown. We can't get to all cities and all high schools, but if we are nearby, it's a great way to meet your rep and help us with #3 above. Plus, and more importantly, you get to find out all about our school and discover if we happen to be on that short list of schools that you have a genuine interest in. Got an AP Physics test the day I am at your school? No worries, send me an e-mail and let me know you would love to have made it but academics took priority. Just as well.
5) Visit. I put this one last because I don't want you to feel pressured to book a trip down to NOLA, even with Southwest offering such great deals to our airport (seriously, I just got a round-trip flight to Los Angeles for $270!). We know it can get pricey and sometimes it makes more sense to visit after you get the letter of admission. However, if you are able to make it down, that sure does send a strong signal to the admission committee that we are pretty high on your list. After your visit, shoot an e-mail to your admission counselor just letting him or her know how it went. We'll add that to your file. And yes, kids, a handwritten thank you note goes a long way in this whole process. Trust me!
I hope this helps. Remember, only do these five things for the schools you where have the real, true desire to enroll. It will make your life and ours much easier.
Oh and one last thing... after we work together all year, I see you at your high school and then on campus for a preview day and we have been communicating the whole year, well, if you don't end up enrolling, just shoot us an e-mail and let us know. We won't hold it against you and won't be upset. It's nice to just let us know—trust us, we really appreciate it.
"Demonstrated interest." It's a term that certainly has become quite the buzzword in the world of college admission over the last few years. Over the last decade or so, you high school kids have started to apply to more and more schools. Thanks to the ease of applications, platforms that allow you to apply to multiple schools with just a few additional clicks, and free applications (like us here at Tulane!), the whole concept of "demonstrating your interest" has started to play a much bigger role in the admission process. Reason is, schools have a vested interest in admitting students who are not only qualified for admission, but also have a genuine interest in attending said school. Off the record, schools like to see a healthy "yield," as in the percentage of students who are admitted that end up enrolling at that school. One way to help yield is to admit great kids who really want to attend that school. But more important than managing yield, we truly want to seek out students who have done their research, have a solid idea of what they are looking for, and clearly are inspired enough by what we have to offer that they truly see themselves falling in love with the school when they arrive as freshmen in the fall.
So... how do you let a school know you are interested? There are a few ways, which I will list out here. Now, big time disclaimer here on this one. Please, please, really only utilize these at the schools you have a true passion for. Don't express your genuine interest in 14 schools. Don't spread yourself too thin, and don't lead a school on or misinform them—never tell a school they are your top choice if they are not. You want my real advice? Only apply to schools that you would definitely enroll at if you were to be admitted. Really! Even if that means you are only applying to six schools.
Here goes. Five tips for demonstrating your interest in schools that you are authentically interested in.
1) Apply Early. Specific to Tulane, the earlier you apply, the better. We find that students who write their essay over the summer, are ready to apply in September or October, and have everything in and completed for November 15th, are usually seriously considering our school. Of course, there is no better way to express your interest in a school than by applying through their Early Decision (binding) program, but also look into plans like Single Choice (or Restrictive) Early Action, like we have at Tulane. Based on the timing and method of your application, admission officers can definitely sense your level of interest. While you are certainly not at a disadvantage whatsoever if you apply later or regular decision, you won't get a leg up in the committee reviews.
2) Do the optional statement. Period. That's it. See my previous blog on this very topic.
3) Communicate with your counselor. Despite what some may think, the college application process is a very human process. Real people read your file and real discussions are had about each applicant. We also want to establish relationships with our students. Take the time to reach out to your counselor during the admission process (one e-mail will do, maybe after an information session or high school visit, or after a decision comes out). If we can put a face with a name when the file goes to the committee, it can certainly help. You can read about the best ways to e-mail us here. And yes, I did say e-mail us after the decision comes out. It can help with a deferral or a waitlist, but for those admitted, we are still here to help as a resource and for some of you who enroll, as a mentor here on campus. You can meet your Tulane admission rep here.
4) Attend a high school visit or information session. Admission officers are on the road in your hometown a lot. Make it worth our while! Come to the high school visit or the information night in your hometown. We can't get to all cities and all high schools, but if we are nearby, it's a great way to meet your rep and help us with #3 above. Plus, and more importantly, you get to find out all about our school and discover if we happen to be on that short list of schools that you have a genuine interest in. Got an AP Physics test the day I am at your school? No worries, send me an e-mail and let me know you would love to have made it but academics took priority. Just as well.
5) Visit. I put this one last because I don't want you to feel pressured to book a trip down to NOLA, even with Southwest offering such great deals to our airport (seriously, I just got a round-trip flight to Los Angeles for $270!). We know it can get pricey and sometimes it makes more sense to visit after you get the letter of admission. However, if you are able to make it down, that sure does send a strong signal to the admission committee that we are pretty high on your list. After your visit, shoot an e-mail to your admission counselor just letting him or her know how it went. We'll add that to your file. And yes, kids, a handwritten thank you note goes a long way in this whole process. Trust me!
I hope this helps. Remember, only do these five things for the schools you where have the real, true desire to enroll. It will make your life and ours much easier.
Oh and one last thing... after we work together all year, I see you at your high school and then on campus for a preview day and we have been communicating the whole year, well, if you don't end up enrolling, just shoot us an e-mail and let us know. We won't hold it against you and won't be upset. It's nice to just let us know—trust us, we really appreciate it.
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