HEYER EDUCATION

With the ever decreasing admit rates at selective colleges we are seeing right now, anxious juniors are asking me what is even possible next year. The truth – anything is possible.  It is time to take a deep breath and believe in yourself. 

Juniors,  you are the master of your destiny:

1. You have the time, ability and resources to put together a strong, CLEAN application that tells your story. This will take time and effort, a few trusted extra sets of eyes and serious self reflection. The elements need to work in harmony to paint the picture of you.

2. You have the choice to take a rigorous schedule senior year that highlights your strengths and passions. Push yourself, but make sure the choices you make are ultimately for you, not for the college applications. Sincerity matters.

3. You have the choice as to when you take the ACT/SAT and decide how much work you put in to prepare. Make a plan. Find the resources that work for you (I have lots of suggestions).  Test preparation is a slow burn – work on it every day. It is no different than training for a sport – you have to bring it in every day and no one can do it for you. These tests do matter for a number of scholarships in spite of test optional. And that said, you are more than a score

4. You have the choice in how you spend your summer – this is the time to be a better version of yourself.  It doesn’t matter if you work at the local supermarket, take courses at the local university, volunteer for Hurricane relief, care for family members, do intense summer sports or do an outdoor challenge. Be brave, be sincere, be yourself –  just don’t be lazy.

5. You have the choice as to how you prepare for essays, supplements and interviews. This is the time to become more aware of yourself and the world around you.  Spend time reading the news with a critical eye, listen to NPR (and podcasts like The Daily) and find at least one topic that you can discuss in writing and in an interview.  Read a book that no one assigned you. Raise the bar.

6. You have the choice as to which colleges you apply to. Do the research into the colleges. Think about the specifics regarding how you fit with the school and y clearly articulate it.  Indicate interest, contact the regional counselor, do the virtual tours etc. and go in person if you can. Be strategic and realistic – listen to why I suggest a school for your list – there is always a reason. Be willing to add schools to your list that are a strong fit where you have a greater chance of admission. Be open minded… fall in love with your likely school… but don’t be discouraged from trying hard for your reach schools.  Know why you have chosen the reaches – make sure you know them as more than a bumper sticker your parents want on their car.  Why apply to the impossible dream school?  Well, if not you, who?

7. You have the choice to cut out the chatter and the clutter – focus on you and the small group you are relying on to support you in the process. Set boundaries, save time for fun and take care of yourself.

Finally, this is a process, an imperfect, sometimes unfair, sometimes rewarding process. You will grow in ways you never imagined possible as you live the application season. You will land somewhere where you will get an outstanding education. Breathe.