scott lush ’86 alumni mentor program september 22, 2005 how to present yourself well to colleges
TRANSCRIPT
Scott Lush ’86Alumni Mentor ProgramSeptember 22, 2005
How to present yourself well to colleges
What is this talk about?
How to present yourself in college applications – in your choice of what to write about, your choice of activities to mention, your choice of recommendations
Not about interviews specifically Not about how to write an essay About developing some key central concepts
used throughout your college application
Why listen to me?
Have screened applications for Georgetown Have interviewed for Dartmouth Have spoken with graduates from Harvard,
Yale, Cornell, NYU, Dartmouth, Haverford, Bryn Mawr, Naval Academy, Colgate.
Have spoken with graduates of top High Schools competing for spots @ colleges: Exeter, Andover, Dalton School, Deerfield
Observed approx. 4,000 students up close @ Dartmouth & Georgetown
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What problem am I trying to solve?
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Wall Street Journal, April 2, 2004
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Defining the challenge:Who gets into top colleges?
Overwhelmingly from private day schools, prep schools, wealthy suburbs >> these are safe applicants
Bathed in resources: computer labs, playing fields, swimming pools, photography labs, art classes, field trips, foreign trips, internships from networked parents
Everyone does extra-curriculars; is well-rounded: sports, volunteer, AP classes >> better building blocks
Better teacher recommendations because better known; smaller classes
Better summer experiences Coached extensively about how to get into college:
mock interviews, essay coaching, SAT prep Strong relationship of college office with college
admissions Strong alumni networks at those schools Legacies? Pay full tuition? Very well prepared
The competition is “safe” and living in the suburbs
How do you compete against these students?
There is a way
More resources
Appear better rounded
More AP classes
More extra-curriculars
More interesting stories
Ways to pitch yourself to colleges
Colleges keenly aware of fit: want students that fit their mold. Pick a college where you fit!! i.e.
Dartmouth: well-rounded outdoorsy suburban MIT: math, engineering, science Yale: liberal arts, standout in at least 1 activity
Colleges keenly interested in students with motivation & drive >> this can outweigh many advantages of suburban applicants
Pick a clear message to carry throughout your application >> you need a concise 30-second elevator pitch
Bronx Science students have a unique story to tell !
What are the people in admissions looking for?
Concerned about overall mix of school Wants safe people – good scores, good
grades, good essays Wants a well-rounded class Conservative: wants people who fit a mold
and are from schools s/he knows historically
Admissions Officer
Part-time screener
Devoting 5-10 minutes per application Wants to play it safe for admissions office Needs crisp concise “sales pitch” for you Need a 30-second elevator pitch for you to
present to others on committee
Focus your application around a “value proposition”
What is a value proposition? Clearly articulated reason you are
suitable for that school Defines your strengths as meeting that
school’s needs “Reason to believe” – give 5-10
Before writing essays, getting written recommendations, understand your value proposition
All examples in your application should support that value proposition
Essays Choice of extra-curriculars Choice of people writing
recommendations Statements in interview
What are these companies’ value propositions?
Crisp, clear value propositions. What is yours?
8 ideas for value propositions
Flaunt your talent Be passionate Find the perfect balance Lead the pack Beat the odds Write the standout essay Make and use connections Make yourself heard and campaign to win
(squeaky wheel)
One suggestion: to be on par with suburban kids, you work twice as hard
Average 1.5 hours travel to/from school a day >> you are dedicated
Thrive despite fewer resources >> you are industrious
Perhaps first member of family to attend college >> you are driven
Parents may have immigrated to give you & siblings a better life >> you are motivated
You may be fluent in other cultures & languages >> colleges want unique students
You may have unique life experiences >> living outside US, immigrating, caring for extended family, volunteering
This is very different from students at the top private & suburban schools!
Pitch it!