Today’s post is a guest blog from a colleague: Eric Dobler, founder of Dobler College Consulting in Cheshire, Connecticut. For twelve years Eric has been working with college-bound high school students and their families as a college admissions counselor and academic advisor.
I asked Eric to share his insight on submitting resumes with college applications. Here’s what he said:
I often have students ask me if they should submit a resume with their college applications. Some feel they might be doing too much by enclosing a resume while others fear a resume won’t say enough about them to even matter. My take on it is that resumes, or activity lists as some like to call them, can be quite valuable IF the college wants you to submit one and IF you make sure that it actually provides value in your application.
Let me explain.
The job of an admissions counselor is to try to evaluate and understand each applicant as best as they can in a very short period of time. Your grades and SAT scores are the quantitative piece of this review. They allow the person reviewing your file to get a feel for your abilities as a student. However, it is the qualitative parts of your application, such your resume, which afford you the opportunity to show what kind of person you are.
Some colleges, mostly large state schools who have incredibly large applicant pools, rely more on a student’s grades and SAT scores when they render decisions. In fact, when you look on their websites, you may often find that they don’t mention anything about applicants needing to submit a resume. If this is the case, don’t stress about putting one together. Chances are, it won’t be used in the review of your application anyway.
On the other hand some colleges, like smaller private, liberal-arts schools and the most selective schools in the country, will review a resume and may actually go looking for very specific information. And this is where the value piece of the equation comes into play. If someone is going to read your resume, you need to make sure it reveals things about you that matter. A resume that simply repeats information you have already provided in the application does not matter.
How do you make sure that your resume matters? A well-written resume will showcase the activities you are most passionate about and it will be apparent to the reader for two reasons. First, the activities should span not just one semester of involvement, but several and second, they will contribute towards your brand. Whether the activities are sports, student clubs, internships, volunteer work or even part-time jobs, colleges want to see that you’ve done things because you care about them. Not because you want to pad your college application. It’s a simple equation of quality over quantity.
So, here’s what you do. Sit down with pen and paper (or a nifty little spreadsheet on Excel) and think about everything you’ve done during your time in high school. Write it all down and qualify each activity by asking yourself a few questions:
How long were you involved in this activity?
Were you actually involved in the activity or did you just sign up because your best friend did?
Did you hold a leadership position?
Did you like the activity? Did you love it?
Is it relevant to what you think you want to major in?
Once you’ve done this, you can then organize everything into easily identified categories such as High School Organizations, Athletic Teams and Non-School Service. Pay special attention to awards, honors, and leadership positions. Make sure you include how many years you were involved and even the number of hours you invested in each activity on a weekly basis. Also make sure you include your name, address and contact information at the top in case your resume gets separated from your application somewhere along the way.
At the end of the day, your resume can be a very helpful piece of your application if, and I stress IF, the college you are applying to wants to see one and IF you have compiled a list of activities that truly matter to you.
If you have any additional questions on resumes or would like some assistance on putting one together, shoot me an email at eric@doblercollegeconsulting.com.
The 2012-2013 Common Application won’t formally launch until August 1, but the Common Application essay prompts are already out.
Don’t forget, if prompts 1-5 don’t interest you, you can always write on #6: topic of your choice.
Here are the 2012 Common Application prompts:
Please write an essay of 250 – 500 words on a topic of your choice or on one of the options listed below:
Evaluate a significant experience, achievement, risk you have taken, or ethical dilemma you have
Discuss some issue of personal, local, national, or international concern and its importance to you.
Indicate a person who has had a significant influence on you, and describe that influence.
Describe a character in fiction, a historical figure, or a creative work (as in art, music, science, etc.) that has had an influence on you, and explain that influence.
A range of academic interests, personal perspectives, and life experiences adds much to the educational mix. Given your personal background, describe an experience that .illustrates what you would bring to the diversity in a college community or an encounter that demonstrated the importance of diversity to you.
Topic of your choice.
Tip:
Having trouble knowing where to start? Write down anything that immediately comes to mind. Ask yourself what experiences in your life have been important to you, and what you’ve learned from them. Mull your ideas over, then write a little bit on the one or two topics that interest you. You’ll be well on your way to writing your college application essay (and beat the friends who’ve waiting until fall).
..Sharon Epstein is owner of First Impressions College Consulting
Need help? I work with students everywhere: in-person, over the phone, and by computer. Visit my website for more info.
Connect with me on Google+, Twitter and Pinterest:
A total of 11 international universities now use the Common Application.
Change is Coming
Next year (2013-2014) the Common Application will introduce Common App 4.0.
College essay topics will change annually, although students will still be able to write on a topic of their choice.
Essay topics will be announced each March instead of August, which will give students the opportunity to begin writing earlier.
The Common App is also talking about putting a firm limit on the number of words that can be uploaded for the personal essay, although whether that means the current Common Application essay 500 word limit will remain at 500 words is still undecided.
..Sharon Epstein is owner of First Impressions College Consulting
Need help? I work with students everywhere: in-person, over the phone, and by computer. Visit my website for more info.
Connect with Me:
Welcome to an Ongoing Series on College Admissions
If you’re starting the college admissions process you’ve probably discovered that it’s not always easy to find answers to your college admissions questions. That’s why I created a place where you can hear directly from college admission counselors about applying to college, interviewing for college, writing the college application essay and financial aid.
I developed these questions with help from families who’ve recently been through the college application process. Because each school answers the same questions you’ll be able to compare information with other schools.
I hope you find this a valuable resource for college admissions information. Who knows? You might even find yourself considering options you hadn’t thought of before.
With the introduction out of the way, let’s find out about the University of Connecticut.
Founded in 1881 and set in the beautiful unspoiled forests of the northeast, the University of Connecticut is located in Storrs. There are 5 regional campuses: Avery Point, Greater Hartford, Stamford, Torrington, and Waterbury.
UConn is one of the premier national public universities in the country, recently ranking in the Top 20 Public Universities by U.S. News & World Report. It offers world-class faculty and academics, as well as vibrant activities and NCAA Athletics, including recent national championships in Men’s and Women’s Basketball.
UConn students come from diverse backgrounds: More than a quarter of students represent ethnic minorities, and the student body is selected from countries and cultures around the globe. The school’s proximity to Boston and New York City affords students easy access to internships or simply a weekend escape.
This post focuses on UConn’s main campus at Storrs. Look for information on the regional campuses in a later post.
Facts about UConn/Storrs Campus
Undergraduate enrollment: 17,815 (2011)
Entering freshmen enrollment: 3,327 (2011)
Connecticut residents: 75% of undergrads
Undergraduate costs 2012-13: In State: $22,382 (Tuition & Fees: $11,242; Room & Board: $11,140) Out of State: $40,214 (Tuition & Fees: $29,074; Room & Board: $11,140)
Average SAT score: 1216
Students receiving financial aid: Over 75 percent
Athletics: NCAA Division I
ADMISSIONS QUESTIONS
Nathan Fuerst, Director of Undergraduate Admissions, answered the following questions during a recent interview:
Q: What percentage of applicants does UConn admit?
A: Approximately 45% of applicants are successful in gaining admission to UConn’s Storrs campus.
Applying to UConn
Q: Does applying early decision/action improve a student’s chances for admission?
A: For the Fall 2013 term, UConn will no longer facilitate an early action/decision program.
Q: How important are extracurricular activities in admissions decisions?
A: Involvement beyond academics is important and is considered. We encourage students to focus on investing themselves heavily in a limited number of activities and demonstrate the impact from their activity on both the community as well as their development as young adults.
Q: How important is taking advanced, accelerated, or honors courses?
A: It’s important that students take the appropriate opportunities to challenge themselves academically. Therefore, we do consider advanced and honors courses. However, it’s just as important for students to remain in course levels that are appropriate for their level of skill and aptitude for the particular subject.
Q: Which teachers should write a recommendation?
A: Recommendations that make the most impact come across as authentic and personal. Students should approach teachers with whom they have strong relationships. Teachers who contribute beyond just academic performance provide the most revealing and helpful information in the recommendation letters.
Q: Do you look for what is not said in a recommendation?
A: We avoid drawing conclusions or speculating on what may or may not be omitted from a recommendation. However, it is often apparent when there is inconsistency in message between the recommendations that we receive.
Q: Is the quality of an applicant’s high school taken into consideration?
A: The application review is a holistic one that allows us to take any and all factors in to consideration. Strength of school is something that could be considered in the context of how the student has performed given the educational opportunities and challenges that are available within a particular school.
Q: What is the relative importance of grades versus board scores?
A: Both factors are critical pieces in our review of applicants for admission for different reasons. Therefore, it is difficult to cast one against the other. Grades provide great insight on a student’s capacity for academic success, but using board scores remains the only reliable method of comparing applicant performance that transcends an individual school.
Interviewing
Q: Does UConn offer interviews with admissions counselors?
A: Given the size of our applicant pool and staff, we are unable to offer interviews.
Essay Writing
Q: What qualities do you look for in a well-written essay?
A: We challenge students to write on a unique subject that has either defined who they are as a person or demonstrates the impact of their contributions through their activity in their environment.
Q: Is there a type of essay you would recommend against?
A: Applicants should considertheir subject matter more globally and how it sets them apart from other students in the applicant pool. For example, when writing on a life event, consider what makes this a unique life event compared to other applicants.
Q: Can an essay make or break an admission?
A: Yes. I recall an applicant whose subject and style was so profound and unique that I felt honored to offer such a talented author admission. Another example included a student who wrote about community contributions that had incredible global impact. The subject of this essay was driven by extremely hard work that impacted the lives of students in villages in India and Africa. It was very inspiring!
Q: Should a student discuss or explain a poor grade or marking period(s)?
A: When a grade is out of character, it may justify the student addressing this. However, we encourage students to use their personal statements as an opportunity to present their unique qualities, contributions and achievements. A single grade should not be made the focus of an application.
Q: Where do you stand on the 500 word limit on the Common Application’s personal statement? Can a student go over the Common Application’s 500 word limit?
A: We do have some amount of flexibility. We want students to express themselves as best they can. If that means that they go a few words over — about 100 — that’s okay. But we also want the student to be cognizant of the Common Application’s 500 word limit because some students can carry on for a while. I’d say to students write your college application essay as briefly and succinctly as you can, but don’t feel like you need to leave out any major pieces, either.
Financial Aid at UConn
Q: How has the economic climate affected the admissions process and the availability of financial aid at UConn?
A: This year (2012) seems to be an improvement over the past several years. When the economy struggles, it forces families to take a closer look at finances and seriously consider their educational options based on cost of attendance. Over the past several years, there has been an increase in the number of students submitting the FAFSA to us. UConn has a priority of providing as much financial assistance as possible to students who demonstrate financial need.
Q: What part of the admissions process is most misunderstood?
A: I think the financial piece of going to college is most misunderstood, as it can vary dramatically from one institution to the next. Eligibility for scholarships varies widely from school to school. Different schools have different policies, different requirements and different ways to apply, and that can make the scholarship process difficult to understand. If students or families need help understanding the scholarship opportunities at UConn, they should visit our undergraduate admissions page, student financial aid web page, or contact the Office of Student Financial Aid Services at (860) 486-2819.
Connect with UConn
Q: How can people connect with UConn?
A: Students can connect with us via Facebook and our YouTube channel. We also have a Twitter account and student bloggers. Students who connect with UConn via these channels get regular updates on deadlines as well as updates on relevant activity at UConn.
Finally…
Q: Please ask and answer a question that you’d like students and families to know about UConn. Question: What is the retention rate of first year students returning in their second year?
A: Ninety-three percent of first year students and 92% of students of color return for their sophomore year, exceeding the national average of 72.9%.
To Contact the University of Connecticut:
Office of Undergraduate Admissions
2131 Hillside Road, Unit 3088
Storrs, CT 06269-3088
Phone: (860) 486-3137
www.admissions.uconn.edu
..Sharon Epstein is owner of First Impressions College Consulting
Need help? I work with students everywhere: in-person, over the phone, and by computer. Visit my website for more info.
Connect with me on Google+, Twitter and Pinterest:
Aarrgh! It’s creeping up on you…you can feel it…it’s reaching out to grab you like a thousand spindly fingers…it’s COLLEGE APPLICATION TIME!
Send that Stress Packing! Here’s how:
1.Get Organized. Start by:
A. Writing Everything Down
Deadlines.
Dates of tests.
Application due dates for each school.
Any other paperwork you’ll need or deadlines you’ll have to meet (financial aid, etc).
Letters of recommendation you’ll need and who you’ll ask.
The number of supplemental essays required by each school and each essay prompt (write down these prompts exactly as they’re given to you). Then:
B. Make a Calendar
Work backwards from each deadline or task and decide when each one needs to be completed. **IMPORTANT: Give yourself twice the amount of time you think you’ll need. Trust me on this – everything will take longer than you think.
C. Set up a Filing System
You’ll need both a virtual and real filing system for each school (for email and snail mail).
You might also want to try Evernote, which is an easy way to access photos, documents and notes from any computer you’re on (it’s free).
Don’t want your parents bugging you? Take the initiative and stick to your schedule.
2.Pick a Range of Colleges You Like and Will Like You.Be realistic when you’re putting together your college list. It’s great to have one or two reach schools, but make sure to include schools that you like and that are likely to admit you.
3.Look for Schools that are Test Optional. ACT and SAT scores not your thing? Over 850 colleges are test optional. These schools believe that a combination of grades, recommendations and extra-curricular activities will give them a better picture of how you’ll do in college. For a complete list of schools that are test-optional, go to FairTest.org.
4.Don’t Wait Until School Starts to Write Your Essays. You’ll have homework, homecoming, applications and activities — how are you going to have time for all those essays? (No, you can’t write well without sleep.) Start your college application essays during the summer, when you have time to think and write. This goes double if you’re applying early — you may have several supplemental essays due November 1. Plan ahead and put those deadlines on your calendar!
5.Don’t Talk to Other Students About Your College Applications. This is a MAJORstressor. Your friends come up to you and want to know what your essay topic is, or where you’re applying, or why you haven’t heard yet since they‘ve all heard. It’s easy to compare yourself to other students, but DON’T GO THERE. Enjoy the search and be confident that you’re applying to the schools that are right for you. When friends ask if your application’s in or your essays are done just say, “It’s coming along, thanks.” Then change the subject. Eventually they’ll get the idea and stop asking.
6.Get Moving. Ride a bike, go for a run, take the dog for a hike. Spend a few hours not thinking or talking about college. You’ll think better and you’ll feel better, too.
7.It’s YOUR College Tour. Enjoy! You’re on a shopping trip. Keep your eyes off your texts and on the sights. Talk to the tour guide and the students you meet – ask them what they’re studying and what they love about their school. Then try to imagine yourself as a freshman on campus heading to class, the dorm or to dinner. See if your gut says you want to spend the next four years there.
8.Remember That Your Parents Want the Best for You: Your parents helped get you this far in life and they’re probably going to be a bit protective. It might scare them to think that you’re leaving home or even make them sad. So if they hover over you or ask tour guides embarrassing questions, take a deep breath and remember that they just want what’s best for you.
9. Don’t Narrow Your Options Too Quickly. (The College Helper suggested this tip when they commented on my last post, “7 Tips for Parents to Reduce College Application Stress.”) Some students get focused on attending a particular type of university – a large state school, for example – and never look at private universities or other schools that are outside of what they ‘think’ they want. Take time to explore – you can’t really be certain about what you want until you know what the other types of colleges are all about.
10. If You’re Overwhelmed, Ask for Help. Never be embarrassed to ask for help. Guidance counselors, teachers and private professionals can answer questions, guide you through the application process, provide feedback on your essays, and work with you on achieving your deadlines. Help is out there – you just have to ask for it.
..Sharon Epstein is owner of First Impressions College Consulting
Need help? I work with students everywhere: in-person, over the phone, and by computer. Visit my website for more info.
Connect with me on Google+, Twitter and Pinterest:
..Sharon Epstein is owner of First Impressions College Consulting
Need help? I work with students everywhere: in-person, over the phone, and by computer. Visit my website for more info.
Connect with Me:
Which colleges should be on your list? Which ones can you afford? What questions do you need to ask? What exactly is the Common Application, and why is your child about to have a meltdown over all those essays???
Here are 7 Tips for Parents to Reduce College Application Stress
Be Realistic. For most students, getting in to the school of their dreams isn’t a lock. Sometimes it’s because they reach too high, but often it’s because schools receive so many applications that qualified students are turned away.
Work with a guidance counselor or other professional to come up with a realistic range of schools, and encourage your student to find several things about each one that he or she can get excited about. And remember: A rejection letter isn’t a sign of failure. If your student has chosen well, he or she will end up at a school that’s a good fit.
Listen. It’s natural to want to be involved in the college application process, but be careful not to project your own hopes and dreams. Allow your student to discuss what he or she wants from a college experience and listen to those ideas. Provide helpful feedback – and keep on listening.
Be Financially Honest. If money’s an issue, be honest with your student early on. That way he or she will be able to choose a range of affordable schools and explore scholarship opportunities. Don’t let your student set his or her heart on a school you can’t afford.
Help Your Student Get Organized.Set up a plan with your student early on. Help organize paperwork, create alerts for upcoming deadlines, and set goals for completing essays and filling out applications and financial aid requirements.
Use both real and virtual filing systems for college communications, and try Evernote (which I wrote about in a previous blog). Evernote lets you upload notes, photos, videos, and documents from mobile devices and tablets, and access them anywhere. So, for instance, on college visits students can make notes on tablets and take photos and videos on their phones, and then access everything on their computers when they get home (Great for remembering what to write in the “Why do you want to go to our school” essay).
Don’t Micromanage. Be a guide, not a leader. Allow your student to take ownership in successfully navigating the college admissions process, and be his or her greatest cheerleader. Your student will engage, feel independent, and ultimately become more informed and confident. Those are great qualities to take to college.
Don’t Write the Essays. Help proofread and check for grammar and spelling mistakes, but don’t choose your student’s essay topics, “improve” word choice, add phrases, or even write entire paragraphs. College admissions readers know the difference between an essay written by someone who’s 17 and someone who’s 40. Reading an essay engineered by mom or dad doesn’t make them happy; they want to get to know the student.
Escape the Family War Zone. Despite a family’s best support, sometimes a student’s stress level can build to overload. If you’re concerned about meltdowns, missed deadlines, and becoming the “application police,” consider enlisting a professional to help with college search, essay writing skills, application filing, etc. The peace and ultimate success will be worth it.
College Application Time Can Be Smooth Sailing — If You Know How to Navigate the Waters.
..Sharon Epstein is owner of First Impressions College Consulting
Need help? I work with students everywhere: in-person, over the phone, and by computer. Visit my website for more info.
Connect with me on Google+, Twitter and Pinterest:
This a partial list of the April college fairs sponsored by National College Fairs. I encourage you to go if there’s one in your area.
Click on the name of each city for more info. Find the complete list at National College Fairs.
Hartford College Fair
Tuesday, April 3
9:00a.m. – 11:30a.m.
6:30p.m. – 8:30p.m.
Wednesday, April 4
9:00a.m. – 11:30a.m.
Connecticut Convention Center
Hartford, CT
Buffalo College Fair
Tuesday, April 3
9:00a.m. – 12:00p.m.
6:00p.m. – 8:30p.m.
Wednesday, April 4
9:00a.m. – 12:00p.m.
Buffalo Niagara Convention Center, Buffalo, NY
New Jersey College Fair
Wednesday, April 25
9:00a.m. – 12:00p.m.
6:00p.m. – 9:00p.m.
Thursday, April 26
9:00a.m. – 12:00p.m.
New Jersey Convention and Exposition Center, Edison, NJ
..Sharon Epstein is owner of First Impressions College Consulting
Need help? I work with students everywhere: in-person, over the phone, and by computer. Visit my website for more info.
Connect with Me:
Connect with me on Pinterest! I’ll be posting easy-to-followtips on writing successful college application essays as well as grammar, funny bits to help you through the tough times, etc. Then create your own Pinterest board — repin my posts and find other inspiration to help you with your college application and essay writing. I’ll see you on Pinterest!
related post on writing great college essay introductions:
..Sharon Epstein is owner of First Impressions College Consulting
Need help? I work with students everywhere: in-person, over the phone, and by computer. Visit my website for more info.
Connect with Me:
It’s that time of year again! I’m going to be speaking at 7pm April 25 at the Darien Library, in Darien, Connecticut, with my friend and colleague Matthew Dempsey, Assistant Director of Admission at Fairfield University on The ABC’s of Writing a Great College Application Essay.
Why this Program is GREAT:
It’s from two important points of view. I’m going to talk about how to write a great college application essay, and Matthew will talk about what admission committees look for when they read those essays.
What You’ll Learn: I’ll give you an overview of the college essay writing process, including what colleges look for, good and bad, topic choice, and how to make every essay unique. Then Matthew will discuss what kind of essays work and don’t work, and how essays are viewed in the context of the entire application.
Who Should Come:High school students and their families. Freshman and sophomores are welcome, too. It’s never too early to begin to understand what this application business is all about!
Put it on your calendar and learn about writing a great college application essay! See you at the Darien Library on April 25.
..Sharon Epstein is owner of First Impressions College Consulting
Need help? I work with students everywhere: in-person, over the phone, and by computer. Visit my website for more info.
How do you make sure that your resume matters? A well-written resume will showcase the activities you are most passionate about and it will be apparent to the reader for two reasons. First, the activities should span not just one semester of involvement, but several and second, they will contribute towards your brand. Whether the activities are sports, student clubs, internships, volunteer work or even part-time jobs, colleges want to see that you’ve done things because you care about them. Not because you want to pad your college application. It’s a simple equation of quality over quantity.
Applying To College 