Many thanks to all the moms of South Placer County National Charity League (NCL) for hosting Jill of Creative Marbles at their recent meeting. I wanted to add more details to questions asked during our lively discussion:
❓ Should my student take the SAT or ACT if many colleges are test-optional?
- The short answer is, “Yes”. Then, students can continue considering all college options, given there is no uniform testing policy amongst all US universities. Furthermore, even for colleges with test-optional policies, a strong score can enhance an application, or in some cases, increase merit aid.
❓ What if my student isn’t a “strong test-taker” and seeks to only focus on applying to test-optional, test-blind, or test-free colleges?
- If standardized testing isn’t a student’s strength, then focus on other parts of their applicant profile: earning high grades, taking courses with a diversity of rigor, writing insightful autobiographical essays, committing to extracurriculars of their interests, and soliciting strong letters of recommendation. Many college admissions officers utilize a holistic review, so students can apply without feeling pressured to submit scores with test-optional policies.
❓ My student wants to take Career & Technical Education (CTE) courses, but also needs rigorous academic classes. How do we balance both?
- Taking CTE courses, students can demonstrate their interests, which also indicates “rigor” for college admissions officers. If committed to a CTE field, a student can integrate courses into their academic transcripts by taking dual enrollment, summer classes, or online courses to meet core requirements.
❓ Will switching my student’s CTE pathway midway through high school negatively impact their college applications?
- College admissions officers value exploration, and shifting interests shows the student’s adaptability, given new awareness. If the change reflects an evolving interest, your student can explain their reasoning in application essays, sharing how they developed awareness about their aptitude.
❓ How do I help my teen daughter manage peer influence, including social media?
- Encourage open conversations about social media and reflect on the impact. Discuss how to differentiate between reality and the curated versions of life they see online. Accept teens (and really all humans) compare their insides to others’ outward projections, which is inherently unfair. Thus, in consistent dialogue, teens can learn to counteract the impacts of social media.
❓ Should my student join specific clubs just to look good on applications?
- Since there’s no single formula for meriting a particular college admissions outcome, encourage each student to choose activities which reflect their interests, talents, or curiosity. Some students explore various activities before focusing on one or two activities, and that’s okay. Also, empathize that many students sense pressure to compete for college admissions, so families may also need to consistently address student’s concerns.
❓ How many college applications should my student submit?
- Choosing a list of colleges is about quality over quantity. Students should apply to schools where they’ll find like-minded peers, areas of study which are interesting, as well as diversifying admit rates amongst the list chosen.
❓ Can my student learn more about college admissions at their high school?
- Information is abundant from high school counselors, college and career center staff, the internet, including social media as referenced previously. However, if a student and their family hasn’t developed an individualized strategy, nor reflected on why a student seeks to attend college, discerning what information is pertinent or not is difficult at best.
❓ If my student is waitlisted, what are their chances of being admitted?
- Predicting admissions from a waitlist is like guessing exactly when the rain will start falling. Near impossible. Only if enough admitted students decline their offers, the college admissions officers may invite students from the waitlist. Students should choose another college by May 1.
❓ How can I help my child balance schoolwork and responsibilities?
- Not every student is taught how to learn. Thus, students should first assess how they best learn new information, then work to develop management processes to complete their work. Some use planners, calendars, set consistent study schedules. By experimenting, students can determine which study techniques work best for them.
❓ Are AP or IB courses more weighted in college admissions evaluations?
- Since admissions officers understand the challenges of either curriculum, consider which classes best suits your student’s learning style. AP allows more flexibility in course selection, while IB fosters interdisciplinary learning. Choose academics based on what aligns with your student’s interests and goals.
Navigating high school and the college admissions process can, at times, be stressful, given the uncertainty of the outcomes, especially when one’s prosperity as well as self-worth is defined by an uncertain outcome. Yet, with thousands of universities, and each student following their own unique path to be admitted, find what works best for each student and their family. Encourage open conversations, research thoughtfully, and remember—college is not just about being admitted, but about finding the place where a student will flourish.
College admissions can be stressful, but Jill Yoshikawa simplifies the process, helping students craft compelling applications and maximize their opportunities. Connect with her today and get the support you need—right when you need it.
