Ask an Expert
August '21 TOPIC: Navigating the College Search Process
Moira McCullough
Founder & CEO of College Scoops |
OUR EXPERT:
As a parent of three college students, Moira McCullough is well-versed in the college search process. After raising a family and working as a technology consultant with PWC in NYC and London, Moira created a comprehensive platform to help families and students have the best college experience, whether they are applying to, attending, or graduating from college. There is an overwhelming amount of data for parents and prospective students to decide on what college to attend, from ACT scores to early decision acceptance rates, from scholarship applications to TOEFL requirements – and this data barely scratches the surface. The problem is that families can get buried in numbers and never find concise, unfiltered information that a prospective student really needs to know: What’s it like to attend this college? College Scoops goes beyond data for the authentic college experience. They provide up-to-date information and give unique perspectives - not from college admissions departments but from current college students. College Scoops is made by students for students. The College Scoops interactive guides allow families to explore campuses and surrounding communities through any desktop, tablet or mobile device. Moira earned her M.B.A. from Columbia Business School and a B.A. from Fairfield University. A serial traveler and connoisseur of chocolate and coffee, Moira enjoys open water swimming and spending time with her family, exploring new sights and bites. |
“Any tips to save money if your child wants to go to college far away? I know it’s important to have the experience of visiting the school in person to get a feel for the vibe/environment of the campus. But it can get quite costly if options are far away.” ~ Jeanine (NC)
Hi Jeanine,
College visits can be expensive, but families can be strategic in when and how they visit a college campus.
Saving on College Visits: Explore colleges that are local or a short drive away even if they are not on your list. This is an easy and cost-efficient way for students to get a feel for different types of college campuses from a size, location and culture perspective. For colleges that are far away, incorporating those college visits into a family vacation during the off-season saves money on airfares and hotels. For example, don’t visit University of Miami during spring break! Bringing along siblings to team sporting events, whether they are travel teams or high school tournaments, and stopping at colleges along the way maximizes the college visit process with multiple kids. Lastly, some families wait for their students to be accepted prior to visiting a college.
Students Should Keep a Journal: When visiting any college, before you leave campus, write down the top three thoughts that come to mind about that particular campus. What did you like or dislike about the campus and the surrounding community? Is this a place you can call home for the next four years? Capturing these thoughts will help students narrow down their college list as time goes on. College visits start to blend together, so this journal will help students keep those special points about each school quickly accessible. Mom and Dad should take photos.
Connect with Current Students: Reaching out to former classmates, teammates, friends of friends or acquaintances to ask for their opinions and advice as to why they chose their particular college allows students to get the inside scoops on campus life. College counselors or teachers are also a great resources to help connect with the current student community.
Follow Colleges on Social Media: Since you are most likely on social media already, use it as part of your decision-making process. Students and parents can learn a lot about people, clubs, and businesses from social media - both positive and negative. Every interaction provides a glimpse into how they interact with their friends, peers, partners, community members, clients, and people outside their immediate circle. Watch, listen and read to gain insights on how college accounts interact with each other and with individuals from outside of their community. You will learn a lot from the online conversation, and you may find a club or activity that interests you – something that was never on your radar.
Contact Admissions Representatives: Colleges have all upped their game in terms of providing virtual materials for prospective families. Student videos, testimonials, YouTube Q&A sessions, and webinars provide ‘nuggets’ of information and are easily accessible throughout your college admissions journey. Ask college representatives why they work at the school. What do they love about the culture and community? Where would they take their best friend or family member who visits campus? Keep a pen and a journal ready so you can capture your immediate thoughts and impressions.
College Scoops: College Scoops has a host of free resources available for students and families - podcasts, blog posts and student Q&A videos. Our entire College Scoops team works hard to curate content that will help students (and families) whether they are applying, attending or graduating from college. Our student Q&A videos are made by students for students with answers to the burning questions many students have about a particular college. We also released a series of interactive guides made by students-for-students which provide the inside scoops about a particular college: parking information; transportation tips; where students love to eat, study, and explore on and around campus; favorite places to work out; best nightlife options; parent recommendations for restaurants; hotels; day trips; student testimonials and parent tips.
“My son has a disability. What types of things should I look for in a college if I feel he is ready to take this next step?” ~ Anonymous (PA)
Colleges do not have the same legal obligations for support services for college students as high schools do. Colleges do not offer personalized instruction or a disability specialist for students, which is a major factor to consider in determining if your son is ready. After matriculation, students register for disability services, but they need to advocate for themselves. Therefore, you need to ascertain the type of assistance your son might need before starting the college search process. Students will have far more independence in college, and parents will no longer be kept “in the loop” without prior authorization from their kids. Given all these factors, here are several suggestions to get you and your family started:
Meet with High School Guidance Counselor - Meet with your son’s guidance counselor to discuss the current support services he receives in high school and what services he might need in college.
Create a Transition Plan - Develop a transition plan with the guidance counselor allowing your son to work independently without the added tools and resources (study guides, reminder emails, etc.) to meet the academic expectations at a college level. If this effort proves too challenging for him, contact the guidance counselor to discuss other options (hiring a learning specialist to assist with the transition to college, enrolling in a community college program, taking a gap year).
Contact College Support Services Staff - Compile a list of questions to ask the support services staff at each college on your son’s list to get a better assessment of the types of services offered to students at that particular college. Also, ask about the location of the support services department as this will factor into whether your son will visit the offices on a regular basis.
Check Program Fees - There are additional costs associated with programs for students with disabilities. Make sure to ask about these fees as you compile your college list to make sure you understand the true cost of attendance.
Colleges with strong programs include American University, Northeastern, University of Connecticut, Mitchell College, Curry College, Lynn College, Landmark College, University of Arizona, Dean College, Marist, and University of Denver, to name a few.
Check out several of our podcasts with learning specialists for more specific information and guidance:
Episode 6: Choosing a College that Supports Students with Learning Differences
Episode 29: How to Hit the Ground Running This Fall with Guest Elizabeth Pyle
Episode 34: Tips to Strengthen Your Executive Function Skills with Guest Christy McGarry
“How involved should parents be as they guide their child during the process?” ~ Jodee (NY)
Hi Jodee,
Be the “executive assistant.” Remember your son or daughter is applying to college. The more they are engaged in the process - developing a college list, selecting schools to visit, writing the personal statement, asking for teacher recommendations, submitting applications - the more confident they will be when making the final decision on where to apply and attend.
Here are several tips for parents whether it is your 1st time or last time going through the process:
Create a google spreadsheet for your family. This allows everyone to be on the same page. Students can keep track of application requirements and timelines, and their level of interest in a particular school. Suggested items to include in the college list spreadsheet are:
Register for tours and information sessions early. Many sessions do get filled up during peak times (holiday weekends, Indigenous Peoples' Day, school breaks, President’s Weekend, Veterans Day, etc.), so do not get caught off guard.
Ask your son or daughter to help plan the college visit. Students can pick a lunch or dinner spot or a non-college related excursion to enjoy during the college road trip. Students who are responsible for some aspects of the trip are more engaged and excited during the visit. As a parent you also might learn something about your child that you never knew!
Establish clear and consistent communication during the college search process. Many families set aside a set day and time of the week to talk about college. Talk to your son or daughter and ask them what would be most helpful. There should be times (for example, dinner time, car rides, etc.) that are “college free” zones. Remember, students are stressed, and the college search process is a journey not a sprint. Students should find a way to enjoy their last high school years as well without the college admissions process taking over every moment.
Consider hiring an educational consultant, test prep tutor or essay consultant. Many families hire an expert to help students with various aspects of the college admissions process.
"With many colleges going 'test optional' lately, what do admissions personnel look for instead? Is it overall GPA, class rank, interviews, extracurricular activities, community service or a combination? In other words, what is weighted more?" ~ Jill (NY)
Hi Jill,
Although many schools went test-optional during the pandemic and will remain test-optional for the Class of 2022, many educational consultants, high school college counselors and college admissions representatives strongly encourage students to take the test at least once (if this is feasible). Many students may need to submit a test score if they want to be eligible for merit aid or athletic scholarships.
Depending on the type of school your student is applying to will also determine the weight of certain criteria in the admission process. For example, at a small liberal arts school, the essay, letters of recommendation and demonstrated interest may be more significant than at a larger public university.
The best answer to this question is to talk to your high school guidance counselor or an educational consultant – they’ll have information on what specific schools are looking for.
Jennifer Severini-Kresock, founder of NEPA Career and College Counseling Associates, shared "more colleges and universities are evaluating applicants based on holistic admissions - their focus is on the various criteria considered, including GPA, class rank, letters of recommendation, extracurricular activities, community service, interview, familial obligations, overall student character, etc. Colleges consider all of these factors to get the most accurate picture of the applicant and what he or she has to offer the institution."
College admissions representatives weigh all these components heavily when evaluating an application:
For the list of schools that are test-optional/test blind/test flexible for the Class of 2022, refer to Fair Test.
For a list of the College Scoops podcasts with educational consultants speaking to the admissions process:
Episode 11: Advice for the Class of 2021
Episode 40: Character Counts with Guest Benjamin Calderelli
Episode 68: College Admissions – It’s a Numbers Game with Guest Lee Bierer
Episode 70: How to Tackle the Activity Section of the Common Application with Aly Beaumont
Episode 76: Writing Tips from a 4x Emmy Award Winner, Craig Heller
"The whole process can feel very overwhelming. What should you do first as you narrow down options to a reasonable starting point?" ~ Sanctuary Team
Hi Sanctuary Team,
As a parent who will be launching my third and last child to college in August, I learned a lot during the process, and there are definitely things I wish I had done better.
First and foremost, the college search process is a journey, and it can and will be stressful at times for both parents and students. Stress will come at different stages of the journey. Each child is different. Each experience will be different. However, as a parent you have helped your child navigate everything from the first day of school and onward - academics, athletics, arts, community service, establishing healthy eating habits and social situations. In doing so, you have prepared your child for the day he or she prepares for college life. It’s important that you do not undermine the confidence you have helped your child build by controlling the entire college search process.
Start with this mindset: College is a privilege and a wonderful opportunity. How can you help your child find a school where they will thrive? Here are two suggestions to get you started on the college search journey:
Communication - Start by having an open conversation about the incredible opportunity your child has to apply to college. Take this time to discuss what your child hopes to achieve by going to college.
Financial Fit - Are there any financial considerations that will limit school options? Take this moment to have an honest dialogue with your son or daughter about what you can afford. Don’t wait until your child is accepted to a school to make those determinations.
Final thoughts: You only have a short time left with your high school student living at home full-time. Enjoy this special time together and be sure to fit in some fun. I grew closer to each of my kids in ways I never expected. And yes, there were moments of tears, frustration, healthy debates, laughter and celebrations. But we survived and learned a lot about each other along the way!
Hi Jeanine,
College visits can be expensive, but families can be strategic in when and how they visit a college campus.
Saving on College Visits: Explore colleges that are local or a short drive away even if they are not on your list. This is an easy and cost-efficient way for students to get a feel for different types of college campuses from a size, location and culture perspective. For colleges that are far away, incorporating those college visits into a family vacation during the off-season saves money on airfares and hotels. For example, don’t visit University of Miami during spring break! Bringing along siblings to team sporting events, whether they are travel teams or high school tournaments, and stopping at colleges along the way maximizes the college visit process with multiple kids. Lastly, some families wait for their students to be accepted prior to visiting a college.
Students Should Keep a Journal: When visiting any college, before you leave campus, write down the top three thoughts that come to mind about that particular campus. What did you like or dislike about the campus and the surrounding community? Is this a place you can call home for the next four years? Capturing these thoughts will help students narrow down their college list as time goes on. College visits start to blend together, so this journal will help students keep those special points about each school quickly accessible. Mom and Dad should take photos.
Connect with Current Students: Reaching out to former classmates, teammates, friends of friends or acquaintances to ask for their opinions and advice as to why they chose their particular college allows students to get the inside scoops on campus life. College counselors or teachers are also a great resources to help connect with the current student community.
Follow Colleges on Social Media: Since you are most likely on social media already, use it as part of your decision-making process. Students and parents can learn a lot about people, clubs, and businesses from social media - both positive and negative. Every interaction provides a glimpse into how they interact with their friends, peers, partners, community members, clients, and people outside their immediate circle. Watch, listen and read to gain insights on how college accounts interact with each other and with individuals from outside of their community. You will learn a lot from the online conversation, and you may find a club or activity that interests you – something that was never on your radar.
Contact Admissions Representatives: Colleges have all upped their game in terms of providing virtual materials for prospective families. Student videos, testimonials, YouTube Q&A sessions, and webinars provide ‘nuggets’ of information and are easily accessible throughout your college admissions journey. Ask college representatives why they work at the school. What do they love about the culture and community? Where would they take their best friend or family member who visits campus? Keep a pen and a journal ready so you can capture your immediate thoughts and impressions.
College Scoops: College Scoops has a host of free resources available for students and families - podcasts, blog posts and student Q&A videos. Our entire College Scoops team works hard to curate content that will help students (and families) whether they are applying, attending or graduating from college. Our student Q&A videos are made by students for students with answers to the burning questions many students have about a particular college. We also released a series of interactive guides made by students-for-students which provide the inside scoops about a particular college: parking information; transportation tips; where students love to eat, study, and explore on and around campus; favorite places to work out; best nightlife options; parent recommendations for restaurants; hotels; day trips; student testimonials and parent tips.
“My son has a disability. What types of things should I look for in a college if I feel he is ready to take this next step?” ~ Anonymous (PA)
Colleges do not have the same legal obligations for support services for college students as high schools do. Colleges do not offer personalized instruction or a disability specialist for students, which is a major factor to consider in determining if your son is ready. After matriculation, students register for disability services, but they need to advocate for themselves. Therefore, you need to ascertain the type of assistance your son might need before starting the college search process. Students will have far more independence in college, and parents will no longer be kept “in the loop” without prior authorization from their kids. Given all these factors, here are several suggestions to get you and your family started:
Meet with High School Guidance Counselor - Meet with your son’s guidance counselor to discuss the current support services he receives in high school and what services he might need in college.
Create a Transition Plan - Develop a transition plan with the guidance counselor allowing your son to work independently without the added tools and resources (study guides, reminder emails, etc.) to meet the academic expectations at a college level. If this effort proves too challenging for him, contact the guidance counselor to discuss other options (hiring a learning specialist to assist with the transition to college, enrolling in a community college program, taking a gap year).
Contact College Support Services Staff - Compile a list of questions to ask the support services staff at each college on your son’s list to get a better assessment of the types of services offered to students at that particular college. Also, ask about the location of the support services department as this will factor into whether your son will visit the offices on a regular basis.
Check Program Fees - There are additional costs associated with programs for students with disabilities. Make sure to ask about these fees as you compile your college list to make sure you understand the true cost of attendance.
Colleges with strong programs include American University, Northeastern, University of Connecticut, Mitchell College, Curry College, Lynn College, Landmark College, University of Arizona, Dean College, Marist, and University of Denver, to name a few.
Check out several of our podcasts with learning specialists for more specific information and guidance:
Episode 6: Choosing a College that Supports Students with Learning Differences
Episode 29: How to Hit the Ground Running This Fall with Guest Elizabeth Pyle
Episode 34: Tips to Strengthen Your Executive Function Skills with Guest Christy McGarry
“How involved should parents be as they guide their child during the process?” ~ Jodee (NY)
Hi Jodee,
Be the “executive assistant.” Remember your son or daughter is applying to college. The more they are engaged in the process - developing a college list, selecting schools to visit, writing the personal statement, asking for teacher recommendations, submitting applications - the more confident they will be when making the final decision on where to apply and attend.
Here are several tips for parents whether it is your 1st time or last time going through the process:
Create a google spreadsheet for your family. This allows everyone to be on the same page. Students can keep track of application requirements and timelines, and their level of interest in a particular school. Suggested items to include in the college list spreadsheet are:
- College size
- Tuition
- Testing requirements
- FAFSA form
- Tour & information sessions scheduled
- Interviews available and/or scheduled
- Transcripts/recommendations submitted
- Supplemental essays required
- Thank you emails sent
- EA/ED/RD dates
- Common app submitted
- Specific programs/clubs or sports
- Interest level (high, medium, low)
- Current students, alumni or friends to contact
Register for tours and information sessions early. Many sessions do get filled up during peak times (holiday weekends, Indigenous Peoples' Day, school breaks, President’s Weekend, Veterans Day, etc.), so do not get caught off guard.
Ask your son or daughter to help plan the college visit. Students can pick a lunch or dinner spot or a non-college related excursion to enjoy during the college road trip. Students who are responsible for some aspects of the trip are more engaged and excited during the visit. As a parent you also might learn something about your child that you never knew!
Establish clear and consistent communication during the college search process. Many families set aside a set day and time of the week to talk about college. Talk to your son or daughter and ask them what would be most helpful. There should be times (for example, dinner time, car rides, etc.) that are “college free” zones. Remember, students are stressed, and the college search process is a journey not a sprint. Students should find a way to enjoy their last high school years as well without the college admissions process taking over every moment.
Consider hiring an educational consultant, test prep tutor or essay consultant. Many families hire an expert to help students with various aspects of the college admissions process.
"With many colleges going 'test optional' lately, what do admissions personnel look for instead? Is it overall GPA, class rank, interviews, extracurricular activities, community service or a combination? In other words, what is weighted more?" ~ Jill (NY)
Hi Jill,
Although many schools went test-optional during the pandemic and will remain test-optional for the Class of 2022, many educational consultants, high school college counselors and college admissions representatives strongly encourage students to take the test at least once (if this is feasible). Many students may need to submit a test score if they want to be eligible for merit aid or athletic scholarships.
Depending on the type of school your student is applying to will also determine the weight of certain criteria in the admission process. For example, at a small liberal arts school, the essay, letters of recommendation and demonstrated interest may be more significant than at a larger public university.
The best answer to this question is to talk to your high school guidance counselor or an educational consultant – they’ll have information on what specific schools are looking for.
Jennifer Severini-Kresock, founder of NEPA Career and College Counseling Associates, shared "more colleges and universities are evaluating applicants based on holistic admissions - their focus is on the various criteria considered, including GPA, class rank, letters of recommendation, extracurricular activities, community service, interview, familial obligations, overall student character, etc. Colleges consider all of these factors to get the most accurate picture of the applicant and what he or she has to offer the institution."
College admissions representatives weigh all these components heavily when evaluating an application:
- Grades - Students should take the most challenging courses they can during their high school years. A common question many students ask, ‘Is it better to get an A in a calculus class versus a B- in an AP/Honors calculus class?’ The answer is always, ‘It is better to get an A in the AP/Honors Calculus class.’ If your school doesn't offer AP or IB classes, consider taking an online course or a class at a community college to add to your transcript.
- GPA - Your GPA is a strong predictor of your college readiness.
- College essays - Now more than ever, the personal statement and supplemental essays are playing a larger role in the application process especially given the test-optional/test blind/test flexible scenarios. Well-written essays can be a deciding factor in an admissions decision.
- Letters of recommendations - Colleges use letters of recommendations to help complete a student's profile because they provide context. How will you contribute to the community? This is an incredible opportunity for students to ask someone who knows them well in a classroom to provide more insights into how they will succeed in college.
- Extracurricular activities - Many educational consultants, high school college counselors and college admissions representatives will suggest quality over quantity. Just because there is room for ten activities does not mean students need to complete all ten. Colleges want to see the depth to which students get involved in activities that are either aligned with their future academic or career goals or that demonstrate an ability to get results.
For the list of schools that are test-optional/test blind/test flexible for the Class of 2022, refer to Fair Test.
For a list of the College Scoops podcasts with educational consultants speaking to the admissions process:
Episode 11: Advice for the Class of 2021
Episode 40: Character Counts with Guest Benjamin Calderelli
Episode 68: College Admissions – It’s a Numbers Game with Guest Lee Bierer
Episode 70: How to Tackle the Activity Section of the Common Application with Aly Beaumont
Episode 76: Writing Tips from a 4x Emmy Award Winner, Craig Heller
"The whole process can feel very overwhelming. What should you do first as you narrow down options to a reasonable starting point?" ~ Sanctuary Team
Hi Sanctuary Team,
As a parent who will be launching my third and last child to college in August, I learned a lot during the process, and there are definitely things I wish I had done better.
First and foremost, the college search process is a journey, and it can and will be stressful at times for both parents and students. Stress will come at different stages of the journey. Each child is different. Each experience will be different. However, as a parent you have helped your child navigate everything from the first day of school and onward - academics, athletics, arts, community service, establishing healthy eating habits and social situations. In doing so, you have prepared your child for the day he or she prepares for college life. It’s important that you do not undermine the confidence you have helped your child build by controlling the entire college search process.
Start with this mindset: College is a privilege and a wonderful opportunity. How can you help your child find a school where they will thrive? Here are two suggestions to get you started on the college search journey:
Communication - Start by having an open conversation about the incredible opportunity your child has to apply to college. Take this time to discuss what your child hopes to achieve by going to college.
- Discuss specific criteria your child has (location, size, programs, etc.).
- Discuss specific criteria you have as a parent (financial, geographic, etc.).
- Set ground rules to maintain a healthy atmosphere during the college search journey.
Financial Fit - Are there any financial considerations that will limit school options? Take this moment to have an honest dialogue with your son or daughter about what you can afford. Don’t wait until your child is accepted to a school to make those determinations.
Final thoughts: You only have a short time left with your high school student living at home full-time. Enjoy this special time together and be sure to fit in some fun. I grew closer to each of my kids in ways I never expected. And yes, there were moments of tears, frustration, healthy debates, laughter and celebrations. But we survived and learned a lot about each other along the way!
