“Too much
email, Ustaz – I don’t have time!” It’s a frequent complaint in our hallways
today. Between IB, testing, and after school activities, it’s no wonder that
the massive amount of online communication expected from our world’s 15,000
colleges is overwhelming.
At first it
might seem like only the most digital-savvy candidates can summit this mountain.
But when I hear students complain about email or ask about college websites, it
reminds me of similar conversations I’ve had over the past 10 years organizing
thick math binders or looking for scientific evidence. These complaints have
far less to do with online expectations, and far more to do with our students’
fundamental organization, communication, and research skills.
To put it
simply: today’s seniors expect the college application process to be as easy as
scrolling through social media, when in fact it requires incredible research
and communication skills to find the best college fit. We – parents, staff, and advocates – must hold
the same high expectations we have for subject-related assignments to student
email responses and college research.
For my
office, students are responsible for their own college lists and communication.
Each school option has a unique set of
characteristics – location, culture, scholarship availability, etc. – and
pathways to enter post-secondary education are endless. My office is a great place
to start the climb, but in the end, that “congratulations” letter in the Spring
is built on lots of individual research and many emails in the Fall.
As more
students than ever apply during early deadlines, some students are already
receiving admissions and scholarships! For seniors, expect online communication
to increase into the winter months. It’s a tough mountain to climb, but the
view from the top is extraordinary. For everyone else, now is the time to clean
out that inbox and reach out to every college resource you can find...online.
Chris Akel, College
Counselor and TOK Teacher
