First, let me share that I’m incredibly proud to be a member of this organization that, through our Statement of Principles of Good Practice (SPGP), governs and advises school counselors, independent counselors, and colleges as to what is ethical and appropriate behavior in helping students and families navigate to college search process. I have the privilege of serving as a delegate for our affiliate organization, the New England Association of College Admissions Counseling (NEACAC). As a delegate, I am able to participate in our national assembly that examines and adjusts the SPGP to keep up with a rapidly changing world so that the interests of students and families are protected in this important process.
Here are a few tidbits that I took away from this year’s thoughtful and insightful meetings:
1.
Despite what families might think, we’ve got
your back. School counselors,
independent counselors, and college admissions officers all want the same
thing: for the student to find the right fit, have a successful (and enjoyable)
college experience, graduate, and be prepared for both a first job and to adapt
to a rapidly evolving economy so that they have an even better job in the
future.
2.
Colleges and Universities are just as concerned
as families about the rising costs of college.
Discussion this week centered on how we can better help prospective
students and families find the aid they need to invest in a college education,
recognizing that in order for colleges and universities to accomplish our goal
of preparing students for the future, there is a cost associated with regards
to infrastructure and instruction.
3.
Online education is continuing to expand, but it
is not
replacing the highly valuable on-campus classroom experience anytime soon. The new challenge for colleges and
universities is not what content to share with students, but how to prepare
students to access, absorb, understand, and critically analyze the growing
array of knowledge and content available to them in the online world. This requires face to face interaction and
close relationship development that the online space simply cannot provide.
4.
The death of the Liberal Arts has been greatly
exaggerated. World is Flat author and New
York Times columnist Thomas
Friedman served as our keynote and one of his major messages was the
continued importance of broad based, liberal arts education. He noted that the fundamental knowledge and
skill set we all need to be successful is still rooted in the liberal arts, and
that the most successful people are those that have the tools necessary to
adapt, a key component to liberal arts education.
5.
Fit still matters most. While many families are overly focused on arbitrary
rankings, the majority of professionals I talk to agree that the rankings
are just one tool in the process, not the primary one. College counselors encourage students to
explore the rich variety of colleges and universities and find the environment
that is most appropriate to help them maximize their personal and academic
potential. In many cases, that perfect
school won’t be on the U.S. News top whatever list. With over 3,000 accredited colleges in the
U.S., plus international options as well, a little research will go a long way
in your college search, and many skilled counselors are available to help you
find the best fit for you.
Receiving a college education is more important than ever
for you to be successful. As high school
seniors enter into application season, know that there are dedicated
professionals here to help.