Streamlining College Selection: A Prioritized List of Inquiries
Redefining the traditional approach to finding the perfect college isn't just feasible, it's crucial. Rather than jumping straight to the destination (Where), let's take a methodical, reflective journey that values self-discovery and growth. Here's a fresh take on the college search process, segmented into five stages: Who?, Why?, How?, What?, and Finally, Where?
Who?
First, it's all about understanding yourself-your unique talents, interests, and values. Take time to self-reflect, seek advice from those who know you best, and consider the kinds of people you thrive with. Remember, remarkable self-discovery doesn't happen overnight. Embrace it, be open, and let it empower your college choices.
Gerry McCrory, CEO of college and career planning software Scoir, and PrinciplesYou, stresses the importance of self-discovery: "It goes beyond traditional interest assessments, offering a next-generation character exploration that evaluates cognitive, interpersonal, and motivational traits. By unveiling these deeper insights, students gain a genuine sense of self, enabling them to make informed decisions about their future."
Why?
Identifying your motivation is an often overlooked yet essential aspect of the college search process. What stirs you up? What fuels your passion? Why do you want to pursue a certain major or subject? Answer these questions honestly, as they will drive your academic and career goals.
Patrick Cook-Deegan, founder and CEO of Wayfinder, suggests focusing on the work that energizes you instead of chasing titles or prestigious labels: "Instead of asking, 'Where should I go?' or 'What should I be?' ask, 'How do I want to spend my days?'" By doing so, you'll make more fulfilling decisions for your future.
How?
Equipped with self-awareness, approach your college search with flexibility, resilience, and an insatiable curiosity. College students who thrive are open-minded, do thorough research, and embrace new ideas. Cultivate these qualities in yourself.
Rick Clark, Executive Director, Strategic Student Access and Enrollment Management at Georgia Tech, explains that college success isn't about being a carbon copy of what the broader community or media expects: "Forget the label, focus on the work itself. Do you enjoy solving complex problems? Do you prefer working alone and thinking deeply about a specific topic? Do you thrive in fast-paced, competitive environments? Pay attention to the moments in your daily life when you're so engaged that time disappears-those are the clues to what energizes you."
What?
Now that you've established who you are, why you're motivated, and how you approach challenges, it's time to consider what you want in a college experience. What are your academic and extracurricular interests? What do you envision for your future? What opportunities excite you? By framing your search based on these questions, you ensure a more personalized and meaningful college search.
Sal Khan, founder and CEO of Khan Academy, emphasizes the importance of considering the opportunities a college offers: "The most important question to ask is what opportunities open up during and after college based on where you go and what you major in." He encourages students to delve deeper into the experiences that could shape their future.
Finally, Where?
Approaching the college search from the bottom of the pyramid will help you make educated, well-informed decisions. Rather than blindly following college rankings, attend college fairs hosted by organizations like the National Association for College Admission Counseling or regional associations. Explore online resources such as Scoir, Naviance, Xello, College Board's Big Future, the U.S. Department of Education's College Scorecard, or Loper's college match tool. Don't be afraid to reach out to college representatives and engage in meaningful conversations about their programs and opportunities they offer.
Continue asking questions and being persistent. Embrace the college search process as an opportunity for growth and self-discovery, rather than just a destination. The "where" will eventually reveal itself, leading you to a college that aligns perfectly with your unique self and aspirations.
Admissions offices rely on tools like questionnaires and interviews to optimize the college admission process for applicants, seeking to understand each individual's unique traits, interests, and values.
The 'Who?' stage of the college search process emphasizes the need to explore one's character and cognitive, interpersonal, and motivational traits, and Gerry McCrory of Scoir highlights that this self-discovery goes beyond traditional interest assessments.
Online resources such as Scoir, Naviance, Xello, College Board's Big Future, the U.S. Department of Education's College Scorecard, or Loper's college match tool are essential in an applicant's methodical, reflective journey of self-discovery during the college admissions process, providing insights that empower informed decisions.