kyliestanley November 18th, 2009
When I was a high school student visiting colleges and universities I had no idea what I wanted to be when I grew up. I was a first generation college student and just the idea of going to college was both overwhelming and exciting. During a visit to Indiana University (which I eventually attended for my undergraduate education) the admissions counselor I talked with after the group information session asked me which career field I was interested in. Dazzled by her energy and enthusiasm for the institution, I told her that I wasn’t sure, but I thought it would be fun to be an admissions counselor!
During my second year of college I was away at a leadership retreat when we were going around the room announcing the usual (name, hometown, major, what you want to be when you grow up). I still had no idea what I wanted to be when I grew up, so when it became my turn I said, “Kylie Stanley… LaPorte, IN… English and Political Science… and I have no idea what I want to be, but I am pretty sure I never want to leave college.” One of the staff leaders responded, “I have the perfect field for you, talk to me after group.” Later he told me about higher education administration and about all the ways I could work for a college or university.
Fast forward about five years. I graduated from an amazing public flagship university. I received my master’s from the top ranked education school in the nation (Peabody College at Vanderbilt University). Now, I am an admissions counselor at one of the best national universities in the country.
When I hear those in popular media call admissions counselors “gatekeepers”, it makes me think they really don’t get who we are as individuals. Every single one of my colleagues has an equally inspiring story about how they came to work here, and all of us run into high school students that remind us of ourselves not too long ago.
You have to do your part as an applicant (i.e. get good grades, proofread your essays, ask individuals for letters of recommendation), but know that we are not standing on the other side of the gate trying to keep you out. More accurately, we’re on the same side as you, adding a bit of manpower to help you open it.
Thom November 11th, 2009
Today we debuted our newly structured and redesigned website to our prospective students families and high school partners. Features of the new site include:
- A streamlined and dramatically simplified structure where all of the admissions/financial aid/Vanderbilt information you’ve asked for is one click away including a “find your major” drop down. No more having to crawl through dozens of websites just to find your major.
- A media player where to watch video interviews from Vanderbilt students and faculty.
- An Admissions Quick Guide that puts 100% of our application process into simple steps without any buzz words or admissions jargon.
- A social media toolbar that lets you take Vandy with you, either through Facebook, Twitter, Youtube or by loading our RSS feed into your feed reader.
- Easily share information with your friends through our “Share this Page” section.
Have a great Wednesday blogland!
Thom November 3rd, 2009
We’re still processing the some 900 ED applications submitted over the weekend, and the 10+ buckets of mail we received yesterday. It will take a few days to get everything opened/imported/tracked/filed. We will be performing an incomplete check of all ED1 files on Friday of this week, with an email to go out on Monday the 9th to all students who are still missing items in their application. If your application is complete, you will get an email as well, but it could be earlier than Monday (it will be sent whenever all your pieces are pulled together).
For your Autumnal enjoyment, I snapped a few shots of the Vanderbilt grounds ablaze in color while walking to the office this morning. Such a wonderful time of year . . .
Vanderbilt Walkways Along Alumni Lawn in Fall
Vanderbilt's Fall Colors on Curry Field
Thom October 16th, 2009
The poet bard Avril Lavigne was whining a tune about being complicated as I turned in the rental car this morning. It is rare that I 1) make a habit of tuning in stations that would play Avril’s songs and 2) think much about said songs when I do. It was that 5 minute gap between disconnecting the mp3 player and ditching the rented Prius. I’m sitting there waiting for the attendant to check my mileage and thinking about a curious series of questions I fielded this past week:
- “I’m not sure what I want to major in, will that hurt me in the admissions process?” (answer = no)
- ”I could ask my company to defer some of my compensation, should I do that to better my chances of obtaining financial aid?” (answer = no, what will you do, defer it for four years?)
- “I’m a sophomore, and my family’s worried that they can’t afford to send me abroad this summer, but I heard that colleges really like that, what should I do?” (answer = have a great experience doing something else you’ll enjoy and let colleges sort it out)
It’s true, Vanderbilt’s applications have grown (+73% in five years). A natural reaction is to try and find some way to stand out in the crowd. But for us, at the heart of the holistic review is an understanding of you - your past accomplishments, what you care about, and what drives your curiosities. In each of these things - simplicity is a supreme virtue. Consider the following example:
Ask yourself the question “Do I need a pan flute?” Use the following chart to answer the question.
Source: toothpastefordinner.com
Print this and put it above the space you use to work on your applications. The flow chart is good - the flow chart is wise - the flow chart is simple.
Simplicity in your extracurriculars: spell it out
- No acronyms - OK, we think we know what the BFF club is, but go ahead and humor us.
- The reason we like the Common App’s extracurricular section is because it limits you to a certain number of activities. Listing your most influential activities there is expected (again, simple I know, but you’d be surprised how many times we learn about that officer position at Girl’s State from the guidance counselor, not from the student).
- A resume is fine, but not expected. You can include one if you would like to list more activities than the Common App will allow.
Simplicity in you essay: get to the point
- True, there is no desired length, but please, no long walks in the desert.
- Your essay doesn’t have to be a novel topic, or oddly formatted to stick out. Some of the best essays I’ve read have been about the family pet, or a favorite room in the house, but they were expertly written.
Simplicity in your letters of recommendation: no surprises
- Don’t default to the teachers in whose classes you received the best grade. Instead, pick the teachers who know your work ethic and your classroom personality the best.
- Make sure you feel reasonably sure what your recommenders will write about you. I always scratch my head when I read luke warm recommendations. “How did the student misjudge that one?” I ask.
Thom September 21st, 2009
Seniors on our Vanderbilt mailing list will be receiving information this week and next week about our scholarship and financial aid process. If your head is already swimming in dates and deadlines, then I apologize up front, because here comes some more:
Our merit scholarship application is being mailed out to all seniors on our mailing list, but it is already available online. Applicants to the Ingram Scholarship Program have a December 1 postmarked deadline. The Chancellor’s and Cornelius Vanderbilt Scholarship have a January 3 postmarked deadline. National Merit and Achievement scholars should investigate our special scholarships for that, although keep in mind that there is not a separate application for that program.
Need-based scholarships ae determined through submitting the CSS Profile (available 10/1/09) and the FAFSA (available 1/1/10).
With need-based aid, recall our three commitments, which are the foundation of our aid policy:
- We read applications in a need-blind fashion
- We promise to meet 100% of your demonstrated need
- Our need-based financial aid offers do not include any loans
By the way, if you are not one of the col kids on our mailing list and would like to be (and honestly who wouldn’t want to be?) visit our online inquiry form. Go ahead, I’ll wait.
Tough Start for Vandy Football
Life in the stacked SEC is tough and our ‘Dores have felt it started 1-2 with losses to LSU and Mississippi State. The Commodores look to right the ship this weekend versus Rice. Go ‘Dores!
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