College Admissions Consulting Mastering College Visits, Middle School & Paying for College | College Coach Blog Written by Lauren Randleon February 3rd, 2016 I learned firsthand about the world of highly selective admissions as a former assistant director of admissions at Georgetown University. I traveled the United States, in and out of high schools and auditoriums, to eagerly educate students and their families about the application process, and then painstakingly reviewed thousands upon thousands of applications to fill our class. I reviewed applications for all four of Georgetown’s colleges (Georgetown College, McDonough School of Business, Walsh School of Foreign Service, and School of Nursing & Health Studies), and chaired the admissions committee for the School of Foreign Service. I experienced the nuances of the recruitment process as the admissions liaison to the Georgetown women’s soccer team, and also understood the significance of the admissions interview as the co-coordinator for Georgetown’s alumni interviewing process. I left admissions to pursue a master of education degree at the University of Virginia to broaden my knowledge of student development theories and current trends in higher education. There I decided that it was time to work more directly with students and families at the high school level, where my support and encouragement would have a more personal impact. That desire led me across the globe to Hong Kong, where I worked at a competitive international high school helping students with their college applications to the world's best universities. My international experience offered me the opportunity to work with extraordinary students and see extraordinary places. Learn More About Lauren college visits, getting in, paying for college, On last week’s episode of Getting In: A College Coach Conversation, Sally Ganga stepped in as guest host and discussed with her guests how to get the most out of a college visit, middle school strategies for future success, and what seniors can do to optimize their financial aid after submitting the FAFSA. Getting the Most Out of the College Visit Visiting colleges is costly both in terms of time and money. Kyra Tyler offered tips on how to maximize the time spent on campus so that a student will walk away with a real sense of the specific community and culture. Kyra and Sally provided some great examples of questions to ask, and ultimately reminded students not to be afraid during their visit. After all, the people you meet on a college campus are there to help you, not to reject you! Mastering Middle School In the second segment, Mary Sue Youn offered advice on middle school study skills and organizational strategies as both a former admissions officer and as a parent of a current middle school student. Mary Sue discussed the fine balance of handling a middle schooler’s push for independence while guiding them to build a foundation for success in high school. Finding Money for College In the final segment, financial aid expert Shannon Vasconcelos joined Sally to highlight what seniors can do in the winter and spring to find money for college after submitting the FAFSA. Students should follow up directly with college aid offices if there are financial circumstances that aren’t reflected on the forms, and Shannon also encouraged students to seek out private scholarships particularly from community based organizations in their hometown. On tomorrow’s episode of Getting In: A College Coach Conversation, Beth Heaton will return to the hosting chair to discuss what seniors should be doing now that their applications are in, as well as covering financial aid tips for transfer applicants. Recent Episodes of Getting In: A College Coach Conversation: Finding Money for College After You've Filed the FAFSA Researching Colleges and Listener Questions Not a Joiner?: Extracurricular Activity Ideas for the Kid Who Hates Clubs Related Resources Read | Posted on April 16th, 2024 Understanding Direct Admission: A Pathway to Success Read | Posted on April 10th, 2024 Acceptance by Emi Nietfeld; Why You Should Fill out the FAFSA Read | Posted on April 9th, 2024 Community Colleges with Campus Housing
