University and College Admissions Interview

University and College Admissions Interview The Book Process LoveToKnow (LTK): Can you tell us a bit about your motivation for writing this book? Related Articles College Counselor Telecommute College Counselor Telecommute College Application Cover Letter Examples College Application Cover Letter Examples Sample High School Resumes for College Applications Sample High School Resumes for College Applications Sally Springer (SS): Admission Matters was written to help students and parents navigate an increasingly complex college admissions process. When I started, there were lots of books and other resources available, but a lot of the information was wrong, out of date, or just plain cynical in its approach to college admissions as a game that you could either win or lose. I was particularly troubled by the cynicism since I didn't--and still don't--think that it is a healthy message to send to young people at a critical point in their development. I began writing a book that would be accurate, realistic, and reassuring. I was delighted by the response to the first edition because it was clear that it met a real need, and [I] was happy that a thoroughly updated second edition came out in 2009. LTK: For whom is your book? SS: I am especially proud of the fact that Admission Matters is written for both parents and students. We want students and parents to read all of it and have a common understanding of the admissions process and what their different yet complementary roles should be. Admission Matters demystifies the college admissions process and tries to level the playing field for those without access to extensive assistance from knowledgeable high school counselors. It is also written for those who have access to good counseling but who would still like some extra help. LTK: What does your book provide? SS: The book gives lots of very useful, very practical information about how to prepare for college, how to research colleges, and how to prepare strong applications. We have lots of helpful checklists [and] questionnaires. But it is much more than a "how-to" book. Admission Matters is designed to provide readers with important insights to put college admissions into perspective, both as a process and as a part of life, and to keep the "if only I had known earlier" regret to a minimum. College Applications LTK: When should students begin the application process? SS: Junior year in high school is a good time to begin serious research about different colleges to help develop a list of good-fit schools. If feasible, spring break can be used for college visits. Research and possible visits can continue through the summer as well. Getting a head start in the summer on application essays, if required, is also a great idea. I know, though, that many students leave the entire process, including researching colleges, to the fall semester of senior year. That can work, but it is not ideal, and it can make things unnecessarily stressful all around.