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CHAPEL HILL, NORTH CAROLINA – JUNE 29: People walk on the campus of the University of North Carolina … [+]
Chapel Hill on June 29, 2023 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. The U.S. Supreme Court ruled that race-conscious admission policies used by Harvard and the University of North Carolina violate the Constitution, bringing an end to affirmative action in higher education. (Photo by Eros Hoagland/Getty Images)
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Navigating the college admissions landscape in 2024 demands a comprehensive understanding of current trends while ensuring that each student’s unique values and needs are aligned with their chosen institutions. Here are practical steps to guide you in creating a winning college list that aligns with your values and goals.
Step 1: Define Your College Criteria
Start by identifying what’s important to you in a college experience. Consider factors like location, size, academic programs, extracurricular opportunities, and campus culture. Understanding your preferences will help you narrow down your options.
Rank Your Needs
Below is a list of needs your future college could meet for you. Beside each item, rank it on a scale of 1 to 4.
1 = Non-negotiable
2 = Important
3 = Semi-important
4 = Unimportant
Your College Needs:
- Long distance from current home
- Friends from high school will be there
- Internship opportunities in my future career
- Politically engaged student body
- Near nature, lots of outdoor activities
- Affordable
- Attractive program in my desired major
- School with high “name brand” recognition, prestigious
- Good sorority/fraternity scene
- Beautiful environment
- Cool college town, lots of off-campus opportunities
- Strong study abroad program
- Strong religious affiliation/spiritual opportunities
- Strong alumni network
- Chance to play collegiate sports
- Diverse student body
- Can drive home easily
This list is by no means comprehensive. You may have a completely different set of priorities than the ones listed here. The point is this: the sooner you get real about what your needs are, the sooner you can cross schools from your list that don’t meet them. You’re the one going to college; you’re the boss of your experience.
Step 2: Research College Cultures and Values
Dig into the culture and values of each college you’re considering. Start by visiting the university’s website and reading their mission and vision statements. This can provide insight into what the institution values and strives to achieve.
For example, Carnegie Mellon University’s Tepper School of Business emphasizes critical thinking and leadership. Their mission statement reads: “To create value for business and society by providing intellectual leadership, advancing the science and practice of management, and developing ethical leaders to be the agents of change in a world driven by technology and innovation.” Their motto, “My heart is in the work,” suggests a deep commitment to integrating passion with profession.
Does this resonate with your values and how you see your future?
To further understand a college’s culture, go straight to the source: the student newspaper. Student newspapers offer candid student perspectives. For instance, a student at Stanford might describe the entrepreneurial spirit on campus, while a student at Swarthmore might highlight the collaborative and socially conscious atmosphere.
Step 3: Investigate Strategic Goals
Many people often express frustration with the perceived opacity of the college admissions process, and their concerns are not unfounded. However, if you want insight into the types of students likely to be admitted in the upcoming year, it’s essential to examine the college’s strategic goals for the next few years. This information is usually available in their strategic plan, which can be found on their website.
Look for documents that detail the institution’s goals and the strategies they plan to implement to achieve them. For instance, Stanford University’s strategic plan emphasizes sustainability and interdisciplinary research. If you are passionate about environmental science, Stanford’s focus on sustainability might align well with your interests.
Conversely, the University of Chicago may highlight its
