Should you interview for college?

While making my morning rounds on the internet, I came across an article on Twitter posted by My College Guide: To be or not to be: The college interview.

If you're debating on whether or not to schedule a college interview, this article does a great job at convincing you to do so.  It says:

"The college interview process, though often optional,  is a great way for you to get your questions answered, put a face to a name, and explain any bumps in your high school record face to face.  We’ve mentioned before that students who vocalize their desire to attend a particular college increase their college admittance odds – what better way than during a college interview?"

Is that true, I wondered?  Would it really increase your chances of being accepted if you came in for an interview?  To find out, I talked with a few of the admissions counselors to see what they recommend.  I asked:  If I apply to Simmons, would it help me if I went in for an interview?

Their answer?  DEFINITELY!

Every single counselor suggested applicants should stop by for an interview because the more they know about you, the better.  They explained their interviews are very informal, and more of a "get-to-know-you" information session, rather than the official job type of interview.

Ashley, a counselor who has been interviewing students for about three years, says coming for an interview really strengthens your application and gives her a sense of your passion and enthusiasm for college - something, she says, she can't tell from a piece of paper.

Cheri, another counselor, says an interview is the best way for an applicant to shine and stand out from the others.  And, if you haven't already, now is the perfect time to schedule a one-on-one.

By the way, the article mentions that some college's might not always have the time to interview every applicant.  But counselors are ALWAYS available to meet with you... because they want to!  And if you can't make it to Boston, ask if they'll be in your area because sometimes they'll even come to you.

It's never too late

It's February now, and that means the college is back into full swing.  Spring semester is well underway (although, it's hardly Spring out there... Brrrrrr!) and since all your applications are finally in, the admissions counselors are extremely busy accepting the Class of 2014.

Hopefully you sent all your materials in.  The deadline was last Monday!

But, for those of us who are procrastinators, I have great news.

This time of year is busy for everyone, not just for the Simmons community. So... the deadline is extended to March 1, 2010!

Why is this so great?  Because there's still time to apply to college.

Hooray!

Almost all colleges have stopped accepting applications.  Therefore, mark Simmons's date on your calendar, bolded and underlined:

March 1, 2010.

I mean, you already know how awesome college is, and I swear warm weather does come to Boston (eventually), so why not?  At this point, you have nothing to lose by applying.

Admissions counselors will help you through the process every step of the way.  There's still time to meet professors, check out the social life, and arrange an overnight visit to see for yourself what college is all about (just bring a coat if you visit... a heavy one.  And mittens, and a hat.  Also, bring a scarf... and wear warm boots.  Oh, and bring an umbrella... just in case.  Hey, it's New England!)

Also, don't forget to apply for financial aid while you're at it. This is very important.  Do it even if you think you don't qualify.  Always, ALWAYS apply for money.

Ok, you know the deadline, so here's what you need to do to apply:

1. Fill out an application: Print version or Online version

2.  Get a recommendation from your guidance counselor and one teacher (details are on the application).  Also, request your high school transcript - Just give the form included in the application to your guidance counselor and they will send the transcript for you.

3.  Write an essay.

4.  Submit all materials in a sealed envelope (by March 1, remember).

So, what are you waiting for?  It's never too late.  Hopefully see you in the Fall!

(Btw, Boston is absolutely GORGEOUS that time of year)

Give us a holler

Click here to watch an interesting video about whether or not the amount of contact you have with an admissions office affects their decision to admit you.

As mentioned in the video, every school looks at this differently. So, I spoke directly with the counselors here to find out what they think.

Their response was unanimous: We want to hear from you!  Often!

The counselors love one-on-one time with every single student who applies.  It's not always about grades, or test scores, but more importantly it's about you, as an individual.  The more counselors know about you, the whole you, the better - it's the best way to determine if you're a good fit.

Communication is key.

It's strongly suggested by each counselor that you have as many contacts with the college as is necessary.  Email, phone call, visit (definitely visit!), IM, Facebook, etc.  Its a personalized process, and counselors will even contact YOU (usually by email, but definitely indicate your preference) about every two weeks just to make sure you're on track with everything you need.
 
Of course, as with everything, moderation also is key.  One guy mentioned in the video that a student obsessively contacted the school and it got a little crazy.  Don't make your counselor have to join the witness protection program!

If you submitted your application, but haven't talked to admissions yet, give them a ring!  See what's up with your app, or tell them something interesting you forgot to mention in your essay. The counselors will remember who you are from the first time you say "Hello," through the time you graduate.  That's what's so great about applying to a small college.  It's like "Cheers"... where everybody knows your name!

Modes of Inquiry

What of what?

Maybe you've heard your admissions counselor mention it a couple times, but didn't think too much of it.  Or, maybe you're already highlighting interesting classes in the course catalogue.  Either way, you can't graduate without completing the Modes of Inquiry.

More and more colleges are all about claiming they specialize in preparing students for a career, not just a job.  But it's no secret that in this economy employers are looking for well-rounded grads with a range of specialities. This means there's high demand for employees who can not only do the job, but also can write, analyze, and maintain a global perspective.

That's why you need to take it a step further with the one-two punch of career preparation and a strong liberal arts foundation.

"Liberal arts" is simply a fancy term that means you get to study a whole bunch of general subjects while majoring in just one (or sometimes two!). Basically, attending a liberal arts college makes you a smarty-pants.  And really good at trivia!  

So, what's the Modes of Inquiry?

Simmons goes above and beyond preparing you for your chosen career by requiring you to complete at least ONE course in the following six subjects:

- Language, literature, and culture
- Quantitative analysis and reasoning
- Scientific inquiry
- Social and historical perspectives
- Psychology and ethical development

It's fun to take classes outside your own major - you get to meet new people, have a chance to take classes with different professors (some who are nationally recognized for their fieldwork), and you will be qualified for a job you really want... one that is looking for a candidate who can also manage a budget, and also write monthly status reports, and also say hello and thank you in another language.

Since the Modes of Inquiry credits are built right into your major, you'll immediately have a leg up in the "real world" as soon as you graduate.  It's also favorable if you're still deciding on a major!