One Lasting Piece of Advice

The typical college-searching, campus-touring high school student is bombarded with approximately 2,943 pieces of unwarranted, unhelpful, and unfounded advice before they even hit ‘submit’ on the Common App.  Okay, so perhaps I made that up, but from what I can remember, everyone and anyone for that matter had thoughts on how I should best move through the search and application process.  “Be funny in your essay” they said; “Join activities to show your well-roundedness” they said.  “Check out my alma mater” or “You should really look into engineering”.

As a junior and senior, you are absolutely barraged with tidbits of advice, suggestions, reminders and recommendations from everyone you meet.  And you know what, more often than not, these pieces of advice have more to do with the person saying them than with you!

Back when I was going through the college search (the search that eventually landed me at Bentley!), I let many of the so-called “words of wisdom” from others just wash over me and didn’t take much of it to heart.  Looking back, there is one piece of advice that actually resonated with me and it came from my dad.  Surprising, right?  The last thing I wanted to do at the time was admit that he was (dare I say it) right!

At the start of every campus tour, he would lean over and say, “Don’t forget to look for your spot”.  From the very beginning of my search, my dad told me about a space on his college campus that felt like it was his and only his.  A small cubby of a space in an academic building that no one else seemed to know about; this became his haven during his college years.  A place to study, write papers, get some space from roommates, or just find calm among the buzz of campus life.

For me, when I looked at schools, I had already done the research on rankings, majors, job placement rates and all of those other fast facts.  I was zoned in on getting the true sense of what it felt like to be on a campus and if I could picture myself adopting that community as my own for four years.  With the idea of finding “my spot” on campus, it kept me focused during long tours on really soaking in the campus and thinking about my future cubby of space to call my own.

After countless campus tours, edits and re-edits of my essay, months spent waiting to hear back, and one really exciting visit from my mailman, I got my acceptance letter to Bentley.  My mind instantly transported me to the feeling of being on campus, despite being in my familiar kitchen at home.  What I loved though, was the fact that the familiar feeling of being home was what I also felt as I pictured Bentley in my mind.  It felt like the place that I would call my home for the next four years and the place that I could have “my spot” on campus.

P.S. – My spot was somewhere in this building, but I can’t give away its exact location!  Maybe someday you’ll find your spot here too!

Thinking Ahead – to YOUR Summer Orientation

The beginning of summer generally means lazy days, beach days, vacations to exotic and not so exotic places, and perhaps a summer job?! However, the past few weeks at Bentley University we have been fortunate enough to welcome many students from the class of 2019 to campus for Summer Orientation. This is when the student affairs staff and the Bentley community familiarize the newest additions to our community, and their parents, to the campus (residence halls, academic buildings, etc), the academic opportunities and support systems available and the variety of services now at their fingertips as official members of our community.

What is Summer Orientation? Great question. It’s three days and two nights of workshops, group bonding, class selection, a residence life experience, and the opportunity to explore all of the facilities and services at the university. It’s almost as if we have our own version of summer camp that ends a bit too soon, with the promise of a reunion in just a few short months (also known as the beginning of the fall semester).

Summer orientation is just the beginning, it reminds me of one of the many reasons why I love admissions. All of the hard work each of our new additions did throughout their four years of high school and the time we in the admissions office spent crafting the incoming class comes together for the first time. We get to celebrate our continued traditions here at Bentley. Our sleepy summer campus is vibrant again for six whole days.

Thinking ahead – this could be you. A year from now once you have finished the arduous, but rewarding, task called the college application process, you could be one of the many we welcome to Bentley’s campus for the summer orientation for the class of 2020. Simple enough. My advice to you – when the application process becomes challenging or you become nervous about getting in, just envision yourself at YOUR Summer Orientation because even though the process can be a bit daunting your orientation is right around the corner and you too will be a first year college student.

Taking Advantage of Summer

Summer is the most unique time for us here in Admissions. The frenzy and fun of the application reading season and selection process is behind us, the new class has been selected and is eager to start at the end of August, and the hustle and bustle of another fall travel season awaits us in September. This is the time that we admission folks get to plan fall travel and enjoy the talent of our colleagues. We are always striving to figure out ways to improve upon our successes from the previous year, learn new tools of the trade, take some vacation days, and enjoy the warm weather on campus by taking our lunches to the picnic tables outside. The university campus crew can begin all of the renovation projects that help to enhance learning and brighten the experience for the next school year. Summertime is when we learn about the new and exciting things our friends across campus are coming up with and how we can also take part in the broader community.

Now – I’m sure you’re wondering what this means for those of you who want to visit…and don’t fret, summer is a perfect time for you to come and visit us. In fact, we are excited and awaiting your arrival – it’s one of the highlights during this time of year. With the extended hours of summer days, we are able to offer you insight into our process and give you tips before you begin your common application and essays. During the summer we offer information sessions and tours for students and families Monday through Thursday through mid-August and have self-guided tours available on Fridays! Our student ambassadors will take you on a tour and you can sit in on an information session with an admissions officer to learn more about the unique programs and community that make Bentley University so special. We also offer interviews Monday through Thursday during the summer, which allow us to learn more about you and offer you a more in-depth personal conversation about Bentley. Having visitors like you come to campus definitely makes the summer in the Watch City a more interesting place.

While on campus you should take a picture of yourself, your family, or your tour group using #FalconPix and see what happens. Enjoy your summer and be sure to visit Bentley! We will be here, looking forward to seeing you around campus!

The College Search – Top 6 Ways You’re Doing It Wrong

The hunt is on.  Out of nearly 4000 colleges and universities in the United States alone, you have been charged with narrowing that list down to just a select few which you will apply to and eventually just one that you will enroll in for the next four years.  No big deal, you’ve got this, right?  Right?

From someone who has gone through the process and has watched others make their way for many years, I wanted to offer you the top 6 ways that students go about their search and application process in the wrong way.

You’re doing the college search wrong if…

1. You made your decision to like a school (or not) based solely on the website.

A bunch of HTML and graphics shouldn’t be the only reason you make this decision.  Websites are there to give you as much information as possible, but there is still nothing like getting your feet on a campus and seeing it for yourself, rather than through the eyes of an IT department!

2. You are applying to a school just because your mom/dad/brother/aunt went there.

Sure, it makes for a great story to share amongst the family tree, but make sure you are picking a school because is it where you can see yourself being successful and happy.  Just because someone else had a great experience doesn’t automatically mean that it is the right choice for you.  It can be hard to tell a family member that you don’t want to follow in their exact footsteps, but speaking up now can make your next four years a lot better.

3. You cross a school off your list just by looking at the cost.

College is expensive.  I know that, you know that, colleges know that.  What is important to remember is that your cost is not necessarily the same one that is shown on college websites and brochures.  The annual cost of tuition, fees, room and board doesn’t take into account any potential merit or athletic scholarships or federal, state, or institutional aid like loans, grants, or work study awards.  When you find a school you are interested in, make sure you ask about available scholarships (and what you have to do to qualify).  Ask what forms they need submitted and by what deadlines. Check out the Net Price Calculator that is found on every college website.  With the right financial aid package, some schools that appeared too costly at the outset may end up being more reasonable than a school with a lower starting “sticker price”.

4. You wait until the last minute to write your college essay. Under pressure, it’ll just write itself, right?

Quite a bit of the time you spend filling out college applications will be focused on checking off this box and that box and entering your address, your birthday and school information (you will have that high school CEEB code memorized before you know it).  When it comes time to “write” your essay in the application, hopefully you are able to copy and paste in your carefully and thoughtfully crafted final draft instead of starting from scratch.  Your essay is your chance to talk to us!  You have the attention of the admission committee – what do you want them to know about you?

5. You ask the first teacher you see in the hall at school to write you a letter of recommendation.

Think carefully before asking just any teacher to write this all important letter.  Not every single teacher is going to know you well enough to portray your best qualities to an admission committee.  Don’t necessarily just pick the teacher who has given you the highest grade. Consider asking a teacher who helped you through one of your tougher classes – they may have gotten some insight into how you handle challenges or setbacks.  They may be the one who has really seen you blossom through the years and exceed all expectations.

6. You watched the movie Admission. Tina Fey was funny. Also, you know everything about college admissions now.

Fact: This rom-com was mildly entertaining.  Myth: Every admission office in the country is just like the one in the movie.  Each college and university has different deadlines, programs, policies, and admission processes.  Find out who your admission counselor is, ask what else you can do to stand out, make sure all of your information is sent (and then, in fact received) at each college.  Admission counselors are in this line of work because they want to be a resource to you, so take advantage of their help!

What Does It All Mean?

As we gear up to release our Early Action decisions, we know that our decisions will be met with mixed emotions: excitement, disappointment, and even some confusion. Perhaps the most puzzling decision for students to receive is the dreaded “defer”, so I wanted to take a moment to dispel some of the common misconceptions about this decision. Many students automatically think of being deferred as bad news, but this is not the case! With thousands of applications in Early Action and thousands more coming in Regular Admission, the admissions committee has to make some very difficult decisions. At Bentley, we take the holistic review of an application very seriously and make sure to put just as much time and energy into reading your application as you put into writing it!   We look at a myriad of personal and academic qualities that would make a student a good fit for Bentley, but this is not a decision that can be rushed. In some cases we might need more information to make a final decision or we might need to look at the entire pool of applicants before making the most informed decision that we can. With a limited number of spots in the class and so many wonderfully talented and special applicants, it is not an easy process. So, what can you do if your application is deferred to the regular decision pool?

1. Show us some love. If you believe that Bentley is the place for you, but haven’t been able to make a visit to campus, there are plenty of other ways to show your interest! For example, don’t be afraid to reach out to one of our admission counselors and let us know you’re interested. We love hearing from you!  Your admission counselor’s contact information can be found here: http://www.bentley.edu/undergraduate/contact
2. Make sure we have the most up-to-date information on your academic or personal achievements. You can log in to your MyBentley Account (http://applicant.bentley.edu) to make sure that we have all of your supporting documents and be sure to have your guidance office send your mid-year grades along when they become available.
3. Hang in there. We know that it might not be the decision you were hoping for, but rest assured your application will continue to receive the time and energy it deserves.

Full Circle

Freshman Move-In day is one of my favorite days of the year here at Bentley.  There are smiles, tears, anticipation, nerves, laughs, awkward introductions, surprises, and everything in between!  The excitement in the air is palpable and you just can’t help but smile. There is so much to look forward to over the next four years and I can’t wait see all of the amazing things these students will go on to do.  But, perhaps my favorite thing about this day is witnessing the beginning of lifelong friendships and bonds being formed before my very eyes.

When President Gloria Larson introduced the Bentley Class of 2018 at Convocation, it officially marked the end of one full admissions cycle and the beginning of the next. At times, we work so closely with students and families, it feels like we’ve taken this journey with them.  I’m not ashamed to admit that the parents dropping their son or daughter off and saying their goodbyes may not have been the only ones to shed a tear or two. We read every application so closely during the admissions process to find the students who are the best fit for Bentley, and vice versa, that when they finally arrive on campus it is an exciting day for us as well!  So, whether I meet you at a college fair, interview you on the road or on campus, speak to you over the phone or through e-mail, or just fall in love with you through your college essay, just know that we’re in this together!

A Look Behind the Curtain…

Earlier this week a few members of the Undergraduate Admission team had the opportunity to spend the afternoon at the Ron Burton Training Village (RBTV).  For those unfamiliar with RBTV, it is a program that encourages personal growth in every facet of life.  Love, Peace, Patience, and Humility are the pillars of the program, and after spending some time with these campers, I felt inspired to more fully embrace these principles in my own life!

We planned an activity for the junior and senior campers to provide some insight/guidance about the admission process and really put the students in the driver’s seat!  They were split into different groups (admissions committee, applicants, and interviewers) and were able to get an inside look at the inner workings of an admissions office.  After the “applicants” presented their case, and the “interviewers” were able to ask their questions, the “admissions committee” made their final admission decision on the student profiles that were presented.  It got me thinking…

Perhaps other students could benefit from the experience, so here are some of the main takeaways from the activity as you navigate your own college process:

1. The college admissions process is so much more than your GPA and test scores.  Putting the time and effort into describing your compelling personal side can most certainly make a difference to an admissions committee.  Choosing the right teachers/counselors to write your letters of recommendation (those who can really speak to your personality and strengths as a student), following your passions and getting involved in extracurricular activities, taking on leadership roles, speaking from the heart, and putting thought into how your essay will tell your story are all important factors to becoming that well-rounded student that colleges will be vying for.

2. The admissions committee won’t be able to ask you questions during the review of your application.  Unlike the activity we planned for this exercise, you won’t get the opportunity to stand in front of the admissions committee and plead your case.  It is important to provide as much detail and information as you can in your application, so that the committee can make an informed decision.  Take advantage of the opportunities presented to you to make contact with students or admission counselors, and keep in touch.  If there is something that you feel needs more attention or clarification in your educational history that can’t be described in your application, find out if the school offers interviews.  If not, send an e-mail, pick up the phone, or discuss with your teachers/counselors to make sure it is referenced in their letters of recommendation.

3. Be open and honest. If you do have the opportunity to interview or meet with someone in the admissions office, be yourself!  Of course you want to make a good impression, but don’t answer questions with what you think wewant to hear (we can tell!)  Instead, provide context and insight into who you are as a person and a student.  Did your grades slip sophomore year?  We would much rather hear about why and how you made changes to improve, instead of avoiding the topic and leaving us wondering as we read your transcript.

The Campus Visit

The Campus Visit

Summer is finally here **pause for collective sigh of relief** and if you are anything like me, you’ll want to spend as much time as possible outside!  At the same time, I’m sure that your parents are encouraging you to be productive and get a jump start on the college process.  Introducing the perfect compromise: the campus visit!  Get outside, enjoy the beautiful weather, and start visiting all of the schools on your list that you haven’t had the chance to see yet.

Here are some tips to make the most out of your visit:

Plan Ahead.  If you want to get the most information and attention, visit the website or call to find out when tours/information sessions/interviews are being offered.  This will also allow you to plan the rest of your day and explore the area.

Ask for Recommendations.  If you have some extra time, I always suggest exploring the town and surrounding areas of the school!  Obviously, there is a lot to see in the Boston area, but we are lucky enough to also have our own mini college town in Waltham.  Ask your tour guides where their favorites spots to eat are, what they do for fun, etc.

Wear Comfortable Shoes!  While you won’t be running a marathon, campus tours often involve a good amount of walking.  Make it easier on yourself and wear something comfortable.

Take Notes.  I know I know, you’re supposed to be done with school work for the summer, but taking notes on your visits will help you remember your initial feelings on campus. College visits can often blend together, especially if you are visiting multiple schools in a short period of time. As you sit in on information sessions or tours, make notes of what you liked, what your concerns were, what blew you away, etc.  This will help you keep track of what questions you might want to ask an admission counselor, but also serve as a reminder for yourself!

Ask Questions.  Use your time on campus to get as many questions as you can answered, especially from the student perspective.  You can always call up an admission counselor with questions, but the campus visit is the perfect time to get the inside scoop from current students.

Keep in Touch.  Your experience doesn’t have to end when you step off campus.  Ask for cards and contact information from students and staff that you meet and feel free to follow-up with questions, updates, or even just a simple thank you.

Hope to see you in the Bentley University Undergraduate Admission Visitor Center soon!

http://www.bentley.edu/undergraduate/visiting