From the Desk of the Dean

It is my intent that this blog will genuinely reflect my experiences as a former dean of admissions and financial aid, a parent, and an independent educational consultant. Whether you are a student, a parent, or an interested reader I hope you will find something here to guide and encourage you and keep your stress level in check throughout the admissions process.

You should know that my head and heart understand what it feels like:

• To worry that my child may not get into their first-choice college.
  
• To comfort and advise a parent who is concerned that their bank account and their child’s college dream may be out of alignment.
  
• To lead a highly selective admissions process and make difficult choices about who will be admitted, and---
  
• To feel concerned because I can’t quite get my child to focus on meeting all the application deadlines; after all, they are the one going to college---right? Yes, this happens even to those of us who are college or high school counselors!

Each of my lifetime roles have added to my perspective about the state of college admissions today. Perhaps like you, I worry about the pressure on our teens to balance challenging classes, demanding activities, and get enough sleep - plus, wade through the mountain of information about life after high school that pours in through the mailbox, inbox, social media and family and friends. Bookstores have entire sections devoted to test prep and guidebooks. Sorting it all out often impacts the whole family, not just the one preparing to go to college. And how do we make sense of the apparent rise in applications and selectivity among top colleges, escalating costs, college rankings and variable application plans and deadlines?

In this first post I’d like to share the following advice with parents or guardians as you approach the college search with your child.

• The college selection process will be a healthier experience for everyone if the focus is more on what our children will get out of college rather than on which colleges they get into.
  
• Remember that many parents are relying on hindsight and their own experiences to filter and judge information about a child’s college search. Your teen, on the other hand, is filtering information through anticipation of all the possibilities that lay before them. In the end, a combination of both perspectives will result in a good decision.
  
• Allow your child to lead the process and having the starring role.
  
• Try not to overemphasize the admissions process: applying to college should not become more important than their education.
  
• Reassure your child that most students who want to go to college get in somewhere. Have every confidence that your child will find a great match and have multiple college options.
  
• Celebrate this milestone in your child’s life and give yourself credit; you have played an important part in this next step towards independence in your student’s life.
  
• And every now and then, simply breathe deeply and tell yourself that “it’s going to be ok.” Because it will. I promise.

Thankfully, I imagine many of you have the support and guidance of knowledgeable and dedicated school counselors and teachers close at hand. However, if you are unsure about where to turn for help I hope you will reach out to me. Click here to schedule a free 20-minute Discovery Call with me, https://www.creativecollegeconnections.com/preliminary-conversation.

The beginning of a new year offers opportunities for the Creative College Connections team to continue to share our extraordinary breadth of college admissions experience with current students and parents and those we have yet to meet. I look forward to sharing more with you in the months ahead and to supporting your journey.

-Debra Chermonte

Debra Chermonte is a national expert in the field of college admissions and counseling with over three decades of experience. Most recently, she led Oberlin College as Vice President and Dean of Admissions and Financial Aid for twenty-eight years.