a2z College Planning: May 2010

Managing Expectations for Successful Outcomes
(Source: theadmissiongame.com)

Expectations. Everyone has them. In fact, they are such a part of our daily lives that we rarely stop to think about how our expectations influence the choices we make. When we expect certain outcomes, we tend to think and act accordingly as though those outcomes are certain to become reality. They are our manifest destiny.

Consider, for example, a college education. For many, going to college is a long held expectation. If not an end in itself, it is regarded by many as a means to a greater end. The choice of a college, then, is regarded as critical to leveraging desired outcomes and quite often holds greater significance than the fact of college attendance itself.
Across the spectrum of credentials presented by more than two million graduating high school seniors each year reasonable expectations with regard to admission outcomes should enable them to gain entrance to appropriately “fitting” institutions.

The key word in this assessment is “reasonable.” It’s not surprising that many students and parents have high expectations with regard to college outcomes. However, at a time when extraordinary competitiveness and economic uncertainty frame college access, outcomes don’t always match the expectations. Having the requisite credential to compete for admission—being “qualified”—at selective colleges is not enough to secure admission for many students who will find themselves in competition with thousands of other applicants who share their ambitions—and their credentials.

Finding happy—and appropriate—outcomes, then, is a function of managing expectations. Having the “goods” academically is no longer a guarantee of admission at selective institutions that are bound by increasingly complex admission agendas—agendas that cater to special interest groups and students with unique talents as well as agendas related to yield (who will show up if admitted?) and ability to pay.

The implications of these agendas are especially impactful for students who may require financial assistance. While colleges are awarding tens of millions of dollars in financial assistance, they are directing it strategically at students whom they value most.

If you are a student, then, you need to be thoughtful and deliberate in your decision-making so you can put yourself on “competitive playing fields” that make sense for you when applying for admission. For example, focus on schools where your chances of getting in are least 50-50 rather than applying to high profile places where you think you might have a chance of gaining admission. If cost is a factor, focus on places where your credentials are likely to put you among the top 25% applicants—places where you will be valued for your potential contributions. Those schools are more likely to admit you and give you what you need financially.

That said, I would urge caution with regard to three tendencies I have observed among applicants. One, they often succumb to the notion that the more applications they submit to “reach” schools the better the chances of getting in—and getting financial assistance. Before you buy in to this notion, think logically about what is likely to happen. If you are a good but not superior candidate for schools that admit 20% of their applicants—or fewer—applying to more of them doesn’t increase your odds of getting in.

On the other hand, managing expectations—applying to 4-5 colleges where you are in the top of the applicant pool—means you are likely to see very compelling opportunities financially.

The second worrisome tendency is that many students will target elite institutions with the understanding that, if things don’t work out, they’ll go to local state universities. What this suggests is that the decision-making is destination-oriented rather than student-centered—it’s not about what’s best for you.

Focus instead on your academic priorities and apply accordingly. When you do this, you should see consistency in the types (size, shape, selectivity) of institutions you are considering. In this case, managing expectations can produce huge dividends in terms of learning opportunities you might not have otherwise considered.
Finally, an increasingly popular assumption is that “we can find comparable value (to private colleges) academically at state universities for much less the cost.” The good news: this is true. The bad news: it seems like everyone is coming to the same conclusion! State universities, especially flagship programs, have seen record levels of interest over the last two years. As a result, their enrollments are pressing their institutional capacities to meet students’ programmatic needs.

While you might be able to get into these schools, you need to be alert to the pressures they are feeling to accommodate their students academically in four or even five years. As you visit their campuses, be sure to inquire about graduation rates—in general and in your intended field of study. In fact, ask the same questions of all colleges, public and private. Make sure the likely outcomes meet your expectations.

As you proceed through your college search and selection processes, you are in a much stronger position to influence the outcomes than you might imagine. Take the time to reflect carefully on what you want to accomplish during your college years—and how you can best accomplish it. Set your expectations accordingly and be prepared for happy outcomes!

Best Wishes,
A2Z College Planning Team
www.a2zcollegeplanning.com

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www.a2zcollegeplanning.com
info@a2zcollegeplanning.com

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