Harvard and Some Other Schools Alter Their Application Processes

Parents Forum
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<p>Crimson article:</p>

<p>[The</a> Harvard Crimson :: News :: Colleges Alter App. Processes](<a href=“http://www.thecrimson.com/article.aspx?ref=529438]The”>http://www.thecrimson.com/article.aspx?ref=529438)</p>

<p>Excerpt:</p>

<p>"PENN: GET TO THE POINT </p>

<p>Claire Beslow has read her fair share of application essays as a guidance counselor and former English teacher at Ramsey High School in New Jersey. One of the worst responses, she said, was to the University of Pennsylvania’s supplemental essay question asking students why they want to attend Penn. </p>

<p>“I had been working with someone privately who said ‘I would like to go to Penn because it’s a city school with a great campus,’” said Beslow. </p>

<p>“If you love the rah-rah factor of a school that’s nice to put in, but you are going for the college education. So figure out what makes Rutgers [for example] different than the University of Maryland.” </p>

<p>For college admissions offices, deciding what information to solicit from applicants and in what manner is an ongoing challenge. And for students, determining what information to present—and what colleges want to hear—is a source of endless stress. "</p>

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<p>I’m glad to hear that the economy has forced colleges to cut back on their mailings. It can really get insane at times…you open your mailbox, and it’s stuffed with postcards, thick glossy college booklets, etc… Most of which goes directly into the trash.</p>

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<p>I would agree that scaling back on the mailings is a great idea. I swear we were getting postcards from Colgate and Skidmore on a weekly basis! Then again, there were some schools who I felt relied too much on the website information. When you have a spouse like I do who still actually writes a check and puts it in an envelope with a stamp, it’s nice to have a little paper information. And no, it’s not his college education, but let’s be real: he’s paying the bill.</p>