Anxiety and the Unpredictability of College Admissions

Today’s episode is a conversation between Jeremy and Amanda Booth, Director of College Counseling for Wichita Collegiate School. We discussed the state of college admissions in 2022, and how admissions counselors can build better relationships with their peers on the high school side. Amanda also shares her thoughts on the role that parents play in the college search, the hard and sometimes uncomfortable conversation of money and paying for college, plus the value of getting involved in your local affiliate organization.

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Key Takeaways

• The Rise of the "Why-Not Movement": Test-optional policies have fueled a surge in applications, leading students to apply broadly "just to see," which can exacerbate rejection anxiety.
• Building Trust Starts with Empathy: Honest, empathetic communication fosters trust between counselors and students.
• High School and College Counselor Collaboration is Key: Strong relationships between high school and college admissions counselors are vital to navigating today’s complex admissions environment.
• Financial Aid Conversations Need to Start Early: Encouraging families to discuss college budgets as early as freshman year helps manage expectations and reduces last-minute financial surprises.
• Visits Still Matter: Campus visits remain a crucial factor for students in making final decisions, despite virtual options being more available than ever.

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Episode Summary

Navigating the Challenges of the "Why-Not Movement"

Amanda Booth identifies test-optional policies as a major driver of increased college applications, dubbing it the "why-not movement." Students now apply to more schools simply because it's easier, often without fully considering fit or long-term goals. While this democratization of access has benefits, Amanda notes it also creates mental strain when students face rejections from schools they applied to on a whim. Counselors must help students focus on building balanced, intentional college lists to avoid this emotional toll.

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The Importance of Empathy and Trust

Empathy is the foundation of Amanda's counseling philosophy. To help students and families navigate an emotionally fraught process, she emphasizes the value of listening, asking better questions, and establishing genuine relationships. She advises fellow counselors to focus on reducing anxiety by providing clear, consistent information and prioritizing the student's best interests over institutional needs.

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Bridging the High School and College Counselor Gap

Amanda highlights the importance of strong collaboration between high school and college admissions counselors. The Great Resignation has caused high staff turnover in admissions, making relationship-building more challenging but even more critical. Amanda encourages admissions counselors to personalize their communication, know the names of the people they’re meeting, and adapt to each high school’s unique dynamics.

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Simplifying Financial Aid Education

One of Amanda’s key strategies is helping families start financial conversations early. She encourages parents to think about their college budget as early as freshman year and openly discuss what’s financially feasible. She also stresses the need for admissions teams to improve their ability to explain financial aid award letters and assist families in understanding their options.

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Reclaiming the Value of Campus Visits

Despite the rise of virtual tours and resources, Amanda insists that campus visits remain a critical part of the decision-making process. However, many students now delay visits until after they receive admissions decisions or financial aid packages, making it essential for colleges to provide compelling reasons to visit earlier in the process.

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This episode is brought to you by Gecko - a student engagement platform offering multiple modules to help institutions better engage with students and lighten the load for their staff.

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