My Conversation With Journalist Eric Hoover

In this episode, Jeremy chats with well known writer Eric Hoover from The Chronicle of Higher Education. They start by having a lengthy conversation about some of the different fears that most students deal with during their college search, as well as the lack of assistance and help that many receive. From there, Eric shares his thoughts on strengthening relationships between colleges and high school counselors, the ‘great resignation’ and ‘test optional’, and how he’s been able to get so many young people to open up and share their stories. 

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Key Takeaways

• Fear Dominates Student Decision-Making: Students, regardless of background, grapple with fears about affordability, fitting in, preparedness, and making the "right" college choice.
• Test-Optional Confusion Persists: Many students find test-optional policies confusing and feel pressured to submit scores, undermining the intended benefits of these policies.
• Counselor Shortages Impact Access: A lack of school counselors and adequate guidance leaves many students navigating the admissions process alone, particularly in under-resourced schools.
• Community Building is Essential: Colleges need to invest in meaningful partnerships with local schools and organizations to better support students and create pathways to higher education.
• Staff Development Prevents Burnout: Admissions offices should prioritize ongoing training and mentoring to reduce staff turnover and ensure younger professionals feel supported.

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Episode Summary

Understanding the Role of Fear in Admissions

Eric Hoover highlights the pervasive fear students feel during the admissions process. Common concerns include missing key steps, affording college, and not fitting in socially or academically. These fears are compounded by the isolation many students experience, particularly those without access to strong counseling support. The episode underscores the importance of addressing these fears through empathy, clear communication, and personalized support.

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The Reality of Test-Optional Policies

While test-optional policies are intended to reduce barriers, Eric notes they often create confusion. Students and families frequently question whether "optional" truly means optional, leading to additional stress. Counselors and colleges must do more to demystify these policies and provide transparent guidance tailored to each student’s context.

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Bridging the Guidance Gap

The lack of school counselors, especially in under-resourced areas, leaves many students navigating college admissions on their own. Eric emphasizes the need for higher education institutions to take a proactive role in addressing this gap. Community partnerships, better training for counselors, and more accessible resources can make a significant difference.

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Investing in Admissions Teams

With the “great resignation” impacting higher education, admissions offices face high staff turnover and burnout. Eric shares examples of leaders carving out time for intentional staff development, including workshops on difficult conversations and implicit bias. These efforts not only support staff but also ensure better outcomes for students.

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A Call for Human-Centered Admissions

Jeremy and Eric agree that humanizing the admissions process is crucial. This means building genuine relationships with students, empowering them with clear information, and tailoring communications to their needs. Colleges must move beyond transactional interactions to foster trust and connection.

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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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