Words of wisdom and humor for high school seniors and their parents as they eagerly await college admission decisions:
College admission decisions for early admission plans are generally conveyed to high school students between mid-December and early February. Decisions for regular decision plan applications are generally rendered later and before April 1.
In my effort to contribute to the quest for sanity and humanity in college admission, I have been encouraged by guidance counselors and independent educational consultants (IECs) to share my “research” chronicling email pitches from colleges to high school sophomores.
An unsuspecting sophomore indicated interest in being contacted by colleges on the PSAT registration form. As a result, that student received 44 emails from 44 different colleges during the first seven days in March. Subject lines included such misleading teasers as:
Here are some suggestions to help you with the transition into your first semester in college. Know that it may feel like an emotional roller coaster; those feelings are understandable and common.
Get to know your academic advisor.
As a college admissions advisor and independent educational consultant to students and their parents as they go through the college search and application process, I educate them on many aspects of the current college admissions landscape. Examples include the importance of focusing on the student’s strengths and preferences, colleges’ reliance on enrollment management strategies, the significance of students “demonstrating interest,” and the increasing availability of non-need based merit awards.
Too often there is a disconnect between what families and colleges understand to be important in college admissions. In the absence of information from colleges about what makes their institutions unique and what they really focus on in the determination of admissions decisions, families too often find themselves reacting to all the noise and unknowns out there rather than acting to identify and pursue what is in the student’s individual best interest.


As a Certified Educational Planner (CEP) and member of the Association of Certified Educational Planners (AICEP), the Independent Educational Consultants Association (IECA), and the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC), I adhere to their policies on Ethics and Professional Practice.
CEP Principles
Jokingly Proposing a New Concept in College Admissions – “The Common Information Session and Tour”
Having visited more than 100 colleges in the past three years, I have learned a lot about those particular colleges and about how colleges position and market themselves. Colleges are quick to point out those distinguishing characteristics and factors that set them apart from other institutions. Over time, however, I have come to recognize that many elements that are professed to be unique are actually common to a large number of colleges.
High school seniors graduating in 2009 represent the largest group of students to apply to college. While 2009 was supposed to be the most competitive year for college admissions, what is unequivocal is that the economic meltdown trumped demographics. The bigger factor this year is the changing economic realities for families and the concern by deans of admission about the impact of these changes on actual anticipated enrollment, “melt” [students who commit to attend who then change their minds] and “yield” [percentage of admitted students who enroll].
Jane Hoffman is a Certified Educational Planner (CEP). The CEP is the mark of distinction for independent educational consultants and high school counselors. It reflects the highest level of professional achievement and signifies extensive knowledge and commitment to the profession and to providing the highest quality of service to students and families. It is conferred only after demonstration of expanded institutional and professional knowledge.
Jane Hoffman is an active member of a number of professional associations in college admissions and counseling, including the American Institute of Certified Educational Planners (AICEP), the Independent Educational Consultants Association (IECA) and the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC). Jane is a graduate of IECA’s Practices and Principles Training Institute and adheres to IECA’s Principles of Good Practice. Since it is important to remain current, Jane frequently attends national conferences and participate in professional exchanges that provide the latest information on admission policies, practices, trends and developments. Jane regularly visit colleges and meets with admissions officers to learn about each school’s culture, educational programs, institutional priorities and admissions practices. Ongoing professional development activities also include taking courses online, completing webinars and consulting with colleagues.
