10 Secrets College Admissions Teams Are Happy to Share

10 Secrets College Admissions Teams Are Happy to Share

Posted in #LetsBFRANK: The College Admissions Blog on May 26, 2020

This post was written by Marie Gendron

The process of applying to college can seem both daunting and more than a little mysterious. What are the factors that can make the difference between getting a fat acceptance packet or a thin “no thanks” letter?

The admissions team at Benjamin Franklin Institute of Technology (BFIT) sat down to share 10 secrets about what goes on behind the scenes in the admissions office. Follow their advice to successfully navigate the college application process and get one step closer to building the career of your dreams.

Secret #1. Most admissions counselors want you to succeed. Some large colleges have a committee of admissions counselors deliberating over which applicant deserves a seat. But many schools instead assign caseloads to individual admissions counselors. These counselors are charged with helping to guide students through the admissions process, rather than trying to find reasons to reject them.

If you don’t hear from the admissions office within a few days after submitting your application, give the office a call and ask to be connected to your admissions counselor. “The student that picks up the phone and calls actually puts his or herself at an advantage,” said BFIT Assistant Director of Admissions Terrence Forbes.

Forbes is no stranger to the admissions process. In addition to being on the admissions team, Forbes is a BFIT alum who remembers what it was like to transition from high school into college. He said to keep in mind that the application process at most colleges is about a lot more than just your GPA—admissions counselors look at each applicant holistically. “I wasn’t the greatest student coming out of high school,” said Forbes. “Don’t allow your GPA to keep you from applying. We look at you as an individual.”

Secret #2. Research matters. BFIT Assistant Admissions Director Ackeem Hill encourages all applicants to check out the About Us section on a college’s website to understand the school’s mission before applying. Do some research on what career you would like to pursue and make sure the college offers a major in that field. Hill said he is surprised at how many prospective students apply to BFIT unaware that it is a technology college.  “If you come into an interview excited and say, ‘OMG! BFIT is my number one school. Do you have a nursing program?’ then that is a clear sign you have not bothered to do your research and you may not be a good fit,” Hill says.

Secret #3. College admission starts in high school. Relationships will take you a long way, so get to know your high school guidance counselors—they can play a huge role in helping you with the college admissions process. Ideally before your senior year, connect with one or more teachers who can speak on behalf of your character as well as your academics. A great teacher recommendation can help admissions teams see you as not just a student, but as a whole person who is driven, maybe even flawed (as we all are), yet ready to enter college.

Secret #4. Take every opportunity to share your story: Hill says that one of the biggest mistakes an applicant can make is skipping the writing prompts in a college application, even if the prompts are optional. Look at writing prompts as a blank canvas where you can paint the most accurate and colorful picture of yourself. Think about all the information you could convey about yourself with the four simple prompts below:

• Why are you interested in your intended major?
• Briefly describe your career goals.
• Briefly describe how this college will help you achieve these goals.
• List academic successes, extracurricular and leadership activities, awards received and/or past employment.

Secret #5. Admissions counselors understand how challenging the process can be. Don’t be afraid to speak up if you’re confused or a little overwhelmed. After submitting your completed application, you will be required to submit your high school transcript. Once accepted to a college, you’ll have to pay a deposit, submit immunization forms, take placement tests, and complete a series of other steps. This may be a lot to manage, so try creating a checklist to ensure that you don’t miss a step or deadline. It is important to stay organized—this is where a good relationship with your high school guidance counselor can be helpful.  But if you have questions at any point in the process, pick up the phone and call the college admissions office. Checking in can make sure you keep your application on track and can even draw attention to how serious you are about your application to that institution.

Secret #6. Admissions staff appreciate students who try to make authentic connections with them. “In a world where you are competing, make sure admission counselors know your name,” said Hill. Once you pick up the phone to inquire about the status of your application, make sure you get the name of your admissions counselor. If you are invited to meet with a counselor, be prepared to ask them a few relevant questions about your program and to send a thank-you email afterward.

Secret #7. It can be very helpful to tour the campus—even virtually. Hill and Forbes said taking a campus tour is a great opportunity not just to see the physical campus, but also to understand a school’s culture. A campus tour—even if it’s a video or virtual tour—can give you the chance to see the school’s facilities and to get a sense of whether you can see yourself attending there every day. If you are able to take a physical tour, you may also have chances to meet current students and connect with staff members outside of your admissions counselor. Check out the college’s website to learn more about upcoming visit opportunities or ask your high school guidance counselor.

Secret #8. Most colleges will allow prospective students to sit in on a class, even if they don’t advertise that option. Sitting in on a class is like test-driving a vehicle before you take the plunge to purchase. You will have a chance to learn first-hand how the professor interacts with students. Are students enjoying themselves? Are students engaged? Is the professor knowledgeable about the material he or she is teaching?

Secret #9. It may seem obvious, but integrity is key when applying to college. Avoid being dishonest on your college application. Do not lie about your GPA or any other academic achievements. The admissions team will review your high school transcript and any discrepancies will be noted.

Secret #10. Admissions teams don’t want you to tie yourself in knots trying to be the perfect applicant. “We want to see who you are as a person,” said Forbes.  So just be yourself and take every opportunity (like writing those optional essays!) to show the admissions team that you have something unique to offer. Forbes says there’s nothing better than finding a college that is the right fit for the real you. He said he loved his BFIT student experience because of the college’s small size and the personal attention he received from faculty and staff.  “I remained at BFIT [as staff] because I love the mission and the population we serve,” he said.

At Benjamin Franklin Institute of Technology (BFIT), we are committed to creating opportunities for any student who wants to work toward a better future. And we promise to always provide the facts you need to make an informed decision about your education.