A Personal Perspective On The Tsunami That Hit College Admissions

The recent stunning revelation of the college admissions bribery scandal involving Hollywood actors, the world of finance, standardized testing, athletics, and five prestigious universities has shocked and angered us—including those, like me, privileged to have served as a dean of admissions at a highly selective college.

What I have read and seen on practically every media outlet this week bears little resemblance to my experience as a former dean of admissions. Do not misunderstand---I did not lead a sheltered, stress-free existence as a Vice President and Dean. I also had the good fortune to be part of the national dialogue on college admissions at the highest levels through membership with the National Association of College Admission Counseling (NACAC), the College Board, the Consortium on Financing Higher Education (COFHE) and the Board of the Common Application.

Enrollment management is demanding work. Members of the admissions staff must annually meet enrollment goals that sometimes compete and intersect with one another, hit revenue targets with direct ties to the essential functions of the college, and deliver a new class every year that reflects the values and mission of an institution within the scope of budgetary guidelines.

Given the complexity inherent in the college admissions process I often spoke candidly with my admissions and financial aid colleagues about the competing interests within our community, the inequity of the process on some levels, and the difficult decisions that were part of our daily lives. There are constant challenges (and great pride!) in the work of selecting students drawn from hundreds of high schools around the world across a wide socioeconomic spectrum, with a dizzying array of remarkable talents, achievements and family backgrounds. The truth is, most colleges take students from households that can afford a significant portion (or the full cost) of attendance to enable the admissions staff to select other extraordinarily talented, high achieving students from lower socioeconomic families. This is where the head and heart of college admissions enters into the equation. Sadly, not every deserving student –no matter their life circumstances---will be admitted given the level of selectivity and the number of places available in the class. Like so many things in life there is a delicate and thoughtful balance.

The world of college admissions and counseling I know is authentically and ethically focused on helping students assess their achievements, talents and interests in order to explore a wide range of college choices. We are unwavering in our commitment to guiding students to a college where they will ultimately fit best. That part of the admissions process is not “broken” as I have heard so many of the media pundits and others without first-hand knowledge proclaim. I believe that thousands of college and high school-based colleagues affiliated with prominent national college and counseling associations governed by established and rigorous policies and practices would agree.

As is often the case in our world the deceitful, illegal acts of a select group born out of greed, status and incomprehensible poor judgement can easily become inflated to label an entire profession. Parents, it is important to stay informed and do your homework. Examine the credentials of the professionals offering advice to your child. Look for affiliations with the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC), the Independent Educational Consultants Association (IECA), the Higher Education Consultants Association (HECA) and the Association of College Counselors in Independent Schools (ACCIS), to name some of the most prominent and reputable.

Finally parents, hear this---write it down-- tuck it in your wallet—or perhaps make it your screensaver! The right fit is not discovered by focusing solely on a list of top rankings, the greatest selectivity or by limiting your child’s college search to a handful of elite colleges that hug the coastlines. Your child’s true potential does not hang in the balance within the walls of a few colleges or universities. Getting in is not the point. It is only the beginning of the time in your child’s life where they get to put into play all the things you have instilled and stretch their own ambitions. As you know, growing up is complicated and messy. There will be moments of triumph, exploration, uncertainty, disappointment, beginnings and endings. How lucky are you to have a front row seat!

As the admissions process unfolds for your family know that our team at Creative College Connections is here to listen, advise and offer our expertise with integrity and honesty. With the news of the past week we thought this was a good time to remind you of where we stand.

By Debra Chermonte

Debra Chermonte is a national expert in the field of college admissions and counseling with over three decades of experience. Most recently, she led Oberlin College as Vice President and Dean of Admissions and Financial Aid for twenty-eight years.