Interview With a College Consultant
This month we are talking with Pat Dunn, an independent college consultant here in Cincinnati and member of the Connections Academic team. Pat is retired after 40 years in secondary school education and 25 years in college counseling. She guides students on creating a comprehensive college list and helps families navigate the dynamic college admissions process. The college admissions process is a huge topic for our Connections families, and we wanted Pat to weigh in with her expertise.
1. What is a good timeline for things like when to start visiting schools and applying for schools?
The first 2 years of high school are best dedicated to tackling challenging classes and building a strong transcript. I recommend starting college visits in the spring of junior year and submitting applications starting with the early deadlines in mid-October.
2. How do I decide if a school is a good fit for me?
Visit the school when students are on campus and try to attend a few classes in your areas of academic interest. Check out the college's website and look into the course catalogue. Investigate student activities as well as study abroad opportunities.
3. How do I make my application stand out?
Primarily through the rigor of your high school classes and what you do outside the classroom: summer employment and internships, leadership positions in school. Lively essays and teacher recommendations certainly help when they provide additional insights. The key question colleges want answered? How do you make a difference in the classroom?
4. Where do I even start when looking for financial aid?
Go to each college's financial site and fill out an estimator. Also sites like Finaid are very helpful in determining your family contribution. Many private colleges, particularly in the midwest, offer scholarships. Filing for a FAFSA ID and then filling out this form in the fall of the senior year are critical to any aid.
5. What are the benefits of using a consultant versus your guidance counselor at school?
Personal attention! High school counselors can work with hundreds of students and simply don't have the time and expertise to guide students who look beyond the usual list of colleges.
Pat would love to help you and your family navigate this college admissions process. Email her for more information.
