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Balancing the Use of AI for the College Admissions Process
Georgia Tech proudly announced, “We believe there is a place for Artificial Intelligence tools to help you generate ideas, but your ultimate submission should be your own.” In fact, Georgia Tech is one of the first schools to provide an official statement on the use of AI college applications. Ironically, universities such as Georgia Tech are also experimenting with the use of AI in college admissions to manage the growing volume of applications, from automated application reviews to predictive modeling for enrollment management. Such use, however, raises real concerns about fairness, transparency, and the human element in decision-making. In this article, we will explore how universities are leveraging AI, the utility and drawbacks of applicants’ use of it, and strategies for maintaining a healthy balance for the future. Universities’ Leveraging AI for the Admissions Process Many universities have embraced AI to streamline admissions processes. According to a survey by Intelligent, 8 in 10 universities will leverage AI in college admissions this coming cycle in 2024. The survey points out that the most common uses of AI in admissions are conducting interviews, communicating with applicants, reviewing transcripts, letters of recommendation, and even personal essays. Georgia Tech, for example, has been experimenting with using AI to sift through large data sets, evaluating thousands of applications more efficiently. NC State University is utilizing AI to process transcripts by extracting key information like student coursework and transfer credits. While some view AI as a tool to streamline the admissions processes, others approach its adoption more cautiously, given the potential equity implications from AI biases that emerge when evaluating and selecting applicants. Indeed, the possibility of ‘depersonalization’ can result when AI-driven evaluations overlook more nuanced qualities crucial for a candidate’s holistic assessment. The Pitfalls of Using AI in College Application Essays Many applicants have shared how tools like ChatGPT have helped democratize the scholarship process, giving them a chance to express themselves in unimaginable ways. This is especially the case where applicants may lack access to support and assistance in the admissions process. In fact, Georgia Tech goes on to state in its official statement on AI: “Use it to brainstorm, edit, and refine your ideas.” Some education companies like Khan Academy are capitalizing on this by creating tools like Khanmigo to help applicants generate ideas. This is definitely a great use case for AI in terms of helping with ideation, stress-testing thoughts, and structuring essays in a clearer, more cogent manner. As a company, we have worked with thousands of college and graduate applicants over the past 15 years and discovered that one of the most important parts of the application process is authentically conveying the story you tell. The main issue with the use of AI is the cliche, vague, and frankly generic emotions churned out by such platforms as ChatGPT, YouChat, or Bard. Many have complained of the dearth of ‘sensory’ detail and raw emotions that are missing from AI-generated essays. Not to mention, such machine-generated output completely undermines the introspective and cathartic nature of crafting application materials for college or even graduate studies. In the Inside the Yale Admissions Office podcast by Dunn and Mendlowitz, the hosts state, “When students submit written content to colleges, they must sign a statement affirming that all work submitted is the applicant’s own. Submitting work written by ChatGPT or another generative AI model violates this affirmation.” This is because admissions committees still look far more favorably on a candidate who has taken the time to ideate, draft, and re-edit their materials in their unique voice rather than curate AI content that is copy-pasted and passed off as their own, raising ethical issues and undermining the integrity of the process.

“Note, it’s not hard for administrators to see the difference, especially with the rising use of tools like GPTZero, which helps distinguish between human and machine-generated content.”

Parting Thoughts The AI revolution is just beginning, and its vast uses are critical for shaping the future. This is especially the case in education and even in the admissions space. However, AI requires careful navigation. Universities must balance efficiency with fairness and transparency, ensuring AI complements human judgment rather than replacing it. They must have a human-in-the-loop to ensure accountability in AI systems and only use them alongside human expertise to mitigate biases and oversights. While no one can deny the democratizing nature of AI in helping students better reflect, ideate, and structure their thoughts, applicants must preserve the authenticity of their own application materials. We, therefore, anticipate, and frankly hope, that official statements such as Georgia Tech’s will become the norm, not the exception, to help reduce confusion for all those involved in the process. Further, there needs to be a balanced approach that combines AI with the human experience to harness its full potential while upholding the integrity of the application process for both applicants and admissions committees.
Changes in Test Requirements for College Admissions: What You Need to Know

The landscape of college admissions has shifted significantly, especially regarding test requirements. This blog post dives deep into the current state of college admission test requirements. We’ll explore the motivations behind reintroducing standardized tests and examine the alternatives some institutions offer. Understanding these trends can help students navigate their college application journey more effectively and maximize their chances of success.

 

  

Key Takeaways

  • Certain colleges are re-emerging with test score requirements.
  • Understanding the evolution of these policies aids in planning applications.
  • Many institutions still offer alternatives to standardized tests.

 

Back Story

Many institutions adopted test-optional or test-blind policies during the pandemic to accommodate applicants amidst widespread testing disruptions. However, some universities are now reinstating standardized tests like the SAT and ACT, sparking discussions about their relevance and impact on student selection.

With test score requirements reintroduced at several colleges, students, and educators must stay informed about these changes. Knowing which schools require tests and which do not can significantly shape application strategies.

Evolution of College Admission Test Requirements

College admission requirements have transformed significantly over the decades, especially concerning standardized testing.

Historical Perspective on Standardized Testing

The College Board established the SAT in 1926 to assess a student’s readiness for college-level academics. Introduced in 1959, the ACT quickly gained traction and spread to all states by 1961. Both tests provided a uniform measure to compare students from diverse educational backgrounds. By the 1970s, submitting test scores became essential for college applications, driven by studies emphasizing their predictive value for academic success.

Recent Shifts in Test Policies

Colleges have recently changed their view of standardized tests. Many institutions adopted test-optional or test-flexible policies, allowing students to choose whether to submit test scores. This trend is supported by evidence showing that high school GPA and coursework are robust predictors of college success. During the fall 2021 application cycle, many applicants chose not to submit standardized test scores, reflecting a shift in the perceived necessity of these exams. Indeed, changes in test score disclosure rates highlighted the evolving landscape of college admissions.

Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated changes in test requirements. With test centers closing and exams being canceled, many colleges temporarily suspended mandatory test submissions. This shift addressed logistical challenges and sparked ongoing discussions about the equity and relevance of standardized tests. By the fall of 2022, some schools maintained these flexible policies, allowing students to apply without test scores. This period underscored the adaptability of institutions and their efforts to reduce barriers for prospective students during unprecedented times. The pandemic highlighted the need for more equitable and holistic approaches to evaluating college applicants.

Current Test Requirements and Alternatives

The landscape of college admissions is continually evolving, especially regarding standardized test requirements like the SAT and ACT. Various policies and approaches have been adopted to address accessibility, equity, and student needs.

  • Test-Optional Policies: Many colleges allow students to decide whether to submit their SAT or ACT scores (i.e. Johns Hopkins University). This approach aims to reduce stress and emphasize other aspects of the student application, such as GPA, essays, and extracurricular activities.
  • Test-Flexible Policies: These policies allow students to submit alternative test scores, such as AP exams, IB exams, or even state graduation exams, instead of traditional standardized tests (i.e. New York University). This flexibility caters to students with diverse strengths and academic backgrounds.
  • Test-Blind Policies: Colleges with test-blind policies do not consider standardized test scores, even if students submit them (i.e. University of California system-wide). These institutions focus entirely on other application elements, helping mitigate the disadvantages faced by students who may not perform well on standardized tests.

Parting Thoughts

As the landscape of college admissions continues to evolve, staying informed about changes in test requirements is more important than ever. Preparing for the possibility that more colleges and universities will reinstate standardized testing is crucial. 

Data from the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC) shows that in the 2022-2023 application cycle, 55% of institutions were test-optional. Still, this figure is expected to decrease as more schools revert to pre-pandemic policies. This shift underscores the importance of understanding each institution’s requirements to tailor application strategies effectively.

By anticipating these trends and utilizing available resources, students can better navigate the complexities of the admissions process, ensuring they present the strongest possible applications and maximize their chances of success.

 

Strategies for Strengthening Your College Application Despite a Low GPA
Many students with a low GPA may feel discouraged or hopeless when applying to graduate school or other academic programs. While GPA is a critical factor in the admissions process, it is not the only one. Admissions committees consider various elements, such as test scores, extracurricular activities, leadership experience, and professional achievements. This Blog will cover what you can do to improve your candidacy by taking a holistic approach to your application, highlighting your strengths, and demonstrating potential in other areas to offset a low GPA.

Key Takeaways

  • A low GPA does not necessarily mean the end of your academic journey.
  • Admissions committees consider factors beyond GPA, such as test scores, extracurricular activities, leadership experience, and professional achievements.

Understanding the Impact of GPA on Admissions

A GPA is usually an indicator of a student’s academic ability and potential for success in an academic program. While other factors, such as test scores and letters of recommendation, are also considered, a high GPA can help a student stand out in a competitive applicant pool. Minimum GPA requirements vary across different institutions and programs. Researching the GPA requirements for your desired programs is essential to determine whether you meet the minimum qualifications. For example, the University of California system requires a minimum GPA of 3.0 for California residents and 3.4 for non-residents for admission to their undergraduate programs (though this can differ from university to university within the system). Conversely, highly selective institutions like Harvard University may require a minimum GPA of 3.8 or even higher.

Assessing Your Academic Record

When evaluating your academic record, take an honest and objective look at your transcript to identify areas of weakness and take steps to address them. Identifying Weaknesses in Your Transcript Review your transcript for patterns or trends in your grades. Seek feedback from teachers, guidance counselors, or academic advisors to gain valuable insight into your academic strengths and weaknesses and develop a plan to address any areas of concern. Calculating Your GPA for Target Schools Research the GPA requirements for the schools you are interested in. Use a GPA calculator to determine your GPA for each school. Keep in mind that GPA is just one factor in admissions, and other aspects of your application, such as extracurricular activities, essays, and letters of recommendation, are also important.

Strategic Academic Planning

Selecting Courses to Boost Your GPA Taking additional courses that align with your interests and strengths can boost your GPA. Choose challenging but manageable courses, and consider retaking courses in which you received a low grade to demonstrate your commitment to improving your academic performance. Utilizing Academic Support Resources Use academic support resources such as tutoring services, study groups, and academic coaching. Developing good study habits and time management skills can help you stay organized and focused, leading to better academic performance.

Alternative Evidence of Academic Ability

Applicants with a low GPA can still demonstrate their academic ability through alternative evidence, such as highlighting relevant coursework and projects and demonstrating competency through standardized tests. Highlighting Relevant Coursework and Projects Showcase your strengths by discussing how you excelled in specific courses or projects related to your field of interest. Highlight any research or publications you have completed, focusing on their relevance to your desired program.

Extracurricular and Leadership Activities

Extracurricular activities and leadership positions can significantly help overcome a low GPA. Admissions committees value well-rounded applicants who have demonstrated leadership, teamwork, and a commitment to their community. Showcasing Leadership and Teamwork Participate in extracurricular activities to demonstrate leadership skills and teamwork abilities. Highlight specific examples that showcase your role and the impact of your efforts. Community Service and Volunteer Work Community service and volunteer work demonstrate a commitment to your community and a desire to impact positively. Provide specific examples and quantify the impact of your volunteer work.

Effective Application Strategies

Crafting a compelling narrative can strengthen your application when you have a low GPA. Admissions officers want to see that you have overcome challenges and have a clear vision for your future. Writing a Persuasive Addendum Use the addendum as an opportunity to explain your low GPA and showcase your strengths. Be honest about any extenuating circumstances, focus on how you have overcome challenges, emphasize your strengths and achievements, and use specific examples to demonstrate your skills and experience. Remember to ‘explain’, not make excuses, as to why you do not have a high GPA. Make sure to check out our College Admissions Mastery Course for exactly how to create a bulletproof addendum! Securing Strong Letters of Recommendation Strong letters of recommendation can strengthen your application. Choose recommenders who know you well and can speak to your strengths and potential. Provide them with specific information about your academic and future goals and any challenges you have faced to help them write a personalized and persuasive letter. Applying Early or Through Rolling Admissions Applying early or through rolling admissions can increase your chances of acceptance, especially if you have a low GPA. Early applicants are often reviewed before the application pool becomes too competitive. Rolling admissions allow you to submit your application as soon as it is ready, rather than waiting for a specific deadline.

Conclusion

A low GPA does not have to be the end of your academic journey. By taking a holistic approach to your application, assessing your academic record, strategically planning your courses, and highlighting your strengths, you can overcome a low GPA and strengthen your application. Focus on demonstrating your potential and commitment to academic success to increase your chances of acceptance into your desired program. Again, make sure to check out the College Admissions Mastery Course to ensure you have all the leverage necessary to overcome a low GPA and get yourself into your dream program!!
How to Stay Motivated as a Student: Checking in on Your Well-Being
Are you having trouble feeling motivated enough to finish out the school year? If so, you may need to examine your overall well-being. Here’s how to do a mid-semester wellness check-in:  

Wellness for Students

Wellness is not taught to students, so many times we feel like we are only surviving from semester to semester. Society’s constant need to work is causing ‘getting by’ day after day to become a dangerous norm. According to the BBC, overworking is actually killing people. It has become the largest occupational killer. Overworking causes a fight or flight response in the human nervous system.  We must stop these bad habits as students, to prevent ourselves from becoming victims to this socially acceptable way to die. Therefore, thriving must be our goal because surviving is no longer enough. As students, we must look at ourselves as whole beings and not just as work machines. A focus on wellness is the way to do this.  Understanding wellness also gets us away from the toxic side of self-love culture. It is a holistic approach that allows us to look inwardly and outwardly at ourselves. To get started on a wellness check-in there are four questions that I like to ask myself:
  1. How am I doing physically? 
  2. How am I doing socially?
  3. How am I doing emotionally? 
The answer to these questions will add up to give us an answer for how we are doing with our overall well-being. This may help in decerning what is the root of the motivation struggle.   

Physically

Physical wellness is ensuring that the best decisions are being made when it comes to taking care of our bodies. Most people choose one or two parts of their physical well-being to focus on and overlook the rest. Neglecting one of them will most likely harm the effects of another. Physical Wellness includes (but is not limited to): 
  • Nutrition
  • Physical activity 
  • Sleep
  • Skincare 
  • Haircare
  • Water intake 
  • Blue light screen time
 

Socially

UC Davis has a helpful guide to social wellness. Social wellness is cultivating meaningful relationships with proper boundaries and trust. As well as,  showing respect to everyone in your life. Social wellness includes (but is not limited to):
  • Proper Boundaries
  • Cultivating healthy relationships
  • Participating regularly in social interactions
  • Trying new activities
  • Meeting new people
  • Knowing and using your support system
 

Emotionally

How well we are able to handle feelings and emotions while adapting to changes and stresses in life is the core of emotional wellness according to the National Institutes of Health. College is a time of transitions and unknowns, so stress, anxiety, and depression are issues for college students. This is especially true after the pandemic. PBS News reported that 1 in 4 college students have considered suicide. Taking care of our emotional health is what we must do to continue living. Emotional Wellness includes (but is not limited to): 
  • Stress levels 
  • Happiness 
  • Coping with change
  • Acceptance of emotions
  • How you treat others 
  • The perspective you have of yourself
  • Managing difficult emotions
  • Having a purpose in life
  • Positive/negative self-talk
  • Gratitude 
  • Having a safe space to process
  • Getting professional help for mental illnesses
  In school, we will not be successful when these areas are off. If physical wellbeing is neglected then our brain has less capacity to process information. Our self-esteem plummets when our social lives are not healthily maintained. In addition, we will not have the necessary social skills to succeed in our professional life. Our emotional health can often be the foundation of our well-being, as unaddressed mental struggles can affect our functioning in life. So, as students, we need to check in with ourselves and make sure that we are wholistically doing well. If we are not, there are steps that we can take to get better. Stay on the lookout for more blogs discussing how to improve in each of these areas.     ~ Victorie Norman | WTA Communications Director
Alternative Ways to Pay for College
College Debt is everyone’s nightmare. The excitement of admissions fades one students think about how they are going to pay for college. If this is you,  you’re far from alone. Even high earners believe that the cost of college is out of reach. In fact, the Institute for Higher Education Policy says that families with incomes above $100,000 a year don’t believe they can pay for upwards of 6 in 10 U.S. universities.
Even when students can afford to pay for college, they’re still likely to graduate with a mountain of debt:
  • The average student loan borrower leaves college today with $37,172 in student loans – more than twice the amount of 2005 grads
  • The average monthly student loan payment has jumped by more than $150 over roughly the same period
Scholarships & Alternative Means to Pay for College No problem, you say. There are tons of scholarship and work-study opportunities out there. You merely have to know where to look for the ones that work for you. And, to an extent, that’s true. The operative word, though, is tons. For instance, whole books have been written about the FAFSA, an often-confusing online form required to get need-based aid. Even when you think you’ve filled out everything correctly, each school uses the information how they choose.

Alternative Means Education Financing Companies.

Fortunately, there’s another – saner – way. Alternative Means Education Financing companies, such as NextGenVest, can save you time, money, and aggravation. You leverage technology and the hive mind of your peers, plus company experts, if needed, to find and take advantage of every break you can – before the decision-makers dive into your numbers. “The scholarship hunt can be daunting and overwhelming, but with organization and preparation, it’s possible. I applied to the Marshall, Rhodes, and Gates-Cambridge scholarships at one time and researched to make sure I was a good fit. This provided me with the financial means to pursue my dream by studying at one of the top universities in the world!” ~ Nadine Jawad, Rhodes Scholarship recipient and Director of College Admissions at Write Track Admissions Think out of the box, maximize your time to research all financing possibilities out there, and make sure to tap into the expertise that exists to get that life-changing and affordable degree in your hand!   ~ Abhijith Ravinutala | Write Track Director of Professional Services & Graduate Admissions Expert   Contact Write Track Admissions to out how you can fund your dream degree!
All Things LSAT- A Practical Guide on Preparing for the LSAT
Reading Time: 4 minutes   Are you confused about all things LSAT? Do you feel unprepared and overwhelmed? Well, you’re not alone and we want to help. The next LSAT test date is fast approaching, and here are some study tips to make sure that you are successfully preparing. Most law school applications open any time between the end of August to the beginning of October. With this in mind, it’s safe to say that it’s time to start preparing, and Write Track Admissions has some tips to help you out. 

When to take the LSAT

It is best to get the test-taking done ASAP, for peace of mind and for the optimal admissions decision. Also, the longer you hold off on taking your LSAT, the later you finish your application. Law school has rolling admissions, so if  you wait to apply to your top choices, your chances of admission will have diminished. Taking the LSAT early, allows you to retake it, so that you can improve your score with time to spare.  There are several more LSAT testing dates available in 2021. Be sure to keep track of when you need to register.   

Hacks to Help you Prepare

To prepare yourself for the harsh reality of standardized testing, here are some LSAT prep tips from Write Track’s founder, Hamada:
  • TAKE PRACTICE EXAMS: Note the common mistakes you make in each set of questions and keep practicing them until you feel confident. 
  • REAL EXAMPLES: Don’t use anything but REAL past exam questions (also known as LSAT Direct Questions), because once you see and understand the patterns in real questions, you will be able to master anything they give you.
  • TESTING CONDITIONS: Make sure to simulate real exam conditions and timing. For example, do three sections back-to-back with a minute break. Then, take a 15 mins break and do two sections back-to-back. Also, use the same pencil, timer, and chair you will use/find in the exam. If they don’t allow ear plugs then don’t use them in the practice exams.
 

The Digital LSAT

The digital LSAT is being universally administered electronically on Microsoft Surface Go tablets. They have been pre-loaded with LSAC patented software that features a timer with 5-minute warnings, and interactive options such as answer elimination, text highlighting, and question flagging (so you can revisit those tough ones later).  The digital LSAT is comprised of Logical Reasoning, Analytical Reasoning, Reading Comprehension, and Writing Sections. 

Here are some hacks that can help during the LSAT:

  • Figure out the question type to help you narrow down the answers.
  • The digital LSAT test allows you to flag questions. Skip ones that take you a long time to answer, and come back to them questions later. 
  • Use the text highlighting feature to flag the root of each question. The question is often hidden amongst a lot of other extraneous information. 
  • Read all the answers before selecting one to help you identify potential test, tricks, and red herrings.
  • Practice for speed, because often the exam comes down to technique, practice, and timing.
  • If all else fails, just skip hard logical reasoning questions, then come back to it at them at end.
If you follow this methodology, you will already be ahead of the game. And if for some reason you don’t score where you want to, keep a cool head and try again! Write Track’s Founder, Hamada, took the LSAT 3 times and still did not do great. However, by using storycrafting he managed to get into Berkeley Law. It is important to stay strong in the face of adversity, even when that face is the LSAT staring you down.  A strong application can help balance out test score weaknesses!

LSAT Scoring

While on the subject of test scores, let’s make sure we’re all on the same page regarding how, exactly, the LSAT is scored. Your LSAT score is comprised of a raw total of the number of questions you answered correctly. There are then converted into a score in the range of 120-180. The average LSAT score is 150… but if you have your sights set on attending a top law school, your score should be in the “well above 160” range.    If you are not meeting your LSAT score goals, contact Write Track for help with rounding out your application. We will use your story to craft a winning application, ensuring that you have the best chance at getting admitted to your dream law school, just like our founder, Hamada.     Aly Hartman | Write Track Communication Officer Write Track Admissions  
How to Live Your College Admissions Story
Episode 2: How to Live Your College Admissions Story

Listen now!  

What are different financial aid options now that my parents may have more reduced income?
COVID-19 (coronavirus) is going to hit everyone – hard. Some may even be feeling its effects already. And amidst all the uncertainty that is brewing, the question of college may fall to the side of the road. However, it is still important to be cognizant of the impact these trying times will have on the future of your academic career.    You may be wondering what options are available to you moving forward, especially now that you or your parents may have had a substantial reduction in income due to COVID-19. Luckily enough, there are plenty of options for students looking to attend college with income constraints in the wake of the pandemic.  

1. California’s Free Tuition Program for Community College

  As of 2019, graduating seniors having attended a high school in California, and having been accepted into one of the 115 community colleges across the state, are eligible for two years of free tuition. How does one qualify you ask? They must be first-time, full-time students (taking at least 12 units per semester). This is becoming an increasingly popular option as students look to knock out their undergrad general education requirements for free before transferring into a four year university to finish up their bachelor’s. If you are asking about why community college, check out our blog piece Should I go to community college and then transfer to a university?   

2. Colleges with Free or Reduced Tuition

  It sounds too good to be true, right? According to Forbes.com, there are currently 75 colleges offering free and/or reduced tuition across the United States. The list of schools runs the gamut, including top tier universities like Brown and Cornell, as well as college staples like Arizona State University and Miami University. These offerings have cropped up in light of the 44 million student debtors that collectively owe roughly $1.5 trillion in student loans. As college tuition costs continue to climb, student loan debt is skyrocketing alongside it. Many schools are offering “no-loan” financial aid packages, which aim to curtail the increasing pool of student debt, and instead seek to replace loans with grants and scholarships. Some universities require a minimum student or parental contribution (which can be met with loans), or part time employment of the student.   

Student Financial Aid

The light amidst the darkness in all of this is: your financial aid options will remain the same despite many schools closing their campuses and moving classes online. Scholarships and grants are still available; in fact, even though some schools and funds are finding their awards to be limited, other institutions are upping the ante and pouring out even more money to support their students with Student Relief Funds. Furthermore, loans will still be available, and perhaps more manageable as well. According to the office of Federal Student Aid, student loan borrowers can be placed in an administrative forbearance, allowing them to temporarily stop making their monthly loan payments.  If you are still concerned about your ability to fund your higher education, contact us at info@writetrackadmissions.com, and we will put you on the path to success.    Aly Hartman  Communications Director – Write Track Admissions  
5 ways to keep you competitive for college admissions while on COVID-19 lockdown
With COVID-19 (coronavirus) bringing lives to a grinding halt across the world, far-off goals like getting into your dream college can seem a bit out of picture at the moment. However, it is important now more than ever to maintain your scholastic resume to ensure your success when it inevitably comes time to apply to college.    Here are 5 key things you can do while staying at home now and throughout the summer to ensure you remain competitive for college admissions, in light of the restrictions brought about by COVID-19:   1. Develop a hobby/passion: Nothing stands out more on a college application than a clearly developed passion. Use this time at home to really dedicate yourself to something: learn a new skill, cultivate an existing hobby, or develop tangibles according to your passions that, if need be, you can submit alongside your college applications to beef them up. Music, dance, stock trading, home-based exercise are just some examples.   2. Take a higher-level online course: Most schools are going online anyway, so adding an extra online AP or college-level course will blend in seamlessly with your regularly scheduled academics, and set you out from the competition. Check your local community college for their selection of online classes or at your high school.   3. Entrepreneurship: Now is the perfect time to enact that lightbulb idea you had way back when. Start taking the first steps to building your project or business – almost everything you need to do so can be found online. Maybe you can even tailor your idea towards helping people in this current crisis (see point 5 below).   4. Take on a remote internship or job: As businesses shift to better accommodate everyone staying in their homes, there will be no shortage of new online-based jobs cropping up. This can definitely help you bolster your resume as we approach the summer. Stay up to date on platforms like Handshake and LinkedIn to find one that best suits your talents.   5. Tackle something creative that will positively contribute to those affected by the pandemic:  Yoga instructors are offering live-streamed classes. Writers are publishing their own readings of their books for free. Educators are putting their courses online so anyone can use this down time to better themselves academically. And even creatives are putting their work into good use like stitching masks, spinning melodies for online concerts, offering other awesome freebies to communities locally and globally. You can even start a fundraiser or offer a service that ties in to your passions… Anything that helps or is poised to brighten someone’s day is a noteworthy contribution. Basically, there is no shortage of routes to take with this one!    The point is, don’t give up hope. Really try to maximize this one in a lifetime opportunity to step out of your normal routine to truly shine and become the best college applicant possible.    Feel free to email us at info@writetrackadmissions.com with any questions, concerns or innovative ideas!   Aly Hartman Communications Director – Write Track Admissions  
Why regulating the College Prep industry is not the answer
Reading Time: 7 minutes   This past November, Enterprise Press, a Egyptian based news and trends media outlet, published a comprehensive article titled The rise of the college prep industry in Egypt (Nov. 25, 2019), which outlines the growing number of tutors, consultants, guidance counselors making up a cottage industry of “480 firms in Cairo advertising themselves on Facebook” and counting, that is highly unregulated and often misunderstood. The editors conclude by championing the need to regulate the industry least we end up with a lack of quality control that can negatively impact the chances of admissions for college-bound applicants. Yet, this is a concern not just in Egypt but across the world, including here in the U.S.   This issue is personal. I founded Write Track Admissions, a U.S.-based admissions consulting company in 2008. For over the past decade we have strived to maintain the highest levels of integrity and quality standards with our college and graduate applicants. Based on my experience, I will do my best to provide answers and guidance on how to navigate this burgeoning industry so as to help give college-bound applicants the most informed options possible.   

Why is the industry difficult to regulate?

In the U.S. for example, there are several organizations seeking to oversee the industry, including the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC) and the Independent Educational Consultants Association (IECA). However, despite their best efforts, the industry still remains highly unregulated. Why? Because the barriers to entry are low (anyone can claim they are admission gurus), no license is required to practice (entrants can ignore recommended quality/ethical guidelines), the global market of applicants is seemingly endless and inelastic (demand remains high regardless of economic swings), and competition to top universities as well as costs are increasing (so parents are becoming more desperate to give their child a competitive-edge).   What does this all mean? It is impossible to regulate an industry that is easy to join, high in demand, difficult to monitor, and so remote in geography (think gig economy). As a result, there are your fair share of charlatans that are selling pipe dreams at exuberant costs, and even committing fraud to get students admitted into top programs. Just look at Rick Singer and the recent college admissions scandal. However, it has to be said, these people are the exception rather than the norm.     So what is the answer? While tackling the whole industry may be challenging, I can provide guidance, based on my experience, on how to overcome an unregulated market for admissions consultants. Ultimately, I highly recommend that you become as informed as possible when considering whether you need an admissions consultant. Then be prepared to ask these key questions to find the right one for your child.      

Do you need an admissions consultant?

In deciding this, ask yourself these questions. Is your child stressed out trying to desperately manage extra-curricular activities, coursework, volunteer experience, standardized test prep, academic tutoring etc.? Does your son or daughter feel lost and overwhelming trying to figure out the ‘right’ story to stand out, which standardized tests to take, when to apply, where to get letters of recommendation? Are you having difficulty figuring out the visa process, what documents are needed for financial support, what is a suitable list of schools that aligns with your child’s goals and interests? If this is the case, then you will stand to benefit immeasurably by having an admissions consultant who will act as your child’s personalized high school counselor, coach and admissions guide.    From our experience here are just some of the pieces of advice we provided our clients in Egypt and around the world that may be relatable to you:  
    • Start the application process far in advance to give yourself time to respond to various requirements by the different schools related to testing, grade verification, financial information, additional application materials, etc. 
    • Figure out when to apply (early action vs. early decision vs. regular admissions) and manage, through a strict calendaring system, the numerous deadlines. 
    • Keep in mind the differences between the application requirements and how to frame your story to match the various essay prompts.
    • Research standardized testing exams/strategies and take the exam early in the process in case of cancelations (we saw this happen numerous times in 2019).

 

How do I find the right consultant?

Now that you have decided your child needs an admissions consultant, how do you find the right one, and why is it important to have the “right one”? The consultant needs to earn the trust of both you and your child in terms of what they know, what they can deliver, and how well they can motivate/guide your child through the entire process. This is especially the case given the sheer number of demands and activities already on your child’s plate.    So after many years of doing this work and through extensive research, we have found that it is imperative to ask the following questions to find the right consultant:  
1.  How familiar are you with the testing, school system, cultural traditions, and unique narratives of the country and community?
This is critical especially for international students because the most important part of the application is the applicant’s story. Acute knowledge of the unique narratives that exist is critical to this process as well as knowing the various demands on the students by the academic systems of the country or community.    
2.  How much and what kind of experience do you have?
Does the consultant have formal training? Have they themselves applied and gained admission to top programs? How long have they been working with applicants? It is important to research not just the company but the consultant that your child will be working with. One of the most important parts of this process is engendering inspiration and confidence between the consultant and your child. This comes from experience, compassion, and the consultant being “in-touch”, basically not removed from the life experiences and cultural trends of today.  
3.  How do you distinguish yourself from others offering a similar service?
What separates them from other competitors? Do they provide one-on-one consulting? Do they specialize in the country or programs your child is applying to? What is their track record for success? How international is their scope? How plugged in are they compared to others in terms of the dynamic field of admissions?  
4.  How does your process work? 
It is key to get a better understanding of how the consultant will work with your child, in terms of time commitment, means of communication (phone, video-conference, in-person or remote), actual brainstorming and editing processes etc. Also you need to get clarity on how long will the process take, payment structure (hourly or per service), and end product.  
5.  Are you making any unrealistic guarantees?
Is the consultant providing guarantees of admission? If so, this is a false statement and borderline fraud since no one should be able to guarantee admissions given the multitude of factors that go into the decision-making process (standardized scores, academic record, applicant experiences, diversity, time of submission, number of applicants etc.).   
6.  Do you have any references we can contact based on past work?
While often the work is confidential, sometimes former clients are willing to act as a reference. In that case, it doesn’t hurt to ask so that you have a better idea of the experience of the former client with the company. That being said, each experience can be different so it should help inform but not be the deciding factor for you.     If I had to guess, the admissions consulting industry is not going to go away. Top universities will only get more competitive, higher education will only cost more money, and post-college job opportunities will only become harder. Receiving that competitive edge is therefore key to getting into a top university, attaining a scholarship, and putting your child on the best career path possible. So be vigilant and informed about your options and how best to support your child through one of the most difficult yet critical junctures in their lives.     ~ Hamada Zahawi, Esq. | Founder, Write Track Admissions

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