CHOOSING A COLLEGE
It is expected that many Hill students will
consider making applications to some of the most
selective colleges in the country. In doing so, boys
should be aware that the quality of academic work is
the single most important factor in gaining admission
to college. In addition to academic excellence,
admissions officers from the leading colleges
scrutinize applications for evidence of strong
character, extracurricular contributions, athletic
excellence, and seriousness of purpose.
As students and families enter this process, the
words of Dr. Norman R. Smith, President of Wagner
College and author of Selecting the Right College,
are particularly useful to keep in mind.
Perhaps because it seems as if anyone can get
admitted to college today, too many students are
inclined to believe that applying to college is a
routine undertaking. After all, high school graduates
nowadays can be reasonably assured that some college,
somewhere, is bound to admit them. Theyíre probably
right about that.
However, just being admitted to college, any
college, is far from actually obtaining a degree.
Most students who begin college never graduate.
Because of this ominous reality, it seems logical to
conclude that the majority of college-bound high
school students fail to select the college that will
successfully lead them to their intended goal--a
college degree.
What constitutes ìthe right college?î No one
college is best for everyone. Since there exist over
3,500 colleges and universities in America, there are
plenty of choices.
To our good fortune, the best American colleges
truly are accessible to academically-promising
students regardless of family lineage. Contrary to
perception, for example, even Harvardís enrollment
is two-thirds from public high schools. Access to
career opportunity is not always democratic. Entry to
many of the best jobs can often be based not only
what you know but who you know--or, better still, who
knows that you know what you know. (Think about it
for a moment). Enrolling in a first-rate college or
university can open doors that might otherwise be
closed for life. Even in your 70ís and 80ís, people
will ask you about the colleges and universities you
attended. Right or wrong, youíll find yourself too
often measured by the name of the college on your
degree.
Attending a college with a tradition of
professional success among alumni is one way to
greatly increase the chances that your talents will
be discovered by someone who can give you the
opportunity to put your potential to work.
Your college classmates will likely count among
your friends and professional colleagues throughout
your career.
Getting admitted to college is not the end of the
road--it is the beginning. If youíve selected the
wrong college, you may lose your way and never see it
through to your degree.
The difference between graduating from college or
dropping out is too often directly related to the
college youíve chosen to attend. Thatís why the
selection process--the first step--is so important
and therefore worthy of thorough study. Taken from
Selecting the Right College: Over 50 Little Known
Tips From a College President, Third Edition, by Dr.
Norman R.. Smith, Wagner College Press, 1996.
The goal of the College Advisers is to assist
students in identifying a group of schools which can
be defined as ìthe right collegeî. Through the use
of self-assessment techniques, students can be made
aware of the characteristics of a college that best
suit their needs. Once those characteristics are
identified, the research process can begin.
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