My kids found a DVD of a classic production of “Rudolf the Red Nosed Reindeer” the other day, and I couldn’t help but stop and watch it with them. My favorite part, hands down, is when Rudolph gets the nod from Santa. Suddenly, he’s found his place in the world and pride in his differences, and he’s off, full steam ahead through the fog, doing what he was born to do.
I get a similar feeling this time of year when college acceptances start to roll in, and so many of the students I work with have their own Rudolf moments.
They have all come a long way. When they started with me, many were, like my favorite reindeer, feeling lost and unsure — of where to apply (4,000 colleges is a lot to choose from!) and how to showcase their unique qualities. They wondered: How will I ever get noticed?
But our students found their way. They did their research, visited campuses, took stock of their dreams and realities, wrote compelling essays, and carefully filled out their applications.
And it’s paying off, in a big way. So far, Colledge students who submitted early admissions applications have gotten into over 90% of their colleges, including Stanford University! And many with significant scholarship offerings to boot. It won’t be long before spring admissions roll in and more Colledge students get their nods, setting off on their own exciting paths.
Finding the right fit in the college world is hard work. In fact, 27 percent of first-year college students end up at the wrong college for them and drop out or transfer before their sophomore year. Many of those students fell prey to an all-too common error in the college admissions process: making an ill-informed college choice. It’s an expensive mistake to make.
Thankfully, there is something you can do to sidestep this kind of mistake: start planning early. Start your research now, find a mentor to guide you through the process, and if it’s crunch time, buckle down, and do the work. Explore what makes you stand out from your peers — and be proud of that shiny red nose.
If you’re feeling a bit lost in the fog right now, take heart. Do the work, and know that before long, you, too, will get to celebrate your Rudolf moment … and maybe even go down in history.
For more information on how your child can make the most of their college planning with Colledge, click HERE to schedule a free phone consultation.
