Deciding where to go to college should be an exciting process. That is not to say that it is without anxiety, for it can be the first time in your life that you can do everything right and not get what you want, but it is an opportunity to take control of your own life and make decisions about your future. For most people it is their first decision as an adult. The good news is that it usually involves choosing from several options, all of which are good.

Despite rumors to the contrary, the college admissions process is an eminently rational one. Bill Fitzsimmons, the Dean of Admissions at Harvard, describes it as rational but not necessarily fair. It consists of a series of rational decisions, some made by the college but the majority made by the applicant. There are no gimmicks or short cuts. The more time and energy invested in the search process, the more likely the student will end up at a school that is a good match for his or her interests and ability.

The college search and application processes are great measures of a student's readiness for college, and thus it is essential that the student take ownership of the decision, with help from his family and the college counseling staff at the high school. The college counseling staff will typically work individually with each student to help him or her understand the process, develop a list of appropriate options, and assist with the application process. College counselors or guidance officers also serve as tremendous resources, advisors, advocates, and (hopefully) friends during this exciting and sometimes stressful process.

This series of essays is designed to give students and parents information and advice about the process of college selection and admission. It should not substitute, however, for individual counseling with a school's guidance department.

Best wishes for successful college search.

Sincerely,

Jim Jump
Director of Guidance, St. Christopher's School (Richmond, VA)
President, National Association for College Admissions Counseling