My phone is ringing, alerts from incoming emails are buzzing and I am a happy camper.  Why?  Because parents and students are reaching out to me, ready to get started with the college preparation and application process. It means I get more time to ‘hold up the mirror’ while guiding students in self-discovery to help them find the post-secondary educational opportunity that best suits them.

I just returned from a week-long conference with nearly 1400 colleagues who focus on the needs of students and families.  The Independent Educational Consultants Association (IECA) is a not-for-profit, international professional association representing experienced independent educational consultants. IECA offers information to students and their families regarding school selection issues, and works to ensure that those in the profession adhere to the highest ethical and business standards.  The conference sessions spanned a variety of topics, but presentations in two of them really resonated with me.  Both, in their own way, focused on the individual student in this daunting landscape of college admissions.

Mark Hofer, a Certified Educational Planner from Seattle, presented “Critical Considerations for STEM Students.” He spoke about how students should be challenged to think about WHY they are considering a career in STEM and shared these thoughts:

• Having math skills is important in most STEM occupations;
• Math is the language of science and students should be “to and through” calculus going in; however
• Being good at math does not mean you will be happy in a STEM major or career

He then highlighted skills and attributes that are important and ‘behaviors of mind’ to cultivate:

• What can you do today? What are the skills that you bring with you on day 1?
• How quickly can you learn? What evidence can you provide?
• Can you communicate effectively – writing and speaking?
• What are other useful skills and hobbies you possess?
• Think through questions – process an answer for questions instead of just Googling answers
• Think like a scientist – utilize a methodology, understand the variables, and apply logic
• Read – the more the better
• Practice the art of asking good questions – intentional, thoughtful, respectful
• Meet people and learn to build relationships
• Be comfortable opening conversations
• Please, Thank you, You’re Welcome – are not overrated!

 

The conference ended with a presentation by Richard Shaw, Dean of Admission & Financial Aid at my alma mater, Stanford University.  Dean Shaw addressed “The State of College Admissions,” where he spoke of trends like the impact of lower birth rates on college enrollment, the high percentage of incoming freshmen who sit in the top 25% quartile of their graduating classes, the implications of the Harvard University discrimination case currently being held in the courts, and more.  He also spoke about student stress which often stems from a lack of awareness of opportunities, is self-imposed and leads to mental health issues among students.  Dean Shaw summarized by stating “We want kids to capture their adolescence back and pursue what makes them happy.”

 

The words of wisdom shared by these gentlemen aligns well with my message to students and parents as they navigate the college admission process – get in touch with yourself and remain true to yourself no matter how many zigs and zags you encounter along the way.  Find your passion, nurture it and always be confident about what you can – and will – contribute.  Remember that being good at something and being happy doing it may not be the same thing!

 

As you prepare to enjoy the holiday season with family and friends, take time to reflect on the gift of YOU, because… The Journey Begins with You…!

 

Happy Holidays!

 

Antoinette Battiste is an Independent Educational Consultant and 20+ year resident of Evergreen.   She is an active volunteer with many community organizations in Silicon Valley, including Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Santa Clara County Alliance of Black Educators (SCCABE), Silicon Valley Black Chamber of Commerce the African American Community Services Agency (AACSA), and the Northern California Association of Morehouse Parents (NCAMP)