Emerging Trends University Counsellors Can Leverage to Optimise Student Applications

Introduction

At the beginning of each academic year, we are presented with an exciting challenge to continue to prepare students to apply to university in an ever-changing landscape. Our students are applying for highly competitive seats in programs worldwide, and it becomes critical for university counsellors to stay abreast of trends that can help students have a leg up. This article explores some trends for consideration in this year’s application cycle and offers some insight on how one university counsellor in Dubai attempts to address these trends.

Trend 1: Holistic

Admissions In their own definition of holistic admissions, College Board notes that one of the key points is “[c]onsideration of multiple, often intersecting, factors—academic, non-academic, and contextual—that, in combination, uniquely define and reflect accomplishments and potential contributions of each applicant in light of his or her background and circumstances.”

For university counsellors, this means that we must emphasize to students the importance of presenting a well-rounded student profile, highlighting the impact of a diverse range of experiences that can include volunteering, internships, supercurricular activities, and passion projects. In my work, I encourage students to build robust and rich profiles that jump off the application page, highlighting academic strengths and clear personalities. Sometimes students simply do not realize just how much they are actually involved with that can help contribute to a successful university application.

Trend 2: Emphasis on Mental Health and Well-being

There is a growing focus on student mental health in the admissions process and there needs to be an emphasis on how counsellors can support students in managing stress and maintaining mental well-being. Working to encourage self-care and work-life balance is critical, and students who prioritize their mental health emerge through the admissions process in a much happier and healthier place. Encouraging students to find time-management strategies to help achieve their tasks has worked well. Weekly workshops during lunchtime to focus on mental health can greatly impact the stress level during application season. Something as simple as weekly well-being colouring during lunch, a quick 20 minutes, to slow down and connect while colouring can make a tremendous difference in a student’s stress levels.

Trend 3: Test-Optional Policies

With the rise of test-optional admissions policies, students need to realize the impact of test scores on their applications. In many instances, an optional test score can provide additional data that can contribute to an offer. Submitting a test that highlights strengths in certain academic areas can help bolster a holistic review of an application and can emphasize unique talents and skills. University counsellors must guide whether to submit standardized test scores, helping students understand that when they see “test-optional” that doesn’t suggest that nothing is better. I advise students that it is best to take the test and see what scores they get. In competitive programs, a higher test score may be strong evidence to continue to support a strong applicant. While the absence of a test score will not count against them, it certainly can help.

Trend 4: Virtual College Tours and Fairs

One of the positive things that has come from the last few years is the development and multitude of online university engagement opportunities. Universities have continued to offer online events that have allowed international students to actively engage with more potential institutions than ever before. Students should be encouraged to attend as many virtual university tours and fairs as possible, learning directly from admissions counsellors and students what is on offer. It’s not enough to simply attend these events though, students must be prepped on how to best attend and establish a positive online experience with universities. Hosting a workshop at the beginning of the year on how to participate in online events can help students to utilize this opportunity and can help them stand out in a digital crowd.

Trend 5: Alternative Credentials and Skills-Based Learning

The recognition of alternative credentials (e.g., MOOCs, certifications) allows international students opportunities to demonstrate their interest in subjects they wish to study at university. University counsellors who encourage students to pursue skills-based learning opportunities are giving their students a leg up on the competition, and helping students confirm their interests in subjects before going through the time-consuming process of applications. Integrating these alternative credentials into applications is important and ultimately highlights initiative and a student’s desire in the subject, which can be the difference between an unsuccessful or successful application. I offer an ECA for grade 10, 11 and 12 students for MOOC support, an hour once a week that is dedicated to students working on their online courses. This small gesture has helped create a culture of #borderlesslearning.

Conclusion

University admissions is a constantly evolving process, and the advice that worked for one cohort may not work for another. The call to counsellors to continually update their knowledge and strategies for supporting students during applications is strong and loud, and there has never been a better time for students to apply for admissions globally. With the many ways to showcase a student’s unique skills and talents, university counselling continues to be one of the most rewarding jobs.

College Board - SAT, AP, college search and Admission Tools. College Board - SAT, AP, College Search and Admission Tools. (n.d.). http://www.collegeboard.org/

Mooc.com. (n.d.). http://www.mooc.com/

Written by: Colleen Menichini, University Counselor Uptown International School