Parental Guidance Suggested: How to Find Credible College Admission Information
There’s a lot of misinformation about college admissions out there. It can drive us admission counselors crazy (or sometimes make us chuckle) to hear what’s being said. We totally understand that the college admission process is daunting, confusing and even a little scary. We get that you and your students are sometimes just looking for a sense of community that you might find with others through online forums or a “leg up” by listening to someone who claims to know how things are done on social media. But College Confidential, Reddit, so-called Tik Tok “experts”, and the link are not generally credible. So where should you look?
The most obvious place to start is with a college or university’s admission website, social media, blog and other official means of communication. They will talk about their admission process, let you know what materials are required and provide deadlines and other critical information. Our website has a section called How to Apply, which has straightforward content. We also have pages about preparing for college and resources for parents and families. We post reminders to our social media and have Student Stories from real students about USC life on Instagram. Like some other schools, we have a blog, which we hope you’re subscribed to (hence, why you might be reading this article now). This blog is meant to not only inform you about USC but also share tips about the admission process. Some schools even have podcasts.
Another place to find great information is on reputable websites, including those for the College Board and the National Association for College Admission Counseling (or NACAC). College Board, which administers the SAT, has a great college planning website called Big Future. NACAC has a section with college advice for students and parents, including a free guide, a podcast and resources for creating a college list. At USC, we love AXS Companion, which is provided by a non-profit, has tips for filling out the Common Application and does not use advertising or trackers in any way.
One of the best sources for all things college admissions is your student’s high school counselor. Often, there will be designated “college nights” and meetings for parents to attend. (We recommend that your student be the one primarily working with their counselor.) These individuals are true experts in the field. Some of them have worked as admission counselors at one or several institutions. They often attend on-campus events at different colleges and universities to deepen their knowledge about particular places. Many go to annual conferences through their regional or the National Association for College Admission Counseling to learn about the latest trends in the admission profession. Some have access to software or have extensive experience that can help students understand how they might fare in a college’s admission process based upon previous applicants from the school. High school counselors are our friends and partners in the admission process. Listen to them. Take their advice. Even if they sometimes have to share hard truths.
Of course, another way to learn about a school’s admission process is to go straight to the source—to someone at that institution. Your students can connect with their admission counselor in person at college fairs or high school visits. They can always email or call their admission counselors. We have a nifty Find My Counselor tool for them to do just that. Some colleges and universities even have ways to connect directly with student ambassadors. While our “central” admission office doesn’t offer this feature, several of our academic departments do. Connect with these contacts and ask questions!
I know it’s tempting to go on an online forum, where you can share your student’s “stats” to “chance them”. (Do you think my son will get in with a 4.2 GPA, 1510 SAT, and college essay about his service work in Peru?) Or to ask others what might be behind an email that your student received. (Does that college really mean it when they say they won’t accept new letters of recommendation with my child’s appeal?) But you risk getting incorrect answers that can only make you and your student more confused and stressed. So, follow unofficial advice at your own peril. Again, you have so many great resources at your disposal, including us admission counselors. Reach out if you need to!
Written by: Anne Aubert-Santelli, Associate Director – USC Office of Admission