What should a B student know about getting into college?” I was asked recently. “Are there different considerations than for A students?”
My first piece of advice to B students is this: Know thyself in order to get to know colleges. Work with college advisors, whether school-based, private or both, who appreciate your strengths and are in tune with your goals, and who are knowledgeable about today’s admission landscape.
Identify factors that have led you to academic success in high school and, conversely, those that have discouraged you. Allow this knowledge to guide you in identifying factors important in a college setting. Is academic support important to you and readily available? How about access to faculty; do you want to know that you can find your professors outside of class to ask questions? Are you interested in close advising and mentoring, or perhaps research opportunities? Or would you prefer to be more anonymous as you pursue your studies?
Consider the type of social environment that will allow you to thrive. Progressive or conservative? Emphasis on athletics or arts? Greek life with plenty of parties or smaller groups gathering on their own? Think about extracurricular activities important to you, and find out if they’re available at the colleges you’re considering. Consider what you would like to try in college that you haven’t tried before.
If you’re a B student who is a “work in progress,” understanding yourself and taking time to research colleges to identify appropriate fits will be critically important. A thoughtful approach means that your chances of admission and, most important, success in college will be maximized.
Advice from Transy’s admission dean
“Our starting point in review is to ask, ‘What courses has this student taken?’” said Brad Goan, vice president for enrollment and dean of admission at Transylvania University. He was reviewing a file from a transfer student as we spoke. Goan indicated that for both freshman and transfer applicants, if the student has challenged him/herself, B’s could be fine. He expressed a strong preference for B’s in rigorous coursework, as opposed to A’s in a weaker course load.
“I’m really trying to determine the work ethic,” Goan said. “Will this student visit faculty during office hours, seek out assistance — not only when it seems necessary, but make it a part of regular practice? If they really put forth the effort and work with our faculty, we’re willing to take a chance on them.”
From a decision-making standpoint, Goan and his staff seek signs that the student is willing to put forth that effort. As they evaluate the interview, recommendations, essay and extracurriculars, they look for indicators of work ethic and dedication.
“We will tend not to take a risk on a student with a lower academic profile who doesn’t demonstrate that work ethic, because it can be a recipe for the opposite of success. If we have a student who has excelled on the playing field or court, who is all-region, for example, I know that student has the work ethic. It could also be in theater or the arts, or a student who has started his/her own business — this shows us the work ethic that is important.”
Applying
Think about Dean Goan’s advice; anticipate questions that your transcript may raise. Do any grades need explaining? Did you stop studying a particular academic solid as soon as you fulfilled graduation requirements, rather than continuing it, and if so, why? Do you feel that your grades represent your potential accurately? If not, can you cite examples of accomplishments that do?
Emphasize your strengths: leadership, depth of involvement in studies and/or activities, time spent working if your family requires you to stand on your own financially. Provide details about your interests and accomplishments.
Demonstrate interest in each college. If the colleges you’re considering are within reasonable distance, visit and interview. If they are not, and interviews are recommended, request a Skype interview or
email to ask if an admission counselor will visit your area. Convey seriousness of purpose, not ambivalence. Emphasize your goals: What do you hope to accomplish in college, and how will the college at hand help you?
Enrollment choice
Dean Goan advises, “The key is to find an environment where the mentoring and support are available from faculty. Having worked at large universities, I think there is a clear difference in the academic support a faculty member can provide versus the support that a professional academic administrator can provide.”
When students ask about tutoring, he says, “Your first and best tutor is the faculty member who’s teaching the course. If you’re a B student, you ought to be looking for an institution that can say that.”
Select the college that will bring you to your greatest potential, personally and intellectually. The best-known college that offers you admission is not necessarily the best match for you (although it might be). Stay within your family’s means financially; don’t choose a school that will consign you to a lifetime of debt repayment.
College is preparation for life, a serious investment of time and money. It’s also an incredibly important and exciting time for personal growth and development. All students have a great deal to gain from their college experiences — perhaps B students even more than others.
Jane S. Shropshire guides students and families through the college search process and is Business Lexington’s Higher Ed. Matters columnist. Contact her at Jshrop@att.net.