MBS College Coaching, LLC

I had a student in the other day who heard about roommates in college. He was told not to do a “random choice” by college students. I responded that there are two different types of “random choice” - completely random where you fill out a form with your cleanliness choices, sleep preferences, music choices, etc. This is how I did it …. years ago. Now, you can still do that, but a student can also check out their new classmates online and try to get an idea of compatibility that way. Some students choose to live with someone they already know. All of those can work. But this is what I said to my student: You’re not going after having your freshman year roommate be your BFF. That’s too high a standard. What you want is neutral. If you end up being BFF’s that’s great! But what you don’t want to have happen is that you dread your roommate being in the room EVERY time you are about to enter. College is hard enough. Having a roommate who’s personality, living habits, music choices, and new friends start to grate on you a month is only makes it harder. So, consider carefully when finding a roommate!

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The Common Application allows you to list up to 10 activities in the Activities section of the application. Is two too few? What if you have more than 10? What do colleges “like”? The answer to that last question is they “like” to see that a student has made a commitment to something or some things. Freshman year is a chance to try new clubs/sports/organizations in high school. Never played tennis? Go for it! Never been in a play or musical? Why not try? If the activity you choose doesn’t fit you, then don’t continue with it and try something new. Yes, it means you’d potentially have that new actvity on your list for only three years, but perhaps you end up being a captain or the committee chair of the new endeavor. That means you made a commitment to that new activity. Colleges don’t prefer that students “check boxes” of a long list of activities. I’ve had students say, “But I can’t do a lot of stuff at school because I have a job.” That job IS your commitment! You have to show up on time, be nice to your co-workers, be nice to clients, and do your job. My advice for all my clients is to make sure they’re doing something Greater Than Themselves - make sure you’re involved in something. It makes high school a little more enjoyable, you learn about yourself and others, and you’re doing something FOR others - whether it’s a team, a club, your employer, or a stranger. Questions? Call me at 217-494-2613 or email me at [email protected] and we can discuss some more!

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As February turns to March tomorrow it’s time for the Regular Admissions admissions decisions countdown. By April 1, colleges and universities must release their admissions decisions. Most will do so the last week of March. While I remember waiting for a small or large envelope, kids today will get an email, then, if accepted, a large envelope. Good luck to all my current clients on their last few decisions!