College Chat with Christine Chapman

What I want to be when I grow up [Christine Chapman]

It's amazing when we think about the twists and turns that life takes, and where these twists and turns can take us.  As I approach the age of 40, and after a complete 17 years of working as an educational consultant, I've started to look at what comes next for me in my own personal and professional future. In doing so, I've started to look for work in an independent school.  After 17 years of basically working for myself, it's been very interesting and exciting for me to embark upon a job search.

The twists and turns are manifold. Currently, I am considering jobs that have titles like Director of College Counseling, Associate Director of College Counseling, Director of Admissions, and International Student Coordinator/Program Director. It's been an exciting time as the many opportunities unfold, and as I evolve into a new career role, and a new phase of my own life.

The interview process has been a thought provoking experience for me. Faced with questions like: "What do you want to be when you grow up?" or "How comfortable do you feel teaching an English class for high school juniors?" or "How well-connected are you to admissions directors at colleges?" I have been made to think deeply about the process and the various roles I have taken and will inevitably continue to take.  It's also made me really think about what it is I am looking for, and how I might go about approaching the kind of job I might be looking for, as I move forward in my professional life.

Right now, as I contemplate that first question and grapple with who I want to become as a grown-up, my first answer is "Director of College Counseling." It may not be this year, or next year for that matter, and at the same time, it could be just down the road a couple of months from now. Being part of a job search that completely transforms one's life is exciting, and frustrating and scary, all at the same time. But if I think about where I want to be 5 years from now, or 10 years from now, I know I want to be involved in the work of empowering students as they broach important stages of growth in their lives and I think this could be as the Director of College Counseling at a school in which I have faith, confidence and respect. I'm lucky to be considering options only at schools that fit that bill.

The next logical question one might ask is "why?" Why do I want to be a Director of College Counseling at a school that is innovative, open to change and unafraid to grow and transform with its student body?"  I connect with kids, naturally, and I'm grateful for this gift. Some people I believe are lucky enough to have this knack and they inevitably work with people. In my case, animals and children of all ages tend to open up to me, and I have made a commitment to work with students because I know I can help students feel confident, ready and unafraid to face the world and to reach for their goals. Sometimes, I can even help them solidify what those goals are. I can't imagine a better place to put those skills to use and make a positive impact on the lives of many, than in working at an independent school in the capacity of teacher, advisor and college counselor.

How do I take that message and bring it to each of the interviews and meetings I have faced and plan to face? For me, as an educational consultant for the last 17 years old, my focus has been about counseling families: listening to them, helping them to clarify, define and sometimes redefine their goals. It's been about working closely with students in an empathic, mindful and respectful way. It's been about managing the relationships with anxious parents at a time when their own children don't want to be micro-managed and pestered about where things are at in the application process.  I think I spend as much time working with parents as I do working with their children, and I am grateful for that opportunity.  My work as an educational consultant has been one of  constant communication, defining goals, task management, follow through, and more communication. As an educational consultant, I don't often talk to every single college to which my clients apply. Most of my work is done in the background. In response to the question about how well-connected I am to admissions directors at top colleges, I have responded that I did not have key directors of admissions on speed dial. That's just not the nature of the relationship I have with colleges and universities.  I can't imagine colleges being able to have conversations with every single educational consultant working with a student; they'd never be off the phones to read files and sit in committees. At the same time, I don't feel afraid to reach out and make calls if necessary, and as a college counselor this is certainly a part of the job that I plan to take on with professionalism, respect and confidence. The work of a college counselor at a school, I believe, is indeed about counseling and empowering families and students but it's also very much about forging relationships with colleges, getting these colleges onto (my) school's campus and educating these colleges about all of the amazing experiences that are unfolding on campus and showing them the quality of the program and how my school is growing and changing.

As for teaching an English class, leading an afternoon activity or helping to coach a sport, I'm in. Whatever community I end up joining as a faculty member, whether it's in admissions, coordinating the international program,  college counseling or some combination of the above, I am so looking forward to the future and all that it promises. I know I plan to continue writing, helping students and families and sharing my own experiences to build compelling programming for students, whether it be for international or domestic students. The future seems full of opportunities.

And as I leave my inner world of thoughts, and come back to the here and now, I have to brag a little: all of my Clark School seniors are receiving good news and scholarship opportunities. I'm excited to have started work with my Clark School juniors. My private college-bound seniors have been receiving excellent news and as we wait for other news to ring in, I know there's going to be a lot of joy and celebration in the next weeks. I know that my students looking at private day and boarding high schools are going to have numerous options, and I'm excited to be working on some really cool writing projects that I know will be helpful to students, families and schools as they consider international educational experiences/international students. As March rings in there's a lot to feel grateful for...and a lot of excitement, too.

Here's wishing you all an incredible Month of March--may you all receive good news! And good luck as you consider future landing spots for yourselves and for your children.

February Madness!

It's been a crazy school year and I hope that all you seniors have applied and are done with the college admissions process, finally. As someone who works independently with families, my schedule was to have everyone complete by Thanksgiving. Thankfully my first group of seniors were indeed done with the process in that time frame.

This allowed me to help other students who began the process late, knowing that the students who had been working with me during junior year were complete! We've already had wonderful news from over 25 different colleges and we've been proud of our students' achievements--there hasn't been a single student who received bad news yet!

With most of the college applications complete, we have just completed all of the secondary school-bound applicants. I am proud to say that our boarding and day school applicants this year applied to 40 different schools. I'm exciting to be getting ready to make phone calls to reconnect with admissions directors and discuss my candidates. This year's group of students who are on their way to secondary schools are another great group of students with talents, idiosyncracies and a great deal of potential!

Through all of this application madness, in a busy time, I have been working on getting my own little ducks in a row--back to the gym, back to healthy eating (which of course got disrupted in the madness of the holiday season and life) and doing what's most important--spending quality time connecting with my little ones...

Spring's promise of growth and rebirth...and celebrations are just beyond this February madness. So take it one step at a time, breathe, and remember to savor each day and each moment. Life's too short!

As a dear friend of mine says, with gusto, "Hurray for Life!" We have a lot to be grateful for when we clear the air of the chaos. Have a wonderful February!

New Year's Thoughts and Resolutions for Collegebound Seniors!

Happy New Year! I can’t tell you how relieved I am to have 2011 behind us. It was truly a nightmare of a year for my family and me on so many levels. I could probably write a book entitled 2011 Sucked! But I can’t imagine it would sell, with such a negative, almost hostile sounding title…oh well. Maybe one of these days, my creative nonfiction juices will flow and I’ll be able to write a memoir of 2011 that has a more appealing, marketable title. I’ll keep you posted!

Let me tell you how 2011 ended for me: with a car accident that could literally be a stunt in a movie—on 195 westbound, on our way to NY to visit with family, we had a really horrible accident—one that ended with my SUV rolled over on the highway. Miraculously, my husband, 5 year-old daughter and 17-month old son and me made it out of the car without a scratch. We certainly had some sore muscles and bruises, but I thank my lucky stars that we weren’t in intensive care as the new year rang in…and that we were together, safe, healthy and in one piece.

Literally looking death in the face can be really scary, and walking away from an accident like that can put a whole lot in perspective. Primarily this thought dominated my mind space as the new year rang in: WE HAVE SO MUCH TO BE GRATEFUL FOR. It also made me realize how important it is to stay healthy, well-rested, and de-stressed. Not taking care of oneself can potentially put a person and the people who depend on that person in harm’s way. Bottom line: it’s worth it to take care of yourself; so don’t hesitate to put yourself first—you’re worth it.

2012 started with a bang—lots of catching up to do and new deadlines from new clients to madly rush to the finish line in getting applications complete. It’s been an incredibly hectic but fulfilling experience. I’ve had the opportunity to work with students from Poland and Canada, from New York and New Jersey and from all over Massachusetts while winding down with all of my local clients. I’ve had the opportunity to meet with students for a short period of time, just to help them get on the right track and I have had the opportunity to work on some pretty exciting projects including the completion of an e-book on applying to private schools if you’re an international student!  

Here are some new year’s resolutions I hope you’ll take to heart if the college application process has overtaken your life:

1)      Regardless of how little time I feel I have, I will be careful and attentive to details because my college application is important and deserves that extra time.

2)      I am going to ask for help and make sure someone does a thorough proofreading of my application before I submit it.

3)      I am going to make sure that I have completed all the steps necessary in completing my application (send official test scores to colleges, make sure application fees are paid and applications and supplements submitted.)

4)      I am going to follow up with each school to make sure that my application is complete and follow up on missing components to the application if it is incomplete.

5)      I am not going to panic or worry—I have done my part in applying and making sure applications are complete. I am going to rest easy knowing I have done all I can do and that the process is now completely out of my control.

6)      I am going to do my very best not to succumb to the temptations of contracting senioritis. I’m going to do my best at school to keep my grades up and consistent.

7)      I am going to have faith, and know that everything happens for a reason, and be at peace, in advance, knowing that I applied to a balanced list of schools and understanding that I will have options.

Happy January, everyone! Hope 2012 promises all that you have hoped for and worked hard to achieve! And if you need a little assistance and could use an educational consultant—we’re here to help!

December Thoughts for Seniors and Juniors in High School

The acceptances from ED and EA applications are rolling in and I must say, there's a lot of good news to be had so far. My students have started to receive acceptances from colleges and so far, so good! I am sure there will be more to report soon...but for now we have received positive news from colleges in MA, RI and FL and more good news, I am sure...to come!

For those of you who are still struggling to get things done, I have some advice: get it done as soon as you can so you can rest easy and enjoy the holidays in a stress-free manner! Lord knows that there will be a need for some good old fashioned rest and relaxation!

Advice for Seniors:

1. Don't forget to proofread both your application and your essays. If possible, have someone else proofread--if you have waited this long to submit, chances are you will be in a rush...and nothing is more important than proofreading and putting your best foot forward!
2. If you are hoping to receive merit scholarship money and have not started applying for merit scholarships, it will be too late to begin that process once you have been accepted to college. Start searching, and if possible, applying as soon as possible. It's a process, but worthwhile in that being awarded some merit scholarship money can certainly add up and make schools that you might not have been able to afford, seem more possible.
3. The FAFSA forms go live on January 1, 2012. Make sure you remind your parents about this and get ready for this financial aid application process. So much gets lost in the holiday shuffle.
4. Make sure your guidance counselor knows which schools you are applying to and when applications have been submitted. Check in with your recommenders, too. It's important to keep everyone in the loop.
5. After applications have been submitted, scores requested to be sent from The College Board and/or ACT, follow up with the colleges you applied to so that you can be sure all your information has been received.

Advice For Juniors:

1. Come January, when you are back in school, chances are you will be embarking upon the college process with your college counseling office. Connect with your college counselor. Complete any forms that you have been asked to complete and get them in as soon as you can.  Schedule to meet with your counselor.
2. Start considering a college list. Think about where you want to be, what you want to study and use resources like www.collegeboard.com and your guidance office resources (guidebooks, databases, etc.) to do your research and begin compiling a list of schools you might be interested in. Make sure the list is balanced with probable schools, midrange schools and reaches.
3. Start considering campus visit opportunities. This will help you to really get a sense of what these schools are really like, and give you the opportunity to learn about the admissions process, hear from and possibly meet current students and learn about the college first-hand.
4. As a junior in this economy, the greatest help you can be is to find merit scholarship opportunities so that the price tag on each college tuition doesn't seem so daunting. If you have not already begun thinking about the scholarship search process, now is the time. Don't wait because before you know it, it will be too late!

And if you need help along the way, feel free to give a call or send an email my way. We're always happy to help and offer opportunities for every budget, including a half hour free consultation for new clients!

Happy Holidays!

College Advice as Thanksgiving Approaches

So here I am again, wondering when summer escaped and November suddenly arrived, with winter on the doorstep and the rush of all kinds of activity in the office. I guess that in the big picture, it's a good thing. Being busy feels like a blessing in a time when the economy still seems so uncertain.

Early applications are what my students are working on these days. We've already started receiving some good news from rolling admissions students and I can't tell you how proud I am of our early acceptances so soon after application submissions. We got to the early decision and early action November 1 deadline without having to literally pull our hair out and do last minute work on Halloween night and we're in really great shape for the November 15 and December 1 deadlines. Despite what's felt like a very busy, full fall season, I feel really blessed to be working with such a great group of students and how process-oriented they have been. What's struck me this year is how engaged and invested in the process my students have been. It's always so much more fulfilling for me to know that my students are owning the process and I really feel like this year has been a banner year for that kind of attitude, particularly for my students who are college bound.

As I reflect on what's made this year a particularly good one for me in the work I've done with my seniors, I think there are a bunch of things I want to put out there--advice to seniors as they look towards the college application process. Here are some thoughts:

1) Know yourself (do some introspection, be honest about what you want and what your goals are. Think about the kinds of institutions you are considering and what higher education means to you. Look for fit and match before name-brand value.)

2) Keep your options open and don't be afraid to change your mind. What was your first choice university in January of junior year might end up being taken off your list entirely. And don't disregard a suggestion to look at a college from someone who knows you well. Sometimes other people see the fit we might not.

3) Visit. Visit. Visit. Research. Question. Discuss. It's all about fit. I really believe that educational success is truly contingent on finding the place that is right for you and can support your needs, your goals and your learning philosophy, approach and style.

4) Start your online applications as early as you possibly can. Get all the form-filling out of the way. On so many levels, it's mindless work that you can do in short time. Get it done. Save it. Make sure you have the opportunity to check over the information and then check over it again. The rest won't feel so daunting if you take care of this piece first.

5) Do a lot of introspection, brain-storming and pre-writing as you begin thinking about the personal statement/college essay. Believe it or not, there's a lot of writing that goes on in your head before you get those thoughts out there on a screen or on paper. That's another reason to start early and not save it all for the last minute.

6) When writing, be true to your voice. This is the one opportunity for you to make an impact on people who are complete strangers who probably won't meet you but are the gatekeepers to the institution you want to attend. Be honest. Be vulnerable. Don't try to be someone you're not. In writing, share with them who you are--by pinpointing a moment and bringing them into it, or by introducing them to a person who has changed your life, by sharing that life-changing moment. Ruminate on a phrase that has brought strength and perspective in difficult times. Don't be afraid to share those experiences that have truly defined you and made you the amazing applicant you are.

7) Another writing tip: remember that admissions committees comprise educators who see applications from high school seniors all the time. Try not to put too much pressure on yourself. No one is expecting award-winning work. They get that most applicants are between the ages of 17 and 21. Don't hire a ghost writer and don't let your parent or another adult write or over-edit your essay. Be selfish about speaking your truth and remaining true to your perspectives and thoughts. Don't write what you think an admissions committee wants to hear.

8) The interview is not going to "make or break you." Ease off on feeling overly pressured. Be yourself. If interview settings are overly stressful, cause great anxiety and are not required, don't feel bad about deciding not to interview.

9) In preparing for the interview, remember that as much as you are being interviewed, this is also your opportunity to interview the institutional representative of the school to which you are applying. Think about what's important to you in a college experience and go prepared with questions you feel need to be posed. Remember that the best interviews are interviews where there really is a true exchange. Go ready to speak about yourself and to show your interviewer who you are, what makes you special, what you feel passionate about. Don't be afraid to ask questions that help you to decide what has made a particular college or university the special place that it is...what makes this institution the right school for you?

10) Don't wait until the last minute. I do believe that it's procrastination and last minute stuff that makes this process so daunting to so many students. Take your time. Manage the tasks one by one. Be process-oriented. The rest will fall into place.

I can confidently say that most (if not all of my students) will be done with their college application process by the time Thanksgiving arrives in less than 2 weeks. I know they'll be giving thanks and feeling a sense of freedom and relief as they approach the holidays.

Have a great Thanksgiving, everyone!