With the US Supreme Court’s decision striking down race-conscious admissions, we at Rossbach O’Connor Educational Consulting are considering the near-term consequences on the admissions process as well as the potential effect on applicants. Colleges and universities across the country have issued statements, reacting to the decision. How will the nuances of the decision regarding Affirmative […]
Be That Fish on the Line
When assessing applicants, colleges are always looking at the classes students take and the grades earned. But, when reviewing applications colleges also take into account whether they think an accepted student will ultimately attend their school. This is referred to as yield and is a big factor in enrollment management. And this can ultimately impact […]
Trends in Supplemental Essays
Finishing your personal statement is a time for celebration. We love seeing the smiles on your faces when you are pleased with what you’ve written and have a sense of accomplishment… But the next step in the process can feel a little like a late-night info-mercial: “But wait…there’s more!” Colleges often include what’s called supplemental […]
The Art of Authenticity in the College Admissions Process
The word authentic, defined by Merriam-Webster as “true to one’s own personality, spirit, or character,” is an integral aspect of a successful college application. But what does it really mean to be authentic, in the context of college admissions? A majority of our work with students is getting to know you on a deeper, more […]
Stats Tell the Story
As colleges and the Common Application release statistics for this year’s applicant pool, we pay close attention, using this information in conjunction with our own experiences to inform our students and families. In summary, admit rates at the most competitive colleges hit new lows; merit aid at many colleges shifted to students who demonstrate need; […]
How Our Professional Development Impacts our Consulting
We are fortunate to belong to an international association of educational consultants, IECA, and we take advantage of conferences, sponsored tours, and the breadth of collegiality that this association affords. At our spring conference this May, we heard similar messages from a wide range of colleges. Some salient points include: Test-Optional Admissions This practice has […]
