Emily Dickinson wrote, “Tell all the Truth but tell it slant.”
Today, I offer you the truth with no slant. There are questions that admissions counselors are asked so often and, in response, we frequently reply with a long-winded, slanted answer.
Today, I offer you the truth. No slant.
1. “When you’re reading all those applications, doesn’t it get old?”
Yes, it does.
This is perhaps no great surprise. Do anything repetitively and it is likely to get old after a while.
2. “How do you remember all those names?”
We don’t.
That’s why we take really good notes. And while names frequently escape us, the stories stick with us.
3. “Do you really read all those applications?”
No.
I only read some of them; but, I’ve got nearly a dozen great co-workers. At Holy Cross, every application really does get read and, in fact, read by two different admissions counselors.
4. “What do you really look for in an application?”
Really good grades in strong classes.
Now, that doesn’t mean that we don’t also want athletes, musicians, artists, leaders, good Samaritans, etc. But, inevitably, the conversation begins with the transcript. It is the most important document in the application. It is the cake and everything else is just frosting. And yes, we’re greedy – we want frosting with our cake.
5. “Do you like reading applications?”
Most of the time.
Right about now, after about 5 weeks of non-stop reading (and writing), my hand hurts, my neck hurts, my eyes are dry and I’m just a little bug-eyed from all the small print on these transcripts. And there doesn’t seem to be enough time to read all these applications in my office by our deadline on Sunday.
But, this morning, a co-worker of mine told me about an essay I’m likely to find in one of those stacks, one that she thinks I’ll like and I’m curious. I’m curious what’s inside all those folders sitting in my office, whose story they tell and whether they might be good fits for Holy Cross.
So, after a 12 minute break to write this blog entry, I’m re-energized, ready to dive back into the stacks of applications, ready for more cake, ready for more frosting.
Andrew N. Carter
Associate Director of Admissions
