When I applied to college many years ago, the process was not complicated. I asked friends where they were applying, applied to mostly local and in-state schools, and worked out finances with my parents.  Virginia schools were somewhat affordable and good students got in, by and large, to most schools. So I filled out a few paper applications (very pre-Common App!), took one SAT on one Saturday morning, and got into all of my schools.  

 By today’s standards, it felt like I put a few colleges’ names in a hat, closed my eyes, and picked one out.

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That landscape has since changed. After guiding my two oldest daughters through the application process, I quickly learned that college admissions is not what it used to be. A student with a 4.0 GPA does not always get accepted to top schools. Some universities admit to major, some track demonstrated interest, many look for fit, some for rigor, and some are more holistic in their approaches.

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 Did the school have my major?  Would I get a liberal arts education? Would there be research opportunities? A good alumni network? What did career services look like? Or even campus life?  These were questions I did not ask 20+ years ago. Was there an all-you-can-eat cafeteria with palatable food with soft-serve ice cream for dessert? Awesome!

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It fascinated me to see how much the process of selecting and applying to colleges had changed. In 2023, I became a member of the admission evaluation team for a top-25 University. I gained deep experience reading and evaluating thousands of applications: every part. I evaluated GPAs, academic programs, test scores, letters of recommendation, Personal Statements and Supplemental Essays, all for the Office of Undergraduate Admission. I read the entirety of college applications from top students all day, everyday. I also evaluated transfer applications for a number of elite business, nursing, engineering, and education schools within my university. Likewise, I was a member of a team that evaluated scholarship program eligibility and awards, and participated in studies researching A.I. in education.

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When people learned I worked in university admissions, they had a million questions. Families started asking for help.  Amazing kids I knew were not getting into some of their top choice schools and they didn't know why. I felt the need to help, realizing there is so much conflicting information out there. 

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And I felt uniquely qualified.  My work in college admissions originated from my background in education and writing.  I have a B.A. in English Language and Literature from The College of William and Mary, am a member of the Alumni Association, and a parent of a recent William and Mary Graduate. I am also the proud parent of a current University of Virginia student (Go Hoos!) and an alum of UVA, where I earned my M.A. in English, specializing in Renaissance Literature, writing, and education. I added coursework in writing and education at UVA while pursuing my Masters, but also in post-graduation coursework. 

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 My ties to William and Mary and The University of Virginia have spanned over 25 years and I am a proud member of both (yes, it is possible!) The Tribe and The Hoos.

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