Reading A File
If you’re reading this, chances are you are curious about how we approach an application once you’ve clicked the always terrifying submit button. When I applied to schools, I imagined a cloak and dagger process behind closed doors where admissions officers guffawed at the bad ones and lionized the works of art.
Guess what, there are no daggers…and a distinct lack of guffawing. Mostly we just read in our homes.
Every couple days, I wander into the office to take a look at my “reader bin” which, in reality, is a metal shelf with my reader code on it. See, you all get the common app ID and we get numbers too. 16 (my reader code) evaluates 1343564 (I made this number up completely). That may seem impersonal but once we open a file (admissions lingo for the manila folder that holds your common application materials) it couldn’t be more personal.
First, I’m all about academics. What have you taken in high school? Have you challenged yourself? Does your performance line up with your testing?...
Fun Apps
With the application reading in full swing, I have increasingly relied on my iPhone phone to help connect me with the office. On break, at home, or even in a colleague’s office I nearly always have the thing in my hand. So, whether you are new to the Apple family or a veteran, from this techie to any one else out there I offer a few "app" picks:
- AroundMe – quickly use this location based app to learn about your nearest surroundings. Looking for a coffee shop, ATM, hospital, or a restaurant? Just select the option and see the nearest offerings. Super easy and super helpful. A must
- News360 – Partisan anything makes me angry. News360 takes the same major headlines you hear on the news and compiles multiple sources on the same story. So, if you are concerned about the Iowa caucus...you can read from any source you like all under the same headline.
- Photosynth – Ironically a product of Microsoft, this app allows the user to stitch together an interactive panoramic photo of their surroundings...
Trumpeting
“Trumpeting” is the most common form of elephant communication. You know the noise. In fact, there is a solid chance you have put your head on your arm and flapped about trying to replicate it. As an Admissions Officer for Tufts, I have witnessed Bendetson’s first trumpet blast as members of #Tufts2016 sparked to life.
The moment decisions go out is highly anticipated in our office. We sit at our computers hopelessly refreshing the Class of 2016 Facebook group waiting for new Jumbos. While the arm flailing is kept to a minimum, there are a fair number of “ooohs,” “awws,” and an inordinate amount of clapping from Matt Alander
Decisions were officially released at 3:00pm EST and the first twitter post on behalf of #Tufts2016 was made at 3:03pm from a proud mother.
Guess what? We’re proud too! At 3:10pm , applicants were emailed to notify them of the decision release and 7minutes later (a new University record) we had received our first deposit.
This marks a tremendous time for the...
Learning Curve
Admissions is a fast paced business and yesterday’s start to committee presented an enormous learning curve. Senior counselors did their best to read slowly at first while simultaneously explaining new terminology and acronyms. However, today’s committee began with no time to waste. Each officer read out their analysis of their territory’s applicants but spoke their acronyms aloud. You see, applicants have a word count on their essays but we have a character limit on our write-ups too!
Here are some common acronyms used in “admissions land:”
TU – Tufts University
SOE – School of Engineering
GC – Guidance Counselor
TE – Teacher Evaluation
CAE – Common Application Essay
SE 1 – Supplemental Essay 1
TAAP – Tufts Alumni Admissions Program
For lunch, I enjoyed homemade soup and sampled the tasty assortment of winter treats baked by my colleagues. Honestly, how could anyone resist a fudge brownie in the shape of a Christmas tree with a candy cane trunk? Serious feasting was done. After lunch...
Gatekeepers
Last week, the office wrapped up the reading process for the Early Decision applicants for the class of 2016. After a weekend to decompress and refocus, our office separated into three “committees” to make some final decisions on the first members of Tufts 2016.
With almost six months in the office under my belt, I have finished my first day of committee and performed one of my most essential duties as an admissions officer. I know all you applicants are nervous but…I am too. It’s my job to advocate for applicants and while some decisions are clearer cut than others, losing sight of the humanity in our conversation is impossible.
Tufts is a school that cares about who you are and what you offer at every level of our office. We visited your schools to get to know you one on one in your home environment, designed a new website to introduce you to the Tufts vibe, and now sit here discussing why an applicant should be a part of the community.
During our lunch break, I sojourned to the...