The Foreign Service Journal, June 2018

70 JUNE 2018 | THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL EDUCATION SUPPLEMENT of the country or world they cover) and with current students in those programs. Admissions staff should welcome emailed questions that aren’t addressed on the website. Many colleges will require a supple- mental essay or application for these special programs, and they can be due as early as Nov. 1 (a common Early Decision or Early Action application deadline). Acceptance to these pro- grams often happens in early spring, giving the student time to weigh the program opportunity into their ultimate decision. Support in College and Beyond We encourage students, families and communities to change the language they use to frame the college search. Instead of “applying to as many schools as possible with the hope to get into one,” students should focus on applying to colleges where there is both an academic fit and the healthy learning environment a stu- dent needs to succeed. When students discuss the impor- tance of being able to swim year- round, for example, or participate in a religious group, they are identifying college choices where they will build the networks to support a successful experience. Making this kind of match, rather than opting for a recognized name brand, is a win-win for both the college that will want to admit such a great addi- tion to the next freshman class, and to the applicant who knows that they will be happy at any of the schools to which they are admitted. We also encourage families to listen to the advice of experts such as high school counselors, university admissions advisers and educational consultants. Carl Gavin reminds students that their high school counselor is the most knowl- edgeable person on their campus about the university application process—not their science teacher, not their mother’s accountant friend and not their peers. Finding six or eight “great fit” schools can take time, but the process of identify- ing individual success factors, personal interests and student needs will pay off when students are accepted to and attend colleges where they will truly thrive. n