The AdMission Attitude

You’ll be successful as you apply to schools, be a student, and embrace post-school life if you have a sense of mission, an AdMission Attitude! 

But how do you get that attitude -- especially at this early point of applying to college?  Here’s the key thing is – stop thinking about applying to college and start focusing on connecting with experts.

First, begin to clarify your mission. Do some thoughtful exploration of what gives you joy – which is joyous in itself!  What type of experiences, people and problems can hold your attention for hours? (Dr. Swenson can assist you with this crucial step.)

Second, hunt for adult experts in your emerging area of interest. 

For example, let’s say you’re an obsessive skateboarder and sense your calling has something to do with urban design and vibrant street life. 

You can google, “Skateboard park design” into any search engine, and see the experts who work on that topic. Microsoft’s Academic Search (Home | Microsoft Academic) is an academic search engine that is especially helpful, taking you directly to academic writers – potentially your future, favorite professors! 

Do some research on the experts you find. 

• Search their names to see their publications. 

• Scan those publications, if available online. 

• Also, notice the titles of the journals publishing their work.  If available online, look at them too (your librarian can assist you with access to online journals). 

Third, connect personally with your experts.  Send the expert a brief note, expressing your interest in their work and asking their advice on your next steps – what should you study, what experiences should you be sure to get, and especially what schools would they recommend.  You’ll be surprised at their generosity.   But even if they don’t respond, you’re still learning about a field in which you might potentially study and work, strengthening your application essays.

Remember, as well, adult experts can be someone already known to you from school and community life.  Are there teachers or other professionals, community and spiritual leaders, and behind-the-scenes people whose work intrigues you? 

Fourth and finally, if an expert does connect with you, be prepared.  Prepare questions about their work, their own education and experiences, as well as their school’s program.  You can even ask if there are other schools they might recommend.  Do they have contacts at those schools?  Would they allow you to use their name to reach out to those contacts?  

Indeed, If the conversation goes well, your expert might even volunteer to help you further – perhaps writing a reference letter, or serving as an advocate for you.  But, do not ask them for this!  They must volunteer to help. 

Whatever they do or don’t do, however, you should mention this interview in your application as evidence of your interest in this field and school.

Now,there are two natural protests against this focused approach. 

*First, isn't college a time of exploration and "following your bliss"?  Doesn't this approach short-change that?   

Consider this focused approach your launching dock for adventure.  The dock gives you something to push off from -- to explore and even to reject ideas about your mission. 

*Second, doesn't this take a lot of time and confidence?   

Yes, but you are learning about yourself, your future work, and even discovering your future colleagues.  Shouldn't you put as much time into that research as browsing on Naviance and College Confidential?

You are demonstrating your AdMission Attitude!  Any school will value that.

(#collegelist,#passionproject,#studentnetworking,#collegeresearch)