Each fall, STEP has the opportunity to host admissions representatives from top colleges and universities across the country.
This year, we were joined by representatives from Colgate, Bates, Bowdoin, Claremont McKenna, Pomona, ASU, Duke, Washington University, Trinity, Smith, Denison, and Franklin & Marshall. Our guests participated in Q&A panels with our students, facilitated mock interviews, and shared interview best practices over lunch.
Michelle Gonzalez, Associate Dean of Admissions at Pomona College, interviews a student at our August workshop.
STEP juniors and seniors enjoyed these opportunities to learn more about their dream schools from the people who know them best. Joshwai Sharp, STEP ’21, reflected, “I was finally able to put a face to the institution. While in the back of my mind I understood that real people are looking at my application, it was very nice to actually be able to talk to them and get to know them as human beings. Interacting with admissions officers also helped to alleviate a lot of the fears I had about applying to more selective universities and helped me to better understand what it is they are looking for.”
For Abia Khan, STEP ’20, the best part of the workshops was the chance to practice interview skills: “Putting myself out there has been a challenge for me, as well as speaking one-on-one with admissions officers. I'm not really used to talking about my accomplishments because I really don't like to show off. However, I am proud of the growth I've made in my interview skills. I feel more confident in talking to admissions officers about myself, and I feel more confident in the college application process overall because I have more of a handle on how to make myself the best applicant I can possibly be.”
Feris Kuny, STEP ’20, agrees that one-on-one interactions with admissions reps are crucial: “I feel like being able to interact with the person representing your dream school is a key factor in a student's decision process. Showing your personality to the person who reads thousands of applications is definitely a relief because I can get input from the best in the field.”
“Overall, there is no greater feeling than watching a student fall in love with your school and then seeing them on move in day.”
Admissions representatives also look forward to meeting with our students each fall. Tyler Lussier, Associate Dean of Admission at Bates College, shared: “Over the years I have met some truly incredible people through STEP. Each student brings a unique perspective and I love learning about their story. I also see how much these students see their education as an opportunity to not just better themselves, but better their families.”
Lynn Holcomb, Senior Associate Dean of Admissions at Colgate University, also enjoyed the chance to build personal connections with STEP students: “An important role of an admission officer is to help a student go beyond the initial connection and understanding of your school. In the process, I learn so much more about each student and can help them see the opportunities for personal and intellectual growth and success. I can make the idea of college a real and attainable goal through these conversations.”
Admissions representatives from Bates, Colgate, Claremont McKenna, ASU, Bowdoin, and Pomona shared information about their schools with Phoenix STEP students.
In addition to speaking with admissions representatives, STEP juniors have been busy researching colleges and universities on their own. By reviewing admissions rates, testing requirements, and details about campus life, students are able to pinpoint which schools they want to apply to. Josh remarked, “The main idea I took away from this process is that I need to be keen on finding a college that fits me and is where I actually see myself attending, rather than looking at a school just based on merit or rank. The process has taught me not to only focus on a school's prestige, but to look at the overall experience I will gain from the institution. STEP is ensuring that we are looking in the right direction.”
Tyler reinforces why finding a college that “fits” is so important for first-generation students: “As the first in my family to graduate from high school, let alone college, I know how important education has been to my growth as an individual. College was always something I knew would be a part of my journey, but I had no idea how to get there. I understand how much misinformation is out there and this field allows for me to help students find clarity. Overall, there is no greater feeling than watching a student fall in love with your school and then seeing them on move in day.”