College Road Trips: Four Buzzwords
by Margo Bartsch,
March 10, 2011, page 6.....

With February break behind us and spring forging ahead, this is the season for college road trips. Families who have visited colleges have noticed four buzzwords that colleges are looking for: engagement, community service, global and rigor. Noticeably, athletics did not make the list. Thus, being well rounded is more important than ever.
The four buzzwords are reflected in the college application process as a way to describe the students’ interests, values, and goals. College applications include two important documents: the Common Application required by nearly all colleges listing the GPA, test scores, activities, recommendations and written essays, and the Supplemental Applications specific to each college that wants additional information on the applicant.
The first two buzzwords are more specific in defining the student. First, engagement is shown through both the essays and recommendations to highlight the students’ interests throughout high school, both in and outside of the classroom. Second, community service shows how specific interests have been taken to the next level. For example, if a student travelled abroad to learn about a different culture, how did they apply that experience to their personal lives and local community? These first two buzzwords help describe a students’ values in making a difference to others, while growing independently as a leader. Such experiences can be written in the college application essays to share stories that are distinctive to them.
Being global is the third buzzword, and a recurring theme during a campus interview. A consistent question is how students handled being outside of their comfort zone. Travelling helps us experience new cultures and languages, while learning about history. It also allows us to be open-minded to different people here in America and abroad.
Finally, colleges are accessing the rigor that a student experienced in the high school classroom. Taking challenging classes, testing to show achievement, and participating in academic clubs and activities helps to predict how a student will adjust to college classes. I see this first-hand in teaching freshmen at Champlain College. My introduction to marketing class is a microcosm of the range of preparedness for college work.
In planning college road trips, parents can talk about the importance of these four buzzwords in contributing to their children’s future. Children’s achievements include the personal stories that shape their ideas and goals, and their experiences and dreams make truly great stories.

Margo Bartsch is the founder of College Essay Coach, located in the Shelburne Creamery.