Students and their parents often think that a student should apply to as many highly selective schools as possible to achieve their best admissions outcomes. In practice, we see the opposite to be true. Why is this the case? Why does a probabilistic approach fall short in college admissions?

At Lantern College Counseling, we have over 25 years of experience helping high school students apply to and transition to college and over 45 years of experience supporting and educating students on college campuses. We’ve leveraged our deep and extensive expertise to develop this comprehensive guide and task timeline for the college application process. 

Applying to college as an engineering major? In a competitive engineering admissions pool, your personal statement can distinguish you beyond grades and coursework. Learn how to choose a strong topic and write a standout engineering essay.

Applying as a computer science major? Learn how to craft a personal statement that highlights creative problem-solving, intellectual curiosity, and the qualities that set you apart in the CS applicant pool.

Students thrive at both colleges and universities. Fit is important. Suppose a student is the type of person who could struggle to seek out resources and develop relationships with faculty. In that case, a smaller college may be a better match than a university. On the other hand, independent and assertive students may soar at a university amidst its rich offerings.

It is common for high school and new college students to be undecided about what they want to major in during college. And, those who start college with certainty about their major often change their minds. Not being sure about what one wants to study is entirely developmentally appropriate! At the age of 18 or 19, students are still young, forming their identities, and have significant learning and growth ahead of them. Students will and should change during college. After all, that is one of the goals of education.

Why do so many professors and deans specifically choose Lantern’s Deep-Fit college counseling process for their children? The answer lies not only in the emphasis on academic success but in the shared value of an entire educational journey. Professors and deans know the deeper, nuanced reality of higher education: it is more than getting accepted to an institution; what matters is what happens once the student arrives and how they thrive on campus.

Parents with children with unique needs for their learning and living environment worry that there may not be a college where their child will be happy and successful. Their child may have learning differences, documented disabilities, long-term health issues, or be part of a marginalized identity and require a welcoming and supportive campus environment to thrive. Lantern’s Deep-Fit™ counseling services help students find a college home where they will succeed and be happy.

The college search process should not be about chasing rankings or superficial factors. It isn't all about getting in - it is about what happens during college.

At a Deep-Fit college, students can achieve their personal and academic goals, have impactful experiences, thrive, develop confidence and agency, and lay the foundation for a successful life.

As anyone paying attention to college admissions knows, the chances of getting accepted to many of the most highly sought-after colleges and universities drop year after year. Indeed, a recent Inside Higher Ed article details that the number of applications increased this past application cycle, and acceptance rates decreased, with acceptance rates at some highly selective institutions below 5%.

Answering these types of questions will position students to make Deep-Fit applications so they stand out in the overcrowded CS and engineering application pool, shining above other talented students with similar grades, courses, test scores, and activities who have not shown that they are a Deep-Fit.

A Deep-Fit application boosts a student’s chances of admission. It is a powerful form of demonstrated interest that differentiates a student from other talented students with similar grades, courses, test scores, and activities.

What many families don’t realize is that perhaps even more valuable than the experience of serving on a Board of Admission is the experience of working with college students after admission and while they are on their college campus. This experience is critical to guiding high school students to campuses where they will thrive.

One of the first things I suggest students do as they research colleges and universities is examine each school's mission statement. A school's mission is its "north star" guiding its decisions and will inform you about what you could expect to experience at the school. It helps you understand what the school seeks and values and if it matches what YOU seek and value.

It’s common for high school and new college students to be undecided about what they want to major in during college. Even those who start college with certainty about their major often change their minds. Not being sure about what one wants to study is entirely developmentally appropriate!

Once you’ve identified schools that meet your general criteria (location, size, academic programs, etc.), what else should you be thinking about to determine if a school is a Deep-Fit? Consider the results of a 2015 study of approximately 30,000 individuals by Gallup-Purdue Index. Researchers identified six college undergraduate experiences linked to life preparedness and success:

It is common for high school and new college students to be undecided about what they want to major in during college. In this piece, I share my expertise for guiding the student who enjoys math and science but is uncertain whether they want to study math, science, or engineering: the undecided STEM student.

Once a student arrives on their college campus, what can they do to make the most of their time? How can they set themselves up for success during and after college? With decades of experience teaching, mentoring, and advising undergraduate students, I have deep insights about what it means—and takes—to thrive in college. This article shares my roadmap for college success which includes specific action items in the areas of wellness, academic success, knowing and using resources, building community, and creating a future. I hope it helps students navigate their college experience confidently and with agency.

The podcast is a must-listen for anyone interested in engineering admissions, particularly parents whose children are interested in pursuing engineering as a major in college. Lisa and I discussed the pros and cons of universities versus colleges (and how each might work better for your student), how to review your student’s college list, using experiences and extracurricular activities to understand what careers and majors fit, and college and major flexibility for different engineering degrees.

Lantern College Counseling families come from all over the world. Many of our American students are interested in or open to attending college outside the United States. We also frequently work with students from other countries who are looking to come to America for college. In all cases, students considering studying in a country other than their own can anticipate some common challenges and rewards.