” She wasn’t supposed to think of them as kids, she knew that. Few of them sounded like kids, they were trying so hard not to be young. They were ventriloquizing the attorneys they thought they wanted to be, or the neuroscientists, or the statesmen. They were trying to sound as though they already worked at Morgan Stanley, or toiled at a feeding station in Darfur, or were due in surgery.” – Jean Hanff Korelitz (Admission, 2009)
Above is a quote from the novel “Admission” by Jean Hanff Korelitz. This book about a Princeton University admissions officer is soon to be a major motion picture starring Tina Fey and Paul Rudd. Here is the trailer:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Lc9DwpMo6M
While there are many movies about students trying to get in to college (think Legally Blond, College Road Trip, Accepted, Orange County, Getting Into College, Anywhere But Here, etc) there are not many offered from the admissions perspective. However, since ‘Admission’ is not coming out until the spring, in the spirit of winter break, why not curl up on the couch and tune in to some admissions related movies and see if there is anything to glean from them. For the most part, they are usually fun, lighthearted and only further perpetuate admissions stereotypes but once in a while you can actually learn some tips.
Some of these might include:
Be yourself and be authentic in your application.
Be creative with your essays.
Make sure to visit colleges before deciding to attend.
Don’t go to a college just because your friends are going.
Go with your gut.
Overbearing parents are just part of the admissions process – remember it is because they care.
Admissions movies not your thing? How about a lesson from your favorite television show. Shows such as Modern Family and Glee have had characters apply to college recently. Or, you can even take a lesson from How I Met Your Mother on applying for college.
Remember, most of these movies and shows are not entirely realistic about the process. Take them with a grain of salt. Laugh or commiserate, and just enjoy!
