Class of 2020- Covid 19 Crisis

By DEC Network On April 23, 2020 · Add Comment

Dear Class of 2020 Students and Families,

You have been in my thoughts over the past week as our region of the country has been hit hard with the coronavirus. I hope you are healthy and staying safe at home amidst the Covid-19 crisis. These are challenging times as you navigate various aspects of your senior year that just one month ago seemed hard to fathom.

I know you never expected to be out of school, away from your friends, completing coursework online, preparing for AP testing online, foregoing your usual activities including sports, clubs, service, and work… Even more so, foregoing your social life at a time when you envisioned the homestretch of a more relaxed senior life style. But here’s the thing- there will be a light at the end of the tunnel. Right now, it’s about maintaining your health and keeping your parents, grandparents, extended family and friends healthy, too. All else will fall in place.

In my 15 years of working as an educational consultant with over 4,000 clients, I have witnessed several past disruptions to the college journey experienced by families- individual crises as opposed to those now felt jointly by such large numbers. Yet ultimately, regardless of the scope of the crisis, everything seems to work out for the best because of the team of loved ones and professionals that surround you- those looking out for your future- parents, teachers, mentors, college admissions staff, coaches and so many more.

With that being said, I want you to know that I am keeping on top of all of the consequences of this crisis as it relates to the final steps in your college journey. Here are some reminders and updates:

Final College “Visits” and Admissions Communication

Good luck to you as you await your final college responses. For those of you that will need to evaluate campuses further, it’s important to note that numerous colleges have closed their doors, possibly for the remainder of the year. However, they are encouraging all sorts of ways for you to get additional information and learn more about the campuses.

Make sure to watch for emails from the admissions offices. Skype or call. Complete the recommended virtual tours, participate in online webinars, look at YouTube videos, reach out to current students on Facebook, LinkedIn or Instagram- these are all examples of the way colleges are trying to help you determine what’s the best college fit. Take advantage of them and don’t be afraid to ask specific questions that you may have about the college experience at a particular school.
Final College Decisions- Rating Scale

Forbes author Brennan Barnard wrote an excellent article published last week that recommends that students set up a rating scale when evaluating colleges. He doesn’t advocate a scale of 1-10 but instead a scale of 1-9 to emphasize the point that there is no such thing as one perfect college- no perfect 10. I completely agree! Here’s his advice:

“Colleges and university admission offices have spent the last few months rating your academic potential and personal qualities on their internal scale. Now it is your turn. Develop an approach to rating each school that you are considering based on categories that are important to you. Use a scale of 1 to 9 with 1 being “significantly lacking” and 9 as ”ideal” (for you).

You might ask why not 1 to 10? Because it is important to remember that no one school is a perfect 10. If you can approach your college choice with the realization that there will be aspects that you might not like, but rather as a search for the school where you can have the best experience, then you will not be setting yourself up for inevitable disappointment. After your thorough research and networking, here are some potential categories to rate:
Affordability (financial aid, additional fees, student debt averages, repayment rates)
Outcomes (job placement, internships, graduate school acceptance, graduation rates)
Support (academic accommodations, tutoring, faculty advising, mental health counseling)
Engagement (research, school spirit, student activism, clubs and activities, academic societies)
Community Life (location, events, programming, safety, food, belonging)
Equity (diversity, inclusion, campus policies, level of discourse)
Gut (a general rating of what your heart is telling you)
Create your unique categories and build a spreadsheet or list with the aspects of your college experience that are important to you. This will allow you to compare the strengths of each institution and make an informed and personal choice.”

_____________________

Let me know if you have any questions as you communicate with and research the colleges as well as rate schools on a scale of 1-9, as recommended above by Mr. Barnard.

In terms of when you actually have to make your final decision, I’ve read various articles that talk about the fact that colleges may be extending deposit deadlines from May 1 to later in the spring/early summer. This will give you some more time to think about what’s most important to you.

Remember- you are not going to make a wrong decision- there are so many different factors that go into making your final decision. Be true to yourself and your own intuition. The rating scale helps a lot and don’t minimize a Gut feeling. You own this decision! Your parents, older siblings, cousins, and friends have enjoyed the right to choose the best fit for themselves. Now it’s your turn.

Take advantage of this time to relax and reflect- spend time outdoors, spend time taking care of yourself. Spend time charting your future with a positive, energetic attitude. Stay strong! I’m thinking of you, I care about you and I’m here to help you in any way. Please don’t hesitate to contact me.

Kindest regards,

Debbie Davis

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“Hey Ms. Davis, I got into college with a Presidential Scholarship last night! I hear about the Honors program and the 5 year MBA in March. Thanks so much for everything you did for me. I really appreciate it.”

“Your support of the boys runs deep- your positive and fun attitude, your cards, your expertise- and now your true interest in their future. I am grateful for all you do for us.”

“I hope your ears have been ringing as I sing your praises! You have been so helpful and encouraging throughout our daughter’s college search and decision making process. Thank you for helping to make it as stress free as it could have been. Your advice at critical junctures along the way made a big difference.”

“I am truly grateful for your genuine commitment and enthusiasm working with me and all of your clients. It is amazing seeing that everything we worked so hard on together finally paid off. And I am forever thankful for the bond we share 🙂 other than my parents, you were my biggest supporter and really made me understand the value of my achievements as a student and a person.

I wanted to take a moment to thank you for all of your invaluable assistance over the past four years. It seems like …

“I have to tell you, working with you has been so inspiring. I’m transitioning back into the working world (I am interviewing now) and watching your energy and how you run your business makes me so excited to jump back in. Thanks again for all of your compassion with the kids, your enthusiasm, and expertise.”

“I truly felt that you treated my daughter as your own child, ascertaining every step of the way what the right course of action would be for her and where she would be happiest. Something that at first seemed daunting gradually unfolded into a fun adventure. We are left with wonderful memories and a very exciting future.”

“We worked with Debbie to guide us through the college review, selection and application process for our son. We could not have been happier. She established and kept us on a proactive and tight timeline resulting in completion of the process well in advance, relieving us of most of the turmoil, anxiety and stress associated with launching a child into college. She is now guiding our second through the journey.”

“You listened, customized your responses to meet my needs and checked in with me to make sure that you understood what I was saying and that I understood what you were suggesting. You made a chore and fear of the unknown into something positive.”

“You are such a cheery and positive spirit–just what we needed! You have made all of my kids recognize their potential and believe in it themselves! What a gift you are. Thanks for all the encouragement and guidance. We look forward to continuing this journey with you.”

“Debbie’s upbeat and encouraging manner combined with her thorough analysis of the student and her knowledge of the schools results in a list of college choices that are the best fits. The final result for my daughter — a clean sweep of acceptances from every college she applied to!”

“Our son really respects and values your opinions, and you have been so good about empowering him and making the final decision his own. He is thrilled about his offer which he accepted yesterday; his top choice. I want you to know how grateful we are to you. You have been a crucial part of our boys’ lives.”

“You are truly the best and most supportive career and college mentor out there. Every single involvement with our kids is the most positive and supportive possible- you help me be a better parent.”

“There are questions that come up every day, (it seems), and it calms me to know you are always there for me. Your support of the boys runs deep- your positive and fun attitude- your cards- your expertise- and now your true interest in their future. I am grateful for all you do for us.”

“Debbie has been a tremendous help throughout my search for employment. She advises on all aspects of the job search process from cover letter, to resume, to interviewing skills to correspondence etiquette. She stresses the importance of organization, positive attitude and endless commitment. Debbie is a great mentor and I am extremely appreciative of everything she has done to help me with my job search.”

“The absolute best thing about Debbie Davis was that she kept me organized and on track with my college forms, essays and applications. I was on top of my college work at all times. My essays were completed months before their deadline. She saved me from any unnecessary stress in my senior year. Thank you, Mrs. Davis- my senior year has been amazing.”

“Thank you for all you do for our family. Your support, professionalism, positive attitude and many, many hours of work have helped us all so much. Your efforts will continue to make such a difference in our lives for a long, long time.”

“Thank you for the beautiful, encouraging note you sent. I don’t know if you do that kind of thing for all of your students, but it is an outstanding touch and I applaud your style!”

“I committed to college today! The campus was absolutely gorgeous, the dorms were incredibly impressive, I love the atmosphere and environment of the school and was just overwhelmed with everything they offered. Thank you so much for all of the help you’ve been over the past year. I’m so happy with where I’m ending up and really appreciate everything you’ve done.”

“Debbie Davis was exceptionally helpful to me in my college search process. She made me feel like the most important client of hers despite having other students in the same position as me. I went into the process confused and worried about my future and came out prepared and accepted into college. I wish everyone who is going through the college process could have Mrs. Davis as their college advisor.”

Class of 2020- Covid 19 Crisis

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