Now is the perfect time for high school juniors to be making some tentative plans about where to apply and how to go about it.  Part of the planning means figuring out what to do with all the mail you’re probably getting from colleges.  I always tell students to sort the mail into two categories: one pile from schools that look interesting and another for anything that doesn’t.  Then you can recycle the second pile or give it away to someone else.

This week, Vice President Jeff Rickey from St. Lawrence University offers some specific advice on how to respond to all the mail.  Jeff has written for this website before.  You’ll remember he wrote a terrific piece on why a liberal arts college might be just the right match for many students: http://bit.ly/nSnLsL

Jeff brings a unique perspective to the topic of mail as he is one of the people responsible for some of the mail you receive.  I think his advice is terrific.  Take a look and let me know what you think as well.  Thanks, Jeff, for continuing to contribute great ideas for high school kids to think about!

“Why Have I Received This and What Do I Do Next?”  by Jeff Rickey  

Warning!  You are about to embark on the adventure of your life, and others are assisting with your plans!

You should be honored you are receiving a lot of mail from colleges. It means you have the attributes they are seeking and they want you to be aware they are aware of you. Colleges and universities have the opportunity to learn about you from your PSAT scores, the NRCCUA survey you completed, or from your PLAN scores, in addition to other sources.

The colleges have assessed the information and have determined you have the academic profile to be successful.  They are sending you information to see if you fit in other ways and to encourage you to apply.

Here are some helpful hints to handling the information you are receiving:

1. •Review each piece that comes to you.  Some of the colleges will be familiar to you, but most won’t be.  Look for messages, words, programs, and/or activities that match your interests. 
   

2. •You will usually be required to respond in some way to remain on the mailing list and in the communication flow of that college, so look for a response card, an email address, or a Web site and take the action required for the colleges that pique your interest.
   

3. •When you respond, use an email address you will check regularly.  Now is a good time to establish an address dedicated to the college search process, so it receives time and attention from you.  Check it regularly! Use an address that gives a good impression. (ihateschool@whatever does not give a good impression!)
   

4. •Once you have identified the colleges and universities that interest you, schedule visits and attend college fairs, interviews, and high school presentations to meet with admissions officers and further explore.
   

5. •Being on a college’s mailing and contact list does not guarantee admission, but it does indicate your interest in the school, something that is important for the college to know.
   

6. •As you respond to colleges to stay on their lists, take a few minutes to ask that your name and contact information to be taken off the records of the schools you are not interested in.  That way you can concentrate on the information from the schools that interest you.
   

7. •Later in your senior year, when you have completed the college admissions process, see if your guidance office or local library would like the publications.  That way they have a longer life and use!
   

You are about to embark on the adventure of your life and I hope these hints will assist you on your way!