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School List Advice from a Former Admissions Officer with 20 Years of Experience

Dr. Jane S. Gabin is a former admissions officer at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, followed by many years’ experience as a college counselor in NYC. Currently she is an independent educational consultant in North Carolina. We spoke to her about her insights on formulating a perfect school list and the best strategies when applying to a different range of colleges.

How many reach schools should a student apply to?

"A “reach” school is a college or university that has an extremely rigorous reputation and to which entry is very, very limited. An experienced counselor will have a good idea of which schools will be a stretch for their clients. In ordinary circumstances I would recommend that students limit themselves to two or three “reach” schools on their school list. All schools can surprise with their decision-making. But unless an applicant wants to collect rejection letters, he or she should have a limit of one or two."

On the reputation of Ivy League schools

"A past client was firm in her decision that only one specific Ivy was “perfect” for her, and complained during her students days that the library was limited in its holdings, that the campus was limited in its scope, that the professors were not truly devoted to undergraduates (they were more concerned about their own goals). But she never transferred and found that the alum networking was very strong. However, as an educational experience, attending this Ivy League school was nothing special [in comparison to other schools]."

Including "hidden gem" colleges on your school list

"'Hidden gem' schools are likely to be in less populated areas and small in size. They may be public or private. Reasons: if they are in less populated areas, life will center around the school and the teachers will be more likely to devote themselves to the students. Small schools usually provide the closeness that the undergraduate experience requires. Look carefully at the way the school is organized; if faculty are treated well, chances are the students will be, too."

Where students should start when they begin college research

"Students should start—but not end—with the geographical area they desire. How many schools are there? How do they differ? What is the average class size? What is the graduation rate? What is the cost? Where do the graduates gain employment? I usually suggest also doing this with their local colleges – just to get an idea. Go on a tour. What questions occur to you? Do admissions staff give you real, thoughtful answers or do they seem more Interested in gathering applications? Students today need to do considerable research because there are so many options for the school list."

Colleges' past reputation vs. present conditions

"Many schools try to get by on past reputations. Their publicity often cites past glories and ignores current data. So look closely at things like: the number of full-time faculty it presently has as opposed to what it used to have. Is it trying to save money while skimping on attention to students? The prominence of recent graduates, as opposed to the fame of alumni from 30 or 40 years ago. Have they kept up with infrastructure? Are classrooms up-to-date? Look at their budget – have they been keeping up with library purchases?"

What are some immediate indicators that a student hasn’t done proper research when reading supplemental essays?

"It’s really a giveaway when an applicant 

• Speaks in generalities, never saying anything specific about the school
• Refers only to the “famous” professors cited in the recruitment brochures, and no one else
• Says he or she has ”always” wanted to go there
• Mentions something in an entirely different geographical area"

On safety schools

"I really do not like the term “safety school” and neither do the schools listed [generally on a student's school list]! What is a “target” for one applicant may be a “safety” for another. Students should feel that they want to be accepted by all the schools on their list. The tend to have little respect for schools marked as “safeties” and somehow that is conveyed in their applications. And schools that feel they are relied upon as “safeties” may not consider seriously those applicants who, they feel, are using them as such. But they won’t deny them straightaway – more likely, they will banish them to the unmoving waitlist."

An indication that a college is to be avoided on the school list

"What is an indication that the school is to avoided? Just looking at rankings tells little. First of all, who compiles those rankings? On what information are they based? Instead, look closely at the faculty. Colleges and universities that rely on part-time labor should be scrutinized. Why are there so many part-time teachers? Will they be able to give each student attention? Look at labor issues; it is a danger sign when a college has many, unresolved conflicts. You can check on these in periodicals such as The Chronicle of Higher Education and Inside Higher Education."

A big thank you to Dr. Gabin for her excellent insider expertise! To find out more on school list building, as well as other insights from our former admissions officers, check out the FAO advice tag.