Friday, March 23, 2012

...and now back to our regularly scheduled programming

Where have I been, right? I feel like a bear just waking up from my long winter’s nap and now it is spring. Ahhh, I especially love spring in the South with all its fragrances and blossoming dogwoods, bright yellowy daffodils, and pollen (lots and lots of it). Spring in admissions is defined in several ways - recruiting juniors for Class of 2017, greeting newly admitted students on campus and most importantly the release of Regular Decision application decisions!  Just like our two Early Decision rounds, applicants were notified by email last night that admission decisions will be released today, March 23rd!!

Regular Decision applicants are the most patient bunch. For many, they have been waiting over three months to find out if they will be Colonials this fall.  It’s been a long three months for us as well – the bulk of our applicants apply in this round so we have all been nose to laptop since early January.  We have enjoyed discovering and selecting who will be in the Class of 2016. We asked you to write several essays in which you beautifully told us about your world.  While showing us how well you write and think.  We asked you a few random questions such as “What is your favorite leisure activity?” and “The best movie of all time” and your answers surprised and delighted us. Some of my favorite leisure activities were back seat driving and sleeping!  And who knew that The Shawshank Redemption would be the favorite of so many? Well, according to IMDB it is the “best movie of all time” and more than a few of our applicants decided to Google our question (no comment).

Sadly, not everyone will be happy with our decisions. But I want to reassure you all that your applications were read completely and discussed thoroughly. A few days ago there was a great article on Huff Post College all about college “rejection” letters. In my opinion “denial” is a kinder word choice here but in any case – the article offers wonderful advice if you do not receive admission to some of the schools you have applied to – including GW.  In other words, try to not see this as the end of the world!  I firmly believe in fate and not everything is in your control. Please try to not take it personally. And for anyone who received a wait list decision – this is not the end of your journey! You could easily find yourself at GW next fall. But you must follow the instructions in the wait list letter if you want to wear Buff & Blue. 

Parents, you have more than likely been very involved in this entire process with your son or daughter.  I know I have been!  There may be tears of joy or sadness in the next few days, but reassure your child (and yourself) that there is a college for everyone. The best advice I can offer to you now is to make a return visit to the schools your child has been accepted to and take advantage of any event designed for admitted students. It is possible to fall in love again.

GW Admissions staff will be traveling this spring to congratulate admitted students where they live.  We also invite them to come visit us during our annual April Visit Days (information to be included in your admit packets).

These events are an amazing opportunities to see GW from a completly different lens – that of the Future Colonial!  You will hear from our faculty and current students why they say “Only at GW”! You can tour our freshmen residence halls; learn about the many engaging academic opportunities, see the variety of student organizations and hear the gorgeous voices of our student performers.  

This is the first adult decision your child makes and it can be difficult.  Visiting GW for a second (and perhaps third) time will make the choice so much clearer to you. Can't visit GW or there isn't an event close to your home - then may I suggest you read our GW Student Blogs?

I’ll end with a few more words of advice, mostly for the moms and dads out there: celebrate each step along the way – be a sympathetic ear, an informed expert, and a caring friend – soon they start this new adventure and glad you were there to send them on their way.