What is the appeal of working in admissions?

[Anonymous]

As someone who's been through the admissions processes myself (just for college and law school), and who is now going through it for my 8th grader (for independent high schools), I'm curious if these admissions jobs are kind of tough (at least at the competitive schools).

You're meeting nice kids each day and allowing them to interview and shadow at your school, but then turning most of them down. (It sounds similarly tough at the college level, but those kids seem old enough to perhaps handle the "rejection" a bit better, and rejection is perhaps more common and expected at the college level.)

In admissions, it's like you're selling your product (your school), but then only a few people are allowed to buy the product (enroll).

Do admissions officials feel kind of bad about sending out rejections or wait-list letters? And do they hope that all kids get a spot?

We all need to make a living somehow. But I'm just curious about the appeal of a job in independent school admissions when it means rejecting so many kids.

[Anonymous]

They champion their "candidates" to the board. If their candidates are chosen, its kudos. Also they get free or reduced fees (depending on the school) for their own children, who they get to see during the day and speak to.
And some of them like the process and some of them get a power kick.

You really need a whole range of folks from admissions to answer. Why not ask directly, if you're going t through the process?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:They champion their "candidates" to the board. If their candidates are chosen, its kudos. Also they get free or reduced fees (depending on the school) for their own children, who they get to see during the day and speak to.
And some of them like the process and some of them get a power kick.

You really need a whole range of folks from admissions to answer. Why not ask directly, if you're going t through the process?

I don't really agree with the quoted poster's formulation. First, I am not sure what the poster means by "board" -- these schools have admissions committees. Also, this is not like colleges where regional reps do champion candidates from their regions. The full-time admissions people read all the files (faculty sitting on the committee might read a smaller number of files) and therefore do not have some sort of vested interested in any particular candidates. At many day schools (as opposed to boarding schools), there is not full or partial tuition remission, either.

Most admissions people I know are friendly, enjoy the challenge/creativity of the marketing aspect, and like meeting the prospective students and their families. They like being in an educational environment, and some are interested in some day running a school (admissions/financial aid/enrollment is an area of importance for school heads and being an Admissions Director is seen as a significant stepping stone).

Every admissions person I know says that it can feel agonizing in committee when there are more qualified applicants than spots -- it's hard to make choices and know that kids/families will be disappointed. However, sometimes families are sure a school would be great for their child and the child herself/himself doesn't feel it, or it's clear it wouldn't be a good fit academically. Admissions people tend to be optimistic and have a pragmatic streak, and do not over-dramatize the idea that a rejection from their particular school will be a crushing blow. They know there are lots of schools in the area and the odds are that the student who got squeezed out of School X will be enthusiastically welcomed to School Y and have a great experience.

[Anonymous]

What is the appeal of being a doctor -- you have to deal with sick people?

Who would want to fight fires? Depressing!

Who would want to coach a sports team if you have to cut players who try out? (Guess WE ALL HAVE TO MAKE A LIVING)

Why does anyone direct theatrical productions? Not everyone can have the lead. SAD!

[Anonymous]

Maybe they enjoy connecting the students they feel would be the best fit to the school. I imagine having to turn people down and deal with inquiries about the rejection is unpleasant. However, it may be assumed (although it is not always true) that applicants who are turned down will go to a school that may be a better fit. Or at least a good fit. Logically, to hit the bull's eye 30 times, you're going to have to miss it at least a few -- to find an incoming class that fits the school and works well together, you have to pull from a larger pool of choices.

We're applying to schools in Baltimore this season, and a couple of admissions offices have mentioned being willing to talk to families about student assessments, even if an applicant is not admitted. Perhaps their feeling is that the assessments and admissions process provides one more data-point to students and families as they find their way.

[Anonymous]

I would hope that the admissions staff strongly support the philosophy of their schools and aim for creating a certain feeling among student body and families. When they are selecting few students among many I think they are looking for those families and kids who match with the school ethos and add something to it. So they are not just seeing students they are accepting and rejecting, but also striving towards maintaining and improving the school itself.

It makes me feel better to think of it this way at least.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Maybe they enjoy connecting the students they feel would be the best fit to the school. I imagine having to turn people down and deal with inquiries about the rejection is unpleasant. However, it may be assumed (although it is not always true) that applicants who are turned down will go to a school that may be a better fit. Or at least a good fit. Logically, to hit the bull's eye 30 times, you're going to have to miss it at least a few -- to find an incoming class that fits the school and works well together, you have to pull from a larger pool of choices.

We're applying to schools in Baltimore this season, and a couple of admissions offices have mentioned being willing to talk to families about student assessments, even if an applicant is not admitted. Perhaps their feeling is that the assessments and admissions process provides one more data-point to students and families as they find their way.

That's interesting. Do you mean that, after the decisions are made, a school that rejected a particular student would be willing to explain why the student was rejected, so that the student can perhaps work on that for the future?

[Anonymous]

The harsh perspective is that it's one of those roles (along with development/fundraising) that's a respectable occupation for upper middle class women who have married reasonably well and don't know what else to do with their lives.

The less harsh perspective is that most admissions officers I've encountered have been genuinely nice people who enjoy their jobs.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Maybe they enjoy connecting the students they feel would be the best fit to the school. I imagine having to turn people down and deal with inquiries about the rejection is unpleasant. However, it may be assumed (although it is not always true) that applicants who are turned down will go to a school that may be a better fit. Or at least a good fit. Logically, to hit the bull's eye 30 times, you're going to have to miss it at least a few -- to find an incoming class that fits the school and works well together, you have to pull from a larger pool of choices.

We're applying to schools in Baltimore this season, and a couple of admissions offices have mentioned being willing to talk to families about student assessments, even if an applicant is not admitted. Perhaps their feeling is that the assessments and admissions process provides one more data-point to students and families as they find their way.

That's interesting. Do you mean that, after the decisions are made, a school that rejected a particular student would be willing to explain why the student was rejected, so that the student can perhaps work on that for the future?

This year is my first encounter with the process (from the parent side), so my knowledge is limited. That said, one school mentioned that they were willing to discuss kindergarten assessments with parents after admissions decisions are made. My impression is that this might give some insight into the school’s decision as well as into the student. A second school talked over the assessment results during the parent interview.

I don’t know how common this is, or what feedback is offered to students applying for middle or upper school. In any case, it seems like a good example of admissions offices allowing the process to give parents a potentially useful datapoint.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The harsh perspective is that it's one of those roles (along with development/fundraising) that's a respectable occupation for upper middle class women who have married reasonably well and don't know what else to do with their lives.

The less harsh perspective is that most admissions officers I've encountered have been genuinely nice people who enjoy their jobs.

The two perspectives are not mutually exclusive.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The harsh perspective is that it's one of those roles (along with development/fundraising) that's a respectable occupation for upper middle class women who have married reasonably well and don't know what else to do with their lives.

The less harsh perspective is that most admissions officers I've encountered have been genuinely nice people who enjoy their jobs.

That's not harsh! It's sexist.

[Anonymous]

Why do any of us take any specific job? Because it makes sense for us personally. Admissions is also a key part of running an independent school. So someone who has chosen a career in school administration may see it as a good way to develop skills along their career track. Others just really like expanding and shaping the school community to reflect its values and changing ambitions.

[Anonymous]

There are two sides to admissions work in independent schools, and most admissions folks work both sides. There is talking intelligently and expressively (and honestly) about the school (selling it) and then there is evaluating applicants for how well they fit the school. Different personalities may prefer one or the other half. Turning down families IS hard, but welcoming families is a thrill. No job is all chocolate and popcorn.

There's only one way to love the work: you have to believe in the school and how it makes a difference in kids' lives.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Maybe they enjoy connecting the students they feel would be the best fit to the school. I imagine having to turn people down and deal with inquiries about the rejection is unpleasant. However, it may be assumed (although it is not always true) that applicants who are turned down will go to a school that may be a better fit. Or at least a good fit. Logically, to hit the bull's eye 30 times, you're going to have to miss it at least a few -- to find an incoming class that fits the school and works well together, you have to pull from a larger pool of choices.

We're applying to schools in Baltimore this season, and a couple of admissions offices have mentioned being willing to talk to families about student assessments, even if an applicant is not admitted. Perhaps their feeling is that the assessments and admissions process provides one more data-point to students and families as they find their way.

That's interesting. Do you mean that, after the decisions are made, a school that rejected a particular student would be willing to explain why the student was rejected, so that the student can perhaps work on that for the future?

This year is my first encounter with the process (from the parent side), so my knowledge is limited. That said, one school mentioned that they were willing to discuss kindergarten assessments with parents after admissions decisions are made. My impression is that this might give some insight into the school’s decision as well as into the student. A second school talked over the assessment results during the parent interview.

I don’t know how common this is, or what feedback is offered to students applying for middle or upper school. In any case, it seems like a good example of admissions offices allowing the process to give parents a potentially useful datapoint.

Now that would be valuable input! I can understand if schools do not want to provide that feedback because they have enough to do and don't want to offend anyone. At the same time, I think it would be incredibly helpful to know what are weak spots that our son or daughter would need to work on.

I wish they'd do this for job applicants too! Honest feedback is so valuable as a step toward making improvements in whatever aspect of our lives.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Maybe they enjoy connecting the students they feel would be the best fit to the school. I imagine having to turn people down and deal with inquiries about the rejection is unpleasant. However, it may be assumed (although it is not always true) that applicants who are turned down will go to a school that may be a better fit. Or at least a good fit. Logically, to hit the bull's eye 30 times, you're going to have to miss it at least a few -- to find an incoming class that fits the school and works well together, you have to pull from a larger pool of choices.

We're applying to schools in Baltimore this season, and a couple of admissions offices have mentioned being willing to talk to families about student assessments, even if an applicant is not admitted. Perhaps their feeling is that the assessments and admissions process provides one more data-point to students and families as they find their way.

That's interesting. Do you mean that, after the decisions are made, a school that rejected a particular student would be willing to explain why the student was rejected, so that the student can perhaps work on that for the future?

This year is my first encounter with the process (from the parent side), so my knowledge is limited. That said, one school mentioned that they were willing to discuss kindergarten assessments with parents after admissions decisions are made. My impression is that this might give some insight into the school’s decision as well as into the student. A second school talked over the assessment results during the parent interview.

I don’t know how common this is, or what feedback is offered to students applying for middle or upper school. In any case, it seems like a good example of admissions offices allowing the process to give parents a potentially useful datapoint.

Now that would be valuable input! I can understand if schools do not want to provide that feedback because they have enough to do and don't want to offend anyone. At the same time, I think it would be incredibly helpful to know what are weak spots that our son or daughter would need to work on.

I wish they'd do this for job applicants too! Honest feedback is so valuable as a step toward making improvements in whatever aspect of our lives.

St. Paul's in Baltimore did this - I thought it was great. What's the big mystery? As long as you are an open-minded and receptive parent, this is a great opportunity to see your kid through a set of more objective eyes. It's not going to change your own opinion of your child (I hope!) but it will give you insight into his/her strengths and weakness as they enter a formal classroom setting.