The
Unigo Expert Network is a group of top education experts from across the US
answering questions submitted by students and parents about college admissions
Next time your friend tags a photo of you on Facebook, you might
want to ask yourself what an admissions officer would think. In this week’s
column, our experts weigh in on the many ways that technology has changed the
admissions game – both the good and the bad.
‘How has technology changed the admissions process?” —Brad Miller, Great Falls, VA
Students wonder about admission officers lurking on Facebook,
about sending links to their greatest moments on YouTube or submitting music
portfolios online. Deluged with applications, many admission offices now
similarly rely on new technology. They scan all incoming paper, encourage
electronic applications, inform students of missing material and notify
applicants of their decisions online. In a growing number of colleges,
admission officers even read applications in virtual format. More
significantly, while in Moneyball we see the impact of number crunching on
sports, in admission offices too systems managers increasingly influence
approaches to applicant searches, diversity questions, and enrolment
management.
Better technology only helps if you use it well
Simply put, technology has made the admissions process
EASIER. It’s easier to learn about
colleges and connect with their representatives. Applying online has become a
breeze. Practicing and signing up for
admissions tests is a snap, too. Unfortunately, it’s also easier for students
to get misinformation – especially if they look in the wrong place. The ease of applying can also cause students
to procrastinate, resulting in more mistakes and essays of poorer quality that
may hurt their chances of admission. No
matter how much technology changes the process, college admission still depends
on each student’s effort in that process.
:Orbitting the Giant Hairball of Technology
The college quest has evolved into a “bricks and clicks”
endeavor obviously. With a big nod to Gordon MacKenzie’s book, I caution that
we – students, parents, college admissions/advising professionals – should not
become too enamored with the electronic admissions process. This is a time for
students to contemplate on how to craft an educational experience, not sprint
through a connect-the-dots race and check off a box. Young learners are not a
plug to connect into a USB port, but future citizens to bring forth their
talents in our society. While it may be great to use a drop down menu and
select a major, I think a better, deliberate question that needs to be asked is
“What do you want to learn more about?” From there, a more thoughtful
college quest can move forth.