Comments on: College Fairs: use them effectively http://www.samjackson.org/college/2006/08/05/so-what-free-marketing-material-do-you-have/ all the exciting parts, none of the heavy debt burden Sun, 05 Sep 2010 21:02:29 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.0.1 By: Sam Jackson http://www.samjackson.org/college/2006/08/05/so-what-free-marketing-material-do-you-have/comment-page-1/#comment-22 Sam Jackson Fri, 11 Aug 2006 15:07:34 +0000 http://www.samjackson.org/college/so-what-free-marketing-material-do-you-have/#comment-22 Nance, I feel obliged to say something about the MIT admissions inasmuch as I have interacted with it and its staff: it is one of a very few schools which appears sincere in its statements and beliefs and which has convinced me of its sincerity and authenticity. MIT was actually the first school I visited, so I wondered if that glow would fade as I adjusted my tour / information / admissions expectations over the coming weeks and months, but that hasn't happened. I also wondered if some of it was just stark contrast: I visited a noteworthy institutional neighbor in Cambridge later that week in March and found the treatment my friend and I received shameful--we really felt we were just being propositioned for an application to bring selectivity up. After 8 more college visits, I don't think that's it that contrast which rendered MIT so clean either. I don't think its necessary to wax romantic and sing praises of MIT admissions too much, but I just though you'd like to know how lasting that good impression has been. In this turbulent, cynical sea of admissions, it has just been touching to have a few places--MIT among them--that I can think back to to assure myself that there are still some institutions that are more concerned about their students than their marketing. And if it sweetens that feel-good pot: my neighbor and best friend who went with me feels the same way, so that's double the satisfaction. Thanks so much for reading, Sam Jackson Nance,
I feel obliged to say something about the MIT admissions inasmuch as I
have interacted with it and its staff: it is one of a very few schools
which appears sincere in its statements and beliefs and which has
convinced me of its sincerity and authenticity. MIT was actually the
first school I visited, so I wondered if that glow would fade as I
adjusted my tour / information / admissions expectations over the coming
weeks and months, but that hasn't happened. I also wondered if some of
it was just stark contrast: I visited a noteworthy institutional
neighbor in Cambridge later that week in March and found the treatment
my friend and I received shameful--we really felt we were just being
propositioned for an application to bring selectivity up. After 8 more
college visits, I don't think that's it that contrast which rendered MIT
so clean either.

I don't think its necessary to wax romantic and sing praises of MIT
admissions too much, but I just though you'd like to know how lasting
that good impression has been. In this turbulent, cynical sea of
admissions, it has just been touching to have a few places--MIT among
them--that I can think back to to assure myself that there are still
some institutions that are more concerned about their students than
their marketing. And if it sweetens that feel-good pot: my neighbor and
best friend who went with me feels the same way, so that's double the
satisfaction.

Thanks so much for reading,
Sam Jackson

]]> By: The Nance Effect http://www.samjackson.org/college/2006/08/05/so-what-free-marketing-material-do-you-have/comment-page-1/#comment-21 The Nance Effect Fri, 11 Aug 2006 14:11:22 +0000 http://www.samjackson.org/college/so-what-free-marketing-material-do-you-have/#comment-21 I disagree with you Nien and that's not just because I work in college admissions. It is important to understand that college admissions is a professsion based in higher education. Those of us who choose admissions do so because we are committed to the tennants of helping young people select, apply and attend college. Because we care about or actons overall, we have a national governing body (NACAC - National Association for College Admision Counseling) in place to ensure that our behavor is ethical and in the best interest of you the student. I am sorry if it seems as though I am coming down on you. I know the college process is demanding and even confusing at times. That is all the more reason to use admissions professionals as a resource. Ultimately the decision will be yours. Good Luck! The Nance Effect I disagree with you Nien and that's not just because I work in college admissions. It is important to understand that college admissions is a professsion based in higher education. Those of us who choose admissions do so because we are committed to the tennants of helping young people select, apply and attend college. Because we care about or actons overall, we have a national governing body (NACAC - National Association for College Admision Counseling) in place to ensure that our behavor is ethical and in the best interest of you the student.

I am sorry if it seems as though I am coming down on you. I know the college process is demanding and even confusing at times. That is all the more reason to use admissions professionals as a resource. Ultimately the decision will be yours. Good Luck!

The Nance Effect

]]> By: Nien http://www.samjackson.org/college/2006/08/05/so-what-free-marketing-material-do-you-have/comment-page-1/#comment-18 Nien Wed, 09 Aug 2006 20:05:47 +0000 http://www.samjackson.org/college/so-what-free-marketing-material-do-you-have/#comment-18 Sam, if you want to get an honest and frank opinion of a school, don't talk to the recruiters! They're sales people in disguise! You should try to talk to alumni and current students. Sam, if you want to get an honest and frank opinion of a school, don't talk to the recruiters! They're sales people in disguise! You should try to talk to alumni and current students.

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