Pause and Consider

Why has Avery Educational Resources considered to have single-handedly redefined the high-stakes college search and application process by shifting the focus from the outcome to the journey? This frenzy-fraught time in a teenager’s life is fueled by the empty promises of prestige and selectivity. The opportunity lay in the attention and energy traditional high school students place on reflecting on their unique gifts, talents, perspectives and life experiences. How will I differentiate myself from the pool of candidates? What is quintessentially me? This is an ideal window to edify self-esteem, to strengthen critical reflection skills, to celebrate uniqueness and diversity of worldview, to build confidence and to foster autonomy and ownership in a culture that prolongs adolescence and touts irresponsibility. Our work also involves managing expectations and focusing on “fit”. Many teenagers fall prey to “I have my heart set on x college” or what I call the “dream school” mentality. The nature of competition emphasizes the reality of winners and losers. But there are no losers in higher education. It is a match to be made, not a prize to be won. With approximately 3000 undergraduate colleges in the US, over 90% of which accept 80% or more of applicants, the general population has been duped into believing that more selective must mean better. There are too few experts who truly know the plethora of colleges and their idiosyncrasies. But those of us who do offer perspective, professional guidance and vision. Everyone wants to be part of an exclusive club, but that should not be the focus of the experience. If a teenager is not accepted, this emphasis can damage a teenager’s self-esteem and feeling of worth. Are acceptances and options important? Clearly they are critical! Yet, the shift of emphasis from outcomes to journey allows students to explore their gifts, talents and interests free from the judgment that looms and the vulnerability that accompanies this judgment. Shifting the emphasis of the college process to the journey emphasizing the proper match transforms the experience into a self-exploration, a self-valuing and validating challenge and adventure.