YCBK 77: How are Transfer Students Evaluated?

In this episode you will hear: (3:36) In this week’s news, an article from the Wall Street Journal, “Colleges Mine Data on their Applicants” by Douglas Belkin. Some colleges are tracking the online activity of prospective students to evaluate their demonstrated interest in the schools. From how fast they open their emails, if they click any links, to how long they spend reading the content. Belkin shares how schools, such as Seton Hall University in NJ, have a scoring system based on a student’s online activity. Mark and Anika have a robust discussion about whether this is appropriate. They also discuss why there is so much blowback to this practice but they also converse about why colleges are reluctant to not employ some of these tactics to help them bring in their admitted class. (25:52) We are in Chapter 77 of 171 Answers and Mark shares how admission offices evaluate applicants who are transferring from another college. It is important to understand the wide range of approaches that colleges use, both from their admission processes, their admission rates and their dates and deadlines. Mark and Anika discuss this and so much more including what factors are often most important in the evaluation. We also discuss why using the Common Data Set is important for transfers. (38:27) This week’s question is from a listener who wants to know how colleges view applicants that graduate a year early from high school. We discuss how colleges perceive these applicants. Are they hurt in the college process or the college transition? (42:37) Mark continues his interview with Admissions Dean Greg Roberts as they transition into “Understanding the University of Virginia”. Some of the things Greg discusses in this interview include: · Why a large number of public schools do not do a holistic admissions review · How the Varsity Blues scandal is impacting admissions · The different vision that politicians have about what the role of public education should be. (51:44) Mark’s recommended resource of the week is the book, The Blessing of a Skinned Knee, Using Timeless Teachings to Raise Self-Reliant Children by Dr. Wendy Mogel   Don’t forget to send your questions related to any and every facet of the college process to   Every episode of Your College-Bound Kid will align with a chapter from the book 171 Answers to the Most-Asked College Admission Questions. To get a copy visit  and if you want to see what future episodes will cover just click the red button “See exactly what 171 Answers covers.