leafchat Webinar Series: Expert Admissions
Discussing Today’s College Admissions Landscape with Dr. Bari Norman
The college admissions process today looks fundamentally different than it did a generation ago. Families now navigate a landscape defined by "test-optional" policies, unprecedented application volumes driven by the Common App, and significant grade inflation. For many, the challenge is determining how to provide the right support without adding to an already high-stress environment.
In a recent leafchat, Josh Kanter (Founder of leafplanner) and Dr. Bari Norman (Co-founder of Expert Admissions) discussed how families can navigate this complexity with clarity and purpose.
A Student-Centric Strategy
The conversation focused on the psychology of the transition. Dr. Norman emphasized that the most successful outcomes—both in terms of admissions results and subsequent college performance—occur when the student "owns" the process. When parents take on the role of project manager, the student loses the opportunity to build the resilience and self-advocacy necessary for the "real world."
Key Discussion Themes:
- The "Parent as Consultant" Model: Rather than directing the day-to-day work, parents are encouraged to serve as a sounding board or "Board of Advisors." This approach provides the necessary guardrails while allowing the student to drive the timeline and decision-making.
- Identifying Communication Blind Spots: High-stakes processes naturally breed tension. Josh Kanter noted that college planning often exposes gaps in family communication. Identifying these early allows families to manage the "friction" and avoid the burnout that frequently characterizes the senior year of high school.
- Prioritizing Fit over Rankings: A recurring theme was the risk of focusing solely on "Top 10" lists. The discussion highlighted that a prestigious name cannot compensate for a poor cultural or academic fit. True success is finding an environment that challenges students while supporting their specific trajectories.
- Navigating Transparency: The duo touched on the balance of discussing family resources. The admissions process provides a natural opportunity to discuss family values and the expectations that accompany the family's unique position.
Final Thoughts
Ultimately, the college journey is less about the logo on the sweatshirt and more about the growth that occurs during the search. As Kanter and Norman illustrated, when a family approaches admissions with intentionality and a focus on the student’s individual voice, they do more than secure a college placement—they prepare the student for the responsibilities of adulthood.
