College Admissions Consulting December Decisions, Supplemental Essays, and Loan Repayment Plans Written by Emily Toffelmireon December 14th, 2018 I came to College Coach after working for many years in college admissions and high school counseling. As a school counselor, I assisted students in the college application process and wrote hundreds of letters of recommendation, while also helping them and their families cope with any emotional, social, and academic concerns throughout the year. I transitioned from the high school setting to the admissions office when I joined the University of Southern California as an assistant director, reading freshmen and transfer applications and collaborating on admission decisions for over 150 majors, including the liberal arts, engineering, business, cinema, and the fine and performing arts. I subsequently took on the role of senior assistant director in the USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences, where I coordinated the division's Mork, Stamps, Trustee, Presidential and Dean's merit scholarship selection process, as well as recruitment publications and outreach, and traveled everywhere from Honolulu to Miami presenting to and interviewing hundreds of applicants each year. Learn More About Emily college loans, early action, early decision, essay prompts, On last week’s episode of Getting In: A College Coach Conversation, guest host Ian Fisher discusses three very different phases of the college admission process: writing supplemental essays, receiving admission decisions, and repaying loans. December Admissions Decisions Ian first welcomes admissions educator Tova Tolman, formerly of Barnard College, Fordham University, and Montclair State. Many students who applied to colleges Early Action, Early Decision, or on a Rolling Admission basis will receive decisions this month. Whether admitted, deferred, or denied, Tova and Ian have guidance on what to do—and what not to do—depending on the decisions you receive. Supplemental Essays Next up, Ian is joined by admissions educator Kara Courtois, also a veteran of Barnard College, to discuss the supplemental essay requirements for Boston College and Colgate University and why they matter. Ian and Kara talk repurposing other essays, choosing prompts that best suit you, and how to write about sometimes challenging topics like diversity, art, and faith. Student Loan Repayment Plans Finally, finance educator Michelle Richardson calls in to tackle the various loan repayment strategies out there. She shares great insight on the eight different repayment options offered by the government, including extended, graduated, and income-driven plans, as well as online resources to help listeners learn more. Michelle also discusses the pros and cons of refinancing loans and important factors to consider like terms, fees, and penalties. Tune in to our next episode when Elizabeth Heaton returns to answer listener questions and guide students on dealing with deferrals from Early Action and Early Decision colleges. Related Resources Read | Posted on March 27th, 2024 A Deep Dive on Union College Read | Posted on March 20th, 2024 Should I Attend Admitted Student Day; Listener Q&A Read | Posted on March 13th, 2024 Standardized Tests; Choosing Your College; Financial Aid Appeals