73 Questions With A Former IVY LEAGUE ADMISSIONS OFFICER | New York Times Published Author

Summary

In this interview, Becky Munster Savky, a former Dartmouth admissions director and author, shares insights into the college admissions process. She discusses her passion for helping students navigate applications with sanity, her experiences as an admissions officer, and the importance of authenticity in the process. Savky emphasizes the holistic review of applications, the significance of fit, and the value of being thorough and genuine in presenting one's achievements and interests.

Takeaways

• 📚 Becky Munster Savky is an author and former Dartmouth admissions director with a passion for handwritten letter writing and helping students navigate the college admissions process.
• 🎓 She wrote 'Valedictorians at the Gate,' a book about college admissions, while having two infants at home, showcasing her impressive multitasking and dedication.
• 🏫 Becky's educational background includes an English major at Colby College and a Masters of Arts and Liberal Studies with a concentration in creative writing at Dartmouth.
• 🌍 As the director of international admissions, she traveled the world, visiting various types of schools and gaining a global perspective on education.
• 📈 The admissions process at Dartmouth involves four seasons: recruitment in the fall, application reading in the winter, yield events in the spring, and planning for the next year in the summer.
• 🌟 Becky emphasizes the importance of authenticity in the application process, advising students to present their genuine interests and activities rather than trying to fit a perceived mold.
• 📝 She highlights that essays should be personal and reflective of the student's voice, and that there's no 'perfect' essay, but many good ones that contribute to a holistic review.
• 🔍 GPA is not the sole determinant of a student's application; Becky stresses the importance of the curriculum, the rigor of the classes taken, and how well-prepared a student is for college.
• 🤔 She admits that admissions officers can sometimes tell if an application has been overly edited or if a student has not been fully authentic, which can be a red flag.
• 🏅 Legacy status and being a minority can play a role in the admissions process, but the holistic review and fit for the class are paramount.
• 📧 Becky suggests that students should be thorough in their applications, not leaving any question blank, and advocating for themselves by providing as much evidence of their strengths as possible.

Q & A

Who is the speaker in the transcript and what is her profession?

The speaker is Becky Munster Savky, a former Dartmouth admissions director and author of the book 'Valedictorians at the Gate' about college admissions.

What is Becky passionate about besides her professional work?

Becky is passionate about handwritten letter writing and helping students navigate the college admissions process with sanity.

What was Becky's educational background prior to becoming an admissions officer?

Becky attended Colby College in Waterville, Maine for her undergraduate degree in English and went on to earn a Masters of Arts and Liberal Studies with a concentration in Creative Writing from Dartmouth.

What job did Becky have during her high school years?

During high school, Becky worked as the mayor's secretary, which she found interesting due to the variety of tasks and experiences each day.

How did Becky decide to become an admissions officer?

Becky decided to become an admissions officer during her college years when she enjoyed giving tours to families, even on weekends, and realized she loved the process.

What is unique about Dartmouth's academic calendar that Becky mentions?

Dartmouth has a unique 'D plan' which is a four-quarter system that allows students to undertake internships at different times of the year.

How does Becky describe her experience reviewing applications as an admissions officer?

Becky describes the process as having four seasons with recruitment in the fall, application reading in the winter, yield events in the spring, and planning and statistics in the summer.

What is the significance of the 'high school profile' in the college admissions process according to Becky?

The 'high school profile' is an integral part of the academic review that provides context about the curriculum and opportunities available to the student, which admissions officers consider alongside the transcript.

How does Becky view the role of standardized test scores in the admissions process?

Becky indicates that standardized test scores are not a threshold for admission and that a strong academic transcript and recommendations can be more important, especially if the test scores are not strong.

What advice does Becky give to students regarding their college essays?

Becky advises students to write about topics that are personal and tell a story, emphasizing that there's no 'perfect' essay and that the essay should reflect the student's authentic voice.

What is Becky's perspective on the importance of being thorough in the application process?

Becky emphasizes the importance of being thorough, stating that every piece of the application matters and that leaving questions blank or providing inconsistent information can be detrimental.