Navigating College Admissions for Women - College StarPoint Founder Anya Ilkys Shares Expert Tips on Starting the College Search
By Naisha Roy (Editorial Intern)
For rising seniors and upperclassmen as a whole, the process of beginning college apps can be extremely daunting. Back when I first started the search around April of my junior year, I remember feeling not just overwhelmed, but confused and unable to figure out what colleges to even consider. Despite knowing what field I wanted to enter into, it felt like there were thousands of colleges to apply to, and I was just one student. I wished that at that moment, someone would have sat me down and given me a list of schools that would work for me.
But, having gone through the process and coming out the other side, I know that there is no “one size fits all” solution to the college conundrum. Every student is different, and no one I know has had an identical college search experience. That being said, there are definitely lots of steps you can take to make the process a lot less daunting initially. I learned that it was much simpler to start with the non-negotiables. What factors do you definitely need in a college? What is a complete no-no? Despite not knowing for sure what they want to pursue, students can use outside factors to narrow down where they definitely don’t want to apply, which is a huge first step.
But even after figuring out what realm of schools to look for, there are several factors that can seem nebulous in the search. To clear up several of these concerns, I spoke to Anya Ilkys, the founder and CEO of College Starpoint, a counseling service that helps students navigate the college admissions process. With over 17 years in the higher education field, Ilkys has the experience and acumen necessary to answer all the burning questions students may have about the process. Today, she discussed her journey working in this field and her advice for students who are just starting the search. We are excited to kick-off this series for prospective college women on Women Who Win!
Tell me a little bit about yourself. How did you get started in the college advising/counseling field?
Anya IIkys
I spent my whole career, over 17 years, working in higher education. Right after I graduated from college I worked in the admissions office in a few different roles. Then, I moved over to financial aid and spent a decade working there and learning about college enrollment management practices. I was also an Assistant Dean for international students, where I took students from the point of admission and all the way through graduation, while dealing with all the possible issues that may arise during the time of their studies. Through all the years in higher education, I have always had my hand in the field of admissions, one way or another.
What is your favorite part about what you do and why?
My favorite part is working with students! I love the process of explaining and helping a student through the admissions process. I find it very rewarding when my students are able to approach the whole process in a mindful, strategic manner with very little anxiety and stress because I structure and help plan out their whole path from beginning to the end. And, of course, watching my students get admitted to their dream schools is a major bonus!
What is the biggest thing you’ve learned working with high school students?
The biggest thing I’ve learned working with high school students is that every single one of my students is incredibly unique. Every student is more than their grades, GPA, and SAT scores. I’ve worked with students who were awe-inspiring musicians, talented athletes, brilliant mathematicians, computer programmers, and scientists, gifted artists, accomplished actors, students with learning differences, and students who work incredibly hard to achieve the grades they deserve. Every single student has a unique story to tell, and every student deserves a chance at a great education in a school where they will thrive and succeed. I work with all sorts of students, and my approach is very individualized because of how different every student is from one another.
What is the biggest tip you would give someone who is just starting the college applications process?
The biggest tip I’d give to someone just starting the college application process is to start early! Students often underestimate the amount of time it takes to write the essays, fill out the applications, put together a resume, polish the activities list…etc. This especially applies to those students who choose the schools that are not on the Common App. Each separate application could take hours! The more schools you have on your list - the more time it will take to complete the application process.
There are a TON of colleges out there. What factors should students keep in mind when they are trying to make a list to apply to?
While looking at schools, the student should have a pretty good understanding of the school’s “fit”. Academic fit is the most important factor - do the student’s GPA, standardized test scores, and course rigor match what the school is looking for? Also, it is important to note the school’s admit rate, because even if the student is a good match for the school academically, a highly selective (aka highly rejective) school may not be interested in admitting a candidate that matches all academic requirements. Other important factors include a “social fit” - campus culture, student body, and the general “vibe” of the school. The school’s size is an important factor because it also affects the student experience - how big will the classes be? How many clubs and organizations are available? Larger schools normally provide more options just because of the sheer size of their student body and the need to accommodate many more students. And finally, the location is important: urban, suburban, rural. How does a student envision their life outside of the classroom? What happens outside campus walls will have a large impact on their overall experience.
What would you say to students who maybe haven’t completely made up their mind on what field they want to continue in? How should they start their search?
Students who haven’t completely made up their mind on what fields they want to study should take a close look at their high school transcripts. Is there a class that you do well in year after year? Does English seem easy and fun while Math seems dreadful? Do you enjoy your science classes and labs and get good grades in them? Start with something you’re good at - that’s a good indication of your natural ability. Then, look at what fields are relevant. Starting with your general interest and ability and moving in a related direction is always a good start to career/academic exploration.
It can be really overwhelming to start the college search. What is the first “baby step” students can take to ease some of that?
First “baby step” is going on a couple of college visits in your town/city/home state. Pick a few schools that are nearby and go there for a visit (no matter whether you want to apply there or not!). While on campus, take a note of things that you like and things you don’t like - size, students, location, general culture. Do students look happy? Would you see yourself being friends with these people? Why or why not? How is the school setting? Do you see yourself going to class and being motivated to learn there? This is how you start figuring out the things that you like in a college, and things that you don’t like. Once you have a pretty good idea of your preferences, you can start looking for schools that have the qualities you are looking for.
What are some of you “holy grail” tools or websites that you direct rising seniors to?
All of my “holy grail” tools are listed on my own website under the “Resources” section. I would specifically point out to the 6 part YouTube series called “Your Application Packet with Anya Ilkys” where I go through every major component of the application process. It is a free, original, vetted content that you will be able to watch at your own leisure and get a ton of valuable information to help you navigate the application process. https://www.collegestarpoint.com/seminars-and-resources
What is the biggest misconception people can have about the application process?
Naisha Roy
The biggest misconception and a mistake is to focus on the college rankings. I personally don’t believe in making a college list based on the rankings because I find them very deceiving. There are so many sources that put out college rankings, and none of them match. I think the best way to approach the college application process is to find schools that are “best fit” vs. “best ranked”. This way the student is able to control the process and focus on things that really matter to THEM, and not necessarily things that matter to the ranking agency.
Another significant misconception is having an idea that if the grades and test scores match the “admissions criteria” the student will get into the school. Don’t forget, most schools have a “holistic process”, which means that it’s more than just the hard data - GPA, curriculum, test scores. A lot of other boxes need to be checked before the student is admitted - essays, extracurricular activities, recommendations, and possibly interviews. Each school has their own enrollment goals, and they are looking for applicants who will fulfill those goals. So, even if your academic stats match, it doesn’t necessarily mean that you’re getting admitted.
As Ilkys stated, the biggest thing to look for when you’re starting the search is “fit.” If you’re debating whether or not to apply for a college, think about how you’ll fit into the campus- will you enjoy the environment? Will you participate in the programs and clubs? Will your financial situation fit with their financial aid programs? Additionally, also think about how the college will fit with your personal needs and values. Do the faculty and course offerings appeal to you? Do its core values and structure align with yours?
The best thing you can do when starting the search is just to jump in and start touring. Look at colleges around you, starting with local schools. Once you do this, you will find a gauge for what you like and don’t like, and this will let you assess how you will feel about schools that are maybe further away and not as accessible to visit. Don’t just use ranking websites and generic tools to make your decision: think about your instinctive feeling towards life at that university, and let that guide whether or not you apply.