Food for Thought: College Admissions
In an elegant setting at Seasons 52, something magical transpired that evening, transcending the clinking of cutlery and the soft hum of conversations. A group of students from A Bridge for Kids shared a memorable dinner with Claremont McKenna college admissions counselor Joie Cummings. Amidst the delectable aromas of carefully crafted dishes, the students found themselves not just savoring the gourmet food, but also feasting on invaluable insights into the intricate world of college admissions.
The evening was not just about the food, but also about the nourishment of minds and dreams. The students, wide-eyed and curious, engaged in an open dialogue with Mrs. Cummings, discovering that a personal connection can indeed transform the way one perceives higher education. As one student aptly put it, "What I learned from this dinner is that you get a better understanding and connection with a college when you talk to a person one-on-one rather than researching on the internet." This revelation highlighted the importance of direct communication, emphasizing that the human touch in education can never be replicated by digital resources.
A pivotal moment for these young minds was the opportunity to have their questions about the admission process answered. The excitement in the room was palpable as Mrs. Cummings guided them through the intricate maze of college applications. "The highlight of the night for me was having my questions answered about the admission process and the delicious food," one student remarked, capturing the essence of the evening. It wasn't just about getting answers; it was about receiving guidance from an expert, someone who understands the nuances of college admissions and cares about helping these students succeed.
In the midst of the discussion, a significant revelation emerged - a paradigm shift in how these students perceived their own worth in the eyes of college admissions officers. "Yes, I learned that even though this is a prestigious college, they are not only looking for the highest scores but they are also looking for personalities like my involvement in school and my community," shared one student. This newfound understanding illuminated the fact that college admissions are not solely about grades and test scores; they are about the holistic growth and character of the applicant. Mrs. Cummings, with her wisdom, unraveled this mystery for the students, empowering them to present themselves authentically in their applications.
What set this dinner apart was the personal connection the students were able to establish with Mrs. Cummings. One student highlighted the significance of this interaction, saying, "We were able to personally connect with an admissions officer in a way that was open to questions. Instead of merely watching a CMC informational video, we interacted and conversed with Mrs. Cummings by asking questions specific to us like sports and traditions. Mrs. Cummings gave us some insight into CMC academics and life that we would not be able to find on websites or videos."
As the evening came to a close the students carried with them more than just the memory of a delicious meal. They departed with newfound confidence, armed with knowledge that extended beyond textbooks and classrooms.