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Have you heard the saying, “authenticity is a two-way street”? If not, it is probably because I just made it up. Regardless, now you have heard it, and it has never been more true than in college admission. In its most perfect form, the student experience of searching for, and applying to, college should be similar to the process of colleges searching for and admitting students. It is a matching of two missions—the applicant’s and the school’s. To make that good match, both must be authentic in their approach and their understanding of who they are.
But what does authenticity really mean in the institutional context or to most prospective students? For one it means being unapologetically true to that which you believe. In admission, it is about being genuine, but also transparent about who you are as an individual or school community and adhering to what you value. Colleges and universities must be authentic in their marketing and communication of what their school offers, what they do not, and how their institution is distinct from other schools. The attempt to be everything to everyone can be the greatest threat to this authenticity, and schools are best served by staying true to their mission and the values of their community.
Likewise, students should not try to project an image of someone they are not. Anticipating what a college wants you to be and trying to conform to that expectation is not the road to a good match. Beth Wiser is the executive director of undergraduate admission at The Ohio State University. She explains that “colleges and universities aren’t necessarily looking for well-rounded students, but for students who will contribute to a university in authentic ways.” She adds, “some students are singularly focused and have incredible achievements in one or two areas. Other students are multi-passionate and pursue their interests in many fields. Both have a place in higher education.”
As we consider authenticity, let’s dig deeper into the idea of mission, starting with institutions. If you are in college or a graduate, can you recite your school’s mission? If not verbatim, can you paraphrase the message that your alma mater’s mission attempts to convey about what the school values? If you are applying to college, have you looked at the mission of the schools on your list? Are they distinct, compelling, and/or aligned with your values and hopes for your education and future?
Are you ready for a little fun? Try this matching game and figure out which of the following schools belongs to the mission statements below (the answers are at the end).
1. Franklin and Marshall College, 2. Howard University, 3. Mount Holyoke College, 4. California Institute of Technology, 5. Guilford College, 6. The Ohio State University
A. XXXXXXXX, a culturally diverse, comprehensive, research intensive and historically Black private university, provides an educational experience of exceptional quality at the undergraduate, graduate, and professional levels to students of high academic standing and potential, with emphasis on educational opportunities for Black students. Moreover, the University is dedicated to attracting and sustaining a cadre of faculty who are, through their teaching, research and service, committed to the development of distinguished, historically aware, and compassionate graduates and to the discovery of solutions to human problems in the United States and throughout the world. With an abiding interest in both domestic and international affairs, the University is committed to continuing to produce leaders for America and the global community.
B. XXXXXXXX is dedicated to:
• Creating and discovering knowledge to improve the well-being of our state, regional, national and global communities;
• Educating students through a comprehensive array of distinguished academic programs;
• Preparing a diverse student body to be leaders and engaged citizens;
• Fostering a culture of engagement and service.
We understand that diversity and inclusion are essential components of our excellence.
C. XXXXXXXX is a residential college dedicated to excellence in undergraduate liberal education. Its aims are to inspire in young people of high promise and diverse backgrounds a genuine and enduring love for learning, to teach them to read, write, and think critically, to instill in them the capacity for both independent and collaborative action, and to educate them to explore and understand the natural, social and cultural worlds in which they live. In so doing, the College seeks to foster in its students qualities of intellect, creativity, and character, that they may live fulfilling lives and contribute meaningfully to their occupations, their communities, and their world.
D. XXXXXXXX’s mission is to provide an intellectually adventurous education in the liberal arts and sciences through academic programs recognized internationally for their excellence and range; to draw students from all backgrounds into an exceptionally diverse and inclusive learning community with a highly accomplished, committed, and responsive faculty and staff; to continue building on the College’s historic legacy of leadership in the education of women; and to prepare students, through a liberal education integrating curriculum and careers, for lives of thoughtful, effective, and purposeful engagement in the world.
E. Provide a transformative, practical, and excellent education that produces critical thinkers in an inclusive, diverse environment that is guided by Quaker testimonies of community, equality, integrity, peace, and simplicity and emphasizes the creative problem-solving skills, experience, enthusiasm, and international perspectives necessary to promote positive change in the world.
F. The mission of XXXXXXXX is to expand human knowledge and benefit society through research integrated with education. We investigate the most challenging, fundamental problems in science and technology in a singularly collegial, interdisciplinary atmosphere, while educating outstanding students to become creative members of society.
(Answers: 1-C, 2-A, 3-D, 4-F, 5-E, 6-B)
How did you do? The range of school type was intentional, and clearly each of these institutions seeks to offer a unique experience, though there are some common themes. What did you learn about the goals of their community? Ideally, authenticity would mean that the messages that colleges and universities communicate in admission would be consistent with their mission. During challenging times, how schools do or do not stay true to their mission can be telling for applicants.
Anthony Jones is the associate provost & assistant vice-president of enrollment management at Howard University. He says that “in this pandemic environment, ‘how one progresses’ has taken on an entirely new meaning. Values such as personal responsibility, tenacity, initiative, and pursuit now come to the forefront in an unprecedented way.” He explains that at Howard “these standards have been part of our DNA since our founding in 1867. Many of our students have repeatedly had to overcome systemic deterrents laden in their communities, including their school systems, to achieve the accomplishments most needed to be a viable candidate for a Howard degree.” This is authentic adherence to mission at its best.
When applying to schools it is also crucial for students to be clear about their mission. Ryan Hargraves, executive director of undergraduate admissions at The University of Vermont tells applicants that “college admission is not just about what you know, it’s about who you know.” He is quick to add, “the most important person in this process to know is you.” Hargraves believes that the process of self-exploration is “absolutely critical” and suggests a useful exercise for students. He encourages them to write an undergraduate mission statement that might be four or five sentences long that captures what they value and the experience they are looking for in college. He says that it should be “agnostic of school name or brand” and should outline “who you are and not who your peers think you are or should be.” Armed with this personal mission statement, the college search can be more meaningful, focused, and fruitful. After completing this assignment, as students apply to college they can imagine schools going through the same matching game we tried above. If a college had six applications and six student mission statements, could they connect yours? If not, your essay and other materials might not be as authentic as you hope.
If both applicants and institutions can clearly articulate their mission in authentic ways, then an appropriate match will follow. This requires reflection, an understanding of values, and trust in the intention of individual or community goals. In this approach, authenticity is indeed a two-way street and it ideally leads to a rich experience for students and college campuses where they will learn, grow, and contribute.
