Chapter 1: Shifting Mindsets in Education

In order to truly transform the US educational system, a significant change in mindset is essential. First and foremost, there is a pressing need for increased availability of STEM courses. It is vital to ensure that all interested students, regardless of gender or background, have access to these classes. Additionally, efforts must be made to encourage young girls to pursue challenging STEM subjects from the outset of their academic journeys.

As part of an interview series focused on improving education, I had the opportunity to speak with Corinne Smith and Ann Merrell, the authors of the College Essay Journal: A Mindful Manual™ for College Applications.

Corinne Smith serves as an undergraduate admissions officer at Yale University, where she evaluates thousands of applications each year and contributes to admissions decisions. Ann Merrell runs a college readiness program in Chicago, assisting over 150 students primarily from first-generation and low-income backgrounds as they navigate the college application landscape. Together, they published the College Essay Journal in 2022 to help applicants brainstorm effectively, create compelling narratives, and reduce the stress associated with the application process.

Thank you for joining us! Our readers are eager to learn more about your journey. What inspired you to pursue careers in education?

We first crossed paths on the inaugural day of our graduate program at Northwestern University, where we both sought a Master’s in Higher Education Administration and Policy, having discovered our passion for education during our undergraduate studies. Our shared experiences in student leadership roles and event planning, coupled with mentorship from professionals in student affairs, fostered a deep friendship. This bond has naturally evolved into a partnership aimed at positively impacting the education sector.

The inception of our book arose from the question: "Why does the college application process have to be so stressful?" Ann, in her role as a high school counselor, frequently observed students succumbing to procrastination, feeling overwhelmed, and grappling with mental health issues while writing personal statements. Meanwhile, Corinne encountered numerous applications that failed to authentically represent students' personalities. Recognizing that the situation could be improved, we aimed to inspire enthusiasm in students for sharing their stories rather than succumbing to anxiety. Thus, the idea of a Mindful Manual™ for college applications was born.

The objective was to make brainstorming enjoyable, streamline the essay-writing process, and alleviate the overall stress of applications. Over 30 days, the College Essay Journal encourages students to engage with reflective prompts creatively. It covers various application themes and includes college advising content at the end of each chapter. Our intention from the outset was to create a resource that promotes positive thinking and decreases student anxiety, incorporating mindfulness strategies that extend beyond college applications.

Are you currently working on any exciting projects that could benefit others?

We are actively developing additional resources for students, families, and educators to enhance the college application experience. Currently, we are creating facilitation tools for counselors to help guide students through essay writing and application completion using our book.

Moreover, we recently introduced "College Convo Cards" on our website. These cards facilitate discussions around the college search process, potential essay topics, and mindful reflection. We’re expanding this initiative with a new deck focused on financial aid and college funding.

From our experience as admissions and college access professionals, we understand that discussions about college planning and finances can often be uncomfortable. Our goal with these new resources is to provide accessible tools that simplify the process.

What qualifies you as authorities in the education sector?

We have extensive experience reading college essays! As an admissions officer and college advisor, we evaluate thousands of applications annually, allowing us to identify common pitfalls in essay writing from both perspectives. We are keenly aware of the challenges students face and strive to create a more enjoyable and easier path for writing personal statements and navigating the college application process.

Now, let’s focus on the core topic of our discussion. How do you assess the current state of the US educational system?

From our perspective on college access, a critical aspect of the US educational framework is centered around college readiness, enrollment, and completion rates. We recognize that college is not the only route to success, but our mission is to support students interested in pursuing higher education. Unfortunately, many students lack adequate preparation, information, and exposure to higher education as a viable option. We still have a long way to go in ensuring that all students have the opportunity to attend college if they wish.

What are five areas in the US educational system that are currently thriving?

1. Financial Aid Improvements: The rise of need-based and no-loan financial aid packages at selective institutions has made previously unattainable schools financially accessible for students from diverse backgrounds.
2. Community Support: An increasing number of community organizations and non-profits are dedicated to college access and readiness, offering additional support and early exposure to higher education.
3. Virtual Resources: The availability of virtual tours and information sessions allows students to explore colleges from home, reducing financial barriers associated with in-person visits.
4. Career Services Revamp: Many colleges are enhancing their career services and offering paid experiential learning opportunities, providing students with valuable professional experiences.
5. Support for Underrepresented Groups: There is a growing emphasis on support and inclusivity for first-generation, low-income, and underrepresented minority students across high schools and college campuses.

What are five critical areas in the US educational system that need urgent improvement?

1. Underfunding of Counselors: High school counselors and mental health support staff are often underfunded, leading to excessive caseloads and burnout. Counselors juggle multiple responsibilities, including college applications, mental health counseling, and more, making it hard to meet students' needs effectively.
2. Inequitable Access: There is a disparity in access to colleges and universities, with admissions officers often focusing outreach on high-income areas or private schools. Regardless of the reasons, this inequity significantly impacts students' educational opportunities.
3. Classroom Overcrowding: Overcrowded classrooms at all educational levels hinder individualized attention for students, complicate behavior management, and increase turnover rates among educators.
4. Insufficient Academic Preparation: The pandemic has worsened existing issues, leaving students approximately 18 months behind in reading and math, which are critical for college readiness.
5. Application Process Complexity: While college application platforms have standardized somewhat, the varying requirements and lack of clarity create an overwhelming experience for many applicants.

How is the US performing in terms of engaging young individuals in STEM? What three strategies can be implemented to enhance this engagement?

Engagement in STEM varies widely across school districts and institutions. Interestingly, "it depends" is a common response among admissions officers. Over the past decade, there has been a noticeable increase in interest in STEM fields, particularly in computer science, engineering, and pre-med. However, this interest often does not translate into successful graduation in STEM disciplines.

1. Improving Math Foundations: There is a pressing need to enhance math and reading preparation for students, as many aspiring STEM students struggle with foundational skills once they reach college.
2. Hands-on Programming: Expanding hands-on STEM programs, coursework, and experiential learning opportunities at earlier educational stages can significantly boost interest in these fields.
3. Standardizing STEM Education: Making computer science or data analytics a graduation requirement in high school or college ensures all students gain exposure to these crucial and rapidly evolving fields.

Why is it essential to engage girls and women in STEM subjects?

Having experienced the rise of movements like STEMinism, it’s clear that empowering girls and women needs to go beyond messaging; it requires real opportunities, mentorship, and skill-building. Many lucrative careers exist in tech, engineering, and medicine. Without adequate preparation and exposure, girls face disadvantages both academically and in the job market.

What strategies can be adopted to better engage girls and women in STEM?

1. Mentorship: Providing relatable role models in STEM fields can inspire young women to envision themselves in these roles.
2. Extracurricular Programs: Increasing awareness of programs like Girls Who Code can help young women acquire skills and pursue careers in computer science and other STEM areas.
3. Mindset Shift: It’s vital to increase the availability of STEM classes for all interested students while ensuring that girls feel encouraged to enroll in challenging courses early in their academic careers.

If you could implement five changes to the US educational infrastructure, what would they be?

1. Trade and Technical Education: Expanding higher education infrastructure for trades and apprenticeships would provide pathways to lucrative careers, akin to successful educational systems in other countries.
2. Affordable Higher Education: Implementing low-cost colleges and comprehensive no-loan financial aid across institutions would alleviate financial burdens for low-income students.
3. Financial Literacy Initiatives: Introducing financial literacy programs early in the college application process would equip families with essential knowledge and options.
4. Resource Distribution: Enhancing resources for underfunded high schools—especially those in low-income areas—would improve course offerings and mentorship opportunities.
5. Well-Paid Counselors: Ensuring that every high school (and even middle school) has access to well-compensated counselors and mental health professionals would not only assist with college readiness but also destigmatize mental health support.

What life lesson quote resonates with you, and how has it been relevant in your life?

Each chapter of the College Essay Journal begins with a mindful intention. One of our favorites is "make decisions out of courage and not fear." As women in higher education who have chosen to write a book, pursue advanced degrees, and build families, we remind ourselves daily of the importance of courage in overcoming challenges. We aim to instill this mindset in our students as they navigate the college application process.

If you could have a meal with anyone, who would it be and why?

We would love to have breakfast with Reed Hastings, CEO of Netflix. We have been inspired by the way the platform showcases diverse college journeys. Programs like Last Chance U and Cheer highlight non-traditional educational paths positively. We envision collaborating with Netflix to accurately portray the college application process and dispel myths around admissions.

How can our readers stay connected with your work?

Thank you for sharing these inspiring insights!