The official e-newsletter of The Equestrian College Advisor.

From the blog:

After a 4:30 wake up call so I could make my early morning flight to Lynchburg, Virginia and join 29 colleagues on the annual private colleges tour, I admit I was dragging a bit by the time evening rolled around. When the bus pulled onto the red brick campus of historic Hampden-Sydney College, however, I quickly found my second wind thanks to their warm welcome and the opportunity to learn about what makes this unique school so special. Read More

Learn more about the

five questions

that it

shouldn't

be unusual to ask on a campus tour.

Do college admissions criteria capture students' creativity? 

The short answer, unfortunately, is no.

The Prospective Student’s Holiday Survival GuideIt’s that wonderful time of year when families tend to gather for good food, quality time together, and celebrations of all kinds. Unfortunately, for high school seniors in the thick of submitting their college applications and narrowing their list of potential colleges, it’s also the time of year when talking about future plans with relatives can seem somewhat like the Spanish Inquisition.How can you prepare?The acronym RACE can help you exit even the most pointed lines of inquiry gracefully:

• Recognize: Family members have genuine interest in your future plans. Taking a moment to realize that their intentions aren’t necessarily to put you on the spot but are merely to inquire can give perspective.

• Acknowledge: Take a moment before you answer to thank them. Not only will it buy you time to think about  your response, but it can also diffuse any awkwardness or tension you feel at being put on the spot.

• Craft: You can respond as specifically or vaguely as you choose. If you really don’t want to share details, simply say, “I’m looking at some good options right now but I’m also enjoying the search.” If you want to list some colleges, feel free – or give a list of two or three schools, then conclude by saying, “The list isn’t final yet, however.”

• Explain: Don’t be afraid to give reasons for your school selections – after all, you’re applying for a reason! Whether you give names or not, explain that you’ve chosen those schools for a particularly strong academic program or that you’re focusing your search on the East Coast. This helps well-meaning relatives understand that you’re educated about the college search process and potentially stave off some unwanted guidance.

Nearly everyone has a relative or family friend who is a self-proclaimed college expert or who simply gives unwanted advice no matter what the topic, of course. When dealing with that person, it’s crucial that you’re able to express clearly to him or her that you appreciate the advice but that you have ownership of your own college process. Thank him or her once more for the interest and then offer to pass the mashed potatoes. 

The folks over at Horse Collaborative have come up with a list of the five types of horse you're most likely to draw at an IHSA or IEA competition.

If you need a laugh today - or a moment to recognize the ones you may have drawn at past shows! -

check it out.

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