To succeed in college admission, watch your manners

You may be wondering how college admissions and manners could be related. The connection is surprisingly clear. As you go through the college planning process, you will be dealing with adults who have some influence on your future. How you handle these encounters can make all the difference.

The college admissions process often seems pretty impersonal, but there are many interactions with college representatives, admissions officers, alumni, and high school teachers. This is where manners and appropriate behavior play a role.

Read on to discover the five areas of college admissions where manners do matter:

teacher recommendations

Students often ask high school teachers for college recommendations. Obviously, if teachers are asked to write a recommendation in the spring of their junior year, they have plenty of time to do so over the summer. If, on the other hand, you wait until the recommendation is almost due, many teachers feel the rush and pressure to get the job done quickly. Teachers are busy people and they are doing you a favor. It is important to thank them for taking the time to write you a letter. Don’t forget your counselor too.

social media

Students don’t always use the best judgment on their Facebook pages or other networking sites. Before you apply to college, eliminate anything that could jeopardize your chances of being accepted to college. Universities DO care what you post and display online. If it’s inappropriate, there’s a good chance it will be noted on your college application. A surprising number of college admissions officers reported that social networking sites have had a negative impact on a student’s college admission chances. Don’t risk it. It’s rude to say things online that you might regret later.

Email and mobile phones

It is advisable that students have a separate email address for all university correspondence. Your current address may be pretty, but it doesn’t convey the image you want to project at universities. It’s also smart to check your cell phone message. University representatives often contact students on their cell phones to schedule interviews. Most university representatives would like to know that they have contacted the student for whom the call was intended. If the college representative is listening to loud music, she may not know whether to leave a message. She may miss out on an important opportunity to connect with someone from a school that interests her. Also, know how to answer a phone. When asked, “Is this Rob?” say, “Yes, this is him,” not “Yes, this is him.” First impressions count.

college interviews

If you have the opportunity to interview with someone from a college or university, do so. Please dress appropriately and be prepared with some questions you would like to ask about school. Arrive for the interview at least 10 minutes early. The university officials are busy and cannot wait if you are late. It is important to greet your interviewer with a firm handshake. You should also maintain good eye contact during the interview. When you return home, it’s polite to send a thank you note, not an email. Ask your interviewer for a business card so you know where to send the note. Show interest in the school and listen to what the interviewer has to say.

visits to universities

College admissions committees like to accept students who show interest in their school. One of the best ways to do this is through a college visit. Call ahead to schedule a tour, briefing, and possible interview. Avoid using your cell phone or texting while visiting a college campus. Pay attention to the guide and do not talk to other people during the tour. Colleges realize that you are a teenager and don’t expect you to act like an adult all the time. However, they do want to know that you can demonstrate appropriate behavior and know how to conduct yourself, so keep in mind that manners are important for college admissions.