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Beyond deadlines and dreams: A parent's role in the admissions journey

Economic Times

4 days ago

Economic Times

Beyond deadlines and dreams: A parent's role in the admissions journey

2025 has been anything but ordinary. With two major global conflicts, economic volatility, AI disruption, climate anxiety, and teenagers growing up under the microscope of social media scrutiny, the world feels more chaotic than ever—and high school seniors are caught right in the middle of the midst of this turbulence lies one of the most defining milestones in a student's life: college admissions. And this year's cycle isn't just academically demanding—it's emotionally, technologically, and strategically overwhelming. Agentic AI—the new buzzword in education—is reshaping the process altogether. Tools like GPT, Grammarly, and others are transforming how students write essays, conduct research, and even build college lists. But while the outputs may look flawless, students are increasingly feeling detached from their own voice and journey. Admissions outcomes are more unpredictable than ever, and for international families, navigating testing, visas, costs, and post-study careers has become a full-time job. As an AI entrepreneur and counselor at heart, I've worked with students and families across Europe, the Middle East, and the U.S., helping them navigate the whirlwind of applications. I've seen the full range—from 3 a.m. anxiety spirals to blank portals that remain untouched out of fear. But I've also seen something else: behind every overwhelmed student is usually a parent trying to do the right thing—without a playbook. This article is for them. Because in 2025, your presence isn't just helpful—it's transformational. The gap between intention and impact A 2024 NACAC survey found that 66% of high school seniors listed parental pressure as one of their top three stressors during the college application cycle. In contrast, 81% of parents believed they were being 'helpful and encouraging.'This isn't about fault—it's about awareness. We're living in a new era where:Agentic AI tools can generate application-ready essays in minutes, yet students often feel disconnected and unsure of what their work actually reflects. Remember: a compelling application must feel original and authentic, not is the new normal, and Early Decision now feels like a psychological chess game, demanding both courage and international families, the complexity only multiplies: visa timelines, testing differences, financial aid eligibility, and career alignment all play a this evolving landscape, your involvement can either empower—or unintentionally overwhelm. The impact doesn't come from how much you do, but how you show up. What I've learned from families worldwide One student in Dubai said to me, 'I wish my mom would just sit with me—not to talk about colleges, but just to be with me.' Her mother, meanwhile, had built a 15-tab spreadsheet to track every deadline. The intention? 100% love. The impact? The student felt Delhi, another student confided, 'After my dad rewrote my essay, I didn't recognize my own voice.' He was trying to help, drawing from his Ivy League past. But the student lost ownership of the story—and confidence with students need isn't perfection or precision. They need emotional steadiness and data-driven collaboration. When uncertainty arises, work as a team. If something's unclear—pause, ask, explore together. The parent's toolkit for 2025 From working with over 400 families this year alone, these five strategies have proven most effective: Listening > Constant AdvisingAsk how they feel, not just what they've who feel heard report 19% higher emotional resilience (UCLA Youth Stress Lab, 2023).2. Validation > CorrectionCelebrate the first messy draft, the narrowed list, or a tough decision made with > polish.3. Structure Support > HoveringOffer tools and timelines, but let your child students are 3x more likely to submit on time (Georgetown CDE, 2024).4. Financial Transparency > Last-Minute PanicIn 2024, 1 in 3 families adjusted their list due to late-stage affordability concerns (Sallie Mae). Want to avoid this? Email me at adarsh@ and I'll send you our in-house shortlisting tool—free. No strings attached. 5. Trust the Process > Control the OutcomeSome of the most inspiring student journeys I've seen began after a and growth matter more than prestige. Final thoughts: Presence over perfection In over a decade of guiding high-achieving, globally mobile families, I've learned this: the most successful students aren't the most accomplished—they're the most families collaborate—with all wins and failures seen as shared experiences—the pressure dissipates, and the student steps forward with most valuable thing you can give your child isn't an Ivy League acceptance. It's the belief that they are already enough—with or without the perfect as the 2025-26 cycle begins, take a breath. Step back. Tune when students feel steady, their applications don't just shine—they speak. And that's what truly makes them stand out. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this column are that of the writer. The facts and opinions expressed here do not reflect the views of (Join our ETNRI WhatsApp channel for all the latest updates) Elevate your knowledge and leadership skills at a cost cheaper than your daily tea. From near bankruptcy to blockbuster drug: How Khorakiwala turned around Wockhardt Can Chyawanprash save Dabur in the age of Shark-Tank startups? Why Air India could loom large on its biggest rival IndiGo's Q1 results Apple has a new Indian-American COO. What it needs might be a new CEO. How India's oil arbitrage has hit the European sanctions wall Central banks' existential crisis — between alchemy and algorithm Short-term valuation headwinds? Yes. 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Forbes

23-07-2025

Forbes

AI And The College Essay

The college essay or 'personal statement' gets a lot of airtime in admission. At least from applicants, but not as much as they might think from admission officers. In fact, in a survey by the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC), it is listed below curriculum, grades, and character as factors that colleges consider important in making decisions about an applicant's candidacy. Even so, essays allow students to tell their story in unique ways that can distinguish them from a sea of other applicants. It is one part of the application that they still have control over as deadlines approach. As artificial intelligence infiltrates every aspect of our lives, a great deal of the hand-wringing in admission around AI focuses on its use and/or abuse in essay writing. Should students use it? Do colleges know when they are? What are the rules around its use? How is it changing the utility of the essay? I asked admission leaders from four very different institutions about their views on essays and AI, and here is what they said. Meet The Experts Ben Baum is the vice president of enrollment at St. John's College with campuses in Annapolis, Maryland, and Santa Fe, New Mexico. St. John's is the third-oldest college in the United States and is known for its Great Books curriculum. Baum previously worked as an attorney and in admission at Tufts University. Thyra Briggs is the vice president for admission and financial aid at Harvey Mudd College in Claremont, California. While Harvey Mudd is known for its engineering, science, and mathematics curriculum, it is also unique because it is a liberal arts college and part of the Claremont Colleges consortium of five undergraduate institutions and two graduate schools. Briggs previously served as the dean of admission and enrollment at Sarah Lawrence College. Grant Gosselin, dean of undergraduate admission and financial aid at Boston College, a Catholic liberal arts college founded by the Jesuits and the first institution of higher education in Boston. Gosselin previously served as the chief enrollment officer at both Babson College and Wheaton College. Michael Stefanowicz, vice president for enrollment management at Landmark College in Putney, Vermont, a college for students who learn differently. Stefanowicz previously served as director of admission at St. Michael's College. What Is The Purpose Of The Essay? Briggs says, 'In an ideal world, the essay gives us a snapshot into the student's world and what they care about–one that we wouldn't get from the rest of the application. When they can write about anything they want, what do they choose? The essay hopefully adds a layer of personality to the sea of numbers.' Ben Baum agrees, explaining, 'Transcripts give us important information about a student's ability to succeed in school, but they don't tell us about a student's fit for our unique approach to education. Does the student love to read? Are they passionate about discussing ideas? Are they open to respectful disagreement with their peers? Do they want to study across the humanities and the sciences? Essays can answer these kinds of questions, allowing us to identify the kind of student who will thrive at our particular college.' Gosselin adds, 'By the time a student applies to college, most of the work that fuels their application has been done–three years of high school coursework have been completed, test scores have been established, clubs and organizations have been joined, and those who will write recommendations have been identified. The personal statement is the opportunity for an applicant to be in the driver's seat in applying to college, allowing them to add a personal voice in their application relative to their accomplishments, aspirations, goals, and values.' Stefanowicz concludes, 'The college essay serves two key purposes at my institution. First, it is to add a human dimension to the application with the student sharing something of personal importance with the admissions committee. Second is to share a polished piece of writing that the student can be proud of and reflects their best effort with editing.' Has AI Changed The Value of The Essay? Briggs feels that in some ways it has, saying, 'I think we read the essay with less of a 'can this student write well?' lens and focus more on what they are sharing with us. In years of doing essay workshops, I would say that the essay was our chance to hear the student in their own voice. I'm not sure that's the case as much anymore, but we still learn about them from their writing.' Stefanowicz believes that AI is another factor in a longstanding issue about the support applicants receive with essays. He explains, 'The essay is still about the student voice and the opportunity to showcase a polished piece of student writing. The AI tools are new, but the question of what appropriate help with the college essay looks like is one that admission counselors and school counselors have grappled with for some time.' Gosselin recognizes the influence of AI but says, 'I don't believe that the purpose of the personal statement has changed as a result of the rise in AI technologies. AI is a tool, but doesn't change what we hope to learn about students' talents, unique attributes, and potential to positively impact a college community.' Baum emphasizes, 'For St. John's, the original purpose of the essay is even more essential in the age of AI: we need to find those students who love books, writing, and discussing ideas enough to spend four years immersed in all three. Application essays generated by AI or any source other than the student's own thinking won't give us the evidence we need to know they will succeed at St. John's.' He adds, 'But essays are just one source of information about a student, and, for us, it is important to holistically weigh all the pieces of the application to ensure we are admitting the right students for our college. This is why St. John's encourages every applicant to interview, and we recently launched a new alternative application, our Discussion-Based Application, where students undergo multiple interviews and participate in a seminar instead of writing application essays. We look for the identical factors in our interviews as we seek in an essay, so the standards are no different from those students who choose to submit application essays--just the mechanism of delivery.' How Should Students Use AI? Stefanowicz suggests, 'The AI usage guidelines at the student's high school or at the colleges they're applying to could be a good place to start reflecting on whether or how to use AI in the writing process. Good educators have a range of opinions on this topic. Outlining and proofreading are likely the safest places to start while maintaining the student voice in the finished product.' He adds, 'Some members of the learning disability community are considering how generative AI could serve as an accessibility tool, though there are a range of early opinions about appropriate use.' Briggs points out that 'Well-resourced students have been able to get support in writing their essays for years. I don't think it's a problem for students to use AI as a tool for brainstorming and seeing a framework of what an essay might look like. However, I would hope that students would then go through the work of making it their own and ensuring that their ideas are central.' She adds, 'We'd be naive to think that students aren't using AI, so let's help them figure out how best to use it in a way that celebrates their ideas and makes them more confident in the importance of their own writing.' Gosselin says, 'At Boston College, we acknowledge that students may turn to AI as a guide, just as students have used other resources such as teachers, school counselors, and family members to help them brainstorm ideas. However, just as we would not permit students to have the people in their lives write their essays, we are clear in advising applicants that their essays may not include content copied from an AI or other sources.' Their website's note for applicants on the use of artificial intelligence provides helpful guidance for students as they navigate the use of these tools. Final Thoughts For Applicants While a well-written, thoughtful essay is not going to replace your high school record, it is an opportunity to communicate your values, strengths, interests, and personal story. AI has the potential to level the playing field of support that applicants receive in telling this story. But as with any assistance, it should not drown out or be a substitute for your voice. Colleges need to be better about articulating their AI policies in admission. In the meantime, you can find some sample policies in this resource from the NACAC's AI and Admission Special Interest Group. As the AI space evolves, hopefully, colleges will find new and innovative ways for applicants to tell their stories. Until then, the essay continues to play an important role in the holistic admission process, so lean in ethically and authentically.

Missed calls, Wimbledon: How Firoz Cachalia nearly missed out police minister gig [video]

The South African

15-07-2025

Politics
The South African

Missed calls, Wimbledon: How Firoz Cachalia nearly missed out police minister gig [video]

As Professor Firoz Cachalia prepares to step in as acting Minister of Police, he has offered insight into the possible reason behind the delay to the 'family meeting' on Sunday, 13 July. President Cyril Ramaphosa announced that Cachalia will step into the role while Police Minister Senzo Mchunu takes a leave of absence. This comes amid the launch of investigations into alleged corruption. Cachalia, who chairs the National Anti-Corruption Advisory Council (NACAC), says the task ahead is daunting, but he will tackle it head-on. In an interview with Newzroom Afrika , Cachalia recounted the moment he received the all-important call from the president. It turns out the presidency had some difficulty reaching him. The NACAC chair said he was watching Wimbledon with his wife while his phone was charging in another room. After several missed calls, the presidency attempted to contact his brother, Justice Azhar Cachalia, and eventually managed to get hold of his wife. After numerous attempts, Ramaphosa finally connected with him. 'I was ignoring the phone, actually. I'm not going to be able to do that anymore,' Cachalia joked. Cachalia said he has been politically active from a young age and that the development of society remains his passion. He admitted he was surprised to be offered the position but felt deeply humbled by the opportunity. He added that he is grateful the president has shown confidence in his ability to serve. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 11. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news

Firoz Cachalia: From Benoni to Wits, to Acting Police Minister

The South African

14-07-2025

Politics
The South African

Firoz Cachalia: From Benoni to Wits, to Acting Police Minister

President Cyril Ramaphosa announced the appointment of Professor Firoz Cachalia as Acting Minister of Police on Sunday, 13 July. Cachalia is a professor of law at the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits). However, he is expected to retire from the position at the end of July. He also chairs the National Anti-Corruption Advisory Council (NACAC). Ramaphosa's announcement of Cachalia's appointment surprised citizens, with many questioning the reasons behind it and whether he is the most suitable person for the job. He was born on 22 July 1958 in Benoni, and his political journey began at a young age. While at university, Cachalia, along with his brother, Azhar, were arrested for distributing pamphlets to commemorate the Soweto Uprising. Both were severely assaulted and tortured during the arrest. Just three years later, the brothers were again arrested for political activities and detained for several weeks. They were banned under the Internal Security Act and prohibited from participating in any organisations. Despite this, Cachalia remained steadfast in the fight against apartheid. According to South African History Online , he held various leadership positions in anti-apartheid organisations. He played a leading role in the Convention for a Democratic South Africa negotiations. Cachalia also worked with the committee that drafted the first versions of the country's constitution. In addition, he held leadership positions in the United Democratic Front (UDF), African National Congress (ANC) and the South African Communist Party (SACP) and private sectors. In 2022, Ramaphosa appointed a nine-member council led by Cachalia. The Presidency described the NACAC as a multi-sectoral partnership to fight against corruption, fraud and other criminality. Last year, the NACAC chairperson released some of the council's proposals for Ramaphosa. These included the ability to investigate criminal corruption when it is discovered. While the road ahead seems bumpy, the NACAC chairperson has garnered some support. Chairperson of the National Assembly's Portfolio Committee on Police, Ian Cameron, described Cachalia's appointment as a commendable move. He said it was a step forward in restoring public trust, adding that Cachalia is competent, credible, and serious about good governance. Cachalia will serve as Acting Police Minister from 1 August. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 11. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news

MPs mull proposal for SIU to be merged into independent body

Eyewitness News

15-05-2025

Politics
Eyewitness News

MPs mull proposal for SIU to be merged into independent body

CAPE TOWN - The National Anti-Corruption Advisory Council (NACAC) is suggesting the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) be merged into a new, independent body it proposes be called the Office of Public Integrity. Like many other African countries, which have anti-corruption commissions, the council established by the president thinks South Africa should do the same. On Wednesday, NACAC briefed Parliament's justice committee on changes being mooted to the country's anti-corruption architecture, and how this differs from a private member's bill introduced by the Democratic Alliance, Glynis Breytenbach, for the establishment of a Chapter 9 anti-corruption body. The second phase of its work, before wrapping up its three-year term in August, NACAC said it doesn't believe a single body is capable of fighting corruption. The council's David Lewis said it's weighing up whether setting up a constitutional body under chapter 9 would delay the establishment of an agency that can deal with systemic corruption in the country. "Can this SIU be strengthened in such a way as to enable it to carry out already a large number of the functions that we're recommending should be undertaken by this body, so as to short-circuit the way of establishing the institution."