#WhyApply to college? If you read the news, you would think students only apply to college because of career goals that require a specific degree or because they felt college was the expected next step. But look more closely at the responses and you find students apply to college for reasons that engage their minds AND hearts.

“It will show me I can complete anything as long as I set my mind to it.” A two-year or four-year degree is a long time for delayed gratification. But hanging in there and seeing it through demonstrates dedication and perseverance. It is a testament of goal commitment, exactly what employers are looking for.

“It will enable me to do what I love.” Within that passion often lies a desire to “do research that makes a difference.” During college, students wrestle with wicked problems. Coronavirus, climate change, systemic inequity --- undergraduate researchers are on teams putting forth ideas to improve our world.

“Hopefully it will help me discover what I’m good at and who I am.” High school seniors know what they have experienced in their home communities. It’s hard to imagine being a virologist if you have never heard the word, let alone know someone who does this work. Attending college opens up entire fields of study and possibilities.  

“I want to be able to have a job so I can give back and help my grandmother because she is the most selfless person I know.” On average, college graduates have higher earnings, more wealth, and are healthier than those without a college degree. College graduates tend to have a quality of life that allows them to take care of others, especially Grandma.

These quotes come from first-year students who began their college career in Fall 2016 at Montana State University. Researchers involved with the “Understanding and Advancing Student Success and Well-being” project followed this cohort of students for four years, culminating with graduation in Spring 2020.

#WhyApply is not just a rhetorical question with a set of static answers. It asks students to reflect deeply on the opportunities for the next step in their life. It asks educators to communicate why attending college is a worthwhile opportunity to pursue in taking that next step.

Students apply to college for a host of reasons and motivations. Some of their reasons are deeply seeded in their hearts—they are looking for that which will “give me something to explore more and develop a higher appreciation for”—but others feel like “I had to go to college if I wanted to stay in my family.”

It is within this variation that educators (teachers, counselors, advisors, coaches) have an opportunity to be ‘good company’ with students on their journey. We can sit with students in the rest area, lay the map out on the hood of the car, and chart the course . Imagine the conversation: ‘This way is shorter; but this way has beautiful sights along the way and may end up at a more desirable destination.’  

#WhyApply is not a sales job; it is an invitation to educators to take the time and really talk to students. Not to direct or problem solve but to ask and inquire about the students’ dreams, goals, and strengths. These kinds of conversations are appreciative, developmental advising at its finest. As ‘good company,’ you are in a position to offer ideas and insights for the next leg of the journey --- the best roadside stops, places to fuel up with gas, and the not-to-be-missed diner along the way. 

I’d love to hear how have been ‘good company’ on a student’s journey as they contemplate why to apply to college. You can “leave a reply” to this blog post. You can respond in a tweet to @TriciaSeifert or @success.prints on Twitter. Or you can tag me in an Instagram post or story @success.prints. Any way, I’d love to hear from you.