By: JP Yeich

On Thursday, February 12th, the Marriotts Ridge Boosters Club sponsored the first ever Pathways Fair: an opportunity for students and parents to explore preparatory programs that target plans after graduation. From programs that offered guidance through the strenuous college admissions process to programs that gave students the ability to study abroad before college, the Pathways Fair served as a stronghold of discovery.

   Out of the many representatives that were present, Dr. Bruce Neimeyer, CEO and founder of Admissions Architect, was there to provide families with guiding information on how high school students of any age can start building their college resumes for senior year.

   “Colleges love to see interest evolve. Going from early exploration in your first year or second year [of high school], and then later focusing in on what truly matters most. Progression is what matters more than certainty in this instant,” Dr. Neimeyer proposed.

   Having worked in the college admissions department for over 30 years, Dr. Neimeyer has the blueprints to make high school seniors stand off the page to the schools that they apply to. The idea proposed aims to reinforce that a standout student is developed beyond what is shown on the report card. Showing passion and planning through extracurricular activities is an incredibly effective strategy to get on an admissions committee’s favorable side. 

   “Grades and rigor are still very important; they actually matter a lot, but they’re no longer enough. Especially when it comes to the most selective schools that receive tons of applications, some with over 100,000 applicants and only 3,500 spots, and that makes many students look alike,” Dr. Neimeyer continued.

   The idea that Dr. Neimeyer proposed was not meant to deter students from applying to their dream schools, rather to reinforce the idea that colleges care more about the personal characteristics of their applicants that reflect the archetype of student that they want on their campus. Throughout the presentation, Dr. Neimeyer suggested that a student’s application should reflect a linear story of dedication to developing interest that relates to their major. With more schools going test optional, causing the pool of prospective students to broaden, building a story that convinces a college admissions officer on why they should let an applicant receive an admission becomes the make-or-break decider.

    The Pathways Fair was more than a way for students and parents to learn about admissions, as there were several other vendors offering insight to summer experiences that can give students the opportunity to study, travel, learn life skills, and be financially responsible. 

   Ran out of Lehigh University, a representative Carrie Duncan was promoting a three week summer program for the Lacoca Institute for Global Leadership. This program gives students a chance to develop both entrepreneurial and leadership skills through applied research and international study. Students who have interest in building these specific skills were recommended to attend because they can be exposed to solving developing issues that have global implications. Tying back to the points that Dr. Neimeyer had made, this is one of many exploratory ways young students can dive deeper into their developing interests.

   If the Pathways Fair had one message, it would be for high school students to use their time wisely to learn and develop who they are. While this was only the first rendition of the fair, its priceless advice to all ages of students at Marriotts Ridge will cause it to return for years to come.