Introducing Admissions Levels
Level 1: Baby Steps
Welcome!
In speaking with some of our readers, we understand it may be difficult to know just where to start in reviewing these posts.
To help, we have introduced levels of understanding so it is easier to quickly reference how simple or complex the concepts are explained in the post. Those levels are:
Level 1: Baby Steps
Level 2: Admissions 101
Level 3: Advanced Concepts
Level 4: Highly Selective
Level 5: Ivy League
Level 1: Baby Steps
These are the fundamental questions that should be asked as before any application is submitted. In investment banking terms, these are the questions that if you cannot answer in the affirmative, it is pencils down. If you do not have this information, you are not ready.
While you may be aware of the answers to some of these questions, make sure that you have these fundamentals covered before proceeding.
Level 2: Admissions 101
With the basics covered, we can explore some of the considerations that go into the undergraduate and graduate admissions processes.
Understanding the basics of admissions will provide you as a counselor or parent with the basic information you need to help someone navigate the basic college admissions process.
Level 3: Advanced Concepts
Ok, now we are getting to something more interesting. If Level 1 and 2 are the basics, Level 3 is where we begin thinking about second order effects.
What does that mean? Think about macro level trends that may impact your career and college process. For example, how does the rise of apprenticeship model influence college outcomes?
If you have a strong understanding of Level 1 and 2, then Level 3 will help you take what is going on and apply it to your unique situation to help you make an informed decision.
At this point, free posts will predominately be Level 1-3, while levels 4 and 5 will predominately be paid.
Level 4: Highly Selective
Now we get to the additional insights. This goes beyond the high-level overviews, and instead focuses on the specific challenges and issues related to both admissions and the job search.
To provide an example:
Level 1: What is required to become a doctor?
Level 2: What should I be doing in High School to Prep for Med School?
Level 4: What is Johns Hopkins looking for in their medical school applicants?
Level 5: Ivy League
This is it. If you are looking for the insights necessary to get into the most selective colleges, grad schools, and jobs, this is where that is discussed.
Trying to become an investment banker? Wanting to know more about the prospective growth prospects for a job over the next 10 years?
Level 5 is designed to get you those exact insights. It is the difference in moving with a plan and “hoping” you get where you want to be.
As you know, hope is not a strategy.
Hopefully that provides some context for posts and helps you navigate the ones you need.