Jeff Selingo returns to Ursuline with fresh insights on college admissions

Ursuline families packed the auditorium on Monday, September 29, for a special evening with Jeff Selingo, best-selling author and higher education expert. Hosted by the Academic and College Counseling team, the program marked Selingo’s third visit to campus by popular demand.

Selingo, who has spent more than two decades writing about higher education, urged families to look beyond the “top 25 or bust” mentality and instead focus on schools that align with a student’s goals, values, and financial fit. He reminded parents that success in college is less about prestige and more about finding the right environment to thrive academically, socially, and personally.

“Parents should stop viewing the admissions process as a trophy for successful parenting,” advises Selingo. The true measure of success, he said, is discovering a college where students will thrive across all dimensions of their lives.

“Parents should stop viewing the admissions process as a trophy for successful parenting."
— Jeff Selingo, best-selling author, Dream Big

Throughout his talk, Selingo blended research, stories, and humor. He shared a cautionary tale of a student who transferred from an Ivy League school to a major public university after realizing he had been blinded by prestige. He cited data from the National Survey of Student Engagement showing that student satisfaction is often just as high, or higher, at less selective colleges, where faculty interaction and mentoring opportunities can be stronger.

Among his key takeaways:

• Ask the right questions. For students unsure about what they want in a college, Selingo suggested parents begin with what their children like or dislike about high school. “It’s a simple way to get them talking about preferences and priorities,” he said.
   
• Think about affordability early. He encouraged families to use net price calculators, compare earnings data from the federal College Scorecard, and weigh merit aid and first-year programs that can enhance the student experience. “College is one of life’s biggest investments,” he said. “Shop wisely and shop early.”
   
• Rethink the dream school. Selingo emphasized looking for hands-on learning opportunities, internships, and special programs rather than focusing only on rankings. Fairfield University, among Selingo’s new “dream schools,” attracted many Ursuline students from the Class of 2025. According to Selingo, families are weighing outcomes against cost.
   
• Understand the testing landscape. With more colleges adopting test-optional policies, he advised families to consult their daughter’s college counselor here at Ursuline, try both the SAT and ACT, and remember that no single standardized test score will make or break an application.

The evening concluded with a lively Q&A session. Parents asked about early decision, early action, deferrals, and the surge in applications. Selingo explained how admissions offices use these tools as part of their enrollment management strategy, noting that early action increasingly results in more deferrals. He also pointed to how even Ivy League schools are “suffering a bit” as more parents are factoring in return on investment (ROI) when making choices.

Upon leaving the theater, each attendee received a complimentary copy of Selingo’s latest book, Dream School: Finding the College That’s Right for You (available here on Amazon). The gift served as both a resource and a reminder of his core message: that choosing a college is less about rankings and more about finding the right personal and financial fit.

“We are committed to making sure that every Ursuline family has the tools they need to make informed choices about college, look beyond the rankings, and find the college that is the best fit for their daughters.”
- Dr. Colleen Melnyk, president

The event highlights Ursuline’s dedication to preparing families for one of life’s most pivotal decisions, equipping them with both resources and know-how. “There are many paths to success in college,” said President Dr. Colleen Melnyk. “We are committed to making sure that every Ursuline family has the tools they need to make informed choices about college, look beyond the rankings, and find the college that is the best fit for their daughters.”