These excerpts are from a letter sent to parents last spring by the chairperson of the Counseling Department at another high school, which has historically had a similar profile to NNHS.

It is the overwhelming consensus of our department, as well as of our colleagues in comparable schools around the country, that this college admission season was the most competitive ever. In response, we need to redefine the way in which we help students determine an appropriate college list. Moreover, the terms "reach", "50/50", and "likely" need to be clearly understood by students and families. Unfortunately, because we need these categories to develop a comprehensive list, some students view the "likely" colleges as "lesser" colleges. It is imperative that students and parents adopt a more realistic, flexible and comprehensive approach to the college process, and recognize that the competition, especially for the most selective colleges, is greater than ever before. For example, we no longer have the luxury of assuming that simply being in the top 10% of the [high school] class guarantees you a spot in an Ivy League or comparable institution.

Given the larger, stronger and more sophisticated applicant pool nationally, admissions decisions at this level were more difficult to predict than ever. In some case, "hooks" that would have worked in the past didn't, and, in other cases, special circumstances that could not have been anticipated resulted in an acceptance. The competition at the top level was so intense that, for example, a student admitted to several Ivy League schools, was denied at a comparable university for less than a straight "A" performance in senior year courses. A disturbing pattern this year was seen in several cases where a student was admitted to an Ivy League school and waitlisted at [a less selective] college...

In addition, it is important that parents are aware of the higher admission standards at the Massachusetts State Colleges and Universities...

This year showed us that some students were waitlisted at their middle range and some safety schools, further confirming that fact that the level of competition has significantly changed. In general, the mixed messages from college admissions offices are forcing counselors, parents and students to err on the side of caution when developing college lists. Therefore, in crafting an appropriate list of colleges, the choices should be broader, safer and more diversified.

Another admission trend this year was seen in the greater number of Early Decision and Early Action deferrals and denials, which seems to contradict the perceived advantage of submitting an early application. We have seen another phenomenon become more widespread this year: "demonstrated interest" on the part of the applicant, and the role that plays in the admission process. Apparently, just tiling the application is not enough for some institutions! Establishing personal contacts - visits, interviews, emails, requests for videos, etc. have become factors that can make a difference.

The good news is that our students are learning about more schools, are being admitted to a wide variety of excellent institutions, and are moving past a narrow perspective in the college search process. Students who were open-minded, realistic and thorough in their research received a greater number of acceptances, and therefore had more choices and experienced a more successful outcome. . .

Despite the challenges and stresses of the college process, everyone in the class of 2000 who applied to college was admitted to one or more schools and the vast majority of these students are happy with where they are going. For our underclass students and parents, we hope that these observations and reflections are helpful as they begin the college admission process.