“It is so much more about your type of skiing and being proud of your skiing than it is where you end up in the results.”
~Ryan Cochran-Siegle, US Ski Team Silver Medalist
I loved watching the American skier Ryan Cochran-Siegle win a silver medal last month in the Olympics. Ryan, or “RCS” as he is known, hails from the famous Cochran family of northern Vermont. His grandfather cut trails on their property in Richmond so his children could ski and this grew into Cochran’s Ski Area. You pass it if you travel south on I-89 outside of Burlington. Ryan is part of the second generation that has competed at the international level. I have been to their ski area, met several of them and even heard an incredible story from Marilyn Cochran about our dear friend, Jeff Pier*. I have sampled their Slopeside Syrup and their generosity. Years ago, RCS’s cousin, Robbie Kelly, sent us a US Ski Team coat (pictured below) from the World Cup circuit when one of my children was in the hospital. But I think what I love most about the Cochrans is that they openly advertise that they want people to come ski their hill and that cost is not an issue. A season pass for a family costs $250. And if that presents a hardship, they will work something out with you.
So how does this relate to college admissions? When he was interviewed after his run he said something like, “I just wanted to have a great run and do my best. When I came across the finish line, I knew I had done that, before I ever even saw my time or where I placed.” And that is the piece that every college applicant needs to do. What does that mean?
- Take the time to think about what you want to get out of the college experience.
- Consider what you want your life to look like after college and how you can best use the eight semesters to get there.
- Put the thought and research into building a list of schools that you love with a range of acceptance likelihood.
- Work on your applications well before the deadline so you can take the time and care to put forth the strongest application possible.
If you do these four steps, then you will be following the same model as RCS. His quote above says it all–do not focus on the outcome. Your focal point should be on yourself and your amazing efforts!
*The story is too long and not admissions related but my husband or I will happily tell anyone who would like to hear it 🙂