The Zinch Report

Zinch has helped thousands of students connect with other students, find the college of their dreams, and, of course, it has supported students in becoming "more than a test score" since it launched in March 2007. A prime example of Zinch's success is Pauline Diaz (zinch.com/pauline.college). She just graduated from a Jesuit Catholic high school in Denver, CO and this Fall she'll be attending Seattle University. Because of Zinch, she was not only able to learn more about herself, who she is, and what she's passionate about but also gained an infinite amount of information from numerous colleges. Pauline was also able to begin a student-run blog (soulsucking.blogspot.com; The "C" Word), that includes students who were recruited through the Zinch forums, which speaks about the grueling college admissions process and brings up plenty if interesting topics that affect all prospective college students. Now, I don't want to be cheesy, but Pauline Diaz is most definitely "more than a test score"! I virtually sat down with her long-distance a few days ago and asked about everything from Zinch to college applications to chicken fingers. Here's what she told me:

When/How did you find out about Zinch and what made you want to become a part of it?

To be quite honest with you, I'm not entirely sure how I found out about Zinch -- probably FastWeb? It was the spring or summer before my senior year, though, and Zinch was pretty new and uncertain then. Regardless of the risk, I remember being instantly excited (and bummed I hadn't heard about it sooner) because Zinch valued things I hoped the admissions committees reading my applications would value--creativity, character, involvement. And in fact, by connecting with so many great schools, Zinch has proven that, yes, admissions committees DO care about this stuff.

What about Zinch has made you come back and use it on a regular basis?

Connecting with other students. I've used the Zinch forums to ask questions about application essays, how to dress and prepare for college interviews/receptions, and how to do my hair for prom. Not kidding. I probably shouldn't have told you that last part because it's incredibly embarrassing, but it's true. I've also used Zinch forums to answer questions about application essays, interviews, visits, tests, etc., because I actually enjoy using my experiences to help others get through the process (hence The "C" Word). I also follow the Zinch blog (honestly!) and love its useful advice and thought-provoking articles. Especially Sid's. :-P

What do you like most about Zinch?

Generally, Zinch takes some fear out of the application process. I get wrapped up in answering questions about my favorite music, and the same photography that's on my Z-folio is also on my MySpace and Flickr. That's comfortable to me. Plus, again, the Zinch forums are filled with people going through the same things I am, and the blog has advice to guide me through the tumult. While I still understand that I'm putting together my profile for colleges, not friends, it just reduces the freak-out factor and allows me to really speak from my own voice. Other sites (Cappex, for one) have tried to do what Zinch does for recruiting but "button it up" too much. Frankly, none of them feel as "comfortable" to me because they don't understand students, and they can't get students to show their passionate, true selves that way. And I suspect that because of this, Zinch reaches a more diverse population of students with a diverse range of concerns (that is, needs from a college and needs from a community of other students).

Has Zinch made college search for you easier in any way?

Like I said, the army of advice from both students and the Zinch team has been one of the most helpful tools to my college search, period. And it's nice to know that so many great colleges are supportive of a system like this that looks at a wider picture of the student.

How did you find out about Seattle University?

I went to a high school affiliated with the Jesuits, an order within the Catholic Church. There are also twenty-eight Jesuit-affiliated colleges/universities in the United States, including Boston College, Georgetown, Gonzaga, Creighton, and, in fact, Seattle U. Each fall my school would host a small Jesuit college fair, and when I went during my sophomore year I basically gave my address to any school that wasn't in Podunksville, including SU.

What made you pick Seattle University in the end?

I answered that question about "My Dream College" in my Zinch Hodge-Podge way back when I first signed up with Zinch. At the time, Seattle U was only in the back of my mind, but it seriously fits the school perfectly, almost eerily. Realizing that was a very gradual process. I had to let go of my assumptions about the school's quality and let go of the weight I put on the opinions of other people (and rankings).

The two things that really stuck out to me about Seattle University were these: First of all, not only did I love campus and the school itself, but I fell in love with the city. So much of learning happens outside of the classroom, outside of books. In Seattle, I felt like anywhere I could go I would thrive. Second of all, Seattle University uses the city as a resource. They put an emphasis on teaching the "whole person" and social justice. But I think more than any one factor, the college experience I could see myself having at SU simply fits my personality and priorities beautifully.

What are some of your future goals?

I'd like to be a good person. That's probably at the top of my list right now. I'd also like to learn to whistle like Andrew Bird and maybe be a tea connoisseur.

More traditionally speaking, in college I intend to pursue Journalism with a slew of possible minors currently tempting the dreamer in me (Political Science, History, Music...). As a career, I'd like to be a print or online journalist, maybe for Relevant Magazine (it's also my goal to intern there during college) maybe someday for something like Time or Christian Science Monitor, maybe a music journalist. Eventually, I would love to be an editor. At some point either in college or shortly afterward, I hope to live in another country for at least a few months, perhaps through a study abroad program or a volunteer service such as the Peace Corps.

And someday, a family.

What would you advise the class of 2009 to do as they begin apply to colleges?

Don't take it too personally. Colleges are not judging you; they are judging your applications. In some ways, the admissions game is a bigger gamble than the tables in Vegas. I don't think admissions is a random crapshoot, but basing a good chunk of the next four years of a person's life (plus years and years of student loan debt) on the exchange of a few envelopes and maybe one or two conversations definitely involves a lot of betting. This year, colleges anticipate more applications than they've ever seen before. The fact is, even if you're capable of the work at a competitive school, you could very well get rejected. These institutions don't have the space or resources to accept every applicant who "deserves it," but the guessing as to how well you'll fit into and contribute to campus is really based on very, very little information. Be satisfied with each school you apply to. Everyone has that dream school, but there are thousands of reachable, realistic choices out there where you'll find outstanding opportunities.

Do you have any tips on writing college application essays?

Oh crikey...

I have tips learned from mistakes.

Throughout the entire process of writing your essay (as you brainstorm, as you outline, as you write, as you revise and edit), be very explicitly aware of what you actually want to communicate. It's hard to pick "That One Thing" that's supposed to speak for your entire life, but again, you can't take this process too personally. Pick one to three words that describe you and be able to show how they fit you in a story. And have some conviction about it!

Also, have several other people read your essays. Your school counselor should be a priority, if possible, as well as at least one English teacher. I would also suggest running it by your the teachers writing your recommendation letters, your parents, your BFFAEAE... Even if they're not reading from an admissions perspective, have them read it 1) for clarity and 2) to make sure it expresses who you are. You may be flattered when they suggest your other positive attributes, or insulted when they say you're flat-out wrong, and you'll probably be confused all-around, but remember what you started out trying to communicate and why. You have the power to reject advice that doesn't align with your message. It's your application.

And (very important), when you're copying and pasting into a box on the Common Application, please actually read what ended up in the box. Make sure you didn't accidentally hit backspace in the middle of a sentence and erase a third of your essay.

Seriously, tips learned from mistakes.

RANDOM QUESTION OF THE DAY:

Do you like chicken fingers? If so, why?

I hate to say it, but I do. I like them because they're crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and warmed with fond memories of my childhood. I hate admitting it because I've been trying to cut down on eating meat (for environmental reasons, mainly--and because it's oh so hip).