Does She Love our College?

As part of the AP Committee’s desire to proactively discuss ethics, we will be sending out monthly “case studies.” In these cases, we will offer a situation and discuss whether the issue is in compliance with NACAC’s Statement of Principles of Good Practices (SPGP). Thanks to Jake Talmage, Director of College Counseling at St. Paul’s School and PCACAC AP Committee Chair, for this month’s case. If you have a question about a situation or SPGP, please contact a member of the AP Committee.

February Case: A high school counselor is working in her office when the phone rings. On the other line is an admission officer from Cupid College who visited the school the past few years and has developed a strong professional relationship with the counselor. After exchanging pleasantries, the admission officer asks, “Can you tell me about Applicant Adele? I love her music, and think she would be a great addition. But, does she love our college? It would really help me in committee knowing that we are one of her top colleges.”

Is this situation compliant with NACAC’s SPGP?

Discussion: At first blush, this seems like an easy case—don’t ask students, or counselors, for a rank order. But delve a little deeper, and the water gets murky.

According to NACAC SPGP II B 2. “All postsecondary members agree they will: not ask candidates, their schools, their counselors or others to list or rank order their college or university preferences on applications or other documents.”  However, was this a ranking? Maybe, maybe not. Furthermore, this was done as a phone call—it is not an application or document. Is this ethical?

If we look to another section, we can find additional guidance on this issue. According to NACAC SPGP III B 5. “All counseling members agree they will: not reveal, unless authorized, candidates’ college or university preference.” Thus, by asking this question, the admission officer might have put her colleague in an ethical quandary which could be quite uncomfortable. Does the counselor truly know the interest of the student? Has she been authorized to release that information? Would the situation be as difficult if the question was worded differently (for example, “Is she still interested?” instead of “Does she love my college?”)?

Conclusion:  This is a grey area. Although not technically a breach of SPGP, the situation approaches SPGP guidelines for college admission officers and counselors. And, it could make counselors uncomfortable. Perhaps the college admission officer did not even realize the quandary being put on the counselor.

Even though this situation may not be in technical conflict with SPGP, the counselor could contact the AP Committee to discuss the issue. Even if there were not an allegation, the AP Committee might contact the Dean/Director of the college to let them know that a concern had been raised. The student, counselor and school asking the question would be kept confidential, but this could help educate the admission staff about the issues placed on school counselors by such calls.

Want to review previous case studies?

View all of the Admissions Practices Case Studies here.