College Exploration to Prepare for What’s Next

Courtney shares her wealth of experience to aid students and families in navigating higher education and college admissions in particular. She believes that the admissions process should be as transparent as possible. We were delighted to sit down with Courtney to gather her insights and guidance with a series of top-of-mind questions among students and families.

Question: Courtney, we’re delighted to have your expertise and guidance as we begin this journey. Could you share a little about yourself and what drew you to the role?

Answer: I’m delighted to be working with NEIA in an advisory role. I’m an avid runner and podcast listener. If you can’t find me at Babson’s Admission Office or out for a run, I’m most likely trying to corral my very opinionated dog.

I’m passionate about ensuring that students find a path beyond high school that sets them up for success, and that’s primarily what brought me to NEIA. I had an opportunity to join a virtual event to discuss entrepreneurship in education with Raymond Chang, co-founder, and trustee at NEIA, in late 2020. As the conversation unfolded and Raymond shared his perspective on entrepreneurship and the synergy between Babson and NEIA, I was hooked.

Question: Given your expertise and deep understanding of the current outlook at college and universities, could you tell us in your own words what colleges are looking for in students?

Answer: If 2020 has taught us anything, it is certain that the days of the packed college lecture hall are numbered. Our team is looking for students who come from a rich educational experience that emphasizes team-based instruction, internships, and project-based learning.

We especially need innovative and intentional schools — encouraging students to build their skills at a younger age to set them up for success in college and beyond. The ability to identify a problem, define and implement a solution, and iterate as part of a team is a life skill. Students who come in prepared to think and adapt will be in high demand in any college setting.

As admissions professionals, we believe that students from schools with this type of experience come prepared for college.

At NEIA, students will have an opportunity to take concepts from the classroom to the innovation studio and test them. They will work as a team with experienced faculty and industry experts to gain feedback and improve their work. With skills gained at NEIA, students will be prepared to enter their first year of college confident in the knowledge that they have what it takes to succeed.

Question: Will the NEIA experience, with a focus on innovation and human-centered design, enable students to pursue the field of their choice?

Answer: Absolutely! NEIA students will engage in humanities, mathematics, science, languages, the arts, athletics, and much more. Their education will be well-rounded and full of cross-disciplinary learning opportunities that invite curiosity and ensure they find what they love. I appreciate that at NEIA, much like Babson, students will have opportunities to bring their ideas to impact through real-world experiences with local businesses, organizations, and service-learning. NEIA’s Innovation Studio is a unique opportunity for students to explore topics in an interdisciplinary way with tangible results that will be a crucial differentiator in the admissions process. Most students won’t have this type of exposure until they reach college.

The additional focus that NEIA has placed on human-centered design will only enhance their educational experience. Learning to listen to stakeholders with empathy and compassion will ensure students become more caring and compassionate adults.

NEIA students will not only be prepared for existing fields of study but also areas that have not even been discovered yet. The NEIA curriculum will teach students to be able to innovate and adapt to our changing world.

Similarly, high school is a great time to explore and discover which colleges you might gravitate towards, which is how academic advisors will help students along their journey.

Question: How will NEIA be recognized among colleges?

Answer: NEIA will be an attractive school as an intentional community of innovative students. In my role, I’ll be in a position to make connections with colleges and universities on NEIA’s behalf to create a network in the years to come. This work has already begun as I work with Tom to meet with key stakeholders and provide information to students and families.

I anticipate that as students enter the school in September, we will be well-positioned to increase NEIA’s visibility and recognition across the higher education community. I expect that my peers will be just as enthusiastic as I was to learn how NEIA will reimagine school and develop students who can think on their feet, adapt, challenge the status quo, and come prepared for what’s next.

Question: Will NEIA students be able to explore a range of college options?

Answer: Of course, students should and will absolutely be able to consider a range of college options. Early on in the high school experience is the best time to begin talking with an academic advisor about your interests and discover which types of colleges you may want to pursue.

Students will gain experience in literature, languages, art, design, and a strong foundation in mathematics, science, and technology. Through hands-on project work, students will experience what it means to use their knowledge through their studies and apply it. The experience will be life-changing as they explore new fields, apply their learning, and find the areas that are most interesting and exciting to them.

NEIA students will be well-positioned to explore a range of colleges and universities as they move into the next phase of their journey.

Question: What is a pre-professional program, and can you apply with a NEIA degree?

Answer: Pre-professional majors are tracks in undergraduate programs that prepare you for a professional degree after your bachelor’s. Pre-professional majors are not limited to four-year colleges and universities. In community colleges, a pre-professional major leads to an associate’s degree and is equivalent to the first two years of a bachelor’s degree program. Working with their NEIA advisor, students will be able to plan appropriately to pursue a pre-professional major.

The NEIA curriculum is designed to be nimble enough to prepare students with the skills needed to be successful in STEM professions such as engineering, medicine, and, yes…business.