COLLEGE DECISION: COIN FLIP

COIN FLIP

Spring is here!  And amazingly May 1, the annual Decision Day is less than a month ago.  Are you ready to make your decision for where to attend college?

Before we outline a new approach to make this important decision, here are some previous essays that may be helpful.  The second choice, Criteria: Your Own Ranking outlines how to truly make your decision, but below is a different approach.

 

DECISION RESOURCES

https://www.archcareersguide.com/decision-resources-2/

CRITERIA: YOUR OWN RANKING

https://www.archcareersguide.com/select_your_own_ranking/

 

Now, please do not prejudge until you read through the entire process.  You may have predetermined it based on the title of the essay – COIN FLIP.

Yes, we suggest you use a “coin flip” to make your college decision.  Now, remember read to the end.

A number of years ago, I met with an admitted student at the University of Maryland along with her parents.  It was during the annual Open House Maryland which was near the end of April – near the annual Decision Day.

I graciously asked if she had yet made her decision on where to attend.  She said no but had narrowed her choice to two universities – University of Maryland and Virginia Tech.  Now, I knew she was from Maryland and was hopeful that she would become a Terp (University of Maryland).

To help her with her decision, I asked her for a coin.  Of course, she was skeptical but asked for her indulgence.  As she had two remaining choices, I suggested that we assign the University of Maryland to heads and Virginia Tech to tails.  As I began to toss the coin, she jumped in – “Wait, you are expecting to make by college decision on a coin flip.”

Again, I asked for her indulgence and proceeded with the coin flip.  I reviewed again that Maryland was heads and Virginia Tech was tails.  And, then I flipped the coin.

Now, before I share the results, please know that this process of decision-making is for ALL.  I have shared this process with many students with their parents.

The result: In a typical coin flip, someone will call heads or tails when the coin is in the air; in this instance, the calling was predetermined.  We just needed to wait for it to fall to learn of the decision.

Well, the coin fell from its apex right into my hand; as it did, I immediately took it and put it in my pocket.  My admitted student was in shock of sorts wanting to know if the coin was heads or tails.

I shared that the coin flip was NOT about making the decision for her but rather helping her make the decision.  I inquired as to whether she wanted to coin to be heads or tails when it was mid-air.  In all honesty, I do not remember her answer.

But the true reason for the coin flip was to truly uncover her unconscious passion for her decision.  She had done the work – research on the programs, etc., but the coin flip helps bring the final decision to the surface.  In addition, I asked if she wanted to do two out of three after revealing the results of the first flip.  You remember – if a coin flip does NOT go your way, you quickly state – two out of three.

Thus, a Coin Flip is NOT to ultimately decide on your college choice, but it does help reveal where you stand with your decision.

Best to you with your college decision.

Do let us know if we can help you with your college decision — archcareersguide@gmail.com

p.s. Perhaps not due to the coin flip, the student attended the University of Maryland.

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