Get to Know College Admissions Expert, Dr. Tina Brooks

How has your experience working as Associate Dean of Admissions at Pomona College informed your approach to Private Counseling? 

There are a lot of commonalities: working in college admissions at a highly selective private college involves working closely with students and families from all over the world to address their concerns about college fit and help them navigate the college search and application processes. I think I’ve developed the ability to listen closely and connect authentically with both students and families in college admissions.

What have been the biggest shifts you’ve noticed in the college admissions landscape over the past 10 years?

How much time do you have? Seriously, the pivot to remote learning has had a major impact on students, leading to a variety of outcomes, from the growth and acknowledgment of mental health issues, to the re-evaluation of priorities and goals, to gaps in learning. Admissions has had to address all of these in our consideration of how applicants will thrive in our communities. Two other significant issues impacting admission policies are the state of race-conscious admissions and the prominent shift to test-optional admissions.

Before working at Pomona, you served as Assistant Director of Admission and Transfer Coordinator at Scripps College. For students who are thinking of transferring, what is the best way to begin this process?

I also served as the Transfer Coordinator at Pomona College for four years, and it has definitely become a passion of mine to serve students who are seeking that second chance to find their (better) college fit. For those seeking to transfer from another four-year institution, get really clear on what isn’t working at your current institution and what you are seeking at a transfer school. Is the issue something that you will carry with you, or is it something external that you can find at another institution? Let this guide your search for a transfer destination.

As an interviewer for the Gates Scholarship and the Posse Foundation, what did you notice as common interview pitfalls? What are the best ways for students to prepare for interviews during the college process?

Great question! I’ve interviewed hundreds of people for publications, as well as for admissions or educational programs, and one positive personality trait can end up being a pitfall: modesty. For students who shy away from bragging, you’ll need to redefine the interview as a chance to share more about issues, projects or classes that you really care about. Don’t worry that the focus seems to be on you: let your enthusiasm and passion for ideas and activities shine! You will probably forget to be nervous once you get onto topics that are dear to you.

You are also a published author and hold a doctorate in English. How does your background in higher ed complement your role as a Senior Private Counselor?

Once an educator, always an educator. My own lifelong pursuit of learning—whether researching a historical period or reading literature that expands my world view—has led me to writing and teaching. I’m truly curious to learn about students’ pursuits, the classes that engaged them, the ideas that excite them. Guiding them to deepen their knowledge and develop their own goals is a collaborative process that never gets old.

Want to work with Tina? Contact us today to reserve your spot.