Christina Lopez, Dean of Enrollment Management at Barnard College, shares her 18 years of experience incollege admissions. She dives into why mental health disclosures are vital, emphasizing personal growth and authenticity in applications. Christina advises students on when and how to disclose their mental health challenges, while also exploring the healing power of writing. She highlights the importance of crafting authentic personal statements and encourages open discussions around mental health, ensuring students approach their applications with confidence.
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insights INSIGHT
Importance of Reflection
Reflecting on high school experiences, including difficult ones, is crucial for growth.
Overcoming challenges shapes personal narratives and should be acknowledged in applications.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Christina's Story
Christina Lopez shares her personal journey with anxiety, depression, ADHD, and autism.
She discusses the importance of self-discovery and finding support systems.
volunteer_activism ADVICE
Disclosing Mental Health
Students should disclose mental health challenges only if they feel ready and it's part of their story.
Disclose from a place of strength, focusing on growth and coping skills.
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Welcome to the next episode to our special three-part series on mental health disclosures in college applications. In Episode 2, Ethan is joined by Christina Lopez, Dean of Enrollment Management at Barnard College. They cover, among other things:
Why is this topic important—both generally, but also personally, for Christina?
What advice would Christina give to students about whether or not to disclose?
What does Christina look for in a personal statement?
How can college counselors and parents help their students navigate this process?
And more
Christina Lopez has served in college admissions for 18 years. She attended New York University Tisch School of the Arts and majored in Drama and later received her M.Ed. from NYU Steinhardt in Higher Education Administration. After graduating she worked in television and film casting and realized she enjoyed working with students. Her first admissions job was at the American Musical and Dramatic Academy in NYC. During her time at NYU, she read for the Stern School of Business and managed the admissions process for Tisch School of the Arts. She joined Barnard’s admissions team in 2014 as the Associate Director for Multicultural Recruitment and now serves as the Dean of Enrollment Management, providing oversight to the Office of Admissions and Financial Aid.
During her career in higher education, Christina has served as an Executive Board Member for New York State Association of College Admissions Counseling (NYSACAC) and Co-Chair of the Association of Black Admissions and Financial Aid Officers of the Ivy League and Sister Schools (ABAFAOILSS). As an advocate for access and equity within higher education, she has previously served on the board of Go To College NYC and Minds Matter, two Community-Based Organizations in NYC that serve under-resourced students as they navigate the college process.
We hope you enjoy the conversation.
Play-by-Play:
2:29 - Why is this topic important—both generally, but also personally, for Christina?
4:05 - Christina shares her background
15:27 - What advice would Christina give to students about whether or not to disclose?
20:36 - What are some different options for where students can disclose if they choose to?
23:33 - What information might not be as helpful to disclose?
26:00 - What does Christina look for in a personal statement?
33:45 - Christina shares some memorable college essays
38:22 - How can college counselors help their students navigate this process?
40:38 - What should students and families keep in mind during the college admission process?
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