21. Navigating the College Application Process with Ashwini Sakpal

In this episode of Creative Career Lab, Ashwini provides valuable guidance on navigating the college application process, particularly for students in their 12th grade or final year of an undergraduate program who are exploring options for their undergraduate or master's studies. She emphasizes that the first crucial step is identifying the top five colleges that align with a student's expectations. By creating a comparison sheet, students can weigh factors such as facilities, faculty, and programs before visiting the institutions to ensure they meet their expectations.

Ashwini stresses the importance of understanding not only what students expect from a college but also what colleges expect from applicants. With limited seats and high competition, making an application stand out is essential. She advises students to focus on presenting themselves holistically, emphasizing passion, creativity, and versatility in their portfolios. For design schools, portfolios should go beyond basic sketches and include creative endeavors such as photography, Rangoli designs, or writing, showcasing a range of skills and personal interests.

Ashwini also highlights the significance of being curious and expressive during interviews. Rather than answering questions passively, students should engage in two-way communication, explaining the thought process behind their work and showing enthusiasm. She explains that colleges seek students who will not only excel academically but also contribute to extracurricular activities and represent the institution positively in interactions with industry professionals and visitors.