At Jay Alumni Connections, we’re dedicated to easing the stress of college applications. Motivated by the difficulties our peers are experiencing, we’ve created a platform designed to provide valuable insights and support.
Our team, comprised of Farah Ganesan, Hanna Martinsen, Rebecca Heath, and Nolan Rhodes, came together during our Humanities Research 2 class to address the overwhelming pressure faced by high school seniors. Through extensive research and analysis of over 70 survey responses from the class of 2024, we developed this comprehensive resource.
Our website offers a wealth of information, including guidance from former John Jay Alumni, inspiring stories from students who’ve successfully navigated the application process, and advice for those who are still making important application decisions. We invite you to explore our website and discover how we can help you achieve your college goals.
The Jay Alumni Connections journey all started with Farah Ganesan’s dedicated junior year research on the complex topic of college admissions. Through her work she discovered that the American higher education system faces significant challenges regarding fairness and equity in college admissions, perpetuating mental health issues in high school applicants. The system favors legacies and recruited athletes, often from affluent backgrounds, over merit-based admissions. Standardized testing further widens this gap, favoring wealthier students with access to resources over those who don’t. Low-income students may lack essential guidance in school and home settings, hindering their ambitions and admissions outcomes. Additionally, peer and familial pressures amplify this college stress, with students feeling compelled to attend elite institutions for success rather than prioritizing their values within a school. Ultimately, these inequities deepen societal divides creating a homogeneous workforce that misrepresents the diverse population of our country. With this new understanding, Farah and her team developed this website to serve as a valuable asset for John Jay for years to come
Are you an alumnus eager to give back? Join our community and help guide the next generation of students. By sharing your experiences, you can make a meaningful impact on someone’s educational journey. Sign up today to become a mentor and help shape the future.
