Easy Transition

“Whether I was working with younger or older people, I’ve always assisted those around me with transitions,” says Michaelson Eustache. “To this day, some of them still reach out to me when they’ve accomplished something or are trying to figure out their next step.”

As associate director of admissions at New York Tech’s New York City campus, Eustache helps with one of the biggest transitions a person can make: high school to postsecondary. “Personally, I had no clue what I was doing when I was applying to college, and for people like myself who are the first in their family to continue their education after high school, they have no model of what to look for or how to approach it, so I always try to be as transparent as possible with families going through the same process,” he says.

Eustache also knows that for many New York Tech students, this is not just a personal decision but one that can affect the whole family. “The entire family is looking at the cost, the distance, the programs that might be beneficial to their likes and interests, so it’s important to involve them all,” he says.

For Eustache and his team, due diligence means “playing both offense and defense” when it comes to representing the university. “We participate in different events, from visiting schools to hosting prospective students here on campus,” he says. “We provide them with as much information as we can and dispel any confusion or misunderstandings they might have about New York Tech. Prospective students can sometimes think New York Tech is a trade school, but the most popular assumption is that we only have engineering programs, when in fact we have a wide variety of different majors. We have our own medical school, arts programs, and a School of Management as well.” And some of those conversations turn into relationships. “We continue to follow up with students that are interested, then review their applications, and sometimes even speak to students who are denied admission, advising them on how to move forward, on what they can do next.”

After five years in admissions, Eustache has a firm handle on the kind of student New York Tech looks for and attracts. “Unlike a lot of other schools, we look at students holistically. We look at the entire student, not just their statistics,” Eustache says. “High school can go by in a blur, and sometimes students go in not knowing how impactful high school can be on their future. So, I look at their grades, GPA, and test scores, but I also read their essay to find out about their passion. I read the recommendation letters, which can often show a different picture of who that student is. We also look at the academic activities they participate in, extracurriculars, and volunteer work they do within their communities.”

An avid reader who loves to bake, Eustache knows something about being a well-rounded individual. “We’re looking for students who are going to get involved and be a part of our community,” he says. “It’s one thing to look good on paper, but we want interactive students that are looking to build toward the future and become great thinkers, innovators, and creators. Those are the people who will fit in at New York Tech, regardless of their grades.”