College Admissions: The Essentials and

“How To”s VSCA Fall Conference, October 2015

Renee Norden, Highland School Alice L. Robertson, Chantilly High School

Tim Wolfe, College of William & Mary Contributions by Robyn Lady, Chantilly High School & PCACAC Professional

Development Chair

Why Are We Here? O Understand Data

O NACAC State of College Admissions Report O “Demystify” the Process O Opportunities for Advocacy O Initiate/Continue conversations between

both sides of the desk

Know What Matters Rank from 1-12 the importance of the following

components of a college application: Admissions Test Scores Grades in College Prep

Grades in all Courses Demonstrated Interest

Counselor Recommendation AP/IB Test Scores

Essay Extracurricular Activities

Teacher Recommendation Interview

Class Rank Strength of Curriculum

NACAC Findings

Let’s Review! College Prep Courses • English, Math, Science, Social Studies, World Language • Highly Selective Institutions want to see Honors, AP, IB • Academic Advising: Four Year Plan

Strength of Curriculum • “To Whom Much Is Given, Much is Expected” • High School Profile

Test Scores • New SAT for Current Juniors • ACT vs SAT • Practice Tests

Let’s Review! Demonstrated Interest • Campus Visit, Contact at HS Visit/College Fair • History of D.I.

Extracurricular Activities • Quality vs Quantity • Highest Rating in 2013

Class Rank • Lowest Rating in 2012 (13% vs 15% in 2013)

NACAC (www.nacacnet.org)

Trends Public vs. Private Enrollment Size Selectivity

Now What?

Essay/Writing Sample ∂ Essays are the highest ranked non-academic

feature of an application. ∂ The less a college relies solely on data

points…the greater the importance of the essay.

∂ Essays/Personal Statements are the one thing over which students have absolute control.

Essay/Writing Sample O Personal Narrative - Nonfiction narrative

writing that tells a true story about an event or a series of events. The writer can (and should) use “I”.

O The focus of these statements – regardless of the topic – is the student!

O An opportunity to provide voice/identity/personality to an application!

Essay/Writing Sample Colleges want to know: Why should we pick you? If we pick you, will you

be a good fit, make a contribution and add to the diversity of the school?

Three Types of Essay Questions O “You” Questions O “Creative” Questions O “Why Us” Questions

Essay/Writing Sample Colleges want to know: Why should we pick you? If we pick you, will you

be a good fit, make a contribution and add to the diversity of the school?

Three Types of Essay Questions O “You” Questions O “Creative” Questions O “Why Us” Questions

Letters of Recommendation COUNSELOR SUMMARIZES

THE WHOLE STUDENT. TEACHER PUTS THE LENS ON

THE LEARNER.

O A counselor can focus on personal setbacks, structural impediments that affected a student’s ability to take certain courses, the student’s aspirations, hopes, dreams.

O The counselor describes the student within the whole community.

O All-Encompassing

O A teacher should explain how the student makes an impact in the classroom on them, on their peers and how they react to challenges within the classroom.

O The teacher should focus specifically on academics.

O Subject-Specific

Help Students Tell Their Story

This packet SHOULD

include an Activities Resume.

Help Students Tell Their Story You need to say a few things about why you have asked the teacher to write for you. What did you enjoy most about their class? What topic, unit, concept, etc. was the most difficult for you? How did you master it? Add any other thoughts that will help prompt their memory and allow them to effectively write about you as an intellectual person, committed student, cooperative classmate, etc.

Do NOT include an Activities Resume

Letters of Recommendation O Questions COUNSELORS MUST Ask…

• Are you the first in your family to attend college? • What teacher(s) have you asked to write on your

behalf? • What are your essay topics? • What has been the most satisfying course you have

taken? Why? • If you had a motto to live by, what would it be and

why? • What if anything, would you do differently if you had to

experience high school again? If nothing, how have you made the most of your high school experience?

Letters of Recommendation O Questions COUNSELORS MUST Ask…

• Describe an incident in which you demonstrated strong character (loyalty, integrity, self-discipline, kindness, commitment to high ideals, caring for others, etc.) Think outside the box, not cheating is not the only answer!

• Which single activity has been most important to you and why? (You may choose a school-affiliated program or an independent one.)

• Parent: Describe one or two major events that you see as turning points in your son/daughter’s development. Explain the significance of these to his/her development.

• Parent: Please relate anecdotes that describe your student's strengths, accomplishments, preferences, character, work habits, goals, personality, etc.

Letters of Recommendation O Questions TEACHERS MUST Ask…

• What do you think you have demonstrated in my class(es) that I should praise? (Think about your contributions/performance during critiques, class discussion/presentations and work days, how have these contributions have made the class community better?)

• How have you demonstrated independence, initiative, responsibility and maturity in my class?

• What is your experience in your intended field? (What classes/ workshops/events have you attended?)

• Was anything in my class particularly challenging for you? Eye-opening?

• What was your favorite project/unit/topic that we discussed in class?

Activities Resume

∂ Conversation Finisher! ∂ Use Application Space Provided ∂ Prioritize Activities, Honors/Awards ∂ What Fits Where?

Activities “Resume”

www.commonapp.org

150 characters

50 characters

∂ Up to 5 Honors/Awards ∂ NHS

Final Thoughts O Share NACAC Data O Collaborate/consult with your faculty and

Admissions offices O When possible – send a letter of

recommendation or call O Use your resources!