A N OV E RV I E W

THE COLLEGE ADMISSIONS PROCESS

OVERVIEW

• Keeping the Process in Perspective• Nature of the Marketplace• Factors Impacting College Admission

Decisions• Research • Developing a Balanced List of Schools –

Applying Strategically!• Application Options & Managing the Process• Presenting the Person Behind the Numbers

NATURE OF THE MARKETPLACE

You cannot rely on the college admissions landscape that you were familiar with!

Good News/Bad News:While the odds for admission into a four year college/university are still good, the competition for selective colleges, especially those in the northeast, is more intense than ever.  

The Silver Lining:Students who do their research and are realistic about the process, often end up getting into one of their top choice schools. 

Also, many top state universities are now admitting more out of state applicants.

FACTORS IMPACTING COLLEGE ADMISSIONS DECISIONS

TOP TWO from NACAC’s 2013 State of College Admission report:

•Grades•Strength of CurriculumOther factors include:

Admissions Test Scores, Class Rank , Demonstrated Interest, Essay/Writing Sample, Counselor Recommendation, Teacher Recommendation(s), Extracurricular Activities, Interview

The actual weight assigned to any particular factor can vary from school to school, so it is important not to underestimate the importance of any of these factors.

COLLEGE ADMISSIONS TESTING

• SAT and/or the ACT+Writing • Later this spring (May/June) and once again in the fall

(October/November) • Differences in format and content, therefore we have

encouraged juniors to explore both • College Board (SAT) and ACT web sites: offer a free

“question of the day” prep option, a practice test and on-line test registration

• “Test Optional” Schools – FairTest.org http://www.fairtest.org/university/optional

• SAT Subject Tests

RESEARCHSTUDENT DRIVEN PROCESS!

• FIT - Thoughtful Process of Introspection The questions is not “Which is the best college?” The question is “Which is the best college for me?”

• Wide Array of Internet Tools Begin with objective sites utilizing facts/statistics

• College Board• College Navigator• Colleges That Change Lives• Association of Universities & Colleges of Canada

CAMPUS VISITS/INTERVIEWS

• Best Way to Assess FIT!• Formal vs Informal Visits: or perhaps a

combination of the two

• Options May Vary: Tours, Information Sessions, Interviews, Special Programs, etc.

• Ideal Time to Visit: when classes are in session

• Interview: availability/role varies by school, but can

play a pivotal role at decision time

DEVELOPING A BALANCED LIST OF SCHOOLS

THE IB AND COLLEGE ADMISSIONS

• Most schools view the IB as a very rigorous curriculum and wonderful preparation for college

• How the IB is factored in varies by school:• Some recalculate GPA• Others consider it a factor in a holistic review

• The IB will help an applicant who is already “in the mix” but seldom changes things for students outside that college’s mix

APPLY STRATEGICALLY• Shift focus from overall FIT to Academic FIT• Am I in the mix? And if so, where am I in the

mix?• To evaluate, review admitted student profile• GPA, Class Rank, SAT • Available on collegeboard.org and college web sites• Helps gauge your chances of admission • Might also help gauge potential for scholarship funding

• Academic fit can be challenging to judge - we’re here to help!

THE BALANCED LIST

Factoring in fit, selectivity and cost, a student’s list of schools should include:

• SOLID SCHOOLS - Schools that seldom reject candidates with the student’s credentials. His/her grades & test scores are at the high end or well within the mix of the enrolled student profile.

• FINANCIALLY FEASIBLE SCHOOLS - In addition to having a very good chance of being admitted, this option is also affordable should the financial aid packages at other schools prove disappointing.

THE BALANCED LISTCONTINUED

A student might also consider applying to:

• PROBABLE SCHOOLS - Schools where his/her chances of being accepted are better than the chances of being rejected, though there is no guarantee of admission. There is strong compatibility between the student’s grades & test scores and the enrolled student profile.

IT IS OPTIONAL FOR STUDENTS TO HAVE THE FOLLOWING SCHOOLS ON THEIR LISTS

• POSSIBLE SCHOOLS - These schools accept a smaller percentage of applicants and a student’s chances of being admitted are relatively low because his/her grades & test scores fall toward the bottom of the school’s enrolled student profile.

• THE STATISTICAL REACH - A school the student would like to attend but where his/her chances of acceptance seem slim. A student’s grades & test scores do not fall within the enrolled student profile and/or no one’s chances of admission are high.

FINANCIAL CONSIDERATIONS

It is important to have a financially feasible option: • It too should be a good FIT!• It need not be in MA - some out-of-state publics can be

affordable, as are a few private schools Research schools’ Financial & Merit Aid policies:• Keep in mind most colleges can’t fully meet a student’s

demonstrated need• Net Price Calculator – provides rough cost estimate• Not all schools offer merit awardsHave a conversation about finances at this juncture: This allows parents and students to plan accordingly

DEMONSTRATION

Sturgis Web Sitehttp://sturgischarterschool.org/

College Board Site as a Research Toolhttps://www.collegeboard.org/

A N OV E RV I E W

MANAGING THE APPLICATION PROCESS

THE COLLEGE APPLICATION

Most applications are electronic:

The Common Application School Specific Applications While we encourage early application, hold off until early fall

Counselor support:• High school transcript &

updates• School profile• Counselor /School

recommendation

Student responsibility: • Application forms & fees• Essay(s)• List of activities, offices

held, honors/recognitions• Direct College Board or

ACT to send OFFICIAL test scores

• Request/follow-up on teacher recommendations

• Request high school transcripts

MANAGING THE APPLICATION PROCESS

• Create a separate e-mail account•Manage user names/passwords• Know application requirements•Monitor application deadlines• Track financial aid forms & deadlines• Routinely check application status

ADMISSIONS POLICIES

Non-Restrictive Application Plans• Regular Decision• Rolling Admission• Early Action (EA)

Restrictive Application Plans• Restrictive Early Action• Early Decision (ED)

THE PERSON BEHIND THE NUMBERS

COLLEGE ADMISSIONS IS AN ART NOT A SCIENCE

• It’s human beings making decisions about human beings, and cannot be reduced to a single formula• Colleges are admitting individuals and

shaping a freshman class• Essay and recommendations add depth

and dimension

ESSAY• Applicant has complete control - chooses

what to write about and how to write it• Individualizes the applicant• Essay evaluated for (1) form, (2) content,

and (3) creativity/originality• Length (common application) 250-650 words• Narrate a slice of life – attempting to cover

too much territory diminishes the story

LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION• Generally 1or 2 teacher recommendations and a

counselor recommendation are required• Recent teachers well acquainted with student’s work

habits, initiative, class participation, writing skills, etc.• Most insightful supporter may not be favorite teacher or

teacher where student earned “A”• Counselor recommendation paints broader picture:

draws on student, parent, and teacher input to address the student as a learner and citizen of the school and greater community • Recommend student waive right to access

REMEMBER…

A well written essay and strong recommendation letters can sway an admission decision – careful attention can positively impact the outcome.

LOOKING TO THE FUTURE

• College Admissions Testing & College Search with juniors

• College Admissions Overview with juniors/parents• Individual meetings with juniors• Common Application workshops in early fall• Individual meetings with seniors• College Financing Seminar for parents• College Financing Seminar for seniors• Making an Informed Decision Seminar seniors/parents