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The College Selection and Admissions Process: Unveiling the Mystery

The College Selection and Admissions Process: Unveiling the Mystery. Richard Montgomery High School April 9, 2008 Rebekah Porter Assistant Director of Admissions UMBC. When to Begin. As always, the sooner the better, but more specifically: Freshman and sophomore years

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The College Selection and Admissions Process: Unveiling the Mystery

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  1. The College Selection and Admissions Process: Unveiling the Mystery Richard Montgomery High School April 9, 2008 Rebekah Porter Assistant Director of Admissions UMBC

  2. When to Begin As always, the sooner the better, but more specifically: • Freshman and sophomore years • Enroll in an academically rigorous curriculum • Earn good grades • Take the PSATs

  3. When to Begin • Junior year • Read mail and materials sent to you by colleges • Begin identify schools interested in visiting • Conduct campus visits • Take the SAT or ACT • “New” SAT-a word about it

  4. When to Begin • Senior Year • Visit colleges and take advantage of special program opportunities • Take the SAT or ACT again • Submit admissions applications in a timely manner • Explore scholarship opportunities

  5. How to Begin and What are the Options Available? Goal: To find fit/match between student’s goals, interests, strengths and aspirations, and institutional goals and mission. • Four Year Colleges and Universities • Public • Private • Research • Two-Year Schools • Community College • Proprietary

  6. The Application Process and Key Terms • Early Action • Early Decision • Regular Decision/Priority Dates • Rolling Admissions • Open Enrollment

  7. Why Are Application Deadlines So Important? For Institution • Practicality...Thousands of applications received • Brings order and structure to process • Feel for applicant pool For Student • Priority consideration • Provides structure to process

  8. Tip #1 Know important dates. Post them. Stick to them. Early decision/Early action… Know your obligations.

  9. What Documents are Required for the Application Review Process? • Application • Transcript • Essay • Standardized Test Scores • Letters of Recommendation • Others (Interviews, Supporting Documents, Portfolio, etc.)

  10. Tip #2 • Be clear - “required” vs. “recommended” • Submit completed application packet

  11. Who Reviews Applications for Admission? • Admission Committee • Admission Counselor • Faculty Member • Alumni • Student • All of the Above

  12. Tip #3 Know Your Audience

  13. What Factors are Considered in the Application Review Process? • Academic Performance • Strength of Curriculum • Character • Leadership Experience/Community Involvement • Interests/Goals/Aspirations • Standardized Test Scores (SAT or ACT)

  14. Tip #4 The application packet represents you… • Be creative • Brag • Be neat • Put your best foot forward but most of all… use spell check!

  15. Re: Academic Performance • Cumulative Grade Point Average Weighted or Unweighted? • Trends Upwards Downwards Inconsistencies

  16. Re: Curriculum • Challenging curriculum • College preparatory • Well rounded curriculum (liberal arts and sciences) • Strong senior year curriculum

  17. Re: Character • Who are you? • What are your moral strengths? • What do you bring to a community of learners?

  18. Re: Extracurricular Involvement • Community Service • Athletics • Leadership Experience • Work

  19. Tip #5 • Share relevant experiences • Include most recent activities and experiences • Be descriptive not just listing • Opportunity to enhance application packet

  20. Re: Interests, Goals and Aspirations • Essay/Personal Statement • Interview • Resumes • Portfolios

  21. Tip #6 Reflection of you. Looking for fit…So make a connection. Have others proof.

  22. Re: Standardized Exams • Which are required? • Which are preferred? • Are scores combined? • Other exams required Subject Exams, TOEFL, etc.

  23. Tip #7 • Be clear on test requirements. • Include all scores you want considered. • List upcoming test dates.

  24. Admissions Decision • Admit • Not Admit • Waitlist • Request Additional Information

  25. What if I’m Waitlisted? • Respond to waitlist notice (if required) • Submit additional (new) information • Keep options open

  26. What if I’m Not Offered Admission? • Be honest with yourself • Keep it in perspective • Request feedback • Offer new information • Explore transfer options

  27. What if I’m Offered Admission? • Know your rights…May 1 National Decision Date • Know your obligations…Early decision • Respond to offer

  28. Other Helpful Tips... • Note selective majors/programs requiring additional application/documents. • Document special needs. • Be organized - calendars, folders, address labels, timelines, checklists. • Keep copies.

  29. Best Wishes!

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