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The Art of the Application

The Art of the Application. David Tobias, USF Todd Hicks, SCU. Trends in Admission. A changing landscape What we are seeing …. What do you include?. The application as a portfolio:. Essay Activities Transcript Academic Evaluation Writing supplements Additional information

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The Art of the Application

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  1. The Art of the Application David Tobias, USF Todd Hicks, SCU

  2. Trends in Admission • A changing landscape • What we are seeing …

  3. What do you include?

  4. The application as a portfolio: • Essay • Activities • Transcript • Academic Evaluation • Writing supplements • Additional information • Required explanations • Secondary School Report • Demographic information • Letters of Recommendation • Writing samples and arts supplements • Demonstrated Interest: visits, interviews, summer camps • INTL: Financial resources, English proficiency, transcript evaluation

  5. Early Action/Early Decision • Have you visited/attended a reception? • When can you submit a thorough application? • Will test scores after deadline be considered? • ED is a powerful statement: (often a different academic profile) • CSS Profile/other forms used for financial aid

  6. Many students have similar academic profiles. How do we decide? GPA, rigor, rank: Transcript, test scores, writing, school profile, dual enrollment

  7. Demographics • Major • First Gen • Legacy • Geographic • Need Aware • Multi-ethnic • Under-represented (non-specified)

  8. There should be nothing “common” about a submitted Common App

  9. Create a mosaic

  10. Develop an image for the reader

  11. Use structure to highlight experiences • Take us into - and beyond - the numbers • Who is best able to speak to the applicant’s strengths and provide confidence ( student, employer, counselor, teacher, alumni, pastor, advisor) • Essay or Additional information? How much is too much?

  12. Be Concise Don’t bury important information Readers are reviewing many applications • Provide context to GPA and academic rigor. • If a learning disability has impacted test scores, ideally the reader learns that before reading a teacher evaluation. Give confidence that a student can advocate and overcome challenges.

  13. Required explanations

  14. Counselor Letter • Set the stage: offer insights into the student’s background and experience • First gen, upward trend, challenges faced in and out of school. • Calibrate as a staff : what constitutes most difficult? • Weighted vs. un-weighted GPA and ranking • Quotes that can be used to differentiate applicant

  15. Teacher Evaluation • Specific examples of growth, classroom participation, ability to ask for support, and the ability to support others • Quotes that we can take into committee to advocate – offer contract and comparisons. • What sets this student apart? • Use of form letters: if we read by school we will see the same teachers over and over

  16. The essay: an opportunity to shine! • Common App Essay prompts: • Option #1: Some students have a background or story that is so central to their identity that they believe their application would be incomplete without it. If this sounds like you, then please share your story. • Option #2: Recount an incident or time when you experienced failure. How did it affect you, and what lessons did you learn? • Option #3: Reflect on a time when you challenged a belief or idea. What prompted you to act? Would you make the same decision again? • Option #4: Describe a place or environment where you are perfectly content. What do you do or experience there, and why is it meaningful to you? • Option #5: Discuss an accomplishment or event, formal or informal, that marked your transition from childhood to adulthood within your culture, community, or family.

  17. Essay dos and don’ts • Be authentic! • Respond to the topic. • Start strong and end strong. • Consider what themes and/or adjectives will the evaluator use to describe the applicant after reading the essay? • Challenging Topics: • Sports, community service, horses

  18. Arts supplements • Giving context to time listed for activities: YouTube videos, online portfolios • Auditions • Demonstrated Interest • Scholarship opportunities • (different timelines)

  19. Listing Activities Be thorough and accurate: • Community service • Family responsibilities • Clubs and organizations • Cultural and faith based activities • Leadership positions • Give us a sense of how you invest your time • What matters to you, where do your passions lie? • Will we see a connection to the university mission/community? • Provide additional insights in writing supplements or additional information. • Complete the activities section, even if uploading a resume!

  20. Examples

  21. Using Additional Information

  22. Not uncommon this year to see only one activity listed with little detail:

  23. Resume: embellished?

  24. Continued…

  25. Resume: page 3

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