the private college admission process valparaiso high school workshop november 4, 2015 leslie ihnat...

The Private College Admission Process

Valparaiso High School Workshop

November 4, 2015

Leslie Ihnat

Valparaiso University

Gathering Information

• Websites & Guidebooks to research admissibility:

• The College Board, LearnMoreIndiana, Barron’s, Peterson’s Guide, U.S. News & World Report, etc.

• Use career interest inventory and college navigator search button at learnmoreindiana.org.

• Select specific schools to research.

• Request college-published brochures from the schools on your long list.

• Indicate on PSAT, SAT, PLAN, ACT and AP that you would like to receive information from colleges interested in you.

Additional Sources

• High School Guidance Counselors.

• Colleges visiting your high school.

• College fairs:

-Purdue North Central in the Fall Semester

-Valparaiso University in the Spring Semester

• Visit colleges.- Student-guided tour of the campus

- Conversation with admission counselor

- Sit in on classes/meet with faculty

- Eat a meal in the dining hall

- Spend the night with a current student.

Comparing College Choices

• Look for the differences.

• Consider the “fit” – academically, extracurricularly, spiritually, geographically.

• Don’t eliminate more expensive private schools until you compare bottom line after financial aid.

• Narrow the choices: High, medium, and low interest.

• Apply for admission in the fall of senior year.

The Admission Process

• Grades in a strong college prep program.

• Class Rank

• Standardized Test Scores (SAT or ACT)

• Advanced Placement Scores, Dual Credit, or IB

• Special talents and interests

Standardized Tests

• The SAT or the ACT

• Take as early as March of the junior year and no later than December of the senior year.

• Be prepared for the writing component.

• Test more than once.

• Have your scores sent directly to the schools to which you are applying.

The Interview

• Many colleges and universities recommend, others may require, a meeting with a member of the admission counseling staff.

• During this meeting, students may share decisions on course selection in high school, extracurricular activities, and special career interests.

• Dress appropriately, be prepared to discuss with the rep, don’t just answer question.

• Come armed with some questions of your own.

The Admission Application

• The application is the primary vehicle used to introduce yourself to the admission office.

• Most are now online; follow directions closely.

• Check to see if colleges you’re looking at will accept the Common Application.

• Proofread all parts of the application. Spellcheck!

• Submit application well before deadline.

• Students, not parents, complete applications.

• Make notes of when you submitted applications or requested transcripts through Parchment.

The Essay

• One of the best avenues to get to know you.

• Must be well-written and grammatically correct.

• Select from among suggested topics the college gives you -- do not send the same word-processed essay to all colleges (exception: Common App).

• Tell your story in a way that your feelings, perceptions, values, commitments, and special interests come through naturally.

• Suggestion: write in Word, then copy and paste into the online application.

The Transcript

• Your strengths, weaknesses, commitment to education.

• Outlines courses taken plus those in progress.

• Rigor. Shows AP/IB/Dual Credit.

• Senior classes should be listed as well – direct admit programs.

• GPA and rank.

Admission Notification Systems

• Rolling Admission

• Deferred Admission

• Early Action

• Early Decision

• National enrollment date is May 1

The College Choice

• Compare what you have discovered about college options with your original list of important criteria.

• Factor in bottom line after financial aid.

• Look beyond cost to the pros and cons of each college. Identify the college that best matches your interests and feels like a place you could consider home for the next four years.

• Send in admission deposit to the college of your choice postmarked by May 1. Housing and course selection may be assigned as deposits are received.

Suggested Timeline

• Junior Year:

• Spring: Standardized Testing (SAT and ACT)

• Summer & Fall: begin college visits

• Senior Year:

• Fall: Repeat Testing, College Applications continue college visits

• Winter/Spring: Overnight Visit at favorite schools, Financial Aid (FAFSA) before March 10; May 1 national decision date.

Thank you

Nicole Martinez

Associate Director of Undergraduate Admission

Valparaiso University

Duesenberg Welcome Center

(219) 464-5011

Nicole.Martinez@valpo.edu

My admission blog:

theadmissioncounselornextdoor.blogspot.com