collegewise – mission viejo lynn maloney, college counselor [email protected] (949) 292-6273

Secrets of College AdmissionsCollege Expo

October 6, 2015

Collegewise – Mission Viejo Lynn Maloney, College Counselor

[email protected] (949) 292-6273

Seminar OverviewAbout usCollege admissions state of the nation (good news/bad

news) What do colleges consider?

TranscriptsTest scoresActivitiesEssaysThe paper-side of the applicationThe human side of the application InterviewsMatchmaking

A few moments of Collegewise self-promotion

Who are we? Collegewise

Founded in 1999 by Kevin McMullin Helped over 7,000 families gain admission into

over 800 different colleges and universities

Lynn Maloney, College Counselor DePauw University, B.A. Psychology Butler University, M.S. Ed. School CounselingFormer college admission counselor and high

school college counselor

Seminar OverviewAbout usCollege admissions state of the nation (good news/bad

news) What do colleges consider?

TranscriptsTest scoresActivitiesEssaysThe paper-side of the applicationThe human side of the applicationInterviewsMatchmaking

Five minutes of Collegewise self-promotion

College Admissions State of the Nation

Colleges accepting <20% of applicantsColleges accepting 30-40% of applicantsColleges accepting at least half of ap-plicants

College Admissions State of the Nation The good:

Colleges accept on average two-thirds of their applicants

The bad: Roughly 40 highly selective schools accept less

than 10% of their applicants

Takeaways:(1) Create a balanced college list(2) Great college experiences happen everywhere

Seminar OverviewAbout usCollege admissions state of the nation (good

news/bad news) What do colleges consider?



Transcripts Three parts:

Course rigorGrades Love of learning

Senior grades count

Interest in learning > GPAHow can you show your love of learning?The more selective the college, the more important

it is to demonstrate a love of learning

Test ScoresSimply not the most important aspect of a student’s

application

Super selective schools: Test scores don’t get you in they just keep you out

Fairtest.orgList of 850 or so test optional colleges

For every college you’re considering find out:What tests are requiredAverage scores for admitted studentsHow multiple scores are used

Activities Don’t be a joiner

Invest time and effort

Hobbies count, too

Use the application, essay, and interview to show your real passions

Essays

Don’t try to impress. Just be honest.

Colleges use essays to get to know you better.

The paper-side of applications

Follow directions

Be succinct and clear

Make sure you explain your activities and awards

The human side of applicationsRemember: Admissions officers are humans,

too.What do you do with that knowledge?

Likeability is important.

Be confident.

Be yourself and let your voice and personality come through.

InterviewsConversation > job interview

Typically non-evaluative

Prepare thoughtful questions

Share stories

Change your outgoing voicemail or consider not listing your cell phone number at all

Matchmaking Yield = number of students offered admission vs.

number of students who applied US News & World Reports (USNWR) encourages

colleges to achieve high yields for ranking purposes

FIT becomes crucial Many essays ask: “Why are you applying here and

why do you think you’ll be a good fit?” “Codes” behind essays and short answer

questions Authenticity is easy to spot

The Collegewise StrategyOur belief: College admissions should be an exciting

time for every family.

Our approach: Finding right fit and encouraging student ownership over process

Our delivery: Free advice via our blog, newsletter, and seminars Products for sale on our website include books,

videos, and guidelines (almost all under $20)Individual counseling sessions with yours truly

Next Steps

Want more? Fill out the sheet at the table in the back for:

Free monthly newsletter Free future seminars Free 30-minute introductory meeting with me

Thank you!Collegewise – Mission Viejo

Lynn Maloney, College [email protected]

(949) 292-6273www.collegewise.com

http://www.collegewise.com/

collegewise – mission viejo lynn maloney, college counselor [email protected] (949) 292-6273

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