1. Beyond the College Fair: College Admission Counseling ASCA 2008
Bob Bardwell, Director of Guidance,
Monson High School
Jean Jordan, Director of Admission,
Emory University

2. A little test…Jeopardy style
The other common application
What is Worldwide Common App
What is the Universal Common App
What is the Complete Common App
What is the Only Common App

3. Here’s another question
When a college tracks the number and ways a student makes contact and uses that information to make admission decisions
A. What is applicant tracking
B. What is demonstrated tracking
C. What is applicant tracking
D. What is demonstrated interest

4. And yet another question
The new College Board program which allows students to choose which SAT scores to send to colleges
A. What is Score Choice
B. What is Score Select
C. What is Student Select
D. What is My Choice

5. And the final one….
The term used for applicants whose first contact with the institution is the application.
A. Who is a stealth applicant
B. Who is a first timer
C. Who is a primary contact
D. Who is a primary applicant

6. The changing admission world
A record number of 18 year olds will be graduating from high school
The majority of colleges are receiving a record number of applications
The methods in which students and admission offices communicate have changed considerably

7. The changing admission world continued
The increasing cost of higher education has a dramatic impact on college choice & selection
The current financial aid and loan scrutiny will impact access and affordability for many families
The media has a great influence on admissions

8. The Age of Technology Online applications Contact with applicants
College’s own process
Contact with applicants
Internet – websites, IM’ing, blogging
Once enrolled

9. The hiring of Independent Counselors/Coaches
Good or bad?
Do they help or get in the way?
What to look for
Affiliations/certifications/memberships
IECA
NACAC and its affiliate associations
Rates
Work in partnership, not in opposition

10. Using Data Why is data important?
It improves our programs and the services for students and families
Students benefit from it
You probably already have it
Others are using it
Real estate agents want it
We are accountable
Why not?

11. Using Data (continued)
Tracking data
Naviance, Connectedu; myfootpath.com;
Microsoft Access
Analyzing data
Reporting data
Scattergrams
Other reports

12. Counselor letter of recommendation
Should provide an overview of the applicant’s strengths and potential for success in college
Don’t repeat what is already in the application (I.e.: activities)
Reveal things that are not necessarily known to the reader
Make connections, especially with events which have shaped their goals/choices

13. Counselor letter of recommendation (continued)
Fill in the gaps
Give insights that most people wouldn’t know
Explain problems/issues (assuming you have the permission of the student)
Respect confidentiality
Be positive, yet honest
Don’t state the obvious

14. Counselor letter of recommendation (continued)
Three parts
Introduction - context in which you know the student
Body - provide specific examples and documentation; can include teacher comments, but……
Conclusion - summary of recommendation
To show or not to show?

15. Counselor letter of recommendation (continued)
Where to gather information
From student interactions & past experiences
From faculty
From records/cumulative folder
From parents
How long should it be?

16. Teacher Letters of Recommendation
Don’t have too many; 2-3 at the most
Have different disciplines represented unless specific individuals are needed
Try to include letters from outside of the school if appropriate
Clergy
Coach
Advisor
Employer

17. Teacher Letters of Recommendation
Ideally a student should have had the teacher for at least two classes
Choose teachers from junior or senior year courses
Student should provide information sheet
What does the teacher do with it after it is written?

18. The Personal Statement/Essay
This is a personal experience; don’t talk about other people or if you do, how he/she impacted you
Be yourself
This may be the only subjective information that the reader has about the candidate
Should provide reflection about the individual’s strengths and weaknesses

19. The Personal Statement/Essay
Should expand upon the application, not repeat it
Should be your best effort, not a last minute piece
Don’t write about what you think they want to hear
Answer the question(s)
Follow directions

20. The Personal Statement/Essay
Provide concrete, vivid examples Avoid gimmicks, humor (if you’re not funny) and preaching
Avoid controversial topics
Can be used to “explain” something
Develop an outline prior to writing
Don’t use big words or thesaurus words
Make your introduction memorable

21. The Personal Statement/Essay
Demonstrate higher level thinking; make the connection
If you are going to mention the school, make sure to send the correct one
Revise & rewrite
Have others proofread it
How long?

22. Secondary School Report
Basic academic information
GPA
Rank
Strength of curriculum in comparison to others
Ratings/checklists
Statistics about placement rates
List of senior courses/grades
Transcript request
Letter of recommendation/counselor comments
Discipline/suspension issues

23. Campus visits Are a must
Make an appointment; be sure to get “credit” for being visiting
Bring a notebook to take notes
Ask questions
Observe students on campus and in the student center
Visit a class

24. Campus visits (continued)
Don’t schedule more than two a day
Don’t schedule your first choice school first
Visit classrooms and talk with faculty
Eat in the cafeteria if possible
Take part in activities if possible

25. Campus Interviews
This is a chance for the student to get to know the campus as well as the admissions office to get to know you
Don’t schedule first choice school first
Learn as much as you can about the school before the interview
Ask questions that are not already answered in the literature
Be positive

26. Campus Interviews (continued)
Be yourself
Explain things not already found in your application
Dress neatly
Practice before going
Don’t try to bluff; if you don’t know say so
If possible, apply before interviewing
Send thank you note

27. Alumni or Off Campus Interviews
Make an appointment
Individual vs. group interviews
Have one if far from campus and can’t visit
Do it even if you have been on campus; shows enthusiasm and interest
Will give you a different perspective

28. The Common Application
Used by 320 institutions
Provides common form
May be used in lieu of the school’s application or may be the only application
Easily reproduced

29. The Discipline Question
Has the applicant ever been found responsible for a disciplinary violation at your school from 9th grade (or the international equivalent) forward, whether related to academic misconduct or behavioral misconduct, that resulted in the applicant’s probation, suspension, removal, dismissal, or expulsion from your institution? 􀀾 Yes 􀀾 No
To your knowledge, has the applicant ever been convicted of a misdemeanor, felony, or other crime? 􀀾 Yes 􀀾 No
If you answered yes to either or both questions, please attach a separate sheet of paper or use your written recommendation to give the approximate date of each incident and explain the circumstances.
􀀾Check here if you would prefer to discuss this over the phone with each admission office.

30. Confidentiality Counselor expectations Student expectations
FERPA
Student expectations
Follow SPGP guidelines
Be sure to get student permission to send anything or make contact

31. Standardized Testing To test or not to test
What scores are needed and who wants them?
Why even use test scores?
Do they predict college success?

32. ACT Assessment Formerly called American College Test
Includes World-of-Work Map
$30.00 basic fee
4 areas
English
75 question, 45 minute test; 2 subscores
Usage/mechanics
Punctuation (13%)
Grammar and usage (16%)
sentence structure (24%)

33. ACT (continued) Mathematics Rhetorical skills
Strategy (16%)
Organization (15%)
Style (16%)
Mathematics
60 question, 60 minute test
Pre-algebra (23%)
Elementary algebra (17%)
Intermediate algebra (15%)
Coordinate geometry (15%)
Plane geometry (23%)
Trigonometry (7%)

34. ACT (continued) Reading 40 question, 35 minute test; 2 subscores
Social studies (25%)
Natural sciences (25%)
Prose fiction (25%)
Humanities (25%)
Questions ask to derive meaning by referring to what is explicitly stated and reasoning to determine implicit meanings

35. ACT (continued) Science Reasoning 40 question, 35 minute test
Data representation (38%)
Research summaries (45%)
Conflicting viewpoints (17%)
Includes biology, chemistry, physics and earth/space sciences
Measures the interpretation, analysis, evaluation, reasoning and problem solving skills required in the natural sciences

36. ACT (continued) Writing Test Optional 2 additional scores
Combined English/Writing score (1-36)
Writing subscore (2-12)
Scored holistically by 2 readers (1-6)
30 minute test
Writing prompt with two viewpoints
$44.50

37. PLAN Practice test for sophomores
Similar to ACT but less time and fewer questions
English - 50 questions, 30 minutes
Mathematics - 40 questions, 40 minutes
Reading - 25 questions, 20 minutes
Science Reasoning - 30 questions, 25 minutes
Can be given at any time from September through December
$9.30 per test depending upon # of tests to score

38. SAT Reasoning Test Formerly called Scholastic Aptitude Test
$45 Basic registration fee
Mathematics, critical reading and writing sections
Scores range from
1 point for every correct answer; no points for omitted questions; lose a fraction of a point for each wrong answer
Calculators permitted on math sections

39. SAT Reasoning Test (continued)
Critical reading
3 sections; minutes and 20 minutes
Reading comprehension
Sentence completions
Paragraph length critical reading
Math
Multiple choice
Number and operations; algebra and functions; geometry; statistics, probability, and data analysis
10 student produced responses

40. SAT Reasoning Test (continued)
Writing – 2 sections
35 minute multiple choice
Identifying sentence errors
Improving sentences
Improving paragraphs
25 minute essay
Always the first section of the test
Scored from 1-6 by two readers online
Equating section - math or verbal 25 minutes
not included in your score

41. SAT Subject Tests Formerly called SAT II’s
20 individual subject tests; $20.00 basic registration fee + $9 per test (Language w/listening $20)
Listening tests are only offered in November
Should be taken at the end of the course
1 hour long; can take up to three in one day
Not offered in the March/April administration

42. SAT Subject Tests (continued)
Required by more selective colleges
Will indicate if specific tests are required
Will usually want 2 or 3 tests
English literature
Math
Third in an area of intended study, in an area of strength or an area of extended study
New SAT Reasoning test has caused colleges to change their requirements

43. PSAT/NMSQT Preliminary SAT
Given the Wednesday after Columbus Day or 3rd Saturday in October at high schools nation wide
$13.00 per test, although administrative fees can be charged
Normed for juniors although some sophomores take it
Should this be encouraged?

44. PSAT (continued)
Register directly with the high school; online registration not available
Very similar to the new SAT, except
No Algebra II will be included
No essay
Try to emulate the SAT as much as possible

45. Standardized Testing Comparison from SAT I - ACT
Can be used to predict scores on the other test
Based upon scores from previous test takers who took both tests
May find different tables depending upon data used by an individual institution

46. Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)
Most countries, including US offer internet based test
$150 - $185, depending on where you take it
Measures proficiency in reading, listening, speaking & writing
Approximately 4 hours long
Score is based upon on how well you answer the questions (0-120)

47. College Level Examination Placement (CLEP)
Over 2900 colleges grant credit or advanced standing for satisfactory scores
90 minutes long
$55
Composition & Literature - 6
Foreign Languages - 3
History & Social Science - 12
Science & Mathematics -7
Business - 5

48. Advanced Placement 34 subjects offered Art History & Studio Art
Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science, Physics B & Physics C
Calculus AB, Calculus BC & Statistics
Computer Science A & AB
English Language & English Literature
Music Theory

49. Advanced Placement (continued)
Macroeconomics, Microeconomics, European History, Comparative Government & Politics, U.S. Government & Politics, Human Geography, Psychology, U.S. History & World History
French Language, French Literature, German Language, Latin Vergil, Latin Literature Spanish Literature & Spanish Language
Coming soon – Italian, Japanese and Chinese Culture and Literature

50. Advanced Placement (continued)
Tied to standardized curriculum
Earn credit or waive courses in college
Tests are given in the first two weeks of May of each year; set schedule
Scores range from 1-5
Exposed to college level material

51. International Baccalaureate
The International Baccalaureate Organization aims to develop inquiring, knowledgeable and caring young people who help to create a better and more peaceful world through intercultural understanding and respect
Available at schools in 121 countries
Is a non-profit educational organization that was established in 1968

52. International Baccalaureate
3 program in schools worldwide
the Diploma Program, for students in the final two years of school before university
the Middle Years Program for students 11 to 16
the Primary Years Program is for students 3 to 12
The IBO provides IB schools with:
detailed curriculum guidelines
teacher training workshops
online access to 3,000 education resources, subject area experts, and discussion sessions with teachers

53. Fee Waivers
Must meet eligibility guidelines set by testing service based on household size

54. Fee Waivers (continued)
Must be used initially to register for SAT Reasoning/ SAT Subject Tests or ACT
Subsequently can be used for application fee waiver
Utilize school free/reduced lunch lists
There is a limit to the number of fee waivers you can use, so be careful to ensure the most needy students get them; You can request more, but…..
Request from the college directly

55. Test Prep Thoughts Lots of options Are they worth the cost & time?
Princeton Review, Kaplan, Sylvan, etc.
Colleges/universities (I.e.: Westfield State)
High schools
Private companies (College Counseling Services)
Are they worth the cost & time?
Access & equity issues

56. Admission Categories &Decisions
Early decision
Early action
Restrictive early action
Wait List
Rolling admission
Denial
Deferment

57. Early Decision Binding contract with the school
Clearly one’s first choice
Student promises to withdraw all other applications from other schools if accepted
School must provide adequate financial aid
October 15 - November 15 deadlines
Early notification, usually within a month
If denied ED, can have file reviewed under regular application pool
Counselor should only send 1 transcript ED

58. Early Action
A non-binding admission process by which a student can apply to multiple schools
Can have until candidate reply date to respond if attending
Early deadline in November or December
Early notification usually a month later
Student does not have to withdraw other applications

59. Restrictive Early Action
Recently changed for the admission cycle
Similar to early action, however institutions may place restrictions on the student applying to other early plans
Restrictions will be part of the written agreement
Admitted students are not obligated to accept the offer or submit a deposit until the regular candidate reply date

60. Early or not?
Many students see this as an advantage since in many institutions a greater percentage of applicants are admitted early
Creates havoc in the admissions office
Seen as a clear advantage for the college - gets committed students early; affects yield
Has gotten away from the original premise of one’s first choice school

61. Wait List You’re almost good enough…but
To get on the WL is tied to number of applicants and strength of applicant pool
To get off the WL is tied to the number of students who deposit
Will not know the status of the wait list until well after May 1
Will not likely get any financial aid
Students must deposit elsewhere or get permission to have their spot “held”

62. Rolling Admission
Process by which students are accepted and notified anytime after their application is complete
Schools usually have a February or March deadline (or no deadline)
Majority of these schools are non-selective with no early deadline
Usually send financial aid award letters under separate cover

63. Denial Or rejected? Either way, it is the same
The thick or thin envelope?
In some cases, it is to a major and other options are given, but in most cases it is to the institution

64. Candidate Reply Date Universally accepted as May 1
Applicants must pay non-refundable deposit of at least $200
The timing of the deposit may be tied to housing
Should never deposit until student knows the status of financial aid

65. Options after May 1
Many schools are still accepting qualified applicants
May not get financial aid
New England Board of Higher Education
NACAC

66. Deferment
Student knows which school s/he wishes to attend, but is not ready to start school
Could be for one semester or one year
Not all colleges participate
Must have valid reason
Earn money
Travel
Volunteer work
Family obligations
Advantage - have the acceptance in place

67. Taking a Year Off Options
Explore the world
Global quest Thailand
- Greece
Volunteer work

68. 13th year
Opportunity for students with weak academic credentials to continue their education; gives them a better shot at getting into a more competitive college
Most private prep schools will admit students for a 13th year
Sometimes athletes will be encouraged to participate to improve athletic skills and become more competitive

69. What will make the difference between acceptance and denial?
Academic performance
Strength of academic schedule
Test scores
Personal statement
Recommendations
Application
Activities
Interview

70. Financial Aid General Thoughts As important as admission
Student is the applicant, not the parent
Cost of attendance - Expected Family Contribution = Financial Need
Special circumstances should be reported to the financial aid office directly

71. Financial Aid Resources
Your financial aid administrator (FAA)
FEDAID ( )
State agencies
Mass. Education Financing Authority -
- FAFSA online

72. Working with special populations
These students are in all schools
Students of various colors, cultures & ethnicities
Students of varying socio-economic status
Students from different religious backgrounds
Students with learning differences
Gay/lesbian/bisexual/transgendered students
Gender
How do deal with issues of diversity?

73. Issues of Race Supreme Court Rulings
Regents of Univ. of CA v. Bakke (1978)
Can use race to determine admission; it is a compelling interest of the institution
Grutter v. Bollinger et al. (2003)
Univ. of Michigan Law School
Can use race as one factor in determining admission
Gratz et al. v. Bollinger et al. (2003)
Univ. of Michigan Undergraduate Admissions
Can no longer automatically award points for minorities

74. Students with Disabilities
Disclose or not disclose?
Are supports/services/accommodations available?
Is there a cost for these services?
504 plans go with a student to college; not the IEP

75. Testing Students with Disabilities
College Board Programs
Register as early as freshmen year for PSAT/NMSQT, SAT Reasoning, SAT Subject Tests, AP
Must have documentation on file that supports the need for an accommodation
Receive and utilize the requested accommodation on school tests
Student only has to complete the registration form once

76. Testing Students with Disabilities (continued)
Center testing vs. school testing
Center
regular Saturday exam
Extended time up to 50% extra (time and 1/2)
School
100% extended time
All other accommodations
visual assistance, auditory assistance, scribe, etc.
ACT has similar accommodation plans
Each school should have designated testing coordinator

77. Student athletes
Never tell a student which division they can play at; let the coach do that
Make sure that students speak to coaches and ask the important questions; not parents
Make sure the college coach has your schedule
Visit during NCAA approved times
Don’t give in easily; be persistent but not pushy

78. Student Athletes (continued)
NCAA Clearinghouse
For Division I & II schools only
List of Approved Courses (Form 48-H)
Core GPA calculation & Test score
Initial eligibility vs. final eligibility
Register after completion of junior year
Send final transcript after graduation

79. Military Academies
Naval Academy, Air Force Academy, Military Academy (West Point) & Merchant Marine Academy
US Coast Guard doesn’t require nomination
Must be nominated by U.S. Congressman, U.S. Senator, President, Vice-President or military affiliated nominations
Maximum of 5 students per academy at one time; may nominate up to 10 candidates per vacancy

80. Military Academies (continued)
Must be between 17 & 23, U.S. citizen, single, not pregnant and no dependents
Very selective admission requirements
Must meet physical aptitude requirements
Should complete preliminary application with the academy in spring of junior year
Should complete required file with Congressman by deadline (fall senior year)

81. Senior Slump/Senior Slide/Senioritis
Why?
Colleges can withdraw acceptances if serious; most give severe warning or put on academic probation
What can you do to motivate these seniors?
Some schools provide unique senior programs during the second semester or final quarter to avoid this problem

82. College Admission Counseling Resources
National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC)
Networking with over 10,500 members
Focused on professional and ethical issues facing college counseling
Access to national conference and professional development opportunities
Web site (
E-list
Newsletters/Journals
23 affiliate organizations

83. Statement of Principles of Good Practices
All members must adhere to these ethical and professional policies
Post-secondary members
Counseling members
Reviewed annually
Mandatory practices vs. best practices

84. Resources (continued)
College Search
Counselor-o-matic -
Testing organizations
Financial aid organizations

85. Resources (continued)
Research/access issues
Athletics
Diverse populations
Ethics

86. Final thoughts…...
College admission counseling is an ever changing process which requires continual professional development
Your role as a college counselor will depend on the community in which you work
For some students, you may be the only help that they have