2. Moderator: Frank D. Sachs Director of College Counseling The Blake School Participants:Mark J. Hatch VP for Enrollment Colorado College Kirk Brennan Director of Admissions U.S.C. Mark Spencer Director of College Advising Deerfield Academy

3. Questions for each participant to answer: 1.Share the history of your program. 2.Why do you do it? 3.What are the advantages to your school, to the student? 4.What are the disadvantages to your school, to the student? 5.Please share some statistics. How many offers do you make? How many accepts? How many participate?

4. 6.Do you do anything special for the Midyears? 7.What options do they have during the first semester? Are they on their own or do you provide them with information about those options? 8.Do you ever admit any of the Midyears for the fall semester? Why or why not? 9.What feedback do you get from the students who participate in the Midyear program? 10.Do you have one piece of advice to share with others who are considering a Midyear program? Questions for each participant toanswer:

5. October 2013 College Board Forum

6. Approximately 8-10% of each class (45-50 students) Prior to 1998 it was a Summer Start Program with 80-100 students. June start for three Summer Blocks followed by the fall off. Moved to Winter/January start in 1998 due to concerns with June 15 th Block A start date. Historically study abroad at CC has been 1/3 fall, 2/3 spring

7. Some students request a GAP semester at the time of application Alumni often ask if this is an option for their children Some College Counselors are proactive in working with students and families A few are surprised and shocked when offered a place but for January

8. What do they do in the fall? Work and travel Internships NOLS Where There Be Dragons Study at a (local) college – as a non-degree student Spend time with family Other

9. Why is this important to us and the educational process? Getting off the treadmill Reflection Life experience Getting ready for college Maturity Ownership and authorship

10. SPRING ADMISSION AT USC Kirk Brennan, Director of Admission

11. Steven B. SamplePaul Rigali Joe Allen Once upon a time…

13. HISTORY Conceived in 1998, implemented in 1999 Renewed focus on Undergraduates Response to USC transitioning to selective Student-centered solution to challenge of enrolling a specific number We have room in spring Based in thinking that wait lists are not the best for students.

14. PROCESS April 1Admission May 1Spring Enrollment Response May ~15Movement from spring to fall if any July 1Apply for housing August 1Commitment deposit due December ~10Mid-Year Orientation January ~10Start of school

17. ADVANTAGES Can allow for precision in shaping class It’s an answer. Students can make plans Eliminated the spring review cycle of October/November We can say yes to more students

18. CHALLENGES [How much time do I have?]

19. WHEN YOU GOT INTO SC Dear [John Doe], Congratulations! You are among a select group of students who have been admitted to USC…" See: http://fightonsprings.tumblr.comhttp://fightonsprings.tumblr.com

20. ..for the spring semester See: http://fightonsprings.tumblr.comhttp://fightonsprings.tumblr.com

21. CHALLENGES Confusion Big envelope Feeling of second-class Post-admit conversation is much different, urgent Fall is depressing for the student Some tempted to double deposit Enrollment Melt is higher, varies Some academic programs can’t support it New tuition stream becomes a new target Moving spring admits to fall can be seen as failure Draws out pressures/appeals Extensive work with campus stakeholders Size of pool likely smaller than wait-list pool

22. CHALLENGES [Do I still have time?] Student life Fall means football season, rush Transition seen as more difficult Housing is difficult to manage Students will engage during fall What to do in the fall Students don’t want to (or can’t) enroll in community college Articulation pre-approvals

23. ONE PIECE OF ADVICE Think it through: Gather buy-in from campus stakeholders Hold the student’s hand from May to January Guard value of wait-pool

29. Mark Spencer Currently: Director of College Advising Deerfield Academy Formally:Dean of Admission Brandeis University

30. Mid-Year Program Advantages –Balance and Pace of life supported –Students asked to think differently about admission –Pursue a productive and fulfilling experience –Study Abroad and Domestic –More admits in class (400 at Brandeis) –Graduate in seven semesters Disadvantages –No aid for abroad programs –Pre-med students and core classes off track –Initial negative and/or confused perception

31. Mid-Year Program What do in First Semester? –Anything –Study Abroad (England, China, France, Spain) –Washington DC semester –Train for a sport –Do community service project –Work as an EMT –Take classes locally –Try something new

32. Mid-Year Program Started @ 2005 to fill empty beds from study away students. Thought we would get 50 in year 1, got 100 Have admitted @400 to get 100 since Admissions Volume Total - Mid Year Year Entering20092010201120122013 Admits436424407427413 Deposits8712411797107 Yield20.0%29.2%28.7%22.7%25.9%

33. Mid-Year Program Transitioning to Campus –Full week long Orientation program –Constant communication before January entrance –Group bonding (100-member family) –Understanding course sequencing ahead of time –Housing - together in nicer residences Other –Must enter in Spring, even if defer

34. Mid-Year Program Other, including “hidden”, benefits –Character check - Students who elect to do mid-year show grit –Mid-year students quickly assume leadership positions –Admission officers make purer decisions, move beyond pressure for SAT and GPA numbers for US News ranking From the “other side of the desk” –Another opportunity for admission –Another opportunity for growth –Favors the wealthier, so counselor needs to be creative with aid candidates and semester less tuition

35. Q & A But first some comments from Frank