1. Selective College Admission Evan Favreau Drake University

2. The process may be different The criteria used for admissions may be different The potential for scholarships and financial aid may be different At Every School…

3. Regular decisions Rolling decisions Priority deadlines Early decision Application Policies

4. Initial applications are reviewed at once Decisions are communicated at once Regular Decisions

5. Applications are reviewed and decisions are communicated on an on-going basis Rolling Decisions

6. All applications before priority deadline will be considered equally Applications after priority deadline may be considered on space-available basis Priority Deadlines

7. Early application to your first-choice school Early notification of admission Binding: if you are admitted, you are committed to attend Can only apply as “early decision” to one school Deposit usually expected well before May 1 Early Decision CollegeBoard.com

8. Gone on many college visits Done extensive research On your own, you have a strong academic profile and history You currently meet or exceed the profile of your first-choice school Apply Early Decision If… CollegeBoard.com

9. Paper applications (If you really want…) How To Apply

10. School website/application How To Apply

11. Common Application Build a “common” application profile Member schools Streamlines the process Separate supplement for each school How To Apply

12. Be aware of fees! How To Apply

13. Transcript Standardized test scores Student activities/involvement Essay Recommendations Application Materials

14. Transcript GPA Challenging curriculum Trends over time Senior year schedule Class rank (maybe) Application Materials

15. Standardized test scores ACT SAT Written portions Subject tests Test optional/test flexible applications Application Materials

16. Student activities/involvement What are you doing outside of the classroom? Leadership experience is a big plus Another way for schools to see if you fit their student profile Application Materials

17. Essay Make it unique Not too long Proofread! Application Materials

18. Proofread!

20. Recommendations Check on requirements Diminishing returns Application Materials

21. Likely schools Probably/maybe schools Reach schools Find a balance Where Do I Apply?

22. Automatic consideration Additional applications Major/program Extracurricular/cultural/leadership Outside scholarships Scholarships

23. FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) Submit once for all schools being considered EFC (Estimated Family Contribution) Grants, work study, loans Need Based Aid

24. Selective/private schools will rarely cost the sticker price (in the end) Colleges award aid, including need-based Will be different from school to school! Everyone should submit the FAFSA Don’t be afraid to ask if more is available! Keep In Mind…

25. Before or after you apply Different types of visits Group visits Individual/personal visits Overnight visits Program-specific visits Vital part of the process! Campus Visit

26. May 1 – National Candidate’s Reply Date Tuition/enrollment deposit Housing deposits Making A Decision

27. To consider when making a decision: What do you want out of your college experience? What was your visit experience? Four good data points: First-to-second year retention Graduating on time Internship/professional experience Accomplishment/placement rates Go beyond the numbers Making A Decision

28. Evan Favreau Drake University evan.favreau@drake.edu