Selective College Admissions Elena Wong West Coast Director of Admission Drew University

Topics of Discussion Building a Class The Application Recommendations The Essay Conclusion

Why Apply to a Private College or University? Academics Student to Faculty ratio Courses Resources Access Support Research Financial Aid Community Class Size Residential

Building a Class Academics Arts Athletics Diversity Institutional Priorities

Presenting Yourself Common Application Transcript SAT/ACT Essay Curriculum SAT/ACT Essay Recommendations Supplement Extracurricular Activities Interview (if applicable)

Application Types Early Decision: Binding plan where students make a commitment to a first-choice school if admitted. Early Action: Non-binding plan that allows applicants to receive an earlier decision; students can still apply to other colleges. Restrictive Early Action: Non-binding plan, but students are restricted from applying EA or ED to other schools. Regular Decision: Last deadline to apply. Rolling Admissions: Applications reviewed as submitted.

Letters of Recommendation Who to ask? Counselors and teachers Who knows you best? 11th grade (or 10/12th) Balanced perspectives What are we looking for? Insight into academics, passions and personal qualities Extra Recs?

The Essay Why does it matter? You’re in control – you choose the focus Personalizes the process Allows you to distinguish yourself Leaves an impression What does an essay show to a college counselor? Intellectual vitality Language ability Ideas, perspectives and passions Personal qualities

The Essay When writing a college essay, avoid: Answering only half the question Allowing someone else to write and re-write the essay Using words that are not part of every day vocabulary Your essay isn’t a text message – “lol, lmao, omg…” Cutting and pasting the same essay for every school Using the essay to explain a flaw in your academic transcript

The Committee Process Holistic Review No “Magic Formula” All parts of the application are reviewed No “Magic Formula” Each applicant’s compelling “point of excellence” may be different The “Well-Rounded Class” What will each student contribute to – and gain from the class? Decisions by Committee

Conclusions Take control of the college process. Remember, there is no magic formula. Enjoy it!

Thank You Elena Wong Drew University ewong@drew.edu