Applying to colleges and universities in the United States Nancy Hargrave Meislahn Wesleyan University

Higher Education in the United States: A Bounty of Opportunity Over 4,000 colleges and universities Public and private Two-year and four-year All-female, all-male, co-ed Secular, religiously-affiliated Large vs. small; urban vs. rural So many choices!

Terminology College : an institution offering courses that lead to a bachelor’s degree. University : an institution offering courses that lead to master’s degrees and doctorates; a university may consist of a college/undergraduate division and a graduate division. Liberal Arts : general undergraduate degree (BA) with breadth and depth across disciplines intended to develop intellectual capacities, such as reasoning, and ethical judgement, critical thinking, and analysis, etc. Studies include the social sciences, natural sciences, languages, humanities and the arts.

Terminology International student: student with non-US passport and/or living outside the US.

The College/University Search Process For US: Start process next to last year of secondary school Application Deadlines November through February prior to September enrollment Plan for month cycle

Role of College/Guidance Counselor Grade 11 or junior year equivalent G.C. meets with students first (only)—If time and resources permit, then meet with students and parents. Alternative: group “kick-off” meeting with both students and parents Annual meeting with teachers and other school staff Planning Calendar for students, parents and school staff

Creating an Effective College/University Admissions Counseling Office Knowledgeable, trained personnel—professional development is key Dedicated office space Support and visibility in school College prep is important College attendance is possible

Creating Relationships/ Establishing Credibility Get to know admissions representatives at key institutions Encourage college/university admissions representatives to visit your school (alumni, also) Have a high-quality school profile

The College/University Selection Process: What’s Important? Holistic Review no formula not exam or cut-off driven Key questions to be answered: What has this student done within the opportunities available? What will he/she bring to the classroom? to my campus?

The College/University Selection Process: What’s Important? Academic Record rigor of courses individual on-going achievement letters of recommendation standardized testing (if required) other academic experiences

The College/University Selection Process: What’s Important? Extracurricular/Non-academic interests and talents/Personal Qualities personal statement (“essay”) activities (in school and community) personal circumstances potential contributions

Students may also want to submit: an extra essay or writing sample music performance/composition art slides or e-portfolio (never submit original artwork) extra recommendation Supplementary Materials

Interviews are sometimes available for students living outside the United States; contact the college/university for specific information. Skype interview options Supplementary Materials

Financial Aid for International Students Individuals who are not citizens of the United States should investigate all sources of financial aid for international students. Most financial aid for undergraduate international students is awarded by the college/university.

Funding Sources from IIE

- Need-Blind Admissions: Ability to pay (or not) does not impact admission decision. Financial Aid Terminology - Need-Sensitive: The Admissions Office at a college or university knows that student is applying for financial aid and this may influence a student’s admission decision. Sometimes called “need-conscious or “need-aware.” - Need-Based Financial Aid: If a student qualifies for financial aid, the aid will be based on the student’s financial need as determined by the college/university. The financial aid package can include a grant (money that does not have to be paid back) loan, on-campus work (paid hourly) and perhaps a parental contribution. Students must re-apply for financial aid every year. - Merit-Based Financial Aid: This type of financial aid can be based on several factors. Students can receive an academic scholarship or talent-based scholarship; students can also receive scholarships for other reasons. It is important to investigate and understand the terms of the award: Does the student have to maintain a minimum academic average in order to keep the award? Do you have to continue to play a sport if you get an athletic scholarship?

Institutional Financial Aid Application – provided by the college/university. FAFSA – Free Application For Student Aid. PROFILE – Available from the College Scholarship Service. Financial Aid Forms

Current Trends and Issues Economic Impact Rising costs on stagnant family incomes Pressure on Financial Aid in budget-cutting environment Lack of predictability for colleges/universities leads to more uncertainty for students Institutional experience varies (idiosyncratic; danger in generalization) International Students Student interest remains very high Institutional commitments to global education US higher education as our “best export”

Current Trends and Issues Cost Calculators new in 2011 Not meant for international students or global families CSS Profile financial aid form One “smart” form adapts to student’s citizenship and situation Currency exchange rates incorporated (use own currency in form) On-line access 24/7

QUESTIONS??? Nancy Hargrave Meislahn Dean of Admission and Financial Aid Wesleyan University

The Selected Web Resources Generic URL for US College/University College Board Online collegeboard.com collegeboard.com College View collegeview.com collegeview.com Common Application commonapp.orgcommonapp.org eduPASS Studying in the USA edupass.org/finaid Peterson’s petersons.competersons.com National Association for College Admission Counseling nacacnet.orgnacacnet.org

College Admission Testing Resources ACT, Inc. act.org College Board collegeboard.com Educational Testing Service ets.org Test of English as a Foreign Language toefl.org

Financial Aid Resources College Board: College Scholarship Service collegeboard.com/student/pay/index.html FastWeb fastweb.com Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) fafsa.ed.gov National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators nasfaa.org