Understanding the College Admission Process Georgetown High School January 28,
Loyce Engle… Past president, Texas Association for College Admission Counseling High school college counselor, 25 years Retired, Westwood High School Lead/College counselor New Georgetown resident Independent College Admission Consultant
How do colleges build a pool of applicants?
Prospects Applicants Admits Deposits
The College Admission Counselor/Representative Your personal contact for the college.
What are colleges looking for in an application? What is the purpose of an application? 4 year colleges accept an average 64.7% of applications What is most important?
Grades in college prep courses Strength of curriculum Admission test scores Grades in all courses Essay Student’s demonstrated interest Counselor/teacher recommendation Class rank Extracurricular activities
The Big Three The Classes You Take Rigor and challenge Senior Year The Grades You Make Varies according to selectivity Considered in context of school & classes SAT and/or ACT scores National scale Mid-50% Range One of many factors
Admission test scores 100% of colleges requiring admission tests, accept either ACT or SAT Over 800 colleges are test optional FairTest.org FairTest.org Public schools more likely to consider these of considerable importance Most colleges consider test scores official only if they are sent directly from the testing agency
Free SAT Prep Go to: “Skills aren’t bought… they’re learned”
ACT prep 100% of colleges accept either test
Class rank The Texas “top 10%” and UT exception Within the context of YOUR school In many ways, private college admission is more “holistic” than public college admission Each college searches for their “best fit” students.
Resumes Why submit a resume? How can a student maximize this tool? How important are they in the process?
Understand the Terminology Early Decision Early Action Single-Choice Early Action Rolling Admission Regular Admission Wait List Postmarked vs Received By Deadline
Essays are HUGE! Advice to students… Be Authentic! Answer the question / Write to the topic Decide what is essential for the college to know about you and write about it. This is your opportunity to explain. If a school requests an essay, it is important. What might the essay reveal about you? Your thought process What you’re passionate about Your individuality and uniqueness Your ability to use language effectively
Essay Opportunity for the admission committee to better know the student Student voice… It’s not about what you’ve done, but who you are. Spell check is not enough! Fast-paste society …done a lot of sole searching …could hardly bare it …a child now, but looking forward to adultery
Recommendation letters Teacher rec – spotlight on personal knowledge of student Counselor rec – floodlight on student in general Not a repeat of the application/transcript NOT always required
Extracurricular activities Do these reflect the interest and personality of the student? Has the student demonstrated leadership? Do colleges truly want a “well rounded” student?
Timeline Junior Year Oct-March Search Jan-May ACT/SAT Oct-Aug College visits Jan-May Resume Jun-Aug Essays Senior Year Aug-Nov APPLY Aug-Dec ACT/SAT if needed Aug-Dec Essays Aug-Dec Interview Aug-Dec Scholarships
Don’t Miss this Opportunity! National College Fair Tuesday, April 5 6:30 – 8:00 pm Parmer Events Center, Austin Register:
GET A JUMP ON THE COLLEGE ADMISSION PROCESS! Join Loyce Engle, college admission consultant and past president of Texas Association for College Admission Counseling, along with the Dean of Admissions at Southwestern University and the Regional Admissions Manager of the University of Houston as we discuss the steps your student can take NOW to prepare for the college admission process. All secondary students and parents are welcome to attend. FEBRUARY 18, :30 – 7:30 PM Georgetown Public Library, Hewlett Room
Questions? Loyce Engle