1. Selective College Admission
Rae Ann M. DiBaggio
Senior Associate Director
Office of Undergraduate Admission
Case Western Reserve University
Vern Granger
Associate Vice President and Director
Enrollment Services
The Ohio State University

2. What’s the hype with the college selection process?
Media attention
Consumer mentality
More than one good choice
Being knowledgeable: helps you focus on what is important and is not as important

3. What to think about
Deciding where to apply to college can be a daunting task
US boasts more than 3,800 colleges- majority accept more than half of those who apply
More than 13 public and 50 private colleges in Ohio
But what is important to remember is that THERE IS A COLLEGE FOR EVERYONE!

4. Private Colleges
Private colleges comprise about half of the accredited colleges and universities in the US
They are located in all 50 states
Private colleges are not funded by the state government or taxpayers. They depend on tuition, fees, private gifts, corporate gifts, and endowments

5. Private Colleges
Private colleges are typically more expensive than publics
BUT private colleges tend to offer more scholarships and grants
Possible to get a better financial aid package from a private college
Publics out of state can cost as much as privates

6. Public Colleges
Public schools have significant graduate, masters and doctoral programs
Offer a broad range of academics to chose from, including engineering, business, health and fine arts
Opportunities: including large athletic programs, student involvement, research, study abroad and internships

7. Public Colleges
The largest universities in the country are all public, however size of public universities can vary greatly
Public universities are typically less expensive than private colleges
Public schools receive some but not all funding from state government or taxpayers. They also depend on tuition, fees, private gifts, corporate gifts, and endowments

8. Levels of Selectivity Open Admission More Selective Very Selective
HS diploma, accept on first-come first-served basis
More Selective
Largest group
More selective than open enrollment
Look at a variety of factors
Very Selective
Small number of schools
Receive apps per slot
Tough review process for admission

9. College Admission Process
Admission and Application Process
Types of admission: ED
ED admit/deny
ED defer EA
EA single choice – restrictive EA
EA defer
EA admit/deny
Regular Decision
Common Application
Deadlines vs. Rolling Admission
Final grades do matter

10. Selective Admission What are we looking for?
strong record of academic performance
enthusiasm for learning
willingness to contribute to school and community
academic promise in part by standardized testing
distinctive achievements or talents
knowledge of self & appreciation for individual differences
demonstrated interest
institutional needs/goals
Vital to continue taking the most challenging courses and achieving good grades. Decisions can be reversed

11. What to look for: Essays: Recommendation Letters:
The essay is also a key element
Essay should grab your reader’s attention, be willing to take a risk and talk about something unique
Don’t retell information already included in your application
Choose a given topic to discuss or use the essay as a chance to tell the reader something about you that we may not learn form reading your application
Appropriate topic/subject/language : consider if you really want the committee to know what you’re telling and HOW you’re telling it
What image is left with the reader
PROOF READ
Recommendation Letters:
Choose recommenders carefully, ask those who know you well
Diverse, can speak about you in several different ways
Maybe ask someone with whom you have struggled, can talk about your ability to overcome
Usually no more than 3 are needed

12. How is an application reviewed: At CWRU
Review Process
First Read:
Typically - counselor assigned to high school
Make admission/scholarship recommendations
Second/Final Read:
Another admission counselor – adds another dimension
Approaches review from a non-familiar look at app
Committee:
Some files – borderline cases
All files – some schools may review every app in a discussion environment

13. How is an application reviewed: At OSU
Review Process
First and Second Read:
Our applications are read by two independent readers for admission to the University
Scholarships and enrollment into specific academic majors are decided after a student has been admitted
Third Review:
If the two independent readers have differing recommendations for admission, then the application is brought to a committee for final review

14. Visit Get to know your admission counselor
Contact the schools, ask questions
Events hosted locally
Alumni connections

15. Tips Deadlines matter Be organized and read information
Work in partnership with school counselor
Understand that this is a process

16. Questions
Please feel free to contact us if you have additional questions:
Rae Ann M. DiBaggio
Senior Associate Director
Case Western Reserve University
Vern Granger
Associate Vice President and Director
Enrollment Services
The Ohio State University