COLLEGE INFORMATION COLLEGE INFORMATION WORKSHOP SERIESWORKSHOP SERIES

PART IIPART II

““Tips on College Admission”Tips on College Admission”

Tonight’s AgendaTonight’s Agenda How colleges select our studentsHow colleges select our students

1. Criteria for admission1. Criteria for admission

2. How we prepare2. How we prepare

3. Strategies for successful placements3. Strategies for successful placements

then….then…. How the students select collegesHow the students select colleges

1. Preliminary Research 1. Preliminary Research

2. Secondary Research2. Secondary Research

College Criteria for Student AdmissionCollege Criteria for Student Admission

Grade Point Average Grade Point Average Strength of TranscriptStrength of Transcript SAT/ACT ScoresSAT/ACT Scores Recommendations Recommendations Activities/AwardsActivities/Awards Personal EssaysPersonal Essays InterviewsInterviews ““Hooks”Hooks” Class StandingClass Standing ““Demonstrated Interest”: Visit the campus!Demonstrated Interest”: Visit the campus!

College Criteria For Student AdmissionCollege Criteria For Student Admission

Grades/Strength of TranscriptGrades/Strength of Transcript

Understand the “5 Majors” that colleges Understand the “5 Majors” that colleges often use to recalculate GPA:often use to recalculate GPA:

1.1. EnglishEnglish

2.2. Social StudiesSocial Studies

3.3. MathematicsMathematics

4.4. ScienceScience

5.5. Foreign LanguageForeign Language

College Criteria College Criteria forfor Student Admission Student Admission

The Transcript

Rigor/Strength of TranscriptRigor/Strength of Transcript

Are our students taking the most Are our students taking the most rigorous courses in rigorous courses in which they can be which they can be successfulsuccessful??

Are Chemistry, Physics, AP courses, Are Chemistry, Physics, AP courses, Foreign Language etc. available and Foreign Language etc. available and not taken?not taken?

What if a student is not eligible for What if a student is not eligible for Honors, AP, etc?Honors, AP, etc?

Be a great student in your level. Be a great student in your level.

A word about A word about really really preparing for preparing for collegecollege

We don’t have easy wrestling practices…We don’t have easy wrestling practices…

… …and we win a lot of wrestling and we win a lot of wrestling matches.matches.

It is OK for your child to struggle It is OK for your child to struggle academically and find his/her academic academically and find his/her academic coping skills.coping skills.

College is not about where you get in…College is not about where you get in…

… …it is about where you finish.it is about where you finish.

GPA factsGPA facts

WHS will calculate an unweighted and WHS will calculate an unweighted and a weighted GPA at the end of junior a weighted GPA at the end of junior year.year.

Most colleges will request mid-year Most colleges will request mid-year grades in the senior year.grades in the senior year.

We don’t send them unless the We don’t send them unless the application was CommonApp or if application was CommonApp or if requested in writing by the studentrequested in writing by the student

Many colleges recalculate the GPA Many colleges recalculate the GPA using the 5 Majorsusing the 5 Majors

SAT/ACTSAT/ACT

According to polls, the 2According to polls, the 2ndnd most most important criteria behind GPA/strength important criteria behind GPA/strength of program.of program.

Better to have strong transcript than Better to have strong transcript than strong test scores.strong test scores.

Develop a testing calendar:Develop a testing calendar: - when to take SAT, SAT Subject - when to take SAT, SAT Subject

tests, and/or ACT.tests, and/or ACT. - When and in what manner will you - When and in what manner will you

prepare. prepare.

College Criteria for Student AdmissionCollege Criteria for Student Admission

The Test Record

College Criteria for Student AdmissionCollege Criteria for Student Admission

The Test RecordThe Test Record Is the testing pattern consistent…did the student have Is the testing pattern consistent…did the student have

an off-day?an off-day? Are scores compatible with academic achievement. If Are scores compatible with academic achievement. If

not, why not?not, why not? Are there strengths in one area while others are Are there strengths in one area while others are

weaker?weaker? Does the student come from a disadvantaged Does the student come from a disadvantaged

background?background? Is English spoken at home?Is English spoken at home? Were SAT II Subject Tests taken close to course Were SAT II Subject Tests taken close to course

completion?completion?

College Criteria for Student AdmissionCollege Criteria for Student Admission

The Activity Sheet

EXTRA CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

How much time does the student devote to the How much time does the student devote to the activity?activity?

How significant is the contribution?How significant is the contribution? Long lists are not read…Depth is best!!Long lists are not read…Depth is best!! Evidence of leadership; “joined” vs. “founded”Evidence of leadership; “joined” vs. “founded” Volunteerism…real involvement!!!!Volunteerism…real involvement!!!! Specialists are exceptional (prima ballerina, Specialists are exceptional (prima ballerina,

champion athlete, published author, musical champion athlete, published author, musical prodigy, etc.)prodigy, etc.)

Uncommon undertakings (Oboe players, Uncommon undertakings (Oboe players, entrepreneurs, science researchers, ground entrepreneurs, science researchers, ground breakers)breakers)

The EssayThe Essay ESSAY TIPSESSAY TIPS

Beware of Overworked Topics Beware of Overworked Topics • Winning or losing the big gameWinning or losing the big game• The orchestra’s annual concertThe orchestra’s annual concert• Boyfriend/Girlfriend problemsBoyfriend/Girlfriend problems• The dear departed family petThe dear departed family pet• Religious epiphaniesReligious epiphanies• Anything that suggests the applicant doesn’t see Anything that suggests the applicant doesn’t see

the world beyond the boundaries of high schoolthe world beyond the boundaries of high school• Oversimplified solutions to world problemsOversimplified solutions to world problems

ESSAY TIPSESSAY TIPS

Aim for OriginalityAim for Originality• Overcoming adversity (e.g., recovering from Overcoming adversity (e.g., recovering from

a serious illness; struggling with family a serious illness; struggling with family substance abuse; living with a disabled substance abuse; living with a disabled sibling)sibling)

• Insight into an uncommon lifestyle, Insight into an uncommon lifestyle, experience or achievement (growing up on a experience or achievement (growing up on a commune; being raised by a grandparent; commune; being raised by a grandparent; attending school in Saudi Arabia; climbing a attending school in Saudi Arabia; climbing a challenging mountain)challenging mountain)

• Information about an unusual hobby (building Information about an unusual hobby (building Victorian dollhouses; raising goats; collecting Victorian dollhouses; raising goats; collecting political campaign buttons)political campaign buttons)

• Lessons learned from literature Lessons learned from literature

More Essay TipsMore Essay Tips A title is a nice touchA title is a nice touch The introduction is crucialThe introduction is crucial Good writers take risks with styleGood writers take risks with style Vocabulary should be varied and interestingVocabulary should be varied and interesting Humor is a big plusHumor is a big plus Sentimentality can be an asset if used sparinglySentimentality can be an asset if used sparingly Show off an academic sideShow off an academic side Be revealingBe revealing Finish StrongFinish Strong Check and recheck for spelling and grammarCheck and recheck for spelling and grammar Neatness countsNeatness counts Unless otherwise directed, aim for one or two typed pagesUnless otherwise directed, aim for one or two typed pages Use a computer for the essay section unless otherwise instructedUse a computer for the essay section unless otherwise instructed Sleep on itSleep on it Get a second opinionGet a second opinion The toughest topic isn’t worth tacklingThe toughest topic isn’t worth tackling Consolidate Consolidate

Alternatives to the EssayAlternatives to the Essay

If you use a video essay:If you use a video essay:

Make sure it is because a written Make sure it is because a written method of expression would not method of expression would not capture the message.capture the message.

Example: poetry reading, musical Example: poetry reading, musical piece, etc.piece, etc.

Letters of RecommendationLetters of Recommendation

Your Guidance Counselor letterYour Guidance Counselor letter - If we don’t know it, we cannot report it! - If we don’t know it, we cannot report it!

Let us know what you have done, what Let us know what you have done, what you would like to do, and what you are you would like to do, and what you are passionate about.passionate about.

- Fill out the “Counselor Recommendation - Fill out the “Counselor Recommendation Form”Form”

- The “Parent Brag Sheet” is also very - The “Parent Brag Sheet” is also very helpful.helpful.

Teacher Comment Forms AKA “the Green Sheets”. Give to teachers who will NOT write

you a letter of recommendation These forms provide anecdotes for

Counselor letters. Give a total of three out to various

teachers you have had or have currently.

Teacher Letters of recommendation

Request politely in junior year and keep the teacher informed of your progress.

Fill out the Teacher letter of Recommendation form and give to two teachers.

Sample question: “Describe your favorite unit or aspect of my class.”

A word about letters of A word about letters of recommendation…recommendation…

Don’t ask to see your letters. It Don’t ask to see your letters. It renders them somewhat useless.renders them somewhat useless.Trust that counselors review these Trust that counselors review these letters for content.letters for content.Our teachers write great letters…we Our teachers write great letters…we would never send out a bad letter. would never send out a bad letter. Be sure to give supplementary forms Be sure to give supplementary forms to both counselors and teachers for to both counselors and teachers for their letters.their letters.

College Criteria for Student AdmissionCollege Criteria for Student Admission

The SchoolReport Section of theApplication

College Criteria for Student AdmissionCollege Criteria for Student Admission

The School ReportSection of the Application

College Criteria for Student AdmissionCollege Criteria for Student Admission

The TeacherLetters Of Recommendation

College Criteria for Student AdmissionCollege Criteria for Student Admission

The TeacherLetters OfRecommendation

College Criteria for Student AdmissionCollege Criteria for Student Admission

The TeacherSection Of the Application

College Criteria for Student AdmissionCollege Criteria for Student Admission

The TeacherSectionOf the Application

Another word about Another word about reallyreally preparing for college…preparing for college…

• This is a lot of work. If you do all of it, your This is a lot of work. If you do all of it, your son/daughter will have little ownership in son/daughter will have little ownership in the process. They may make a bad choice as the process. They may make a bad choice as a result.a result.

• Tips: Have him/her sit in front of the Tips: Have him/her sit in front of the computer, with you off to the side. computer, with you off to the side.

• Let him/her explore and play with the data.Let him/her explore and play with the data.• Don’t nag. Kids avoid this because it scares Don’t nag. Kids avoid this because it scares

them. Ask questions about their concerns. them. Ask questions about their concerns.

More on “ownership”More on “ownership”

• Don’t make it too easy for your Don’t make it too easy for your son/daughter to tune out: if they need son/daughter to tune out: if they need to pick up a form from us, let them do to pick up a form from us, let them do it. Parents should not do the “leg work” it. Parents should not do the “leg work” for college applications.for college applications.

• In some cases, the first decision a In some cases, the first decision a student has to make is where to go to student has to make is where to go to college! What other decisions would college! What other decisions would you allow them to make along the way?you allow them to make along the way?

College Criteria for Student AdmissionCollege Criteria for Student Admission

Who conducts them?Who conducts them? A deanA dean An admissions counselorAn admissions counselor An admissions staff memberAn admissions staff member A faculty memberA faculty member A studentA student An alumnusAn alumnus

INTERVIEWS

College Criteria for Student AdmissionCollege Criteria for Student Admission

What purpose do they serve?What purpose do they serve?

To gather information about the studentTo gather information about the student

To evaluate the student and the To evaluate the student and the student/school matchstudent/school match

To recruit the student by showing off the To recruit the student by showing off the school’s best sideschool’s best side

INTERVIEWS

College Criteria for Student AdmissionCollege Criteria for Student Admission

What to bring?What to bring?

Unofficial transcriptsUnofficial transcripts

Activity sheet or ResumeActivity sheet or Resume

Knowledge of test scores, rank and GPAKnowledge of test scores, rank and GPA

Questions Questions

INTERVIEWS

College Criteria for Student AdmissionCollege Criteria for Student Admission

What might be asked?What might be asked? What classes have you enjoyed most?What classes have you enjoyed most? What do you do outside of class?What do you do outside of class? What do you do during the summer?What do you do during the summer? What books have you found enjoyable but What books have you found enjoyable but

challenging?challenging? Whom do you admire?Whom do you admire? What are your post-college plans?What are your post-college plans? What are you looking for in a college?What are you looking for in a college? What brings you to this college?What brings you to this college? What will you contribute to this college? What will you contribute to this college?

INTERVIEWS

College Criteria for Student AdmissionCollege Criteria for Student Admission

Interview HintsInterview Hints

PreparePrepare ExplainExplain Provide examples of how you demonstrateProvide examples of how you demonstrate leadership, intellectual curiosity, civic leadership, intellectual curiosity, civic

awareness, perseverance, etc.awareness, perseverance, etc. Expound (but know when to say when)Expound (but know when to say when) Question (It’s okay to bring a written list)Question (It’s okay to bring a written list)

INTERVIEWS

College Criteria for Student AdmissionCollege Criteria for Student Admission

““HOOKS”HOOKS”

Alumni ConnectionsAlumni Connections AthletesAthletes Talent in the ArtsTalent in the Arts DiversityDiversity GeographyGeography The Invisible Hook (institutional needs) The Invisible Hook (institutional needs)

Student Criteria For Student Criteria For College SelectionCollege SelectionHow to decide where to apply…How to decide where to apply…

To how many colleges should I apply…To how many colleges should I apply…Two Reach schoolsTwo Reach schools

Three Target/Match/Likely Schools Three Target/Match/Likely Schools One or Two Safety Schools One or Two Safety Schools

Preliminary ResearchPreliminary Research

Do you remember buying your first house?Do you remember buying your first house? What were your preliminary criteria?What were your preliminary criteria? - cost- cost

-location-location-good education (schools)-good education (schools)

-how much work was involved?-how much work was involved? That must have narrowed your choices, That must have narrowed your choices,

right?right?

Now apply that principle to Now apply that principle to “buying” a college…“buying” a college…

5 Basic Criteria to narrow the search5 Basic Criteria to narrow the search

1.1. LocationLocation

-urban, suburban, rural-urban, suburban, rural

-distance from home-distance from home

- local characteristics- local characteristics

2. Cost2. Cost

-Public and Private-Public and Private

- Factors may affect final cost- Factors may affect final cost

3. Major3. Major - Start looking at majors - Start looking at majors

early.early.- Make a list of 20 - Make a list of 20

possible majors, and possible majors, and begin to narrow them begin to narrow them down.down.

-Applying undeclared -Applying undeclared can be OK, but go to a can be OK, but go to a college that has your college that has your interests.interests.- Look at Naviance - Look at Naviance withwith your student!your student!

4. Selectivity (Can I get in?)

Reach school (college criteria somewhat above my range)

Range school (college criteria fits my grades and scores)

Safety School (college criteria somewhat below my range)

Apply to all three types! Consult your counselor as well as

Naviance to determine reach, range and safety.

5. Special Considerations

LD programsHonors programsGrandma lives nearbyROTCThey have a Marching BandThey have great art studiosI can’t put my finger on it…I just had a good feeling there.

Student Criteria for College SelectionStudent Criteria for College Selection

Student Criteria for College SelectionStudent Criteria for College Selection

Secondary Research

Once we eliminate the vast majority of colleges, we can dig deeper in our questioning.

At this point, you are looking at 15-20 colleges at most.

Go to college fairs and open houses AFTER preliminary research with SECONDARY questions.

Some Secondary Concerns

Scholarships Study abroad programs Lab hours (gym hours, etc.) for undergrads Housing situations (triples, coed dorms, etc.) Work availability/work study programs NCAA situations Portfolio/audition requirements Campus safety

Student Criteria for College SelectionStudent Criteria for College Selection

Student Criteria for College SelectionStudent Criteria for College Selection

Student Criteria for College SelectionStudent Criteria for College Selection

Student Criteria for College SelectionStudent Criteria for College Selection

After preliminary and secondary research…

Attend the Spring College Expo at Hofstra on April 23, 2012 from 5:30PM until 8:30PM.

Ask “secondary” questions. “Browse”. Learn about colleges

you might have overlooked.

Coming attractionsComing attractionsMarch 22March 22

Dr. Jacqueline Nealon, Vice President of Dr. Jacqueline Nealon, Vice President of Enrollment, Communications and Enrollment, Communications and Marketing at NYIT, will share her expertise Marketing at NYIT, will share her expertise on Financial Aid.on Financial Aid.

We will visit our computer labs and receive We will visit our computer labs and receive a tutorial on the Common Application and a tutorial on the Common Application and Naviance/Family Connection.Naviance/Family Connection.