College Night: Spring 2008

Selection, Admission, and More

Goals for the Night

1) Cover and discuss the factors and trends in college admission today.

2) Describe what the application process will look like, how we help, and what we do.

3) Discuss the topics which concern you.

Disclaimer

Much of this presentation addresses college admission in a global context; individual experiences will vary.

Trends in college admission

• More students applying to college. The numbers continue to grow, though growth did slow for the first time in seven years. Growth is expected to continue.

• Ultimately college is possible. National average is that 7 of 10 applicants accepted

• Course Rigor, grades, & admission tests most important admission criteria in general

• Parent involvement at an all time high.

The application process: A rough sketch

• The #1 rule: Don’t Panic!– Develop an interest list and examine your options– Take a test, either the SAT and/or the ACT– Do your research on prospective colleges– Narrow down your interest list and focus your applications– Complete your paperwork: applications, letters from

teachers, transcripts, essays, addendums, etc.– Follow-up with your colleges and keep your records– Wait for your results– Make your final decision

Developing a list of prospective colleges

• What is that you expect from higher education?– Advanced career opportunities– Interpersonal growth and development– A life long learning attitude

• Seek out potential matches and use all the tools at your disposal.

• Be a smart shopper. Ask specific questions pertinent to your higher education goals.

Applying the three-tier approach

Why? to manage your risk amongst your prospective schools.

• At least a couple of schools with low risk

• A few that are of moderate risk level

• Only as many reaches as you’re comfortable with

The bottom line on the SAT and the ACT

• Neither test is easier, they are equally challenging. Yet they are different.

• On concordance tables, students tend to perform equally on both tests.

• For the most part colleges across the nation report no preference for either test.

The #2 rule: Follow directions

• Know what a college expects from students.• A little bit of organization goes a long way.• Items that are considered ‘recommended’ are often

worth doing

Various Additional Tasks

• Letters of recommendation – Typically one good letter from a teacher of a core subject is better than three bland letters.

• Essays – The key issue for many students with essays seems to be time management.

• Interviews – Have some good questions prepared before going into an interview.

• Resumes & activity lists – Go beyond bullet points to short sentences addressing what? & why?

• Addendums – It’s worthwhile to inform admissions counselors about special circumstances.

What is PVI guidance doing?

• Providing resources through the office and the website

• Appointments with students• Biannual newsletter• Online college counseling tool: Naviance• Hosting visits from college representatives• Informational sessions for parents• Providing colleges with qualitative information on

student applicants.

Steps from here

Class of 2009

• Plan for taking an admissions test or two

• Revisit Naviance account

• Prepare a list of questions for individual appointment with counselor

• Continue (or begin) serious discussion about expectations and reality

Class of 2010

• Work on developing your profile

• Review student’s high school plan

• Explore some of the resources available

• Maintain a positive but realistic attitude

• Read Read Read

Questions

• What questions do you have?

• Please feel free to contact us in guidance.– by phone, by e-mail, in person