The Private College Admission Process

Valparaiso High School Workshop

November 4, 2015

Leslie Ihnat

Valparaiso University

Gathering Information

• Websites & Guidebooks to research admissibility:

• The College Board, LearnMoreIndiana, Barron’s, Peterson’s Guide, U.S. News & World Report, etc.

• Use career interest inventory and college navigator search button at learnmoreindiana.org.

• Select specific schools to research.

• Request college-published brochures from the schools on your long list.

• Indicate on PSAT, SAT, PLAN, ACT and AP that you would like to receive information from colleges interested in you.

Additional Sources

• High School Guidance Counselors.

• Colleges visiting your high school.

• College fairs:

-Purdue North Central in the Fall Semester

-Valparaiso University in the Spring Semester

• Visit colleges.- Student-guided tour of the campus

- Conversation with admission counselor

- Sit in on classes/meet with faculty

- Eat a meal in the dining hall

- Spend the night with a current student.

Comparing College Choices

• Look for the differences.

• Consider the “fit” – academically, extracurricularly, spiritually, geographically.

• Don’t eliminate more expensive private schools until you compare bottom line after financial aid.

• Narrow the choices: High, medium, and low interest.

• Apply for admission in the fall of senior year.

The Admission Process

• Grades in a strong college prep program.

• Class Rank

• Standardized Test Scores (SAT or ACT)

• Advanced Placement Scores, Dual Credit, or IB

• Special talents and interests

Standardized Tests

• The SAT or the ACT

• Take as early as March of the junior year and no later than December of the senior year.

• Be prepared for the writing component.

• Test more than once.

• Have your scores sent directly to the schools to which you are applying.

The Interview

• Many colleges and universities recommend, others may require, a meeting with a member of the admission counseling staff.

• During this meeting, students may share decisions on course selection in high school, extracurricular activities, and special career interests.

• Dress appropriately, be prepared to discuss with the rep, don’t just answer question.

• Come armed with some questions of your own.

The Admission Application

• The application is the primary vehicle used to introduce yourself to the admission office.

• Most are now online; follow directions closely.

• Check to see if colleges you’re looking at will accept the Common Application.

• Proofread all parts of the application. Spellcheck!

• Submit application well before deadline.

• Students, not parents, complete applications.

• Make notes of when you submitted applications or requested transcripts through Parchment.

The Essay

• One of the best avenues to get to know you.

• Must be well-written and grammatically correct.

• Select from among suggested topics the college gives you -- do not send the same word-processed essay to all colleges (exception: Common App).

• Tell your story in a way that your feelings, perceptions, values, commitments, and special interests come through naturally.

• Suggestion: write in Word, then copy and paste into the online application.

The Transcript

• Your strengths, weaknesses, commitment to education.

• Outlines courses taken plus those in progress.

• Rigor. Shows AP/IB/Dual Credit.

• Senior classes should be listed as well – direct admit programs.

• GPA and rank.

Admission Notification Systems

• Rolling Admission

• Deferred Admission

• Early Action

• Early Decision

• National enrollment date is May 1

The College Choice

• Compare what you have discovered about college options with your original list of important criteria.

• Factor in bottom line after financial aid.

• Look beyond cost to the pros and cons of each college. Identify the college that best matches your interests and feels like a place you could consider home for the next four years.

• Send in admission deposit to the college of your choice postmarked by May 1. Housing and course selection may be assigned as deposits are received.

Suggested Timeline

• Junior Year:

• Spring: Standardized Testing (SAT and ACT)

• Summer & Fall: begin college visits

• Senior Year:

• Fall: Repeat Testing, College Applications continue college visits

• Winter/Spring: Overnight Visit at favorite schools, Financial Aid (FAFSA) before March 10; May 1 national decision date.

Thank you

Nicole Martinez

Associate Director of Undergraduate Admission

Valparaiso University

Duesenberg Welcome Center

(219) 464-5011

Nicole.Martinez@valpo.edu

My admission blog:

theadmissioncounselornextdoor.blogspot.com