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
My admission blog:
theadmissioncounselornextdoor.blogspot.com