Roslyn High School

COLLEGE NIGHT 2013

DECONSTRUCTING THE

HOLISTIC PROCESS OF COLLEGE ADMISSIONS

Our College Reps…

Moira PoeUniversity of Michigan

Amy SmithUniversity of Pennsylvania

George ZimmermanBinghamton University of the State University of New York

The Process1) The Application - Common Application and Supplements

2) High School Transcript

3) Standardized Test Scores

4) The Essay and Supplemental Writing Pieces

5) Activity Resume

6) Letters of Recommendation

7) Interview

The Whole Applicant

Transcript/GPA

Scores

Essays

Letters

Activities

Transcript/GPA Scores Essays Letters Extra-Curricular

High School Transcript Rigor Grade Point Average (GPA) – weighted versus

unweighted

Common Questions: 1. Is it better to have a higher average in non-honors

courses than to have a lower average in honors or AP courses?

2. Will the college look at my weighted or my unweighted GPA?

3. How many AP courses should I take?

Standardized Test Scores SAT ACT (plus Writing) SAT Subject Tests

Common Questions:1. What is the average SAT or ACT of students offered

admission to the college?2. Are SAT or ACT scores preferred?3. Do you super score?4. Do I need to report all scores from every test

administration?5. What is the latest date from which I can send scores?6. Are SAT Subject Tests required or highly

recommended?

The Essay and Supplemental Writings

New essay questions on The Common Application Common Application Supplement Questions

Common Questions:1. How important is the essay?2. What do they want to hear/know/learn about me?3. Why are there optional questions and do I need to

answer them if they are optional?

2013-2014 Common Application Essay Questions • Some students have a background or story that is so central to their identity that they believe their application would be incomplete without it. If this sounds like you, then please share your story.

• Recount an incident or time when you experienced failure. How did it affect you, and what lessons did you learn?

• Reflect on a time when you challenged a belief or idea. What prompted you to act? Would you make the same decision again?

• Describe a place or environment where you are perfectly content. What do you do or experience there, and why is it meaningful to you?

• Discuss an accomplishment or event, formal or informal, that marked your transition from childhood to adulthood within your culture, community, or family.

Activity Resume Summary of all extracurricular involvements (clubs,

athletics, community service, summer experiences and enrichment opportunities)

Honors/Awards/Recognitions Research or artistic involvements

Common Questions:1. Do I need to be a leader in multiple things?2. Why do I need to indicate hours/week and

weeks/year?3. How long should my resume be?

Letters of Recommendation Letters of recommendation from your teachers,

preferably from junior year Letter of recommendation from your counselor

Common Questions:1. How much weight do the letters of recommendation

carry in the process?2. Can I submit additional letters of recommendation?3. Is it good to have a letter of recommendation from

someone outside of school?

Interview Informative Admissions/alumni interviews

Common Questions:1. Does the college offer interviews?2. Should I interview?3. Why was I not selected for an alumni interview?

Financial Aid and Scholarships

Financial need Automatic consideration for scholarships Scholarships by application

Common Questions:1. If I indicate that I have financial need, will it affect my

admission result?2. What scholarships are available and what are the criteria?

Thank You For Coming

Q and A