Admission to US Universities. College-Ready in a Competitive Context

Transcription

1 Admission to US Universities College-Ready in a Competitive Context

2 Introduction Mary de Villiers Associate Director of Carian College Advisors University of Missouri School of Journalism - BJ Magazine Journalism Loyola University Chicago - M.Ed. In Higher Education Served for four years as the International Admission Officer for Loyola University Chicago

3 What to Keep in Mind The college application process starts on the first day of high school. Admission selection process is holistic, and so should be the preparation. EVERYONE must contribute to the process.

4 Agenda Examine US universities and elements of application Discuss how educators can prepare /develop students Create ideas for implementation Questions & Answers

5 Spoiled for Choice in the US Over 4,000 universities Diversity allows any student to find the right fit of university Size Location Programs Campus Culture

6 Liberal Arts Universities vs. Research Universities Liberal Arts Universities Primary focus is on the undergraduate education Award most degrees in Liberal Arts fields: Social Sciences, Sciences, and the Humanities/Arts Most only offer undergraduate degrees; some offer master degree programs Tend to be smaller schools Offer many interdisciplinary programs Research Universities Classification based on number of doctoral degrees it awards each year across a number of fields Three missions: research, public service, and teaching undergraduate AND graduate students. Offer many opportunities for undergraduates to be involved in faculty research projects Come in all sizes Research university faculty generally teach few classes; may be taught by Teaching Assistants

7 A Word on Selectivity College selectivity is the "application-to-admit ratio," or the number of students admitted compared to the number of students who applied. In other words, it is a percentage, such as 34 percent admitted. The lower the percentage, the more selective the school is. Admissions can be competitive. Every piece of the application matters.

8 Examples of Highly Selective Universities Harvard University Yale University Duke University Georgetown University Massachusetts Institute of Technology Cornell University Northwestern University Brown University Stanford University Dartmouth College Princeton University University of California, Berkeley University of California, Los Angeles University of Michigan University of Notre Dame University of Southern California Vanderbilt University Washington University in St. Louis University of Chicago Williams College

9 Examples of Competitive Universities American University Baylor University Chapman University Drexel University Denison University Fordham University Kenyon College Lehigh University Loyola University Chicago Marquette University Northeastern University Pepperdine University Seattle University Southern Methodist University The Ohio State University University of Florida University of Georgia University of Kansas University of Wisconsin-Madison University of Missouri University of San Francisco Villanova University

10 Components of the Application Academic Record Curriculum / GPA Standardized Test Scores SAT SAT II TOEFL AP Scores / IB Extracurricular Activities Personal Statements Supplements Recommendations Interviews

11 Academic Record Grade Point Average/Marks Highest grades or marks possible Consistently excellent or an UPWARD climb from first year of secondary Curriculum Effort to take challenging courses IB/AP courses and scores Number of A-levels

12 The SAT Three Sections (each with a maximum of 800 points) Critical Reading Math Writing Examples of Average Admissible Ranges of Scores: Harvard Duke UCLA Michigan Critical Reading Math Writing

13 The SAT II Subject Tests Requirements vary by university and sometimes by major Subject Tests Literature US History World History Mathematics Level 1 Mathematics Level 2 Biology E/M (Ecology/Molecular) Chemistry Physics French German Hebrew Italian Latin Spanish Chinese Japanese Korean

14 Extracurricular Activities Demonstration of Commitment Repeat years of involvement Assumption of leadership, taking of initiative Variety of Interests Academic Athletic Student Government Cultural Service

15 Personal Statement An Extremely Important Part of the Application Shows why the student, in particular, would be a good fit for the university Demonstrates analytical and writing abilities

16 Supplements to the Common Application Supplements Tufts University: There is a Quaker saying: Let your life speak. Describe the environment in which you were raised your family, home, neighborhood or community and how it influenced the person you are today. ( words) Saint Louis University: Based on SLU's Jesuit mission, how do you see yourself living it out throughout your college experience or beyond? Butler University: Discuss an event or situation that reinforced the importance of diversity to you.

17 Letters of Recommendation Your direct contribution to students applications Importance on being specific about students qualities and contributions Emphasis on demonstrating students fit for the university

18 Components of College-Readiness 8 Components of College and Career Readiness (Outlined by College Board) 1. College Aspirations 2. Academic Planning 3. Enrichment and Extracurricular Engagement 4. College and Career Exploration and Selection Processes 5. College and Career Assessments 6. College Affordability Planning 7. College and Career Admission Processes 8. Transition from High School Graduation to College Enrollment

19 College Aspirations Build a college-going culture based on early college awareness by nurturing in students the confidence to aspire to college and the resilience to overcome challenges along the way. Maintain high expectations by providing adequate academic and social supports Building social capital Conveying the conviction that all students can succeed in college

20 Academic Planning Advance students planning, preparation, participation and performance in a rigorous academic program that connects to their college aspirations and goals. Help students plan and implement a program of study Help students understand and make the most of their own learning styles Engage students in reflection and personal narrative

21 Enrichment and Extracurricular Engagement Ensure equitable exposure to a wide range of extracurricular and enrichment opportunities that build leadership, nurture talents and interests, and increase engagement with school. Connect students with activities, service and projects Teach students how to be more competitive for college and career Create or guide students to meaningful summer activities

22 Brainstorm

23 Questions?