Admissions and Applying R. Bellisario CSAP – 04 KSU

What do I do before I apply to a post-secondary institution Pre-Admissions Checklist –Schedule a visit (ALWAYS visit before you apply). –Set up an appointment to meet with a admissions officer and a representative from student support services. –Ask as many questions as you want, you want to know what you’re getting into in advance!

Critical Questions to Ask When Visiting a Post- Secondary Institution Borrowed and modified from – the Ohio State University, 1989, 2004

When visiting any college or post-secondary institution, there will be several people that you will want to speak with and ask questions. Campus Tour Guide Admissions Officer Representative of the Student Supports Office

Critical Questions to ask the Campus Tour Guide: Do you have a disabilities services office and where is it? What kind of programs do you have? How many students attend this institution? What is the average class size? What do the dorm rooms look like? How many computer labs are there on campus and what are the hours that they are open?

Critical Questions to ask the Admissions Officer Is your institution open or restricted enrollment? What kind of programs do you have? How many courses constitute a full course load? Do I have to live on campus my first year? What is the foreign language requirement? Are substitutions granted, if necessary, in foreign language or any other academic areas?

Critical Questions to ask the Admissions Officer What other materials do I need to include with my application? (i.e. ACT/SAT scores and letters of recommendation from past teachers and administrators) How much is the application fee and is it refundable if I am denied admission to your institution? When are the cut off dates for applying? On average, how long do your students take to graduate?

Critical Questions to ask the Student Supports Representative Is there a fee for your service? How many students do you serve? What accommodations do you provide? How is advocacy defined on your campus? What is the student expected to do in terms of advocating for him or herself? What is your office’s role in advocating for my classroom accommodations? Who is the 504 Officer on your campus and where is he or she located? Are there any special classes for students with learning disabilities? How is academic advising handled?

Critical Questions to ask the Student Supports Representative cont. How is personal counseling handled and can I expect to wait long for an appointment? How many staff members do you have that serve students with learning disabilities? Do you provide tutoring and if so, do you have professional or student (peer) tutors? Is there a fee for tutoring services? Does your office in-service the faculty and staff? Do you facilitate support groups? What are the experiences of other students with disabilities at your college? Are there departments on your campus that have been unwilling to meet the needs of students with learning disabilities? On average, how long do your students take to graduate?

Comparing Application Forms Kent State University –Form overall is longer that SSC (greater detail) –Section 2: Parental information –Section 4: ACT/SAT Scores Stark State College –Asks student to provide basic information

Types of Admissions Full Admission – Student will begin classes on designated start date. Conditional Admission – Student may begin classes on designed start date, but must maintain a certain GPA to remain in that college/university. Deferred Admission – Student may not meet the admissions criteria and might have to begin college course work at a branch college or junior college affiliated with larger university. Denied Admission – Student can not be admitted based on lack of admission criteria.

Activity Answer these questions on the back of your Post-Secondary Visitation Questions sheet. –Have I taken the ACT/SAT exam? If the answer is no, then I have to find a place that administers the college prep exam. –Think of three teachers or administrators at school that you can get a positive letter or recommendation from, write down their names. –Make a list of all high school activities and awards achieved.