Selective College Admission Evan Favreau Drake University

At Every School… The process may be different The criteria used for admission may be different The mix of available scholarships and financial aid may be different

Application Terms Regular decisions Rolling decisions Priority deadlines Early decision

Regular Decisions Initial applications are reviewed at once Decisions are communicated at once

Rolling Decisions Applications are reviewed and decisions are communicated on an on-going basis

Priority Deadlines All applications before priority deadline will be considered equally Applications after priority deadline may be considered on space-available basis Applications before priority deadline may receive better consideration for scholarships

Early Decision Early application to your first-choice school Early notification of admission Binding: if you are admitted, you are committed to attend Can only apply as “early decision” to one school Deposit usually expected well before May 1 CollegeBoard.com

Apply Early Decision If… Gone on many college visits Done extensive research On your own, you have a strong academic profile and history You currently meet or exceed the profile of your first-choice school CollegeBoard.com

Paper applications (If you really want…) How To Apply Paper applications (If you really want…)

School website/application How To Apply School website/application

Fast applications / special applications How To Apply Fast applications / special applications

How To Apply Common Application Build a “common” application profile Member schools Streamlines the process Separate supplement for each school

How To Apply Be aware of fees!

Application Materials Transcript Standardized test scores Student activities/involvement Essay Recommendations

Application Materials Transcript GPA Challenging curriculum Trends over time Senior year schedule Class rank

Application Materials Standardized test scores ACT SAT Written portions Subject tests Superscore Test optional/test flexible applications

Application Materials Student activities/involvement What are you doing outside of the classroom? Leadership experience is a big plus Another way for schools to see if you fit their student profile

Application Materials Essay Make it unique Not too long Proofread!

Proofread!

Proofread!

Application Materials Recommendations Check on requirements Diminishing returns

Where Do I Apply? Likely schools Probably/maybe schools Reach schools Find a balance

Scholarships Automatic consideration Additional applications Competitive scholarships Major/program Extracurricular/cultural/leadership Outside scholarships

Need Based Aid FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) Submit once for all schools being considered EFC (Estimated Family Contribution) Grants, work study, loans

Need Based Aid FAFSA is available October 1 New timeline this year Better for students and families! May add some complexity to financial aid awards, at least for this year

Keep In Mind… Selective/private schools will rarely cost the sticker price (in the end) Colleges award aid, including need-based Will be different from school to school! Everyone should submit the FAFSA Don’t be afraid to ask if more is available!

Campus Visit Before or after you apply Different types of visits Group visits Individual/personal visits Overnight visits Program-specific visits Vital part of the process!

Making A Decision May 1 – National Candidate’s Reply Date Tuition/enrollment deposit Housing deposits

Making A Decision To consider when making a decision: What do you want out of your college experience? What was your visit experience? Four good data points: First-to-second year retention On-time graduation Internship/professional experience Accomplishment/placement rates Go beyond the numbers

Evan Favreau Drake University evan.favreau@drake.edu