Collegewise – Mission Viejo Lynn Maloney, College Counselor (949)

Seminar Overview About us College admissions state of the nation (good news/bad news) What do colleges consider? Transcripts Test scores Activities Essays The paper-side of the application The human side of the application Interviews Matchmaking A few moments of Collegewise self-promotion

Who are we? Collegewise Founded in 1999 by Kevin McMullin Helped over 7,000 families gain admission into over 800 different colleges and universities Lynn Maloney, College Counselor DePauw University, B.A. Psychology Butler University, M.S. Ed. School Counseling Former college admission counselor and high school college counselor

Seminar Overview About us College admissions state of the nation (good news/bad news) What do colleges consider? Transcripts Test scores Activities Essays The paper-side of the application The human side of the application Interviews Matchmaking Five minutes of Collegewise self-promotion

College Admissions State of the Nation

The good: Colleges accept on average two-thirds of their applicants The bad: Roughly 40 highly selective schools accept less than 10% of their applicants Takeaways: (1) Create a balanced college list (2) Great college experiences happen everywhere

Seminar Overview About us College admissions state of the nation (good news/bad news) What do colleges consider? Transcripts Test scores Activities Essays The paper-side of the application The human side of the application Interviews Matchmaking Five minutes of Collegewise self-promotion

Transcripts Three parts: Course rigor Grades Love of learning Senior grades count Interest in learning > GPA How can you show your love of learning? The more selective the college, the more important it is to demonstrate a love of learning

Seminar Overview About us College admissions state of the nation (good news/bad news) What do colleges consider? Transcripts Test scores Activities Essays The paper-side of the application The human side of the application Interviews Matchmaking Five minutes of Collegewise self-promotion

Test Scores Simply not the most important aspect of a student’s application Super selective schools: Test scores don’t get you in they just keep you out Fairtest.org List of 850 or so test optional colleges For every college you’re considering find out: What tests are required Average scores for admitted students How multiple scores are used

Seminar Overview About us College admissions state of the nation (good news/bad news) What do colleges consider? Transcripts Test scores Activities Essays The paper-side of the application The human side of the application Interviews Matchmaking Five minutes of Collegewise self-promotion

Activities Don’t be a joiner Invest time and effort Hobbies count, too Use the application, essay, and interview to show your real passions

Seminar Overview About us College admissions state of the nation (good news/bad news) What do colleges consider? Transcripts Test scores Activities Essays The paper-side of the application The human side of the application Interviews Matchmaking Five minutes of Collegewise self-promotion

Essays Don’t try to impress. Just be honest. Colleges use essays to get to know you better.

Seminar Overview About us College admissions state of the nation (good news/bad news) What do colleges consider? Transcripts Test scores Activities Essays The paper-side of the application The human side of the application Interviews Matchmaking Five minutes of Collegewise self-promotion

The paper-side of applications Follow directions Be succinct and clear Make sure you explain your activities and awards

Seminar Overview About us College admissions state of the nation (good news/bad news) What do colleges consider? Transcripts Test scores Activities Essays The paper-side of the application The human side of the application Interviews Matchmaking Five minutes of Collegewise self-promotion

The human side of applications Remember: Admissions officers are humans, too. What do you do with that knowledge? Likeability is important. Be confident. Be yourself and let your voice and personality come through.

Seminar Overview About us College admissions state of the nation (good news/bad news) What do colleges consider? Transcripts Test scores Activities Essays The paper-side of the application The human side of the application Interviews Matchmaking Five minutes of Collegewise self-promotion

Interviews Conversation > job interview Typically non-evaluative Prepare thoughtful questions Share stories Change your outgoing voic or consider not listing your cell phone number at all

Seminar Overview About us College admissions state of the nation (good news/bad news) What do colleges consider? Transcripts Test scores Activities Essays The paper-side of the application The human side of the application Interviews Matchmaking Five minutes of Collegewise self-promotion

Matchmaking Yield = number of students offered admission vs. number of students who applied US News & World Reports (USNWR) encourages colleges to achieve high yields for ranking purposes FIT becomes crucial Many essays ask: “Why are you applying here and why do you think you’ll be a good fit?” “Codes” behind essays and short answer questions Authenticity is easy to spot

Seminar Overview About us College admissions state of the nation (good news/bad news) What do colleges consider? Transcripts Test scores Activities Essays The paper-side of the application The human side of the application Interviews Matchmaking Five minutes of Collegewise self-promotion

The Collegewise Strategy Our belief: College admissions should be an exciting time for every family. Our approach: Finding right fit and encouraging student ownership over process Our delivery: Free advice via our blog, newsletter, and seminars Products for sale on our website include books, videos, and guidelines (almost all under $20) Individual counseling sessions with yours truly

Next Steps Want more? Fill out the sheet at the table in the back for: Free monthly newsletter Free future seminars Free 30-minute introductory meeting with me

Thank you! Collegewise – Mission Viejo Lynn Maloney, College Counselor (949)