1. Senior Admission Counselor
Dan Zawacki
Senior Admission Counselor
Introduction and CCM Video
Greet the visitors warmly, and introduce yourself by name, title, and territory. If a Cardinal Ambassador is joining you, they introduce themselves as well. Depending on the size of the group, interact with visitors by asking each student where they are from and/or having them introduce him/herself. Next, explain what the GIS is about and how long it will take, as well as the tour to come. Finally, introduce the Cultivating Catholic Minds video as a way to introduce who we are at CUA. All this together breaks the ice and establishes visitors’ expectations. As the CCM video plays, you and the student should walk to the back of the room to avoid distracting visitors, and walk to the front as the video ends. 1-2 minutes plus 3-minute video.
“Welcome to The Catholic University of America! My name is (name) and I’m excited that you’re joining us today. As (title), I travel to and read applications from (territory). Is anyone here from (territory)? Where else is everyone from? I’m also joined today by (Cardinal Ambassador) who will be sharing his/her experiences with you as well.
For the next 30 minutes, we’ll be covering what makes Catholic unique as an institution in terms of our Catholic Identity, Academic Offerings, and Capital Location here in Washington, DC, followed by a tour of our campus. If you have any questions throughout the presentation, please feel free to raise your hand. Let’s begin with a 2-and-a-half-minute video to introduce you to who we are.”
Washington, D.C.

2. A little background… 4,200 colleges and universities in the U.S.
2,400 are 4-year, selective, non-profit
1,800 private schools
4 million students
600 public institutions
6 million students

3. 15-20 colleges you’re interested in that might be a good “fit”
Create Your List!
15-20 colleges you’re interested in that might be a good “fit”
Introduction and CCM Video
Greet the visitors warmly, and introduce yourself by name, title, and territory. If a Cardinal Ambassador is joining you, they introduce themselves as well. Depending on the size of the group, interact with visitors by asking each student where they are from and/or having them introduce him/herself. Next, explain what the GIS is about and how long it will take, as well as the tour to come. Finally, introduce the Cultivating Catholic Minds video as a way to introduce who we are at CUA. All this together breaks the ice and establishes visitors’ expectations. As the CCM video plays, you and the student should walk to the back of the room to avoid distracting visitors, and walk to the front as the video ends. 1-2 minutes plus 3-minute video.
“Welcome to The Catholic University of America! My name is (name) and I’m excited that you’re joining us today. As (title), I travel to and read applications from (territory). Is anyone here from (territory)? Where else is everyone from? I’m also joined today by (Cardinal Ambassador) who will be sharing his/her experiences with you as well.
For the next 30 minutes, we’ll be covering what makes Catholic unique as an institution in terms of our Catholic Identity, Academic Offerings, and Capital Location here in Washington, DC, followed by a tour of our campus. If you have any questions throughout the presentation, please feel free to raise your hand. Let’s begin with a 2-and-a-half-minute video to introduce you to who we are.”

4. Searching Smarter Naviance and your counselors
Big Future – The College Board
Peterson’s The Princeton Review Colleges That Change Lives

5. All about the “Fit!” Physical Characteristics
Size (students, campus), location (geographic, setting), facilities
Academic and Extra-Curricular Programs
Majors, faculty, internships, athletics, clubs/organizations
Financial
Total cost versus benefit and value
The “Feel”
Intangible sense of community and belonging

6. Go visit!
Take your list and plan official visits to each (or most) of your schools
Introduction and CCM Video
Greet the visitors warmly, and introduce yourself by name, title, and territory. If a Cardinal Ambassador is joining you, they introduce themselves as well. Depending on the size of the group, interact with visitors by asking each student where they are from and/or having them introduce him/herself. Next, explain what the GIS is about and how long it will take, as well as the tour to come. Finally, introduce the Cultivating Catholic Minds video as a way to introduce who we are at CUA. All this together breaks the ice and establishes visitors’ expectations. As the CCM video plays, you and the student should walk to the back of the room to avoid distracting visitors, and walk to the front as the video ends. 1-2 minutes plus 3-minute video.
“Welcome to The Catholic University of America! My name is (name) and I’m excited that you’re joining us today. As (title), I travel to and read applications from (territory). Is anyone here from (territory)? Where else is everyone from? I’m also joined today by (Cardinal Ambassador) who will be sharing his/her experiences with you as well.
For the next 30 minutes, we’ll be covering what makes Catholic unique as an institution in terms of our Catholic Identity, Academic Offerings, and Capital Location here in Washington, DC, followed by a tour of our campus. If you have any questions throughout the presentation, please feel free to raise your hand. Let’s begin with a 2-and-a-half-minute video to introduce you to who we are.”

7. Making the Most of College Visits
General Tour and Information Sessions
Basic stats and info, walking tour of campus
Ask questions! Counselors, tour guides, and other students
Open House Programs
Larger events: meet with faculty, see classrooms/facilities, explore student clubs. Plus tours and information sessions
Shadow/Overnight Events
Sit-in on actual classes, eat in dining halls, stay in residence halls
Admitted Student Events
Large celebration events, typically your final look at a school

8. Ask Questions! Admission Counselors Faculty, Deans, Department Staff
Specific application and admission questions
General academic, student-life, and financial aid questions
Faculty, Deans, Department Staff
Specific academic and student-life questions
Financial Aid Counselors
Specific aid questions, total costs, payment options and plans
Current Students
Everything! Why they chose the school, and why they stayed

9. Apply!
Complete applications to 4-8 different schools that you enjoyed visiting, and could see yourself attending
Introduction and CCM Video
Greet the visitors warmly, and introduce yourself by name, title, and territory. If a Cardinal Ambassador is joining you, they introduce themselves as well. Depending on the size of the group, interact with visitors by asking each student where they are from and/or having them introduce him/herself. Next, explain what the GIS is about and how long it will take, as well as the tour to come. Finally, introduce the Cultivating Catholic Minds video as a way to introduce who we are at CUA. All this together breaks the ice and establishes visitors’ expectations. As the CCM video plays, you and the student should walk to the back of the room to avoid distracting visitors, and walk to the front as the video ends. 1-2 minutes plus 3-minute video.
“Welcome to The Catholic University of America! My name is (name) and I’m excited that you’re joining us today. As (title), I travel to and read applications from (territory). Is anyone here from (territory)? Where else is everyone from? I’m also joined today by (Cardinal Ambassador) who will be sharing his/her experiences with you as well.
For the next 30 minutes, we’ll be covering what makes Catholic unique as an institution in terms of our Catholic Identity, Academic Offerings, and Capital Location here in Washington, DC, followed by a tour of our campus. If you have any questions throughout the presentation, please feel free to raise your hand. Let’s begin with a 2-and-a-half-minute video to introduce you to who we are.”

11. Application Review Process
Academic background: GPA, curriculum, test scores
#1 for every school. “Can this student succeed here?”
Different definition of success for each school, historical data.
Personal Qualities
Essay, letters of rec, activities, leadership, jobs. “What could this student bring to campus life outside of class?”
Demonstrated Interest
“How much does this student like us?” Visits to campus, communication with counselor, fit to program & school
More valued at highly-selective schools, should be appropriate interest

12. Enroll!
After receiving your acceptance letter(s), visit each school again and make your college decision
Introduction and CCM Video
Greet the visitors warmly, and introduce yourself by name, title, and territory. If a Cardinal Ambassador is joining you, they introduce themselves as well. Depending on the size of the group, interact with visitors by asking each student where they are from and/or having them introduce him/herself. Next, explain what the GIS is about and how long it will take, as well as the tour to come. Finally, introduce the Cultivating Catholic Minds video as a way to introduce who we are at CUA. All this together breaks the ice and establishes visitors’ expectations. As the CCM video plays, you and the student should walk to the back of the room to avoid distracting visitors, and walk to the front as the video ends. 1-2 minutes plus 3-minute video.
“Welcome to The Catholic University of America! My name is (name) and I’m excited that you’re joining us today. As (title), I travel to and read applications from (territory). Is anyone here from (territory)? Where else is everyone from? I’m also joined today by (Cardinal Ambassador) who will be sharing his/her experiences with you as well.
For the next 30 minutes, we’ll be covering what makes Catholic unique as an institution in terms of our Catholic Identity, Academic Offerings, and Capital Location here in Washington, DC, followed by a tour of our campus. If you have any questions throughout the presentation, please feel free to raise your hand. Let’s begin with a 2-and-a-half-minute video to introduce you to who we are.”

13. Net Price Calculator Beyond the “Sticker Price” Net Price Calculators
Private schools almost always cost more on paper, but typically award more scholarships and need-based aid
Public schools cost less, but usually give less scholarship and aid
Net Price Calculators
U.S. Dept of Education provides master list of colleges
Most schools have one on their Admissions or Fin Aid websites
Provides a truer estimate of actual cost
Based on students similar to yourself in the previous year
Tuition, room & board, books, etc. Plus scholarships and grants

14. Senior Admission Counselor
Questions?
Dan Zawacki
Senior Admission Counselor
Introduction and CCM Video
Greet the visitors warmly, and introduce yourself by name, title, and territory. If a Cardinal Ambassador is joining you, they introduce themselves as well. Depending on the size of the group, interact with visitors by asking each student where they are from and/or having them introduce him/herself. Next, explain what the GIS is about and how long it will take, as well as the tour to come. Finally, introduce the Cultivating Catholic Minds video as a way to introduce who we are at CUA. All this together breaks the ice and establishes visitors’ expectations. As the CCM video plays, you and the student should walk to the back of the room to avoid distracting visitors, and walk to the front as the video ends. 1-2 minutes plus 3-minute video.
“Welcome to The Catholic University of America! My name is (name) and I’m excited that you’re joining us today. As (title), I travel to and read applications from (territory). Is anyone here from (territory)? Where else is everyone from? I’m also joined today by (Cardinal Ambassador) who will be sharing his/her experiences with you as well.
For the next 30 minutes, we’ll be covering what makes Catholic unique as an institution in terms of our Catholic Identity, Academic Offerings, and Capital Location here in Washington, DC, followed by a tour of our campus. If you have any questions throughout the presentation, please feel free to raise your hand. Let’s begin with a 2-and-a-half-minute video to introduce you to who we are.”
Washington, D.C.

15. It depends! Introduction and CCM Video
Greet the visitors warmly, and introduce yourself by name, title, and territory. If a Cardinal Ambassador is joining you, they introduce themselves as well. Depending on the size of the group, interact with visitors by asking each student where they are from and/or having them introduce him/herself. Next, explain what the GIS is about and how long it will take, as well as the tour to come. Finally, introduce the Cultivating Catholic Minds video as a way to introduce who we are at CUA. All this together breaks the ice and establishes visitors’ expectations. As the CCM video plays, you and the student should walk to the back of the room to avoid distracting visitors, and walk to the front as the video ends. 1-2 minutes plus 3-minute video.
“Welcome to The Catholic University of America! My name is (name) and I’m excited that you’re joining us today. As (title), I travel to and read applications from (territory). Is anyone here from (territory)? Where else is everyone from? I’m also joined today by (Cardinal Ambassador) who will be sharing his/her experiences with you as well.
For the next 30 minutes, we’ll be covering what makes Catholic unique as an institution in terms of our Catholic Identity, Academic Offerings, and Capital Location here in Washington, DC, followed by a tour of our campus. If you have any questions throughout the presentation, please feel free to raise your hand. Let’s begin with a 2-and-a-half-minute video to introduce you to who we are.”