1. Selective College Admissions
Elena Wong
West Coast Director of Admission
Drew University

2. Topics of Discussion Building a Class The Application Recommendations
The Essay
Conclusion

3. Why Apply to a Private College or University?
Academics
Student to Faculty ratio
Courses
Resources
Access
Support
Research
Financial Aid
Community
Class Size
Residential

4. Building a Class Academics Arts Athletics Diversity
Institutional Priorities

5. Presenting Yourself Common Application Transcript SAT/ACT Essay
Curriculum
SAT/ACT
Essay
Recommendations
Supplement
Extracurricular Activities
Interview (if applicable)

6. Application Types
Early Decision: Binding plan where students make a commitment to a first-choice school if admitted.
Early Action: Non-binding plan that allows applicants to receive an earlier decision; students can still apply to other colleges.
Restrictive Early Action: Non-binding plan, but students are restricted from applying EA or ED to other schools.
Regular Decision: Last deadline to apply.
Rolling Admissions: Applications reviewed as submitted.

7. Letters of Recommendation
Who to ask?
Counselors and teachers
Who knows you best?
11th grade (or 10/12th)
Balanced perspectives
What are we looking for?
Insight into academics, passions and personal qualities
Extra Recs?

8. The Essay Why does it matter?
You’re in control – you choose the focus
Personalizes the process
Allows you to distinguish yourself
Leaves an impression
What does an essay show to a college counselor?
Intellectual vitality
Language ability
Ideas, perspectives and passions
Personal qualities

9. The Essay When writing a college essay, avoid:
Answering only half the question
Allowing someone else to write and re-write the essay
Using words that are not part of every day vocabulary
Your essay isn’t a text message – “lol, lmao, omg…”
Cutting and pasting the same essay for every school
Using the essay to explain a flaw in your academic transcript

10. The Committee Process Holistic Review No “Magic Formula”
All parts of the application are reviewed
No “Magic Formula”
Each applicant’s compelling “point of excellence” may be different
The “Well-Rounded Class”
What will each student
contribute to – and gain from
the class?
Decisions by Committee

11. Conclusions Take control of the college process. Remember, there is no
magic formula.
Enjoy it!

12. Thank You
Elena Wong
Drew University