DO I MEASURE UP?
When admissions personnel review an application, they use many criteria for evaluating a prospective student. The more selective the college, the more they expect. Admissions offices may consider some or all of the following:
Academic Record: One of the most important factors is the strength of your high school program. Most are looking for at least the following courses:
4 credits of English/Literature
3-4 credits of math, including at least Algebra I, Algebra II and Geometry
3-4 credits of science, including at least Biology I, Chemistry, Physics (Biology II or Chemistry II, or other advanced science course could replace Physics)
3-4 credits of social studies, including American History and Government
2-4 credits of the same foreign language or 2 of one and 2 of another
2-4 credits in Art, Music, Physical Education, and other electives
Grades: A record of consistent performance that shows that you have worked up to your potential is very important. If you started high school poorly, but have shown marked improvement in the following years, that will be greatly in your favor. Also B's and C's in a strong program look better than A's in a weak one.
Class Rank: Colleges also consider your class rank, which is your standing in your class in relation to your classmates. Generally students in the top 50% of their class have a better chance of getting into one of their top choice schools. However, many colleges accept students from the bottom half of their classes. Many of these students, with hard work, have been highly successful in college.
Standardized Test Scores: Highly selective colleges look for ACT scores of at least 27 and SAT I scores above 1220. Usually test scores are just a part of what is being considered about a student. Grades and class rank count as well. Some students do not test well, but are outstanding students in the classroom.
Activities Away From Class: Colleges like students who have been involved in their school and community. Involvement in sports, clubs, student council, etc. are positive indicators. Leadership roles such as offices held, team captain, etc. are a plus. Volunteer and work experiences are also helpful.
Recommendations: Many, but not all colleges require recommendations. Some require one from your guidance counselor, and others ask for references from teachers or other adults, such as ministers, employers, etc.
Interview: Most selective colleges require a personal interview. It is usually an option with most others. Some require interviews for marginal students only. If you feel your school record and test scores do not adequately reflect your abilities, then an interview could aid the admissions staff in making a positive decision about you.
ADMISSIONS PROCEDURES
You can obtain applications to colleges and universities through many sources. They can be found at your guidance office, college fairs, or by calling or writing to admissions offices. A great number of schools allow on-line applications. You can also request information and applications by e-mail. This information can be found by visiting college Web sites. You can locate most college Web sites at the American Universites site and most schools have their application available online.
Most colleges offer several admissions options, which include:
Early Admission: Superior students are admitted into college courses before graduation from high school.
Early Decision: For excellent students who are sure about the college they would like to attend. The student agrees to enroll if accepted and promises to forgo any further applications to other schools. November is usually the deadline for such applications.
Early Action: This is similar to early decision, but the student has until the regular admission deadline to decide whether to attend, if accepted.
Early Evaluation: Students can apply to find out the prospects (good, fair, poor) for admission. Usually the student is informed between January and March. This is usually used by students applying to the most selective colleges.
Regular Admission: This is the most common option. A deadline is set for applications and all notifications are sent at the same time. Most selective schools use this option.
Rolling Admission: The college accepts student who meet their requirements on a first-come, first-served basis until the freshmen class is filled. Decisions on applications are usually made in two to three weeks, and the applicants are informed immediately. This procedure is commonly used at medium to large state universities, so students should apply early.
Open Admission: Nearly all high school graduates are admitted, regardless of their academic record. Most community and junior colleges, as well as, many branch campuses of larger universities, use this method.
WHAT DO YOU NEED TO APPLY?
Freshman applications can be submitted any time after a student completes the junior year in high school. The earlier you apply, the better. It is usually best to submit your applications by December 31st. In that way, you can be accepted in time to meet the school's financial aid deadline, which is usually in February or March for most colleges. You will need the following for a complete application packet:
A completed and signed application and any required fee
An official copy of your high school transcript, which includes your class rank and grade point average. It should also include your SAT and/or ACT scores, and a copy of the most recent report card you have received during your senior year. Your guidance office can provide transcripts for you. Most colleges require that the transcript be sent directly from your high school.
If required, have an official copy of your SAT and/or ACT scores sent to the college, unless you had already indicated that scores be sent to that college when you registered for the tests. Your guidance office should have score request forms for both the SAT and ACT. There is a fee for these requests. Many colleges will accept the scores if they are on your official transcript. An official transcript is one that has an original signature and the school seal. Photocopies of original transcripts will not be considered by colleges.
Other items that may be required include letters of recommendation, an essay, the secondary school report form (usually attached to a transcript), and any "in-house" financial aid forms. More selective schools usually provide a midyear report form, which you should give to your guidance counselor to be submitted after the end of the first semester.
HELP WITH THE PROCESS
Your guidance counselor, parents, or college admissions personnel can be of help in the application process. You can also use the services of an independent college consultant to help guide your through the procedures. Another source of help is the Peterson's Web site.
NCAA ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
Most college athletic programs are regulated by the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), an organization which has established rules on eligibility, recruiting and financial aid. The NCAA has three membership divisions - Division I, Division II, and Division III. Colleges are members of one or another division depending on the size and scope of their athletic programs and whether they offer athletic scholarships. Some smaller colleges may belong to the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA), which has its own set of eligibility regulations.
If you are planning to enroll in college as a freshman and you plan to participate in Division I or Division II athletics, you must be certified by the NCAA Eligibility Clearinghouse. In order to meet the eligibility requirements for these two divisions, you must meet certain core course and SAT and/or ACT test requirements. You should also submit the NCAA Student Release Form (available from your guidance office) as early as possible in your senior year, if you did not submit it as a junior. The Clearinghouse will check your transcript and test scores to determine your eligibility status. There is a $27 free to process this form, but you only have to do it once and all NCAA colleges and universities will have access (with your permission) to your status.
To participate as a student athlete at the Division I or Division II levels, you MUST meet the NCAA requirements and BE REGISTERED with the Clearinghouse. This applies to BOTH scholarship and non-scholarship athletes as well. For more details click below to go to the NCAA or NAIA Web sites.
