ADMISSION TO COLLEGE
Signs And Directions For Success
Reprinted from the Admission Practices Committee
PACAC: Pennsylvania Association for College Admission Counseling
www.pacac.org
In many ways, going to college is similar to reading signs and directions. This guidance, when followed, will help you to reach your destination with the lest amount of hassle. From the experiences of thousands of students and counselors come the following "signs and directions" to help you reach the right college with the greatest ease. It's an exciting time. With proper preparation, you will enjoy the ride.
Know Your Preferences
As in travel, you need to know what you want. Your answer will depend on needs and desires that differ from your friends and family. Location, size, type, affiliation, competitiveness, and academic offerings are the larger considerations when determining the right college or university. What are your needs and desires?
Gather Information
You may have a good idea on your choice of college. Until you request information, however, you will not know with any certainty. Colleges and universities are obligated to provide thorough and accurate information on all aspects of their education, including costs and assistance. In turn, you have the responsibility to understand the policies and procedures regarding your choices, especially where deadlines and deposits are concerned.
Make Application
Your needs and the recommendations of your family or your counselor will determine the number of applications that you complete. In general, you should not make application to colleges that do not meet your profile, especially in regard to academic preparedness and competitiveness.
Be certain to work with your family and counselor when you complete your applications. Do not hesitate to contact an admission representative when you have a question.
Receive a Reply
A response to an application from a college or university may not always be an admission decision, at least not at first. You may be required to send additional information, or you may be placed on a waiting list. In either case, you should follow the instructions that will ultimately lead to an admission decision.
Receive an Admission Decision
Not all admission decisions are favorable. If you were thorough and truthful in your selection as well as on your application, the answer that you receive will most likely be favorable. If so, congratulations! You will need to examine all of your favorable decisions to select the one college where you will enroll. You will have until May 1 before your commitment takes the form of a nonrefundable deposit. Unless you applied early decision, you should be granted an extension upon written request if a deposit is required by May 1.
Determine Your Choice
Most colleges and universities will require a nonrefundable deposit by May 1 for students who have been accepted for the fall semester. Without this request, admission representatives will not know the number of students who will enroll and the services that will be needed. You should make only one deposit with your first choice of college. You should also withdraw your application from all of the other colleges that accepted you. (Early decision applicants should withdraw all other applications at the time of deposit).
Prepare for Arrival
Whether you will be living on or off campus, you should prepare for the start of classes. On-campus students should consider the items and tasks that will be needed to support their living habits. Off-campus students should consider scheduling their classes in relation to their need for transportation and using the college's resources. A campus visit is very helpful in determining your preparations. Be certain to participate in an orientation if you are given the opportunity.
Ask Questions
You will have questions along the way. Your counselor, your family, your friends and the staffs at the many colleges and universities will provide the guidance that you seek. In the end, please remember that your destination is very personal. Your success in college will be determined by the choices that you make. Good Luck!.