What Does an Admissions Counselor Do? Demystifying the Role

by Melissa Brock | Mar 9, 2024 | Ask the admission office | 0 comments

It’s a Tuesday at 6 p.m. 

You head into the school gymnasium, where you see tables and tables of smiling admission counselors. You’re there with your teen, who looks overwhelmed. 

You know she’s thinking it too: “Where do we start? What should we ask? Do these admission counselors just tell people about the school they work for? Do admissions representatives make decisions? What the heck does that admission counselor do all day?”

If you wonder about any of these things, read on.

Key Takeaway

A college admissions counselor is your child’s resource, providing school information, aiding in visit scheduling, assisting with applications, explaining financial aid, and equipping you to make a college decision. They guide you through the college search journey, offering invaluable support along the way.

What is an Admissions Counselor?

An admissions counselor works in colleges, universities or other postsecondary schools. Their primary responsibility is to assist prospective students with the admissions process. 

Admissions counselors play a pivotal role in recruiting and enrolling students by providing information about academic programs, application procedures, financial aid options, campus life and other relevant aspects of the institution. They also typically offer the following:

• Relationships: If your child applies to a “reach” school, an admission counselor might have some sway with an admission committee. You want someone to go to bat for your child when you might need a little extra push, and a relationship with your admission counselor might be able to do that. 
• Advice: College and university admission counselors (unlike a school counselor) can’t set your child’s high school class schedule. Still, we can tell you what our institution might view more favorably if you aren’t sure which class (or classes) your student should take in high school. 
• Honesty: We’ll also be honest with you if you’re not the caliber of student who would succeed at the college or university we work for, which can save you a lot of time. We might not do general college application counseling, but we can tell you precisely what you need to apply to our institution.

A transfer admission counselor is a specialized type of admissions counselor specifically focusing on assisting students transferring from one college or university to another. These counselors work with students transitioning from a two-year community college, another four-year institution, or any other educational setting to a new academic environment.

The primary responsibilities of transfer admission counselors are similar to those of traditional admissions counselors but with a focus on transfer students’ unique needs and concerns. 

Some of their key responsibilities include:

1. Assessment of transfer credits: Transfer admission counselors evaluate transfer students’ transcripts to determine which credits will be accepted by the new institution and how they will apply toward the student’s degree program.
2. Providing information and guidance: They offer guidance to transfer students regarding the application process, deadlines, required documentation and any specific requirements for transfer applicants.
3. Assistance with academic planning: Transfer admission counselors help students understand how their previous coursework aligns with the requirements of the new institution and assist them in planning their academic trajectory to ensure a smooth transition.
4. Address concerns and questions: They address any concerns or questions transfer students may have about the transfer process, academic programs, campus life, housing and financial aid.
5. Transfer credit policies: They inform students about the institution’s transfer credit policies, including any limitations on the number of credits that can be transferred and the criteria for accepting transfer credits.
6. Facilitating connections: Transfer admission counselors often serve as a point of contact between transfer students and various departments, such as academic advisors, financial aid offices and faculty members.

The transfer admission process and timeline are different at every college. Talk with the transfer counselor at your child’s potential new college to learn about the transfer timeline. If your child comes from a different four-year institution, talk to the transfer counselor to see what steps they need to take to go through the transfer admission process. 

The documents needed as a transfer student may differ from those that first-year students need, which is why talking to a transfer admission counselor is key! Scholarships available for transfer students are often different from those offered to first-year students, so you can speak with a transfer counselor about that, too! 

Understanding the Responsibilities of Admissions Counselors

So, let’s dive in to understand exactly what admissions counselors do. 

Interviewing Prospective Students

When prospective students come to campus, an admissions counselor will typically be on hand to meet with them. Each part of the country is divided into territories, meaning that each student gets “placed” with an admissions counselor. When your child comes to campus, you’ll sit down with an admissions counselor to discuss all the opportunities, admission requirements, campus life and more. 

Many admission counselors are campus-based, so you’ll see them when you visit campus. Others are regionally based, meaning they live where they are recruiting students. 

Admission counselors like working with people, plain and simple. The relationships we can build with students (and families) we work with make our jobs fun and rewarding. 

Sometimes, high schools encourage (or require) prospective students to have an interview as part of their application or for scholarships. 

Admission counselors who do this have an idea of what they are looking for out of this interview, and your child may receive the information they need to review ahead of time, such as if something on an application stands out (either good or bad). 

I’ve said it before and will repeat it: Use the relationship you can forge with an admission counselor. 

Evaluating Recruitment Techniques and Data

Counselors follow the directives of the college or university to recruit their next class, and we ask questions like: 

• What was missing in our last class? 
• Did we enroll too many students into a certain program (if the college admits by program) or not enough students from a specific geographic area? 
• All these factors determine who the college will admit to the next year’s class (and maybe more pronounced at selective schools). 

Your child needs to let us know what you bring to the table that we don’t already have.

Making Admission Decisions

Different schools use different methods to determine admission decisions. Sometimes, it’s strictly a numbers game: if your student meets certain criteria, you’re in! Other schools view students holistically, which means they look not only at grades (and possibly test scores) but also at essays or personal statements, letters of recommendation, etc. 

Admission counselors are real people reading your application. We have emotions and experiences that we come in with, and a good essay or letter of recommendation can make a difference when reading an application! 

Don’t think the admission counselor is looking for a reason to deny your child; they’re looking for reasons to admit your child. Does your child’s application have grammatical errors or inconsistencies? 

Does your child have a GPA rigor on the transcript that the college is looking for? These are the things that stand out to admission representatives. Admission counselors who read applications read many (and sometimes don’t have time to pore over them), so you want to ensure that your child stands out for good reasons, not bad ones. 

Recruiting Students

Those of us in the admission counseling role work with prospective students and want to find students who will “find their fit” at the college or university we work for. It doesn’t serve anyone to admit students who won’t be successful and ultimately leave for whatever reason. 

Building a relationship with a student can show us more than simply reading an application, and it can be helpful for a student to see what life might be like at that college! 

Do you need a bit of hand-holding and can’t get someone on the phone to answer a question? That might indicate what being a student there is like, and it might not be what you need to be successful.

Different seasons in the year bring various responsibilities for admission counselors each year. If the school you’re looking at works on rolling admissions (reviewing applications as they come in) the timelines might be slightly different, but for the most part, the role of an admission counselor is seasonal.

Spring

During the spring, admission counselors ensure that high school seniors have all the tools they need to make a college decision. Talking through financial aid awards, ensuring their housing forms are in, setting up campus visits, and working admitted student events occur now. 

Most colleges have a May 1 decision date, so everything works up to that. 

In addition, we college admission counselors are switching to working with current juniors, traveling to high schools and spring college fairs to get information for the next class so that they can start figuring out their campus visits and narrowing down the list of colleges they are considering.

Summer

Summer is the most restful time in a college admissions counselor’s year. We will help tie up loose ends with the incoming class and maybe help with summer orientation and registration, but we’re also looking back at our incoming class to see if there are any trends and what could (or should) be changed process-wise for the coming year. 

Fall

Ready, set, GO! Fall is go time! 

High school visits, fairs and pushing applications from interested students are highest on the list of priorities. Many of us will spend more days on the road than in our offices during the fall. We get out and talk to your child and their school counselor to get as much information as possible about you — my favorite part of my job. 

Colleges and universities on rolling admissions will also release decisions after an application is reviewed, so your admission counselor will be reaching out to let you know what your next steps are after receiving your decision! 

Pro tip: Is writing not one of your strengths, or have you struggled, and your GPA isn’t the best? Talk to the admission counselor to see what elements are the most important in an application. 

Winter

Winter is review and scholarship time. For admission counselors who review applications, we will spend much of our time in the winter reading applications and working with students to go through their next steps. 

Some schools hold scholarship events in the winter months so that you can have a complete financial aid award (and understand it) before deciding where your child will land the following fall. 

How Admissions Counselors Work with High Schoolers

Your interactions with admission counselors will change throughout your child’s high school career as much as the schools they consider may change. What they want as a high school freshman will differ from what they prefer as a senior! 

Here’s a rough overview of what you can expect from an admission counselor throughout high school.

Freshmen and Sophomores in High School

As students are likely just starting to think about “what comes after high school” as freshmen and sophomores, they will probably have limited contact with an admission counselor. 

If you want to get out and visit colleges, do it! The more exposure you get, the less confusing this process will be later. 

You should expect follow-up from an admission counselor, but most communication will come from you, not the admission counselor.

Juniors in High School

Juniors receive more communication from colleges and their admission counselors. We want juniors to think more seriously about “what comes next.” 

You can expect admission counselors to encourage you to visit colleges, and you’ll find that many schools offer visit days specifically for juniors. 

Seniors in High School

As your child approaches their senior year in high school, you’re likely navigating the maze of college applications and decisions together. It’s a pivotal time, and I want to assure you that admission counselors are here to support both you and your senior throughout this process.

First and foremost, admission counselors are your partners in ensuring your child’s smooth transition to college. They serve as invaluable resources in providing information about various colleges, universities and programs. From admission requirements to application deadlines, they help demystify the college landscape.

Whether it’s discussing campus culture, program offerings or extracurricular opportunities, admission counselors help your senior find the best fit.

Moreover, admission counselors provide hands-on assistance with the application process itself. From deciphering application requirements to crafting compelling essays, they offer invaluable support every step of the way. They help your child put their best foot forward in presenting themselves to colleges and universities.

Financial considerations are also part of the equation, and admission counselors are well-versed in navigating the complexities of financial aid and scholarships. They provide guidance on available options and assist your family in exploring avenues to make college more affordable.

As standardized testing often plays a role in college admissions, admission counselors offer resources and strategies to help your child excel on exams like the SAT and ACT. They ensure your child feels confident and prepared when test day arrives.

Throughout the entire process, admission counselors serve as advocates for your child. They offer unwavering support, address any concerns or questions, and help your child overcome obstacles along the way.

As your child transitions from high school to college, admission counselors continue to offer assistance. They provide information on orientation programs, housing options and academic advising services, ensuring a smooth transition into college life.

Please use admission counselors as the resource that we are. We don’t visit high schools and college fairs just to hand out brochures. We want to know more about your child. The more we know, the better we can help guide them through this process. 

If you don’t need anything, that’s okay! If you do, it’s good to know you can always contact your admission counselor for help.

Do Admissions Counselors Make Decisions Regarding Admission?

Sometimes, yes! This is why your child should develop that relationship with admission counselors, especially if they’re looking at a school that might just be out of your child’s target academic range. 

If we have any pull with the admission process, we will certainly go to bat for your child (if we know them). 

The Role of Admissions Counselors Beyond Acceptance

In my position, I don’t stop reaching out once your child has been admitted. I’ll ensure that you stay on top of scholarship and financial aid deadlines, complete those next steps on time, and then help you ensure you have exactly what you need to make your college decision. 

The bulk of an admission counselor’s role involves working with prospective students, but it isn’t like a door is closed and students on campus never head into the admission office again. Developing a relationship with your admission counselor can lead to a job in the admission office when you enroll at a college or help you find your footing once you get to campus. 

Navigating Special Circumstances

The college admission process can be confusing, especially for first-generation college students. I’m here to help navigate you through the process and help whenever I can. 

The same goes for students needing accommodations to help level the playing field. Working with your admission counselor can be to your student’s advantage, as we can connect you to current students who were in similar circumstances not long before you. Plus, we’re generally more helpful than a Google search.

Tips for Parents in Supporting Their High School Students

I often say that the college search journey is like a road trip where students are the drivers. 

Are you (as the parent) sitting in the back reading, only looking up occasionally, or are you giving turn-by-turn directions (and occasionally grabbing the wheel in fear)? 

Most parents I work with are somewhere in the middle. Whatever your road trip style, you should feel like you can also build a relationship with your admission counselor. Reach out when you have questions because, in the end, we both want what’s best for your family. Think of us as your GPS. You can get turn-by-turn instructions interrupting the music from the minute you leave your block, or you can just use us when things are less familiar.

Common Misconceptions About Admissions Counselors

We admission counselors don’t usually have the final say about whether a student attends our college or university. 

We enjoy working with families and know that not every student we work with will choose to attend our school … and that’s okay! Our main objective is to develop a relationship with the students we work with so that even if your child doesn’t choose our school, you’ll have an experience that you’ll want to tell your friends and family about when it becomes their turn to go through the admissions process. 

From the first meeting at a college fair or high school visit to greeting you on move-in day, we, as college admission counselors, are your guide and advocate. We’re there for you when you have questions, including parent questions! 

My teenagers tell me I’m good at asking “mom questions,” and I get that what parents want to know is often quite different from what students think to ask. Asking questions can only help you and your student come to a college decision that is right for you… and you don’t have to stop asking questions just because your student has paid their enrollment deposit. 

If this has brought up more questions for you or if you’ve had a good experience with a college admission counselor, please share that in the comments section. So many people don’t know how to utilize a college admission counselor, so please let us know how you worked with yours! 

Choosing a college or university to apply to should be a fun process! If you can take advantage of attending a college fair (or several), you should! This is a great time to meet with admission representatives and ask questions. What questions should you ask admissions counselors at college fairs? Here’s our list. 

Don’t treat an admission counselor as a stranger. We want to help you through this process! It’s not about selling you a college or university (although yes, that’s part of it), but it’s about selling you the right college or university for your child. 

Written by Jen DiSessa, senior assistant director of admission at Central College. I worked with Jen professionally during my time there. She’s amazing!

Contact College Money Tips at [email protected] if you have questions about the college search process and achieving a debt-free degree.

How Long Do Admissions Officers Read Applications?

by Melissa Brock | Nov 10, 2022 | Ask the admission office | 0 comments

How long do admissions officers read applications? More specifically, how much time do admissions officers spend on each application? You may wonder who sees your child’s application, how long they look at it and how they make a final decision. 

The short answer is that it depends on the school, and a lot depends on the selectivity of the institution. All schools take a look at the application, but the rigor of the institution can dictate the amount of time spent reviewing it. For example, if your child applies to a highly selective institution, the application may go through at least two readers and a final committee. All told, between the first round of readers and the final committee, the application might get 15 minutes of attention from each round.

Admissions readers have a lot of applications to read and a finite amount of time to do it in, which is why your child’s application has to be a slam dunk. 

In addition to answering the question, “how much time do admission readers spend on each application?”, we’ll also walk through where the application “goes” after it enters the college admissions process “tunnel.” 

What is Admissions Reading?

First of all, what exactly is admissions reading? During the admissions process, students apply for admissions at their top choice schools.

They may apply using the Common Application, the Coalition for College application, the Universal College Application, the college’s own application or another type of application process. 

Once the application has been submitted, people take the time to review applications. Colleges often hire seasonal readers to work up to full time during what admissions professionals call “the reading season.” These admissions readers review prospective student test scores, transcripts, essays and other relevant admissions criteria to help make decisions about admissions candidates. Readers use a customer relationship management (CRM) system to manage the process. Students get admitted based on that particular college or university’s enrollment goals.

Let’s take a look at the college admissions reading process, step by step, so you know what to expect. We’ll answer the question, “How do admissions officers read applications?” We’ll also touch on the amount of time admission readers take a look at the application.

Step 1: The college screens and sorts applications.

When the college receives a senior’s application, each college likely has a specific process for handling them. Many colleges import the information on the application and input it directly into the college’s CRM system. 

(Fun fact: When I first started in admissions, our data team printed out the applications and checked them against the computer system — yes, we were still using physical files! Once our data team checked them over and ensured that the CRM matched the application, the file was ready to go onto the next step.)

The appropriate admissions officer will then receive the application. Admissions counselors have a region that they handle. For example, one admissions counselor will handle applications from the state of Colorado. If your student lives in Colorado, that admission counselor will handle your high schooler’s application. 

Step 2: Admissions readers read applications.

Admissions readers then take on the process from there, usually in collaboration with the regional admissions counselor. How many admissions officers are there? It depends on the school, but admissions readers often work in pairs.

On the first pass, a new application may get a 10- to 15-minute review from that part-time hired application reader or another individual at the college or university. This leads to an understanding of the competitiveness of a candidate. Based on this first pass, they will give a recommendation about each candidate, entering in detailed information into the college’s CRM for each applicant. Admission readers may read 50 applications per day, moving methodically through a laid-out process.

Do admissions officers read all essays? The truth of the matter is that some schools have the application go directly to the final committee, whereas other (selective) colleges might read an applicant’s application again before it goes through the final phase. 

Is this process subjective? Of course. Admission readers, while they have been trained in the requirements for admission to that particular institution, they obviously have biases and preferences when reviewing candidates for admission. A second or third round can offer another analysis and offer a more diversified view of the applicant. However, some universities, which have more qualitative processes, may push the applicant through to the “acceptance” stage without going through another round of reviews.

Step 3: A committee takes a look at applications.

Depending on the school, the college or university may not send applications to the “committee.” For colleges and universities that do send applicants to a committee, an official committee group may include a senior admissions official or two, an academic representative and other committee readers designated by the college or university. They will take a look at a rubric or notes in the CRM created by the reading process prior to the committee review. 

This process will take about 15 minutes or so and a final decision will come out of the final committee meeting.

Step 4: The final decision occurs.

Once the process concludes, naturally, your student will get a final decision. 

How long does it take to get a final decision? It depends on the type of admission at a particular college or university. Check out the eight different application types as well as a basic summary below:

• Regular admission: Regular admission deadlines typically occur in early January and admission offers are sent in late March or early April. Students will have to decide by May 1, the National Candidate Reply Day. 
• Rolling admission: Students get an admission decision quickly, typically within two weeks, instead of sending out acceptances all on one date. Like regular admission, your student will need to decide whether to attend a “rolling admission” school by May 1.  
• Open admission: Colleges accept high school graduates in the incoming class until all spaces fill up. Community colleges typically use this type of admission and you get a decision quickly.
• Early action: Early action, which is nonbinding, means your student has the option to submit an application before the regular deadline and you get a decision earlier than usual, typically in January or February.
• Early decision: Early decision is binding, which means you must attend that college. You typically apply early (usually in November) and usually get a decision by December.
• Single-choice early action or restrictive early action: This nonbinding option requires you to not apply to other schools during the early action period. You’ll apply early and hear back in December. 

So, how long do colleges look at applications? Let’s take a look at it this way: How can you get an admission reader’s attention quickly? Consider that they may only spend 30 minutes total with your application from start to finish. 

Get their attention by personalizing your application. Tell your own unique story in an engaging way. Many colleges request you to write supplemental essays. You can add intricate details about yourself through these supplementals. Here are a few examples: 

Describe how you plan to pursue your academic interests and why you want to explore them at University X specifically. Please feel free to address your first- and second-choice major selections.

To tell us more about yourself, please complete the following sentences using only the space provided: 

• If I could travel anywhere, I would go to… 
• The most interesting fact I ever learned from research was… 
• In addition to my major, my academic interests include… 
• My favorite thing about last Wednesday was… 
• When I think of diversity, I think of… 

Something you might not know about me is… Describe the unique qualities that attract you to the specific undergraduate College or School (including preferred admission and dual degree programs) to which you are applying to University X. How would that curriculum support your interests?

Everyone belongs to many different communities and/or groups defined by (among other things) shared geography, religion, ethnicity, income, cuisine, interest, race, ideology or intellectual heritage. Choose one of the communities to which you belong, and describe that community and your place within it.

Prior to applying, it’s important to know the answer to “how long do colleges spend on each application?” It’s also important to figure out how to communicate your unique qualifications. Take every opportunity to convey exceptional talents, alumni legacies, how you will fit into the academic department that you are applying to and more. 

If you’re curious about the admissions process at a particular college or university, you can ask. They may offer a detailed explanation or may also just give you a general explanation of how the admission process works.

FAQs

Do admissions officers read applications?

Yes, admissions officers do read applications. The admission office of a particular college or university may also hire remote or in-office seasonal readers to read applications during the admissions “reading season.”

That’s why it’s important for your student to put their best foot forward with the application — they should do the best they can to personalize the application, particularly with any supplemental essays required by the institution. This gives them an opportunity to showcase their unique personality and qualifications.

How many essays do admissions officers read a day?

Every admissions office has a goal for the number of essays that must be read during any given week. However, college admissions officers and admission readers may read approximately 50 applications per day, spending approximately 15 minutes per application.

Do admissions officers actually read essays?

Yes, admissions officers do actually read essays, but they might have already screened candidates first in a preliminary round. Every admissions office has a different process and it’s impossible to sum up the exact step-by-step process for each admission office in one blog post.

Test Optional, Test Flexible and Test Blind: What the Heck’s the Difference?

by Melissa Brock | Sep 19, 2020 | Ask the admission office | 0 comments

This year, college application season feels like you’re a sloth. You finally move three inches, then get sizzled on a power line. 

You should see the questions on college Facebook groups I belong to. 

One parent just posted, “My daughter is a senior and her Sept ACT got cancelled again. What can we do to get a test scheduled. The dates r blocked till Dec. any info would be appreciated.” 

Another one posted, “So do kids have to take the SAT or ACT and whcih one. I’m confused.”

I do love social media spelling and grammar — because you know what it means? You’re BUSY. You don’t have time for punctuation! Don’t waste another second monkeying around figuring out how to get this school year started. Get the College Money Tips Start of School Checklist for the College Search now. You need this checklist, if not just to keep your sanity! 

Now, let’s get to our burning topic: ACT and SAT and all the questions.

Should My Child Take the ACT or SAT?

Is this not the question OF. THE. YEAR?

College website says: “Standardized tests are optional.” 

You say, “Uhmmmm… Is that a trick question?”

First of all, let’s talk about these tests. Colleges use both the ACT and SAT, or standardized tests, for admission purposes and to determine which students receive merit-based scholarships. 

Most colleges accept both the SAT and the ACT. (Learn more: What Does ACT Stand For? And What Does SAT Stand For?) Typically, colleges have no preference for which test your child takes, despite persistent rumors that one is “better” than the other. 

Just when you think you have it all figured out — ZZZZZZszzzt. (That’s the sound of crisping sloth.)

The question just got more complicated because now colleges have introduced test optional, test flexible and test blind.

Test Optional, Flexible and Blind: Versions of the Same Thing?

I marvel at the way college admission offices invent terms to addle our brains. (Consider how many types of admission exist in this world.)   

What the. Heck. is Test Optional?

Your child gets a choice about whether to send in SAT or ACT scores. 

As if things couldn’t get murkier.

It’s like they’re saying, “Weeeelll, you can send in SAT scores — if you think you want to.” 

If this is your response: “Seriously. Just tell us what to do. If we need to, we’ll take the test. We’ll wear eight masks! We’ll stand in line for days! Just tell us what to do — I don’t want to hear that it’s optional.” I completely understand.

But that’s really the deal with test optional. You and your child decide whether to submit test scores with the application. Most test-optional schools consider SAT and ACT scores if they are submitted, with a large caveat. They also consider:

• Student essays
• Recommendations
• Grades
• Coursework 

They look at these just as (or more) closely than your test scores.

The benefit: Test optional gives your child a chance to purposefully craft his or her candidacy. It means your child can offer other ways to present herself in the best way possible. Maybe your Scorsese-obsessed child submits a video essay. Maybe your daughter can craft her essay around the novel she started two years ago.

You and your child get more control over what your child presents to those steely-eyed admission officers! 

So, test flexible. This is my favorite, because it looks like it’s more relaxed, but you still have to take a test!

A test-flexible policy requires your child to send test scores but students submit other test scores in place of the SAT or ACT. A  few examples:

1. SAT Subject Test
2. International Baccalaureate exam
3. Advanced Placement test

Now… Test Blind? (Are They Kidding?)

A handful of colleges allow test blind admission. I know, I know. The fun never stops. 

Colleges with test-blind admission policies do not want you to send test scores at all. 

Sounds like the most straightforward option of all of them, doesn’t it?

The college’s website might sound something like this, from Northern Illinois University: “Test-blind means that we will not review standardized test scores (SAT or ACT) for general admission and merit scholarship consideration starting with applicants for the fall of 2021.”

But then NIU’s site goes on to say, “We’ll look at your high school GPA instead. Research shows that GPA is a better indicator of success in college. You may need to provide your ACT or SAT score for certain other scholarships. You’ll also need to provide it if you’re applying to the nursing program, a limited admission program.” 

Read everything because college policies vary!

How Do Students Get Admitted Without SAT or ACT Scores?

How do students get admitted without SAT or ACT scores?

It’s important to remember that even before the pandemic, most U.S. colleges admitted two-thirds or more of students who apply. And don’t forget that most public four-year and community colleges are open access. This means no exams required!

I decided to catch up with one test-optional college to find out what test optional means at that institution. Terri Crumley, director of admissions at the University of Northern Iowa (UNI), says, “At UNI, students not submitting a test score (test-optional) will be reviewed using holistic review. The review will include factors such as the student’s high school GPA and core course selection.”   

How Are Scholarships Dished Out Without ACT/SAT Scores?

How does no ACT or SAT translate to scholarships?

Great question.

“We are offering initial scholarships based on the GPA. We also have some scholarships that will require an ACT/SAT score or an additional application. Need-based scholarships will also be available,” says Crumley. 

However, it’s extremely important to check with the institutions your child’s interested in to determine how each college offers scholarships, particularly scholarships where you might need to audition and more.

How to Decide Whether to Take the ACT or SAT 

Now your child must decide whether to take the SAT or ACT. Take these steps to figure it out. 

Step 1: Look carefully at colleges’ qualifications.

Check online first. You may quickly figure out that all schools you apply to are kind of in the same pool — all test optional or all test flexible.

Do they require class rank, weighted and unweighted GPA? Make sure you look for all the details and all the requirements.

“Most high schools are not using class rank anymore. If a high school offers both a weighted and unweighted GPA, students should include both,” says Crumley.

Step 2: Reach out to schools your child’s interested in.

Every school is different. I can’t stress this enough. Let’s say your child’s grades aren’t stellar. The ACT may boost your child’s qualifications, so he might want to take the SAT or ACT. 

You must get on the phone with admission counselors and find out what they recommend. Share your particular situation. 

Ask questions like this:

1. Will taking the ACT or SAT greatly enhance my child’s chances of getting admitted?
2. What other things can we do to increase my child’s chances of getting in? 
3. Should we include letters of recommendation or additional personal statements? What additional materials do you need? Academic work? Scientific research?
4. What are your exact policies? Do these policies depend on my child’s potential major?

Step 3: Make sure your child gets a seat.

Have you decided it’s in your child’s best interest to take the ACT or SAT? 

It might be hard to get a seat. For example, the ACT has done its best to place the class of 2021 seniors in seats at sites that are currently open for the fall. Some of these students could not be automatically registered for fall test dates. However, ACT has tried to secure additional space for students. 

Consider where you might be able to go beyond your area to take the test or arrange for alternate test dates.

By the way, if it seems as if I’m making light of admission policies and processes, it’s simply to get you to smile. In no way do I mean to make light of the situation we’re in. 

Colleges continue to exhibit flexibility and adjust requirements for students. For those with younger students: Nobody really knows how the situation will change. 

The process of learning about the SAT and ACT might seem sloth-like. No matter what, though, ACT cancellations should not put your child at a disadvantage. 

How to Start the School Year (and not Think Your High Schooler’s Behind!)

by Melissa Brock | Aug 22, 2020 | Ask the admission office | 0 comments

My daughter started second grade (in-person instruction!) Thursday morning. Off she went, clad in a little purple mask and a tiny plaid dress.

We don’t know how the year will go. Maybe kids will all be home by November. Maybe they’ll manage to dodge all sickness and everyone will make it to May. 

Who. Knows. 

The only thing we can all do is make the best decisions we make for our families and our kids and keep moving forward, right? Even if your child’s in high school, you’ve got the same worries. It’s hard to see your child’s retreating back disappear into a long hallway.

The blight of the academic changes last semester left many high school experiences high and dry, and you might wonder if your child’s high school career is crumbling.

Here are a few ways you can keep your high schooler on track! Don’t forget to get my high school checklist for quick tips for launching the college search at the start of this year.

High school disruption happened to an unprecedented level this spring. However, that doesn’t mean that your child can’t catch up or choose to go a different route. 

Here’s what I mean by this. Here’s a quick scenario. 

Jessica didn’t do well in Algebra II last semester. The combination of no in-person instruction and trying to get extra Zoom help from her teacher still didn’t work well. Her teacher had a hard time explaining some of the concepts to her without seeing her worksheets in person. 

Jessica’s not sure what she should do this semester. She’s back in school for the time being, but she’s also back to online learning.

Here’s another scenario:

Ben missed a whole semester of individual trumpet instruction from his band teacher. He wants to be a college professor and brass instructor when he graduates from college. He still practiced, but he needs individual instruction. Zoom classes from core classes like math, science and social studies took up all his time. 

Even if your child is in classes right now, you may need to be prepared for another at-home semester. You may have other options. Don’t settle if the experience last semester wasn’t the right route for your child:

1. Take the class somewhere else. Look into a community college option. 
2. Get into class with another teacher. 
3. Find out what tutoring options are available or whether in-person instruction is a possibility.  

Tap into Extracurriculars 

Lots of things got pushed to the wayside this spring — including extracurricular activities and athletics. Some states plan to move forward with the fall athletics season as scheduled and others have already modified plans, including shifting the entire fall season to 2021. 

Meet Coaches Online

Naturally, college coaches have shifted to digital recruiting. This means coaches will rely more heavily on online recruiting networks like Next College Student Athlete (NCSA) to discover, communicate with, evaluate and recruit talent.

Help your child beef up his most recent information, including grades, highlight video and more. This will make student-athletes more searchable to college coaches. Recruiting will depend on what happened last year.

Can your child do camps, showcases, tournaments and more? If so, sign up.

Check out this summary from NCSA:

• 80% of college coaches do not expect impacts to their athletic program’s scholarships.
• A majority of coaches say that COVID-19 will impact their recruiting timeline for their 2021 class.
• 39% of coaches believe that their recruiting timeline won’t encounter delays. 
• 46% of coaches expect a recruiting delay. 
• 15% of coaches believe recruiting will speed up.

Try to Continue Clubs and Organizations

Even if your child starts the year with at-home learning, find out if there’s a way to continue student council, Key Club, National Honor Society, Future Farmers of America — whatever it is that your child’s into! Get on Zoom, help coordinate if you can. Find out who the teacher sponsor is of the club and organization so your child has the best chance of continuing those activities. 

It might be impossible to continue certain activities with remote learning (like running club) so look for alternatives. Can your child start a solo running club and members keep track of their running individually? 

Be creative and help your child brainstorm other ways to continue extracurricular activities. 

Know that above all else, colleges understand what students are going through. If your child says, “I couldn’t complete my last semester of Future Business Leaders of America because of the pandemic,” they’re going to understand. In fact, admission offices are looking for more ways to evaluate students and come up with ways they can evaluate your student’s character, motivation, creativity and more. 

So, in light of the pandemic, what did your student do? Did he come up with a way to help people during the pandemic? Did she gather supplies for people in the hospital during the pandemic? 

The more your child can do to stand out, the better that college application will look.

Just don’t worry about missing out on things — more than ever, colleges will have to roll with the punches.

Don’t forget to download my free high school checklist you can be taking now for the college search!