Admissions Dos & Don'ts
Class of 2024 Senior Academy
CROSBY SCHOLARS ADMISSION DOS & DON'TS:
HOW TO PUT YOUR BEST FOOT FORWARD WHILE APPLYING TO COLLEGE
Kyle Dembart
Associate Dean, Davidson College
D A V I D S O N C O L L E G E A D M I S S I O N S & F I N A N C I A L A I D
Overarching Themes
RESPECT THE PROCESS
Attending college requires a lot of discipline. There are many rules, guidelines, requirements, etc. You have to stay vigilant and be aware of what's expected.
AUTHENTICITY
You don't have to go out of your way to be unique Focus on owning your interests, idiosyncrasies and quirks. They're what make you you. Leverage them to your advantage.
HONESTY
Be truthful in this process. Firstly, with yourself, and then with the folks in admission offices. I promise it is to your benefit. Yes, this carries a bit of risk, but applying to college is never without that.
BE INTENTIONAL
There should be thought and purpose attached to everything you do in the application process. If not, then why do it at all?
D A V I D S O N C O L L E G E A D M I S S I O N S & F I N A N C I A L A I D
Things that matter
(maybe
more or less than you think)
FIRST IMPRESSIONS
AUTHENTIC VS. UNIQUE
PERFECTION
ENGAGEMENT & COMMUNICATION
D A V I D S O N C O L L E G E A D M I S S I O N S & F I N A N C I A L A I D
COMMUNICATION TIMELINE
SEPTEMBER (OR EARLIER)
Send emails to your admission officers introducing yourself. Let them know if you have any questions, and ask if they would be willing to speak with you via Zoom or phone to do so.
SEP/OCT/DEC
Make requests for letters of recommendation and academic documents. Do this several weeks or more before the deadline you are trying to meet.
OCT/DEC/JAN
Check your email and admission portals to make sure your admission materials are being received.
JANUARY
Thank everyone who helped you in the fall while applying to college. Write them a note, bring baked goods, give them a hug...do whatever you like to do to show appreciation.
JAN/FEB/MARCH
Keep in touch with admission counselors at the institutions where you've applied. Provide periodic updates and continue to ask questions as they arise.
D A V I D S O N C O L L E G E A D M I S S I O N S & F I N A N C I A L A I D
WHY PUT IN ALL THIS EFFORT?
COLLEGE IS A HUGE INVESTMENT
It's not just $$ and it's not only you making it. You get out what you put in.
THE STAKES ARE REAL
The next 4 years...and beyond
THIS IS A MUTUAL DECISION
Colleges have to want you as much as you want them
D A V I D S O N C O L L E G E A D M I S S I O N S & F I N A N C I A L A I D
THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND
REMEMBER TO SAY 'THANK YOU'
Getting to college can
and often does take a village. Remember to be gracious to those that support and advocate for you along the way.
BE AUTHENTIC AND HONEST
A reasonable level of formality is important for your college applications, but don't forget to be yourself too!
ADMISSION OFFICERS ARE PEOPLE TOO
If you have questions, concerns, or just want to meet whomever is going to be reviewing your application, reach out to the regional counselors at the schools that interest you. You are the reason we do what we do.
SET REMINDERS AND FOLLOW A CHECKLIST
Keep yourself organized! You are going to have to balance a lot of different applications and needs throughout applying.
D A V I D S O N C O L L E G E A D M I S S I O N S & F I N A N C I A L A I D
QUESTIONS?
seniorprogram@crosbyscholars.org Thank you to Kyle Dembart of Davidson College for hosting today's webinar! Kyle Dembart Assistant Dean, Davidson College kydembart@davidson.edu
EXIT SURVEY