ACING APPLICATION THE

CAPTURE THE ATTENTION OF COLLEGE ADMISSIONS OFFICERS WITH SOME RESEARCH, PREPARATION, AND DUE DILIGENCE. /

By Lori Roberts

HOW CAN YOU ace the admissions process? Start early, say higher education professionals. Most colleges begin accepting applications in the fall of a student’s senior year of high school, but the work should begin months (or years) earlier. “Anymore, students can start doing their research during their freshman year,” says Chris Munchel, associate vice president for enrollment planning and management at Ball State University. “To me, that is a very motivated student. But I would definitely recommend students start digging in during their junior year.”

Many colleges and universities look beyond traditional grade point averages and standardized test scores previously used to determine admission. Instead, they seek well-rounded applicants whose activities and interests align with their missions. A little prep work now can mean a coveted acceptance letter later.

Research Project

There are approximately 4,700 degreegranting institutions in the United States, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. Some universities focus on liberal arts curricula, while others are geared toward science, technology, engineering, or mathematics disciplines. It’s up to applicants and their families to determine which schools offer the features and programs they desire.

“When a student is looking at schools, the first thing they should do is get familiar with the learning environment of that institution,” says Thomas Bear, vice president of enrollment management with Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology. “A student who comes here very much has to have a passion for STEM. You have to be able to work in a community. Nobody graduates from a STEM school by themselves. They have to work with a team.”

Applicants have ample opportunities to learn more about each potential university home. They can plan a trip to tour the campus and see what’s really happening there or engage with admissions professionals via social media or phone to find out what the school offers and what it requires for entry.

“We want to make sure we provide students with the information they need to be successful at Ball State or wherever they choose to go,” Munchel says.

College Prep 101

The admissions process begins long before students fill out their applications. Colleges may have different requirements for admission, including prerequisite classes and a level of community involvement. Test scores may or may not be required, as many schools are now test-optional. Grade point averages are important, but so are soft skills and extracurricular activities that indicate a student’s passion for development opportunities outside of class.

“We love to understand a student’s background in the community, what they’ve done, how they’ve been involved in their churches and other activities,” says Tod Dalberg, chief marketing officer with Indiana Wesleyan University, a Christian-based school. “Our goal is to find a student who is going to thrive here on our Marion campus.”

It may be tempting to sign up for every club, organization, and charity to create a resume of engagement. That’s not necessary, admissions professionals say. What they want to see is authenticity and passions that align with the school’s overall mission. That’s why Indiana Wesleyan may seek students active in their church families, while Rose-Hulman might focus on students who participate in groups like robotics club. More activities won’t tip the scales, Munchel says, but genuine participation efforts will.

Apply Here

Each school has its own application requirements. Many accept the Common Application, which allows students to apply to multiple schools at the same time. Others may have their own unique application processes. Take this task seriously, Bear says. Pay attention to the details, fill out the application completely, and have someone else proofread it before it’s sent. “Students are still going to graduate and apply for internships and jobs,” Bear says. “They’re going to have to communicate effectively. It’s critical that we see that ability to follow instructions and express themselves.”

Most applications rely on the college essay, which often gives admissions professionals a window to see beyond grades and club activities. Again, sincerity comes into play. Students should write essays that reflect who they are, not who they imagine the school wants them to be.

Honest Effort

Students may mistakenly believe they need a flawless high school record to get into college. Some candidates might have made some bad decisions during high school or struggled in class due to outside influences, mental health concerns, or pressures at home. Be honest about these hurdles. Admissions officers want to know about applicants’ backgrounds.

“First and foremost, we always say be honest and transparent,” Dalberg says. “We have students who were C students in high school. We want those students to apply. We value those students as much as we value the valedictorians. If you have a lower GPA, talk to us about why. Give us a view of what your life was actually like and what challenges you faced.”

Backup Plan

The hard truth is universities cannot accept every qualified student who applies. While rejection can be difficult, applicants must remember that other educational options exist. They may wind up at a different four-year institution, or they could opt to focus on an associate degree before they transition to a four-year college. Many schools, like Ball State University, have programs that allow students to live on campus and attend Ivy Tech while planning their transition into the Ball State curriculum path.

Remember, the university application process may not unfold as planned, but often the outcomes are just as good. “The world is full of people who didn’t get into their first choice of institutions, and they’re doing fine,” Bear says. “They just found out that another school was a better fit for them.”