Westhampton: A Report on Admissions

In the spring of the year college admissions officers and high school seniors "reckon with" a similar problem. Except for successful Early Decision candidates, most seniors have taken the advice of both school counselors and college consultants and applied for admission to several colleges, perhaps to a first choice, a second choice, and a "back-up." When predetermined dates begin to draw near it is not difficult to see why both of us, the high school senior and the college officer, are eager to learn of the decisions of the other. The problem which was, "to whom shall we offer admission" becomes, "to which college will they confirm acceptances ." Obviously, the future of a college, the future of the individuals who attend a college, have a direct bearing on the crucial decisions relative to college admissions and to college choices.

It is an awesome task to evaluate the credentials of hundreds of qualified candidates for admission to a college. The Westhampton College Admissions Committee takes seriously our responsibility to the College and to the individual applicant. Many, many

Significant guidlines of the Westhampton College Early Decision Plan, as compared to the regular process are noteworthy:

Early Test dates: not later than

July after Junior Year. Required tests: S.A.T. and two Achievement Tests :

English Composition and

Math (Language may be taken in Senior year) . Completed application: by

November 1, Senior

Year. Notification date : by November 15. Candidate reply date : by

December 1.

Regular not later than January of

Senior year. S.A.T . and Three Achievement Tests : English

Composition, Math , Foreign Language .

by January 15, Senior Year

by March 15.

within three weeks of acceptance .

hours are spent in trying to give full considerations to every application . The committee reflects on the often-asked questions, as posed by college alumnae, counselors, parents, and prospective students. "What are we looking for in our students?" "Do we want only 'A' records?" "Are we placing too much emphasis on College Board test scores?" "Are we considering the leadership and service potential of our candidates?"

Westhainpton College

Not easy to quantify, and qualify, are the non-academic activities of high school seniors. Information regarding student participation in school functions , community services, and church activities complement and enhance the overall profile; seldom do these qualifications serve as substitute for academic achievement. Nevertheless, Westhampton College students generally have an impressive background of interests and activities.

In a measure these questions can be answered by looking at the pool of applications to Westhampton College for the 1968-1969 freshman class. Table 1 ( on page 18) shows the high school class rank, in a quintile distribution, in relation to the Scholastic Aptitude Test, Mathematics; Table 2 in relation to the Achievement Test, English Composition. The mean scores of the enrolled Freshman Class, September 1968 , were : SAT-Verbal 558, Math 568. Achievement Tests: English Composition 580; Math (Level I ) 540, Math (Level 2) 578.

The most recent edition , Manual of Freshman Class Profiles, 19671969, published by the College Entrance Examination Board, New York shows that colleges over-admit applicants to obtain the desired freshman class. With multiple applications by students the need for over-admission is apparent.

For the past two years almost 50% of the freshman class were admitted under the Early Decision Plan, Single Choice. This plan as agreed upon by the participating members of the College Entrance Examination Board specifies that students apply to one college, declaring their intention to enroll in that college if offered admission; deferred candidates being notified in time to apply to other colleges of their choosing. The Westhampton Admissions Committee does not set forth a desired geographical distribution, however we encourage out-of-state applications . Approximately 25 % of the enrolled resident students come from states other than Virginia. Except for standarized test requirements , entrance specifications to Westhampton College have changed very little through the years. Although no remedial English or sub-Math courses have been offered for ten years, a foreign language deficiency continues to be removable by taking language in college for non-degree credit. A well-known fact, available dormitory space has not changed for more than two decades. Therefore, places for only 110 freshmen can be reserved each year. Sadly, we must deprive admission to many qualified high school seniors who say they really want to come to Westhampton College. Likewise transfer candidates cannot be strongly encouraged to apply for admission unless they have relatives or family friends in the Richmond area with whom they can and will live.

The reason we do not, and cannot , offer admission to many candidates, both freshmen and transfers, is apparent ; there is just no place to "put" them. Would somebody like to build us another dormitory?