Introduction

The college application process represents a significant aspect of your education at Westminster . All that you have learned about the world and about yourself, both in and out of the classroom, informs your decisions throughout the process . You and your family may be overwhelmed by the enormity of the task and anxious about the outcome . While it is a process somewhat similar to the one you experienced when you applied to Westminster, you will find that it is really a totally new adventure - one that can be the most exciting and rewarding adventure of your life! Our goal is to provide you with the advice, support and information necessary to make the college process a positive part of your Sixth Form year — not the only part .

As your college advisors, our role is multifaceted . Not only are we a resource for information and advice, we also serve as a link to the college admissions offices, interpreting your experience and accomplishments, through the school letter of recommendation and conversations with college admissions directors, within the context of the demanding life at Westminster . We provide as much positive communication as possible to enable the colleges to reach an informed decision about each Westminster applicant by gathering information from our observations and information from you, your teachers, your corridor supervisor, your advisor, your parents, and others . We invite parents to participate actively in the process, recognizing that family perceptions and aspirations play a large role in defining college choices . However, the task of searching for, applying to, and choosing a college remains with you . There have been many changes in the college admission process in the past ten years . Increased numbers of applications at the selective colleges and the colleges’ interest in a multidimensional student body have heightened the selectivity of admission for all students . The best way for you to enhance your chances of admission is to take advantage of the many opportunities you have in the Westminster community, to be honest with yourself about your strengths and weaknesses, and to be thorough in your search for the right college or university . Together, we will work toward the same goal - to have the strongest possible choices from which to select the school that is the right fit for you .

The following pages aim to clarify the procedures and explain the policies of both the Westminster College Office and college admissions offices . Take some time to familiarize yourself with the contents . We look forward to working with you!

The Westminster College Office