Tips & Resources | The Admissions Process

• This excellent article by the Dean of Admissions at Pomona College provides an insightful look at the importance of authenticity in the college admissions process.
• You can read more about college admissions and sign-up for updates at the Benchmark Blog.
• Do you ever wonder what an admissions office looks like this time of year? Check out this University of Chicago link to see why colleges are not too excited to receive calls asking if they have received your information!
• Do you want to learn more about what really goes on in the admissions process? Here is an excellent new book that offers an insider’s glimpse of the process.
• Two of the most common words heard concerning the college admissions process are "confusing" and "overwhelming." Read more about some of the myths surrounding admissions, and print this credo as you launch into this exciting process.
• Seniors who are still on waitlists and have made other plans should contact colleges to let them know they do not want to remain on the list. This is in fairness to those who really want this option.
• How extensive is the impact of Myspace and Facebook on students? While this article covers the impact in a wide range of venues related to students, this article highlights the impact in relation to college admissions.
• Admissions anxiety is taking front stage in the media as more is being done to reduce the level of angst. Harvard, Princeton and The University of Virginia have all dropped their early application processes beginning next year, and more schools are sure to follow.
• Read more about the impact of online postings by students on the college admission process.
• We attended the recent counselor meeting at the University of Washington and received an update on the newly-admitted class and an overview of the first year of the comprehensive, holistic review process. With more admissions staff added, each application received at least two complete reviews, giving essays and all other material a high level of individual attention. It is clear that senior year is getting more attention, and maintaining rigor and grades is paramount as the UW wants students to have a high level of preparation upon enrollment. Updates on programs at UW also included details of the new Common Book initiative for students.
• Waitlists: In our visits to colleges this spring, as well as in conversations with admissions representatives from colleges across the country, the changing face of the waitlist is becoming a bigger factor in the admissions process. With students applying to more colleges for a variety of reasons, colleges are less certain about who will accept a place at their schools. This in turn places more uncertainty in planning class sizes. Waitlists are therefore growing, increasing uncertainty for everyone. Remember that in most cases these waitlists are not "ordered," but provide a "reserve army" for schools needing to admit students with particular qualifications. Learn more about your rights in this process by downloading this pdf file, and learn what to do if you are placed on the waitlist.
• University of Washington update: Some students are hearing a bit later than usual from the UW this year regarding admissions decisions because of a new process requiring a more comprehensive review of each student's file rather than relying on indexed scores as in past years. Also, applications are up 5% this year (but class sizes should remain approximately the same).
• Some valuable thoughts on the college admissions process…..
• Are you considering the option of "early action" or "early decision" in the application process? Early decision is binding and should only be used if you have a clear first-choice college and want to apply only to that one college. Early action is more flexible since you don't have to commit to attending. Your application is due earlier than in the regular round and you are notified earlier. Some colleges have additional restrictions on early applicants however, so make sure to check all of the fine print.
• The Washington Higher Education Coordinating Board is considering raising admissions standards and highs school course requirements. Read more about the proposed changes.
• Are you on a wait list and need more help understanding what this means to you? You definitely want to let the college know that you are still interested, and if you have any significant new information since applying, send a letter with these documented additions. Waitlists will continue to move during the summer.
• What does it take to get into a top liberal arts college? PBS takes a behind-the-scenes look at the admissions process at Amherst College. Click here for a link to the program, which aired on June 22, 2004.
• The Early Admissions Game, by Christopher Avery, Andrew Fairbanks, and Richard Zeckhauser. This book, based on the careful examination of more that 500,000 college applications for fourteen elite colleges, and hundreds of interviews with students, counselors, and admissions officers, provides a thorough analysis of early admissions.
• Our favorite resource for understanding the college admission process: The College Admissions Mystique, by Bill Mahyer.