applying to colleges and universities in the united states nancy hargrave meislahn wesleyan...
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Applying to colleges and universities in the United States
Nancy Hargrave MeislahnWesleyan University
Higher Education in the United States: A Bounty of Opportunity
Over 4,000 colleges and universitiesPublic and privateTwo-year and four-yearAll-female, all-male, co-edSecular, religiously-affiliatedLarge vs. small; urban vs. ruralSo many choices!
TerminologyCollege: an institution offering courses that lead to a
bachelor’s degree.
University: an institution offering courses that lead to master’s degrees and doctorates; a university may consist of a college/undergraduate division and a graduate division.
Liberal Arts: general undergraduate degree (BA) with breadth and depth across disciplines intended to develop intellectual capacities, such as reasoning, and ethical judgement, critical thinking, and analysis, etc. Studies include the social sciences, natural sciences, languages, humanities and the arts.
Terminology
International student: student with non-US passport and/or living outside the US.
The College/University Search Process
For US: Start process next to last year of secondary school
Application Deadlines November through February prior to September enrollment
Plan for 18-24 month cycle
Role of College/Guidance Counselor
Grade 11 or junior year equivalent G.C. meets with students first (only)—If time and resources permit, then meet with students and parents.
Alternative: group “kick-off” meeting with both students and parents
Annual meeting with teachers and other school staff
Planning Calendar for students, parents and school staff
Creating an Effective College/University Admissions Counseling Office
Knowledgeable, trained personnel—professional development is key
Dedicated office space
Support and visibility in school
College prep is important
College attendance is possible
Creating Relationships/ Establishing Credibility
Get to know admissions representatives at key institutions
Encourage college/university admissions representatives to visit your school (alumni, also)
Have a high-quality school profile
The College/University Selection Process: What’s Important?
Holistic Review
no formula
not exam or cut-off driven
Key questions to be answered:What has this student done within the opportunities
available?What will he/she bring to the classroom?
to my campus?
The College/University Selection Process: What’s Important?
Academic Recordrigor of coursesindividual on-going achievementletters of recommendationstandardized testing (if required)other academic experiences
The College/University Selection Process: What’s Important?
Extracurricular/Non-academic interests and talents/Personal Qualitiespersonal statement (“essay”)activities (in school and community)personal circumstances potential contributions
Students may also want to submit: an extra essay or writing sample
music performance/composition
art slides or e-portfolio (never submit original
artwork)
extra recommendation
Supplementary Materials
• Interviews are sometimes available for students
living outside the United States; contact the
college/university for specific information.
• Skype interview options
Supplementary Materials
Financial Aid for International Students
Individuals who are not citizens of the United States should investigate all sources of financial aid for international students.
Most financial aid for undergraduate international
students is awarded by the college/university.
Funding Sources from IIE
- Need-Blind Admissions: Ability to pay (or not) does not impact admission decision.
Financial Aid Terminology
- Need-Sensitive: The Admissions Office at a college or university knows that student is applying for financial aid and this may influence a student’s admission decision. Sometimes called “need-conscious or “need-aware.”
- Need-Based Financial Aid: If a student qualifies for financial aid, the aid will be based on the student’s financial need as determined by the college/university. The financial aid package can include a grant (money that does not have to be paid back) loan, on-campus work (paid hourly) and perhaps a parental contribution. Students must re-apply for financial aid every year.
- Merit-Based Financial Aid: This type of financial aid can be based on several factors. Students can receive an academic scholarship or talent-based scholarship; students can also receive scholarships for other reasons. It is important to investigate and understand the terms of the award: Does the student have to maintain a minimum academic average in order to keep the award? Do you have to continue to play a sport if you get an athletic scholarship?
Institutional Financial Aid Application – provided by the college/university.
FAFSA – Free Application For Student Aid.
PROFILE – Available from the College Scholarship Service.
Financial Aid Forms
Current Trends and IssuesEconomic Impact
Rising costs on stagnant family incomesPressure on Financial Aid in budget-cutting environmentLack of predictability for colleges/universities leads to more
uncertainty for students Institutional experience varies (idiosyncratic; danger in
generalization)
International StudentsStudent interest remains very high Institutional commitments to global educationUS higher education as our “best export”
Current Trends and Issues
Cost Calculators new in 2011Not meant for international students or global families
CSS Profile financial aid formOne “smart” form adapts to student’s citizenship and situationCurrency exchange rates incorporated (use own currency in
form)On-line access 24/7
QUESTIONS???
Nancy Hargrave Meislahn
Dean of Admission and Financial Aid
Wesleyan University
The Selected Web Resources
Generic URL for US College/Universitywww.(nameofschool).edu
College Board Onlinecollegeboard.com
College Viewcollegeview.com
Common Application commonapp.org
eduPASS Studying in the USAedupass.org/finaid
Peterson’s petersons.com
National Association for College Admission Counseling nacacnet.org
College Admission Testing Resources
ACT, Inc. act.org
College Boardcollegeboard.com
Educational Testing Serviceets.org
Test of English as a Foreign Languagetoefl.org
Financial Aid ResourcesCollege Board: College Scholarship Service
collegeboard.com/student/pay/index.html
FastWeb
fastweb.com
Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
fafsa.ed.gov
National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators
nasfaa.org