Rising Seniors Get a Head Start on 2012 College Applications
The Common Application for the 2012 graduating class opened up on August 1, 2011 for rising seniors. The Common Application is a non-profit member organization founded in 1975 by 15 colleges wishing to standardize the Admissions process with one common application. Their college membership has grown over the past four decades to 445 colleges in the United States, France, Germany, Italy, Scotland, and Switzerland.
Juniors entering their Senior year can get a head start by registering now and entering some basic background information. Students can become more familiar with the application by watching short videos in the Common Questions section, as well as, learn more about the 445 member colleges.
The Common Application allows students to easily access admissions requirements on all member colleges, and other important demographics. Students can also request recommendations from their counselors, track transcript requests, and list test scores.
Once students submit their applications they can monitor their status, check for missing documents, and submit supplemental essays from their computer. The Common Application system can help ease the stress of an action packed senior year! Get a head start on your senior year by registering and learning more about The Common Application today!
Waitlist Etiquette 7 Important tips
College admissions is a highly competitive process. There is more competition than ever before and the stakes are high for students. The National Association for College Admissions Counselors estimates that 30% of waitlisted students will be accepted into their college of choice at some campuses.
Knowing something about waitlist etiquette is essential during this emotional time for students and parents. Understanding what you should be doing and why could improve your chances of being admitted. Below are some suggestions to help improve your position on any waitlist.
- Celebrate your accomplishment! Being waitlisted means you met all the admissions criteria but they do not have a space for you. Do not let this accomplishment be overcast by your waitlist status.
- Research your waitlist status. Are there any conditions for waitlisted students such as housing restrictions, financial aid, or major selection? Call the Admissions Office to find out if there is a waitlist ranking, number of students on waitlist, and historical waitlist trends for that college. This information will help you with the next step.
- Reassess your college list. A lot has happened since you developed your college list. Is this college still your best match and top choice? Discuss this with family members who know you. Then commit to being on the wait list or selecting another college as your top choice.
- Respond to the college. A simple but important step is to respond to the college’s waitlist notification. Let them know if you are still committed to attending.
- Make plans to attend another college that you have been admitted into by completing the paperwork and submitting the deposit. This deposit will not be refundable if you attend your waitlist college instead.
- Start increasing your chances of getting off the waitlist by:
- Finishing your school year strong! Now is not the time to relax with your grades as you may be reevaluated before being admitted from the waitlist.
- Restating your desire to attend the college in a one-page letter. Remember to mention new accomplishments, AP exam scores of 3 or above, awards, and why you are a good fit for that college.
- Requesting an interview or second interview with the Dean of Admissions. In this interview you will restate why you are a good fit for the college academically and what you can add to the student body.
- DO NOT keep calling the Admissions Office or sending emails to find out your status on the waitlist every day!
This approach will help keep your name top-of-mind when Admissions is reassessing waitlist candidates and their commitment to attend. Once the admitted students respond to the college after May 1st, the college will begin to assess their waitlist and contact students when there is a space. Some of their students may request an extension to respond to acceptance and this could prolong the waitlist procedure. Organization is the key to lessening the stress of being waitlisted. Plan on attending your number two choice college and make your best effort to be noticed by your number one college by using the waitlist etiquette tips.
