How to Apply to College | BestAccreditedColleges.org

How to Apply to College | BestAccreditedColleges.org
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How to Apply to College: The Ultimate Guide
There are many factors to consider when heading to college. This guide details how to apply to college step by step, including tips for college application essays, completing the Common App, finding financial aid, and college interview success.
Written by Steve White
So you're working on your college application. Congratulations are in order! You're taking a monumental first step toward a new phase in life, one that will change you forever and help you reach your goals in life. We'd be lying if we said this process is easy. For many, it's intimidating and stressful. You might be wringing your hands at the prospect of figuring out which college is right for you. You might be scratching your head at the Common App essay prompts or you may find yourself completely overwhelmed by the sheer breadth of the college application process.
Take a deep breath. Countless students have stood where you stand now and made it to the other side. You'll get there. And we're here to help. In this guide, we'll equip you with the tools you need to make the right college choice, give you step-by-step instructions for filling out your college applications, help you find ways to pay for college and answer any questions you might have about how to apply for college.
How to Decide on a College
The first step in the college application process is to narrow down your school choices. For some, this might be easy -- your parents went there; you need to stay at home and there's only one college in town; you want a degree in bagpiping and there's only one place in the country that offers it (that's Carnegie Mellon University if you're interested).
For others, the idea of finding the perfect college feels daunting. Below, we'll give you some factors to consider to help you narrow your choices. For each factor, assign a number between one and ten, ten being the most important to you. As you go through your college options, you can use this number system to eliminate schools that don't align with your values and make a shortlist of ones that do.
In-State or Out-of-State
Colleges typically charge higher tuition to out-of-state students than in-state students. If you went to high school in a particular state you may also be eligible for special scholarships and tuition discounts offered to students who decide to attend college in the same state.
Distance from Home
Some students prefer to stay close to home to have a support system and save money on room and board (though some colleges require students to stay on-campus for the first year or two). Others enjoy the idea of getting away from their hometowns to experience something new.
Cost
For many, affordable tuition is the top concern, especially with the prospect of graduating with the burden of student debt. Keep in mind that you may be eligible for free money to pay for college thanks to federal financial aid and scholarships (we will cover these options in more detail later). Keep in mind that tuition is just one part of the cost of attending college -- you'll need to think about relocation costs, books and room/board. Many schools will list cost of attendance (COA) to give you a better idea of what you might spend.
Institution Type
Do you want to attend a 2-year
community college
or a 4-year institution? Some prefer to start at a 2-year school to save money and get their footing before transferring to a 4-year school, while others like to stay at one university for their entire academic career.
Academic Quality
If you're going to pay for an education, you want to make sure you get your money's worth. Many reputable sites offer rankings that factor in faculty quality, academic rigorousness, graduation rates and financial resources available to students. You'll find these rankings for entire schools and also for specific programs within those schools.
Program Offerings
If you're sure what you want to study, you're one step ahead of the game. You can narrow your choices to schools that offer your field. If not, you may rank this lower or find schools that have a range of programs that sound interesting to you. For example, if you want to study
biomedical engineering
, be sure to choose the best school that offers that type of program.
School Activities
Many schools offer honor societies, fraternities/sororities, student organizations, sports clubs and other opportunities to meet friends and become a vital member of campus life.
Other ideas for your list might include climate, the size of the school, the university's socio-political stance and job placement statistics.
Researching and Visiting Potential Colleges
Once you know what's most important to you, you can make a list of schools that make the cut. It may even be helpful to you to divide this list further, making categories based on how likely it is you'll be accepted. For instance, you could make a few columns: Safety Schools (ones where your test scores/GPA are higher than the typical class), Matches (where your scores are about even) and Reaches (schools where you'd have a tougher time getting in). You'll be surprised how quickly this pares down the list. Before you know it, you'll have a handful of schools to check out. Here are some tips for visiting colleges:
Talk to Current Students
- Visit when classes are in session if you can and make sure to ask current students about their experiences there including safety, academics and student life.
Set Up an Official Tour
- Nearly all colleges offer an official tour, often conducted by a current student. Don't miss this opportunity to see the campus and ask questions.
College Application Deadlines: When to Apply
If you're wondering when to apply to college, that answer is: the sooner the better. That said, most schools have deadlines in January for the Fall term, and you'll find most are around January 1 or 15 (and you'll typically get a decision in March). There are a few exceptions to these deadlines:
Early Decision.
Schools with early decision deadlines allow you to apply months earlier and thus get a decision months earlier. Deadlines for early decision applications are often in November, usually November 1 or 15, and you may hear back in December. Note that some schools have stipulations on early decision applications that might require students to enroll there if accepted.
Rolling Admissions.
Some schools don't have a set deadline. Rather, they allow candidates to send in applications throughout the year and they process them on a rolling basis.
University of California System.
If you're applying to University of California schools , you'll have to get your application in by November 30.
How to Fill Out a College Application
If you've got your shortlist in hand, you can start filling out college applications. In the sections below, we'll cover everything you need to know about the college application process including using the Common App, how to use your test scores, how to apply to online colleges and college application fees. First, though, let's look at a few practical tips to keep in mind as you apply to your target schools:
Know Your College Application Deadlines
As important as knowing how to apply to college is knowing when to apply for college. For all of your target schools, you should know when your college applications are due and be working toward meeting those deadlines.
Gather Your Essential Documents
Depending on your schools, you may need your ACT/SAT test scores, high school transcripts, information about your parents/legal guardians, proof of any academic achievements and letters of recommendation. Compiling these documents early will make your application process much easier.
Retain Copies of Everything
As you go, you'll want to keep meticulous notes of how you filled out your applications. In fact, experts recommend printing or making copies of all documents you submit to each school. Having a separate folder with application materials and notes for each school can be helpful.
Be Honest, Not Perfect
It can be tempting to embellish or outright lie on a college application, especially when you're talking about your dream school. Don't do it. There are better ways to highlight your strengths and colleges are looking for honesty, not perfection.
Using the Common App to Apply to Colleges
The Common App allows you to apply to several colleges at the same time and manage them throughout the college application process. To use it, you'll make a profile, choose your target schools and then fill out an application that will be sent to all of the schools you've selected. This application will include general information about you, your family, your educational history, your extracurricular activities and your test scores. If schools require more than this, you'll be prompted to submit specific documents like letters of recommendation and teacher evaluations.
For most students, the Common App is a fantastic way to save time, stay organized and find ways to pay for school -- it helps you keep track of deadlines and application requirements, and it can even help connect you to financial aid resources. And, Common App colleges encompass more than 900 institutions, so there's a good chance your schools accept it.
How to Stand Out on Your College Application
By now, we all know that grades and standardized test scores play a big role in getting accepted to college. More and more, though, admissions officers are looking at other factors when they assess candidates. Here are a few ways you can make your application stand out for them.
Include Extracurriculars Wisely.
It's no secret that colleges like to see that you engaged with your school beyond the classroom. But that doesn't mean joining every club will make you a shoo-in. In fact, colleges would rather see a commitment to a few extracurricular activities than a race to sign up for every club available, especially if it means you took a leadership role in one or two of them. Quality beats quantity here.
Community Service.
Think beyond the extracurricular activities at your school, too. Taking up a cause you're passionate about in the community is a great idea. This could be volunteering at a local health clinic, fighting for social justice or lending your skills to a charity. If you're passionate about it, that will come through in your application.
Show That You Challenge Yourself.
Colleges aren't just looking for students who have good numbers, they are looking for students who challenge themselves. That means getting a B in an AP course, a International Baccalaureate (IB) course or a dual enrollment class at a local community college may look better than an A in a regular course.
Check in Regularly.
You don't have to send off your application and then twiddle your thumbs while you wait to hear. You can stop by campus for a visit, call the admissions office or send in a thank you note to make your presence felt from time to time. This shows the admissions officers that you care and you're passionate about attending their school.
Be Careful with Social Media.
Admissions officers might not spend a ton of time digging into a candidate's social media accounts but it's a tool many of them use. Posts that show a lack of judgment, poor character or anything that contradicts the persona you present in your application can count against you. Before you send your applications out, it might be a good idea to scrub your social media accounts for questionable content.
Standardized Testing for College Applications
While some schools are now making it optional to submit scores from standardized tests like the ACT and SAT, these numbers are still very much at the forefront of college admissions. Since the tests are different, some students wonder which one they should take. The truth is, there's no harm in taking both and seeing which one works better for you.
You can even retake the SAT and ACT and improve your score if you're not happy with it. Experts recommend only retaking each one once. You'll also want to check your schools' policies. Some only accept one score; others might accept both and only punch the higher score into their admissions considerations.
For more on test scores, check out our ACT Exam Prep.
How to Apply to Online Colleges
Applying to online colleges is virtually the same as applying to traditional schools. You'll need to tell the school the 'story' of you using your test scores, GPA, transcripts, letters of recommendation and extracurricular activities. There just may not be a campus to visit, or a campus visit may not be necessary if you never need to complete in-person components.
There are a few areas in which applying to online schools differs, though. Since many are designed to be flexible for working adults, they are often less likely to ask for SAT and ACT scores. Online programs are also more likely to have rolling admissions, meaning there's no hard deadline to apply. According to U.S. News and World Report, 87.5% of online degree programs used rolling admissions.
Online schools boast a slightly higher acceptance rate than their on-campus counterparts, too, though the difference is small -- 73% compared to 70.6%.
For more on online degrees, take a look at our
Best Online Degrees and Programs
hub.
College Application Fees
How much does applying to college cost? That varies by school, but it can typically range between $50 and $90. U.S. News and World Report figured the average application fee to be $44, based on info from 936 schools. This does not include the cost for taking the ACT or SAT (around $50) or the cost to have it sent to a school (around $12). If you are submitting an application by mail, you'll have postage costs. If you use the Common App, there's no cost to register, but submitting applications can cost between $25 and $90 each.
When you're applying to several colleges, these costs can add up. Thankfully, there are ways students can apply for assistance. College application fee waivers are available for low-income students who qualify. How do you get an application fee waiver? If you received an SAT or ACT fee waiver, you are automatically eligible. If your family receives certain types of assistance, you may also qualify.
Some schools offer application fee waivers that are built into the college application itself. You may need to provide some financial information and/or fulfill certain obligations, such as making a campus visit.
Another common way to get a college application fee waiver is to talk to your high school guidance counselor or the financial aid office of your target school. They may be able to help you apply to college for free.
At the site
CollegeBoard
, you can search for schools that offer free applications and ones that grant application fee waivers.
Writing Your College Application Essay
Test scores, high school grades and other boring application information doesn't really let admissions officers know who you are. That's why many colleges ask for an essay. For some the essay portion is a strong suit; a chance to inject some personality and stand out among a sea of applicants. Others are filled with dread at the prospect of having to fill all that blank white space.
Wherever you fall on the college-application-dread scale, these tips can help you hand in a winner:
Brainstorm
The hardest part is knowing what to write about. That's why it's always a good idea to start with a brainstorming session. Take a blank sheet of paper (or open a blank document on your computer) and write down everything that comes to mind. Resist the urge to edit yourself or judge what's coming out. Just accept that much of it will be useless and let the braindump creak your creative gears into motion. Chances are, you'll spark something to get you started. Keep in mind that this essay doesn't need to tell your entire life story or encompass every aspect of you as a person. In fact, admissions officers say the ones that work the best have a narrow focus; a small but interesting aspect of the student's life that elucidates a character trait, reveals a quirk or demonstrates a passion.
Write a Killer Opening
Admissions officers read hundreds, even thousands, of essays, so start with something that makes them want to keep reading. Lines like:
Some parents would have warned their children not to explore the Mojave on foot.
Everything I know in life I learned from making soup with my grandfather.
The skyline of my city looked like a warzone.
I found myself in front of a crowd of 300, sans pants.
You might be thinking you don't have any stories that could begin this way. You do, because everyone does. The trick is finding it.
Edit, Edit, Edit
While its bones will be made in the draft, its flesh of your essay will come together in the editing process. You should never hand in a first (or even second or third) draft. Your final draft should be completely free of spelling and grammatical errors. It should move quickly, flow easily and be concise. Read through it several times with a critical eye and make sure you have at least one other person take a look and give you notes.
How to Write a Common App Essay
If you're doing a Common App essay, all of the tips above apply. You should take your time with it, write an attention-grabbing opening and proofread until you've got your best work on the page.
While there aren't usually word count limits for Common App essays, you'll want to go long enough to offer a complete picture but not so long that it drags. To do this, we suggest giving yourself a cap of around 650 words for the Personal Statement (this is the main essay) and about 250 for the supplemental essays.
Common App essay prompts will actually help you in this regard; they give you something clear and concise to write about. For example, previous essay prompts have looked like this:
The lessons we take from obstacles we encounter can be fundamental to later success. Recount a time when you faced a challenge, setback, or failure. How did it affect you, and what did you learn from the experience?
Describe a topic, idea, or concept you find so engaging that it makes you lose track of time. Why does it captivate you? What or who do you turn to when you want to learn more?
You'll typically find around seven essay prompts in your Common App and you can choose any one of them.
How to Ace Your College Interview
Not all schools will ask you to do an interview as a part of the college application process but many either encourage or require it. This can be a challenge -- it means thinking on your feet, presenting your best self and staying engaged with an adult who may hold the key to your college future. It's also an opportunity to show off your personality, build a relationship with your target school and make a great impression.
These college interview tips will help you take full advantage of this opportunity:
Be Ready to Answer These Questions
Come prepared to answer questions about the classes you took in high school, the extracurricular activities you were involved in and the reasons you applied to the college. It will feel goofy but it's always a good idea to conduct mock interviews with friends and family beforehand. This will calm your nerves and help you hone your answer. Expect questions like these:
Why are you interested in attending our college?
What subjects do you enjoy learning about the most?
How would your friends and family describe you?
Where do you see yourself in five and ten years?
What are some challenges you've faced in life? How did you handle them?
What activities do you enjoy outside of class?
Be Ready to Ask These Questions
You'll want to come to the interview armed with a few questions to ask the admissions officer. This shows that you've done your research about the school and it demonstrates that you're interested in what it has to offer. You should come up with some question of your own but here are some common ones to get you started:
As an incoming student, what advice would you offer me about attending school here?
How do you help graduates find employment after school?
What makes this college different?
Be Yourself.. Your Best Self
During your interview, you don't want to sound like you've memorized your answers or that you're answering questions just to tell them what they want to hear. You want your interview to be conversational, so truly listen to your interviewer's questions and try to answer them in a way that's true to your best self.
Follow Up
It's not a bad idea to follow up your interview with a letter or email thanking the admissions professional for their time and questions. You might also let them know you look forward to hearing back and are there to answer any more questions they may have.
College Application Mistakes to Avoid
These are all quick ways to drive an admissions officer crazy and land your application in the 'no' pile:
Making Typos and Grammatical Errors.
Plenty of applications have been rejected thanks to careless typos and grammatical issues. It shows a lack of basic writing skills (which are incredibly important in college) but, more importantly, it makes it look like you don't pay attention to details. Running everything through a spell checker isn't enough, either. Make sure you're proofreading several times before submitting.
Cookie Cutter Answers
College applications are long and tedious so it can be tempting to boilerplate some responses. Admissions officers have seen every generic answer in the book, though, so make sure your answers are well-thought-out, original and personal. Avoid cookie cutter, cliche answers and you're more likely to impress.
Not Following Directions.
Read and reread the directions the application gives you. If you don't, you've not only missed an opportunity to tell the school more about you, you've shown admissions gatekeepers that you have trouble with instructions, which is a bad look for college.
Not Filling Out Every Section.
Applicants sometimes get stumped on college application questions and end up leaving them blank. Experts say that's a huge mistake. This is your opportunity to set yourself apart from other candidates.
Missing Deadlines.
This may go without saying but if you miss a deadline, you're toast. Add those deadlines to your calendar, set alerts on your phone, tell people around you to remind you, build a neon sign in your bedroom -- whatever you have to do to make sure you get materials in on time.
Letting Your Parents Fill Out the Application.
You're the one applying to college, so your college wants to get to know you, not your parents. They can offer you guidance and support, but you need to take the lead in filling out the applications, writing the essays and staying in contact with your target schools.
How to Apply for Financial Aid for College
Applying for financial aid goes hand-in-hand with applying for college. In fact, knowing how much financial aid you might get can play a huge role in deciding which college to attend. The first step is to fill out the
Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
. The FAFSA will ask for a range of information, including your and your family's finances, to determine what aid you're eligible for. You will need to choose at least one school to receive your FAFSA information.
Federal financial aid may include grants, scholarships or loans.
Grants
Grants offer free money that does not have to be paid back. Examples of grants you might qualify for through the FAFSA include Federal Pell Grants, the Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG) and the Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant.
Loans
Loans do need to be paid back. There are several types at the federal level:
Direct Subsidized Loans
are based on financial need. They do not accrue interest while you're in school at least half time and do not need to be repaid until after you graduate.
Direct Unsubsidized Loans
are not based on need and require you to start repaying (with interest) as soon as you receive the money.
Direct PLUS Loans
are designed for the parents of undergraduate students. They are not based on need and parents need to pass a credit check to receive funds.
Scholarships
Scholarships do not need to be repaid. They are awarded based on a variety of factors including financial need, academic merit, ethnic affiliation or life circumstance. Scholarships are available from businesses, states, nonprofits and even colleges themselves. You can find scholarships with the
U.S. Department of Labor's CareerOneStop
scholarship search.
Apply to College: FAQ
Do you need to add a resume to a college application?
Some schools ask for a resume but most do not. If the application asks for one, certainly include a resume with leadership experiences, work history and anything that would make you stand out. If it's optional, include it if you think will help you stand out.
Who should I get letters of recommendation for college from?
You want to get letters of recommendation from teachers who taught you, advisors from your high school, coaches (if you played sports) or highly regarded members of your community (business owners, non-profit directors, church leaders). You do not want to get them from parents, relatives or friends.
How many schools should I apply to?
Most students apply to a minimum of three schools. If you can do it, it doesn't hurt to apply to more than that. For instance, you might want to apply to one or two 'safety' schools, three or four 'match' schools and one or two 'reach' schools. This will increase your chances and your options.
What do I do if I'm waitlisted?
Colleges might defer a decision on your application. When this happens, you can send them a letter expressing your desire to attend college there, offering new information about yourself as a candidate, updating them with new experiences and asking if there's anything you can do to help with their decision.
Should I apply to schools I can't afford?
Absolutely! Keep in mind that the tuition price you see may not be what you end up paying. You may qualify for financial aid, scholarships or special programs the school offers.
How do I know if a school is accredited?
It's important to learn about accreditation at your target schools. It's an indication of quality and only students attending accredited schools can receive federal financial aid. You can check accreditation on the U.S. Department of Education's
Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs
. Some degrees have special accreditation for individual programs. If that's the case with the degree you plan to get, you'll want to check for that, as well.
Do I look for regional or national accreditation?
National accreditation is usually found at for-profit, technical or career schools. Degrees and courses from nationally accredited programs will typically only transfer to other nationally accredited programs. Regional accreditation is often regarded as more rigorous -- it's the type of accreditation you'll find at most state colleges and universities. Courses and degrees at regionally accredited schools will transfer to both regionally and nationally accredited institutions. If you want to attend an
online program or school
, accreditation is especially important to ensure you’re getting a high-quality education.
What SAT/ACT score do I need to get accepted to college?
This will depend on the school. Ivy League universities might look for a 31-35 on the ACT and a 1470-1600 on the SAT while many state schools are more in the 1100 to 1300 range. If your scores aren't in this range, you might consider attending a community college first; they typically don't ask for SAT/ACT scores and many 4-year universities accept students directly out of 2-year schools.
Should I explain low grades, test scores and extenuating circumstances?
Yes! Some college applications have a built-in section designed just for this. Colleges understand that not everyone has the same opportunities in life. For instance, if you had to work during high school to help support your family, that might help explain lower grades or fewer extracurricular activities. You should use this as a chance to show you're a hard worker and demonstrate how you've grown from the experience, not to complain about your circumstances or make excuses.
Do I Have to Choose a Major Before Applying to College?
No, you don't. Colleges understand that you may have many interests and want to explore some courses before deciding on a path. That said, if you're 100% positive about your degree field, it can be advantageous to declare it on your application. Keep in mind, though, that announcing your major will give admissions officers permission to take a magnifying glass to your history with the subject (grades, standardized test sections, extracurriculars).
Expert Answers to Common Questions About Applying for College
Meet our Expert Contributors
Paying for college is a challenge nearly all students. We asked several counselors and professors for their best college preparation advice, as well as a few of the most common questions we've encountered from students like you.
Read on for their answers below!
AJ Howell-Williams, Santa Clara University
A.J. Williams is Director of Transfer, Athletic, & International Admission at Santa Clara University. A former first-generation college student, transfer, and athlete, A.J. enjoys working with students, families, and counselors to demystify the college search and attainment process. A.J. has worked in higher education for nearly 17 years, and is a published author. His most recent book, It Ain’t Rocket Science: College Counseling for Everyone was published in May 2019.
What are some of the most common issues or problems you see with students when it comes to college planning?
Students today have so much access to information -literally at their fingertips- that there really is no reason for them to be unprepared for the college process. Now that statement assumes quite a bit in terms of socioeconomic realities, and educational attainment desires at play for all students. But even in under-resourced and under-privileged communities there is at least the awareness of the benefits of going to college, and plenty of people doing tremendous work all over the country in K-12 schools, CBO's and non-profits, to ensure that that message is heard. That being the case, I always tell students to do the research. Most public school systems, in whichever state a student lives, do a decent job of detailing the basic requirements for entry into their campuses. Private schools tend to deal less with requirements and more so with recommendations for entry and averages for admitted students. In my opinion, if it hasn't begun by then, Junior year is the perfect time to get that research started for at least a student's top 5-10 schools. Get an excel sheet going with schools, requirements or averages, deadlines for applying for both admission and financial aid, etc. This stuff ain't rocket science, but if you go into it blind it might feel that way.
The other piece that I wish students and families would come a bit more prepared for is the financial aid process. At this point there are essentially two main forms that universities require for financial aid consideration: the FAFSA and the CSS Profile. It's important for all educators to drill home the importance of filing these forms out, but it's on the students and families to actually do it. Additionally, it never fails that families get accepted to a school, and then ask about private or outside scholarships. And that research should have been done way before that point. Sophomore year is a great time to start that research. Google is your friend! Junior and Senior year are the time to get serious in applying for private scholarships. And as most scholarship consideration processes include an essay component, once you've come up with one there should really only be slight alterations needed to make it appropriate for other scholarship applications.
What are one or two of the most important factors you consider in a college application?
The academics will always speak for themself. An applicant is either in the ballpark for an institution or not. And in this post COVID world where nearly 75% of colleges and universities are test-optional, test-free, or some variation of that, more emphasis has fallen to the GPA and course rigor consideration, as opposed to reliance on a standardized test score. Which is a good thing in the eyes of many, as there has always been a strong socioeconomic correlation in terms of who does what on those tests.
In terms of the personal side, be honest, be yourself, and try to let your personality come through in your essay. Get involved in activities that you enjoy, pursue causes you care about. There is only so much time that we as college admission counselors can spend on a given application. There is only so much information we can have at our disposal to make a decision. Make sure we have the information that best describes you as an individual.
What is the largest piece of advice you have for students going through the college application process?
Don't stress out about it. Do your homework. Do your research. Be optimistic but realistic; don't base decisions on rankings. Realize that most institutions aren't as "selective" as you think they are. And if indeed you are only applying to hyper-selective institutions, know that you're more than likely missing out on a school that could be the perfect fit for you.
Gyana Gomar, Fort Lewis College
Gyana B. Gomar is an Admission Counselor at Fort Lewis College, located in the beautiful mountain town of Durango, Colorado. In her role as an Admission Counselor, Gyana loves supporting her students in the college search journey. When she’s not at work, you can find her paddle boarding on the Animas River, participating in local theater productions, or doing acro-yoga at a park.
What makes a student's application stand out?
First off we look at High School information, such as their GPA, what kind of classes they’ve taken (we like to see that they’ve challenged themselves a bit) and also make sure that they’ve fulfilled the core requirements. Additionally, if they add a Personal Statement with the application, we obviously like to see a well written statement. It’s really unfortunate when we see that a student hasn’t put in much time and effort into their essay, as that shows us that they might be a bit lazy with classes. I would recommend thinking of this Personal Statement as a really important paper you’re submitting to a class you want to get an A in – outline what you’re going to speak about, make a draft, edit it and make corrections as many times as it needs and then, once it’s the best that it can be, submit it.
How can students find out if a school is a good fit for them?
I always advise students to ask Admission Counselor questions (keep in mind, there is no such thing as a silly question, you’re determining what your next four years will look like). Sign up for a time to chat with an Admission Counselor, if they have that as a option! Also, the most important recommendation I would have is VISIT the campus! Getting a chance to view the campus with your own eyes is incredibly valuable and it will help make your decision more than anything else.
What advice do you have for new students navigating college life?
There are a few things that come to mind. One is to advocate for yourself! If you are having a hard time in classes, ask for help – go to your professor’s office hours, get tutoring (here at Fort Lewis College, we have free tutoring), talk to a peer that’s also in the class and have study sessions. Also, make your health and wellbeing your number one priority, as you won’t be able to succeed without taking care of yourself first. Most schools offer free or reduced-cost counseling sessions. There’s no shame in going and getting support, we’re all human and challenges are easier to face when you feel like you have someone in your corner. Lastly, I would recommend for all students to get involved on campus. Whether that’s joining a sports team, an organization on campus, or going to events. Making true friends can be hard at first, so getting involved is a great way to meet new people that have similar interests.
Alyssa Yee, University of San Francisco
Growing up in the Bay Area, Alyssa attended the University of California, Berkeley for her undergraduate degree in Sociology and Education. Now working as an Admission Counselor for University of San Francisco, Alyssa enjoys working with prospective high school students and discussing what life looks like for a college student. Working on more ways to reach students in a digital media age, Alyssa also runs the USF TikTok page that educates students on how to apply to college and what admission counselors look for!
What common issues do you see with students, whether it be with their application or college research process?
A common issue we see with students concerns their personal statements. More often than not, students will tend to write about their activity or a mentor more than their actual self in their essay. We like to tell students that if they are choosing to highlight an activity such as sports, dance, or robotics, make sure the activity doesn’t overshadow their own growth. The student has to be the main focal point of the essay.
How can students find out if a school is a good fit for them?
The best way to figure out if a school is the right fit for a student is to try and talk to current students who attend the university. Ask them genuinely what they like or what they don’t like. Another great way is to brainstorm what the student likes in terms of big campus, rural towns, campus activities.
What are one or two of the most important factors you consider in a college application?
The personal statement and grades are a large factor in decisions. It’s not the only deciding factor, but we tend to look at those heavily in the decision process. This can be stressful for seniors who are worried about their grades, that’s why we try to stress early on to freshmen that it all counts, and they should be diligent in their work all throughout high school.
What advice do you have for students who are struggling to choose a major?
For USF specifically, students are constantly changing their major. Unless you are in a direct entry program like Nursing or Engineering, your major more often than not does not dictate what you can or can’t do in life. My main goal for students is for them to choose something they genuinely will enjoy studying for four years, and it will make the college experience enjoyable for them.
Anne Johnson, North Dakota State University
I have worked in college admission for eight years and love helping students navigate this processs. I currently serve as the Associate Director of Admission at NDSU. In this role, I oversee recruitment and have the opportunity to work with our admission counselors as we guide students through the college search process.
What is the largest piece of advice you have for students going through the financial aid process?
Don’t procrastinate and utilize your resources. No one understands the financial aid process until they have to so don’t be afraid to ask your high school counselors or call the admission office at the college you’re considering. We are here to help and don’t want students to be overwhelmed.
How can students find out if a school is a good fit for them?
Visit campus! Taking a tour and getting a feel for the campus is a great way to know if it is a place you can call home. If you aren’t able to attend in-person, join a virtual event or check out their virtual tour.
What are one or two of the most important factors you consider in a college application?
If a student has completed the necessary core classes in high school and their cumulative, unweighted GPA.
What is something you wish students took more advantage of when it comes to college advising?
I wish students would ask more questions early on. So many students assume that the text and emails their getting are from robots, but we are real people here to help so don’t ever be afraid to ask if you’re wondering something about our school.
Lauren Douglas, Barry University
Lauren is a recent college graduate with comprehensive experience in university events, marketing, and student engagement. She currently works for Barry University’s admissions department and oversees several regions within South Florida for recruitment and outreach purposes. Lauren hopes to continue developing her professional acumen in higher education while also providing guidance and mentorship to incoming students.
What makes a student's application stand out?
Your application should showcase your achievements, merit, and academic success. If you take honors classes or AP courses, this can definitely give you an edge. Colleges want to see any initiative you have taken to maintain positive grades.
How can students find out if a school is a good fit for them?
I always recommend students to visit the campus and interact with the student body, staff, and faculty. Ask yourself: “Can I make a home here?” Find a location that is conducive to planting permanent roots.
What are one or two of the most important factors you consider in a college application?
Overall GPA and test scores are some of the most important factors to consider in your application. These can both be tied to admission to the school of your choice but also any scholarships or awards you may receive.
What is the largest piece of advice you have for students going through the college application process?
Start early and do your research. Give yourself enough time to look into the school, understand their admissions process, and know what they are looking for. The whole processes can get overwhelming if you leave everything to the last minute and have to rush. This process should be fun and exciting. Allow yourself to enjoy it.
Greg Dailey, Citadel Military College of South Carolina
My name is Greg Dailey and I have worked in college admissions for over twenty years, the last ten at The Citadel. My favorite part of working in college admissions is making connections with students and families.
What common issues do you see with students, whether it be with their application or college research process?
Students need to take ownership of their college search and application. Many students rely on their parent/guardian to research schools, set up visits, and even complete their admissions applications. I would like to see all students research colleges that interest them, in order to gain insight that can be used in discussions with their parent/guardian while making college decisions.
How can students find out if a school is a good fit for them?
A great way to find out if a school is a good fit is to visit the campus during a Fall or Spring Semester. It’s important to visit while students are on campus so that you can get a feel for campus life. You may even have an opportunity to speak with current students and faculty.
What are one or two of the most important factors you consider in a college application?
I like to see a student that has challenge themselves academically during their high school career. To me course rigor is an important factor. Honor, AP, and IB courses show that the student is willing to challenge themselves academically and are preparing themselves for college level coursework.
What is the largest piece of advice you have for students going through the college application process?
Take ownership in the application process. Complete the application and do your own research for the colleges that you have an interest. You want to attend a college that fits you, not a friend or family member.
Dr. Adam Wu, La Verne in Southern California
Dr. Adam Wu currently serves as the director of undergraduate admission at the University of La Verne in Southern California. He received his bachelor’s degree from Northwestern University, his masters from the London School of Economics and the University of Southern California. He received his doctorate from the University of La Verne. Dr. Wu has over a decade of experience working in college admissions.
What are one or two of the most important factors you consider in a college application?
When our admission committee is reviewing an application, we are most focused on the academics. While there are many elements necessary to be successful in college, most important is the ability to handle the academic rigor of the institution. We are also looking for individuals who we feel will complement our current student body. We are looking for students who will be future movers and shakers.
What is the largest piece of advice you have for students going through the college application process?
Think about what YOU want. It does not necessarily need to be what is your dream school. It could be how do you best learn? What sort of environment are you looking for? How far do you want to be from home. Students are often focused on the brand names schools without considering if those schools offer what they need to be successful in college.
What is something you wish students took more advantage of when it comes to college advising?
My hope is that students feel comfortable to ask an admission offer or a college counselor questions about the process earlier in their high school career. Asking questions early on ensure you are on the right track to positioning yourself to be a strong college applicant. For example, if a student waits until their senior year to ask a college if they have taken the right classes for admission it is often too late to make any schedule adjustments. Asking questions early ensures you are prepared to apply during your senior year!
Ricky Amandeo, Stockton University
My name is Ricky Amandeo, an admissions counselor at Stockton University. As a first generation college student and a recent 2021 graduate of Stockton, one of my passions is ensuring that all students understand the college process, and know of their academic, financial, and social resources to help students become as successful as possible at their school.
What common issues do you see with students, whether it be with their application or college research process?
Some common issues I see with students is that they can often get caught up in the prestige and notoriety of a college/university based on name alone. Students tend to be so worried about the clout of specific names of colleges, and end up spending a lot of money for their undergraduate degrees.
How can students find out if a school is a good fit for them?
Visit, visit, and visit! You can always research about costs and programs, but you can’t be sure if you’ll be comfortable at your school unless you visit. It’s a feeling that’s indescribable, but you will just know if the college is for you the second you step foot on campus! You’ll be spending a lot of time, effort, and money at the college, make sure you feel like it’s right.
What is something you wish students took more advantage of when it comes to college advising?
Something that I wish students took more advantage of is dual degree programs. If a college has any type of accelerated route, it should definitely be a large factor in your college decision. It’s so tough to go back once you graduate and start working, so it’s best to grind through and get it over with!
What are one or two of the most important factors you consider in a college application?
The two most important factors when reading an application is GPA and extracurriculars. Since Stockton University is test optional, GPA is a big factor in a student’s admissions decision. Extracurriculars then only help with getting additional scholarship money. Getting involved and being a well-rounded student is super important!
Eric Galligan, Kent State University
Eric Galligan is a Senior International Admissions Counselor at Kent State University working specifically with recruitment in SE Asia and with the international undergraduate admissions process. Eric completed a B.A. in Journalism from Butler University and is currently working towards completion of his M.A. in Anthropology program at Kent State. In his previous position, Eric worked in a non-profit study abroad organization assisting students from Asia studying in the U.S. on short-term programs.
What common issues do you see with students, whether it be with their application or college research process?
Issues tend to arise when students haven’t done their homework or research on what is required for admission to the university, or even what the university has to offer. Each institution requires different items for their application and for admission. While one university may ask for certain items or accept certain items to meet their requirements, others may not.
How can students find out if a school is a good fit for them?
A good place to start is just doing their research. Take a look at the website, videos, even university social media accounts. While knowing what you want beforehand is helpful, you don’t want to be so restrictive that you don’t give universities that could actually be a good fit and you don’t know it a chance.
What are one or two of the most important factors you consider in a college application?
For our university, we are looking at your academics, your GPA.
What is the largest piece of advice you have for students going through the college application process?
A common theme in my answers has been to do your research, which I would emphasize here again. Within that research, don’t be afraid to ask questions to admissions staff or even try to set up an advising appointment if you want to learn more about a university.
Rebecca Kunz, University of South Carolina Upstate
As a freshman counselor for USC Upstate, Rebecca loves assisting students on their college journeys. College is such an exciting and nerve-racking time so it gives her joy to help make the transition as easy as possible.
What makes a student’s application stand out?
At USC Upstate when a student applies, we look at two things – your GPA and test scores. A student stands out to us when we see high numbers. This tells us that this students takes their education seriously and works very hard. College, no matter where you go or what you study, is not easy so when we see a student taking college courses in high school or has A’s and B’s in their classes, that shows us that they are going to achieve great success during and after college.
How can students find out if a school is a good fit for them?
Research! I cannot stress that enough! Every college and every program has something different to offer. My best advice when trying to find a school is to really think about what your long-term goals are then you can narrow down the search from there.
What is the largest piece of advice you have from students going through the college application process?
First, take advantage of your school’s College Application days because local and state universities will provide application fee waiver codes so you can apply for free. Second, please do not wait until the last minute to apply to colleges. Procrastinating adds so much unnecessary stress to you so the sooner you starting looking and applying to schools, the better. That also helps with obtaining as many scholarships as possible. When it comes to scholarships, most university scholarships are on a first-come-first-serve basis, so the longer you wait, the less money you’ll receive, if any. The sooner you start, you’ll be higher up on the list.
Kelly Rafferty, Kent State University at Kent
Kelly Rafferty is a Kent State University alumni, life-long Clevelander, Go Browns!, and an avid animal lover who volunteers with animal rescue transports.
What common issues do you see with students, whether it be with their application or college research process?
The common issues our office sees with applications tends to be incorrect data. Birthdates and SSN’s are some of the most common mistakes made on applications. This is in large part to parents completing the application on behalf of the student. If there is one thing I wish I could change in the admissions process it’s parents who complete the application and do all of the communicating with the college. Students need to be the person at the forefront of the process. Parents need to take a backseat and let their student run the show, this is their education after all, even if the parent is footing the bill.
How can students find out if a school is a good fit for them?
Visit! Campus tours and open houses are the most ideal opportunities to discover if the college will be their best fit. I also encourage students to build a relationship with their Admissions Counselor/Recruiter. Having a designated person to work with through the college search and admissions stages can ease the stress of knowing if the college is the right fit. Also, honesty. The student and the Admissions Counselor/Recruiter need to be honest with one another. Counselors should be upfront with students if their school doesn’t offer the degree program the student is seeking. Also, students should be honest with the Counselor, if there is something in the academic background that could deter admissions.
What is the largest piece of advice you have for students going through the college application process?
Take your time and have an idea of what you are seeking in a college. Are you seeking a large or small university? Do you want public or private? Do you want to stay in-state or go out-of-state? This is why campus visits are so important; when it’s time to apply the student has narrowed down their top schools and can put their focus on those schools’ application requirements and processes. Student should read and review their applications and essays before sending to the school.
Jonathan Leach, Wabash Valley College
Jonathan Leach works in Retention and Recruiting at Wabash Valley College. He is a graduate from Wabash as well as Southern Illinois University. He has been working in higher education for over 5 years.
What advice do you have for students who are struggling to choose a major?
It is okay not to know what you want to do! If you know what job you would like to do, then figure out what majors go with that. (Of course I always recommend having an internship, job shadow, or at least researching the job first to make sure you will enjoy the work). You may find that a career is open to a variety of majors. For example: police work likes English/Communications majors, Psychology, and Criminology majors. f you do not know what you want to do use your freshman/sophomore year to figure it out. Everyone has to take about the same core curriculum regardless of major and regardless of university-use that time to sample different interests. That is a good thing about community college, you can sample different program courses a cheaper cost! In my own personal experience, obtaining a degree in a field does not mean that you are limited to work in that field. I graduated with a Criminology, Psychology, and Forensics degree because I found all of the required classes interesting. I could have taken a variety of law enforcement related jobs but I wasn’t limited to just that. Many employers are looking for a four year degree of something related to the position-my first job was looking for someone who knew about juvenile delinquency. My two jobs after that was looking for someone with a degree, navigating the college process, and working with youth. Picking a major is important for many field but it is not always the be all, end all.
What is something you wish students took more advantage of when it comes to college advising?
When it comes to advising, ask all your questions. What classes are required? What is recommended? What are my options to fill this requirement? If you like a certain teacher, find out if that instructor teaches anything else you need and take advantage. Make sure you look at all aspects when creating your schedule: commute time, work schedule, etc. Make sure you look forward to next semester and always check if you are “on time? to graduate. Ask for a copy of your program tracker, ask for a copy of your grades, ask for a copy of required course work. Overall, your advisor is here help you figure out what classes will work with your future goals, but make sure you have your hand in it as well!
What advice do you have to ease the financial burden of higher education?
Of course complete the FAFSA as early as you can-it is tedious but there is lots of help out there to aid in completing it. Your guidance counselors and the financial aid office of your chosen university/universities can help you as well. You do NOT have to take out loans-they will be offered on your FAFSA but you do NOT have to take them if you do not want them; just make sure you have other ways to pay. Look up scholarships. There are so many. Your high school and each university will offer them as well. Apply for some every year of college! Look online and ask your guidance counselor for more. If possible find a work study job-they are tremendously helpful! You will likely have to pay some out of pocket, so start saving (even just a little at a time) now.
What is the largest piece of advice you have for students going through the college application process?
College is going to be a learning process. You will be uncomfortable at first, but that is where growth happens. I like to call it growing pains. You experienced some growing pains going to school the very first time, and then again when you went to middle school and high school. The same will be true when you are ready to go to college. But that is part of your growth-it will happen again when you are finding your first “big kid job”. There is no growth in the comfort zone and no comfort in the growth zone. Establish a new routine as quickly as possible. Take advantage of everything your university has to offer: clubs, tutoring, counseling, and more. Join a club. Join two. They will keep you connected and involved on campus and they look great on scholarships and job applications. If you have a few colleges in mind, apply to a few of them. You do not commit to a college by applying. Once you apply, wait for the school to send you “your price” for the college (based on program, FAFSA, scholarships etc) and then compare the schools based on the price they give you.
Ricardo Gonzalez, Anoka-Ramsey Community College
Ricardo Gonzalez is the Director of Enrollment management and has been working for Anoka-Ramsey Community College since 2015 in this role. He has worked in the Minn State System since 2010 and started as an Academic Advisor at another Minnesota State college before transitioning to Anoka-Ramsey.
What are the most common errors (or oversights) you see when someone is applying for financial aid?
Student’s not understanding which school year they are applying. A good number of our students apply for the current year when they should be applying for the following year. Second, it is hard for students and their parents to apply for FAFSA the first time. It is a very timely application and when applying for the FSA ID, some students think that was the actual FAFSA application.
How can students find out if a school is a good fit for them?
By visiting the campus. Obviously, with COVID still lingering it’s ugly head, some campuses are as vibrant as they once were. However, visiting a campus will help you picture yourself there and seeing people can open a student’s imagination to envision themselves attending that institution.
What is the largest piece of advice you have for students going through the college application process?
Don’t be afraid to ask for help. We are here to help and are more than happy to assist a student in helping them apply. Again, the application can be scary, but we are all here to assist you in this journey.
What is something you wish students took more advantage of when it comes to college advising?
Academic Support Services like tutoring. Tutoring still has a stigma with some students. I do feel that this service needs to be offered in a more secretive location so students will go in there. Offering it online will help bring more students into a tutoring center/service. I know we have seen an increase once we went to an online tutoring option. In regards to college advising, schedule your appointment a month before registration to see where you are and what classes you need on your journey to graduation. Offer many options for our students to participate in advising services (remote, in-person, phone) this helps students have many options for advising. Not all students are your traditional students. Even more so nowadays.
Hannah Wise, Mississippi University for Women
Hannah Wise currently serves as an Admissions Counselor at Mississippi University for Women. She received her undergraduate degree from the University of West Alabama (UWA) and is finishing her Masters degree in Student Affairs in Higher Education at UWA. Hannah’s favorite thing about working in admissions is knowing that she has the ability to help students navigate college life and give them the resources that are needed for them to succeed.
What common issues do you see with students, whether it be with their application or college research process?
A few common issues we are seeing are students are not being fully prepared for college. Whether the reason be from being first generation college students or just a lack of understanding and do not have the opportunity to get help. Many students will choose a well-known school solely for the status of going to a well-known school and do not look at colleges that are beneficial to them and their personal needs. While some students can handle being in class sizes 250+, many cannot. They lack time management skills and are usually away from home for the first time in their life so not only are they learning to navigate adulthood, they are learning to be responsible and take more advanced courses. At MUW our classes sizes are mostly 25 or less meaning that your professors have the ability to know each individual student. Another issue in the college research process is that many of our students do not even know what kind of questions to ask.
For example, they will ask if we have a nursing program—we do, it is a well-known program and we have had a 100% NCLEX pass rate for the last 2 years so of course it will get students interested in our program but many of them do not even have the ACT scores to get in or will have the minimum score to get in. Questions like: How many students get accepted into the program? What are the typical ACT scores and average GPA that students who have been accepted have? How many students usually apply? What is the retention rate for the program? What kind of career help do I have? How long is each program? Do I have access to free tutoring? What is the difference between an ASN degree and a BSN degree? Questions like those above are things students should ask before blindly coming to a school.
As far as application process, I wouldn’t say that we typically have an issue of completing their application but many students do not know how to send documents “officially.” A huge trend I see in our students is them not reading/answering emails or phone calls. For smaller universities, we do not have access to a work cellphone where we can text students for communication. We email and call students daily and we will have applicants that will apply 1 year prior to the term started and will not respond to emails or calls until even days prior to classes starting so we have a lot of students who are missing deadlines.
How can students find out if a school is a good fit for them?
We always recommend that students go tour any college that they are interested in and meet with and getting in contact with someone within their desired department. They should also get involved with events that the college holds for prospective students. Doing research and knowing what they offer, costs, etc… are important but you do not know what college is the best fit for you unless you visit.
What are one or two of the most important factors you consider in a college application?
What we consider as far as accepting students is for them to meet the requirements. Freshman must have a 2.5 CPC GPA and a minimum of a 16 on the ACT/SAT. Transfer students must have a minimum of a 2.0 GPA
What advice do you have for students who are applying for scholarships?
The advice we give to students is to apply for as many scholarships as possible. There are so many outside opportunities for scholarships if you do not receive any/little academic scholarship. Reach out to your desired department and see if they have any departmental scholarships. So many businesses offer outside scholarships. There are several websites that are geared toward finding outside scholarships.
Matt Pace, Westmont College
Matt Pace is the Assistant Director of Admissions, New Student Success, and Transition Care at Westmont College. He cares deeply about the lives of those who will go on to be leaders in our society. He finds purpose in releasing potential, facilitating growth, and catalyzing student success. His family and friends also bring him fulfillment and joy, which is why he has chosen to make Westmont--a community that thrives off of deep, meaningful relationships--his home.
What common issues do you see with students, whether it be with their application or college research process?
Students often get overwhelmed during the college process. Trying to balance college applications with school, extracurricular activities, and a social life can be difficult. It can also be daunting to try and pick the "right" college when there are so many options out there. I think many students assume there's a soulmate school for them--one that will fit all their wildest dreams and fulfill their highest expectations. The problem is, well simply, there's not. No school is absolutely perfect. Also, students don't always realize that they can thrive in multiple contexts. Assuming there's a soulmate college out there leads to unfulfilled expectations and a fear that the exact right choice wasn't made.
How can students find out if a school is a good fit for them?
Ask the right questions. Identify top priorities and hone in on broad themes before getting into specifics. Students can create a pretty narrow list of top college options when they solidify their top few personal values. After strategically finding schools that fit these priorities, the best thing a student can do is visit multiple places to get an insider glimpse of what life is really like.
What are one or two of the most important factors you consider in a college application?
We highly consider work ethic, versatility, and a desire to pursue purpose.
What is the largest piece of advice you have for students going through the college application process?
Visit! You don't really know a college until you step foot on campus and talk to the people that make up its community. Westmont offers visitors the chance to immerse themself in the community by taking them to class, taking them to chapel, setting up meetings with professors/coaches/students, and more. This is the best way to determine if you want to attend.
Thomas Lyttle, Seton Hill University
Thomas graduated from Indiana University of Pennsylvania with a B.A. in Communications Media in 2018 and a M.A. in Student Affairs in Higher Education in 2021.
How can students find out if a school is a good fit for them?
The best way to assess whether or not a school is a good fit is to visit campus. Many institutions offer tours led by current students, which offers a great opportunity to learn first-hand about what student life is like at that institution. Many institutions also offer virtual tours, which can be helpful if visiting campus in-person is not possible..
What is your largest piece of advice for students communicating with their advisors?
Communicate early and often! Get to know your advisor early in your college search process and communicate frequently. Doing this will give your advisor a better understanding of your goals and interests so they can help you take advantage of opportunities on campus that will benefit you. Also, don’t hesitate to ask your advisor questions! The college admissions process can be confusing at times, so it’s important to ask questions and get a clear understanding of what requirements (application materials, deadlines, etc) must be met for admission.
What are some of the most common issues or problems you see with students when it comes to college planning?
The biggest issue I see is that some students wait until the end of their senior year of high school to get serious about college planning. Many college applications (including the Common Application) become available prior to the beginning of one’s senior year of high school and some highly competitive programs even have application deadlines in the Fall of one’s senior year. It is important to start planning for college during junior year of high school so that students are aware of any deadlines and requirements that must be met when it is time to apply.
What are one or two of the most important factors you consider in a college application?
The most important factors I consider in college applications are a student’s cumulative GPA (and yes, this includes all four years of high school) and what classes they have taken in high school. The cumulative GPA is, in my opinion, the best way to measure a student’s academic performance over time. I believe that it is also important to consider what types of classes a student is taking and whether or not these classes will prepare students for college-level learning. Many high schools offer the opportunity for students to take honors, advanced placement, or “college-in-high-school” courses, so when I see these types of courses on a transcript, I know that the student has begun to academically prepare for college.
Zachary Sandoval, Calvin University
Zach is an international admissions counselor at Calvin University who works with students from Europe and Asia. After graduating with a master's degree in Student Affairs, Zach is eager to help students across the world find where they belong!.
What common issues do you see with students, whether it be with their application or college research process
Largest issue is students only focus on the well known schools! In order to find what is the best fit for you, look at schools that may be less known and meet new people from those institutions. You will be surprised at where you might find a home.
What are one or two of the most important factors you consider in a college application?
I like to see what experiences students have had in helping their communities or other students around them and how they can bring that to our college. Also, I like to see what students are passionate about (hobbies or other fun activities) that they wish to continue doing at our institution.
How can students find out if a school is a good fit for them?
To find out what is best fit, you need to visit campus. That is the easiest way to find fit. That way when you interact with staff, faculty, and students on campus, you can easily see yourself there at the university and understand what your experience would be like.
What is the largest piece of advice you have for students going through the college application process?
Be patient! This process takes time. Ask questions during any part of the process as well! Many people are dedicated to helping you in your journey to choose the college that is best for you.
Daniel Saud, Ed.D., Washington State University
Daniel Saud, Ed.D. is the Director of International Programs Admissions, Recruitment & Marketing at Washington State University.
What common issues do you see with international students, whether it be with their application or college research process?
The biggest challenge students face is the incorrect assumption that all schools require SAT/ACT and all schools expect TOFEL and IELTS. Not all schools require those tests. WSU, for example, is an SAT/ACT-blind school. We also offer multiple ways for students to prove their English language proficiency. They can visit our website for more information: https://ip.wsu.edu/future-students/requirements/
How can international students find out if a school is a good fit for them?
Students can find out in three ways: 1) Take a virtual tour, 2) Speak to a current student or alumni, 3) Speak to the Admissions Director. All three actions will help students and their parents decide if the institution is a good fit.
What advice do you have for new international students navigating college life?
New international students should seize college life as an opportunity grow and learn. In other words, they should get involved. At WSU we encourage and mentor international students to join one of 400+ students clubs or the International Student Council to gain leadership skills, people skills, problem solving skills and communication skills so they can seek summer internships and work. Extracurricular activities also help students compete for employment opportunities when they are graduating.
What is the largest piece of advice you have for students going through the college application process?
I have three pieces of advice for the application process: 1) Students should apply as early as they can. 2) Students should insist on meeting with international admission directors like me. 3) Students should involve their parents in the university application process. All three of these things make a big difference in making the right decision for the student.
What advice do you have to ease the financial burden of higher education?
Scholarships are a great way to ease the financial burden and Washington State University provides scholarships to attract talented international students. I also think it’s important to compare apples to apples. Think about where the university and its brand are situated in the context of the world. WSU is part of the Pac-12 Conference and an R-1 University, which means our degree value is in the same league as some top institutions including Stanford, UCLA and UC Berkley, and employers know that. Employers recognize the investment students have made in their education.
Sarita Buchanan, West Kentucky Community and Technical College
Sarita Buchanan is an Admissions Counselor at West Kentucky Community and Technical College (named one of the TOP 5 Community Colleges in the Nation by the Aspen Institute). She has been at WKCTC for 8 years, but in college admissions for 13 years total with her previous 5 years being at Southern Illinois University. She graduated from Southern Illinois University in 2008 with a Bachelor of Science in Speech Communication and from Murray State University in 2016 with a Master of Science degree in Human Development and Leadership. She absolutely loves her job and helping students make the right decisions about their future!
What common issues do you see with students, whether it be with their application or college research process?
First, they don’t know the first steps to take to apply. Second, they don’t know what information they should research about a college before choosing that college to attend. Third, they have no idea how much college costs
How can international students find out if a school is a good fit for them?
Make sure the college has their program of study. Check to see if that college is affordable for them and they can afford to attend there. Also, make sure they meet the Admissions requirements to get accepted.
What are one or two of the most important factors you consider in a college application?
First, that students do not rush through it and it’s apparent they took their time to complete the application correctly. Second, that they apply in a timely manner (not last minute)
What is the largest piece of advice you have for students going through the college application process?
Start your research early! Know the following things about any college you are interested in attending: Tuition/Fees/Housing Costs, application fee and deadline, scholarship application deadline, who their admissions representative is, when registration opens for the term they plan to attend, graduation rate, the programs of study offered at that school, and campus Visit/Open House dates (and GO VISIT).
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