The Art of the Application

David Tobias, USFTodd Hicks, SCU

Trends in Admission

• A changing landscape

• What we are seeing …

What do you include?

The application as a portfolio:

• Essay• Activities• Transcript• Academic Evaluation• Writing supplements• Additional information• Required explanations• Secondary School Report• Demographic information• Letters of Recommendation • Writing samples and arts supplements• Demonstrated Interest: visits, interviews, summer camps• INTL: Financial resources, English proficiency, transcript evaluation

Early Action/Early Decision

• Have you visited/attended a reception?• When can you submit a thorough application?• Will test scores after deadline be considered?• ED is a powerful statement: (often a different academic profile)• CSS Profile/other forms used for financial aid

Many students have similar academic profiles. How do we decide?

GPA, rigor, rank:Transcript, test scores, writing, school profile, dual enrollment

Demographics

• Major• First Gen• Legacy• Geographic• Need Aware• Multi-ethnic• Under-represented (non-specified)

There should be nothing “common” about a submitted Common App

Create a mosaic

Develop an image for the reader

Use structure to highlight experiences

• Take us into - and beyond - the numbers• Who is best able to speak to the applicant’s

strengths and provide confidence ( student, employer, counselor, teacher, alumni, pastor, advisor)

• Essay or Additional information?

How much is too much?

Be Concise

Don’t bury important information

Readers are reviewing many applications

• Provide context to GPA and academic rigor.

• If a learning disability has impacted test scores, ideally the reader learns that before reading a teacher evaluation. Give confidence that a student can advocate and overcome challenges.

Required explanations

Counselor Letter

• Set the stage: offer insights into the student’s background and experience

• First gen, upward trend, challenges faced in and out of school.

• Calibrate as a staff : what constitutes most difficult?

• Weighted vs. un-weighted GPA and ranking• Quotes that can be used to differentiate

applicant

Teacher Evaluation

• Specific examples of growth, classroom participation, ability to ask for support, and the ability to support others

• Quotes that we can take into committee to advocate – offer contract and comparisons.

• What sets this student apart?

• Use of form letters: if we read by school we will see the same teachers over and over

The essay: an opportunity to shine!• Common App Essay prompts:

• Option #1: Some students have a background or story that is so central to their identity that they believe their application would be incomplete without it. If this sounds like you, then please share your story.

• Option #2: Recount an incident or time when you experienced failure. How did it affect you, and what lessons did you learn?

• Option #3: Reflect on a time when you challenged a belief or idea. What prompted you to

act? Would you make the same decision again?

• Option #4: Describe a place or environment where you are perfectly content. What do you do or experience there, and why is it meaningful to you?

• Option #5: Discuss an accomplishment or event, formal or informal, that marked your transition from childhood to adulthood within your culture, community, or family.

Essay dos and don’ts

• Be authentic!• Respond to the topic. • Start strong and end strong.• Consider what themes and/or adjectives will

the evaluator use to describe the applicant after reading the essay?

• Challenging Topics: – Sports, community service, horses

Arts supplements

• Giving context to time listed for activities: YouTube videos, online portfolios

• Auditions• Demonstrated Interest• Scholarship opportunities – (different timelines)

Listing ActivitiesBe thorough and accurate:

– Community service– Family responsibilities– Clubs and organizations– Cultural and faith based activities– Leadership positions

• Give us a sense of how you invest your time• What matters to you, where do your passions lie?• Will we see a connection to the university mission/community?• Provide additional insights in writing supplements or additional

information.• Complete the activities section, even if uploading a resume!

Examples

Using Additional Information

Not uncommon this year to see only one activity listed with little detail:

Resume: embellished?

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Resume: page 3