Admissions

The college admissions process is the process through which a student applies to a college and receives a judgment regarding admission based on that application

BRIEF SUMMARY

The college admissions process is the process through which a student applies to a college and receives a judgment regarding admission based on that application. Typically, this process begins with the student looking into different colleges to establish where he or she would like to apply.

KEY POINTS

  • The process of college admission counseling often involves aptitude testing and assessing personality traits and interests. Further screening entails reviewing applications, scoring entrance essays and evaluating letters of reference from teachers, mentors and other counselors.
  • Other student concerns regularly addressed by a college admission counselor include housing options, socialization concerns and challenges, financial aid and work-study programs.
  • As a high school college counselor, you work with high school students ensuring they take the right classes to meet college admissions requirements, helping them apply to colleges and setting up college campus visits.
  • It may also include:
    • Calling college admissions counselors to discuss admissions requirements
    • Reviewing student records
    • Meeting with students and parents
    • Providing college information to students
    • Discussing students’ career plans
    • Motivating students whose grades need improving in order to meet college admissions requirements

RESOURCES

  • INACAC and the Admission Practices and Development Committee have created a online database, via Google Drive, that houses individual folders for over 50 institutions from across the United States!
    • What’s included in each institution’s folder? INACAC created a survey based on results you all shared on the most important questions and information you receive. You will find an Excel document with responses to these questions along with institutional updates, stats, common links and resources!
    • A 3-minute YouTube video recorded by an admissions representative at each institution with updates and any other information you, as counselors, should be aware of—a quick way to learn more!
    • Publications, resources, and materials: Each downloadable for you to share with others at your school, students, and families. Everything you might see when engaging with an admissions representative at your school and more!
    • Do I need to register? Is there a fee? Registration is not required and there is no registration fee. Feel free to share this document with colleagues, listservs, and others—it is open to all counselors whether you are an INACAC member or not!
    • How long will these resources be available? You’ll have access to the drive all year. Institutions also have access to update information as necessary. We hope this is a great resource for you to have at your fingertips for you, your students, and the families you serve throughout the year!
    • The Google Drive allows you, as HS/College Counselors, to continually access information on a wide variety of institutions all in one place. A great way to learn, engage, and share institutional information with students and families in one place. Click HERE to access the Google Drive containing institutional folders with an abundance of information for you, your students, and their families.

SHARED WISDOM

  • Q: I am looking for a short video (less than 10 minutes) that helps students understand how the college admission process works.
  • Q: I give out many for SAT, but I have never given one for just college application fee. How do I do this? I know if they get one for the SAT, then it automatically goes for college application. Do they only get one?
    • A: I always use the NACAC waiver. I have not experienced any issues with schools accepting it.

CONTENT FEEDBACK

If you have suggestions, feedback, or resources, please email counselor1stop@inspiresuccess.org and let us know.