Welcome to an Ongoing Series on College Admissions

If you’re starting the college admissions process you’ve probably discovered that it’s not always easy to find answers to your college admissions questions. That’s why I created a place where you can hear directly from college admission counselors about applying to college, interviewing for college, writing the college application essay and financial aid.

I developed these questions with help from families who’ve recently been through the college application process. Because each school answers the same questions you’ll be able to compare information with other schools.

I hope you find this a valuable resource for college admissions information. Who knows? You might even find yourself considering options you hadn’t thought of before.

With the introduction out of the way, let’s find out about the University of Connecticut.

Founded in 1881 and set in the beautiful unspoiled forests of the northeast, the University of Connecticut is located in Storrs. There are 5 regional campuses: Avery Point, Greater Hartford, Stamford, Torrington, and Waterbury.

UConn is one of the premier national public universities in the country, recently ranking in the Top 20 Public Universities by U.S. News & World Report. It offers world-class faculty and academics, as well as vibrant activities and NCAA Athletics, including recent national championships in Men’s and Women’s Basketball.

UConn students come from diverse backgrounds: More than a quarter of students represent ethnic minorities, and the student body is selected from countries and cultures around the globe. The school’s proximity to Boston and New York City affords students easy access to internships or simply a weekend escape.

This post focuses on UConn’s main campus at Storrs. Look for information on the regional campuses in a later post.

Facts about UConn/Storrs Campus

• Undergraduate enrollment: 17,815 (2011)
• Entering freshmen enrollment: 3,327 (2011)
• Connecticut residents: 75% of undergrads
• Undergraduate costs 2012-13: In State: $22,382 (Tuition & Fees: $11,242; Room & Board: $11,140) Out of State: $40,214 (Tuition & Fees: $29,074; Room & Board: $11,140)
• Average SAT score: 1216
• Students receiving financial aid: Over 75 percent
• Athletics: NCAA Division I

ADMISSIONS QUESTIONS

Nathan Fuerst, Director of Undergraduate Admissions, answered the following questions during a recent interview:

Q: What percentage of applicants does UConn admit?

A: Approximately 45% of applicants are successful in gaining admission to UConn’s Storrs campus.

Applying to UConn

Q: Does applying early decision/action improve a student’s chances for admission?

A: For the Fall 2013 term, UConn will no longer facilitate an early action/decision program.

Q: How important are extracurricular activities in admissions decisions?

A: Involvement beyond academics is important and is considered.  We encourage students to focus on investing themselves heavily in a limited number of activities and demonstrate the impact from their activity on both the community as well as their development as young adults.

Q: How important is taking advanced, accelerated, or honors courses?

A: It’s important that students take the appropriate opportunities to challenge themselves academically.  Therefore, we do consider advanced and honors courses.  However, it’s just as important for students to remain in course levels that are appropriate for their level of skill and aptitude for the particular subject.

Q: Which teachers should write a recommendation?

A: Recommendations that make the most impact come across as authentic and personal.  Students should approach teachers with whom they have strong relationships.  Teachers who contribute beyond just academic performance provide the most revealing and helpful information in the recommendation letters. 

Q: Do you look for what is not said in a recommendation?

A: We avoid drawing conclusions or speculating on what may or may not be omitted from a recommendation.  However, it is often apparent when there is inconsistency in message between the recommendations that we receive.

Q: Is the quality of an applicant’s high school taken into consideration?

A: The application review is a holistic one that allows us to take any and all factors in to consideration.  Strength of school is something that could be considered in the context of how the student has performed given the educational opportunities and challenges that are available within a particular school. 

Q: What is the relative importance of grades versus board scores?

A: Both factors are critical pieces in our review of applicants for admission for different reasons.  Therefore, it is difficult to cast one against the other.  Grades provide great insight on a student’s capacity for academic success, but using board scores remains the only reliable method of comparing applicant performance that transcends an individual school. 

Interviewing

Q: Does UConn offer interviews with admissions counselors?

A: Given the size of our applicant pool and staff, we are unable to offer interviews.

Essay Writing

Q: What qualities do you look for in a well-written essay?

A: We challenge students to write on a unique subject that has either defined who they are as a person or demonstrates the impact of their contributions through their activity in their environment.

Q: Is there a type of essay you would recommend against?

A: Applicants should consider their subject matter more globally and how it sets them apart from other students in the applicant pool.  For example, when writing on a life event, consider what makes this a unique life event compared to other applicants.

Q: Can an essay make or break an admission?

A: Yes.  I recall an applicant whose subject and style was so profound and unique that I felt honored to offer such a talented author admission.  Another example included a student who wrote about community contributions that had incredible global impact.  The subject of this essay was driven by extremely hard work that impacted the lives of students in villages in India and Africa.  It was very inspiring!

Q: Should a student discuss or explain a poor grade or marking period(s)?

A: When a grade is out of character, it may justify the student addressing this.  However, we encourage students to use their personal statements as an opportunity to present their unique qualities, contributions and achievements.  A single grade should not be made the focus of an application.

Q: Where do you stand on the 500 word limit on the Common Application’s personal statement? Can a student go over the Common Application’s 500 word limit?

A: We do have some amount of flexibility. We want students to express themselves as best they can. If that means that they go a few words over — about 100 — that’s okay. But we also want the student to be cognizant of the Common Application’s 500 word limit because some students can carry on for a while.  I’d say to students write your college application essay as briefly and succinctly as you can, but don’t feel like you need to leave out any major pieces, either.

Financial Aid at UConn

Q: How has the economic climate affected the admissions process and the availability of financial aid at UConn?

A: This year (2012)  seems to be an improvement over the past several years.  When the economy struggles, it forces families to take a closer look at finances and seriously consider their educational options based on cost of attendance.  Over the past several years, there has been an increase in the number of students submitting the FAFSA to us. UConn has a priority of providing as much financial assistance as possible to students who demonstrate financial need.

Q: What part of the admissions process is most misunderstood?

A: I think the financial piece of going to college is most misunderstood, as it can vary dramatically from one institution to the next. Eligibility for scholarships varies widely from school to school. Different schools have different policies, different requirements and different ways to apply, and that can make the scholarship process difficult to understand. If students or families need help understanding the scholarship opportunities at UConn, they should visit our undergraduate admissions page, student financial aid web page, or contact the Office of Student Financial Aid Services at (860) 486-2819.

Connect with UConn

Q: How can people connect with UConn?

A: Students can connect with us via Facebook and our YouTube channel. We also have a Twitter account and student bloggers.  Students who connect with UConn via these channels get regular updates on deadlines as well as updates on relevant activity at UConn.

Finally…

Q: Please ask and answer a question that you’d like students and families to know about UConn.
Question: What is the retention rate of first year students returning in their second year?

A: Ninety-three percent of first year students and 92% of students of color return for their sophomore year, exceeding the national average of 72.9%.

To Contact the University of Connecticut:

Office of Undergraduate Admissions
2131 Hillside Road, Unit 3088
Storrs, CT 06269-3088
Phone: (860) 486-3137
www.admissions.uconn.edu

other posts in this series:

Housatonic Community College
Ithaca College
Quinnipiac University
Sacred Heart University
University of Bridgeport

..Sharon Epstein is owner of First Impressions College Consulting
Need help? I work with students everywhere: in-person, over the phone, and by computer. Visit my website for more info.
Connect with Me:

Leave a comment — let me know what you think!

Aarrgh! It’s creeping up on you…you can feel it…it’s reaching out to grab you like a thousand spindly fingers…it’s COLLEGE APPLICATION TIME!

Send that Stress Packing! Here’s how:

1. Get Organized.  Start by:

A. Writing Everything Down

Deadlines.
Dates of tests.
Application due dates for each school.
Any other paperwork you’ll need or deadlines you’ll have to meet (financial aid, etc).
Letters of recommendation you’ll need and who you’ll ask.
The number of supplemental essays required by each school and each essay prompt (write down these prompts exactly as they’re given to you). Then:

B. Make a Calendar

Work backwards from each deadline or task and decide when each one needs to be completed.
**IMPORTANT: Give yourself twice the amount of time you think you’ll need. Trust me on this – everything will take longer than you think.

C. Set up a Filing System

You’ll need both a virtual and real filing system for each school (for email and snail mail).
You might also want to try Evernote, which is an easy way to access photos, documents and notes from any computer you’re on (it’s free).

Don’t want your parents bugging you? Take the initiative and stick to your schedule.

2. Pick a Range of Colleges You Like and Will Like You. Be realistic when you’re putting together your college list. It’s great to have one or two reach schools, but make sure to include schools that you like and that are likely to admit you.

3. Look for Schools that are Test Optional. ACT and SAT scores not your thing? Over 850 colleges are test optional. These schools believe that a combination of grades, recommendations and extra-curricular activities will give them a better picture of how you’ll do in college. For a complete list of schools that are test-optional, go to FairTest.org.

4. Don’t Wait Until School Starts to Write Your Essays. You’ll have homework, homecoming, applications and activities –  how are you going to have time for all those essays? (No, you can’t write well without sleep.)  Start your college application essays during the summer, when you have time to think and write. This goes double if you’re applying early — you may have several supplemental essays due November 1. Plan ahead and put those deadlines on your calendar!

5. Don’t Talk to Other Students About Your College Applications. This is a MAJOR stressor. Your friends come up to you and want to know what your essay topic is, or where you’re applying, or why you haven’t heard yet since they‘ve all heard. It’s easy to compare yourself to other students, but DON’T GO THERE. Enjoy the search and be confident that you’re applying to the schools that are right for you. When friends ask if your application’s in or your essays are done just say, “It’s coming along, thanks.” Then change the subject. Eventually they’ll get the idea and stop asking.

6. Get Moving. Ride a bike, go for a run, take the dog for a hike. Spend a few hours not thinking or talking about college. You’ll think better and you’ll feel better, too.

7. It’s YOUR College Tour. Enjoy! You’re on a shopping trip. Keep your eyes off your texts and on the sights. Talk to the tour guide and the students you meet -  ask them what they’re studying and what they love about their school. Then try to imagine yourself as a freshman on campus heading to class, the dorm or to dinner. See if your gut says you want to spend the next four years there.

8. Remember That Your Parents Want the Best for You: Your parents helped get you this far in life and they’re probably going to be a bit protective. It might scare them to think that you’re leaving home or even make them sad. So if they hover over you or ask tour guides embarrassing questions, take a deep breath and remember that they just want what’s best for you.

9. Don’t Narrow Your Options Too Quickly. (The College Helper suggested this tip when they commented on my last post, “7 Tips for Parents to Reduce College Application Stress.”) Some students get focused on attending a particular type of university – a large state school, for example – and never look at private universities or other schools that are outside of what they ‘think’ they want. Take time to explore – you can’t really be certain about what you want until you know what the other types of colleges are all about.

10. If You’re Overwhelmed, Ask for Help. Never be embarrassed to ask for help. Guidance counselors, teachers and private professionals can answer questions, guide you through the application process, provide feedback on your essays, and work with you on achieving your deadlines. Help is out there – you just have to ask for it.

related posts:
7 Tips for Parents to Reduce College Application Stress
Organize Your College Search: Try Evernote

links
Dealing with the Stress of College Applications
Peterson’s: Reducing Stress About College Admission Requirements
New York Times: The Burden of the College Admissions Process (students write about their college application experiences)

..Sharon Epstein is owner of First Impressions College Consulting
Need help? I work with students everywhere: in-person, over the phone, and by computer. Visit my website for more info.
Connect with Me:

Leave a comment — let me know what you think!

Here’s the list:

• Prepare for Standardized Testing
• Ask Your Teachers for Letters of Recommendation
• Review Your Academic Schedule for Next Year
• Make Plans to Visit Colleges Over the Summer Months
• Start Thinking About Your College Essays (my favorite – wonder why )
• Hold On to Those Papers!
• Make Your Summer Plans
• Finish the School Year in Strong Fashion

Read the entire blogpost at http://thechoice.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/05/02/calendar-may-juniors/#more-44511

related posts:
College Essay Writing: Make it Easy! Keep a Journal
SAT vs. ACT: Which Test to Take?

..Sharon Epstein is owner of First Impressions College Consulting
Need help? I work with students everywhere: in-person, over the phone, and by computer. Visit my website for more info.
Connect with Me:

Leave a comment — let me know what you think!

Which colleges should be on your list? Which ones can you afford? What questions do you need to ask? What exactly is the Common Application, and why is your child about to have a meltdown over all those essays???

Here are 7 Tips for Parents to Reduce College Application Stress

Be Realistic.  For most students, getting in to the school of their dreams isn’t a lock. Sometimes it’s because they reach too high, but often it’s because schools receive so many applications that qualified students are turned away.

Work with a guidance counselor or other professional to come up with a realistic range of schools, and encourage your student to find several things about each one that he or she can get excited about. And remember: A rejection letter isn’t a sign of failure. If your student has chosen well, he or she will end up at a school that’s a good fit.

Listen. It’s natural to want to be involved in the college application process, but be careful not to project your own hopes and dreams. Allow your student to discuss what he or she wants from a college experience and listen to those ideas. Provide helpful feedback – and keep on listening.

Be Financially Honest.  If money’s an issue, be honest with your student early on. That way he or she will be able to choose a range of affordable schools and explore scholarship opportunities. Don’t let your student set his or her heart on a school you can’t afford.

Help Your Student Get Organized. Set up a plan with your student early on. Help organize paperwork, create alerts for upcoming deadlines, and set goals for completing essays and filling out applications and financial aid requirements.

Use both real and virtual filing systems for college communications, and try Evernote (which I wrote about in a previous blog). Evernote lets you upload notes, photos, videos, and documents from mobile devices and tablets, and access them anywhere. So, for instance, on college visits students can make notes on tablets and take photos and videos on their phones, and then access everything on their computers when they get home (Great for remembering what to write in the “Why do you want to go to our school” essay).

Don’t Micromanage.  Be a guide, not a leader. Allow your student to take ownership in successfully navigating the college admissions process, and be his or her greatest cheerleader. Your student will engage, feel independent, and ultimately become more informed and confident. Those are great qualities to take to college.

Don’t Write the Essays.  Help proofread and check for grammar and spelling mistakes, but don’t choose your student’s essay topics, “improve” word choice, add phrases, or even write entire paragraphs. College admissions readers know the difference between an essay written by someone who’s 17 and someone who’s 40. Reading an essay engineered by mom or dad doesn’t make them happy; they want to get to know the student.

Escape the Family War Zone. Despite a family’s best support, sometimes a student’s stress level can build to overload. If you’re concerned about meltdowns, missed deadlines, and becoming the “application police,” consider enlisting a professional to help with college search, essay writing skills, application filing, etc. The peace and ultimate success will be worth it.

College Application Time Can Be Smooth Sailing — If You Know How to Navigate the Waters.

related posts
Organize Your College Search: Try Evernote

links
Washington Post: Tips for Maximizing Your College Admissions Visit
Advice for Parents on Surviving College Application Stress
Dealing with the Stress of College Applications
New York Times: College’s High Cost, Before You Even Apply

..Sharon Epstein is owner of First Impressions College Consulting
Need help? I work with students everywhere: in-person, over the phone, and by computer. Visit my website for more info.
Connect with Me:

Leave a comment — let me know what you think!

Click on the name of each city for more info. Find the complete list at National College Fairs.

Hartford College Fair
Tuesday, April 3
9:00a.m. – 11:30a.m.
6:30p.m. – 8:30p.m.
Wednesday, April 4
9:00a.m. – 11:30a.m.
Connecticut Convention Center
Hartford, CT

Buffalo College Fair
Tuesday, April 3
9:00a.m. – 12:00p.m.
6:00p.m. – 8:30p.m.
Wednesday, April 4
9:00a.m. – 12:00p.m.
Buffalo Niagara Convention Center, Buffalo, NY

Dallas/Fort Worth College Fair
Monday, April 9
4:00p.m. – 8:00p.m.
Irving Convention Center at Las Colinas, Irving, TX

Houston College Fair
Thursday, April 12
12:30p.m. – 2:30p.m.
6:00p.m. – 8:00p.m.
Reliant Center, Houston, TX

San Francisco College Fair
Saturday, April 21
1:30p.m. – 4:30p.m.
Concourse Exhibition Center, San Francisco, CA

Cleveland College Fair
Sunday, April 22
1:00p.m. – 4:00p.m.
Wolstein Center at Cleveland State University, Cleveland, OH

New York College Fair
Sunday, April 22
11:00a.m. – 4:00p.m.
Jacob K. Javits Convention Center, New York, NY

Orange County College Fair
Sunday, April 22
1:30p.m. – 4:30p.m.
Anaheim Convention Center, Anaheim, CA

New Jersey College Fair
Wednesday, April 25
9:00a.m. – 12:00p.m.
6:00p.m. – 9:00p.m.
Thursday, April 26
9:00a.m. – 12:00p.m.
New Jersey Convention and Exposition Center, Edison, NJ

..Sharon Epstein is owner of First Impressions College Consulting
Need help? I work with students everywhere: in-person, over the phone, and by computer. Visit my website for more info.
Connect with Me:

Leave a comment — let me know what you think!

related post on writing great college essay introductions:

How to Succeed with the Common App Essay 500 Word Limit: Essay Samples

..Sharon Epstein is owner of First Impressions College Consulting
Need help? I work with students everywhere: in-person, over the phone, and by computer. Visit my website for more info.
Connect with Me:

Leave a comment — let me know what you think!

Why this Program is GREAT:
It’s from two important points of view. I’m going to talk about how to write a great college application essay, and Matthew will talk about what admission committees look for when they read those essays.

What You’ll Learn: I’ll give you an overview of the college essay writing process, including what colleges look for, good and bad, topic choice, and how to make every essay unique. Then Matthew will discuss what kind of essays work and don’t work, and how essays are viewed in the context of the entire application.

Who Should Come: High school students and their families. Freshman and sophomores are welcome, too. It’s never too early to begin to understand what this application business is all about!

Put it on your calendar and learn about writing a great college application essay! See you at the Darien Library on April 25.

..Sharon Epstein is owner of First Impressions College Consulting
Need help? I work with students everywhere: in-person, over the phone, and by computer. Visit my website for more info.

Leave a comment — let me know what you think!

In fact, the opposite is true.

First, let’s be clear about the difference between an excuse and a reason.  Getting marked down because you did the work but couldn’t get out of bed early enough to show up for attendance is an excuse. But if you have a good reason – illness, family problems, etc., you owe it to yourself and to the college to let them know.

Here’s a real-life scenario from an article about admissions at Butler University:

The admissions committee received an application from a student who had gotten straight As freshman and sophomore year. Then his grades tanked.

“In his junior year, F,F,D,D,D,” said Chris Potts, Associate Director of Admissions… “No explanation anywhere, nothing – straight As, and then just bites it junior year.”

What happened? Turned out his dad died, and he was left without a father and having to support his mother.

Problem was, that information wasn’t in the application. 

Wendy Livingston, Senior Assistant Dean of Admission at The College of William & Mary, says on their blog, “…everything about your application is considered in context (school, regional, experiential, personal…you name the context.) That’s what holistic review is all about. You’re not considered in a vacuum; you’re considered based on who you are, where you’ve been and what type of application you put forward.“

So if your transcript has bumps and there’s a valid reason, let the admissions committee know. You can include it in your college application essay or elsewhere in your college application. But give them the whole picture. Your chances will be better for it.

..Sharon Epstein is owner of First Impressions College Consulting
Need help? I work with students everywhere: in-person, over the phone, and by computer. Visit my website for more info.

Leave a comment — let me know what you think!

The good news is there won’t be many. That means if you’re looking for 2012 Common Application topics, you don’t have to wait  — they’re going to be the same as last year.

One change did catch my eye: “Counselors will be able to send custom email messages to specific colleges on behalf of individual students.“

Guidance counselors will now be able to update specific colleges through the Common App, making it easier on the counselors, and ultimately better for the students.

The Common App is becoming less “common.” I like that.

Four students will win full-tuition scholarships, each worth more than $120,000.

Participants are asked to create a Facebook page for a business they wish to launch. The competition is open to any incoming freshman or transfer student who has been accepted to UNH College of Business.

For more information visit www.facebook.com/deanschallenge.