The Connection

For students at South Lakes High School (SLHS) in Reston getting into college and how to do it best became a pathway to success given the novel College Planning Night held Wednesday, March 27 presented by the school's Department of Student Services. One theme appeared dominant; students should do less of the things that don’t make a significant impact so they can do more of what does and in the best manner.

College and Career Specialist at SLHS, Jennifer Campbell and Heather Thomas, Director of Student Services invited high school through middle school students to a panel discussion led by a team of six professional admission counselors and directors, five from four-year Virginia and Delaware colleges and universities and one from NOVA Community College.

"It's never too early to start," said Campbell.

The speakers focused their remarks solely on prescribed topics thereby reducing content redundancy amongst them and allowing for a balanced review of the college process from how students can prepare and still have a life to what could revoke acceptance of admission.

After presentations, panelists candidly called attention to fact from fiction. All agreed that visible parent input, actually filling out the application for their senior is a definite no. There is no admission quota targeting hometown residency. A college reserves the right to revoke admission for unsatisfactory final grades, disciplinary actions or applying with false information.

Viewpoints

Admission Counselors’ Advice: ‘Be Yourself’

According to Christina Badalis, Senior Counselor Office of Admissions, George Mason University, there is "no golden search time" for college. It is an individualized process, but students should "hone in" junior year. Seek out multiple sources of information from people, the high school career center, websites and the College Board. "Don't apply to a ton of schools. Three is a good number," a safety school, a good school and a reach school. Know your criteria for location and the surrounding community. "Food is an important factor,” as is academic offerings. "Go visit the schools... Your best fit...is a place you can call home. A place that looks good on paper may not be the perfect fit."

According to Shyrah J. Kum, Assistant Director, Office of Undergraduate Admissions, Virginia Tech, schools use a holistic review of a student's transcript. "We are looking at trends," whether the student stayed the same or if there are highs and lows. "GPAs are not always helpful as schools weigh them differently." As for the SAT and GPA test scores, "figure out which test is best for you… Don't take them again and again (and) not more than three times." If the Subject Test is optional, "make sure the rest of your application looks good." If you are not required to take a Subject Test, don't… Only send what the school asks for." As for resumes, anything before high school is too much. "One page is solid.” "Extracurricular are extras to enhance your courses … be mindful, we want to see balanced academics and extracurriculars."

According to Yuma Miller, Christopher Newport University, Associate Director of Admission/Travel Coordinator, during the admission process, students may be offered different types of admission. "Early Decision (ED) is a binding commitment to a school; the student must attend... Apply Early Decision to just one school." Early Action (EA) is not a binding contract. Students can apply to other colleges and generally can commit by the normal reply date. Regular Decision is a good option. In Rolling Decision the school considers each application as soon as all information is received rather than setting a deadline. Schools with Rolling Decision generally notify applicants quickly. As for deadlines, "Check your email every day in your senior year...you do not want to miss a deadline...keep a Google Calendar and share it with family… if an interview is offered, do it."

According to Luis Portillo, Assistant Director of Admissions, D.C. & VA, University of Delaware, the perfect essay is genuine, honest and the real person. "Your life is not an introduction, body and conclusion … (and) it is unfortunate when a parent writes it." We are looking for multiple, unique students, ones with different interests, so bring us a different perspective… Your delivery is important… get to the point and don't try to be something you are not.” Talk about finances and college with family. "Set aside two hours a week outside the house (and) make sure you are organized."

According to Guadalupe Sanchez, M.A., Regional Assistant Director of Multicultural Recruitment, Radford University, freshman and sophomore high school students are still finding themselves and their passions. "Focus on classes...check out college campuses...it's never too early.” Always consider the upward trend." We like to see students who get better grades."

According to Monica Gomez, Counselor, Pathway to Baccalaureate, Northern Virginia Community College, NOVA is a two-year college with Open Enrollment, meaning guaranteed admission. No SAT or ACT is required. NOVA offers many benefits to students. Tuition and fees are an exceptional value, significantly lower than any college or university in the area. High school students can earn college credits through NOVA’s Dual Enrollment and credits can transfer to four-year colleges. NOVA offers the Pathway to the Baccalaureate Program that provides support during the transition from high school to Northern Virginia Community College and the transfer to George Mason University or another institution of the student’s choice.

What Did Students, Parents Learn?

Amelia Flavin: "The positivity and open minds of the admissions directors surprised me." Amelia’s mother, Lisa Flavin, referencing the purported fixed number or percentage of students offered admission to a college, which must be attained or cannot be exceeded based on residency: "I am surprised to learn the misconception about students from a particular school not offered admission based on a quota."

SLHS student, Shikhar Kumar, 16, referencing college entrance tests such as the SAT, ACT, AP, CLEP and subject test and determining which might be best for him: "I'm surprised at the multiple test options available, each devised to a different interest. I love it. My interest is Physics."

SLHS student, Carson Owen, 15: "If you did get on the waitlist, you are not done for."