Information for
Guidance Counselors
prideandpurpose
A Message From Jessica Eads
Vice President for Enrollment Management and Dean of Admission and Financial Aid You will see the words Pride and Purpose on Hofstra publications and signs across campus. It’s more than just a catchy slogan. It is a challenge to all of us – to our students, to make the most of their time here, and to us, to do everything we can to help them thrive. Hofstra University welcomed the world to campus for the 2012 U.S. presidential debate – the second time we’ve had the honor of hosting such an event. In the years since we hosted our first presidential debate, Hofstra has undergone remarkable change and growth, opening three new schools – a School of Medicine, a School of Engineering and Applied Science, and a School of Health Sciences and Human Services. We’ve launched a new major in sustainability studies, and The Lawrence Herbert School of Communication has re-engineered its journalism programs to respond to the increasing emphasis on multimedia reporting. Effective for the class entering in fall 2015, Hofstra University will no longer require applicants to submit SAT or ACT scores as part of the application. This change provides students with the ability to decide for themselves how to best present their academic strengths and abilities to the Admission Committee, and allows each individual student to decide whether — or not — the standardized test results accurately reflect his or her academic ability and potential. For more information visit hofstra.edu/testingpolicy. We welcome the opportunity to help you help your students discover their Pride and Purpose at Hofstra University!
About Hofstra The Hofstra University community is composed of students with drive, determination and ambition. Our students know what they want from their education and expect to be successful in their career and life aspirations. Hofstra offers the appeal of a large university along with all the comforts and amenities of a close-knit campus community. On our 240-acre campus, students find an educational experience that is second to none. With 143 undergraduate program options, 200 student organizations, state-of-the-art facilities, a lively campus just 25 miles east of New York City, 17 NCAA Division I sports, prestigious faculty who work closely with students, and access to cutting-edge technology, our students are well-prepared for lifelong success. At Hofstra, students focus their strengths and establish the foundation they need. They gain the confidence and credentials that will set them apart. Our mission is to provide a high-quality education to all students in an environment that encourages, nurtures and supports learning through the free and open exchange of ideas, while fostering a sense of social and ethical responsibility.
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Presidential Debates at Hofstra All eyes were on Hofstra on October 16, 2012, when the University hosted the second presidential debate between President Barack Obama and former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney. The selection of Hofstra as a debate site by the Commission on Presidential Debates made the University one of only two schools to host back-to-back presidential debates. The first was held October 15, 2008, between then-Senator Obama and Senator John McCain. The 2008 debate was the first to be held in New York state since 1960 and the first ever at a New York college. The experience of hosting the debates provided outstanding learning experiences for Hofstra students. More than 350 students volunteered to work on each debate in various capacities – from working with the media to assisting with hospitality, credentialing, technical services and transportation. In addition, more than 2,500 local K-12 students spent time on the Hofstra campus in the days and months leading up to the debates for political and civic engagement programs, including a series of events titled Expressions of Democracy. For more information about both debates, please visit hofstra.edu/debate.
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About Hofstra Alumni Hofstra University’s commitment to our students does not end at graduation; alumni are lifelong members of the Hofstra family. There are more than 126,000 Hofstra University alumni spread throughout all 50 U.S. states and more than 100 countries. Hofstra encourages alumni involvement and boasts an extremely active alumni community. Not only do we support our alumni, but our alumni are proud supporters of their alma mater – from encouraging and advocating for current students in the professional world to contributing to the ongoing advancement of our University. Hofstra’s Graduates of the Last Decade (GOLD) is the cornerstone of our large and active alumni base. GOLD encourages our newest alumni to participate in events and networking opportunities that further strengthen their ties to Hofstra and promote continued involvement in the alumni community. As the membership of GOLD grows, so do the opportunities presented to current students.
Total University Outcomes 98% of Hofstra University undergraduate degree recipients are employed or attending graduate school full time.
TIMING OF JOB ACCEPTANCE 38% Accepted job before graduation 32% Accepted job 1-3 months after graduation 18% Accepted job 4-6 months after 7% graduation Accepted
job 7-9 months after graduation
Based on 2012-2013 undergraduate degree recipients who responded to a survey or other reliable sources within a year of graduating.
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3% Accepted job 10-12 months after graduation
2% Accepted job more than one year after graduation
Outcomes are based on 2012-2013 undergraduate degree recipients who are employed and responded to the survey or other reliable sources.
Advisement At Hofstra, we view academic advisement as a partnership. Students and advisement deans work together to determine academic and career goals, explore academic interests, and determine the most productive manner in which to achieve these objectives. A University advisement dean offers guidance to each student for his/her entire time at Hofstra, ensuring that all requirements are met in a timely manner. In addition, students are assigned to a faculty advisor after declaring their major. This faculty advisor assists students with all major-related concerns, internship opportunities and progress toward specific career goals. We make it our responsibility to ensure that no student falls behind academically or socially, and pride ourselves on aiding all students in achieving their aspirations. For additional information, please visit hofstra.edu/advisement.
The Career Center Hofstra’s location just 25 miles east of New York City gives our students the advantage of internship and professional opportunities – both on and off campus – that students attending other universities can only dream of. At Hofstra, we know that career planning is not an event that takes place in a student’s senior year. It is an ongoing process that involves self-assessment, career awareness, decision making and implementation. Hofstra’s Career Center invites all students to take advantage of on-campus career and internship fairs, practice techniques during a mock interview, perfect a cover letter and resume, and make an appointment with one of our counselors who specialize in putting students on the path for a successful experience at Hofstra and beyond. To learn more about Hofstra’s Career Center, please visit hofstra.edu/career.
Financial Aid An excellent college education is an investment in the future. Hofstra University works with our students and their families to ensure that they are able to meet these costs. For the most up-to-date information on tuition, room and board, please visit hofstra.edu/tuition. Hofstra provides abundant scholarships to our incoming first-year and transfer students. Upon application, all candidates are automatically considered for merit-based scholarships. These notifications are sent with the student’s acceptance letter. Hofstra also provides need-based scholarships to those students who qualify (based on the FAFSA we have on file). In fall 2013 we awarded $27.2 million to first-year students and a total of $80.8 million in institutional gift assistance to all entering undergraduate students. For more information on scholarship opportunities, please visit hofstra.edu/fyscholarships. To help your students get a better idea of scholarship and grant opportunities as well as their estimated cost of attendance, visit hofstra.edu/netprice.
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First-Year Connections A student’s first year of college is a time of exciting changes and dramatic transitions. Hofstra’s First-Year Connections program, which is composed of first-year seminars and clusters, is designed to get our students’ college experience off to a great start. At the heart of the program are small classes taught by distinguished faculty in areas of interest ranging from art to engineering. These courses introduce students to the intellectual and social life of the University, and – even for undecided majors – nearly all the courses satisfy the University’s general education requirements. These are regular undergraduate courses that are reserved exclusively for first-year students. At Hofstra, we believe that learning does not stop outside the classroom. Hofstra’s First-Year Connections program goes hand in hand with our living/learning communities – another exclusive first-year opportunity. The Netherlands Complex accommodates themed housing composed entirely of first-year students with various areas of interest. Each living/learning community consists of its own house, and students live and work with peers who share their interests and passions.
Student Life From athletics, student clubs and organizations, internship opportunities and career fairs, to festivals, cultural events, movies and concerts, the activity on campus never ceases. Our 240-acre campus boasts more than 200 student clubs and organizations, 17 varsity sports teams, hundreds of cultural and social events per year, Fall Festival, Vibe Live, free on-campus movies, and much more. There is always something to do at Hofstra. In addition to the countless on-campus opportunities, New York City is just 25 miles west of campus and offers a limitless stream of activities.
Hofstra Athletics Hofstra boasts 17 varsity sports teams – nine for women and eight for men – all competing at the NCAA Division I level in the Colonial Athletic Association. Hofstra athletes are viewed as student-leaders, taking pride not only in their team, but also in the University as a whole. For more information, visit GoHofstra.com. However, athletics at Hofstra is not limited to our varsity-level athletes; our Department of Recreation and Intramural Sports offers a variety of intramural and club sports. Hofstra supports a healthy lifestyle by offering diversified recreational programs along with premier facilities that encourage active participation in both formal and informal settings. To learn more about our recreational offerings, please visit hofstra.edu/recreation.
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Residential Programs Living on campus allows first-year students to develop and enhance their social and interpersonal skills. Hofstra University’s Office of Residential Programs supports all 35 of our on-campus residence halls. We are proud to offer a variety of living options that are sure to appeal to every student. Our housing options range from exclusive first-year, suite-style housing in the Netherlands Complex and Stuyvesant Hall to traditional single and double room offerings in our high-rise towers, to suites for all students in Nassau/Suffolk Hall and Colonial Square. For more information, please visit hofstra.edu/reslife. Living/Learning Communities and Themed Housing Living/learning communities set Hofstra apart from other universities; this housing option offers first-year students the opportunity to live with other students who share their interests and desire to continue learning outside of the classroom. Students who elect to take advantage of living/learning communities may choose to take First-Year Connections courses (less traditional and more hands-on courses available only to our first-year students). These students take part in special programs, discussions and trips to New York City or other destinations designed to enhance their learning experience. After their first year, students have the option to live in themed housing for the duration of their time at Hofstra. Themed housing allows students to live on a particular floor in one of our residence halls with a group of friends or classmates who share the same interests. Themes can range from healthy living to cultural cooking to engineering. For more information, please visit hofstra.edu/livelearn.
Commuting Students At Hofstra, life outside the classroom does not exist only for our on-campus residents. The Office of Off-Campus Living and Commuting Student Services complements the University’s quality education by enhancing the cocurricular life of commuting students. We do so by connecting them to the larger campus community through programming and outreach, and by helping them develop off-campus citizenship and advocating for their equal access to all University services. At Hofstra, we work to ensure that our commuting students do not miss out on extracurricular activities. For more information, please visit hofstra.edu/commuting.
Office of Parent and Family Programs Hofstra considers parents and families a vital part of our campus community. By “parents and families,” we mean moms, dads, guardians, stepparents, grandfathers, grandmothers, sisters, brothers, aunts, uncles ... anyone who loves and cares for our Hofstra students. Hofstra’s Office of Parent and Family Programs, in collaboration with other offices across the University, serves as a valuable resource for parents and families while they support their students to take increasing responsibility for their journey in learning and personal growth. Our programs, publications and events strive to make parents and families an integral part of our community. Visit hofstra.edu/parents for more information.
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Academics At Hofstra, we’re going to challenge your students and help them rise to the challenge by working with some of our 1,123 faculty members – from Pulitzer Prize and Fulbright winners to elite scientists and recipients of Guggenheim Fellowships. With 495 full-time faculty members, 92 percent of whom hold the highest degree in their respective fields, Hofstra will prepare your students for lifelong success. Our students get their hands on advanced tools and equipment, and apply what they learn in classes that emphasize real-world application – in business, broadcasting, engineering, education and more. With 143 undergraduate and 156 graduate program options, Hofstra offers a world of possibilities.
Dual Degree Programs Hofstra offers more than 100 dual degree programs. Students who meet the admission requirements are invited to apply for a program of interest at the time of application to Hofstra. We understand that many high school students are not set on a major field yet, but for those who are, it is often advantageous to have the opportunity to work toward both an undergraduate and graduate degree from the start of the student’s college career. We encourage you to speak with your students in order to determine if Hofstra’s dual degree programs are a feasible and logical path for them to take as they begin their college journey. To see a full list of dual degree options, please visit hofstra.edu/dualdegree.
Among the options within six Hofstra schools: Various Business: BBA/MBA; BBA/MS v Computer Science: BA/MS; BS/MS v Economics: BA/MBA; BS/MBA v Elementary Education: STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics): BA/MA v English: BA/English and American Literature: MA v Hofstra University 4+4 Combined Bachelor’s and MD Program*: BA/MD; BS/MD v Journalism: BA/MA v Labor Studies: BA/Business Administration: MBA v Legal Education Accelerated Program* (LEAP): BA/JD v Linguistics: BA/Forensic Linguistics: MA v Management: BBA/Business Education: MSEd v Mathematical Business Economics: BS/MBA; BS/Finance: MS v
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Mathematical Economics: BA/MBA Mathematics: BA/MBA; BS/MBA; BA/Finance: MS; BS/Finance: MBA; BS/Finance: MS v Physical Education and Health: BS/Health and Physical Education: MS v Physician Assistant (PA) Studies Program*: BS/MS v Psychology: BA/Rehabilitation Counseling: MSEd; BA/Counseling: MSEd v Psychology: BA/Secondary Special Education Generalist: MSEd v Speech-Language-Hearing Sciences: BA/Speech-Language Pathology: MA v Urban Ecology: BA/MA; BS/MS v v
* This is a highly selective program open only to students who demonstrate superior high school achievement and academic aptitude, and who apply to Hofstra as first-year, full-time students.
Special Programs Hofstra 4+4 Program: BA-BS/MD is a highly selective dualdegree program open only to students who demonstrate superior high school achievement and academic aptitude, and who apply to Hofstra as first-year, full-time students. For more information, please visit hofstra.edu/4plus4. Legal Education Accelerated Program (LEAP) is a sixyear dual BA/JD program. Students admitted to this program pursue a Bachelor of Arts (BA) at Hofstra’s College of Liberal Arts and Sciences for three years and then have the opportunity to complete a Juris Doctor (JD) at Maurice A. Deane School of Law at Hofstra University in three additional years. For more information, please visit hofstra.edu/leap.
Hofstra University Honors College (HUHC) is designed for highly motivated, high-achieving students who want to make the most of their college years. HUHC is an intimate community of students, faculty and administrators committed to challenging and supporting one another in the pursuit of excellence at all levels. Connected to every college, department, major and program, HUHC is engaged in every aspect of campus life. For more information, please visit hofstra.edu/huhc.
New Opportunities At Hofstra (NOAH) is a special Hofstra admission program open to New York state residents who 1) are eligible for TAP; 2) are considered economically disadvantaged as defined by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services poverty guidelines; and 3) attend high school in a New York state-recognized high-needs school district. To be considered for NOAH, students must submit their completed application no later than February 1. NOAH requires an interview and the submission of financial documentation prior to the rendering of an admission decision. For more information, please visit hofstra.edu/noah. Physician Assistant (PA) Studies Program is a dual-degree program designed to provide students with the opportunity to earn both the BS and MS in five-and-a-half years. For more information, please visit hofstra.edu/pap. Program for Academic Learning Skills (PALS), administered by Services for Students With Disabilities, provides an individualized support program for a limited number of first-year students who are diagnosed as having a learning disability and/or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and who are regularly admitted to Hofstra University. This program is in addition to any accommodations guaranteed by the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, and carries an additional fee. A recent psycho-educational evaluation that includes cognitive and achievement testing is required for consideration. Test results must be less than two years old. Candidates will be contacted to schedule interviews to determine admission to the program. For further information, please visit hofstra.edu/pals.
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Undergraduate Student Profile Admission to Hofstra is selective. From a large and talented applicant pool, we have enough space in our first-year class to offer admission to only 62 percent of those who apply. Most students who are offered admission to our incoming class have completed a rigorous college preparatory curriculum in high school, and have done so with an impressive average. Outstanding high school course work, however, is not the only criterion our Admission Committee looks for; standardized tests if applicable, letters of recommendation, extracurricular activities and an essay also carry heavy weight in the overall admission decision. It is Hofstra’s goal to enroll a first-year and transfer class from diverse backgrounds and locations, with varied interests and talents. We pride ourselves on our diverse student body, which includes undergraduate students from 46 U.S. states and territories and 54 countries. Applications are accepted for fall and spring admission on a rolling basis.
A Look at the Class of 2018* v 26,379
students applied v 1,738 students enrolled v 3.5 average high school GPA v 83% had 3.0 high school GPA or higher v 1160 average SAT (Critical Reading and Math) v 26 average ACT v 27% are in the top 10% of their high school class v 48% are from outside New York state v 67% live on campus v Class Size: Average undergraduate class size is 21 students. Student-to-faculty ratio is 14-to-1. v One-Year Retention Rate: 78 percent *accurate as of 8/13/14
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How to Apply Hofstra accepts applications for first-year, transfer and international admission, with a different application for each group. A first-year applicant is a current high school senior, a high school graduate with no postsecondary course work, or the recipient of a GED applying for matriculated/degree-seeking status at Hofstra University. First-year candidates may apply as Early Action or Regular Decision by completing Hofstra’s First-Year Student Application for Undergraduate Admission or the Common Application. A transfer applicant is a current college student or a student who has previously attended college. Transfer applicants must submit all high school transcripts and may submit standardized test scores if applicable only if they have completed less than 24 credits at an accredited postsecondary institution. Transfer applications are accepted on a rolling basis, and applicants can expect a decision approximately three to four weeks after the application is deemed complete. An international applicant is a student who is a citizen of another country. An International Application is available on our website; however, international applicants may also submit the Common Application. A complete application should include all secondary school records, a personal statement or essay, and a TOEFL or IELTS score report (if English is not the student’s first language) or SAT or ACT exam score. Please note that all documents must be accompanied by certified English translations. Hofstra University offers nonbinding Early Action for first-year applicants only. There are two deadlines – Early Action I and Early Action II. Early Action I applications are due to Hofstra by November 15; students applying as Early Action I can expect an admission decision by December 15. Students applying as Early Action II must submit their application no later than December 15; these students can expect an admission decision by January 15. Hofstra operates on a rolling admission basis for Regular Decision applicants. Regular Decision students can expect an admission decision after February 1. Please note that all required documents must be received by Hofstra and the application marked complete before an application can be reviewed and a decision can be made.
Required Documents For first-year students: All high school transcripts, standardized test scores if applicable, completed application, application fee or fee waiver, and any additional information noted for specific schools or majors. For transfer students: All high school transcripts and standardized test scores if applicable (if less than 24 credits have been completed at an accredited college), all college transcripts, completed application, application fee or fee waiver, and any additional information noted for specific schools or majors. For international students: All secondary school records, a personal statement or essay, a TOEFL or IELTS score report (if English is not their first language) or SAT or ACT exam score, and any additional information noted for specific schools or majors. Please note that all documents must be accompanied by certified English translations. All required documents can be mailed or faxed. Contact Information: Hofstra University, Office of Undergraduate Admission, 100 Hofstra University, Hempstead, New York 11549-1000 Fax: 516-463-5100 | Phone: 516-463-6700 | Toll-free: 1-800-HOFSTRA
AP/IB Equivalencies Advanced Placement (AP) High school seniors and transfer students who are admitted to Hofstra’s incoming class and have achieved above-average scores on the College Board Advanced Placement Examinations may be granted college credit by submitting the test scores to the Office of Undergraduate Admission for consideration. For information regarding how AP scores translate into Hofstra credits, please visit hofstra.edu/collegecredit. International Baccalaureate (IB) At Hofstra University, admission decisions are based upon the strength of a student’s secondary school curriculum. Hofstra recognizes secondary schools offering the International Baccalaureate program and students who earn the International Baccalaureate diploma, as participating in the most challenging, comprehensive, interdisciplinary curriculum available. For more information regarding how IB scores equate to Hofstra credits, please visit hofstra.edu/collegecredit.
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Visit Opportunities Admission Events Hofstra hosts many events for prospective and admitted students. Many are held on our beautiful 240-acre campus, and some are held in your hometown. Whether you are visiting us or we are visiting you, we urge you to encourage your students to register for an event designed specifically with them in mind. At our events, your students will have the opportunity to meet their admission counselor as well as University administrators and current Hofstra students. Our events give prospective students the opportunity to learn what life is like at Hofstra inside and outside the classroom. For event dates and registration, visit hofstra.edu/visit.
High School Programs At Hofstra, we believe that the most successful high school students become the most successful college students. It is for this reason that we offer a variety of programs designed specifically for our prospective students. For more information on high school programs, please visit hofstra.edu/highschoolprograms.
Counselor Events The Office of Undergraduate Admission and the Office of Student Financial Services offer a number of events designed exclusively for guidance counselors. It is our goal to keep you informed and up to date on the happenings at Hofstra University, as well as the dates and deadlines to keep in mind for the college admission process in general. It is our pleasure to provide informative events and webinars to ensure that you are as prepared as possible to help your students as they embark on the college admission process. Visit hofstra.edu/counselorevent to view the dates and times of all of our guidance counselor events.
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Office of Undergraduate Admission
100 Hofstra University Hempstead, NY 11549-1000 Email: admission@hofstra.edu Phone: 516-463-6700 or 1-800-HOFSTRA • Fax: 516-463-5100
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Office Hours: Monday, Thursday and Friday,* 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday, 9 a.m.-7 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. *From Memorial Day through Labor Day, the office closes at 4 p.m. on Friday.
Hofstra University is committed to extending equal opportunity to all qualified individuals without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national or ethnic origin, physical or mental disability, marital or veteran status in employment and in the conduct and operation of Hofstra University’s educational programs and activities, including admissions, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other school-administered programs. For more information, visit hofstra.edu/EOE. 46427:8/14
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