Higher Education 09-15-2022

September 15, 2022

Empowering a brighter future

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HIGHER HIGH EDUCATION EDUCATION——fAll fall2022 2022

Questions admissions officers want applicants to ask

By Kirsten Clodfelter Admissions officers may seem like the big scary gatekeepers when you’re in the middle of college applications. But, the truth is that they’re passionate about higher education and want to admit students to their university who will thrive on campus and beyond. Admissions officers actually want you to ask them questions to ensure that you’re applying to their school because it’s the right match for your educational, personal and professional goals.

Here, admissions experts share the questions potential students should be asking colleges.

What are you looking for in an applicant?

Greg Kaplan, an independent college counselor and author of “Earning Admission,” says, “Many students feel the need to be perfect at everything to present a ‘well-rounded’ application.” However, that’s often not what schools want.“Colleges are looking for specialists to fill niche roles at a school, which enables students to excel in a field that matters to them,” he says. Before you try to present yourself as perfect at everything (which is impossible) ask your admissions officer for their take on what they ideally want in an applicant.

If you have an idea of an intended program or major within your potential school, Guidance counselor Tracy Wood says,“Ask the admissions team what makes students stand out more than others for a specific program.” Finding out if there’s a summer internship opportunity or prerequisite classes that are used to narrow down the applicant pool can do a lot to improve your chances for acceptance.

What sets your school apart from other schools?

Don’t forget that colleges should be presenting themselves as solid selections for you as much as you’re working to make yourself look like a good choice for them. Admissions professional John Schaffer suggests students dig into both the school as a whole and their potential major or program. Then, Schaffer advises, follow up by asking, “‘How will the school prepare me for my career goals?’ and ‘What are recent alumni doing with this degree?’” Be sure your school is able to offer you the tools necessary to achieve your goals over the next four years and well beyond that.

What does the student debt load really look like here?

The importance of understanding the true cost of your college education before you commit can’t be overstated. Schaffer says he “always encourages students to look beyond the ‘sticker price’ of a school.” Students can learn more about the affordability of a specific school by asking questions like,“What percentage of students receive [financial] aid?” “What are the qualifications for academic scholarships?” and “Are there additional scholarships to apply for as an incoming student?”

Which events should I attend to learn about campus life?

One of the best ways to determine if a school’s a good fit is to spend time around campus, if possible. Of course, you’ll get the

Ace that college admissions interview What to expect

most helpful information if you know exactly when and how to spend that time on campus.

Heidi Reigel, associate vice President of alumni and parent engagementat at McDaniel College in Maryland, says,“We often have students who are overwhelmed by our offerings when it comes to visit events.”

Reigel suggests the simplest solution is to reach out to admissions and start a conversation. “Call or email [an admissions] counselor and ask for advice about which program to attend or the differences between the events.

We can help students determine the best way to see our campus and get their questions answered.” Admissions counselors can also provide information about virtual and online visit information if needed.

How do you support students after graduation?

College may feel like the end goal after high school, but it’s actually a stepping stone toward your career. As you consider your college journey, ask yourself what you think you’d like to do once you’ve earned your degree, and then ask your admissions officer how that school can support you. Kaplan says students should understand how a school can serve their post-graduation goals. He says it could be through “grad school admissions [support], placement in a niche field or access to a desired job market.”

Most importantly, remember that there’s no such thing as a bad question when you’re considering where you’ll earn your degree.

Schaffer says, “Don’t fear a question being stupid or insignificant. If you have a question about something, it’s important to you and that’s all that matters!”

Above photo: Don’t fear the admissions team.

A college admissions interview can take different forms. It might involve an informal meeting with an alumnus or admissions staff member at a coffee shop near your home or a meeting with a staff member when you’re taking a college tour. In some cases, it will be a rigorous meeting with a panel of interviewers who will assess your subject matter knowledge and depth.

For schools that offer the opportunity to take an admissions interview, it’s almost always a good idea to take advantage of the chance to present yourself more fully than you can in an application. Of course, when schools require the admissions interview, you’ve got to do it.

Dress appropriately. You can still show your personality and identity, but it’s important you look dressed for the situation.

Be Prepared This advice will hold you in good stead for an admissions interview or a job interview.

Prepare by learning about the college you’re applying to and why you’d want to attend. Find out about their culture and academic programs, and what makes them a good fit for you. If the school has a department or program you’re especially interested in, be sure to share that.

Tell the interviewer why the university’s culture — whether traditional, religious, openminded, or service-oriented —appeals to you.

Write out a few bullet points about what makes you stand out, and make sure you can explain them clearly. For example, if you’re a gifted athlete or performer, or love science fairs or spelling bees, tell the interviewer that. They want to know about you, not just your grades.

And if you love some courses at school more than others, think through that as well.

Interviewers often ask standard “interview questions,” so think through your answers to them. For example: • What do you see yourself doing in 10 years time?

• How will you contribute to our school’s culture?

• What are your hobbies?

• Which accomplishments are you most proud of?

• When have you overcome adversity in life, and how did you do it?

• What are your three greatest strengths and weaknesses?

Ask Questions Think through some questions ahead of time, so when the interviewer asks you if you’ve got any questions, you’re prepared. Come up with questions that have to do with the specific school so they know you’re thinking through it seriously.

These questions are critical to show “demonstrated interest.” Demonstrated interest is one of the factors universities use in deciding whether to admit you. The way they figure it, admitting a student who’s genuinely interested improves the likelihood of that student actually accepting their offer of admission and attending.

Be Professional First off, show up on time. If it’s at a university admissions office, and you’re visiting with parents, walk up to the desk and introduce yourself rather than having Mom or Dad do it for you.

Admissions officials know that a student who can take ownership, be responsible, and speak for themselves is much more likely to succeed at school than one who can’t.

Be Conversational This is one of the hardest things for many students (and for many adults too). Remember the goal of an interview is never to tell the other person everything you came prepared to say.

Listen to what the other person is saying and respond.

Practicing can help you learn this skill. Use a friend, a parent, or a coach to help you prepare to have a good conversation in which you still get your points across.

Follow Up This is the thing many many students forget.

After you attend an admissions interview, write an email to the person you met with and thank them. This goes to show demonstrated interest, but it’s also a way of conveying maturity. Tell them you appreciate the time they took to meet with you, answer your questions, and get to know you.

If the interviewer gave you the name of faculty or coaches at the colleges who might be helpful, make sure you drop those people a note. Tell them the interviewer suggested you contact them, explain why you’re interested in the university, and ask some questions about the department or program.

When you apply to college, there will be many students with similar grades, scores, and even extracurriculars. Standing out among that group involves many things, but the interview is a key part of the process. Be well-prepared and you can get through the interview successfully.

Above photo: The interview is rarely the deciding factor in whether the college will accept you, but it can give a representative from the college a chance to get to know you better.

September 15, 2022 — HIGHER EDUCATION - Herald Community Newspapers

Understanding the admissions process

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September 15, 2022 — HIGHER EDUCATION - Herald Community Newspapers

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mOllOy iS NOw mOllOy UNivErSity! “ M olloy College recently announced that it has become Molloy University!

What does this mean for you? Molloy degrees will now be even more valuable in the marketplace.

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- Dr. James Lentini President, Molloy College Molloy University Emphasizes Careers, Value and Values

College-bound students and their families are always looking for an academic environment that offers the best fit and the best value for their tuition dollars.

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HIGH EDUCATION HIGHER EDUCATION——fAll fAll2022 2022 An important part of the application process

By Sally Wood

tion should be returned to you in a sealed envelope.

Many college and scholarship applications require recommendation letters. Some specify the recommenders-teachers, employers, or personal acquaintances; others simply indicate the number of recommendations required. Selection committees want to know as much as possible about you. They have objective information-grades, classes, and test scores. They have your application form, résumé, and essay(s). They also want to know how others see you.

Select carefully Many applications allow you to waive the right to see recommendations. Despite your legal right to see referrals, committees are impressed by those written with no concerns about the applicant’s reaction. Select your recommender(s) carefully, and you’ll have no reason to worry; most will say if they aren’t comfortable writing a college recommendation letter or don’t believe they can write positive statements about you.

Have your recommenders save their letters if you’re applying to several colleges or for several scholarships. Although each college recommendation letter should be tailored to the application at hand, the original passage contains basically what the recommender wants to share about you. Revising an original recommendation is more convenient than writing a new one.

The big ask Select recommenders who know you well and who can write competently. Well-meaning friends may write glowing comments, but poor grammar and unprofessional appearances make negative impressions. Choose recommenders who will write specific statements about you-not remarks that could apply to any student. Generic comments reflect little about you and do not help you stand out among the applicants.

Solicit college recommendation letters politely and appreciatively. Allow your recommender plenty of time; requesting a recommendation at the last minute is inconsiderate. People who write the best recommendations are usually very busy. You don’t want one written by someone who feels hurried or is irritated with you.

It’s all in the details Provide relevant information so the letter of recommendation will be specifically about you and your qualifications. Indicate the purpose of the recommendation letter. If it is to accompany your college application, provide the college’s name and background information so the recommender can discuss how you are an appropriate candidate. If it is for a scholarship, provide a copy of

the application or a description of the scholarship and the sponsoring organization’s mission. Supply a copy of your résumé listing your GPA, activities, leadership roles, awards, community service, employment experience, and special skills.

Indicate the person to whom a recommendation letter should be addressed. If you don’t know the name, the letter may begin “Dear Selection Committee.” Offer an addressed, stamped envelope with each request. If the recommendation must be mailed in an official envelope from the recommender’s institution, supply a postage stamp. A letter that is to be submitted with the applica-

Complete the process with a thank you Thank your recommender-preferably in writing! Surprisingly, few students express their appreciation for recommendations.

Expressing your gratitude is appropriate and advisable. If you weren’t appreciative the first time, the recommender may be reluctant to help you when you ask for another college recommendation letter. If you receive the acceptance or the award, thank the recommender again, for contributing to your success.

Above photo: Approaching a counselor or teacher and asking them to write a recommendation can be an intimidating task, and many students will put it off – making the process even more difficult for both the student and the recommender. Just like with any other college application element, it’s important to start planning early and get a head start to make the process of gathering recommendation letters quick and easy.

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HIGHER EDUCATION——fAll fall2022 2022 HIGH EDUCATION

Get noticed

Make your college admission essay stand out The average admission counselor may read 50 applications per day. Therefore, an admissions counselor could potentially review at least 1,000 sheets of paper in a single workday, and your essay may be one of those 1,000 sheets of paper. How will your college admission essay get noticed? Distinctive detail.

The goal of an admissions essay is to transform yourself from a three-dimensional person into a twodimensional text. The best way to create this transformation is through distinctive detail.

Generally speaking, admissions counselors are detail-oriented people. They will notice details if you take the time to make them distinctive. Exactly what are distinctive details though?

Distinctive details describe you beyond what admissions counselors can see in your application: your idiosyncrasies, oddities, and hopes and dreams.

For example, you may write that you like M&Ms, but you may also want to write that you like the blue M&Ms better than the red M&Ms. You may express that you cannot stand most poetry in English, but you might also want to mention that you love poetry in French. Students should aim to write something heartfelt and memorable; however, sheer shock value rarely works in the applicant’s favor.

Remember Your Audience When writing any piece of your college admission essay, you should strive to evoke emotion from the reader. Laughter and crying are two that may be useful to use.

Admissions counselors are also looking for intellectual curiosity in students.They want someone who their peers find stimulating inside and outside the classroom. Intellectual curiosity can be found in college admission essays through use of distinctive detail as well.

For example, rather than mentioning your academic interest in science, explain your specific interest in researching tuberculosis. When describing your interests outside of school, rather than writing you like to watch movies with friends, share how you enjoy watching I Love Lucy re-runs with your friends while drinking Mountain Dew. Whatever topic you choose to write about, remember to use distinctive detail. It will make your college admission essay stand out and get noticed.

An Essay With Purpose Because the college essay is not the same kind of essay that you write for your high school English teacher, it does not have to have the typical essay introduction, which provides a thesis statement. Just as you want to prepare the best answers to your college interview, consider these tips for writing an engaging essay that will stand out from the rest.

Your first paragraph should grab the reader.

The college essay has to grab the attention of an admission’s reader. It is imperative, then, that the introduction to the college essay capture the reader’s attention and make the reader want to read more.

Don’t be a cliche The most overused college essay topics to avoid

√ Try starting with a question. √ Begin with a bold statement. √ Use an interesting quote.

Put the reader in medias res, that is, in the middle of things. Place the reader in the middle of something happening or in the middle of a conversation.

Challenge the reader by speaking directly to him/her.

Sometimes even a single word that stands as a paragraph can make the reader wonder and read on.

Be a real person, not an anonymous author.

Do not be just another of thousands of applicants that do not make an impression. If you are reading a newspaper article, the writer fades behind the facts and you know nothing about the writer except that she/he can collect, organize, and present the facts that you need to now. You want the admissions reader to say,“Ah, this is a real person writing to me.

That means you should write with voice, that is, you need to write with your own personality. Honesty, humor, talking the way you talk, showing the way you think, all help to create voice.

Don’t be boring. Trying to be proper or trying to impress or trying to be intellectual can be a drag.

What you should be are doing is getting noticed as unique. It’s like you are on a date with the admissions reader and you want to be asked out again.

If you are on a date, you would naturally want to be smart, funny, nice, caring, unique, not boring. You also want to have an opinion, not step back like an unthinking geek. Write your essay as though you would be a great second date.

Make your essay correct and beautiful. Dates should look good, too. You can make your essay beautiful by giving thought to a few things. Use a font that is readable. Consider whether or not bold type face could make your essay easier to read. Don’t crowd your essay near the top of the page, but balance it on the page and attend to soothing margins.

Provide the essay prompt at the opening.

If there are a lot of mistakes in your essay, it can not be pretty. Make sure you have spelled everything correctly. Make sure your basic punctuation is correct.

Did you separate dialogue correctly from the rest of your text? Did you use capitalization correctly?

Check out our article on the most common mistakes in college essays for more tips to ensure your essay reads well.

Be clear and logical. As much as you wish to shine, the shine will be lost if your sentences and thoughts do not string together logically. You must make sense to the reader.

Reread your essay as though you have no idea what the writer is talking about. Does it make sense?

Are there transitions between different sections? Is the essay organized? Have you started at the beginning? Have you provided an ending? Did you include enough backgound information?

Writing the college application essay is a tough gig. You’ve got to be charming, personal, memorable, and insightful — all in under two pages!

But keep in mind this key tip from college admissions officers: half of a great personal essay is a great topic idea. If you’re passionate about what you’re writing, and if you’re truly documenting something meaningful and serious about yourself and your life, then that passion and meaning will come alive on the page and in the mind of your reader.

On the flip side, here’s what not to do.

“Blood drive” essays. They make a lot of admissions officers want to draw their own blood by jabbing themselves with a paper clip, as one applicant after another claims that one on-campus blood drive changed his life and made him appreciate the importance of serving humanity.

When students try to write what they think the admissions office wants to hear, they inevitably arrive at the blood drive essay and its clichéd cousins.

Overused essay topics aren’t wrong, but they’re all the same. They won’t help a student stand out. So here are five topics you’ll want to avoid.

The aforementioned “blood drive essay” or “How community service taught me the importance of helping others...” Colleges appreciate students who are concerned about their communities. But one blood drive does not a humanitarian make. A claim to have learned how important it is to help people needs to be substantiated with evidence of a sincere, long term commitment to helping people. Otherwise, your message loses some oomph.

If you had an experience during your community service that really meant a lot to you, say so. And be honest. Otherwise, consider doing a good deed for admissions officers and avoid the community service cliché.

“Hard work always pays off,” and other life lessons learned while playing sports. A lot of athletes try to inject meaningful life lessons into the experiences they write about in their college essays. But if the whole point of your essay is that hard work in the off-season pays off, you’ve just written the same essay that thousands of other varsity letter holders will write. And you probably would never say to your friends,“I feel very fortunate to have participated in athletics because it has taught me many important lessons about hard work and commitment.”

So be original. Tell your athletic story that nobody else will be able tell.

“How my trip to another country broadened my horizons…” A lot of applicants recount their trips to strange, uncharted lands. Like France. These students were inevitably confronted with the challenge of adapting to the bizarre customs of their foreign hosts. Maintain your perspective.

Visiting a country and noticing that it is different is not a story that you own.

And if your parents took you on an African safari in which you petted lions, we’re jealous (and some admissions officers will be, too). But a safari doesn’t make you a worldlier applicant, and it won’t help you get in.

“How I overcame a life challenge (that wasn’t really all that challenging…)” Essays can help admissions officers understand more about a student who has overcome legitimate hardship. But far too many other students misguidedly manufacture hardship in a college essay to try and gain sympathy or to make excuses for things like low grades. That’s not going to work.

If you’ve had a difficult hardship and you want to talk about it, you should.

Otherwise, it’s probably better to choose a different topic. And please don’t write a eulogy for your pet. Ever.

Anything that doesn’t really sound like you. Your essays are supposed to give the readers a sense of your personality. So give your essays a sincerity test. Do they sound like you, or do they sound like you’re trying to impress someone?

Don’t use words you looked up in thethesaurus (there really is no place for “plethora” in a college essay). Don’t quote Shakespeare or Plato or the Dali Lama.

If your best friend reads it and says it sounds just like you, that’s probably a good sign.

Courtesy Collegewise.com

Above There’s no need to sweat this part of the process, but do be prepared with a good topic and concise writing.

Above photo: Your college essay topic needs to come from the perspective that it’e a way for colleges to get to know the real you, a you that is separate from your grades and scores.

Hofstra University offers top-ranked programs with international reach and reputation, internships with leading companies in every field, and opportunities to work alongside award-winning faculty and mentors in cutting-edge labs and facilities – all this on a campus with a traditional college atmosphere.

Health Professions The World Health Organization projects a need for 12.9 million more healthcare workers by 2035. To help fill that need, the Hofstra Northwell School of Nursing and Physician Assistant Studies recently launched an undergraduate nursing program.

In collaboration with Northwell Health, the largest healthcare system in New York state, Hofstra nursing

students have opportunities for clinical experiences at 21 hospitals and more than 850 outpatient facilities.

Engineering and Technology The undergraduate engineering programs in the Fred DeMatteis School of Engineering and Applied Science are ranked #39 among nondoctoral engineering programs in the nation by U.S. News & World Report (2022 edition), and the school’s sophisticated equipment and labs – big data, cell and tissue engineering, robotics, and advanced manufacturing – and the interdisciplinary Cybersecurity Innovation and Research Center are available to students starting in their first year. More than 200 corporate

partners participate in the co-op program, which provides engineering and computer science student with full-time, paid work experience before graduation, and often leads to permanent jobs.

Business Leo A. Guthart Hall for Innovation and Discovery – home to the Frank G. Zarb School of Business –promotes collaboration, entrepreneurship, and research opportunities. In the Behavioral Research in Business Laboratory, students conduct research for some of the world’s best-known companies. In the Institute of Innovation and Entrepreneurship, students learn how to turn ideas into viable businesses Students also get hands-on experience at internships with global corporations in New York City, and through our alliance with IBM Global University.

Public Policy and Public Service As the only university ever to host three consecutive U.S. presidential debates (2008, 2012, 2016), Hofstra is committed to civic engagement and service. At the Peter S. Kalikow School of Government, Public Policy and International Affairs, students pursue their interests in disciplines ranging from political science and history to global studies, sociology, and economics.

Communication and Performing Arts Students broadcast play-by-play for professional sports franchises at WRHU-88.7 FM, Radio Hofstra University, three-time winner of the National Association of Broadcasters Marconi Award as the nation’s best college radio station. They learn filmmaking and television production in one of Variety magazine’s 2021 “stellar” film programs. Billboard magazine recognized Hofstra’s Music Department and Music Business program in its 2020 list of Best Music Business Schools, and the Drama program is home to America’s longest-running Shakespeare Festival, with one of the most authentic Globe stages in North America.

Plan Your Path In all, Hofstra offers over 165 undergraduate programs and more than 100 dual-degree programs, which allows students to earn an undergraduate and graduate degree in less time and at a lower cost than if each degree was pursued separately. Hofstra ranks among the top 7% of colleges and universities nationwide for midcareer salaries (according to Payscale.com). And 97% of our students go to graduate school or securing a job within a year of graduation. Find out more by participating in a virtual tour, open house, admitted student day, or transfer day event.

Visit hofstra.edu/visit.

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September 15, 2022 — HIGHER EDUCATION - Herald Community Newspapers

DISCOVER YOU @HOFSTRA advertorial

DISCOVER

YOU @HOFSTRA Shape your own educational and career path at a nationally ranked university.

• Hofstra’s 165 undergraduate programs in arts and science, business, communication, engineering and applied science, and health care will give you an edge when it comes to your college career.

• Connect with the real world through experiential learning.

• Participate in service projects that give back to the community.

• Work in cutting-edge facilities and research labs.

Tour our campus in-person or virtually!

Our Admissions Counselors are available to help you find out more about Hofstra and your options.

Attend one of our Fall Open House Tour Days!

• Sunday, September 18, 2022 • Sunday, October 23, 2022 • Sunday, November 6, 2022 Learn more at hofstra.edu/visit

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September 15, 2022 — HIGHER EDUCATION - Herald Community Newspapers

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