High School Resource Zone

We asked students to send in their questions about the admissions process. Today we're chatting with Jill Kuhlers, Associate Director of Admissions at Coe College and Maura Flaschner, Interim Associate Director of Freshman Admissions and Director of Precollegiate Programs at Iowa State University.

impact: Hi, Jill and Maura, thanks for chatting with us this month. We asked students to submit their questions regarding the admissions process. Please answer these questions from a private school and a public university perspective.

As a member of an admissions team, how do you decide which students are admitted to your school?

Jill: We do an in-depth academic review, looking at transcripts for course selection, overall GPA, academic GPA and class rank. We also evaluate ACT scores and we look at the student’s writing skills. We also look for one letter of recommendation.

Maura: We use the RAI – Regents Admission Index – to determine if a student is admissible. Essentially we evaluate GPA, ACT or SAT, class rank, and strength and number of core courses. If students achieve a minimum RAI score of 245 and meet the minimum high school course requirements, then they are automatically offered admission. Students who achieve an RAI score below 245 and meet the minimum high school course requirements are still considered for admission on an individual basis by the admissions committee.

impact: How much importance do you put on the ACT/SAT scores for admission and scholarships?

Jill: We accept either ACT or SAT scores. The score is one important factor, but not the only one. I would rank the academic review and the ACT equally.

Maura: ACT/SAT scores are one of the four variables used in the calculation of the applicant’s RAI score. ACT/SAT scores are also a very important factor in the awarding of most freshman scholarships.

impact: What are the key activities that an admission counselor looks for in a student’s resume?

Jill: We definitely look for involvement of some kind, whether it’s in school or in the community. We look for longevity in their involvement and movement into leadership roles within that involvement.

At most private colleges, it’s a characteristic of a typical student to be involved. If a student applies that hasn’t been involved, that doesn’t preclude them from admission, but we talk to them so they understand how they will fit on campus. There’s not a specific requirement at Coe, but we know the strongest transitions from high school to college are from those students who get involved while on campus.

Maura: Involvement in activities is not a significant factor in the admission decision.

impact: Any advice for the Class of 2009?

Jill: My biggest advice would be to not delay applications; this holds true for any institution. If you’ve visited and the school is still on your radar, apply. Look at early deadlines and make sure you have everything in the fall of your senior year. Early applications may qualify students for scholarships and other offerings.

Maura: Take an academically challenging senior curriculum and have a great year academically and socially.

impact: What advice would you give for students seeking scholarships?

Jill: The scholarship process is hard work, with essays to be written and recommendations. Be ready to put some effort into it; it’s not just dropping your name on a form. The best resources are school guidance counselors and college planning services; they will be able to figure out what scholarships are available. Don’t believe you have to pay for scholarship services.

Maura: Apply for admission early in the senior year. The earlier students apply, the earlier we can inform them of meeting or being short of scholarship requirements and how to make that up, if it is possible.

Thank you to the students who submitted questions for our chat today!