The College Process 101

Myths and Moments that Matter

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Sam Prouty

Executive Director of Admissions

sprouty@middlebury.edu

Finding Your College

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�Applying to College is All About…

• the student, NOT the college.
• asking questions:
• Who am I right now?
• Who am I becoming?
• What fits me well as I take steps forward?
• Putting your best self forward
• How have you taken advantage of the resources available to you?
• How are you distinguishable from the other applicants in the pool?

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Finding Your College: Students

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Trust your counselor!

Own the process

• Seek advice, but trust your instincts
• Bring others along with you

Disavow yourself of the notion that there is one ‘Dream School’ that you must attend

• The path to success is wide and varied
• Make the most of your experiences

Understand your strengths

• Academics, Arts, Sports, Community Service

Enjoy the process!

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Choosing a college

There are roughly 4,000 colleges and universities, so how do you put together your list?

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• Academic programs offered

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• Size

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• Location (urban/rural, close/far, and what the heck is a liberal arts school??)

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• Gauging Fit and Selectivity

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• Cost

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Supporting Your Student: Parents

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This process is not about you

• This is the time for students to start forging their own path. Support them but let them make their own decisions.
• You are an important partner but never outshine your student!�

Help them prepare but let them perform

• Do not fill out the application forms for them
• Do not sign in for them during a college visit
• Do not call or email the college on their behalf
• DO prepare the FAFSA/CSS Profile�

Keep an open mind

• Times have changed and so have colleges

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What are colleges looking for?

Academics

• Curriculum and rigor
• High school context
• GPA and rank
• Academic recommendations
• Test scores? MANY colleges now test-optional.

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Personal Qualities

• Essays (personal and institutional)
• Activities
• Supplements
• Interview

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Did you take advantage of the opportunities that were available to you?

How do other factors weigh in?

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Demonstrated interest

• Early Decision / Early Action
• Campus visits and interviews
• Contact with the Admissions Office�

Legacy applicants

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Special talents

• Recruited athletes
• Arts talent�

The great unknown

• Holistic admissions

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Applying to Colleges: Cost

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It’s about more than sticker price!

• Merit vs. need based financial aid
• Need blind vs. need aware admissions
• Meeting full need vs. gapping

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Have honest conversations early

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• Financial expectations regarding paying for college

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Net Price Calculators & MyinTuition

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In conclusion…

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Keep up the good work and finish strong

• Senior year is very important

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Ask lots of questions and stay organized

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Enjoy the process

• It all works out in the end!

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Questions?

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Sam Prouty

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sprouty@middlebury.edu