Cleaning Out My Inbox

As Admissions Offices assess how things went for the 2010-2011 application process, they have been updating us about their year. Here are some highlights...

Connecticut College had a 33.2% acceptance rate this year - 26% of applicants did not submit test scores with their applications (this is a test optional school). They will open a brand new science center on campus in the Fall of 2012.

Hamilton College sent us information that did not provide statistics, but was sure to inform us that this was the most selective year on record.

Looking for scholarship money? Auburn University sent a mailing about their numerous freshman scholarships. There are various levels of scholarship money available (including full tuition for four years), beginning with a minimum GPA of 3.25 and SAT's of a 1250 (critical reading + math) SAT.

Colgate University accepted 28.9% of their applicants this year. The average SAT I scores are 695 Critical Reading, 704 Math (1399 out of 1600). Average ACT composite is 32. Admitted students included 57% women and 43% men.

Rice University reported that their applications were up 12% and their acceptance rate was just 19%.

Georgetown University accepted 18% of their applicants this year.

DePaul University will not require standardized test scores next year. This new test optional policy puts emphasis on GPA and strength of program.

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How Do You Turn Down A College?

It's a delicate dance isn't it? Many seniors have been coming up this week to ask us about the polite way to tell a college that has accepted them, "thanks, but no thanks." Unlike when you are accepted to a college Early Decision in the fall and you have other active applications in at other schools, and you must withdraw immediately for fear of being viewed as a two timing violator of the ED Agreement, you don't actually have to do anything right now. Colleges are aware that many students receive multiple acceptances and they will assume you will not be attending their school if they do not receive your deposit by May 1. If a college has given you a quick and easy way to let them know you will not be attending (a postcard, a web link, etc.) it's a nice gesture to go ahead and let them know when you've decided to go elsewhere. Otherwise, you really don't need to worry about it. In the old days when students applied to only a few colleges and there weren't 67,000 pieces of paper and 21,000 emails clogging up the admissions offices' mail rooms and inboxes, we would suggest you write a nice note. These days, your nice letter is unlikely to be read and processed before Labor Day. So, while it may feel strange not to break up with a college in a timely fashion, they will move on without you come May 2.

It's A Big Week!

Can you feel the excitement in the air? There are three big events for juniors this week.

• The Independent Schools College Fair on Wednesday night. You should have received a list of the colleges that will be represented at the fair in your college counseling group. We've also mailed one home just in case. This fair should help you to expand your list of colleges and get more information about the schools that are already on your list.


• Career Day! Your Career Day Ambassadors and the Counseling Department and the Alumnae Office have been working hard to put together a fabulous day for you. You will hear from over 30 Visitation alumnae in the morning, and college admissions officers in the afternoon. AND breakfast and lunch are on us!


• Ring Ceremony. This a lovely event. It's all about class unity and...moving on to senior year. You'll laugh, you'll cry, you will eat cake and take pictures. Congratulations on reaching this milestone!

Published by TSM