THE COLLEGE CONNECTION
NEWSLETTER
FOR HIGH SCHOOL JUNIORS AND SENIORS
January 2021 Volume 28 Issue 5
WHAT DOES BEING ADMITTED MEAN? WHAT DOES MY DEFERRAL REALLY
(Georgia Tech Admissions Blog) MEAN?
([Link])
“You are in! Congratulations! Welcome!”In the last
few weeks, thousands and thousands of students Being deferred is NOT the same as being rejected. It
have received letters, emails, or portal notifications may feel that way for students, but this year with a
with these words. Being offered admission is a little record number of early applications there has also
bit easier to understand than being deferred or been a record number of deferrals.
denied, but there is good reason the letter you A student who applies through either early action or
received is more than one sentence. So, let’s dive early decision is deferred when a college determines
into what it does and does not mean, as well as what that the student has potential but they want to see
you should do and avoid doing after being admitted. first semester senior grades to confirm. So without
sounding overly Pollyana-ish, being deferred gives a
What does being admitted mean? student a second chance to impress the admissions
It means “Yes! You are in! Congratulations! office.
Welcome!” (Cue the music!) Being admitted means
the college recognizes and celebrates your So how should a student respond to a deferral?
academic ability and preparation, as well as your Visit the college – If possible, if you haven’t toured
potential to contribute outside the classroom on their the campus, this is a great time to make the visit.
campus. Additionally, it means your writing, Even if you have visited previously, a follow-up visit
interviews, recommendations, or other supporting where you sit in on a class and/or meet with
materials were in line with their mission and goals as someone from admissions is an opportunity to set
an institution. This is what is commonly referred to yourself apart from other deferred applicants.
as match or fit. Continued on page 7 Continued on page 3
THE DECLINE OF TESTING AFFECTS MORE THAN TESTING
([Link])
Is standardized testing dead? Or, to paraphrase Mark Twain, are the reports “greatly exaggerated”? In March
2020, about 1,000 of the 2,300 private nonprofit and public bachelor's-granting colleges and universities
offered students the option to apply to their institutions without submitting SAT or ACT scores, and several
dozen operated as “test blind,” wherein all applicants were reviewed without testing results. According to
FairTest, nearly 1,700, or two-thirds of colleges and universities, as of October 2020 are operating with some
form of test-optional or test-blind policy. Continued on page 8
THE COLLEGE CONNECTION NEWSLETTER
SCHOLARSHIPS SENIOR CHECKLIST
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January 2021 Page 2
THE COLLEGE CONNECTION NEWSLETTER
WHAT TO DO IF YOU’VE BEEN DEFERRED
Continued from page 1
1. A campus visit can really help you determine where this college ranks on your desirability scale. Plan to
eat lunch in the cafeteria and have conversations with current students. These informal discussions can
often provide insightful comments.
2. Contact your admissions representative – Find out which person in the admissions office handles your
geographic territory. Take the opportunity to introduce yourself via email and ask that person if they can
share any thoughts on how you could improve your application. Listen to what they say, don’t argue or
complain. It is important to be upbeat and leave a positive impression.
3. Write a letter – Send it to the Director of Admissions as well as your admissions representative. The letter
should focus on your strongest attributes and how you will be able to contribute to the college community.
Demonstrate your interest and your commitment. If you are 100% sure that if you are accepted you will
attend, then say so. Talk about college fit; why the college is a good fit for you and why you are a good fit for
the college. Use the letter to update the admissions office on any new information such as leadership roles
in clubs, athletic accomplishments, awards, scholarships, etc.
4. Send your mid-year transcript. Most colleges will specifically request that you send your seventh-
semester grades. Follow instructions to the letter and get it done as quickly as possible. Timing can be an
important factor.
Here’s what NOT to do:
Don’t whine and complain to the Admissions Office that you really deserve to be accepted
Don’t send volumes of emails, snail mail or packages hoping to change their minds
Don’t accuse the admissions office of making a mistake in their decision
Don’t compare your SAT scores and GPA with someone else’s
Don’t over-boast about small accomplishments, tell it like it is. It is not really worth it to share
that your SAT score went up 10 points.
3-YEAR COLLEGE DEGREE PROGRAMS: WHAT TO KNOW
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A COLLEGE DEGREE IS ONE of the most expensive investments a student will make over his or her lifetime.
The cost of tuition has soared in recent years, prompting more students to take on debt to earn a degree. But
what if a student could reduce his or her time in college and the associated costs? Certain programs aim to do
that by helping college students graduate with a bachelor's degree in three years instead of four.
Typically, for most majors a bachelor's degree requires 120 credit hours and is spread across four years. But
students can also work ahead in high school to set themselves up to graduate from college early.
1. Earning credits in high school - High school students can rack them up through dual-enrollment programs
– often offered through community colleges – Advanced Placement classes, International Baccalaureate
curriculum or via the College-Level Examination Program, known as CLEP. Adult learners can also transfer
in credits from military service in some cases.
Continued on page 6
January 2021 Page 3
THE COLLEGE CONNECTION NEWSLETTER
COLLEGE NEWS
JUNIOR CHECKLIST
Congress passed a $900 billion coronavirus relief proposal
that includes around $23 billion for colleges and universities and ACT - February 6th 2021
a $1.4 trillion deal to fund the government, which includes key test date. You must register
higher education measures that expand access to federal aid. by January 8th. It takes 30
Higher ed groups say it’s not enough. minutes to complete
registration and you will
Morgan State University has redesigned a course this fall in need a photo.
hopes of encouraging students of color to explore careers in
advertising, both for their own advancement and to bring their
SAT - Next test date is
perspectives to the field.
March 13th. You must
register by February 12th
Southern New Hampshire University recently announced it will
slash tuition to $10,000 to $15,000 a year beginning next fall.
That’s a 50% reduction from its current rate. Take virtual college tours
According to LA Times (via KTLA), UC received around 250,000 Schedule virtual college
applications for Fall 2021, a whopping 15% increase over the visits
previous year (the UC Application numbers have stagnated over
the last couple years). The official numbers (campus-specific and Subject Tests - Next test
systemwide) will be released early 2021. date is May 8th. You must
register by April 8th
Students who learned entirely online during the fall semester
said they received a slightly poorer quality of education than
Start making your college
those who had in-person instruction, according to a new poll
list
released Tuesday by Gallup, the polling company, and the
Lumina Foundation, a nonprofit organization that advocates for
equity in postsecondary education. ACEC CALIFORNIA
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NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF
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graduating seniors from Washington state public high schools with to deserving recipients through the
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four-year) in the fall. Applicants must have a current and verified Construction (NAWIC) San Diego
GPA of at least 3.4 (on a scale of 4.0), name and number of the Scholarship Program.
PTA/PTSA at your school and answer the essay question.
Application deadline is March 1, 2021
January 2021 Page 4
THE COLLEGE CONNECTION NEWSLETTER
COLLEGE INTERVIEW QUESTIONS TO PREPARE FOR
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FOR STUDENTS FEELING the pressure of college admissions interviews, a little preparation can go a long
way. College interview questions typically fall into several categories, says Sean Logan, dean of college
counseling at Phillips Academy, a private high school in Andover, Massachusetts. According to Logan, an
interviewer is likely to ask students about their interest in the institution and why they want to attend the
school, their academic and intellectual interests, extracurricular activities and "how they think on their feet.
"Logan suggests students rehearse with friends or family so that they have practice answering questions out
loud. He also encourages students to reflect deeply on their lives and academics in order to be able to
accurately tell their story.
The need for students to ask their own questions is among the college interview tips offered by admissions
officials.
The questions, experts emphasize, should be specific and not something that can be answered easily by
looking at the school's website. Students should ask about faculty teaching and mentoring, campus life on
weekends, the largest classes they'll be in and average class size, successful alumni, employment
opportunities at the school and in the community, and other specific questions that help them understand the
institution.
As for general etiquette, experts encourage students to be punctual, well dressed, genuine, relaxed and
courteous, and able to answer questions thoughtfully and honestly – tips that are applicable to both in-person
and virtual interviews. Send a thank-you note to the interviewer afterward.
COMMON COLLEGE INTERVIEW QUESTIONS
How will attending this institution help you reach your academic or career goals?
What do you think are the benefits of an education from this school?
Without telling me your GPA, what do your transcripts say about you as a student?
Does your academic history reflect the type of student you hope to be at this school?
If you could change one thing about your past education in high school or college, what would it be and
why?
What do you think is the most important thing to consider when deciding where to attend college?
What kind of school are you looking for?
What are you hoping to get out of your college experience?
What are your academic interests or potential areas of study?
What activities are you hoping to be involved in, either continuing from high school or trying new?
January 2021 Page 5
THE COLLEGE CONNECTION NEWSLETTER
JILL BIDEN CAN SPUR 3-YEAR COLLEGE DEGREE PROGRAMS:
TRANSFORMATION AT COMMUNITY WHAT TO KNOW
COLLEGES Continued from page 3
([Link])
Likewise, some colleges don't accept AP credits,
As we head into 2021 and a new presidential which means students should look into individual
administration, we find ourselves at a critical policies. One place to do so is the College Board
moment for community colleges and technological website, which allows users to see which colleges will
innovation, a moment at which we sorely need the accept AP credits.
leadership of someone with the new first lady’s
credibility, empathy and voice. 1. Don’t take summers off - the semester-based
model with summers off is largely based on
In the midst of unprecedented upheaval, learners agrarian needs of the past. Generations ago,
and workers need degrees to launch or re-launch many students typically needed summers off to
a career; new skills to switch careers at multiple help families farm, a tradition that has since
points throughout their lives; and the helping hand diminished.
of an adviser, mentor or career navigator. These
are all things at which community colleges have
excelled. COLLEGE NEWS
Yet, with a rapidly changing world, where the half- Willamette has taken the landmark step of lowering its
life of skills is shrinking and in which retraining undergraduate tuition by about 20%, from $53,300 to
stints will be critical for so many occupations, $43,500. Willamette is the first private university in
community colleges will need to dramatically Oregon to make this move, which reinforces its
innovate to keep up and continue to shrink equity commitment to equity in education and amplifies
gaps. Students accustomed to personalized regional and national conversations about the true cost
virtual shopping, entertainment and social of college.
connections will expect their community colleges
to offer the right blend of virtual, self-paced, and Gonzaga University hosted a virtual town hall to focus
human connections to sustain them through their on students’ questions, and discuss the university’s
learning and development. response to the Nov. 8 hate incident and other race-
related incidents, as well as ongoing work toward
This is where Jill Biden has the potential to be greater diversity, equity and inclusion.
truly transformative. She can be a leader in the
White House who lovingly challenges and Did you know that University of Alaska Fairbanks
encourages community colleges, as both Veterinary Medicine students work with Santa’s
colleague and leader, to continue boldly reindeers to maintain their health all year long? The
innovating. Biden can wield a tremendous amount UAF vet program partners with Colorado State
of power by calling on community colleges to University to train homegrown veterinarians, many of
meet this moment, encouraging them to partner whom remain in Alaska to open or join veterinary
with one another and new technology and practices after they graduate.
educational providers to enhance what they do
best.
January 2021 Page 6
THE COLLEGE CONNECTION NEWSLETTER
WHAT DOES BEING ADMITTED MEAN?
Continued from page 1
It means you have an option, a choice, a possible place to continue your education and pursue your long-term
goals. This is a big deal! Congratulations!
What should you do?
I know this is not really a 2020 thing to do, but you should CELEBRATE! You. Got. In! So regardless of whether
you are convinced you are going to that college or not– celebrate. Order out from your favorite restaurant or
treat yourself to something you’ve been wanting (we should all buy ourselves at least one thing around the
holidays anyway, right?). You do you.
The bottom line is we are all too quick to move on to the next thing in life. You should sit with your success for
just a moment. Consider the hard work you have put in to have this choice. Then thank the people in your life
who have made this possible. Family members, coaches, teachers, and so on. Send them a text, write them a
note, or bring them a gift. Celebrating is always better in community- thank yours!
Attend admitted student sessions. In the weeks and months ahead, that college is going to host a
number of online or in-person sessions, tours, or virtual programs specifically for admitted students. Register
for these. This is a great opportunity to hear from current students, faculty, or alumni about their experience
in that community. Invaluable information.
Meet financial aid deadlines. If you were admitted through an ED plan, this will look a bit different. Likely
you have a deposit deadline to meet soon and they will be sending you plenty… plenty of information and
reminders here. If you were admitted through a non-binding plan, make sure to submit your FAFSA and any
other required financial aid documents as soon as possible. Financial aid is all about deadlines.
It’s okay to post your excitement on social media, but a little humility goes a long way. There is a big
difference between: “Got into UVA! Hoo didn’t think I’d get in.” vs. “Accepted to Colorado College. Excited
and humbled.” Whether it be online or in person, keep it classy, my friend.
Do not blow off any offer of admission as being a little thing. Too often we hear students say, “Yeah, I
got it, but it’s just the University of X.” C’mon, man. What kind of logic is that? You are the one who applied
there! Be thankful that you have an option!
Avoid slacking off in classes or making drastic changes to your spring schedule now that you have
been admitted. Go back and read the second or third section of that letter. Inevitably, it discusses how they
will be reviewing your final fall and spring grades. They likely discuss their right to revoke admission if you
do not continue the academic pattern you set over the last few years, and on which they based their
decision to admit you.
January 2021 Page 7
THE COLLEGE CONNECTION NEWSLETTER
THE DECLINE OF TESTING AFFECTS MORE THAN TESTING
Continued from page 1
Pre-pandemic, only a handful of the most selective colleges in the country were test-optional. Today, the new
surge includes many of the most selective colleges in the country (e.g., the Ivy League, Caltech). In addition,
the University of California system (which received nearly 180,000 applications for fall 2020) announced in May
2020 that it would be test-optional for the next two admission cycles, test blind for the two years following, and
in 2025 it will administer its own test or eliminate testing altogether. A lower court ruling in November now
requires it to be test blind immediately.
As both test agencies canceled or modified multiple testing dates over the past six months, colleges girded for
the immediate impact for the class entering in fall 2021. In the aggregate, for the past four SAT test dates, 40
percent of the registrants were unable to take the test.
More students will have no testing or just a single instance to report; hence, the 60 percent increase in the
number of test-optional colleges. We foresee a long-term structural change in the role of standardized testing in
college admissions. One of our university colleagues likened College Board and ACT to the big cruise ships of
the enrollment management business. The recruitment, selection, and ranking of colleges have long depended
on standardized testing to keep the system afloat.
For decades, the purchasing of student test-taker names has been fueling college recruitment’s time-honored
funnel. Able to select on multiple criteria from test score to academic interest to ethnicity and more, colleges
populated the top of the funnel with tens of thousands of “pre-qualified” prospects. By one estimate, the College
Board sold nearly 2.5 million names to over 1,600 colleges and scholarships in 2019; at 47 cents per name, that
is a decent income stream. Meanwhile, colleges built continually more sophisticated communication campaigns
to move these prospects down the funnel into applicants, admits, and enrollees.
STOKES EDUCATIONAL HISPANIC SCHOLARSHIP AMAZON FUTURE
SCHOLARSHIP FOUNDATIONS ENGINEER SCHOLARSHIP
Interested in a career in computer The HSF Scholarship is designed $10,000 scholarship for high
science and national security? This to assist students of Hispanic school seniors who have
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guarantees you a job after college at degree. $500-$5000 science course and plan to major
Fort Meade, MD. Applications opens Scholarships are available, on a in STEM at an accredited four-
September 1st competitive basis Application year college or university.
opens Jan. 1, 2021 Scholarship includes a paid
internship at Amazon. Now
accepting applications
HORATIO ALGER OREGON COMMUNITY
ASSOCIATION FOUNDATION
Manages 70 of the largest need One of the largest scholarship
based scholarship opportunities in programs of its kind and serves
the country for high school seniors Oregon students. Applications
who have faced or overcome for hundreds of scholarships
obstacles. Scholarships by state and open November 2020.
by career. Deadline: March 1, 2021.
January 2021 The College Connection Newsletter PO Box 90414 San Diego, CA 92169 Page 8
