Del Val continued the college application season by hosting a college panel night. Del Val invited admissions officers from Rutgers University, Rider University, Pennsylvania State University and the University of Delaware.
Del Val students received emails about this opportunity ahead of time and were excited to learn about the application process, financial aid and the impact of SAT/ACT scores.
Junior Taylor Negrin attended the college panel night and was impressed with the event.
“One thing I learned is how each college looks for their own qualities in students,” Negrin said. “For example, some colleges put more emphasis on the essays rather than the transcript, and others weight extracurriculars above everything else.”
The universities spoke about many topics regarding the application process: test scores, financial aid and scholarships, majors and the importance of touring campuses. They also answered questions from students and parents.
The admissions officers voiced the importance of being aware that application processes can change when applying depending on your graduation year. They recommended that students interested in applying to their institutions frequently research the requirements of each school. They suggest making spreadsheets of deadlines, names of majors and other important information.
Students should keep in mind that universities look at applications differently, but academic information always comes first.
Another key factor of applications is extracurricular activities and authenticity in essays. Admissions officers want to see more than just your grades and transcript; they want to see something that is unique to you. Extracurriculars can be the difference between acceptance and rejection.
Students often stress about standardized tests such as the SAT/ACT. Both tests are looked at from the same perspective, and colleges do not place a higher value on one than the other. The admissions officers only recommend attaching your SAT/ACT scores if you are content with them. If you choose to include your scores, the admissions officers will take them into consideration.
All four universities on the panel give students the option to submit SAT/ACT scores or not. However, other things are mandatory for all applicants, like completing a FAFSA form. Admissions officers recommended everyone checked for financial aid and scholarship opportunities.
NJ Stars is a great scholarship opportunity where student in the top 15% of their graduating class can attend RVCC for free. Those interested in the NJ Stars scholarship have the chance to apply in their junior or senior year.
Scott Woodland, one of Del Val’s counselors, sends frequent emails to seniors about various scholarship opportunities, so be sure to keep an eye out.
When applying to college, applicants often believe that they are automatically guaranteed their major upon acceptance, but that’s not always the case. At Penn State and University of Delaware, each major has a separate acceptance rate while Rutgers does not take majors into consideration. Rider allows for applicants to apply for multiple majors.
Majors and programs are factors that attract people to certain universities. However, it is important students remember that the university they choose to attend will be their home for the next four years. Admissions officers strongly encourage touring campuses to see if their school is a good fit. At Del Val, juniors and seniors have three excused absences each year for the purpose of visiting colleges.
Admissions officers also recommend making college lists which take into account individual’s wants and needs of a college. Whether that be going to a college in a city or having a Starbucks on campus. Schools that you apply to should have you jumping up and down excited that you were accepted.
One popular question asked at the event was whether or not AP classes and concurrent enrollment credits will be transferred over to different universities. Admissions officers recommend for applicants to use the transfer tool on their websites, which contains information about which high school credits are equivalent to their classes.
Del Val counselor, Ashley Miranda, has coordinated this event for the last three years and believes that it is important for students to attend.
“I think the college panel night allows students and parents to hear information directly from college admissions counselors and representatives who are reading and evaluating the students’ applications,” Miranda said. “It also allows students and parents to ask questions and get specific information they may be looking for.”
