Navigating the College Application Process

Insight from Dean of Admissions and Financial Aid Marcelle Hicks is featured in thousands of outlets across the country, including large dailies in Washington, D.C., Boston, Pittsburgh, San Diego, Minneapolis, and far beyond, as well as outlets such as International Business Times. Between deciding where to apply, visiting campuses, and completing financial aid forms, October can feel like crunch time for college-bound students, but Hicks provided tips to make the college admissions process less daunting. Among other pointers, she reminds students and parents that every university has different requirements and deadlines, so families should be sure to consult with admissions officers and thoroughly review university websites.

“While some institutions accept the Common App, allowing students to apply to multiple universities through one platform, others have separate applications. Plan to submit transcripts, recommendation letters, and personal statements; test scores and other materials also vary. Many universities, including ours, offer test-optional admissions, meaning you can choose not to submit SAT or ACT scores. However, strong scores could boost scholarship chances,” says Hicks.

She adds that, while AI chatbots can be useful for brainstorming college essays, students should always tell their story in their own words.