What is the Admissions Department?
At any university you are interested in attending, there will likely always be an Admissions Department that specializes in helping students get information, apply, and communicate with other departments at the college like Financial Aid, Student Life, and Academic Records. This is the department that is there to assist you in any way they can, and can potentially launch you into the school of your dreams. But how can they assist you if you do not communicate with them? You need to take advantage of talking to your personal admissions counselor, and follow all their instructions that can help you get accepted and enrolled into college!
It is important that you know how to "speak admissions." Whether you are learning what common words in admissions like "inquiry" means, or learning how to effectively communicate with your admission counselor, you need to make sure you are speaking their language!
How to Speak to an Admissions Counselor
What does your Admissions Counselor want from you? COMMUNICATION! How does that sound? For some people communication is very easy; they are comfortable contacting people they do not know and connecting with them through text, email, or phone call. Others may be less skilled in communication and it terrifies them to think that they would have to call a stranger and actually ask questions! No worries, counselors connect with a variety of students who communicate differently! The key is to make sure that that you are consistently communicating with a counselor so they do not have any questions about your interest.
I have actually worked as an assistant to admissions counselors for a year now, so I know what they expect out of the students they work with. I wish I would have known then what I know now when applying for college. When I was a senior, I was so caught up in my "Senior Year" that I lacked the motivation to be actively involved with my counselor during my own admission process. Don't procrastinate talking to your counselor and do not underestimate the important of having a good relationship with the person who is helping you attend college!
Some Helpful Tips
Communicate
We have already been discussing this topic a bit, but that is because it is so important! If you are someone who is nervous when you talk over the phone, choose another way to talk to them! Counselors usually have an email and a way to text students, which is convenient for both them and you! If you prefer to talk in person, try to schedule a time you can meet with them, but come prepared with questions you have about the school or the admissions process so you do not forget while you are there!
Ask Questions
As mentioned previously, it is important to ask questions when talking to your counselor or another staff member of a university so that you can walk away from the conversation with no confusion! Counselors and other university staff members meet and talk with students all the time (that is their job lol) and they know that the college admission process can be confusing if you've never done it before (which is everyone at some point in their life). If you do not have questions when you talk with someone, but they come to you later, write them down.
Submit Items on Time
Your counselor is there to guide you through the admissions process, making sure that you complete your application, submit your ACT or SAT test scores, and send in every high school transcript (or college transcript if you have taken credits already). They cannot collect any of these items for you, but can give you the tools to submit them! Once you have inquired (more on that later) or applied to a university, your counselor will likely send you an email about your "next steps." The longer you take on these steps, the longer the admissions process will be for you!
Common Admissions Terms
Here are some common terms used when you start the college process. Check them out and be prepared when you speak with an admissions counselor.
Inquiry - "an act of asking for information."
When you "inquire" about a school, you are stating that you are interested in that specific university and would like to be given more information through mail, text, email, or call.
Application - "the action of putting something into operation."
When you "apply" to college, you are making the decision to start the admission process, where by you will be worked with to gain acceptance to the college.
Major - "a subject or field of study chosen by a student to represent his or her principal interest and upon which a large share of his or her efforts are concentrated." (dictionary.com)
When you select a "major" at a university, you are telling that college that you are interested in studying that specific field. Some people may "double major" which may mean that they are interested in multiple fields or two similar fields and through double majoring, they attempt to broaden their area of study and increase their career options.
Semester - "a half-year term in a school or college, typically lasting fifteen to eighteen weeks."
When you apply to college, you apply for a specific "semester." These semesters are typically known as Fall or Spring for most universities. In the United States, Fall typically starts in August and Spring typically starts in January. When you choose a semester to apply for, you are choosing the time of year you wish to begin your studies.
Admission - "the process or fact of entering or being allowed to enter a place, organization, or institution."
The "admission" process at any university begins when you apply to the college. To be "admitted" into the college, you must first go through the admission process to gain acceptance into the university which mean you have met all the requirements to enter the school.
How do you spell V-I-S-I-T?
I have created this fun little acronym to remind you that sometimes when you are "speaking admission," you need to visit!! Counselors love when you visit because it gives both you and them the opportunity to meet and communicate in person. The acronym below describes the advantages and purpose of visiting!
V- Vocalize the questions or concerns you have
I- Investigate what the college has to offer
S- See the college for yourself!
I- Improve your knowledge about the college
T- Test the waters
Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person. — Colossians 4:6
