US College Admissions Northeastern University - and Courtney Kipp, Senior Assistant Director of Admissions

US College Admissions
                        and
Northeastern University

 Courtney Kipp, Senior Assistant Director of Admissions
      c.kipp@northeastern.edu | +1 617 373 5012

Standing Out!
 Academic                    Activities,                  Why you are
Performance                Involvement                     applying?

               Course                      Supplements
              selections                   and interest

Academic Performance
> The most selective colleges and universities receive more qualified applications
  than they have spaces available in their freshman class; therefore, they often
  must turn down qualified candidates with good grades and test scores
> While academic performance is not the sole piece of a US college application, it is
  very important
> Colleges will look at all three years of your high school performance
> The strongest students will have grades in the 5 to 6 range in the Norwegian
  curriculum and grades in the 6 to 7 range in the IB curriculum, with predictions in
  the high 30s to 40s
> If the colleges you are applying to require the SAT, be sure to study and take
  practice exams (available for free through Khan Academy) well in advance
> Many schools require non-native English speakers to take the TOEFL exam; a
  score of 100 (with 25 on each subsection) or higher will make you a competitive
  applicant

Course Selections
> Unlike the UK, most US colleges are not looking for extremely specific tracks or
  preparatory coursework
     ○ For example, a student on the social sciences track in high school can still
        be admitted to a Biology major at a lot of US institutions
> BUT it is important to make sure you are appropriately prepared for your chosen
  area of study
> Math preparation is extremely important for students seeking to study the
  sciences, engineering, business, and computer science - if you are thinking about
  these areas, be sure to progress as much as possible in your math courses
> If you have the opportunity to take academic elective courses (such as extra
  science classes, additional English courses, etc.), take them
> For IB students: 3 HL and 3 SL is the standard; students who go above and
  beyond in our process take 4 HL. 1 HL should be English

Extracurriculars
> Most international students do not do a very good job of filling this section out!
   > Take time filling it out; make sure it is concise yet complete
   > Do not be afraid to “brag” about yourself a little bit
   > Attach a supplemental resume or CV if you feel it necessary
> We want to see what you are passionate about and enjoy doing
   > Not looking for “one thing” in particular
   > If you are a team player (sports, clubs) and independent (hobbies, interests)
   > If you are motivated (a job), creative (maybe you play an instrument, write poems, or
       have started your own company)
   > Leadership, interests in culture, openness to new opportunities
> How to maximize this piece
   > Be sure to tell us how much time you spend on each activity
   > If you have won awards/honors, let us know
   > If you have supplemental pieces, send them in
   > Explain an activity if you are not sure the reader will know what it is

Supplements + Interest
> If a school has an “optional” supplement, DO IT!
    > This will show your initiative and investment in the school
    > Supplements are different at every school - they will take extra time
    > If the supplement asks you to speak about the school specifically, spend time on
        the website and do your research so you can write a good answer
> Art portfolios, athletic recruitment, etc.
    > Begin collecting digital samples of your work if you think you will need to put
        together an art portfolio - most schools require online submissions
    > If you hope to play a sport in college, collect your stats and accolades to be able to
        send to the coach
> Some schools track “demonstrated interest”
    > If you are asked to fill out a contact card at a school you want to attend, do it!
    > Contact your admissions officer via email to make introductions
    > Attend a college fair or a local visit if a college you want to apply to is in your area

Why Are You Applying?
> The right answer is NOT “because this school is ranked really high” or “because this
  is where everyone says I should go”
> Colleges want to know that you are invested in finding the right fit for YOU and that
  you want to be the right fit on our campus, too
> If you are asked to interview or write about your interest in a school, you should be
  able to point to at least 3 reasons (beyond rankings and prestige) why you want to
  attend

> Example: one of my students applied from Sweden last year, and in his
  application, he talked both about how my university could help him advance
  the small business ventures he began as a high school student, and about the
  Swedish education system vs. the American system and why he feels an
  American university is a better fit for him

Questions about how to make
 your application stronger?

 Northeastern University: an
example of a highly selective
   and holistic institution

2
2

    Northeastern University is a global, experiential research university located
       in Boston, Massachusetts. We believe in and utilize the most powerful
        learning model in the world: one that combines traditional classroom
                     learning with robust outside experiences

At A Glance:
18,107                        2,800                           122                     20%
                           Students in the first year   Countries represented by
Full-time undergraduate             class                 undergraduate level      International Students
        students

    14:1                       175+                           95+                         24
Student to faculty ratio        Majors offered             Combined majors          Average class size

Experiential Learning

Co-op              Global

        Research            Service

Co-op: A Distinct Opportunity
> Program around since 1909!
> 6 month uninterrupted
  professional engagement
> 2 co-ops in the 4 year
  model, 3 co-ops in the 5
  year model
> Full time and usually paid
> Over 3,350 employers
  around the world
> Co-op on all 7 continents!
> Every academic major can
  do co-op

Research + Innovation
> Over 50 research centers on
  campus
> Focus on undergraduate and
  interdisciplinary research
> Ability to have your own research
  projects funded through grants
> Brand new Interdisciplinary
  Science and Engineering Complex
  opened in 2017

    Student Spotlight: Catherine Mahan, College of Social Sciences and Humanities 2018
  Catherine spent a semester in London during the “Brexit” vote. Working for the only green party
   politician in the House of Lords, she conducted research on environmental policy while taking
    classes at the London School of Economics. Her research on the financial consequences of
         installed solar panels in schools even made it into the debates in British Parliament!

Global Opportunities
>   Traditional Study Abroad Programs
>   Co-op abroad
>   Dialogue of Civilizations
>   The NUin Program
>   **You can do more than one!!

Service Learning
>   Local, national, and world-level opportunities
>   Center for Community Service
>   25 Service-Learning classes available
>   Service components in clubs and activities

Our Campus

Campus Life
> 73 beautiful acres located in the
  heart of Boston
> 4 T (metro) stops near campus
> Over 400 student-run clubs and
  activities
> 18 Division I sports teams,
  including renowned hockey,
  basketball, and crew programs
> 42 club sports and many
  intramural offerings
> Greek life
> 47 residence halls and on-campus
  housing guaranteed for entire
  experience
> Boston is America’s college town!

Application
Requirements
> Common Application or Coalition Application
> Application Fee - $75
> Declaration and Certification of Finances form
> High School Transcripts
> Secondary School Report
> Counselor Recommendation
> Teacher Recommendation(s)
> **NO SAT/ACT REQUIRED FOR STUDENTS
  STUDYING OUTSIDE OF THE US
> TOEFL/IELTS for non-native English speakers
> ED Agreement for ED I or ED II applicants

Deadlines & Decisions
      62,000+
 Applications for Fall   EARLY DECISION I
        2018               NOV. 1, 2018

       2019
                          EARLY ACTION       >   Admitted
                           NOV. 1, 2018
                                             >   The N.U.in Program
                                             >   Denied
   FALL ENROLLMENT       EARLY DECISION II   >   Waitlisted
                            JAN. 1, 2019
                                             >   Deferred

        19%                  REGULAR
 Acceptance rate for         DECISION
     Fall 2018              JAN. 1, 2019

Finances
> All students are automatically considered for merit-based (academic) scholarships
    > These awards are highly competitive and usually range from $10,000-$30,000 per
         academic year
    > If you receive a merit scholarship, you will find out with your offer of admission

> Non-US Citizens are not eligible for need-based financial aid

> US Citizens, Dual Citizens, Permanent Residents – can apply for aid with the following:
   > FAFSA + CSS Profile required
         > Deadlines for both forms:
               > ED I: Nov. 15
               > EA: Dec. 1
               > ED II: Jan. 15
               > RD: Feb. 15
   > Financial aid packages are released with or soon after decision letters

QUESTIONS?
Thank you for joining me!

    Courtney Kipp | c.kipp@northeastern.edu