Wake Forest University Visit

The first stop in my North Carolina tour was to visit Wake Forest University, located on the outskirts of Winston-Salem, North Carolina. This highly selective university of 8,000 students moved to Winston-Salem in the 1950s, and is a bastion of scientific inquiry and rigorous liberal arts education in the rolling North Carolina hills. The main campus is located 3/4 miles from downtown Winston-Salem, while the “Wake downtown” campus in downtown Winston-Salem is primarily home to the Engineering Department and Biotech research. In September 2017, U.S. News  ranked Wake Forest #27 in the country in their “Best Colleges” listings. From the same report, it was also ranked #12 in “Strong Commitment to Undergraduate Teaching” and #23 in “Best Value”.

Quick Facts about Wake Forest

-Wake is 10% international and 1/3 ethnically diverse
-60% of classes have less than 20 students, and all are discussion-based classes
-Students live by the school motto of Pro Humanitate or For Humanity. That means that community service is huge, and most students participate in some form of service
-During my tour, the tour guide encouraged students to go find professors in a department they are interested in after the tour, told us that they are often open to meeting prospective students
-A new program allows incoming freshman to spend their whole first year in Copenhagen, Denmark

Applying to Wake Forest

Wake Forest has an unusual approach to critiquing and evaluating applicants. This is in part because they do NOT require test scores from the SAT or ACT. As they like to say "4 years in high school means more than 4 hours on a Saturday morning.” How many students don’t submit scores? Most recently, 1/3 of enrolled students did not submit test scores in the application process.

In exchange for offering “test optional” to applicants, Wake encourages students to be creative in their application. Students need to answer 7-8 short answer questions, which include questions like what podcast would you create, and ask students to create their own “Top-10 list.” The admissions officer offered that one of her favorites was “The Top Dwarfs that didn’t make it into Snow White” but she has seen other good ones like “Top 10 Things That Your Grandmother Taught You.” Interviews at Wake usually last 20-25 minutes, and are not required, but recommended. There is a separate Wake Forest application that domestic US students can use, but international students still need to use the Common App. Of course, make sure to check directly with any university’s website for each year’s updated requirements, as expectations, deadlines, and required documents often change without notice. 

Wesleyan University Visit

Wesleyan University is a larger (than its peer group of NESCAC schools) liberal arts university situated about 30 minutes from New Haven and Hartford, in Middletown, CT. It is a place where intellectually curious, out-of-the-box thinkers and doers will find differences respected, a vocal and politically active student body, rigorous but collaborative academics, and vibrant student campus life. Julia visited with a group of IECA New York-based consultants for an information session, tour, and private meeting with an assistant dean of admissions. Below are some key takeaways: 

Academics

Open Curriculum: There are only 2 requirements to graduate: that you complete 32 classes and 1 major (a major is typically 9-11 classes). That means that 2/3 of the classes remaining are open for students to select. There are General Education expectations (not requirements) that students take at least two classes from the three different disciplines of Humanities and Arts, Math and Natural science, and Social Sciences. There is no foreign language requirement, and students can use up to 2 APs for credits. 

Advising: I liked the metaphor our info session ambassador provided us, that Wes students stand in the middle of triangle of support, students are assigned 1) a faculty advisor who they are paired immediately with when you say you are coming to Wesleyan; 2) a peer advisor who is a junior/senior and you can ask them the questions you might not feel comfortable asking a professor, and 3) A class dean who is the dean for an incoming class for their 4 years on campus

4+1 program in natural sciences, psychology, and ethnomusicology allows students to complete a master’s degree and all students receive FREE tuition for the 5th year

Wesleyan receives more federal research grant money than any other school of its size, because of its graduate-level resources, it can offer research opportunities to all students beginning their freshman year

Senior thesis: About 50% of students complete a senior thesis, which is required for some majors, but not others.

New programs: The Integrated Design, Engineering & Applied Science (IDEAS) minor (http://www.wesleyan.edu/ideas/minor.html), A new Muslim studies certificate, and under consideration: a teaching certification

Student Life

Housing: Students experience progressive independence and responsibility throughout their four years, 99% of students live on campus all 4 years, and seniors may live in actual houses (a house with a red door indicates a senior lives there!) with Wesleyan as the “landlord.” 

Clubs: There are over 300 clubs on campus (but our senior ambassador told us they are “more like extended friend groups”). Much of campus life is student-driven and student-run. Arts is extremely present on campus, and there is an open environment to try new things. 

Admissions

• 26% growth in applications in the past 2 years
• Test-optional!
• No supplement!
• They do not consider demonstrated interest
• 40% of students are non-white, highly value diversity in all forms
• The dean we spoke with reads about 1,300 applications per year or roughly 25-30 applications per day during the reading season

After Wesleyan

Careers: The majority of students go into consulting, finance or education even though Wesleyan does not offer majors in any of those areas, it is because the skills and education they receive are transferable!

Showing Colleges Some "Love" May Help You Get Admitted! Why and How Demonstrated Interest

10 Ways To Show Demonstrated Interest

1. Visit the campus: If it’s within 6 hours of you, it’s a must. If the school is high on your list, you should make the effort! Always register with the Admissions Office, check if you can attend a class or do an overnight as well!
2. Supplemental Essays: Pay special attention to ALL Supplements, NONE are optional! You must do your research so you can speak specifically about why their programs, clubs, student body, etc. are a perfect for you. Generic answers like “Boston is a great place” do not fit the bill here.
3. Get on Mailing Lists & OPEN Emails: Respond early to recruitment mailings and fill out “request info” from admissions on college website. Always OPEN emails from Admissions offices, they can track all electronic communication!
4. Attend College Fairs: Don’t miss a rep’s visit to your own school or in your area, ask questions and sign up for more info. The rep who covers your area will likely be one person to read your application!
5. Email the Admissions Office: Get in touch with your rep with specific questions that you can’t find easy answers to on their website.
6. Email a Professor in Selected Department: Thinking of studying Econ? Reach out to a prof with thoughtful questions
7. Social Media: “Like” the college on Facebook and other channels, they know you are already on there! Make sure your own Facebook page is rated-G and presenting your best sides.
8. Consider Early Decision: A binding intent to attend a school is the most powerful Demonstrated Interest indicator
9. Interview: Set-up an interview if a college offers it with a rep. or alumni.
10. Send a hand-written thank you note afterward!

What To Avoid?

Do not OVERDO communication by emailing the admissions office every week! You will seem desperate or overly-demanding.

Parents cannot do this on behalf of students.

Do not send excess paperwork that the college did not request with your application. They will find it annoying and likely not read it!

What To Do First/Next?

Research, Research, Research! Visit college websites to REALLY get to know specific strengths and what they are proud of at their schools so you are prepared to personalize your communication with schools.

Get in Touch with Us: Still not sure how to best approach colleges? Some chat with us to figure out how to take the first step & make sure you don’t wait around for them to contact you!

Advice for International Students Adjusting to US College

No student has the same experience, even in the same school. Challenge yourself to not fall into the trap of stereotyping people, and accept that at times, things might be tough! There will be an adjustment period, but that will be different for every student. Culture shock is real, and expect that you will make it through the troughs, and be better for it. Academic expectations will be high, and more than anything you should seek to take advantage of the opportunities available to you.  With that in mind, what follows are my tips for you as you embark on this new chapter in your life:

1.   Build a support network of local teachers, local student friends, and international friends: Spend time getting to know people, learn what their interests are, where they are from, why they chose to study or teach at your school, show interest in them and they will show interest in you. No one can do it alone, and when times get tough or decisions must be made, this network will be invaluable!

2.   Get involved!: This is very important to do things beyond your classes and homework. Find at least one activity in your first term on campus to test out, it’s a great way to meet people with common interests or people from different backgrounds than yourself.

3.   Don’t be afraid to ask questions: Everyone is new in your first year of school and others are there to help you adjust and find your classroom or how to print something. Just ask!

4.   Meet with your advisor: They will be your guide to ensure you are meeting your academic requirements and will stay on track to graduate. If you have any difficulties later on, it’s best that they get to know you well earlier on.

5.   Go to the writing center and tutoring center regularly, even if you don’t think you need help, it always helps!: Universities offer many free (paid with your tuition) resources to help you, find out how to sign up online and go often.

6.   Enroll in writing or study skills courses: College-level writing is often a challenge even for American students, so learning through a hands-on writing workshop or seminar and spending time improving your study skills is a good investment of your time.

7.   Go to your professor’s office hours: university professors are required to hold office hours, and it is a great way to ask questions and get to know your professor. It may lead to a research or internship opportunity.

8.   Do something you’ve never done once a week: College is the time to try new things and push outside your comfort zone. It is easy to get into certain habits and routines, and not change them.

Be bold, study hard, and take advantage of this special opportunity. YOACO- you only attend college once!