College Application Specifics

College applications convey a student’s accomplishments, potential, and personality to college admission officers. A typical application involves an application form, a personal statement or essay(s), official standardized test scores, official transcripts from Pusch Ridge Christian Academy, letters of recommendation, and an application fee. Portions of the application completed by the student represent the student’s opportunity to build his or her case regarding potential admission to the college(s) of choice. Successful college applications require time and attention to detail. While the application process may seem daunting, students and families should approach it with enthusiasm for the rewarding years ahead.

General Guidelines 
Pusch Ridge Christian Academy CEEB/COLLEGE BOARD code is: 030-492.

Always complete a “dummy” version of the application before filling out the final copy. This allows the student to practice completing the application and ensure necessary information fit in the spaces provided. Have someone else (counselor, teacher, parent) review your draft application copy.

Use black ink or type the application form, unless instructed otherwise. Print legibly because applications are often initially read by optical scanners.

Answer the questions that applications ask. Do not miss the point of a question out of eagerness to write what you want to write about.

Allow plenty of time to fill out college applications. Last-minute applications are often poorly done.

Applying 
Application procedures and materials vary widely among colleges and universities. Students and parents are strongly encouraged to contact Mrs. Rohne or individual institutions if questions arise.

University of Arizona
Admissions:  https://admissions.arizona.edu/default.aspx
Online application:  https://admissions.arizona.edu/apply/Default.aspx
Entrance requirements:  https://admissions.arizona.edu/requirements/freshmen.aspx
Scholarship information:  https://financialaid.arizona.edu/scholarships

Northern Arizona University
Admissions:  http://home.nau.edu/admissions/undergrad.asp
Online application:  http://home.nau.edu/admissions/apply/default.asp
Entrance requirements:  http://home.nau.edu/admissions/apply/admissreq.asp#C1
Scholarship information:  http://www4.nau.edu/finaid/

Arizona State University
Admissions:  http://students.asu.edu/admission/freshman
Online application:  https://webapp1.asu.edu/ugapp/mainmenulogic
Entrance requirements:  http://students.asu.edu/freshman/requirements
Scholarship information:  http://students.asu.edu/scholarships

Private Colleges and Universities
Applying to private institutions is a more subjective process. Private institutions generally base their admission decisions on their review of a candidate’s full portfolio, including co-curricular activities, volunteer work and depth of high school course selection. A typical application to a private college or university includes the application itself, a personal essay or statement, letters of recommendation from both your counselor and teachers, official transcripts and testing records. While applications to public schools are often uniform and rely on objective selection indices combining GPA with standardized test scores, applications to private colleges vary greatly in what they require for a complete application for consideration. Therefore, students are strongly recommended to read all application materials thoroughly. For those who wish to use the Common Application, please visit the Common Application web site. The 241 member colleges and universities of the Common Application group give equal consideration to the Common Application and their respective institutional forms. Students who choose to file a Common Application for admission may be required to submit an institution specific Application Supplement. Supplement details, deadlines and forms are available on the Common Application web site.

Out-of-State Public Institutions
Standards vary for admission to state colleges and universities outside Arizona. Like most Arizona public institutions, other state-supported colleges and universities require a simple application form and transcript. Occasionally, they will also request a personal statement or essay. Although admission requirements for other public institutions may be more stringent for out-of-state candidates than for in-state candidates, many Pusch Ridge Christian Academy students find that gaining admission to out-of-state public and private institutions is possible. However, please be advised that out-of-state tuition rates will apply. Some public institutions are associated with the Western Undergraduate Exchange Program.  Visit the WUE website for participating schools and programs.  The scholarship amounts vary, but some students will be awarded in-state tuition.

College Athletics
Athletics can be an important co-curricular component of the high school experience. Student athletes must make a careful decision about the viability of continued participation in college. First, the student athlete must consider the year-round time commitment commonly involved with intercollegiate sports and extensive travel schedule. Second, the student-athlete should seek a realistic assessment of their ability to participate in intercollegiate athletics. Sources for assessment include coaches at Pusch Ridge Christian Academy, private coaches, and/or coaches at the college or university of choice. Conversations should emphasize:

  • Are my talents and abilities appropriate to continue at an intercollegiate level?
  • What intercollegiate level is most appropriate for me to continue participation in athletics?
  • Which institution is optimal for me to continue participation in athletics?

After obtaining a realistic assessment about a future as an intercollegiate athlete, student athletes who wish to participate in varsity intercollegiate athletics must follow certain guidelines to gain eligibility. There are multiple divisions of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), each with specific scholarship and eligibility regulations. To achieve eligibility for athletic participation in NCAA member schools, it is mandatory to register at the NCAA Clearinghouse Online. Registration with the NCAA Clearinghouse should be initiated no earlier than the end of the student-athlete's junior year. The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) is another organization that governs college athletics. No special registration requirements are necessary to gain eligibility for athletic participation at NAIA member institutions.

Mailing Applications
Copy everything! Students are advised to make a photocopy of every piece of the application, including the personal statement or essay(s), application fee if paying by personal check, and financial aid-related paperwork. Duplicates of the application allow for mailing or faxing another copy in the unlikely event the original is lost.

Make sure to observe the deadlines of each application. Students should mail their portion of the application (application fee, personal statement or essay(s), application, and supplementary materials if necessary) at least 14 business days before the stated deadline. If paying the application fee by personal check, the student's full legal name and social security number should be listed in the "memo" section of the check. Remember that many applications are sent during the holiday mail rush (Christmas and New Year's). Be sure to plan ahead. Students are encouraged to complete and mail all applications prior to Winter Break. Strong first semester grades are important to colleges and universities. By completing applications by the end of December, students can focus their energies on finishing well second semester!

Generally, first class postage is adequate when sending applications as long as you observe deadlines. Students are encouraged to send each application with a U.S. Postal Service "Certificate of Mailing" to show proof of mailing in the event of deadline disputes. If sending applications electronically, students are advised to print out the confirmation and/or receipt page after submission for their records.

Applications will not receive any special attention or treatment if sent FedEx or overnight mail. Do not mail applications with any special mailing options (e.g., Registered, Certified, or signature mail) unless specifically instructed by the college or university. In many cases, this will delay the processing of your application.

Pusch Ridge Christian Academy sends official school transcripts directly to the institutions of choice, along with a letter of recommendation if necessary. In special cases such as international applications, the college counseling staff will send necessary paperwork in a sealed envelope along with the student's materials. Individual faculty members are advised to send letters of recommendation directly to colleges and universities on behalf of individual students. 

Students should include a self-made return receipt postcard to monitor the receipt of application materials. This saves a great deal of time spent following up and worrying about applications. On the front of the postcard include the student's name, address and a stamp.

College Interview
Although colleges and universities rarely emphasize a 30-minute encounter over the recommendations of teachers who document four years of accomplishments by students, college interviews remain an important part of the application process. Personal contact with a college or university representative may help a student's application stand out during the admission process. In addition, the interview provides an opportunity for students and families to address questions regarding an institution.

These factors make interviews advantageous for students to pursue. Smaller institutions generally give interviews more weight than larger institutions, although few institutions require one, and they are a relatively minor factor in admission decisions. An institution will arrange interviews by local alumni if interviews are required and the institution is not within easy traveling distance. In many cases admission staff members will also travel to selected regions in the fall.

Students must call college admission offices early in the admission cycle for comprehensive travel schedules of their representatives. Applications generally do not need to be submitted prior to scheduling an interview. It is best to call for interview appointments early in the fall of senior year. 

  • Relax and be yourself. It is fun to talk about yourself, not what you think the college or university expects you to be.
  • Be prepared to go into the interview alone. Parents and other family members are generally brought into the discussion after the admission representative and student speak alone.
  • Dress appropriately. Although formal dress is not required, neatness and tastefulness are crucial.
  • Be prompt. When an interviewer calls to make the appointment, obtain his or her phone number so you can call if you are delayed or must reschedule.
  • Ask thoughtful and well-informed questions. Remember, the interview is your opportunity to find out about the college, not just the college's opportunity to find out about you. Asking good questions requires some research and reflection on your part before the interview. Bring notes if you feel you may forget your questions.
  • Don't feel compelled to give your entire resume. The interview does not have to cover every wonderful thing about you. The admission office will have all the objective information it needs; interviews are to see how you think and how you handle yourself, not to find out your test scores or athletic honors.
  • Do not judge the institution on the basis of the interviewer. Although it is helpful if you learn things from the interview that make you feel differently about an institution, avoid letting feelings about your interviewer become too important in your decision to pursue admission or enrollment.
  • Always send a thank you note to your interviewer.

Personal Statement
Personal statements and essays provide students an opportunity to convey something about themselves that goes beyond objective data. This component of the application is the most important, requiring the most time and attention. The essay should be well written, carefully edited, and limited to the prescribed length. Students should write 500 to 600 words maximum if no length is specified. Students should consider their audience and keep the piece short, lively, and insightful. The essay should reveal something interesting and unique about the candidate, which is not disclosed elsewhere in the application. The essay or personal statement should discuss topics important to the student (i.e. family; neighborhood; a particularly moving, amusing, or enriching experience; or intellectual growth).

Helpful Hints
Do not send photocopies unless you use the Common Application because you might send the wrong essay to an institution. For example, the amusing case of an admissions official at Willamette University reading an essay about why a candidate wishes to attend Yale is all too common and carries distressing consequences for the candidate.

Write essays using a positive tone. Overcoming adversity or reacting well to a setback demonstrates strength of character. Instead of writing, "My test scores are low, but I know I'm smarter than that," write, "Conquering the challenges presented by standardized tests has taught me a great deal about taking a flexible approach to problem solving."

Essay topics. Most application essay topics are fairly broad and open-ended. However, if the question is specific, make sure the essay addresses the question. Students should avoid writing general autobiographical essays, unless an institution specifically requests one. In some cases, the applicant may simply adapt an essay written for another application, or in other cases, they may have to write a new one. In the long run, it is well worth the effort to make sure the essay suits the application for each individual college or university.

Avoid common topics such as Outward Bound experiences, trips to Hawaii, and how sports build character.

Avoid excess in attempting to be original, memorable, or profound. Beware of humor that is not funny and sarcasm that could be deemed inappropriate.

The essay is an opportunity to add a new dimension to your folder. Avoid repeating facts, figures, or activities you have mentioned previously in the application unless they have particular bearing on the development of your character.

Get feedback on your finished product. Consult a teacher, counselor, and/or parent to read and critique your essay's form and content. What does your essay communicate about your character and personality?

US Service Academies
Attending one of the four service academies is one avenue to a four-year college degree. The academies are:

The benefits of a college education at a service academy include a first-rate education, full-tuition scholarship, and a distinct college experience. Entrance to one of the service academies also requires a significant post-graduate commitment—a five-year military obligation as an officer in the student's chosen service. Admission to a service academy is extremely competitive. Students must be in good academic standing with high grades and test scores and advanced courses. Applicants also must be in good physical condition.

Service Academy Application Timeline
Students interested in pursuing post-secondary education at the service academies should begin preparation during sophomore year. All federal service academies except the Coast Guard require nomination by a congress person. Most members of Congress do not accept requests for nomination after October of a student's senior year.

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