Make the Most of Summer

OK, hello everyone, welcome my name is Cassie Martin. I'm an admission counselor in the office and I enjoyed today by one of my colleagues. He just sends. So thank you everyone for logging in. I'm seeing that we have students logging in from all over the country which is really exciting and Leticia and I are really excited to be here with you and talk about making the most of your summer. So all of you I hope are on summer vacation as of now, maybe a couple more weeks if you have 'em, but good luck if you're finishing up. And Congrats to those of you who are done with your.

Here I mean like I said, my name is Cassie Mart and then one of the counselors and I'll let letisha introduce yourself.

Hi everyone, I'm Leticia. I'm also one of the counselors I see some of you guys from Virginia DC. Things like that. So I work with students from Virginia, DC, Maryland, New Jersey and Philadelphia area. So welcome.

So we are going to go through a series of points and tips that we have for what you can do during your summer and obviously let me know this summer is quite a bit different then past summer is because of the pandemic we're in and so we have split up with presentation in two sections. So the first section is going to be talking about kind of in general what students can do and no matter what year you.

So whether you're you know a rising sophomore or rising senior and then the next section is actually going to be targeted towards or junior slash rising seniors. Whatever you want to call yourselves, kind of thinking more about that, narrowing it in to you, know, maybe starting your college application process or that. So again, thank you so much for joining us today. If you hold your questions through that chat box, we can answer all of them at the end. So to start off over this summer, you know first of all they take a couple weeks and take a deep breath.

You just had a really hard year and learning virtually I'm sure has been hard at that. Each and I know even going to meetings virtually is hard, and there's so much going on in the country right now that you know, take a minute deep deep breath, decompress a little, and don't think about anything College Wise. So then you know in a couple weeks, once you're feeling ready to dive in. If you're thinking about if you're a rising sophomore arising junior, you might want to start thinking about what do I want to look for in a college? What kind of things are important to me?

And you know what is really something that I want to be looking for as I start my college search. So these questions, sorry this slide is a little small on the screen, but hopefully you can see it bigger. Some of these questions are really good things to start thinking about when you're thinking what might be a good fit for me college wise. So for example, what kind of school do you want to look at? I would imagine small schools are probably on all of your radar if you're tuning into swannies webinar, but you know especially for the underclassmen, are you thinking that you know you want to go to a school where everyone knows your name?

Or maybe you want to go and in the classroom where nobody knows you and people just know your face. You know what kind of learning style do you have? What kind of classes do you want? What kind of relationship do you want with your professors? And also on that kind of right hand column? What kind of social activities do you want on campus? For example, Greek life? Is that something you want something you want to participate in, something you don't. So those are some of the things that really start asking yourself and kind of narrowing down what you might want when looking at colleges. So again, with no matter what age you are and what grade you're going into, you can start asking yourself some of these questions and really kind of thinking what's important to you and I think that's a good.

Way to start. So these are some questions location I have pointed out that we really think kind of gets the heart of what's important to you and what makes me what might make you happy in a college. Uhm. Sonar next, our next narrowing down your college option is our next slide. And so you know. Like I said before it start by choosing those three to five things that are really important to you. So if I were doing this, I would say I definitely want a community where my professors and my friends know me. You know, I really want to engage with people and for me I was an athlete in college, so I was like I want to go somewhere where I can play D3 volleyball.

So those are my criteria, so think about what your own criteria might be. Might you want to be an artist or you know, might you want to go on a hike every day? So then maybe Swanee would be perfect for you so you know a lot of things that you're really looking for that are really going to help drive that college search. And another point that I want to make here is a really great way to kind of explore those options is through visiting campus. And, well, you can obviously do that in person this spring. Maybe you'll be able to later in the summer, but right now all colleges have really wonderful virtual visit options, Swanee included.

So we've made these really robust programs that allow students to take a tour, connect with the current student, connect with their admission counselor. So, like letisha mentioned, she worked with students in the mid Atlantic area. So if you're from the mid Atlantic, reach out to Letisha And if you're not, look on our website of the Swanee counselors and find your person who covers your region and they'd be a great resource. Or ask us. Oh hey, I really am interested in psychology. Could you maybe connect me with a student who's a psych major at Swanee and would be happy to do so? You know, so it's really good habit to get into.

Specially is underclassmen. I really just, you know, doing a research online and checking out college websites and connecting with students and admission counselors both and I'll put that link in the chat.

Right, I was just actually uhm looking that link up so I just posted right there. So that way if you're interested in finding out who your admission counselors, you can just click that link right there and feel free to reach out to that person. So I'm going to chat a little bit about some things that you can do this summer so you know, in a normal summer you may be doing internships. You may be volunteering. You may have a summer job or going to summer camp. You may be doing things with families, vacations, things like that.

Unfortunately, as we know in this, uh, what's going on now? Those things may or may not really be a reality this summer, so I think during this time there are still things that you can do. You know things have changed and the the way that you'll be interacting this summer has changed, and that's OK. And remember that it's changed for everyone, so don't feel don't let yourself feel stressed out and don't kind of feel that worry of what will that look like when you're applying to colleges because it's going to be the same for everyone. You're not the only person going through this.

So just knowing that that is OK, that this summer will look a lot different than than typical summers, so you know, spend time with family, spend time doing things that you enjoy, that you're passionate about. Again, try not to worry too much, but if you are going into your senior here, this is a really good time to just do your research. I would say the one plus that has come out of this is that most colleges have completely expanded on those virtual visit options, and that's what Cassidy was mentioning, so.

Feel free to take some time and explore websites. Explore what colleges have to offer and you know that information has grown a lot over these past few months and so you really can start to get a basic idea of the kind of school that you may be interested in, what they're like, what they offer, and really get to connect with students and connect with counselors during this time.

So something is to think about depending on where you are in the process, so I'll start with UM, kind of if you're entering 10th grade or 11th grade this fall. So really some things that you can start doing are still exploring and visiting those colleges, virtually no, which I mentioned and so, based on what you're interested in and using some of those questions that Cassidy mentioned earlier, you can begin to really make that college list if you haven't already, or rounded out, you may have a list with 20 colleges on it, so maybe this is the time to start narrowing that down.

Or you may have completely different schools on there. You may have schools that look completely different from each other and I think really taking the time now to see what it is that is really important to you in your college experience and what is it that should really looking for. You know there's all kinds of colleges out here to fit everyone's needs, so this is a great time to really break that down and see what is important to you. What do you want in your college experience and what schools offer those things? So again, check out websites, engage with your mission counselor.

Participate in this virtual visits and sessions just like you are doing right now and you know, don't be afraid to make those connections. You can connect with students you can connect with faculty. Just ask those things or look for those resources on the website and then you can have one appointment with counselors and you can have those 1 one different appointments with various folks around campus to just get more information that you might be looking for. So now if you are going into your senior Year, this.

Is particularly interesting time in which many students may be visiting. Schools are doing things like that in a normal year, but you can still do those things virtually again, so just continue to explore, continue to connect in. Hopefully colleges will be able to welcome you all back sometime soon, but it's really a good time to begin thinking about. Hopefully you've narrowed that list down a lot more, but if you have it, this is also a good time to do that. You can narrow down your college list.

Really starts look at the things that those colleges are looking for really start to pay attention to what that application entails. This summer is a great time to start focusing on your college essay. I know that that sometimes can be a big stressor for you. I'm going into the college process, but the more time you have with it, I think the better and this is really a good time to start brainstorming and start writing up those drafts and start getting help from those around you if need be with that essay so.

Reach out to your mission counselors. Reach out to coaches and just think about, uhm, what is right for you. So with many colleges they have a lot of different application rounds or application options for you to choose from. So early decision, early action, regular decision. Those are going to be very popular terms that you'll start to hear, and so it's really important to think about which one of those options really sits well with you and really works with you and your family.

Early decision is the option that is a binding contract, so that is the one that you know you know you want to go to the school for. Sure, that's no doubt in your mind that this is the place for you. Then early decision may be a good option. Early action still allows you to apply early, but not have that binding nature in there and then regular decision also is non binding and just gives you more time in the application process. But it's important to know if that's cool, has deadlines to apply for scholarships, does that's cool have.

Certain deadlines for certain programs you know. Here at Suwannee we are a common app school, so our application is on the common app and that's the way that you will apply and it does. Full live August 1st. So if you are eager and you are excited you could even get a jump start on your application during this summer. So it's just important to ask those questions and to really know what it is that you need to be prepared going into the fall in going into the college application process.

And I think that this summer is a great time to really just do that and take your time and get prepared and do your research. You know, and just know that folks like Cassidy and myself are here and we want to connect with you and any of those questions that you may be having of. Hey, I'm really interested in your psychology program. You know what can you tell me more about it reach out to us or hey, I'm really interested in playing lacrosse, you know, reach out and so it really is that thing that we are the people that are here for you.

And we can connect you with other folks on campus as well, and even students a lot of the times. I think sometimes that's a connection that can be used way more, and so we do offer a lot of opportunities for you to connect with current students as well.

So this is kind of what we are thinking in ways that you can really connect this summer and make the most out of your summer in terms of getting a jump start in the college application process. So at this point I think will open it up for some questions as well.

I'll let you.

And I'm already seeing to come in, so I'll prove those right now. So let me show you want. Take the first one or should I?

I'm good either way.

Sure.

Alright, so question is.

OK, I'll take the next one then.

So, uhm, the questions about you know if campus will be open during the summer and so we do know some colleges will start to schedule those tours and so basically had to wanting we right now do are hoping to open the campus up for visitors very soon. As of right now, we are still closed to visitors and so it's something that if Suwannee, if you have already planned a trip this morning, if you have already intended on coming we cannot stop you. But at this time.

We are not really open for visitors and so we hope to allow for visitors very very soon and we want to get you all back on campus and we're excited to welcome you back to campus. And so we're just exploring how we can do that safely until we hope to have some more information about that soon. But as of right now, we are technically still closed to visitors.

And I do know that when we open, we of course will be taking safety precautions. We have a thermometer in the office and a face coverings for visitors and families who don't have them, so we will be taking precautions and hopefully that will allow us to. Again, like Latisha said, open up sooner rather than later, so the next question we have is does the acceptance rate increase if I use my early decision on Swanee? And so I'll talk more in general then spawn the specific in general. Usually when you apply early decision. Like Latisha said, keep in mind that when you apply somewhere early decision you are saying.

This is my number one choice, like if admitted I will come when I was tell students about Swannies. If you know you bought your purple sweatshirt and you're ready to be a Tiger and you're super excited to be on the mountain, that's when you should be applying to Swanee. So in that case you know, since you are saying basically the colleges I choose you, you're my top choice. They like that because they like to be wanted and they like to see. Students are definitely going to come to their school. So I would say in general yes, early decision does probably increase your chance of acceptance and that holds true for Swanee two. We do try to read as.

Evenly as possible throughout all of decision rounds. Just because we know some students aren't ready to make a college decision in November because that's quite early of your senior year and some students are ready in March and so we really do try and, you know, be as even as possible, but you probably will have a slight advantage, acceptance rate wise if you apply early decision.

Oh my goodness, we have a couple of questions in here here letisha your turn.

Alright, so the question is, do we have any online summer classes available this summer? So the answer to that is yes, we do have some of those for our incoming freshmen students. So if you have been admitted to Swanee, we do have some summer online class options. And again it would be a great way to connect with your admission counselor to get more information on that. So that is kind of what we are offering this summer for returning or incoming students.

Yeah.

Whoops, sorry I was trying to find the link for the next question, so excuse me Emily. What kind of volunteer programs we have? It's funny so I'm in the process of finding the office of Civic Engagement Link. Maybe Letitia you could find that as I answer the question, but our office of civic engagement on campus is a really wonderful resource and I would say one thing, Swanee students are definitely is engaged and they care about their community. We're going to really wonderful location. We are on top of the Cumberland Plateau but we are are surrounding areas. There's a lot of work for students can do and a lot of things you can get involved in.

So many students are really involved not only in the Swanee community, but also in the surrounding areas in the greater community as well. You know, Middle Tennessee, which I think is really exciting and so they think you Leticia for the link. And there's a ton of examples and options through the office of civic engagement, so I think if you're civically inclined, definitely check out there again if you want to reach out and maybe talk to a current student on campus who is involved in the office of civic engagement, let us know and we can connect you with them.

You know, so again, tons of connections to be made, and I would also say that swimming has two really wonderful volunteer saving engagement programs that exist. So one we are a Bonner Leader School and so if you are admitted to Swanee then you can apply to be a Bonner Leader on campus. And So what that means is you're committing to doing. I'm going to. I believe it's 10 hours a week. Letisha 8 to 10 of service a week on campus. In this Bonner Program, and so that is something you know. If you're really passionate about engaging in the community. Definitely something that check issue and we also get spawning have a really wonderful, robust Canali program.

Which is similar to the Bonner program, but you're doing a little less our our work. You know she still get to engage in the community, do all the things you're passionate about, but you might have a little more time to do other things. So definitely you know. For those of you who are interested in volunteering or anything like that, check out the office of civic engagement. They are a great resource for you.

So.

Right so, um, looks like we also have some questions about majors. So one question was does does applying undecided hurt your chances and emission? And then another question was when do you declare your major? So I think we can kind of tackle both of these together and so as a liberal arts college, we really encourage students to explore academically and so applying undecided is absolutely an option and it absolutely does not hurt your chances in the admission process.

Call um so students who come in undecided typically declare a major at the end of their sophomore year, and so it gives you that time to really explore an really just kind of see what you might be interested in. Take courses in different areas and it really allows you that flexibility in and exploring and really taking time to choose your major and choose what options may be good for you. So now you can absolutely apply and decide it. It will not hurt your chances and you have.

Those four semesters to really explore. Take courses that you might be interested in and kind of have that time to make that decision.

Absolutely I'm sorry everyone. We have a lot of questions coming in so I'm approving them to the chat one by one and then we'll get to all of them. We promise to our next question is talking about our diversity on campus. And so I think you know this is something that we really care about at Swanee. Diversity is really central in our office as admissions and also something you know students really care about on campus. But I will say, you know, in the spirit of complete transparency, we're not where we want to be an. I think probably a lot of schools in the country would agree with us there that are.

Diversity could be better. All kinds of socioeconomic racial nationality, any anything, all kinds of diversity we would love to kind of increase that, so I think it is something that is really doing well. It's funny, and we're increasing that when we're getting students from all across the country and all across the world have grown up completely differently than each other who look differently than each other who believe in different things. and I think that is a really good thing. And, you know, at least from our perspective, from the admission office we, we think that a school thrives best when we have students who have different voices in different perspectives and who are all the same.

So that is definitely something we are working on, but it is by far far from perfect, and you know not only us an admission, but you know on campus we have office of student life who really is, you know, trying to promote more diversity on campus and increase the groups we already have. And there's tons of multicultural multi student groups on campus that really embrace diversity and kind of connect. You know whether it's religious diversity, racial diversity or whatever and kind of just bring students together. So I think that on campus we really do a lot of really wonderful initiatives that.

Kind of bridge our students together and make us all you know 11 funny community and from an emission standpoint, we're getting better and we are increasing every day, so our next one.

OK.

Alright, so implications that we think COVID-19 may have on admissions for next year. I think that that's a really good question, and I think in thinking about the space that we're in a lot of things have changed in a lot of things look different. I think on.

Admission itself, I don't think that in looking at how we admit students or who we admit that that will change very much. Uhm, I think that you know the students that we are admitting to Suwannee. I don't see that since changing very much, but I think that emission as a whole definitely changes. Finances may be a much bigger issue for many families than it has been in the past. Proximity to where you live. Maybe a much bigger decision than it has been in the past, so these are just some things that.

We do definitely think about and we think of ways to really support students in times like this. And so one thing that we do offer for students. And we started this year is that we are meeting full need full demonstrated need for all students that we admit, and so that has been something that we have beginning again this year and I think it's been no better time for that in a time where families are needing that support and things are just changing very drastically and unexpectedly.

It's been nice to really offer that financial support to families, and to have that in place, and that's something that will continue and so looking for fall of 2021. You know, we still will be able to work with families in that sense, and I think just allowing you know, for that flexibility, the way that we have completely offered a lot more things online. I think that will continue to happen and that will continue to provide many resources for students all over the country, and so students that.

Maybe have not been able to visit, will have a lot more resources at their disposal because of what's happened this spring, so I think there's been some good in the trying times on things that will be able to continue into next year and hopefully just be able to continue to support students as best we can with as overnight team continues to go on so.

Yeah.

Kathy, I think you may be muted.

Thank you, thank you very much.

We try again, uhm, you know you would think if we did technology so much this spring, you know we'd be better at it. But that's OK, uhm, well Caitlin, I approved your question while Letitia was talking because I believe she answered it as well as meaningful. Need that link I put in there. So if you apply early decision, well it is a binding commitment. We do meet the full demonstrated need of all students. And So what that means is you know nine times outta 10. Your family is able to afford spawning and so of course you can talk with the financial aid office if you want to connect with them before you apply. And kind of get an estimate.

Maybe what your need an your expectation might be there more than happy to talk to you and that goes for us and all schools too. So definitely connect with the financial aid office and then they'll be happy to talk to you. But that's what meaningful need is who definitely check that out. And then our next question is what are some common traits seen as soon to apply to and choose Swanee? Excuse me and that's really interesting questions. So this is one of my favorite things about funny is that there isn't just one type of student. We actually have a lot of different types of students at Swanee, and they all do.

Really well, which is kind of funny, because if you would think about them, you might not always put them in the same room together, but it works. It's funny. So first of all, our campus is 13,000 acres which is a really large number and kind of crazy to imagine and so of course we have students who are really passionate. Excuse me about environmental studies about conservation about anything sciency because you have this amazing natural classroom. So kind of those granola students we have. Some of those. We also have. Some if you think of kind of traditional southern preppy students, we have some of those too.

We have really talented athletes. We've really talented musicians. We have any of you know, know who Tennessee Williams is. He's a plate, right? He's American playwright, playwright, and he wrote a lot of famous works, and we have a Tennessee Williams center. And so he had a great relationship with Swanee. And when he died, he actually left us his estate. So as a result of that, we have this tremendous theater program. So we have a lot of different groups on campus, and so even let me just mentioning those couple, you're kind of like, Oh, there's there's are kind of different, but I think you know they all come together at Swanee and really are are brought together by the community and just the genuineness of the people on campus.

Professors, staff, students, really, whoever you interact with. So I would say, you know, there's really a place for everyone at Swanee, and I think you're going to find your people.

Um?

Go ahead, Leticia.

I think you're muted now.

Well, we're just doing well today.

Hello.

Sorry about that. So um, so there was a question about just things you can do this summer. The coming here that may be good for students interested in environmental systems scientist. Things like that. And honestly, I think that when it comes to preparing for certain programs, allow the times I feel like there is always a need to do very particular activities and I think that if you have access to things that are interesting to you, definitely pursue them. But I think I don't want, you know.

There to be a stress that you have to complete this kind of internship or get this kind of experience or you won't be admitted into our environmental programs or whichever other programs that you're interested in. 'cause That's definitely not the case. You know, we want to see students that are engaged, and when we look at the things that you're involved in, We want to see things you doing things that you're passionate about and things that you put your time and effort into. And it really, I think that shines through and no matter what those things are, those are things that.

Are definitely things that we look at and things that we can appreciate. So I think that if you have the opportunity to find if you find things that you are interested in, that kind of fall within that earth, environmental systems and Sciences, then go for it and do it and try it. And you know, just really kind of see where your interest melee. I think the more that you go and do things that you're interested in, you either grow your passion for it or you may decide. Hey, maybe this isn't my thing, you know?

And so I think that just having those experiences is important. But also if you want to go into environmental studies and you also really enjoy the work you do, working with children in elementary school, that's OK too. You know, all of your experiences don't necessarily have to be tide to what you want to do and what you want to go into. So I think it's important to just find things at your passion about. Follow your passions, get involved, and those things will translate, you know, in those things will translate into an application.

And I think that provides more value to you than just trying to fill your time with things that you think may be beneficial for certain major.

I hope that makes sense.

I just want to add on to it. Letitia was saying if she made a really good point earlier on in the presentation about how that's wanna, you know, we don't admit by Major and so when we're reading applications like that's awesome. If you want to do Environmental Science Studies at so wonderful and we're excited about that. But we are admitting you to the college and send a lot of students. Do not even declare their major until the end of sophomore year. You don't necessarily have to have done. OK, I want to be.

Music major, you know, and I've done every musical possible thing, and I've learned every instrument like you don't have to do that and so just know that you know. Again, it's really we can see when it's genuine and so do things you love. Don't worry too much about the exact path you might take in college, and so then our next question is, does Swanee helps convince in getting good placements? I would imagine this is referring to after graduation and so I'll touch on that. So we actually have one of the most incredible career centers I have ever encountered in a college setting. They are wonderful and amazing and I think what is so special about them is that they.

Care so deeply about our students and that they really want to see it, you, all they all succeed and they work with you. 1 on one and so the Career Center at spawning you can show up as early as your freshman year. So if Letisha is the Career Center, I could be like Hello Latisha, nice to meet you. I'm Cassidy. I've been here a week. Tell me what you do and so I think I saw another question about internships. Yeah down here so I'll prove that one as well and so kind of the same same thing I'll talk about. And so the Career Center is so helpful and they are also the.

People who run our internships but in general, 98% of our student body by the time they graduate sees the group center and well, that might not mean anything to you. I would imagine at most colleges, that number is probably in the police because you know, it's just such a campus culture that you know you people really care about their future. It's funny they really want to do an internship. They want to get involved. Like I said before, you know, Swanee students aren't stagnant, they care about a lot of things in the Career Center is a really wonderful way to get there, and spawning also helps. If this is what the question meant.

Getting into, you know, Graduate School. So if you want to be a doctor, if you want to be a lawyer, I know in the past we have offered the Elsa on campus and there was talks about getting the M cat also offered on campus. You know, there's really knowledgeable people who are able to help you do those applications where hub able to help you make your resume cover letters. If you're applying internationally, make a CV, whatever it is you need. They have a specialist for it, so the Career Center again. Your top resource, Ann. I would encourage you all check out on our virtual visit page. This funny virtual visit page if you scroll up in the chat.

There are Career Center options, so you can talk with a member of our Career Center and they also offer just general Career Center session. So if you want to know more about how Swanee can help prepare you for the future, definitely TuneIn, because that is what they do and they Excel in it and on the internship piece we have this thing called the spawning pledge, which is 3 guarantees we make all of our students and one of those pledges is that all students are guaranteed funding for an internship. So say you are browsing around handshake, which is our kind of system on the at the college and you're like.

Oh my goodness, I am so interested in journalism and I found this internship and this is exactly what I want to do. And you live in LA and this is in New York. You're like Oh so that is where this money funding comes in. And so if you apply through four funding through the Career Center, you were able to do internships that you find that you're associated with that you're excited about. Even if you don't have the funding to do that. 'cause it's not even really believe that internships are such a valuable part of your education and we really want to make sure everyone has access to them. So I hope that answers both the Career Center.

An internship question.

Um?

Alright, well there's a question about um, how the CSS S profile is different from the faster, so these are the two documents that we do need when you're applying for financial aid, and so the fast will form is really an application for federal student financial aid, so those are funds that come from the government and so then the fast food is a form that allows us to further explore your financial situation. An evaluate you for any additional institutional aid that we may be able to receive. I'm sorry.

To get to you so really we use both of these forms hand in hand to really assess their families financial situation. The fast. The CSS S profile is a little bit more detailed than the fast well and so we use them both to really just try to get the best picture of you and your family's financial situation in order to then help you in the best way we can financially and so both of these forms again are needed through our evaluation of financial aid.

And meeting for meat for students and so that's kind of the difference between the two. Uhm again, they work hand in hand and you do need to submit both.

Kathy, we can't hear you.

Oh my goodness, OK?

Times a charm. Here we go. OK, the next question was about student life on campus and this would be an opportunity where you know, really connecting with the current student would be awesome. 'cause letisha known facts. But current students can talk to you about their experiences and what they do on a week to week basis. So let's see we have. Like I mentioned, a really great theater Department. We have theater performances, concerts. We have a ton of sporting events. We have a lot of students at Swanee like get together in groups in an play, music or hang out. We do have Greek life on Swanee, so there's Greek events that happened on campus.

We have a lot of volunteering that goes on. We have a lot of outdoor activities, so hiking, canoeing, biking, mountain climbing like all in walking distance from campus. So really, you know there's a ton going on and I think you know hearing from students, they often are choosing between multiple things to do so you will not be bored on the weekend.

Alright, so there's a question about scholarship opportunities for international students, and so the nice thing is that no matter if you're an international or domestic student, we are reviewing you for scholarships based on your initial application so you do not need to submit any additional application materials in order to be considered for scholarships. And so that goes for our domestic students. An international students are scholarships do range from 5000.

All the way up to full cost of attendance. We do have some of our full calls, scholarships for room and board, and full tuition scholarships that you do need to submit more information for. If you're nominated for those, but you would find that out kind of later down in the process. So the answer to that is really, you're just applying through the University using the common application, and then you will be reviewed for emission an for scholarships with that initial application, and that goes the same for our domestic and international students.

And so, um, perfect thank you for that Cassidy. And then also we do have some need based financial aid available to international students as well, and so you would submit. I talked a little bit about CSS S profile on the fast fast so far international students you do submit in an international student financial aid application as well. So that is something you would submit if you're looking to be considered for need based financial aid as an international student.

So our next question is kind of piggybacking off of what letisha just described. So in general, international domestic students. When you apply this one TV at the common app, you're automatically considered for Merit, Scholarship, merit aid, whatever you want to call it. The Fellowship in the art is a specific program that we have for our students who are talented artists and really want to be engaged in our art Department. And so the fellowship in the art specifically happens after your admitted to Swanee. So when you're admitted you're considered for admission obviously, and also.

Marinade and then once you hear back that you've been admitted. If you've been flagged as an artistic interest or you express' artistic interest in your application, then you are considered for the fellowship and arts and so will send out an email. Once you've been emitted saying, hey, you know Latisha, you looked like you or artistic and you might want to be considered for this. Apply for the fellowship in the arts and that happens later in the year. I believe it was April this year, so that is worry about it later once you're admitted this money.

All right?

So I will just go ahead and to tackle both of these. So the first question was what percentage of students play sports. So about 30% of our students are involved in varsity athletics. Net Sony. We do have 24 athletic teams and we are a Division Three school. So then there's a question about average undergraduate rate, and so if you could provide a little bit more context of what your question is that may be great. I'm not sure if your meaning

she admission rate of our undergraduate students. Um, if you're looking at that, it's about 50% some. We also have information on like averages in terms of test scores, or where students are coming from. Things like that. So we I can provide more detailed information if you have that or just kind of detailed. If you have a more detailed question about the undergraduate rate.

But our admission rate is about 50%. If that's what you're asking.

Sorry, when you are entering, I thought I'd type an answer.

You know, as I type, yes, we we do have tons of rock climbing and we even have our own cliffs. Since we are on top of mountain so tons of rock climbing happening and then our next question is about study abroad. Study abroad is another part of the pledge that had talked about before and so similar to the internships. We guarantee that all students can go abroad for a semester at no additional tuition costs. So the idea of that is you could be in. I don't know. Pick a city, Singapore, Taiwan, Rome, Paris.

A man it would be wouldn't cost you in your family anymore than it would be to be at Swanee for a semester. So we have over 200 different programs that we associate with and we also have some of our own study abroad programs like this funny semester in Spain. So those are run by spawning professors. But we also partner with again over 200 different programs and so a lot of our students, if they do choose to go abroad, go abroad in their junior year and so by the time you all get on campus and at your juniors, I would imagine travel will be fine and you can go abroad again and everything will be back to normal, but.

You know it's funny is really great about preparing their students to go abroad and helping them re enter. It's funny when they come back about 2 thirds, 60 ish percent of our students. Do you go abroad at some time during their time at Swanee? So definitely a really wonderful experience. If you want to look into that.

Alright, so there was a question about EOF, and so I'm assuming that is educational opportunity fund and so add Suwannee. We do have access to a lot of programs and opportunities to help students. To be honest, I'm not sure if we have specifically affiliated or have access to provide students with the education opportunity fund, but.

Again, we do have a lot of opportunities for grants, scholarships and financial aid and financial assistance for students and families, so you know, as a your admission counselor, we are resources through that process. But then we also do have our full financial aid office. That's a lot more versed in these exact brands except programs. An exact opportunities to help students financially.

So I am like here in our next question is about acapella and I believe we do have acapella. Yes is the short answer but I do not know much more about our acapella scene. I know we have a lot of really talented musicians in general. I was trying to do a quick search on our website before I started talking, but let's see let me know if you find anything else. I do know that we have a really strong University choir who practices quite often. They travel even a bit and they're really talented. I know we have a lot of music and music majors and minors, and I know there.

Is a Capella, but I don't have the exact details on that for you, but definitely search our website or you know, on our visit form fill out that you would love to learn more about acapella and our visit coordinator who is wonderful. Will find someone who she knows who does acapella and he will be able to talk to you about their own individual experience and connect you with the experts. Since letisha and I do admissions and I don't know about you but I can't sing.

Not at all.

Alright, so question about Greek life. So speak like based on academics or service. And so I'd say at Swanee. It's definitely based on both. We definitely put an emphasis on Academic Achievement, Service, Philanthropy, Leadership, Social Development and so our students that are involved in Greek life are expected to be achieving academically an challenging themselves academically and to be leaders on campus and to be civically engaged in partaking service and Social Development so.

It is a combination of all of those things, so I would say definitely based on both.

So our next question here. So yes, Amanda, most students live on campus all four years, partially because of our location. We were on top of a mountain, so it's not like you can drive 5 minutes and be in the midst of a major city. So and also I think you know the nature of Chinese community. They really care about each other. Students want to live together. They want to interact together and so most of our students will live on campus all four years. I believe the exact percentages like 98 or something.

You know the other 2% like I know we had one student start this year who was a veteran and he's like 27 and so he already had a home in a mortgage. So that would be the exception. But most students will live on campus all four years and freshman can have a car. If you do want one.

Alright, so we have a question about the essay an I think this is a really good question because I've heard a lot about this and you know articles telling students not to talk about prove it in their essays or different things like that. and I think my answer to this would be talk about what resonates with you. You know there's never going to be.

I'm not going to read when I'm going to read essays and say Oh no, they talked about Kobe 19 like throw that one away. You know it, that's never going to happen and I think you know, we understand that this is a very important life event. It's something that many of us have. Will all of us have never been through anything like this in our lives? Many of our parents have never been through anything like this in their lives, and so this is a major life event. And if it's something that has impacted you, then talk about that. I think that the best essay is something that really resonates with you and something that.

Really is special to you and your experience. I think that writing about what you think others may want to hear or what you think they don't want to hear. Uhm, I don't think that's going to produce your best work to be honest, and I think that the purpose of the essay is really for us to get to know you a little bit better on some level in to hear your stories and to hear your experiences. And so I think that if this is something that is beneficial, sorry, it has been really.

Impactful for you during this time then I think talk about that and there's nothing wrong with talking about that in your essay.

And I will also add, I'm not sure, but I have heard talks that the common app might actually add a prompt regarding kovid and so they might, so I don't know, but just keep that in mind that schools you know if they have something model essays, we it's one you do not have any, but if they have supplemental essays and also the common app, they might have a specific question where you can write about your experience and how that has affected you. But again, like what Leticia said, do it works for.

And so these next two questions I will tackle at the same time, because they are both pretty short answers. So the first one the answer is yes. Sony has a numerous intermural end club sports. We have a student just to name a few rugby, tennis, soccer. I know there is a wiffle ball tournament that happens that is an intermural sports, so there's a lot going on for intramural sports. We also have racquetball courts in our gym, so there's a lot of ways to continue playing at sports. If University athlete and the second one.

How hard is it to get involved with this funny outing program? Beyond easy is the answer. So if you show up and you want to, you can and so you know it's again. Sony is really inclusive and we were so outdoorsy and we have this amazing campus. So the outing program will send out emails to the entire campus and be like hey this if you sign up for them of course and be like hey this hike is happening if you want to come meet thanks. Thanks latisha. If you want to meet me here for the hike and logo on the height for an hour or there's a camping trip and we have a limited number of seats sign up and let's go so you know.

It's really what you want to make of it, and if you want to get involved, please go ahead. Get involved and I think that is really exciting and it's a really great group to be apart of.

Alright, so um, we have a question about test optional so I have some good news for you. We are already test optional so we have been a test optional school already and so by being test optional it really leaves that decision to you. You do not have to submit your test scores if you do not want to and so in the application process. If you do not submit your test scores and we will simply look at the other parts of your application to make admission decisions and scholarship decisions. It does not put you at any disadvantage to not submit test scores.

It really is just something that is your choice in your able to do what's best for you in the application process, so feel free to submit your test scores if you would like, but if you do not does not count against you, it does not disadvantage you and it really just allows you to apply without that piece of the puzzle being considered.

Our next question is about essays. So when you apply again, you all apply on the common app, and so there's just the common app essay that everyone has to do I am not exactly sure what the Y us essay is, but we do not require it, and so for Swanee all you need is just the common app essay. So a term supplemental essays some of you might have heard. Some colleges will have oh tell us about a time you did this or tell us why you want to come to Swanee or a number of random questions some might ask, like what your spirit animal is.

We don't have any of that. We know that your senior year is busy enough as is, and you know, we know you are working hard and focusing on your courses. So for us all you need is the common app essay and I think you can. Google Common app prompts an you might get a sense of what they've been in the past, but they're usually pretty general questions, and on the common app, I think there's a choice of four or five, one of them being an open ended question. That's about right. Whatever you want about, so you really do have quite a bit of freedom with that common app essay.

All right and then we have a question about super scoring and the answer is yes. So we do see. Look for your test scores. If you do send them to us. So no matter if you take the AC T 10 times when it comes down to it, we will only see your super score. So don't feel bad or feel anyway about sending in multiple test scores. That's completely OK. We will just super score them and use your highest.

Overall score.

Great question, so this one next one is about dual enrollment and so lucky for you Julia this year. Actually we have just excited started accepting dual enrollment courses, which is awesome because we know they're really rigorous and you guys have been working very hard. So we're very glad to accept them. And So what happens? It's funny is we actually accept them on a one by one basis and that happens through the office of registrar.

And so when we look at your application, so if you're taking advanced courses, whether there depending on your high school, IB, AP Dual enrollment, just advance advance placement like whatever whatever it is at your high school. We look at those and we know that, oh, great, their student is challenging themselves or taking a lot of rigorous courses, and they're probably going to be prepared to do the work at Swanee. And so for dual enrollment specifically, it really just from what I've heard, they're going to count it on an individual basis once you're admitted. So from what I understand, if there is a relative Swanee equivalent.

Of the dual enrollment course you've taken, they will be able to consider that for credit, but again, that happens through the registrar's office and is really happening once you're admitted on a class by class basis.

Oh my goodness, I think we have finally made it to the end of all our questions. Thank you all. These have been really wonderful questions and I hope that we answered them well and you don't have anymore concerns. Will pause for a minute. Let each and I can both cut our emails in here. If you do want to reach out to us and again, feel free to reach out to your regional admission counselor as well, and I think that's going to be a really great resource for you. And we would love to set you up with.

We would love to set you up with a student or also a professor and we had a couple more questions come through. Caroline, I hope you can hear me now. The answer to the dual enrollment question was we look at dual enrollment. As you know, something that is really wonderful and you know in the admission process we are looking at that as you have a lot of rigor happening and you're challenging yourself and you can definitely do the work at Swanee and then also you know we are accounting for credit.

We look at those on a one by one on one course basis by once you're admitted, so those are looked at by the office of the registrar and from my understanding, if there is a Swanee equivalent, then you know you can be eligible for credit, but again, those are looked at by the registrar's office after your admitted to Swanee, so Caroline. Hopefully you heard that. If not I can always type that message to you as well.

Um?

Just like we did have another question as well about AP classes, so this is a good question and so basically if your school does not offer AP classes, will that negatively impact your chances of being admitted? And the answer is no. So we really take the time we do a holistic application review and so we are looking at more than just your grades in just the kind of course is that you've taken we're looking at it in the context of your high school, and so that's why we kind of have areas that we work with students in because we kind of become.

Experts of those areas in those schools an what those schools are offering and so we have ways to see things at your schools are offering and so you're never going to be. You're never going to be put in a disadvantage for not taking something that wasn't offered to you, and so it definitely is something that we're looking in the context of your school and saying, OK, hey, this is what they had to offer. How did you challenge yourself in what was being offered to you is how we kind of do that process and look at those things. So even just when we're looking at your transcript, it's not just about your GPA.

Um, because we understand that if you're really challenging yourself, maybe you don't have straight A pluses, you know, and then we really do look at it. On the flip side as well, so we take all of those things into consideration and will never put you at a disadvantage for not taking things that were offered to you.

Cap.

And I'm thinking that yeah, figured it out. That time I'm typing the answer Caroline to your question, so hopefully you'll be able to read if you can't hear.

And so I'll just continue to chat as well and answer the next question. So sic sorry essay T subject test so we do not look at essay T subject test. So if you are taking those for other colleges that is great, but it's not something that's necessary or something that we look at in the application process. Epsilon E.

And the next question is weighted or unweighted GPA. So us in admissions for every school for every student we look at the weighted GPA, so that's good for you. You know, if you have waited course, it is good job. But again, like that Asia said, we're doing a really holistic review, so we're never going to penalize you for something that you're high school didn't offer. So you know, Amanda, that's awesome. If you have all IB classes, that's really great. And if you don't, you're high school. That's OK too. So I always tell students, you know we're not comparing apples and oranges. 'cause That's not fair.

So we're looking at you in the context of your high school, and so we do take the weighted GPA. If you have a weighted GPA, but our job is admission counselors is also to know you're high schools. That's why were split up around the region. And so for example, the mid Atlantic High School is letisha knows super well. My territory. High schools I know super well and so I know what they offer and what's available and so we know kind of what you're doing in the context of your own high school and that's our job.

Alright, so question about letters of recommendation. So we do require two with the application. So we want to see one letter from a teacher. We prefer it to be a core subject teacher within your junior or senior year. And then we're also looking to see a letter of recommendation from your college counselor on your high school guidance counselor. So those are the two letters of recommendation that are required with the application, but we will accept up to two more as well. If you feel that there are other folks that can speak to you, such as a coach.

Or we definitely want it to be somewhat innovent academic or professional setting. We know that your mom will have nothing but amazing things to say about you, so we really want to see those letters of recommendation come from other academic settings. So or professional setting. So again, a coach or another teacher, or a supervisor. Things like that are things that you can add in. It's definitely nothing that is. It's completely optional. If you only submit the two that I required, you're not put in any disadvantage. That is perfectly OK.

But if you really feel that an extra letter of recommendation or two will really help, speak to who you are as a student, then feel free.

So this I will never more question. It's the last one in here right now. But even if more come in, we're going to have to stop at this question because we're almost at our time limit. But if you do have further questions or maybe something that is individual to you, definitely reach out to Letitia and I and we are happy to help you after this webinars over the next one is about athletes studying abroad. So yes is the short answer. Athletes are able to study abroad. I think I'm one of the athletic liaisons in the office. I'm trying to think through.

All the coaches do allow their students to study abroad. The hardest season to study abroad is the winter because you kind of overlap in both semesters. So, for example, if you play basketball, you might have to do a summer program 'cause you might have to miss part of a season to go abroad for a full semester one way or the other. Or you know, for example, if you go to Australia or South America, they're on a different semester schedule, so their semester start in March. So if you're a winter sport, you could probably make that work. So I think you know it's really about talking with your coach and seeing what would be best for them and what they suggest, but absolutely.

Students are encouraged to study abroad. I think you know us as a community and coaches all encourage you to do so, and you know, become a global citizen and have a new experience so you know nine times outta 10. The answer is yes, and it's quite easy, and sometimes there might be a little ways where you have to jiggle it to make it work, but it usually almost always works out.

OK, um great, so thank you all for joining us today and for your amazing questions. It was such such a great time to be here talking to you. And yeah, thank you again. Then we hope you all stay safe, stay healthy and enjoy your summers.

Yes, absolutely, and again feel free to reach out if you have any questions.