Tag: Admissions

Spring is the time of year that excites and inspires everyone involved in the college admissions process.  College admissions offices have made it through the winter with its blizzard of applications, transcripts and test scores.  In Raleigh, the flowers are starting to bloom and signs of new growth are everywhere.  Admissions decisions for the freshman class are complete, and we have tremendous hope for the future. 

College admissions offices are making the final selections for their freshman class.  Many applicants will be ecstatic being selected.  Others will be very disappointed that they were not admitted.   Was it my test score?  Were my mid-year grades not high enough?  Was my essay not strong enough?  Did I not take enough AP courses?

On the flipside, students are selecting their school for next fall.  NC State spends a lot of time and energy trying to encourage great students to enroll.  In our admissions office there is a lot of disappointment when a student that we have admitted chooses to go to another college.  We ask why?  Was it our brochure?  Was it our campus tour?  Was it our website?  Was it the scholarship at the other school?  How could a student ever choose to attend that “other” college instead of  NC State.  We know we are so much better. 

We want answers.  Unfortunately, there is never a simple answer. 

Just as many factors go into the selection of the freshmen class at NC State, the decisions of high school students on college attendance are influenced by many factors.  We try to get to know applicants by reading their applications, and pouring over their transcripts.  While we may have loved an applicant’s essay, the grades or test scores may not have made the applicant competitive.  Students try to get to know NC State by researching on-line, talking to people on campus and visiting.  A freshman applicant may have loved the campus tour, but does not want a large school.  We may be favorably impressed with an applicant’s test scores and extracurricular activities, but not impressed by their grades.  Maybe an admitted applicant was impressed by the research facilities and internship opportunities, but just likes another school slightly better. 

There are no simple answers for applicants or for colleges.  Applicants and colleges must each move forward with their plans for the summer and fall.

NC State has made admissions offers after reviewing over 18,000 freshmen applications.  We have selected a great group of freshmen!  Admitted students include students with wonderful academic qualifications and tremendous experiences in their background.  When summer arrives, we expect 4,700 freshmen to attend orientation in July and enroll this August.  They will be some of the best and brightest that the world has to offer.

Good Morning Folks!

I hope you are all enjoying your first day of Spring!  This will be my last blog entry within the Undergraduate Admissions Office.  I have been offered a wonderful opportunity on campus to work with students within Student Affairs and must leave the place that I have called my second home for over three years.

But I leave you all in great hands!  Dana Troutman, our staff world traveler, will serve as the staff blogger for our office.  Dana will be able to answer any and all of your questions, as well as showing you more of what NC State and Raleigh, NC has to offer you.

Passing the Torch!

For my students and parents that I have met or spoken with throughout this admissions cycle:  Thank you for your patience!  We know it is not easy playing the waiting game and we appreciate your patience of that.  In the next week or two, students will receive their final admissions decisions.  Our office has done its absolute best in building a strong and diverse freshman class.  Whether you are a prospective freshman or transfer student, I wish you all the best of luck!

To my fellow college representatives:  Keep it all the way classy!  Have fun on the next recruitment season but be safe!

To the Undergraduate Admissions Staff:  Thank you all for allowing me to work with such great people like yourself!  Remember to smile at the little things and laugh hysterically when you want to.  I appreciate all that you do!

The great people in my office are just a small glimpse of the awesome people (students, faculty and staff) that make NC State such a great place to be.  If you have not had the opportunity to come visit, we offer campus information sessions and tours everyday (excluding University holidays).  You can register for such events via your WolfPAW account.

Final Self-Portrait!

 

Hello! Welcome to the Undergraduate Admissions Office Blog! Allow me to introduce myself. I am Courtney Simpson, Assistant Director for the Office of Undergraduate Admissions here at the great North Carolina State University (and yes, I like to type the entire name). I am so excited to serve as the first blogger from the Admissions Office. I hope that you will find this blog to be not only informative but entertaining. Before I get too technical (i.e. boring), let me tell you just a little about myself.

I am a 2001 graduate of South Johnston High School (GO TROJANS!) in Four Oaks, NC. I came to NC State University in the fall of 2001 and graduated in May 2005 with a degree in Mediated Communication and a minor in Parks, Recreation, and Tourism. While in high school, I was involved in Mass Media and had dreams of becoming an anchor on Entertainment Tonight (how cool would that have been!). It was only right that when I applied to NC State, I selected a major in Communication.

I applied to a couple of schools in North Carolina but my dream was to attend NC State. After attending African American Visitation Day, I knew that NC State was the school for me. Everyone was so friendly and ready to help answer any and all of my (and my Mom’s) questions. The students, faculty, and staff members made me feel right at home! As soon as I got back from my visitation, with my NC State T-Shirt in hand, I sent in my confirmation to attend. That was the best decision that I’ve made!

While at NC State, I was involved in a lot of different leadership, social, and service organizations. I served as an Orientation Counselor, a Wolf Aide, a Treasurer for the Metcalf Hall Council, Office Manager for the Sullivan Hall Council, and a proud member of a Greek-lettered organization. My experience as an Orientation Counselor really opened my eyes to a career in higher education. I loved working with students one on one and helping ease them into the transition from high school to college. It was a wonderful opportunity!

I also had a lot of fun here too! I went to basketball and football games, concerts, step shows, and forums. I can sing the Red and White Song at the top of my lungs (and no, I do not care who hears me!). I’ve met some great people and mentors at State that I now consider family. I have tripped at least once (once is all I’m claiming) on the bricks in front of the Atrium. I’ve pulled a couple of all-nighters in the spooky towers of DH Hill. I have painted the Free Expression Tunnel. I have taken a midnight trip to Krispy Kreme. I have dodged a falling nut from a tree, which I really believe a squirrel threw at me. I have marched to the Memorial Belltower while it was illuminated in red after beating FSU in football. You name it; I’ve probably done it! And that’s what made my NC State experience so great!

Seven years after stepping onto the NC State campus for the first time, I am still here. I have just completed my Masters of Education degree in Counseling Education (Yay for me and all my fellow 2008 graduates!) and am working in the Admissions Office sharing my story with students and parents like you. I have been with the Admissions Office for close to 3 years and have enjoyed every minute of it! I have the opportunity to travel around the great state of North Carolina and other states on the East Coast. I love meeting the students, parents, and alumni on the road and discussing all the great things that make up North Carolina State University. Some people say that becoming a College Admissions Counselors is just an extension of college life. I think of it as so much more! It allows me the opportunity to meet students who may be aware of all the great things NC State has to offer and to also help students who may think that college is not for them.

My hope is that you use this blog to learn more about NC State and the different people that call NC State their home. I am also interested in hearing what you have to say. So if you have any questions, comments, or concerns, let us know! Post politely!

Our recruitment travel season is in full force! Once I hit the road, I will post pictures and comments from all my exploits. Below are some pictures from our Pack preview Reception held at the Jane S. Mc Kimmon Center on campus. We lost power prior to the reception, so we call this one “The Dark Night.” Thanks to all those who attended!

Where the fun really begins!