The OLINformer

October 16, 2007

Hello, my name is Allison and I am an Admissions nerd…

Filed under: Admission Info, FYI, Allison — Allison Bahme @ 7:41 pm

Yes, it’s true. I admit it. And if my involvement at our recent National Association for College Admission Counseling (a.k.a. NACAC) Conference in Austin was any indication, I’m a hopeless case! So consider me “Julie, your Cruise Director” for College Search/Admission Resources…

…(if you don’t get the reference, brush up on your 80’s TV shows)…

First of all, I don’t think I ever explained in my blog post last year what NACAC actually does. Silly me! Our mission:

The National Association for College Admission Counseling will support and advance the work of counseling and enrollment professionals as they help all students realize their full educational potential, with particular emphasis on the transition to postsecondary education. NACAC is committed to promoting high professional standards that foster ethical and social responsibility.

Last year, I joked that our national conference is where all of your counselors and college admission folk sit around and talk about YOU, but of course that’s not entirely true…heheh… Actually, one of the things I enjoy most about being at such a small place like Olin is that when I run into one of your counselors and I’m asked about one of our current students, the chances are very good that I not only know who s/he is talking about but that I probably have recently had a conversation (or lunch or played soccer) with that student! I *love* that! But I digress…

Secondly, what made this year’s conference different for me was that I am now a member of a NACAC committee (there are also state and regional associations/committees) and we meet several times a year, one of which is at the national conference. I’ve still got a lot to learn, but just listening to my committee colleagues and taking the opportunity to observe the Assembly - our governing body that initiates, advises and provides consent on association and professional issues - in session was quite educational!

That said, I just want to take a few moments to let y’all know about some resources on the NACAC website that may be of interest to you and your parents:

Statement of Students’ Rights and Responsibilities - Yep, y’all have the right to certain information about colleges and universities, and about how much it costs to go to college. The U.S. government requires that colleges and universities provide prospective students with that information.

Definitions of Admission Options in Higher Education - Confused by the various admission decisions… Regular decision? Early Action? Early Decision?!? This handout will help clarify your options.

National College Fairs - These college fairs allow you to interact with admission representatives from a wide range of colleges and universities; they are typically quite large and offer something for everyone!

Well, I think that’s enough shop-talk for now. Hope everyone is enjoying autumn - go out and frolic in the leaves (or whatever one does in your neck of the woods)!