Cha’Von Clarke is student recruitment officer at Bermuda College.
Applying for acceptance in college or university can be extremely overwhelming but Admissions 101 will help to ease your stress. First, the admissions process should be divided into two parts: A) the research and B) the application process.
Know the school
1. Familiarise yourself: Visit the college or university website to view the programmes and services available to you. Before you apply to a college or university, research the location of the institution, housing facility, programme offerings, tuition and fees, scholarship and financial aid as well as academic and support services. Know the school before applying.
Begin the application process
1. The application form: Most schools will offer online application forms. If not, write to the admissions office to request a hard copy application form. Regardless of the way you choose to apply, be sure to read all of the questions and details on the application form. Answer the fields the best way you can.
2. The essay: The purpose of the essay is to:
- Reveal your needs and goals while at the college or university
- Demonstrate your writing ability and style
- Handwritten or typed? Some schools require a handwritten essay while others prefer typed.
- Word count — usually the essay is between 200-500 words.
3. The application fee: As part of the application process, most colleges or universities require a processing fee.
The amount is typically between $25 and $50 and may be paid online with the online application form or mailed as a money order or cheque with the hard copy application form.
4. The letter of recommendation: Some schools request a letter or form from a teacher or counsellor to support the student’s ability to succeed at college-level.
5. The affidavit of financial support: Overseas colleges and universities require a letter from the bank to confirm that the applicant can reside in the country without the need to work. Usually they must prove that they have access to at least $20,000-$30,000 per year.
6. The records: Official transcript and academic records must be requested from the high school and sent directly to the college or university. The document should be sealed or unopened. Occasionally, transfer students may be required to send their transcript to a transcript evaluation service such as the Centre for Applied Research, Evaluation and Education, Inc. CAREE evaluates academic credentials completed outside the US in terms of education at accredited institutions in the United States. This is typically requested when the institution the student is transferring from is not accredited.
Results from the SAT, ACT or a placement test may also be required.
7. Government forms: In order for a student to attend an overseas college or university, he/she must receive a special visa from immigration to study in that country. Some schools send the government forms with the application or make them available for download on their website.
8. The medical disclosure form: As part of the Bermuda College application for admission, students must complete a medical disclosure form. Other colleges and universities may also request a letter from your doctor confirming that you are in good health or advising of any illness that may affect your academic progress.
9. The stamped passport, proof of Bermudian status or entry visa: In order for a student to be granted free tuition status at Bermuda College, he or she must have a legal document to prove that he/she is a Bermudian or has Bermudian Status. For UK schools, a British passport is required.
10. The interview: Some schools require an interview with an academic advisor, counsellor or the Dean of Students prior to acceptance at the college or university. If a student’s GPA (grade point average) is under a 2.0, he or she may need to meet with a school representative once the application form and transcript has been received.
Congratulations! You’ve just completed a huge step towards success. What do you do once you’ve submitted a full application? Sit, wait and confirm your financial plan but don’t stress. Everything will work out the way it is supposed to be.
Cha’Von Clarke is student recruitment officer at Bermuda College.