Mock Application Review
Session
COLORADO STATE UNIVERSITY
Professional Development Institute
1-06-10
Renee Orlick and Jim Rawlins
Office of Admissions
Overview
To ensure that each applicant to Colorado State
University receives the utmost consideration for
admission, the Office of Admissions at Colorado
State University utilizes a holistic application
review.
This approach recognizes that academic preparation
may take several forms and that students
contribute to the campus community in a variety of
ways.
Colorado State University Office of Admissions January 2010
Assumptions
Recognize the importance of coursework in the
high school curriculum regarding number of
courses completed and the academic rigor of
those courses.
Recognize the importance of meeting state
requirements as set forth by CCHE.
Recognize that the university has deemed non-
academic factors, personal characteristics and
individual experiences as important and positive
for the campus community.
Colorado State University Office of Admissions January 2010
Academic Performance
The holistic review approach emphasizes
course selection, rigor, and academic
performance and deemphasizes test
scores.
Colorado State University will continue to
admit students who are academically
prepared for the rigors of our classrooms.
Typical incoming student F’08 (mid 50%)
GPA: 3.2-3.8
ACT Composite: 22-26
SAT Combined: 1020-1220
Colorado State University Office of Admissions January 2010
Academic Rigor
Course selection, including senior year
Priority Consideration- meets CSU Priority Standards or HEAR 10
Requirements with at least a 3.25 GPA or HEAR 08 with at least a
3.5 GPA
English Math Natural Social Foreign Academic
Science Science Language Electives
CSU Priority 4 4 3 3 2 2
Standards
HEAR 10 4 4 3 3 1 2
Requirements
HEAR 08 4 3 3 3 0 2
Requirements
Level of course work- Honors, AP, IB, college level work
Consistently good performer or upward trend
Colorado State University Office of Admissions January 2010
Academic Assessment
Based on combination of GPA, test scores,
course selection and rigor, applicants are
divided into three categories:
Priority Candidates
move through the process quickly and
considered for scholarship.
Strong Candidates
might require some additional discussion
Potential Candidates
require the most discussion
Colorado State University Office of Admissions January 2010
Colorado State University- PDI Office of Admissions January, 2010
Personal Assessment
Active Participant
Involved in activities outside the classroom through school, church, community or family.
Demonstrates commitment to one or more activities/causes.
Community Service
Participates and is involved in the community (school, church, neighborhood)
Desire to help or service others, to “give back” or to contribute to the larger society.
Demonstrates contribution(s) to the community (service projects, for example)
Leadership
Has demonstrated leadership experience or shows interest in taking on leadership roles.
Demonstrates responsibility through participation in activities in and out of school, at
home, or in the community.
Takes initiative
Other
Demonstrates persistence and an ability to overcome obstacles.
Brings a diverse or unique perspective to campus.
Contributes to family well being by working or caring for siblings, parents, etc
Level of engagement is more important than the number of activities
Colorado State University Office of Admissions January 2010
The Process
Complete applications are reviewed by
individual readers; often according to
recruitment territory.
Each Reader:
Comments on Academic
Rigor/Performance
Comments on Personal Qualities
Makes a recommendation for admission
Reader enters comments, a decision and an
assessment into an online form.
Files are then routed to committee or to
processing based on recommendation.
Colorado State University Office of Admissions January 2010
Today’s Process
Review 3-5 files, as time allows
Each file contains the following:
Cover sheet with general information
High School Transcript
Personal Statement (Essay)
Letter(s) of Recommendation
Any relevant supplemental information
Each individual will read each file, make
comments and indicate an admissions
recommendation (in the space allowed on the
cover sheet).
Each small group will discuss the file and come
to consensus
Larger group discussion/Wrap up
Colorado State University Office of Admissions January 2010