You asked, so here goes...

Thank you to everyone who left me comments from my last update...I'm going to do my best to keep up!

I'm going to address some of your questions in general and if I need to clarify anything -- feel free to keep leaving me your comments.

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WHAT ARE MY CHANCES OF GETTING IN?

Some students asked me what their chances are of being accepted, and the truth is that there is no way to predict if you're going to be admitted.

Since we're a private university, admission decisions are based on the competitiveness of a student applicant among all students who have applied for admission. The application process is very involved, and the only concrete thing I can share with you is that the committee takes great care in reviewing all applications.

If you're very interested in applying to UM, I would encourage you to apply. We won't know if you're admissible until you've applied and have been properly reviewed by the committee.

I would also encourage students who are very interested in UM to apply under an early option. We offer both Early Decision and Early Action (both have a November 1 deadline). Our website offers more details about these options.

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SPEAKING OF APPLYING EARLY - If I apply early, am I obligated to enroll?

If you apply under the Early DECISION option (as most college will offer this as an option) and you're accepted, then typically -- yes, you're obligated to withdraw all other applications and enroll in that college. You'll want to clarify that college's specific conditions, but generally, that is how Early DECISION works.

Early DECISION is not an option to take lightly. Wherever you apply, if you're applying Early Decision, I would strongly advise you speak with your school counselor about how this impacts your college application process.

Many colleges, UM included, offer an Early ACTION option -- where you apply early, receive a decision relatively early in the process, but you're still able to keep your options open. Typically, you're given until May 1 to make your final decision. You're not obligated (typically) to enroll under this option. Again, check with your college about their specific conditions.

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SCHOLARSHIPS and FINANCIAL AID

UM offers academic scholarships to incoming students. For more details about what academic credentials we look for, I advise that you visit our scholarships website.

David asked if we have a community service scholarship -- the answer is that our scholarships are only awarded based on your academic credentials, but that doesn't mean these scholarships can't be earned from outside (non-college specific) organizations. You might want to see if someplace like http://www.fastweb.com/ has some leads on scholarships you can apply for and use wherever you choose to go to college.

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TUITION RATES

Tuition is approximately $34,834 per academic year. Some of you asked about out-of-state rates, but since we're private, this is the tuition rate for all students.

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AMERICAN SIGN LANGUAGE

While we offer a variety of language courses, American Sign Language is not one of them. For more information on the languages we do offer, please go to our Modern Languages and Literature department website.

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HOW DO YOU KNOW IF MY SCHOOL IS COMPETITIVE?

When you apply, we ask your counselor to send us your transcripts along with information about your high school. Your high school's profile will provide us with information about your curriculum and the classes you're taking.

Please be aware that when we review an applicant for admission, we do not compare you to other applicants from other schools. We look at you in the context of your high school. We look at what classes you chose to take among the classes offered by your respective high school. There is no need to worry about grading practices, systems and scales at other schools.

When we look at an applicant, we're looking for a student who has a strong academic performance in comparison to his/her classmates. In that light, I advise that you concentrate on performing to the best of your ability at your respective school.

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I'll tackle more of your questions later on this week.

I'd like to see your application on my desk by Nov. 1st

It's that time of the year! The University of Miami is now looking for the members of the Class of 2013.

To all of the students on our mailing list, I've put a copy of our newest viewbook in the mail for you, and our fall 2009 application is now available online.

Here are some things that I think will make the application process smooth and easy for you:

1. Create your Cane ID account so that you can apply online. Applying online is fast, secure, and you save $10 on your application fee.
2. Applying early gives you an advantage in admission and scholarship consideration.
3. It's never too early to start gathering your supporting documents for your admission file.

So...when is the application due? NOVEMBER 1 for Early Decision and Early Action; and JANUARY 15 for Regular Decision.

And if you're planning to apply to the Frost School of Music or the BFA Theatre program, you must apply through Regular Decision (Jan. 15 deadline) and schedule an audition.

What else would you like to know before you apply? Tell me and I'll blog about it next.

>>TAKE OUR POLL: How did you FIRST HEAR about the University of Miami? Vote now.

Here are two more of my cents regarding test scores and the admission process...

ABOUT ACCEPTABLE/AVERAGE TEST SCORES...

kbxheartsxyou and welsey asked about acceptable test scores and averages:
What is the average test score that gets you accepted to your university?
Great question. My advice: Our average SAT among admitted freshmen is a 1320 (Critical Reading and Math sections only). Our average ACT among admitted freshmen is 30. This is our most updated information for this most recent admitted student class.

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TYPOS...oops

Jake Rock pointed out a typo in my original message. Oops. Thanks, Jake, and I hope that you still keep posted on my blogs and e-mails even with my typos!

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ABOUT COMPOSITE SCORES...

Mike S. and caroline mosley said...
Does Miami take the single best composite score, or do they combine sub-scores from multiple tests and create a better composite?

My advice: UM will combine sub-scores from multiple tests and create your best composite for your application review. In other words, it's best to send us all of your test scores!

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CONCERNS ABOUT TEST SCORES and SCHOLARHIPS...

cryptic said...

I'm really kind of bothered that the 1600 scale is used to filter out scholarship funds. My personal scores are much higher in reading and writing (720 apiece) and lower in math (620). I feel that one of the subject areas that I excel in is being ignored. I think that students would feel better about losing possible funding if you took into consideration their entire performance on the test, rather than 2/3 of it.

Oh, and for whatever it's worth, I also feel that standardized test scores are too large a factor in your scholarship designations. While I'm a valedictorian, I could only receive $11, 000 from your scholarship program, making the University of Miami as expensive as any ivy league and financially unattainable. I would guess that a lot of talented students don't even apply as a result, and I could not even imagine trying to apply without some hope of someday paying off the costs of college. It might be something to consider, as I am sure that I am not the only student who will likely not be applying because of their weakest test score.

My advice and response:
I respect where you're coming from, cryptic. The reason we only use critical reading and math is because we do not know enough about the essay portion and our students' performance levels on that section to use it for the admission decision itself. We have a long history with the critical reading and math portions, and when the SAT added the essay portion, we decided that at this time, we would not use the essay portion.

Your essay portion still matters, though. We would expect that if you performed well on this section, that this performance is reflected in your competitive English courses and grades.

Regarding your concerns about the role of test scores in our scholarship awards -- if you're a class valedictorian, I would still encourage you to apply. Keep in mind that the scholarship guidelines we publish are merely guidelines, and the decisions we make are based on the whole of the information you present in your application. You're not locked in to any particular level -- but we are often asked about where a student should be academically if he/she would like to be competitive for a scholarship.

Try not to rule us out just yet, cryptic. I hope you still considering applying and allow our committee to look at all of your accomplishments for your application review. Best of luck.

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SHOULD I REALLY SEND EVERYTHING...

anonymous said...
Hi,

I took the ACT with writing in June and received a composite score. I took the ACT for the state in April and I scored one point higher on Math than I did in June, but I had a lower total ACT composite score (by 1 point). My English and Reading were the same but my Science was lower on the April test.

Do you want me to send both the April and June ACT scores to you? Or would you prefer just the highest composite score?Thanks

My advice: Send us everything and let us sort out for your best score. We may come out with something different and you won't know that unless you send us everything!

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WHAT ABOUT FULL SCHOLARHIPS...

Anonymous said...
How high would our Sat and Act scores have to be to recieve a full scholarship from UM?

My advice: We're looking for students with a 1500 SAT or a 34 ACT in order to be considered for a full tuition scholarship.

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WHAT IF MY TEST SCORES AREN'T "THERE"...
Anonymous said...
If i have a good GPA of, let's say 3.8 but my SAT scores are not there, can i still go to college?

My advice: Of course you should still consider college even if you're not that confident about your scores. You should consider a wide range of options based on your academic achievements.

If you're concerned about the strength of your test scores, you should discuss your concerns with your guidance counselor. He/she will have some great advice about your options, especially if you have strong grades.

Don't be discouraged! I'm sure you will have some great options, and if you're very interested in UM, you should still apply and allow the committee to review your entire application.

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SAT SUBJECT TESTS...

Anonymous said...
How much of a help will SAT subject tests be?
My advice: We don't use SAT subject test scores for general admission, so you can hold on to your subject test scores for your UM application. However, if you're applying for the Dual Degree program in Medicine (www.miami.edu/dualdegree) then you will need to submit SAT subject test scores for that supplemental application process.

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And my favorite comment from anonymous was "u guys rock". So simple but so encouraging. Keep your questions coming!

How much do test scores influence the admission decision?

SAT/ACT test scores are just one of the many factors that are taken into consideration when applications are reviewed for admission.

In all, we look at:

• Grades and level of difficulty of courses
• SAT/ACT test score(s)
• Counselor evaluation form
• Essay
• List of activities and honors achieved

If you're looking at test scores and wondering how to maximize your strength as an applicant, my advice is to be sure that all of your test scores (if taken multiple times) are sent to UM. UM uses the best/highest composite score among all your tests taken when we review applications for admission.

Another helpful piece of advice is to ask other colleges you're considering whether or not they look at your best composite score. This will help you decide what scores to send to what college when you apply.

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More advice about letters of recommendation...

From someone who is on our mailing list, they offered this advice:

Give the to the teacher's of your favorite(best grade) subjects...they are probably the most likely to give you a positive letter!

I agree. You want to be sure to ask for letters from people who you know will say great things about you!

QUESTIONS I'VE COLLECTED:

WHAT IF I'M HOMESCHOOLED and my mom wants to write me a letter?

My advice: As a homeschooled applicant, your parent is welcome to write a letter of recommendation since they also serve as your counselor.

We will accept a letter from her, even if she's your mom!We would also recommend that you ask another non-relative to write you a letter of recommendation -- maybe someone you've worked with, an employer, or someone in your community that you've had some positive experiences with.

CAN OTHER PEOPLE WRITE A LETTER FOR ME?

Question: im 100 percent to attend to UM I have a question, every saturday I attend to a programn that is call the open bound programm in florida national college so i want to know if they also can write me a recommendation letter

My advice: You're welcome to have someone from the program(s) you're involved in to write you a letter of recommendation. Just be sure to send in the required letter from your guidance counselor.

WHO SHOULD I ASK FOR A LETTER AND HOW MANY SHOULD I HAVE?

Question from morgan: I have been considering who to ask for letters of recommendation, but I am not sure who to ask. There are many people who could give me great recommendations, but I am not sure who to ask. Is it bad to have too many letters of recommendation, even if they are all good? How many letters of recommendation should I have? Thank you for your suggestions and help.

My advice: You should aim for quality letters over quantity. I think that having 2-3 handy for various applications is a good idea -- but you may need more depending on the application. You should try to get your list down to 2-3 people who know you very well and ask if they wouldn't mind writing a letter on your behalf.

SHOULD I WAIT UNTIL I APPLY TO SEND THE LETTER?

Question from Larry: Yes, I was wondering if you have to have a letter yet if you have not filled out an application form yet? I am planning on attending Miami. Do I have them send it in now or wait until i send in my application, and if so how many days do I wait until i send the letters behind that. Thankyou, Larry

My advice: You might want to hold on sending your letter(s) until your application file is open. That way, we'll easily be able to identify the letters and file them to your application. You don't have to wait long after applying. It is a good idea to at least be sure the application is filed before you send more materials.

WILL I NEED MORE THAN ONE LETTER?

Question: Will more than one letter of recommendation be needed when applying?

My advice: As far as the University of Miami is concerned, we only require one letter from your guidance counselor. You're welcome to send up to 2-3, but please be sure to at least send one for your UM file.

KEEP 'EM COMING! All great questions. Your advice is welcome too!

Letters of Recommendation: Make sure they recommend you!

(It's true. In my years of admission counseling, I've actually come across letters of recommendation that did not recommend the student for admission.)

All joking aside, a great letter of recommendation gives the admission committee an idea of your character beyond the basic information you provide in your application.

Here are some tips for letters of recommendation that I've found myself passing on to college applicants:

• Choose wisely! Ask for letter(s) from teachers, counselors and/or employers who have had positive experiences in working with you


• Letters from famous people should only be used if that person has worked directly with you. We're more impressed by a sincere, well-written letter from a teacher who has known you and worked with you than a letter from a famous person or public figure who is only an acquaintance.


• Talk to the teacher, counselor and/or employer that you're asking to write a letter on your behalf, and provide them with a resume or list of activities. They'll feel more comfortable talking both about their direct experiences with you and supplement the letter with other information about your accomplishments.


• Give the person plenty of time to think about the letter, write it and send it to the college you're applying to


• Provide a stamped and addressed envelope for the letter(s), or instructions on what you'd like the person to do with the completed letter


• Tell the person your application deadline, or else, a date by which you'd like the letter to be completed.


• Quality over quantity -- don't overdo it! Two or three letters are sufficient to have for your applications, unless a college has otherwise requested. You'd rather have 2-3 quality letters submitted by people who know you well than submit 10 letters written by people who "sort of" know you.

Above all, be sure to thank the person for taking the time to help you with your college application process.

...And hey, when you get into the college of your choice, you should make it a point to tell the people who wrote you letters of recommendation -- because they played an important part of you getting admitted!

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They Hugged the Lake!

[First of all, I'm sorry for not posting more often this month. We've had a busy month as the Class of 2012 has made their decisions about where they'd like to be this fall -- and we're thrilled to finally have our class in place!]

On Earth Day, April 22, 2008 -- I got to witness a few hundred UM students show their love to our Lake Osceola and participate in our "Hug the Lake" event. This event was started by our students two years ago, by a student organization called Random Acts of Kindness (RAK). RAK works to do just that -- promote random acts of kindness around campus, and to organize this giant hugging of the lake.

One of my staff members got brave enough to go to the top of one of our dorm towers to take photos, and she's shared them with me. I thought it was also a great way for you to see a truly panoramic view of our campus!

(You can see the chain forming along the lake.)

(This student leader was riding around the lake encouraging more students to join the hug. She got on the campus PA system to get all of the huggers to sing our Alma Mater -- and then the fountain in the middle of the lake came on to celebrate the hug!)

And the huggers got pizza, compliments of RAK and the event sponsors.

These are the kinds of events that I really look forward to around campus -- and I can only hope that our future classes ensure that such simple acts of kindness towards each other and the campus will continue.

Congratulations to RAK for a successful hug!

Question: What kind of school events have you done in high school that you think you'd like to add to our traditions?