Should Non-Attendance at a College Virtual Information Session Hurt Your Application?
For many high school seniors and international students, securing a place at their dream college involves multiple steps. One of these steps can be attending a virtual information session. However, unforeseen circumstances can sometimes prevent students from attending these sessions. This raises the question: does missing a virtual information session impact your chances of admission at your dream college?
Exploring Your Options
If you have registered for a virtual information session at a college, such as Williams College, and you were unable to attend, there are steps you can take to address this. It is advisable to reach out to the college admissions office and explain the situation. Mention that something unavoidable prevented you from attending the session and assure them that you remain highly interested in the institution.
While missing the session may not be ideal, it does not necessarily reflect poorly on your application. Successful applicants often have a variety of ways in which they demonstrate their interest in a school. If you have attended other virtual tours or submitted other forms of interest, your application will still be considered.
Demonstrating Interest
Admissions counselors often look for demonstrated interest in the colleges to which applicants apply. However, it is important to understand that demonstrated interest does not solely revolve around attendance at information sessions. Other forms of engagement, such as submitting insightful essays, actively participating in interviews, and showing consistent interest through various communication channels, can also contribute to your profile.
According to the Common Data Set, colleges use a variety of methods to determine and record student interest. These methods may include online activity tracking, form submissions, and attendance at events. Each college may have its own criteria and may weigh demonstrated interest differently. Therefore, it is always a good idea to check the Common Data Set or the college's official website for specific information related to your chosen institution.
What Next?
While missing a virtual information session won't hurt your chances of admission, it is an opportunity that you may have missed. Sending a follow-up note to the admissions office to express your continued interest and highlighting any other forms of engagement you have with the college can serve as a strong positive impression. This allows you to showcase your considerate and proactive nature, which can be a valuable trait in the eyes of the admissions committee.
Additionally, attending other available sessions and actively engaging with the college's resources can further demonstrate your investment in the institution. Whether it's through virtual tours, webinars, or other available resources, taking the initiative to stay connected shows your enthusiasm and commitment.
In conclusion, while non-attendance at a virtual information session may not be ideal, it does not necessarily harm your application. By reaching out and showing continued interest, you can still present a strong and well-rounded application. Remember, the admissions process is comprehensive and considers a range of factors to determine the best fit for each student.
Final Thoughts
It is exciting to have a dream school, as I did with Williams College, but it is also important to apply to other schools as well to ensure a range of options for your future. Good luck with your application process and all your academic goals!