Direct Admission generates pathways to college success
High school students are often overwhelmed by the college admissions process. First, they have to choose their college. Completing online forms, testing and paperwork are daunting tasks. Then they have to wait on pins and needles to see if they’ve been accepted.
Mary Conniff can take a deep breath.
The Coeur d’Alene High School senior already has been admitted to the University of Idaho through Direct Admissions, a relatively new state Board of Education initiative to increase college enrollment by approving qualified students. She received an acceptance letter to the university this fall.
“I was excited to go, but I wasn’t sure if it would happen,” says Mary. “When I got the confirmation letter, I thought, ‘Hey, there’s nothing holding me back.’ It felt pretty nice. Being a senior can be stressful. Now I have those options covered.”
Mary, 17, will pursue her International Studies degree next fall. She will be a first generation college student who comes from a low-income family. Already the University of Idaho is guiding her through uncharted waters, including assisting her with grants and scholarships.
“My parents have no experience with this kind of thing,” says Mary, who appreciates the advising staff at the university. “I was worried I wouldn’t be able to qualify, but they said there was no way I could not go. My background wasn’t going to stop me from moving forward.”
The number of Idaho residents who continue their education beyond high school is well below the national average. To help solve this problem, UI President Chuck Staben helped launch a direct admissions initiative that simplifies the process.
“Direct Admissions changes the conversation from ‘Should I go to college?’ to ‘Where should I go to college?’” Staben said. “We want every college-ready student to know early in his or her senior year of high school, ‘Yes, you can go.’”
The University of Idaho hosted “Enroll Idaho” events at more than 40 locations across the state this fall. Mary and more than 100 students attended events in North Idaho, said Melissa Garrett, the Director of Regional Recruitment for the University of Idaho in Coeur d’Alene. She said those prospective students who received a Direct Admissions letter need to apply by Feb. 15, 2016
“If they miss the deadline, their spot in the fall semester won’t be guaranteed,” said Garrett. “They could still get in, but it’s very important to meet that deadline. They could miss out on priority financial aid.”
Important deadlines and information
Learn more about what the University of Idaho has to offer www.uidaho.edu/prospective-students
The application deadline for Direct Enroll Program is Feb. 15, 2016.
Students should complete their Free Application for Federal Student Aid by Feb. 15, 2016. Students can start the process on Jan. 1, 2016.
Don’t fall for online scam sites that charge to help with finding financial aid or scholarships, or even applying for college admission.
Talk to your high school counselor about college.
Financial aid resources
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid: www.FAFSA.gov
Free scholarship searches www.fastweb.com www.gocollege.comwww.scholarships.com
-- Story written by Marc Stewart.
Marc Stewart is Director of Sponsored Content for the Coeur d’Alene Press. He can be reached at mstewart@cdapress.com or 208-664-8176, ext. 2011.