Stevens Institute of Technology: Admissions Blog

November 1 Chat: Transcript and FAQs

Our November 1 chat was a great success. A lot of ground was covered, so our counselors have put together a list of Frequently Asked Questions from the chat:

How do I contact my Admissions Counselor?
Applicants are able to find their admissions representatives by visiting the Find Your Counselor  or Contact links located on the admissions homepage. Feel free to e-mail or call your counselor with any questions about the application process or about Stevens in general. 

If I choose to switch my application from Regular Decision to Early Decision, what additional materials need to be submitted and who do I need to notify?
Candidates wishing to switch their application status from Regular to Early will need to send their admissions counselor an e-mail in order to officially have their application changed.  In addition, ED candidates need to submit the "Early Decision Agreement Form," as well as the "Financial Aid Form for Early Decision" if they intend to qualify for need-based aid. Both forms can be found at  http://www.stevens.edu/undergrad/ED.html. 

How many Clubs/Organizations are offered at Stevens?
There are currently over 120+ clubs/organizations on campus; feel free to check out the growing list of organizations at the Student Life Web site, http://www.stevens.edu/student_life/. If you find that a particular club is missing from the list, Stevens is a place where it is quite easy to start your own!!

For additional FAQs about applying to Stevens, visit http://stevensadmissions.typepad.com/blog/2006/11/applying_to_ste.html

If you missed the November 1 chat, a transcript is now available on our Web site.

To sign up for future chats, visit our chat schedule. Our next chat will be November 20.
 

Frequently Asked Questions About Applying

Have questions about applying to Stevens? Check out our Frequently Asked Questions.

An Application Checklist for Fall 2007

As your senior year begins, the college application process will intensify. To help you manage your time, the Stevens undergraduate admissions staff has prepared a checklist of important steps in the application process you'll need to complete this fall:

Recommendation Letters
Many schools require letters of recommendation. Your teachers and guidance counselors will have many requests from students, so be sure to ask them early! Let them know what you'd like them to focus on, such as particular courses you excelled in, leadership in student groups, community service, et cetera.

Essays
Most colleges require an essay or personal statement. Begin early by making an outline, noting your accomplishments, goals, and any stories you want to tell. After you've written your essay or essays, be sure to share them with a teacher or your parents. It's always good to have another set of eyes read your work!

Interviews
If the schools you are applying to require in-person interviews, be sure to call well in advance to schedule your interview. Give yourself plenty of time to prepare for your interview -- do practice interviews with your family or friends, make sure you have appropriate professional clothing, and make notes on the accomplishments you would like to highlight.

Tests
Be sure to schedule test dates if you still need to take the SAT, ACT, or AP exams. Need help preparing? Visit the Web sites below for helpful hints:

SAT: www.collegeboard.com/student/index.html?student
ACT: www.actstudent.org/
AP: www.collegeboard.com/student/testing/ap/about.html

Early Decision/Early Action
Many colleges offer either Early Decision or Early Action. Policies differ, and can often be confusing. For an example of an Early Decision policy, view Stevens' at www.stevens.edu/undergrad/earlydecision.

Financial Aid
Begin conducting searches for scholarships. Look online or ask your guidance counselor for help. Attend financial aid workshops offered by universities or your high school. To learn more about financial aid and scholarship opportunities, visit www.fastweb.com.

Campus Visits
The best way to get a feel for any campus is to visit! If you haven't already, be sure to schedule your campus visit and make any necessary travel arrangements.

To view more helpful college search resources, visit www.stevens.edu/undergrad/resources.html.

If you have any questions about the application process, do not hesitate to call the Office of Undergraduate Admissions at (800) 458-5323 or e-mail admissions@stevens.edu.

Residence Hall Packing Checklist

What You Can Bring to College!

Pillows and linen for an extra-long single bed
Mattress and pillow protector/pads/covers
Blanket, quilt or comforter
Clothes (summer/fall)
Towels
Bathrobe
Toiletries (toothpaste, soap, deodorant)
Fan
Alarm clock
Carpet*
Shower bucket, shower shoes, sponges
Radio/stereo*
TV, VCR, DVD*
Iron & Board
Refrigerator* (one per room, 4 cubic feet or smaller and less than 6 amps)
Clothes hangers
Money
Vacuum cleaner or broom*
Desk or study lamp and bulbs (NO HALOGEN)
Posters
Stationery/stamps
Things to make your room feel “homey”
Memo board
Snacks and drinks
Crates/storage boxes
Laundry basket or bag
Detergent
Umbrella
Microwave* (one per room, 700 watts or less)

* Coordinate with your roommate and decide who will bring these items

What NOT to Bring to College!

Candles (decorative or otherwise)
Incense or incense holders
Halogen lamps
Alcohol, empties, or alcohol paraphernalia
Electric heaters
Amplifiers
Air conditioners (without medical note and permission from the ORL)
Pets (other than fish)
Toaster ovens or toasters
George Foreman Grills
Coffee makers
Any item with an exposed heating element
A closed mind

For more information on Residence Hall rules and regulations visit the Office of Residence Life Web site.

Financial Aid: Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get started?
To be eligible for financial aid, you must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). In order to receive your financial aid package in time to make your college decision, we recommend you complete the FAFSA no later than February 15. The FAFSA is available online at www.fafsa.ed.gov or a paper copy is available in either your high school guidance office or at any college financial aid office. Please note that the FAFSA must be completed annually in order to be reconsidered for need-based aid.

When will I receive my financial aid package?
Financial aid packages are typically sent out by April 1, provided you have filled out your FAFSA by February 15.

How is my financial aid package amount determined?
Upon completing your FAFSA, a statutory formula is used to determine your Estimated Family Contribution (EFC). The EFC is then subtracted from the Cost of Attendance (tuition/fees, room and board, books, and miscellaneous personal expenses), to determine your Financial Need. All scholarships are then subtracted from your Financial Need to determine if you are eligible for any need-based federal, state, or institutional funds; which can include grants, loans, and/or federal work study.

What if my financial aid package is not enough to cover the cost of my education?
If the awards that you are offered in your financial aid package do not add up to the amount you need to cover your educational costs, you may wish to look into the various available alternative financing options. These options include private education loan programs for parents and/or students and monthly payment plans; learn more at www.stevens.edu/finaid/afo.php. If you feel that you and your family have serious extenuating or unusual financial circumstances, you may submit a letter of appeal to the Financial Aid Office so that your aid package may be reviewed.

How do I apply for scholarships?
Your Stevens application for admission serves as your merit scholarship application. All applicants are considered for merit scholarship awards. If you are involved in the Performing Arts, you should consider applying for our DeBaun Performing Arts Scholarship. This is the only Stevens scholarship that requires an application. You can view and download the application at www.stevens.edu/undergrad/fin_aid.html. To learn more about additional outside scholarship opportunities, please visit www.fastweb.com and www.stevens.edu/finaid/scholarships.php.

How can I earn money to support my education?
Federal Work Study, a need-based employment program, allows students to earn $7.15/hr while working for a department on campus. If you are eligible for Federal Work Study, it will be awarded to you in your Financial Aid package. Stevens' Cooperative Education Program is another way many students earn money while gaining valuable work experience; learn more at www.stevens.edu/undergrad/coop_ed.

What is the difference between a loan, a grant, and a scholarship?
A loan must be re-paid, and in some cases, will accrue interest immediately. A grant is a financial aid award that is based on financial need and does not need to be re-paid. A scholarship is a financial aid award based on excellence in a given area (such as academics or the arts) and does not need to be re-paid.

Need to decipher the FAFSA? We can help. Join us for a Financial Aid Workshop on Saturday, January 20 or Saturday, January 27. Make a reservation online today at www.stevens.edu/undergrad/financialaidworkshop.

Early Decision II: Is it right for you?

Why should I choose Early Decision II?
Perhaps you weren’t ready to commit to one college as early as November. Now that you’ve learned more about the opportunities at Stevens, have visited our campus, or attended an event, perhaps you’ve decided that Stevens is the school for you. If that’s the case, you should consider submitting your application in time for Early Decision II.

What are the benefits of Early Decision II?
If you are accepted under the Early Decision plan, you will know by February 15th where you are going to college, and you can enjoy the rest of your senior year. You will also receive earlier notification of all need- and merit-based aid. If you plan to apply for financial aid, you should submit the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) between January 1 and January 15. Applications for need-based aid will be considered upon submission of the FAFSA.

What are my Early Decision responsibilities?
Early Decision II carries the same requirements as Early Decision I.

You must sign and return the Early Decision Agreement Form to us indicating that Stevens is your first-choice school. You can download the form from our Web site at www.stevens.edu/undergrad/earlydecision.

If you are accepted to Stevens and deposit, you will then need to withdraw all applications from other colleges.

When is my application due?
To be considered in the Early Decision II pool, your application must be received by January 15, 2008.

What if I already submitted my regular decision application and decide to switch to Early Decision II?
Simply send us a signed copy of the Early Decision Agreement form and a note indicating that you’d like to be considered under the earlier deadline.

How will I learn about my financial aid package?
As an Early Decision candidate, you will receive a priority financial aid package. Please submit your FAFSA as soon as it becomes available after January 1, 2008, but no later than January 15th. Be sure to use the Stevens code, 002639, on your form, and submit it to the federal government. All applicants are considered for merit awards regardless of whether they submit the FAFSA.

Do the application requirements change for Early Decision II?
No. We still require official test scores, transcripts, guidance and teacher recommendations, an interview, and a personal statement. We also ask that you submit your first quarter or mid-term grades.

How do I apply?
Use our online application at www.stevens.edu/undergrad/instructions or the The Common Application, found at www.commonapp.org.

Applying to Stevens: Frequently Asked Questions

What criteria does Stevens Institute of Technology consider when reviewing applications?
The admissions committee considers your high school grades, standardized test scores (SAT and/or ACT), your personal statement, the admissions interview, and teacher and guidance counselor recommendations. Also, your participation in extra-curricular activities (such as athletics, the arts, school clubs and organizations, et cetera), community service, or work experience is considered.

When do I schedule my interview; before I apply or after?  You can schedule your interview before OR after you apply to Stevens.  If you already know a day and time that you would like to visit our campus and conduct your interview but you have not sent in your application yet, that is fine.  Simply call our office at 800-458-5323 to schedule the day and time that you are planning.  Otherwise, if you have not completed your interview at the time that you decide to submit your application, we will assign an interview day and time for you.  If that day and time does not work for you, please call us to reschedule. 

Does Stevens require the SAT II?
The SAT II is not required for admission, but we recommend that all students take the SAT II to show their strength in English, math, and a science of their choice. Accelerated pre-med AND pre-dentistry must take the SAT I as well as two SAT II exams in Math Level I or II, and Biology or Chemistry. Accelerated Law applicants must take two SAT II exams of their choice.

Do all Stevens students get a laptop?
Yes, Stevens’ Mobile Computing Program provides incoming undergraduates with a notebook computer configured with hardware and software required for their academic programs.

Does Stevens guarantee housing? What type of housing is offered?
Every Stevens undergraduate student is guaranteed housing for four years and 90 percent of our students live on-campus. Student housing comes in many styles: singles, doubles, quads, apatment style, on-campus, or just a few blocks off-campus in Hoboken.

Does Stevens give college credit for AP exams?
Yes, to view a full list of the AP exams and scores Stevens gives credit for, visit www.stevens.edu/undergrad/advancedplacement.

How do I apply for Stevens scholarships?
Your Stevens application for admission serves as your scholarship application. All applicants are considered for scholarship awards. To learn more about other scholarship opportunities, visit Fastweb.com.   If you are involved in the Performing Arts, you should consider applying for our DeBaun Performing Arts Scholarship.  This is the only Stevens scholarship that requires an application.  You can view and download the application at:  http://www.stevens.edu/undergrad/fin_aid.html

How do I get involved in the Cooperative Education (Co-op) Program? Where will I work?
Stevens freshmen may apply for the Co-op program during their freshman year, as long as they have a 2.2 GPA or above. To learn more about some recent Co-op assignments, visit www.stevens.edu/undergrad/coop_ed.

How do I apply for the Accelerated Programs in Medicine and Dentistry?
To be considered for accelerated programs, applicants are required to have four years of English; four years of college prep mathematics; three years of science (biology, chemistry and physics). We encourage you to pursue AP Biology and AP Chemistry, if possible. In addition, SAT I and SAT II examinations in Mathematics Level I or Level II, and Biology or Chemistry are required. To be considered for the Accelerated Medicine Program, you must have at least a combined score of 1400 on the SAT I (critical reading and mathematics sections). The Accelerated Dentistry Program requires at least a combined score of 1300 on the SAT I (critical reading and mathematics sections). You may take these tests in your junior or senior year. All tests should be completed by January of your senior year so that we have time to evaluate your scores.

How do I contact my Admissions Counselor?
Applicants are able to find their admissions representatives by visiting the Find Your Counselor  or Contact links located on the admissions homepage. Feel free to e-mail or call your counselor with any questions about the application process or about Stevens in general. 

If I choose to switch my application from Regular Decision to Early Decision, what additional materials need to be submitted and who do I need to notify?
Candidates wishing to switch their application status from Regular to Early will need to send their admissions counselor an e-mail in order to officially have their application changed.  In addition, ED candidates need to submit the "Early Decision Agreement Form," as well as the "Financial Aid Form for Early Decision" if they intend to qualify for need-based aid. Both forms can be found at  http://www.stevens.edu/undergrad/ED.html. 

How many Clubs/Organizations are offered at Stevens?
There are currently over 120+ clubs/organizations on campus; feel free to check out the growing list of organizations at the Student Life Web site, http://www.stevens.edu/student_life/. If you find that a particular club is missing from the list, Stevens is a place where it is quite easy to start your own!!

View other FAQs posted on this blog.

Admissions Interview Tips!

As an admissions counselor here at Stevens, I have the opportunity to get to know our applicants through the interview process.  Stevens is unique in that we require all of our applicants to complete an interview as part of our admissions process.  The interview is a great way for us as admissions officers to get to know our applicants and really get a feel for what each student is going to bring to our campus community.  Here are some interview tips:

1.  Be on time!  If you are running late for your scheduled interview, call the admissions office and let them know.  Also, if you are scheduled for an interview and are unable to make it, call and reschedule. 

2.  Dress appropriately.  The interview process is a part of the admissions process and it counts!  Please dress appropriately as the way that you present yourself is important.  Business casual is a good guideline to follow. 

3.  Be conversational and be prepared!  Practice at home answering questions clearly and with outstanding answers!  This is your time to shine and to show the admissions office what type of student you are, where your passions are and to emphasize things that you are enthusiastic about. This is the time to let us know anything and everything about you that may not have come across to us on your paper application. 

4.  Ask questions at the end of the interview.  Once the admissions counselor is finished with his or her questions, there will be a time at the end for you to ask questions.  Be sure to come prepared with some questions about Stevens or about the application process. 

5.  Enhance your interview with an activities resume or a project you've worked on.  Bringing an activities resume to highlight your activities helps the interviewer to select things to discuss during the interview and lays out all of your activities and accomplishments in a very clear manner. 

6.  Finally, smile and have fun!!  The college interview, while it is a very important part of the application process, should be comfortable and fun.    So, being talkative, interesting and excited will help to make the experience a very fun and comfortable one.

I hope that this helps all of you who are beginning to apply to schools and who are getting ready to conduct their first college interviews.  I wish you the best of luck and please feel free to contact me at any time when you are planning your interview at Stevens or if you have any questions! 

Early Decision Frequently Asked Questions

Attention High School Seniors and Parents:

With school starting up within the next few weeks (if it hasn't already), there are going to be many questions about the college application process.  Please refer to our previous post about how to go about applying to colleges and the checklist that we have provided for you.  Also, with several questions arising regarding Early Decision, please read on:

What is Early Decision?  Is it binding?  What's the difference between Early Decision I and Early Decision II?  What are the deadlines?  What are the advantages to applying through the Stevens Early Decision Process? 

These questions plus many more can be answered on our Early Decision Frequently Asked Questions portion of our admissions Web site.  If there are still remaining questions, let us know so that we can post your questions and answers. 

Applying to colleges is a very exciting yet confusing time.  We're here to make it easy for you.  Please don't hesitate to contact us at any time with any questions.  Best of luck seniors as you begin your most exciting year of high school yet!