Understanding Admissions and Why It Matters
This activity aims to explain the postsecondary admissions process and why it is important.
Discuss
Whether you are in high school or already in a training program, you have many choices like going to college, joining the military, or learning a job skill or trade through an apprenticeship. But just because you want to do one of these things doesn’t mean you’ll automatically get in. Getting into these programs usually involves something called an admissions process. Each program has their own process to apply for acceptance or admission into that program. The admissions process is a way to show schools, training programs, or employers why you’re a good fit by sharing your skills, interests, and goals. Each program will have a way to review your admission to determine whether or not you are accepted. It is not uncommon to submit applications with different programs or schools.
It’s important to know that sometimes, even if you complete the admissions process, you might not be accepted into the program. This can happen for different reasons, like if there are more applicants than spots available or if the program is looking for specific qualifications you don’t have yet. Being denied doesn’t mean you aren’t good enough—it just means that this particular opportunity wasn’t the right fit at that time. There are always other options to explore and ways to keep working toward your goals.
It’s important to learn about this now because understanding how it works can help you feel more prepared and confident when it’s your turn to apply. Whether it’s filling out forms, gathering recommendations, or submitting test results, these steps are all about helping you plan for your future. Let’s explore what all could be part of an admissions process.
Resource
The Language of Postsecondary Admissions (PowerPoint)
Extracurricular Activities / Enrichment Activities: Things you do outside of regular school classes. These can include sports, clubs, volunteering, music, art, or other hobbies you enjoy.
Test or Assessment Scores: Some admission processes ask you to send results from standardized tests (like the SAT or ACT for college or the ASVAB for the military) or other assessments that measure your abilities.
Transcript: This is an official record of your academic history from a school you have attended. It typically lists what courses you’ve taken along with the grades you received, credits earned and sometimes information like attendance, test scores, or honors.
Grade Point Average (GPA): An average number value given to your grades. Schools and programs use your GPA to see how well you’re doing in school.
Application: A formal or specific document you complete to be considered for admission. This is a form that is usually completed online where you provide details like your name, contact information, educational background and other information.
Eligibility: Many programs or schools have specific requirements, like age, education level, or experience. You need to make sure you meet these eligibility criteria before applying.
Letter of Recommendation: A written letter you request from someone who knows you well, like a teacher, coach, employer, or counselor who can share information about your strengths like teamwork or work ethic and why they think you would be a good fit for the program.
Credentials: Programs may require you to submit specific credentials. This could include proof of education like your high school transcript, letters of recommendation, other documents that show your skills or achievements, or experience needed for admission.
Essay: A short essay or personal statement that you write to explain why you are applying to a school or program.
Interview: A conversation scheduled by the school or program you’re applying to where they may ask questions about why you are applying and your strengths and experiences to assess if you’re a good fit for a program.
Financial Aid: Money that helps students pay for education after high school. It can be:
- Grants: Money you do not have to pay back
- Scholarships: Money awarded for good grades, talents, achievements or other eligibility standards
- Loans: Money you borrow and pay back later, usually with interest
- Work-Study: Program where you work part-time to earn money for school