Admission Trends - Challenges and Learning - a discussion with Adam Sapp, Pomona College

Summary

In this insightful session, Adam Sapp, Assistant Vice President of Admissions at Pomona College, discusses the evolving landscape of college admissions following a challenging year. He emphasizes the importance of understanding students' unique contexts and experiences, highlighting the shift towards a more nuanced, holistic evaluation process. Sapp also addresses the implications of the pandemic on academic rigor, extracurricular activities, and vaccination policies for international students. Ultimately, he advocates for the value of a liberal arts education in solving complex global issues, illustrating how interdisciplinary connections can lead to innovative solutions.

Takeaways

• 😀 There is a significant reset in college admissions expectations due to recent global challenges, leading to a more nuanced understanding of student circumstances.
• 😀 Admissions offices are increasingly prioritizing communication with high school counselors to gather more contextual information about applicants.
• 😀 The holistic review process remains essential, but there is a greater emphasis on understanding individual student contexts and experiences.
• 😀 Colleges are adapting their evaluation methods, often delaying decisions to obtain further information about applicants when necessary.
• 😀 The impact of COVID-19 continues to influence admissions policies, especially regarding vaccination requirements for incoming students.
• 😀 Flexibility in admissions processes is crucial, with some institutions offering deferrals for students unable to obtain visas or arrive on time.
• 😀 A strong commitment to understanding students' lived experiences will shape admissions practices in the coming years.
• 😀 The importance of clear communication from students regarding their challenges and circumstances is emphasized to ensure fair evaluation.
• 😀 Liberal arts education is positioned as essential for addressing complex global issues, fostering interdisciplinary thinking.
• 😀 Real-world examples demonstrate how liberal arts can lead to innovative solutions, showcasing the interconnectedness of various fields of study.

Q & A

What changes have occurred in college admissions over the past year?

There has been a reset in expectations for students, with an increased reliance on local counselors to understand the context of students' experiences.

How will college admissions processes evolve in the next few years?

Admissions will likely incorporate a more nuanced understanding of students' lived experiences and the challenges they face, leading to changes in policies.

What is the importance of communication between students, counselors, and admissions offices?

Clear communication helps admissions officers understand students' contexts and challenges, which is crucial for fair evaluation.

How are admissions officers adjusting their evaluation criteria?

They are recalibrating their evaluations to account for inconsistencies in grading and extracurricular activities due to disruptions in schooling.

What role do high school counselors play in the admissions process?

Counselors provide critical insights about students' circumstances and help admissions officers interpret transcripts and other application materials.

What are the vaccination requirements for incoming students at Pomona College?

Pomona College requires incoming students to be vaccinated, with the appropriate doses administered, and provides support for international students to receive vaccines if needed.

How are colleges handling delays in visa processing for international students?

Some colleges offer deferrals to spring enrollment or provide flexibility for late arrivals, allowing students to catch up without significantly affecting their education.

What is the significance of a liberal arts education in solving global problems?

A liberal arts education fosters the ability to connect knowledge across disciplines, essential for addressing complex issues that intertwine economic, social, and historical factors.

How does Pomona College view the intersection of different academic disciplines?

Pomona emphasizes that understanding the connections between disciplines is vital for innovation and problem-solving, as seen in the example of a Nobel Prize-winning alum.

What are the implications of local health regulations on college operations?

Local health department regulations may restrict college operations, affecting how institutions can fully reopen and the measures they implement for student safety.