Amazing Applications

This is the time of year when thousands of college applications come pouring in to the Office of Admissions. As Admissions Counselors, it is our responsibility to read each and every application, personal essay, and letter of recommendation in hopes of finding the best students to fill the Elmira College Class of 2014.

This year has been particularly interesting because we have seen a great deal of amazing applications. I'm not kidding - you guys are really accomplished! We have had students who are working three jobs, volunteering their time on the weekends for community service, and somehow still able to maintain excellent GPAs. Incredible!

Just to give you an example of our applicants, we have had students apply to EC who:

• are Valedictorians and Salutatorians of their senior classes
• have traveled all over the world
• have raised hundreds of dollars for organizations such as Relay for Life or other local service programs
• are trying to set a good example for their younger siblings by going to college
• have attained or working toward achieving Eagle Scout or Gold Award Scout status
• have applied to over 25 different colleges
• are captains of their secondary school athletic teams
• have scored the last minute winning point to win the game
• are president of their Student Government
• have had the lead role in their school's latest theatre production
  
• want to change the world

There has been some real talent in this incoming class. The questions is: what amazing talents and accomplishments will you bring to the group? It's not too late to send in your application. We look forward to reading it soon!

Have you visited EC yet?

Whether you are almost finished with your college search as a senior, or are just beginning as a junior, there are still plenty of opportunities to visit Elmira College. By visiting our campus, you will be able to see firsthand all that EC can offer you. (Plus, don't you want to see our purple rock salt?)

During your tour, a Gold Key member (one of our selected student tour guides) will take you on a thorough walk-through of campus. You will be able to see a freshman dorm, classrooms, the library, the gymnasium, the dining hall, and much more. After your tour, you and your family will have the opportunity to sit down with an Admissions Counselor for an interview. You also have the option of meeting with an athletic coach or a faculty member to discuss your interests.

To schedule a visit to campus, all you have to do is call us at (607) 735-1724 or toll-free at 1-800-935-6472. The Office of Admissions is open Monday through Saturday with tours available at convenient times.

We also have a Winter Visit Day on Monday, February 15, 2010. Winter Visit Days are a chance for you and your family to stop by the Office of Admissions and interact one-on-one with administrators, faculty, coaches, and other staff members. It is a day where you can control what you do! To register for the Winter Visit Day, simply call the Office of Admissions or register here: http://www.elmira.edu/admissions/visit_campus/open_houses

The best way to learn if Elmira College is right for you is to visit. Come see what we have to offer (we're not kidding about the purple rock salt!) We look forward to seeing you on campus soon!

FASFA and Freezing Temperatures

It is that time of year again. FASFA time. The FAFSA determines your eligibility for financial assistance and is your gateway to federal, state AND Elmira College financial aid. You can complete your FAFSA online. You can also get a FAFSA from your high school guidance office.
Our federal school code is 002718. The Federal Student Aid phone number is 800-433-3243. The sooner you send it in the sooner we can get a financial aid package out to you. We start send them out in February.

It is also Groundhog Day! After getting up bright and early this morning to see the weather forecast from the worlds most famous marmot I was saddened and not to surprised to find out that we will be having 6 more weeks of winter. With the temperatures currently floating around 15 degrees lately I wasn't to surprised.