Straight From The Admissions Office: Insider Strategies For College Applications

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🎓In this episode, I sit down with Nickala Hagarty, the Associate Director of Admission at Susquehanna University. The conversation covers a wide range of topics, from campus updates and popular academic offerings to a breakdown of Susquehanna’s holistic review process and expert tips on how to make your application stand out. Whether you're a student considering Susquehanna University or simply navigating the college admissions process, this episode is packed with useful information for all families.

Top 4 Takeaways:

1️⃣ Holistic Admissions and Test-Optional Policies:

Susquehanna University continues to follow a holistic review process, meaning they look at much more than just grades and test scores 📄. Susquehanna is truly test-optional and families can feel confident that applying without scores won’t hurt a student’s chances, as long as the rest of the application showcases strengths.

2️⃣ Academic and Extracurricular Excellence:

Susquehanna University offers a wide range of popular academic programs, with business, creative writing, and health sciences among the top choices 📚. In terms of student life, the university boasts over 120 clubs and organizations, so students have endless ways to get involved on campus. Nickala also emphasized that leadership roles and involvement in extracurriculars are more important than ever in the admissions process, so students should make these experiences a priority in their applications.

3️⃣ Essay and Letters of Recommendation Tips:

Personal statements remain a key part of a successful application. Nickala advised that authenticity is crucial when crafting a compelling essay ✍️. For letters of recommendation, she highlighted that impactful examples often come from teachers who truly know the student’s academic and personal growth, making them more meaningful.

4️⃣ Support for Students with IEPs and 504 Plans:

Susquehanna University is dedicated to supporting students with individual needs. For those coming from high school with IEPs or 504 plans, the university offers a variety of accommodations and services to ensure continued support throughout their college experience 🧑‍🏫.

Susquehanna University Fast Facts:

Located in Selinsgrove, Pennsylvania, Susquehanna University is a liberal arts institution offering more than 100 majors and minors across a broad range of disciplines.
Known for its GO Program 🌍, all students participate in off-campus learning experiences, which could be study abroad or service learning, fostering global awareness and intercultural competencies.

The campus community is driven by close student-faculty relationships, with a student-to-faculty ratio of 13:1, ensuring personal attention and support.

281. Susquehanna University - Nickala Hagarty - Associate Director of Admission

The College Admissions Process Podcast