<p>Thanks, Nicole. When the application is evaluated what is actually looked at regarding scores - the individual sub-scores or the composite? I thought the purpose of superscoring was to achieve a higher composite.</p>
<p>Both the individual sub-scores and the composite are looked at and referenced in our review of the application. ACT themselves have actually said that the best practice is to use the method we have referenced above.</p>
<p>I’m applying to colleges as a freshman in Fall 2014. My AP English teacher always told me to not use a formulaic approach to writing essays because college level writing classes don’t use it (example: Intro, 3 body paragraphs and a conclusion). I wanted an opinion as to whether or not I should use the formula or as my teacher would say, be creative (example: intro 4 body paragraphs and absolutely NO conclusion). I also feel I am a better writer not following a formula. Your help is appreciated!</p>
<p>Hi hannahpear14,
Honestly, I’m not sure any particular formula is necessary. All we really care about is that your essay is well-written, has been proofread, and tells a good story. We want to learn about the real you, not what we’ve already seen in your activities list or heard about in your recommendation letters. As long as you can get that across, it doesn’t matter if you use any particular formula of paragraphs and conclusions! I hope that helps!</p>
<p>Hi Nicole, could you please provide a link to the 2012-13 Common Data Set for Champlain? Thank you.</p>
<p>Hi Snowdog, I’m not familiar with specifically what that Data Set is, but I reached out to my VP of Enrollment to see if that’s something I have access to. In the meantime, are there specific data points you’re hoping to learn?</p>
<p>Hi Sue, from my understanding, we don’t participate in the Common Data Set Initiative, per our president. However, we do have a significant amount of information on College Navigator, including historical data, so it actually might provide you with even more information than you’d get from the CDS. The link is here:
[College</a> Navigator - Champlain College](<a href=“College Navigator - Champlain College”>College Navigator - Champlain College)</p>
<p>Hi Nicole, thanks very much. This looks like it has the information I was seeking - much appreciated.</p>
<p>Nicole: OS is a rising junior at an arts high school and is very interested in Champlain, particularly the Creative Media major. He has very strong interests in digital media, graphic design and filmmaking. He also plays oboe and piano and has performed in the local symphonies. Are there opportunities for him to play - even if informally? Also, how diverse is the student body?</p>
<p>Hi sfc714, there are some informal opportunities to play. We have some small student groups that sometimes develop on campus, and we also have a open mic night every Wednesday night called The Grind that students could perform at. In addition, there’s quite a few Vermont musical ensembles that he could audition for, if he chose to do so!</p>
<p>The student body’s diversity has increased slowly over the years, but we’re trying to do what we can to encourage students of ALL backgrounds to apply and consider Champlain - not just of ethnic diversity, but also diversity of socio-economic backgrounds, sexual preference, family structures, and so many others. We have a wonderful Office of Diversity and Inclusion office that puts together some amazing learning experiences and events, and in general works with our whole institution to make sure that we are growing and learning as a community to learn about and learn from community members of all sorts of different backgrounds. I’d be happy to share some of the events that we run.</p>
<p>I’m assuming your question was specifically asking about diversity of ethnicity. It can be a little hard to get an exact statistic, as not all students self-report, and the numbers also don’t include international students. However, right now the numbers from our application data shows that we have about 9% of our student body that has self-reported as non-white.</p>
<p>Please let me know if there is any additional information that I can provide!</p>
<p>Hi Nicole - thanks for the detailed information. It was very helpful.</p>
<p>Hello, Nicole - This was the message on the registration link for the Open Houses: “Thank you for your interest in our Fall Open House. At this time, our registration process is closed. Please stay turned to our website for future events.” Is this accurate? Are the Open Houses already filled to capacity so that is why the registration is closed?</p>
<p>I read a visit report stating that an applicant was accepted to Champlain, but not his choice of major. What happens in this case? Can the student then reapply to the major as a sophomore?</p>
<p>Hi student4ever, the link was actually broken for the Open House - thank you for catching that! It should be all set for you to register now - we’re not full at this time!</p>
<p>For your second question, it depends on the situation. What most likely happened is that the student applied for a limited enrollment major, and due to some part of his application not being at the rigor level that we were looking for, was offered a spot in a major that he could take some courses in the field, and re-apply as a sophomore for that major. A good example of this is if a student applies for Game Design but doesn’t have a strong enough portfolio score for initial acceptance, but otherwise is a good student; if that’s the case, we may offer that student a spot in Game Exploration, which is a sort of pre-major space in which the student would still take relevant courses in that field, develop a portfolio, and then re-apply for that major after their first year here. As long as the portfolio score is strong enough and the student has done well in his or her courses, there should be a space available in the program in the sophomore year.</p>
<p>Please let me know if you have further questions or need more clarification!</p>
<p>Thanks, Nicole.</p>
<p>My son would also like to visit the Game Studio and obtain any related information regarding the Game Development Department during his visit. When would be the best time to visit - during an Open House or a separate info session/tour?</p>
<p>As far as being accepted into his major of choice, Game Programming, what would be the deciding factor of acceptance? I know there are requirements for Math and Physics, of which he has already taken Pre-Calc and is currently registered for AP Calc AB and Physics this year. Although no portfolio is required for the Game Programming major, is there someone who can identify what the department would like to see in the portfolio should he decide to include one anyway?</p>
<p>Hi Nicole,</p>
<p>Hope you are having a great summer! I was wondering if you know when the new Admission Applications and Supplement will be posted on the website? Thanks!</p>
<p>Hi student4ever, sorry I didn’t see your message sooner! </p>
<p>I would recommend that he visit during an Open House - that is when our Game Lab and Emergent Media Center are open, and we have many faculty members of the program, as well as current students, available to speak with and ask questions of.</p>
<p>For our Game Programming major, we would be looking at the student’s fit for the program. It does include mathematical and scientific strength, as you mentioned; it’s great that your son has already taken higher level courses in those areas. Otherwise, we’re looking for a strength in writing for our Core curriculum; we’re looking for a clear passion for the field from his general application, and his recommendation letters as well; we’re looking for involvement in activities, and leadership experience if applicable; and in general, looking for the student to be a good fit for our institution. You could reach out to the faculty in the program if he was really dedicated to putting together a portfolio, but I’m honestly not sure how one would go about including relevant materials for that field. I’d recommend reaching out to John Pile, Jr. for those questions:
John Pile Jr
<a href=“mailto:pile@champlain.edu”>pile@champlain.edu</a>
Office: (802) 651-5985</p>
<p>Hi tpcrd66, I am having a great summer, thank you! </p>
<p>We have two application options, the Common Application, and our Champlain Application. As far as I’m aware, a student could fill out the Champlain Application now for this upcoming fall if they were very eager to do so. We will be updating it slightly between now and the start of the fall, but that application will stay open in the meantime to fill out if a student wanted to submit it very early.</p>
<p>The Common Application is changing drastically, and they will actually be removing the supplement; the student will now fill out a Member Form relevant to the college. We have no control over when the Common Application is available, unfortunately - that responsibility lies with them. I believe it should be available in the beginning of September, but I can’t say for sure.</p>
<p>Please let me know if there’s anything else I can help you with!</p>
<p>Hi Nicole, we attended the information session and tour this past Saturday. Thanks for an informative and useful presentation! We enjoyed the video as well. I wonder if I am the only parent who chokes up during the final moments of these motivational college admissions office films :)</p>
<p>Hi Snowdog,</p>
<p>Ahhh, you should have said hello and let me know you were chatting with me here on CC!! 
I’m glad you enjoyed your presentation - what a great group that was to have in my session! And no, you’re not the only one who gets choked up, I always get a catch in my throat when they show the graduation segment of that video at the end. :)</p>