<p>I want to apply to Shimer College's Early Entrant Program, as a junior. Well, I printed out the application from the website, however, it says to "complete your application with the following documentation," and goes on to list the application fee, high school transcript, SAT or ACT score report, essays, letters of recommendation, etc. But it doesn't tell you how to actually submit them... To mail them or what? And is there no official form for the essays or recommendations? On the website, it gives you the option to request an application...? Should I just try that? The receptionist, while polite, wasn't very informed on these matters, so I'm looking to the people of CC for help. Pleeeeease help me!</p>
<p>First of all, as a former Shimer College early entrant (and now graduate), let me commend you on your excellent good taste in institutions of higher learning. :-)</p>
<p>Regarding your question, I’d say that in general it’s a good idea to talk to an admissions counselor before going to a lot of trouble; they’re very helpful folks, and they’ll be able to tell you exactly what you need to do and how to do it. I’m surprised you weren’t forwarded to them directly, but maybe nobody was available when you called… Here is the page with their info (which is kind of hard to find on the Shimer website): [Admissions</a> Office](<a href=“http://www.shimer.edu/admissions/admissionsoffice.cfm]Admissions”>http://www.shimer.edu/admissions/admissionsoffice.cfm)</p>
<p>As far as the specific materials you mention, here are my thoughts (bearing in mind that I have no direct useful knowledge, since I graduated way back in prehistory):
- SAT and ACT reports should be sent directly from the testing authority (ETS or ACT). There may be a small fee involved if you’re sending the scores from a test that you’ve already taken. Per the [Weekday/Weekend</a> application](<a href=“http://www.shimer.edu/admissions/upload/Weekday-and-Weekend-10-11.pdf]Weekday/Weekend”>http://www.shimer.edu/admissions/upload/Weekday-and-Weekend-10-11.pdf), “Shimers ACT code is 1142 and its SAT code is 1717.”
- I’m pretty sure the same would apply to high school transcripts – that they should be sent directly from your high school. But it wouldn’t be a bad idea to double-check with an admissions counselor at Shimer.
- Recommendations (ugh) should be sent directly from the recommender if possible. (Give your recommenders a stamped and addressed envelope to speed things along.)
- Essays should be included with your application; I’m not sure if they have to be mailed rather than submitted by email or otherwise, but mail should definitely work.
- Enclosing a check or money order with your application is probably the best way to pay your application fee, though I assume they can arrange to take payment by credit/debit/PayPal if needed.</p>
<p>Addendum: although it’s impressively well-hidden on the website, it appears that there is still a way to apply online: <a href=“https://shimer-uga.edu.185r.net/application[/url]”>https://shimer-uga.edu.185r.net/application</a></p>
<p>My daughter started at Shimer last year as an early entrant, also after three years of high school (best decision she ever made, by the way). I think she filled everything out online. I know she talked pretty regularly to Cassie in the Admissions Office, who was incredibly helpful with any questions my daughter had. And I know Cassie is still there and loves to help out, and talk to, prospective students. Her phone
number is online at the Shimer web site-- Call her.</p>
<p>Thanks for the replies everyone!(: Now when I’m actually ready to apply, I’ll know exactly what to do. I hate to ask, and I know I should be the best judge of this, but I’m a bit unsure about my first essay… The one centered around a life-altering book. I have a book in mind, and I know I can write a pretty good essay about it, but the book is a risky one… For a few reasons.
1- It’s written on a 4th grade level (though it deals with very adult concepts).
2- It’s only 220 pages long.
3- It’s one of the most frequently banned and challenged books of the 21st century.
I really only see the first one as a cause for concern, but should I still pick a new book, just for that reason? I kind of have my heart set on writing about this one… By the way, the lesson it teaches is (sort of) not to judge a book by its cover (and to elaborate, it teaches that people are worth getting to know, and that anything or anyone could really change your life in unexpected ways). So I was going to open with “At 220 pages, it is tempting to judge [book name] by its cover, however” and go from there, as I thought this was a creative way to open my essay, to relate the book itself to its lesson, and to show that I knew I was taking a risk when I wrote the essay, that I put thought into what book to choose. Or would opening my essay like this be too cliche? Do I need to just pick another book, as much as I hate that thought? If anyone has any advice, I’ll gladly accept it(:</p>
<p>Hey there,</p>
<p>As a former Shimer student (now graduated), I’d advise you not to worry. Shimer will be looking at the quality of the essay itself; if you’re confident you can write a good essay on it that shows your grasp of expository writing and your personality, then the book’s reading level shouldn’t matter. You needn’t be looking to impress with an essay on War and Peace; if that’s the book that moves you, then stay honest and stay yourself! Good luck!</p>
<p>Also to add onto what was said above–the high school transcripts and recommendation letters do need to come from the source, so get your high school and recommenders to send them directly to Shimer. Essays and applications can all be done online (that link’s the right one), or by mail should you so wish.</p>