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Demystifying the College Application Process

  • 22 February 2021

As if navigating the college application process wasn’t already daunting enough, in came the pandemic with its own added challenges. Students who are the first in their family to attend college face even greater difficulty as they brave the uncharted territory of standardized tests, applications, and the dreaded FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). It doesn’t have to be scary, though, and it’s not too late to make the dream of a college degree a reality.

At Walsh University, we have a long track record of helping first generation college students graduate and realize their professional dreams. We are proud of the fact that many of our most successful alums were the first in their family to attend college and that is why we do everything in our power to help you succeed. From scholarships and learning communities to mentorships and career guidance, we are here to help.

Application Deadlines

  • College applications typically open August 1 for fall enrollment of the following year.
  • Many schools set a deadline for applications between November and February. Others, like Walsh University, offer rolling admissions to allow students a longer window to apply. In fact, Walsh is still accepting applications for Fall 2021 Enrollment!
  • Students can apply online directly through school website or through the Common Application.

Financial Aid

  • Before you can receive a financial aid offer, you must first be admitted to the institution.
  • Types of aid include grants and scholarships, student and parent loan opportunities and work study.
  • The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the application form used to apply for financial aid.
    • FAFSA opens for current high school seniors and college students on October 1.
    • Students who file the FAFSA must renew every academic year.
  • Financial Aid awards are processed based on the date the FAFSA was received.
  • If you have not yet filed your FAFSA but would like to estimate your cost to attend Walsh, you are welcome to use our Net Price Calculator tool.

Campus Visits

  • One of the best ways to see if a college is the right fit for you is to schedule a campus visit. Walsh offers individual campus tours
  • Group campus visit days, such as Swords Up Saturdays, are another great opportunity to take a tour of campus and meet with an admissions representative to discuss the admissions process, scholarship opportunities, financial aid, and the next steps in the enrollment process.
  • Can’t make it in person? Take a virtual tour from the comfort of home!

 

The Walsh Advantage

There’s no need to navigate the college application process all on your own. Walsh University offers a complete support network to assist in every aspect of your admission journey. A few advantages:

  • Personalized Attention – Every prospective student is paired with one of our expert admission counselors. They’re ready to support you through each step of the admission process – from your first campus visit and completing your online application, to applying for financial aid and preparing for new student orientation. Meet your admission counselor today!
  • Test-Optional Admissions – While many schools are just now making the switch, Walsh has offered test-optional admission for several years. Students who apply under the test-optional policy are not required to submit ACT or SAT test scores. Instead, students are evaluated based on application information, high school transcripts and responses to short-answer questions on the application. This is a tremendous benefit to students whose potential for academic success isn’t accurately captured by standardized tests, as well as those who may not have the financial resources to re-take the test multiple times to improve their scores.
  • Small Class Sizes – With a 13:1 faculty to student ratio, Walsh students develop more personalized relationships with their professors and classmates. This lends to more in-depth classroom discussions and increased mentorship opportunities from faculty who know you by name. Another bonus? When the COVID-19 pandemic shuttered many college campus and forced students entirely online well into the 2020-2021 academic year, Walsh was able to offer students a full on-campus experience (with safety measures in place). In fact, for spring 2021, 65% of Walsh’s classes are being held-in person, which many students say enhances their college experience.
  • Academic Support Services – Walsh University recognizes that asking for help is a sign of strength and offers numerous Academic Support Services to provide students assistance. Our team is available to help a myriad of circumstances whether it be a health condition, anxiety, learning disability, etc.
  • Career Services – A Walsh education prepares students for their life’s purpose from the very beginning, with 100% of Walsh students obtaining an internship, practicum or clinical experience before they graduate. The Career Readiness & Development Center actively prepares students for their first jobs and lifelong careers. In fact, they guarantee it. The Maroon & Gold Career Promise is our commitment to ensure that students will find an entry-level position or higher, be enrolled in graduate school, or gain a service year position within six months of graduation.
  • Graduation Guarantee – Students have the opportunity to complete their undergraduate degree in as quickly as three years or at your own pace. We’ll help you graduate on time and on budget.

For more information, visit www.walsh.edu or contact our Office of Admissions at 330-490-7172.