One of the worst things about applying to colleges is waiting to receive the decision after you submit your application. After writing the essays, sending in your transcript, and soliciting teachers to write letters of recommendation, there is often nothing that you can do until the school releases the decision. This year, Haddonfield provided a way for some students to avoid this stress.

Students had the opportunity to meet with representatives from various colleges to interview, including Cabrini College, Camden County College, Drexel University, Farleigh Dickinson, LaSalle University, Philadelphia University, Rider University, Rowan University, Rutgers University- Camden, Stockton University, Temple University, West Chester University, and Widener University. About one third of the senior class participated, and in combination with interviews that occurred at Haddon Township, two-hundred and twenty admissions interviews were scheduled. Although students had to submit their applications to the school beforehand, they were able to receive a decision by the end of the day. This program allowed students to expedite their results and gave participants a chance to add more to their application with an interview. The interviews took place in the library conference rooms during the school day.

One popular sentiment about the program is that people wished that more schools participated. Brittany Graziano, who was accepted into Stockton and Rutgers Camden, “really liked the program and it took a lot of stress out of the application process”. Another senior, Sophie Alberts really benefited from the program which allowed her to get a nearly-instant acceptance to her first choice school, West Chester. Gabby Battino, who also got into West Chester, agreed that the program helped her to alleviate some stress from the college application process. Valerie Fanelle also found the program worthwhile and reflected that “it was nice to gain insight into what admissions counselors see when they’re looking at your profile.” Students had the opportunity to sign up to participate in this program a few days before the day, and were able to select which schools they wanted to meet with.

According to Mr. Holman, “In many cases, the representatives from the participating schools offered students admission and/or a scholarship on the day of the interview…  In addition, the on-site admissions program gave students opportunities to learn more about local colleges and universities directly from the representatives.  The participating students also gained interviewing experience and enhanced self-confidence when an interview went well.”

Despite the success of the program, Mr. Holman, found that there was one issue: “The only frustration for me as the organizer of the on-site program was that a few students committed to interview with specific schools and then withdrew from those interviews at the last minute.” Mr. Holman also adds that next year, the program organizers will try to survey seniors earlier so that students who choose to participate have more time to complete their application.   Although the program wasn’t for everyone, as school choices were limited, it was extremely beneficial for many students. Even students who weren’t admitted that day received feedback regarding their admission prospects and learned how they could become stronger candidates.