November is a great time of year in admissions at High Point University as talented high school seniors scurry to submit their applications and all supporting documents by our early deadlines.  Our Early Decision application deadline was November 1^st and we have received a record number of applications for this binding application plan where students have committed to enrolling at HPU if they are admitted. In other words, High Point is by far their #1 choice!  These applicants will receive a decision by November 23^rd and many will enjoy their Thanksgiving holiday knowing they will attend HPU next year.

With over 5000 applications already in process or submitted, we are over 15% ahead of our record number of applications at this time last year. This week and weekend will be our heaviest application submission period as students hurry to beat the Early Action deadline of November 8^th.  Early Action is non-binding and these students will all be notified of our admissions decisions by December 12^th.

It is nice to know that by the end of November over 80% of the spots in next year’s freshman class will already be accounted for by our early admitted students.  Early returns on the Class of 2012 look very promising for this to be the strongest academic class in our 88 year history and a lot of really nice young men and women….1400 in fact!

Next month, I will write about our Presidential Scholarship Program and remind all of our great academic students to make sure to apply for an academic scholarship by December 20^th.  All academic scholarships are awarded through application and on campus, face-to-face interviews.  I will explain all the details in early December.

Have a great November and know that we are very thankful and blessed to have great students and families at High Point University.

This is a very exciting time on the campus of High Point University. We’ve spent the past several weeks settling in with our new family, which includes 1300 freshmen! This new class is the largest to date, the most academically talented, and arguably the most connected. It seems that everyone had made friends well before move-in day thanks to campus events, dorm shopping excursions, Skype and other forms of social media, like our annual freshman Facebook group.

A fitting quote for this transition for our students is found embedded in our Kester International Promenade. In the words of Galileo, “All truths are easy to understand once they are discovered; the point is to discover them.” This is a university of learning and discovery and we are  challenging our students to discover new truths, learn new disciplines, make new friends and embrace the extraordinary culture that is High Point University.

The entering class is already showing its colors as a very special group. Allow me to brag on them a bit. They worked diligently to become HPU students and are part of an elite and diverse academic community.

• Over 55,000 students from across the globe inquired about a spot in the entering class, a testament to the caliber of student we’ve enrolled.
• Students within the freshman class alone represent 41 states and 9 foreign countries.
• This class represents the highest ACT and SAT averages of any entering class in High Point University’s history.
• Among the entering student body are 38 National Merit Scholars, Valedictorians, Salutatorians and High School Class Presidents.
• The entering class collectively earned over 1300 credit hours from Advanced Placement Courses.
• There are 18 students who have earned the distinction of Eagle Scout or Gold Award Recipient.
• Twenty-seven students have a sibling who is also currently attending HPU and there are six sets of twins in the class of 2015.
• The entering class is very well traveled and has collectively visited over 100 foreign countries.
• As a whole, the class speaks twelve languages fluently.
• The class has earned significant athletic recognition. There are 8 All-Americans, 30 All-State Selections, 2 baseball players drafted into the 2011 MLB draft and state champions in men’s basketball, women’s golf, cross country and volleyball. There is a high school national record holder for women’s track, four McDonald’s All American Nominees and a member of the US Under-18 National Team who will be playing soccer at HPU.
• These students completed thousands of hours of community service, volunteering for places like Habitat for Humanity, Make a Wish Foundation, Special Olympics, Ronald McDonald House, Miracle League, Relay for Life and Operation Smile. Many have started not-for-profit organizations to benefit their communities at home.
• The class is talented and resilient. It includes three cancer survivors, a novelist, two nationally ranked equestrian riders, Miss Teen USA and Miss Teen NC Motor Speedway. It includes a professional race car driver,a  member of the Congressional Youth Leadership Council, the  ”Masterbuilder of America” Lego company winner, several Girls’ State and Boys’ State participants, an Irish dancing champion, several entrepreneurs and many gifted musicians.
• In addition to the 1300 incoming freshmen, High Point has been pleased to welcome 100 transfer students, making this the single largest entering class in High Point University’s 86 year history.

Henry Ford, inventor of the assembling line in manufacturing and founder of the Ford Motor Company, put it plainly: “The only real security that a person will have in this world is a reserve of knowledge, experience and ability.” These students have the ability to do an to achieve great things. Our learned faculty and the President will share knowledge and truths to enable meaningful experiences while in college and prepare them for life and the future.

Andy Bills

Vice President of Enrollment

Wow, parents, can you believe move-in day is just around the corner? In just a few months we’ll be helping you unload carfuls of dorm supplies and welcoming your pride and joy to his or her new home. As you consider this time of transition, be sure to discuss the following points with your college-bound kiddo.

1. Create a vision of what you want to accomplish in college and put it in writing. Such as:

a. Make the Dean’s List

b. Study Abroad in Italy

c. Graduate with Honors

d. Join or lead a student organization

e. Have internships with __________

2. Create a plan for this semester and then this first year that will help you move toward fulfilling your vision. Such as:

a. Maintain a GPA of 3.5 or better

b. Meet with the Director of Study Abroad Programs

c. Attend the Student Life Organizations Fair

d. Make at least three to five new friends.

3. Go to every class. EVERY class.

4. When you schedule your time to go to class each day, also schedule time in your day to study.

5. Find a quiet place on campus where you can study and are most productive so that you are using your time wisely.

6. Finish all of your work and studying for next Monday before you leave campus for any weekend.

7. Know your professors before you really need them.

8. Take care of yourself by eating well and getting plenty of sleep.

9. Learn to say NO to things that will keep you from successfully reaching your goals for the semester and year.

10. Get involved in something outside the classroom that will help you grow and learn, but do not over-commit yourself.

BONUS: Stay grounded in your beliefs and be yourself. This is what makes you wonderful and will teach others about believing in yourself and living a fruitful life.

Having been through the college process with all three of my children and watching thousands of incoming freshmen over the years, it’s my believe that these pieces of advice can make a huge impact on your child’s outlook and their success in college. Don’t underestimate your ability to be a positive influence in their lives as they turn the page to this new chapter.