Sending your son or daughter to college is a big investment.  As such, you should be assured that your child’s university is committed to providing great return on your investment.

At High Point University, we are wholly committed to our motto: Every student receives an extraordinary education in an inspiring environment with caring people.

The video below provides a glimpse into how recent gradutes and their parents feel about the value of a holistic education at High Point University.

At High Point University, we believe that a vigorous academic environment is founded on principles of high achievement, active involvement and holistic education.  We want every student at HPU to strive for excellence and embody the spirit of higher education that is adding immensely to our thriving campus every day.  Academic excellence, a sterling faculty dedicated to connecting with students in and out of the classroom, and a commitment to value-centered education have earned High Point University a national reputation.

 For 15 consecutive years, U.S. News & World Report has ranked High Point University among the top tier of the nation’s comprehensive colleges with regard to academic quality.  In fact, in the 2010 edition of America’s Best Colleges HPU was named the # 1 “School to Watch” in the Baccalaureate College category for the second year running and we were ranked 5^th among 103 Baccalaureate Colleges in the South.  HPU is the only North Carolina school ranked in the top 10 among southern colleges and universities!

 We believe this recognition results, in part, from incredible visionary leadership, a $350 million investment in our state-of-the-art campus and a major investment in academics including the Presidential Scholarship Program.  This program was inaugurated in 1976 to recognize and encourage entering freshmen who, during their high school careers, demonstrated outstanding achievement, good citizenship, strong leadership, and exceptional scholarship.  The program is completely merit-based. 

 Think your student might qualify?  Please, read on!

 THE APPLICATION PROCESS

 In order for your son or daughter to be eligible to apply for the Presidential Scholarship Program, he or she must have a score of at least 1100 on the Math & Critical Reading portions of the SAT, or a Composite score of 24 on the ACT.  He or she must have submitted the Application for Admission , along with official high school transcripts, the Counselor Report Form (which can be downloaded from the application page), and official SAT or ACT scores.

 The Presidential Scholarship Application is a separate application, found online at www.highpoint.edu/presidential. The application deadline is December 20, 2009.

 Send your son or daughter to www.SaveRoomForHope.com for a few extra pointers on completing the Presidential Scholarship Application from the perspective of an Admissions Counselor.

 THE SELECTION PROCESS

 Recipients of Presidential Scholarship Program awards are selected by the University Scholarship Committee, which gives consideration to high school grades, SAT/ACT scores, course rigor, high school activities, and demonstrated leadership.

• Only students who have submitted the Presidential Scholarship Application and who have been admitted to the University will be reviewed by the University Scholarship Committee. The review of scholarship applications will begin on December 7, 2009.
• After the Committee’s preliminary evaluation, semifinalists will be invited to interview on campus during a Presidential Scholarship Weekend in February 2010. The Admissions Office will assign invited students to an interview weekend.
• Only those students invited to campus as a result of the preliminary evaluation by the University Scholarship Committee may sit for interviews.
• Each semi-finalist will be interviewed by two separate committees, each of which will include members of the faculty and current University or Presidential Fellows.
• Decisions of the University Scholarship Committee will be postmarked by Friday, March 12, 2010.

 For more information about the Presidential Scholarship Program and the different levels of fellowships and scholarships available for the 2010 Awards Program, please visit the Undergraduate Admissions webpage by clicking here.

Parents,

October is upon us; how the time flies!  I’m sure many of you are having similar thoughts-is my child really old enough to go to college and are they ready?  The answers are yes and maybe, which begs the question: what should you be doing now to prepare your son or daughter for college?

Say “Hi” to Admissions Counselors at College Fairs: Most high schools or school districts hold college fairs during the fall so you and your child can gather information from a variety of colleges and universities.  High Point University Admissions Counselors have hit the road, making hundreds of stops throughout the country to meet your son or daughter.  Send your child to Admission Counselor Hope Blaylock’s blog for some helpful tips about college fair manners.  

Visit, Visit, Visit!  As much as you are able, make visiting each campus your child is interested in a top priority.  At High Point University, we give personalized tours Monday through Saturday (on golf carts, no less) and you can sign up for one here.  When you follow the link, you can even sign your child up to sit in on a class to experience our extraordinary academics firsthand.

 Apply:  High Point University’s Application for Admission is completely online, easy to use and waiting for your son or daughter.  The Early Decision deadline is November 2^nd and the Early Action deadline is November 9^th, so now is the time to help your child put concentrated effort into his or her application.

 The Essay is important: HPU’s application, like many others, requires your son or daughter to write a personal statement.  You can help by encouraging them to carefully proof the finished draft.   The personal statement is one of the best places for your student to show the Admissions team who they are and what they will add to High Point University.  Unfortunately, the skills and personality a student brings can easily be overshadowed by grammatical errors and punctuation mistakes.  Help your student shine by telling them to carefully proof his or her personal statement.  It may be helpful to get the advice of an English teacher at school. Your student should write the personal statement using his or her own words, but another set of trained eyes to proof it is often helpful. 

 Encourage, Encourage, Encourage!  The senior year of high school is a busy one, riddled with hard work and many required hours of focus and concentration.  Make sure you take time each day to encourage your son or daughter for making it this far and for continuing to work hard!

 As always, should you have any questions, please contact our office and our extraordinary team of Admissions Counselors will be happy to help you!