College Update

Report on College Admission

Rosemarie Fabrizio, Guidance Coordinator

The Orange High School Class of 2009 did very well in the college admission process. The projection that 2009 would mark the most competitive year ever was overshadowed by an extreme downturn in the United States economy. At Orange, we saw little change in the submission of applications in the fall but by spring, when decisions were being made, the economic factor became a priority for many families. I am pleased to report that ninety-eight (98%) percent of this year’s graduates will matriculate directly to college. Students are staying closer to home and more than half will remain in the state of Ohio. (OSU remains the most popular choice with 22 students, many of whom are entering the Honors or Scholars Programs.)

The Northeast is still a popular college destination as are surrounding states in the Midwest. As transportation costs rise, we observe fewer students in the Class of 2009 heading south or to the western part of the United States. This class displays a diversity of interests reflected in their proposed areas of study in college. Many students will pursue liberal arts, science, and business. Fourteen (14) students plan to enter fine or performing arts programs. Thirteen (13) students plan to study engineering or technology. One student will pursue a degree in pharmacy and another has been admitted to a combined bachelors/medical program. Additionally, many students are undecided and will utilize their undergraduate experience to explore the many opportunities available to them.

The Class of 2009 includes seventeen (17) sons and daughters of Orange High School Alumni, sixty-seven (67) members of the Thirteen Year Club, eleven (11) students recognized by the National Merit and National Achievement Corporations, twenty-six (26) young men and women who are graduating with a GPA of 4.0 or higher, forty-one (41) scholar/athletes, eighty- seven (87) students recognized for honor roll, and twenty-four (24) students acknowledged for significant community service. Additionally, four students have received college scholarships for their outstanding achievement in National Merit competition.
As the Orange Schools looks to the Class of 2010 and beyond, we observe the following:
There is continued emphasis on computer generated applications and notification of admission decisions. Electronic communication is the norm and The College Board recently announced that students will now receive SAT scores through email rather than hard copy.

More than ever, students need to initiate an interest in the colleges and universities to which they apply. As colleges look to “craft” a class of diverse individuals, students need to “match” themselves to colleges and universities.

The economy will continue to play a major role in the college admission and selection process. Students and families are looking to state supported colleges and universities and some students are beginning their collegiate experience at a two year college. Colleges are reviewing senior year performance and notifying students later in the school year. Many early decision programs have been eliminated.

We continue to help our community navigate the choppy waters of the economy to meet the changing needs of students and families. As always, the goal in college admission is to match the abilities and aspirations of the individual student with the resources of a college or university.