The purpose of Allen Academy is to educate young people - intellectually, aesthetically,
socially, physically, and morally - so they become responsible, contributing citizens and
fulfilled individuals.
The first line of our mission statement clearly illustrates the expectation that students
attend Allen to prepare for and attend college. Given the rigorous education students
receive, our graduates seek enrollment to the country's better institutions. Wherever our
graduates enroll - Trinity, Tulane, Skidmore, Marist, Amherst, Yale, or any of the Texas
public universities - they will find themselves notably able to handle the work. However,
getting to college is a big job and the process may seem daunting. This handbook is designed
to answer some frequently asked questions and to provide guidelines and timetables for
applicants and their families. It is not meant to serve as a substitute for direct work with
Mr. Meyer, but will serve as a supplement to help students through the application process.
What are colleges looking for in an applicant?
Liberal arts colleges and universities are looking for students who can handle their academic
loads successfully, who will do their share to keep classes stimulating, who because of their
accomplishments and personality will contribute positively to college life, and who show
evidence of being able to conduct themselves ethically and appropriately as part of a community.
The more selective the institution, the higher your level of achievement will need to be in
these areas for you to be considered a viable candidate.
How will colleges decide?
Admissions decisions have to do not only with the qualifications of the applicant, but also
with the type of freshman class the school is attempting to construct. Being qualified to
attend a school in terms of grades, tests, and extracurricular activities does not guarantee
admission. On the other hand, grades or test scores lower than the college's average does not
guarantee rejection if the candidate seems to offer other significant qualities. Selective
colleges, public and private, must choose an incoming class from a pool of applicants all of
whom probably fulfill the criteria above. There will necessarily be an element of arbitrariness,
personal judgment, and pure chance in deciding among applicants. Yes, luck and chance does
play a part at times. Therefore, rejection is part of the process. Rejection letters hurt, but
they are not personal attacks upon the applicant. The school simply did not see a "good fit"
for the "flavor" it was attempting to create in the freshman class. Quite frankly, if a
student is accepted to every college to which he or she applied, the student did not aim
high enough.
The good news, however, is that a Allen student who uses savvy and common sense in developing
a list of schools to which to apply and who works to present his or her strongest possible
application is likely to have several excellent college options. Mr. Meyer and the staff at
Allen are committed to helping the student complete this important task successfully.
How does Mr. Meyer help?
- Easily available, up to date and pertinent reference materials: college catalogues,
view books, major college description books, useful website addresses, and books on test preparation.
- Knowledgeable assessment of a student's competitive position in relation to colleges.
- A broad and informed knowledge of colleges and universities.
- Assistance and guidance in selecting potential colleges and support through the application process.
- Individual attention and availability - especially after the choice and application process has begun.
- Advocacy and information through direct contact with college admissions officers when
appropriate and useful.
- A commitment to the strongest possible presentation of each student as an applicant.
Paper, paper, and more paper
Any family that has ever purchased a house will have an excellent notion of the amount of
paperwork it will take to apply to college. The following is a list of materials the college
applicant will work with during the junior and senior year.
- Transcripts
- School profiles
- Counselor recommendations
- Teacher recommendations
- Test registration forms
- SAT, ACT, SAT II, and AP scores
- FAFSA forms
- The Common Application
- The college essay
- CSS Financial Aid Profile
And of course,
