Imagine going to a college event, submitting an application and getting an answer on the spot, experiencing none of the characteristic stress and wait time that accompanies the usual college admissions process. On-the-spot admissions are the solution for students who want a fast-track route into college. These events allow students to meet admissions officers, get instant feedback and build confidence for the rest of their academic journey.
“I think it is an excellent opportunity for WCHS students to get immediate answers about their college admissions,” WCHS counselor Regina Fleck said. “Students can go to an event and can walk away from that with an admissions offer and sometimes scholarship money in hand.”
MCPS has hosted a few on-the-spot admissions events, including three this year for the graduating class of 2024. Some of the institutions included were: Salisbury State University, Frostburg State University, Marymount University and many others. Students have a diverse range of options and can find nearly any school that fits their needs. However, the on-the-spot admissions events that MCPS has been hosting have been very poorly attended.
“I think the reason that WCHS students are not using the on-the-spot admissions process is because they do not know about it,” WCHS senior Ash Singh said. “WCHS students would prioritize these events more if they were aware [of] this option being available.”
MCPS has made an effort to host on-the-spot admissions events and last February, they held one for Historically Black Colleges and Universities. This school year, they have hosted three of these events and promoted all of them at highschools across the county. Although some students remain unaware, others are taking advantage of this exciting opportunity.
“I am considering on-the-spot admissions. It seems like an easier process because college admissions officers can get to know you, your character and your transcript face-to-face,” Singh said. “I am still going to be applying to colleges through the Common App, but I would feel more confident knowing that I have somewhere to go no matter what happens.”
On-the-spot admissions have the potential to reshape the college application process experience by providing students with a sense of control. Beyond speeding up the admissions process, these events give students the opportunity to ask questions, clarify their concerns about further education and build personal connections with their admissions officers. This can ease anxiety about students’ futures and help them build a better understanding of what different schools offer.
“Having that in-person interaction with an admissions officer can make all the difference. It can really allow a student’s personality to shine, and allow them to impress these colleges,” Fleck said. “Even if students are sceptical about the process, it is also another resource for them to get more comfortable with applying for college and getting an understanding of what they want.”
Although the current turnout for these events is low, at least for WCHS students, the potential for growth is high. As more students attend these events and experience their benefits firsthand, knowledge will spread and encourage others to attend as well. If on-the-spot admissions became more popular, they could become a more integral part of college admissions, and help make the journey to higher education more transparent and quicker.
“On-the-spot admissions seem like they are really beneficial, and WCHS students should take advantage of these events,” Singh said. “You can get on-the-spot offers for scholarships and quick answers to your questions. Even if you are not really considering any of the universities at the events, I do not think there is a good reason to skip out on something so helpful for understanding the college admissions process.”
