The University of Delaware

“When trying to get into a school you haveNov 19 2002Accounting
When trying to get into a school you have to remember that schools are looking for someone who is well-rounded. Get out and get involved. Don't slack off in your senior year of High School, it will come back to haunt you even if you do get into a college/university.
SAT: 1000 Female

“Had to write an essay, and have good gradesSep 22 2002Education
Had to write an essay, and have good grades. Study for your SAT's, they really look at that. make sure you get good letters of recommendation.
SAT: 1160 Female

“I used a lot of extra curriculars to getAug 22 2002Mechanical Engineering
I used a lot of extra curriculars to get into all my college choices. SAT's and your GPA do make a difference, but I've seen a football player with an SAT score of 820, and a GPA of just under a 2.0 get into a very good school. Also, I've noticed that visiting the school, and scheduling meeting with faculty members, and admissions officers can be very helpful. Other than that, awards, and honors help, as well as uncommon skills (musical, or artistic talents...) can be very helpful, and should be mentioned somewhere in your application. Besides all of this, all I can tell you is work hard on your essays, and make sure you have someone proof read them for you. Finally, all I can say is Good Luck.
SAT: 1320 Male

“I had a stellar high school background (4Jul 12 2002Business - Management and Administration
I had a stellar high school background (4.00, mediocre SATs:(, excellent recs, interesting heritage) so I didn't have to do much to convince them to admit me to my very competitive major and the honors program. I made sure to get my stuff in on time, in good condition, visited to make sure they arrived...

However, it's getting mega competitive - don't expect to get in with a GPA < 3.5 and/or SATs above 1200 unless you're a superstar athlete, a Delaware legacy (parents/siblings UD grads), a minority or are from a family who's donated a lot of money to the university. If so, make sure and say so somehow.

I work in admissions so here's the tips I've picked up...
* Regardless of whether you think you'll get in, to maximise your chances - get the stuff in on time, and check that its arrived a week or so after you send it (a phone call is all that's necessary).
* Write to the director of admissions - he likes that, praising the university, the tour guides (if appropriate), the admissions officers you have talked to (if appropriate). Emphasize why you want to come here.
* If denied, make sure to appeal!
* Extra statements sent in are always read, especially if you make sure to send it before your file becomes complete/before the deadline....so if you need to explain a bad grade or 2, then this can help majorly. It's best to send as much stuff together as you can.
* Also if you appeal, make your letter impressive
* Try not to appear snooty in your essay - sometimes personality gets in the way of a borderline decision (unfortunately).
* If an admissions counselor visits your school, be sure to act maturely - I've seen a few people denied because of that (the comments said that academically they were OK but because they were obnoxious we don't want them). They remember things like that very well.
* Reccomendations can be super important. Try to get your teachers to give it to you so you can see it. If it's not stunning, not necessarily bad, but if it sounds like little effort was made or is very short (like 1 paragraph), then try to get another better one. Or even don't bother sending it. Make sure you talk with your recommender, tell them why you want to come to Delaware, what you would add, and remind them of your accomplishments if its been a while since they've had you.
* You can send more than 1 rec, but don't overdo it!
* Feel free to send additional stuff (like music CDs, artwork, newspaper articles about you, URLs for any websites you've built) - but it won't be returned, so consider carefully!
* If you've contacted anyone (professors/departments...) then say somehow. Admissions counselors think this means commitment.
* Oh yes, applying on the web is a bonus too! I think the URL is www.udel.edu/applyonline

PS My pet peeve is getting your 'major' code wrong. PLEASE look it up on the table on the application. It looks REALLY bad if what you write isn't on the list! I then I have to write over it in red before we enter the application in our computer system.
SAT: 1280 Female