Navigating the System

Resource Guide for the College Search and Application Process

At Ohio Wesleyan, we are proud to welcome students from more than 30 states and over 20 countries. Many of our students (22%) are the first in their family to go to college. Some students are the first in their family to attend a small private university.

Our students bring a variety of experiences and perspectives to the campus, and many of them have one thing in common: They found the college application and search to be daunting and sometimes confusing. We hope this guide helps you to navigate this important process. It includes helpful terminology, tips for the application process, on-campus resources, links to scholarships, and much more!

Throughout this guide, you will find information applicable to navigating the college-entry process at almost every college or university, but when relevant, we provide specific examples from Ohio Wesleyan. This guide, while extensive, is not comprehensive, so we encourage you to reach out to admission representatives if you have further questions or want clarification. We are here to help!

Tips & Answers

Refresh Tips

Tip

Write your essay about you. Your essay is an opportunity for us to learn more about you beyond your academic achievements and extracurricular involvements. Your topic does not need to be grand or dramatic. Some of the best essays we read are about a small hobby or a fun memory. The most important thing is that you tell us something new about you, whether it is a passion, your favorite activity, an important person in your life, or an impactful moment in your past. For example, essays from English class featuring your thoughts on Moby Dick – however well written – are often not our favorite because we have not learned about your personality or interests. To help you begin your essay, check out our admission blog on making your essay shine!

4 Tips to Make Your College Essay Shine

Tip

Make sure to have someone else proofread your essay. A writing sample with a lot of typos or grammatical errors can significantly weaken your application.

Tip

Even if it’s not required, submit a recommendation letter – but make sure it is from someone who knows you well. References from teachers, school counselors, coaches, or supervisors can strengthen your application. These letters allow for the admission committee to learn more about you and your personality, and the letters normally paint a very positive picture of your abilities. If you’re not sure whom to ask (or how to ask), read our admission blog on steps to a great recommendation letter.

4 Steps to a Great College Recommendation Letter

Tip

Do not hesitate to contact admission counselors. Most admission representatives enter the profession because they are excited about interacting with prospective students and assisting them through the search process. Asking questions is encouraged, and it also demonstrates your excitement and interest in a school, which only helps your application. If you want to reach out to our staff, meet your admission counselor!

Meet Your Admission Counselor

On-Campus Resources for First Generation College Students

Other Resources