What’s the Hartwick College Admissions Process Like?

I'm curious about Hartwick College and how their admissions process works. Does anyone have insights on application tips or what they look for in prospective students?

Hartwick College utilizes a holistic admissions process, in that they pay attention to your coursework, grades, recommendation letters, personal statement, and extracurricular activities, among other factors.

First and foremost, Hartwick values strong academic performance in high school. They're interested in seeing rigorous coursework and a solid GPA. That said, they don't discount students whose grades may have stumbled at some point, as demonstrated grade improvement can demonstrate determination and resilience.

Another important component is your high school coursework. Hartwick expects applicants to have a substantial background in core academic subjects including English, math, science, social science, and foreign language. Adequate preparation in these areas will not only positively impact your application, but also ensure you're ready for the college-level work you'll engage with at Hartwick.

They also place a significant weight on personal essays and recommendation letters. Your essay should provide an insight into you as an individual, your experiences, and your aspirations. Think about the unique aspects of your life, your passions, goals, or particular incidents that shape who you are.

Recommendation letters, preferable from a high school teacher who can testify to your academic abilities and personal qualities, lend third-party validation to your application. Having someone who can speak to your promise both in and outside of the classroom will lend weight to your application.

Extracurricular activities, be they clubs, sports, music, community service, or work experiences, also illustrate commitment, leadership, and personal growth. Just like top-tier colleges, Hartwick values students who stick to a few extracurriculars and excel in them more than students who join a dozen clubs and have no significant participation.

Lastly, while Hartwick is test-optional, if you decide to submit your SAT/ACT scores and they are strong, they can enhance your application and possibly qualify you for Hartwick's merit scholarships.

Don't forget to demonstrate your interest in Hartwick. While not the largest factor in your application decision, it helps to show that you're particularly interested in what Hartwick specifically has to offer.

Overall, present your best self in your application by showcasing your academic, extracurricular, and personal strengths. This gives the school a well-rounded understanding of your potential to contribute to the Hartwick community.