College Prep 101
Choosing the right school is personal—and sometimes stressful. We offer tips on how to stand out in the admissions process.
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Minnehaha Academy: Preschool – Grade 12
What is the overall vision of your school? “Our teachers don’t just develop our academic abilities. They mold our character, morals, and values as well.” Those words from a member of the class of 2008 describe the overall vision of Minnehaha Academy. We help our students build a strong spiritual and academic foundation. We instill them with a strong moral compass and energize them to reach high personal and educational goals. Members of the Minnehaha faculty truly embody our mission of integrating Christian faith and academic excellence. Ultimately, students enroll at Minnehaha because they feel they “belong.”
Little-known fact: The Minnehaha Academy curriculum includes the highest number of Advanced Placement (AP) courses of any private school in Minnesota. This award-winning program challenges students to achieve high levels of academic excellence. In 2007, Minnehaha was the only high school in Minnesota – and one of 50 in the nation – to win the Advanced Placement Math and Science Award given by the Siemens Foundation and the College Board. In their letter of congratulations, the College Board wrote, “We believe schools like yours represent the best of American education.” Minnehaha currently offers students 21 AP courses with 25 subject exams. From 2006-2008, Minnehaha’s 615 graduates took 1,434 exams. During that period, all students taking AP exams scored 3 or higher more than 70 percent of the time.
3100 West River Parkway, Mpls., MN 612-728-7756
www.MinnehahaAcademy.net
Minnetonka Public Schools #276
Total high school enrollment: 2,828 (2008-09)
How, in your opinion, can a high school student best prepare for college-level work? Colleges are looking for students who have made the most of high school by challenging themselves with rigorous coursework (Advanced Placement or International Baccalaureate), team or group activities and service and leadership experiences. Research is clear that students who enroll in AP or IB courses are more likely to complete their college education, so Minnetonka students are encouraged to enroll in at least one AP or IB course. Applicants who demonstrate passion, persistence, a dedication to learning, and global awareness have characteristics that are welcomed by colleges.
How do you keep your competitive edge? In the last five years, student achievement has soared and Minnetonka now ranks among America’s Top High Schools (Newsweek Magazine). A school-record 15 students were named National Merit Semifinalists, with 24 Commended students in 2008.
Would you like to add anything else? Community support for dedicated technology funding has allowed Minnetonka to become a national leader in using technology as an accelerator of learning. The District has earned national awards for technology integration each of the last four years.
952-401-5000
www.minnetonka.k12.mn.us
New Life Academy
Total enrollment: 731
Tuition: $7,248 (grades 7-12)
What is the overall vision of your school? New Life Academy’s main mission is to develop students to influence generations for Jesus Christ through academic excellence, a biblically-based caring environment, and character development.
What are your criteria for accepting applications? An application packet must be filled out and submitted with a non-refundable application fee. Each student is interviewed by the principal.
What is the deadline for receiving applications for classes beginning in fall of 2009? As long as there is space available in a grade level, we do accept applications right up to the start of the school year. However, because of the cap on enrollment per grade, we recommend applying early. We will begin accepting applications in January 2009.
What do you hear most about why students choose to attend your school? New Life is a place where moral principles and values, great relationships, high academic standards, dedicated, caring teachers, a full range of athletic and co-curricular activities, a warm, welcoming atmosphere, and opportunities for character development exist. Students value the Christian environment and education.
6758 Bailey Rd., Woodbury, MN 651-459-4121
www.newlifeacademy.org
St. Paul Academy and Summit School
Total enrollment: 867 (K-12)
Tuition: Lower School $20,620, Middle School $21,520, Upper School $22,410
What are your criteria for accepting applications? Throughout every grade at St. Paul Academy and Summit School, we look for students who are highly motivated and excited about learning, and want to be surrounded by others who are equally engaged. We look for students who will add a different dimension to the class and to the school, not simply to fill a spot.
How do you keep your competitive edge? We offer students an amazing balance between being deeply challenged in the classroom and being involved in a wide variety of non-academic activities. St. Paul Academy and Summit School is the sort of place where students are willing to take risks because they feel support from the faculty and from each other. We are a community of intellectually curious students, supportive parents, and dedicated teachers.
Little-known fact about your school: We offer one of the smallest student-teacher ratios in the Twin Cities. Class size is one of the main reasons families consider independent education, and we are committed to maintaining this outstanding ratio.
1712 Randolph Ave., St. Paul, MN 651-698-2451
www.spa.edu
The Art Institutes International
Total enrollment: 1,872
Tuition: $449 per credit or $21,552 per academic year
What are your criteria for accepting applications? An Admissions Committee reviews the students’ high school GPA and a written essay for acceptance.
What, from an admissions standpoint, is the single most important way in which a student can present themselves to the school of their choice? Students need to make sure that all of their admissions materials are complete before submitting them to the college. This will prevent any delay in processing the application.
How do you keep your competitive edge? Our courses are taught by industry professionals who prepare our students for careers in their respected fields.
What one comment do you hear over and over again about why students choose to attend your school? Students like the smaller class sizes and the personalized attention they receive from our staff.
Little-known fact: The Art Institutes International Minnesota recently added several evening and weekend degree options for students.
15 S. 9th St., Mpls., MN
800-777-3643
www.artinstitutes.edu/minneapolis
Augustana College
Total enrollment: 1,754
Tuition: $22,188
What is the overall vision of your school? Augustana College aspires to become one of America’s premier church-related colleges.
What are your criteria for accepting applications? Augustana takes a holistic approach to admission, considering all aspects of a candidate’s academic record, essay, and letter of recommendation. The recommended minimum requirements are an ACT of 20, 2.7 GPA in a college prep program, and ranking in the 50th percentile of their class.
What do admissions counselors look for in a good application? Thoroughness is a good start. Our application for admission is also an application for scholarships so students need to pay attention to detail and be sure to include all pertinent information. An interesting essay is always a plus.
How do you keep your competitive edge? We don’t ever take a student or a class for granted; this is a challenging market and we have great respect for the colleges and universities with whom we compete. We enjoy working with students and parents, care deeply about Augustana, and fervently believe in the quality of the experience the college provides. We are a great private college without the sticker shock.
2001 S. Summit Ave.,
Sioux Falls 800-727-2844
www.augie.edu
