Notre Dame Provost Helps Navigate The College Admissions Process

Ranney School’s College Office hosted an informative program on navigating the college admissions process on Wednesday, November 11. Guest speaker Daniel Saracino, assistant provost for Enrollment and dean of Admissions at the University of Notre Dame, addressed parents and students on “The Evolving Landscape of College Admissions” in RSPA Panther Hall. During his presentation, he discussed a wide variety of topics ranging from choosing the right college, what colleges are looking for in prospective applicants, and funding a college education.  Following his address, a Q&A provided families with helpful information on the college selection process.

In a lively address peppered with personal anecdotes about his own college experience, Mr. Saracino emphasized “the college admissions process does not have to be fraught with anxiety.” “The role of parents,” he said, “is to help their children in the process, not take over the process for them.” He implored parents to be good consumers and ask questions about retention rates and financial aid because “college is one of the largest investments you will ever make.”

Mr. Sarcino also discussed what most colleges look at in the initial application process, adding transcripts, test scores, and AP and honors courses “still help us to predict performance.” Although these predicators are useful, most colleges, particularly the University of Notre Dame, do not admit strictly by the numbers. “We’re not trying to just bring in a class, we’re trying to shape a class of interesting, talented and well-rounded students,” he added.

Mr. Saracino has worked in college admissions for over forty years. Prior to returning to his alma mater, the University of Notre Dame in 1997, he served as the chief enrollment officer at Santa Clara University for twenty years. He has played leadership roles in professional organizations at the state, regional and national levels, including the College Board and the National Association for College Admission Counseling. In recent years, he has served on the National Merit Scholarship and the Lilly Foundation Scholarship committees. Mr. Saracino also travels overseas annually, visiting international schools and military base secondary schools on behalf of the U.S. State Department and the Department of Defense.

For additional information on all Ranney School news, please contact the Communications Department at communications@ranneyschool.org.