Why We're Here

Our admission counselors are here to share with you the world of Miami admission. Learn a little about us and the process, plus all the fun and excitement happening on and off campus this year.

Friday, July 22, 2011

It's almost Application Time!

Hey Everyone! I hope you are enjoying the summer. It’s hard to believe the semester is just around the corner. Signs are already on campus for football games and campus entertainment, the university is preparing for the students to return and current students are itching to return to Oxford. Here in admission, we’re already getting calls and emails from students ready to apply to the university!

The number one question I have been getting from students is where should I be at this point in the application process? The answer, not everyone is at the same pace, but the fact that you are thinking about the process means you are where you need to be.

Some students will be ready to apply when the Miami University application is available on August 1 (www.muohio.edu/apply). Others are still shortening their long list of schools to a short list. Keep in mind that you once August hits you can submit your application as soon as you’re ready, but you can always take the time you need to ensure you have filled out the application to your satisfaction as long as we have it by our decision deadlines.

As you begin to take a look at applying, here are a few things to keep in mind:

1. Do not rush your application just to have it done. This process allows you to let the college know the student they are admitting. Take your time to really allow the institution to get to know you as a person.

2. Map out the timing of filling out the application. Chances are you about to get extremely busy when the school year starts, so keeping yourself on a schedule will keep you on track.

3. Ask questions. This is a big decision you are making and you want all the information. Call us at 513-529-2531 or email us at admission@muohio.edu. We are always more than happy to answer any questions that you may have.

Best of luck to you as you begin application season!

Wednesday, July 13, 2011

Early Decision: Great Option, Strong Message

Spend some time on our Admission website, and you might notice a significant change. For the first time in the University’s history, we have a site set up specifically for Early Decision admission: www.muohio.edu/earlydecision. Naturally, the question becomes is this a good option for you? Before you answer that question, let’s focus on the word ‘option.’

Indeed, it is just that. There is no pressure per say to apply Early, but we’re essentially being as transparent as we can. Yes, we like it when students really like us. There’s no stronger message you send to a college than to say, “This is a great school and yes, if I’m admitted I will be coming.” It’s kind of like an allegiance you have to a name brand (Starbucks comes to mind) or a particular channel (for me it’s National Geographic). That allegiance will always come first, no matter the other options on the table. Early Decision—for the most part—works that way. It’s not to say you haven’t considered other colleges, but there is one shining brighter than the rest. If you feel that warmth when you take a tour or attend an information session, go with it. Embrace it. Apply early and tell us you love us. Your application will be due sooner rather than later, but you will also have the college search process wrapped up early into your senior year. Do you know how AllState offers the peace of mind guarantee with auto insurance? That’s what we’re offering too---less stress senior year, and more time to assimilate into the Miami Family before you actually arrive on campus.

So why is Miami emphasizing the Early Decision option now? Why now seems to be the core of the chatter both on and off campus. To get that answer, just reverse the question. Why not now? In a world where students are bombarded with so many options/incentives, we initially didn’t want to appear pushy or pressure students more than they are already pressured. We wanted to outline three specific dates and adhere to them. It’s not so much that we have changed, but the world has changed. Students have gotten smarter and they are starting their college search process earlier and earlier. For thousands, this also means that come November, there aren’t a ton of colleges left on the list. The ones that remain are serious contenders and more often than not, students just seem to “know” their top choice. Act on that and be bold. My advice is if you can complete the following sentence in less than a minute, apply early: “I truly love Miami University and I am applying Early because…..”

Here’s the real pearl in all this discourse—your chances of getting in are better. There’s just no way around it. The applicant pool (which historically has been less than a 1,000 students) is a lot smaller than the Early Action and Regular Decision pools. It’s still going to be competitive because we are a selective school, but it’s not alarming numerical odds.

Finally, whatever option you choose, make sure it’s the right one for you. Pledging your allegiance to Miami is “in”, it is popular and more and more students are doing it. We hope that after careful consideration, you’ll declare Early Decision too.

Wednesday, July 6, 2011

A Few Questions with a New RedHawk




Hello Everyone! Summer is moving quickly and it’s almost time for rising high school seniors, class of 2012, to begin their college application journey. I thought now would be a good time to get some insight from a new RedHawk on the application process and what he likes about Miami. Enjoy!



Meet Kendall, an incoming first-year student-athlete from Columbus, OH. Kendall will be playing baseball at Miami. Here’s what he had to say:


1) Why did you choose Miami?

I chose Miami because I felt very comfortable as I came on my visits. Being a baseball player, that had some say in my decision as well. The major factor was how I felt when I arrived on campus; it felt like somewhere I wanted to be.


2) What are you most looking forward to?

I am most looking forward to meeting new friends during my first year. I'm curious to see how well I'll make the transition from high school to college as well.


3) What are you most nervous about?

I am most nervous about time management. I have heard from others how it is the key to success in college and I hope can learn to manage my time well.


4) What was the hardest part of the college application process?

Personally, the hardest part of the college application process was making sure I had all the requirements (recommendations, SAT/ ACT scores, etc.) all in order and all present to ship out to each college.


5) Do you have any advice for students that are preparing to apply to college this fall?

Don't let anyone tell you there's somewhere you can't go. If you want to get away, do it. Take the time to go visit and apply to the school. If you don’t get in, so what. At least you made them say no whereas you never know what would happen if you didn’t even apply. Also, don't stress!