Mahopac admissions panel urges students to seek fit, be authentic in applications

April Umich, the Mahopac Central School District's administrator for school counseling, opened a college-admissions roundtable on the district's livestream and introduced four admissions officers who spoke to parents and students about choosing colleges and preparing applications.

Beatrice Martin Ruiz, associate director of admissions at Purchase College SUNY, said families should focus first on fit rather than prestige. "We believe in diversity and inclusion, and we want students to come as they are," she said, adding that students should weigh academic programs, campus environment and support services when narrowing choices.

Christina LaVella, director of undergraduate admissions at Manhattanville University, told attendees the essay is a place to show who students really are. "Be your true, authentic self in your essay," she said, adding that letters of recommendation and activities should complement the academic record.

Phil Howard, senior associate director of undergraduate admissions at the University of New Haven, described the practical differences among application plans. "Early decision is a commitment. You're signing a contract," he said, explaining accepted applicants who applied early decision must withdraw other applications and deposit by the school's stated deadline. He and other panelists urged families to check each program's calendar because auditions or program-specific deadlines can differ from general admissions dates.

Panelists said most schools on the panel use a holistic review that gives substantial weight to a student's high school transcript and course rigor, but agreed that essays, recommendations and demonstrated interest can help admissions committees understand a student's fit. Christina LaVella recommended visiting campuses when possible and using specialized visits (major-based tours or admitted-student events) to evaluate programs.

On testing, panelists said the institutions represented were test-optional but warned families to verify current policies because some programs continue to require standardized scores. "There's a difference between test-optional and test-blind," one panelist said, noting that some schools will not use submitted scores at all while others will consider them if provided.

The panel also addressed college athletics. Speakers explained that Division III programs generally do not offer athletic scholarships, while Division II and Division I may provide recruited athletes with aid; they advised student-athletes to connect early with coaches, use recruiting services and prepare athletic "packets" or highlight reels when pursuing recruitment.

During audience questions, panelists highlighted two frequent application mistakes: failing to proofread submissions (for example, indicating the wrong college in a school-specific essay) and submitting incomplete materials for programs that require supplemental items. Nicole Salambini, director of admissions at Pace University's Westchester campus, said, "If you're applying to Pace University, do not tell me all the reasons that you want to go to Manhattanville," as an example of an avoidable error.

Panelists recommended families use tools their high school provides (the district uses Naviance), maintain open communication with admissions offices and use a personal email address rather than a school account that might block messages. They also encouraged students to accept optional interviews when offered — particularly at competitive institutions — because interviews can provide additional context for reviewers.

The event closed with a reminder that school counselors are available to help families with timelines and next steps; the district will post the recording to its YouTube channel for later review.

The panel did not take votes or formal actions; it was an informational session intended to guide students and families through the college application process.