Admissions Office Surveys Students

In an effort to determine the problems international students face in the application process, the admissions office recently e-mailed a questionnaire to members of the Woodbridge Society.

The Woodbridge Society, an on-campus organization for international students, helped compile the questionnaire.

"It's important that [the admissions office] understand what students think," said Ahmed T. El-Gaili '98, a member of the Woodbridge Society.

"We can't generalize because there are so many different regions, but if the admissions office could see the difficulties international students face, they could perhaps revise the application process," El-Gaili said.

The questionnaire was sent to nearly 300 international students on campus. El-Gaili said he expects about 100 responses.

"We're always trying to get better and to improve our outreach," said William R. Fitzsimmons '67, director of admissions and financial aid. "This questionnaire is part of a continuing effort."

The questionnaire asks students to comment on specific aspects of the application process, including correspondence, interviews, recommendations, standardized tests and financial aid. It also requests feedback on difficulties students may have in obtaining visas and traveling to Cambridge.

In addition, the questionnaire asked students to describe the educational systems in their home country as well as the resources available to them about American schools.

Fitzsimmons said that international students presently make up between five and seven percent of the undergraduate student body, a two percent increase from 15 years ago.

"This reflects greater interest in other parts of the world in American higher education and our institution in particular," Fitzsimmons said.

"We are very competitive for the best students all over the world," Fitzsimmons added. "We are looking for leaders not just in this country but in other countries as well. It's part of our general mission."

As part of this "mission," the admissions office is concerned with how international students view the application process.

The students cited many concerns.

"The transcripts are not always available in other countries in the form , from page 1that would be standard elsewhere in this country," said Kaustuv Sen '99, Woodbridge Society treasurer.

Zeynep C. Fetvaci '99, Woodbridge Society secretary, agreed and added that "writing an essay that tries to tell all about yourself can be especially problematic when English is your second language."

Fitzsimmons said he acknowledges that not all cultures value "non-academic credentials" such as extracurricular activities. The admissions committee has to take into account the differences in how international students present themselves compared to American students, Fitzsimmons said.

"We have to go back and get more information and be sensitive to each particular culture," Fitzsimmons said.

Students said they hoped that the questionnaire would help the admissions office meet its goals.

"From our end, we would like to improve and streamline the process. That's what the questionnaire is about: how the application process can be clear and relevant," El-Gaili said.

While the admissions office already engages in international recruiting and joint travel with other schools, the Woodbridge Society is also working to encourage international students to apply.

The organization has put together videos and a booklet detailing their experiences abroad.

Fetvaci said she hopes other international students will see the benefit of studying in the United States.

"One of the positive aspects of education in the States is that it attracts students from all over the world," Fetvaci said. "The education I get here is more than just academic. I gain a lot from interacting with people from many cultures, and probably only at Harvard will I have these opportunities."

Fitzsimmons said he thought most international students adjusted well and are satisfied with their college experience.

"Over the years, periodic studies have shown that for the most part, international students have very good experiences," Fitzsimmons said. "Their satisfaction rates are often higher than students from the United States.

Zeynep C. Fetvaci '99, Woodbridge Society secretary, agreed and added that "writing an essay that tries to tell all about yourself can be especially problematic when English is your second language."

Fitzsimmons said he acknowledges that not all cultures value "non-academic credentials" such as extracurricular activities. The admissions committee has to take into account the differences in how international students present themselves compared to American students, Fitzsimmons said.

"We have to go back and get more information and be sensitive to each particular culture," Fitzsimmons said.

Students said they hoped that the questionnaire would help the admissions office meet its goals.

"From our end, we would like to improve and streamline the process. That's what the questionnaire is about: how the application process can be clear and relevant," El-Gaili said.

While the admissions office already engages in international recruiting and joint travel with other schools, the Woodbridge Society is also working to encourage international students to apply.

The organization has put together videos and a booklet detailing their experiences abroad.

Fetvaci said she hopes other international students will see the benefit of studying in the United States.

"One of the positive aspects of education in the States is that it attracts students from all over the world," Fetvaci said. "The education I get here is more than just academic. I gain a lot from interacting with people from many cultures, and probably only at Harvard will I have these opportunities."

Fitzsimmons said he thought most international students adjusted well and are satisfied with their college experience.

"Over the years, periodic studies have shown that for the most part, international students have very good experiences," Fitzsimmons said. "Their satisfaction rates are often higher than students from the United States.