Chugging along...

Can you say busy?

We're in full swing with Early Action and just starting to receive all of the information from students applying Regular Decision. Need less to say, Christmas shopping has taken a back seat for me. I have a feeling I'll be one of those crazy people buying gifts on December 24th!

Just a quick note to address some concerns over Early Action and Early Decision notification letters: Due to a large volume of applications from a very competitive pool of candidates, we are working hard to send out decisions as possible. If your application is complete, you should be hearing from us soon! If your application is incomplete, please look for correspondence about your missing transcripts, recommendations, test scores, etc. so we can review your application as soon as possible.

And on a random note, enjoy these winter photos from around campus! Yeah!

Christmas Tree with "presents" on campus

Taking a break from reading applications to stop at Dunkin Donuts. Mocha latte and peppermint donut...mmmm

Donahue Hall after the first snowfall of the year


Admissions Staff Members (from left) Jacinda, Shamika, Eric, Evan and Andrew take a stroll around campus

Hello Blog World

This is my first entry in our Stonehill Counselor’s Blog, and judging by the time of year I bet you think this will be about reading applications and the whole process…WRONG.

Since it is my first blog it has got to be something fun and interesting….something that will make you want to tune in next week.

What could be so powerful, special, and exciting that each of you will follow my blog religiously from this point forward? I’ll tell you what: MR. STONEHILL

Conor Nordengren '10 making his parents proud

That’s right, Mr. Stonehill, if you’ve been on a tour of campus or spoke with a Stonehill student they probably talked about it. Mr. Stonehill is a glorified male beauty pageant….but make no mistake about it, we aren’t dealing with the Moms from “Toddlers and Tiaras” (no I do not watch the show...). This competition is not meant to be taken too seriously. All of the contestants have a great time, a lot of laughs and a lot of smiles.

Fourteen of Stonehill's finest young men, took part in the competition. The judges included officers from every class, a few others from the Stonehill community, and our very own Andrew Leahy. Our Senior Admissions Counselor extraordinaire is not just a compassionate,intelligent member of our Stonehill Admissions team- he is also a fantastic judge of talent (and I’m not just saying that because Andrew is my boss…)

I hear he accepts Mr. Stonehill bribes (cash or money order)

Four of our Student Ambassadors took part in the competition and did an awesome job. Clenton McArthur '10, or should I say his brother "Clenny Kravitz", performed a great rendition of ‘American Woman’.

Other notables included Jay Ardizonni '11 performing the vampire musical from "Forgetting Sarah Marshall" and the Tiger song Ed Helms sings in "The Hangover", and Randy Jose '12 absolutely killing it performing a Michael Jackson dance tribute, the crowd rose for a standing ovation after the performance. And I have to give props to our Student Ambassador Tim Cushing '10 for doing a great all around job (or he will keep bugging me about it).

Alas, in the end the deserving winner was Joey D’agostino '10 who performed some great magic, and was a crowd favorite in the swimsuit portion of the competition rolling through on his skateboard with lights all over him. The lights somehow made their way into the formal wear segment of the program.

Well, now devoted followers, that wraps up my wrap up of Mr. Stonehill. It was a lot of fun, everyone had a great time. All of the contestants did a fantastic job performing. I think this video of Conner speaks for itself.

If you are interested in any other media from the event check out Facebook

Also, don't forget, for all the latest admissions news check us out on Twitter

Fall Travel Superlatives

Yes folks, it's that time again. Let's wrap up Fall Travel high school style...with superlatives!

Best downtown:Hershey, PA

If you look closely on the light poles you can see the giant Hersey Kisses!

Nicest drive: Litchfield County, CT

Besides the construction that made me late to a visit or two, I have to give credit to the beauty of Litchfield County!

Best "work weekend" ever: MIAMI

You can't really consider being in Miami for a weekend in October "work." Please keep in mind it was snowing in Boston when this picture was taken. That made this deal a little bit sweeter :)

Best rental car: Lime green VW Bug with Kentucky plates

I have no clue how this car got to Pittsburgh, but I was so glad it was mine for the week!

Biggest Fatty Fest: Primanti Brothers

Yes, that would be a chicken, cheese, cole slaw and french fry sandwich. I split it with a friend and still didn't finish it!

Best New Building: Huizenga Science Center at the Pine Crest School in Fort Lauderdale, FL

Double winding staircases, rooftop terrace, 8 labs, etc. Unreal!

Most high tech visitor sign-in: Great Valley High School in Malvern, PA.
Step 1: Take your photo using a camera hooked up to a computer. Step 2: Enter your personal information into the computer. Step 3: Sticker prints out with your photo, information and arrival time. VERY COOL! When you leave the building, they scan you out! Best part: when I return next fall, my information is saved in the system. Very, very impressive!

Most Persistent:

A certain Admissions Representative who will remain nameless has been harassing me all fall to give her another Fall Travel Superlative. So there you go!

Happy Thanksgiving to everyone! We are almost through reviewing Early Action and Early Decision folders. When are we sending out decision letters? Follow us on twitter to be the first to know!

Quick Update

Hey everyone! I only have a few minutes to update because this week is CRAZY! We've started reviewing Early Action and Early Decision applications and there's no going back now! We received more applications at this time this year than last so we're busier than expected.

So far it looks like the class is shaping up well. I'm impressed with the quantity and quality of our applicants so far! I love this time of year because it's so exciting getting to learn more about our applicants after meeting so many of them last spring and fall. This year in particular I feel that the essays are really strong. I read a great one about a cross-country family road trip to visit colleges all over the nation and another moving essay about an applicant's cousin who recently passed away from a rare disease. Both very different, but well written nevertheless.

Missed the chance to apply Early Action or Early Decision? Fret not- the Regular Decision deadline isn't until January 15th so you have plenty of time!

As always, please feel free to contact admissions@stonehill.edu if you have any questions about applying.

Come to the World's Largest College Fair!

Ever wish you could get all the information that you get at a college fair from the comfort of your own home?

Well, Stonehill is participating in the world's largest College Fair, and it's located on-line! Over 42,000 students from all over the US have already signed up so why don't you? It's easy and free.

If you are interested in learning more about Stonehill, visit our virtual booth by visiting:

http://www.collegeweeklive.com/

This fair is currently live and is running until this Saturday at 6pm.

As part of this fair we are hosting several live chats. To chat with an Admissions Counselor and some of our current students, visit our booth during the following times:

Thursday, November 5th: 2:00pm-6:00pm
Friday, November 6th: 3:00pm-6:00pm
Saturday, November 7th: 12:00pm-3:00pm

While at our booth you can download several different brochures that include information about financial aid, various academic programs, and more!

Thanks and we hope to see you at the fair!

UPDATE: Early Action Deadline Extended!

Happy November!

Didn't get a chance to submit your Early Action application in time for November 1st?
Do you wish you could turn back the clock so you could get your application in?

Well you're in luck!

We've decided to extend our Early Action Deadline until November 16th.

For those of you who have applied already, we thank you and we will begin the review of your applications soon.

To learn more about how we review your application click here.

To apply now click here.

More from PA

Just a quick update! Being a massive history nerd, I couldn't pass up the chance to stop by Valley Forge while I was recruiting in the Philadelphia area last week. I've visited Concord, Lexington, Gettysburg, Harper's Ferry and Antietam so obviously I need to keep going. Now I can proudly add Valley Forge to my list!

US National Memorial Arch

Not exactly my idea of proper winter housing....

These deer were right next to my car!

Sun beginning to set on Valley Forge