The College Admissions Process Podcast 350. The University of the South - Sewanee - Sarah Butler - Assistant Dean of Admission, Office of Admission & Financial Aid
🎙️ Inside Sewanee Admissions – What You Need to Know!
📍 Guest: Sarah Butler, Assistant Dean of Admission, Office of Admission & Financial Aid
Are you considering a liberal arts college that combines academic rigor, strong community, and stunning natural surroundings? 🌲📚 Don’t miss this insightful conversation with Sarah Butler from Sewanee: The University of the South, where we unpack what makes Sewanee unique — and what students and families need to know before applying.
🔑 TOP 3 TAKEAWAYS for Your College Research Journey:
1️⃣ 🎓 A Place for the Intellectually Curious
Sewanee is a liberal arts college with a strong academic foundation, a low student-faculty ratio, and a faculty that is both deeply invested and highly accessible. Students benefit from:
- Small classes and rigorous discussions 💬
- Funded research, internships, and travel opportunities through the Sewanee Pledge ✈️💼
- A distinctive academic calendar and immersive learning experiences
Sarah explains how Sewanee supports students who are “intellectually curious and community-minded” and thrive when fully engaged both in and out of the classroom.
2️⃣ 📄 Inside the Holistic Admissions Process
From GPA context to essays, Sarah walks us through how applications are reviewed at Sewanee, sharing:
- They do not recalculate GPAs but evaluate them in the student’s academic context 📊
- Honors, AP, IB, and dual enrollment courses are recognized for their rigor
- Test-optional policy is truly optional, and applicants are not penalized for withholding scores 📝
Sarah also offers great advice on how to decide whether to submit SAT/ACT scores based on whether they add value to your application.
3️⃣ 🤝 Demonstrated Interest & Early Application Insights
While Sewanee does track demonstrated interest, Sarah emphasizes it’s not about checking boxes — it's about building a genuine relationship with the school. She encourages:
- Visiting campus if possible 🚗
- Joining virtual info sessions and regional events 💻🌎
- Connecting with current students or your admission counselor
For students applying Early Decision or Early Action, Sarah clarifies the differences and explains how applying early can benefit students who are confident in their choice.
✨ BONUS ADVICE:
At the end of the episode, Sarah shares three must-hear tips for students and families navigating the college process — advice grounded in empathy, experience, and a deep understanding of student success.
🌐 CLICK HERE to learn more about Sewanee and start exploring.
Sewanee Admissions & Aid admission.sewanee.edu
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Straight From The Admissions Office: Insider Strategies For College Applications
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