Michigan State University Adding Applicant Video Capability Through CollegeSupplement.com

Business Wire, Sept 19, 2008

EAST LANSING, Mich. -- Michigan State University, one of the top 150 universities in the world, has announced plans to provide its applicants for admission the ability to supplement their required personal statements with video. Powered by CollegeSupplement.com, the creator of online multimedia supplements, candidates can now personally express how their backgrounds, talents, and experiences will contribute to Michigan State University.

"We are fully committed to evaluating our candidates in their entirety, and CollegeSupplement.com's integration within our online application will be a great addition," said Jim Cotter, Director of Admissions at Michigan State. "We're also looking to increase enrollment of qualified international students and video capability enables us to virtually meet any applicant worldwide."

"Michigan State is known as an innovator and offering our candidates this option aligns with our forward thinking," said Mike Cook, Associate Director of Admissions at MSU who is credited for introducing the technology to the East Lansing, Mich. campus.

Multimedia supplements help U.S. and international students communicate qualifications and potential for college success. Using equipment available in most high schools, students record and upload quick-format video clips. The candidate then includes his or her personal passcode in the college application, giving colleges secure and private access to view the supplement.

"Use of our proprietary system is being driven by two factors, the first being continued adoption of technologies which assist with candidate selection," said Steve Metzman, President of CollegeSupplement.com. "The second is providing equal access for financially or geographically disadvantaged applicants who can't personally present themselves on campus."

High schools know about socioeconomic disadvantage all too well. "Affording travel and accommodations associated with applying to colleges outside of this area can be difficult for our students," said Jenneen Flamer, College Career Director at Norristown Area High School and former college admissions professional. She added, "This resource absolutely enabled us to overcome that barrier."

Some high schools have even created instruction around CollegeSupplement.com. "After last year's success using CollegeSupplement.com, our school is now teaching English and Technology curricula units around the product," says Sheryl Staszewski, Director of Counseling at Northern Burlington High School in Columbus, New Jersey. "Creating instruction around this unique resource not only strengthens certain fundamental communications and tech skills, but the students' work yields an end-product which is quite valuable during their upcoming college admissions process."

"Our students are now able to present themselves in a manner that adds a whole new dimension to their applications and we've received direct feedback from colleges that CollegeSupplement.com positively influenced their decisions," added Joe DeFrancesco, Guidance Counselor at Council Rock North High School in Newtown, Pennsylvania.

ABOUT MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY

Known internationally as a major U.S. public university with global reach, Michigan State University has been advancing knowledge and transforming lives through innovative teaching, research, and outreach for more than 150 years. MSU is a member of the Association of American Universities, the National Association of State Universities and Land-Grant Colleges, and the Big Ten athletic conference.

ABOUT COLLEGESUPPLEMENT.COM

CollegeSupplement.com is a Web 2.0-based tool which deepens the understanding of applicant qualifications and potential for college success. Candidates upload quick-format videos, sharing with admissions professionals anywhere in the world distinguishing personal qualities which can't be conveyed in a traditional application. Admissions officers view videos through a uniform, fully secure online multimedia platform which is easy to access and navigate. See examples at www.CollegeSupplement.com.

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