What kind of work do you do at the Admissions Office?

At the Admissions Office (AO), we’re responsible for checking and evaluating all applications from UvA EB prospective students. When we check applications, it’s very important to ensure the completness, authenticity and accreditation of all applications. Next, we assess whether the student’s profile meets the admissions requirements of the specific Bachelor’s or Master’s programme, and inform the student of our decision. It’s then up to the student to complete the application so we can process it using the correct administrative procedures, and (hopefully) welcome that student to UvA EB.

How many people work at the AO and what are their roles?

There are 14 people on our team. Some of them are student assistants who run the front office: answering queries submitted through contact forms or during one the daily telephone consultation sessions. The core tasks of the senior staff are evaluating and processing incoming applications as described above.

What kind of impact has COVID-19 had on your work?

We’ve noticed a sharp rise in the number of applications. This is partially due to the COVID-19 measures. COVID-19 has changed a lot of things and the Admissions Office is no exception. Right now there are a lot of projects to properly implement changes (such as the closure of GMAT/English language test centres and more rigorous admissions requirements as a result of the rise in applications) and communicate this to students.

What are you working on at the moment?

This is the peak time of the year for applications. The applications deadline for non-EU and EU students has passed and the deadline for Dutch MSc students is coming up. The applications, along with any extension periods, will keep us occupied for the time being.