Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Thursday, July 17, 2008
VISIT: Kalamazoo College, Kalamazoo, Michigan
The hidden gem of all the schools I visited was definitely Kalamazoo College. “K College”, as they call it, is a remarkable little college located in Kalamazoo, a small college town in southwestern Michigan. It’s across the street from Western Michigan University, and the two campuses are divided by the train line and station that will take you to Chicago in just two short hours. K College has rolling hills topped by picturesque late nineteenth-century buildings that remind me of Radcliffe Quad in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Check out the campus and its programs here: http://www.kzoo.edu/
K College is renowned for its science programs, through which students present annually at conferences (including a national conference they host on campus) and do cutting-edge research as undergraduates. The university has million-dollar equipment that every sophomore in organic chemistry gets to use; the same piece of equipment would never be within breathing distance of an undergraduate at a larger university, like the University of Michigan. K College sends upwards of 95% of its students to graduate and professional programs, and the school boasts one of the nation’s highest rates of admission to medical school. Most students are published in peer-reviewed journals by the time they graduate.
K College’s suceeses stem from the “K Plan”, the central philosophy of the university’s curriculum. There are four components of the K Plan: a broad-based liberal arts curriculum, a final Senior Individualized Project (basically a senior thesis), study abroad, and internships/externships. The first two pillars of the K Plan are required for all students; the last two are optional but highly suggested. The internship programs are offered all over the country and are traditional work programs. The “externships” are more unique. These programs allow K College students to live with alumni and accompany them to work. These intensive programs offer students the chance to do a short work program (usually four- to five-week experience) that offers a peak into the work and life balance of different careers they might pursue. Students pursue these as early as the summer after the freshman year, and they receive an invaluable experience in what it means to pursue a certain field. This is the only program of its kind in the US, and it won a national award for experiential education in 2004.
K College’s study abroad programs are truly remarkable. Their students go all over the world, and their study abroad office really makes their experience streamlined and easy. When you study abroad, the university pays your travel expenses and you don’t pay any program fees; you simply pay your normal tuition for the time that you’re away and they take care of the rest. This is a BIG difference from most other schools, where the onus for paying for, securing, and pursuing your study abroad experience can be a little less guided. Students are encouraged to take rigorous courses while abroad and to use their time away for the most rigorous educational experience possible. This is also different from many other study abroad programs in which the focus is more about “being abroad” as the educational experience than the courses themselves. Overall, I was impressed with the seriousness with which K College treat their education. They know it’s a privilege to go to such an exceptional place for school, and they work very hard. They truly have an eye for the long view; that is, they treat their education as transitional period that will take them to the next step in their lives. I have rarely seen a campus where the students treat their schooling with such adult, responsible seriousness, and I was really impressed. Of course, all this isn’t to say that the students don’t have a lot of fun—they definitely do. But they treat their time in college as the beginning of adulthood rather than a continuation of childhood. That’s not something you see everyday.
My visit was especially pleasant because of the nice little touches the admissions office offered me. They had a personalized itinerary printed for my visit, complete with my name and the people I’d meet with. They offered me a packet full of information for students from outside the state, and they even gave me a couple bottles of chilled “K Water” (just bottled water with a K College label) for my walk around the campus. Little touches can make a big difference, and I was really impressed.
My meeting with the admissions representative was great, and I got a lot of information about merit-based aid and recruiting of students from our area. Though most K College students hail from the Midwest, there are students from Texas on campus—in fact, they have students from 38 states and 12 countries. There are very generous scholarships available for good grades and decent (note: not astronomical) test scores, so K College could be a great choice for a reasonably priced and truly outstanding college experience.Continue Reading...
K College is renowned for its science programs, through which students present annually at conferences (including a national conference they host on campus) and do cutting-edge research as undergraduates. The university has million-dollar equipment that every sophomore in organic chemistry gets to use; the same piece of equipment would never be within breathing distance of an undergraduate at a larger university, like the University of Michigan. K College sends upwards of 95% of its students to graduate and professional programs, and the school boasts one of the nation’s highest rates of admission to medical school. Most students are published in peer-reviewed journals by the time they graduate.
K College’s suceeses stem from the “K Plan”, the central philosophy of the university’s curriculum. There are four components of the K Plan: a broad-based liberal arts curriculum, a final Senior Individualized Project (basically a senior thesis), study abroad, and internships/externships. The first two pillars of the K Plan are required for all students; the last two are optional but highly suggested. The internship programs are offered all over the country and are traditional work programs. The “externships” are more unique. These programs allow K College students to live with alumni and accompany them to work. These intensive programs offer students the chance to do a short work program (usually four- to five-week experience) that offers a peak into the work and life balance of different careers they might pursue. Students pursue these as early as the summer after the freshman year, and they receive an invaluable experience in what it means to pursue a certain field. This is the only program of its kind in the US, and it won a national award for experiential education in 2004.
K College’s study abroad programs are truly remarkable. Their students go all over the world, and their study abroad office really makes their experience streamlined and easy. When you study abroad, the university pays your travel expenses and you don’t pay any program fees; you simply pay your normal tuition for the time that you’re away and they take care of the rest. This is a BIG difference from most other schools, where the onus for paying for, securing, and pursuing your study abroad experience can be a little less guided. Students are encouraged to take rigorous courses while abroad and to use their time away for the most rigorous educational experience possible. This is also different from many other study abroad programs in which the focus is more about “being abroad” as the educational experience than the courses themselves. Overall, I was impressed with the seriousness with which K College treat their education. They know it’s a privilege to go to such an exceptional place for school, and they work very hard. They truly have an eye for the long view; that is, they treat their education as transitional period that will take them to the next step in their lives. I have rarely seen a campus where the students treat their schooling with such adult, responsible seriousness, and I was really impressed. Of course, all this isn’t to say that the students don’t have a lot of fun—they definitely do. But they treat their time in college as the beginning of adulthood rather than a continuation of childhood. That’s not something you see everyday.
My visit was especially pleasant because of the nice little touches the admissions office offered me. They had a personalized itinerary printed for my visit, complete with my name and the people I’d meet with. They offered me a packet full of information for students from outside the state, and they even gave me a couple bottles of chilled “K Water” (just bottled water with a K College label) for my walk around the campus. Little touches can make a big difference, and I was really impressed.
My meeting with the admissions representative was great, and I got a lot of information about merit-based aid and recruiting of students from our area. Though most K College students hail from the Midwest, there are students from Texas on campus—in fact, they have students from 38 states and 12 countries. There are very generous scholarships available for good grades and decent (note: not astronomical) test scores, so K College could be a great choice for a reasonably priced and truly outstanding college experience.Continue Reading...
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
VISIT: Wheaton College, Wheaton, Illinois
Wheaton is one of the top Christian colleges in the country. They work to combine an outstanding liberal arts college experience with a Christian worldview. It’s located in Wheaton, Illinois, which is just a quick commuter-rail ride from downtown Chicago. Wheaton’s historic downtown is just a few blocks away, and the train station is steps from the campus. Wheaton’s campus consists of charming brick buildings and pretty quads, and its centerpiece is the iconic “castle”, Blanchard Hall, whose central turret appears in the school logo. It’s easy to get around and parking is plentiful; I parked for free at the Billy Graham Center (he’s an alumnus) across the street from Blanchard Hall.
My tour guide was bubbly and vivacious, and she emphasized the many traditions and events that make the Wheaton community such a special place to belong. Although the tour was the longest college tour I’ve ever witnessed (two hours for five buildings? Really?), I felt that I got a full sense of campus life at Wheaton. One of the biggest traditions she discussed was chapel, which meets three times a week in the university’s largest auditorium. Chapel is less a consistent prayer service than a sort of thrice-weekly Christian assembly. There are musicians, guest speakers, talks from university administrators, and a variety of other events during this time. Wheaton’s mission is to offer an exceptional liberal arts education grounded in the Christian tradition, and the chapel service seems to embody that mission.
I was impressed by the number of service opportunities Wheaton offers students, both on and off the campus. The college offers ministry opportunities in Chicago on the weekends, and students can also participate in a variety of service missions abroad like the Human Needs and Global Resources program (HNGR, pronounced “hunger”). The school’s commitment to community service is truly outstanding, and it exemplifies twin educational and evangelical missions of the school.
Wheaton may be best known for its exceptional science programs, and its students truly shine in admission to medical school and other competitive post-graduate options. They’re in the process of building a big new science building, which is exciting, and the admissions officer I met with talked at length about the many opportunities for students to participate in research and to present at conferences while undergraduates.
One of the things I loved most about Wheaton is their “Dine With a Mind” program. Twice a semester, you can go to the student activities center and receive a free lunch-for-two coupon for a meal in the university’s award-winning dining hall. Your dining partner is the professor of your choice, and it’s a chance for Wheaton students to spend quality time with professors in an informal setting. Faculty love this program and they participate in droves. I think this is a really special way for students to get involved in and excited about the university community and the relationships they can build while there.Continue Reading...
My tour guide was bubbly and vivacious, and she emphasized the many traditions and events that make the Wheaton community such a special place to belong. Although the tour was the longest college tour I’ve ever witnessed (two hours for five buildings? Really?), I felt that I got a full sense of campus life at Wheaton. One of the biggest traditions she discussed was chapel, which meets three times a week in the university’s largest auditorium. Chapel is less a consistent prayer service than a sort of thrice-weekly Christian assembly. There are musicians, guest speakers, talks from university administrators, and a variety of other events during this time. Wheaton’s mission is to offer an exceptional liberal arts education grounded in the Christian tradition, and the chapel service seems to embody that mission.
I was impressed by the number of service opportunities Wheaton offers students, both on and off the campus. The college offers ministry opportunities in Chicago on the weekends, and students can also participate in a variety of service missions abroad like the Human Needs and Global Resources program (HNGR, pronounced “hunger”). The school’s commitment to community service is truly outstanding, and it exemplifies twin educational and evangelical missions of the school.
Wheaton may be best known for its exceptional science programs, and its students truly shine in admission to medical school and other competitive post-graduate options. They’re in the process of building a big new science building, which is exciting, and the admissions officer I met with talked at length about the many opportunities for students to participate in research and to present at conferences while undergraduates.
One of the things I loved most about Wheaton is their “Dine With a Mind” program. Twice a semester, you can go to the student activities center and receive a free lunch-for-two coupon for a meal in the university’s award-winning dining hall. Your dining partner is the professor of your choice, and it’s a chance for Wheaton students to spend quality time with professors in an informal setting. Faculty love this program and they participate in droves. I think this is a really special way for students to get involved in and excited about the university community and the relationships they can build while there.Continue Reading...
VISIT: Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan
As you may know, there were several acts passed in the ninettenth century that granted federal funding and land to each state for a university. These “land-grant colleges” were mandated to provide a practical education to that state’s citizens, and these schools specialized in agriculture, mechanics, engineering, forestry, and other such vital pursuits. Texas A&M is the land-grant college for our state; MSU is Michigan’s. And just as A&M is true to its roots as a school specializing in engineering and business, MSU is similarly a leader in agriculture, forestry, veterinary medicine, and pharmacy. MSU has the top advertising program in the nation, and their engineering, natural sciences, and liberal arts programs are all highly regarded. They have special programs in the liberal arts (James Madison College) and sciences (Lyman Briggs College) in addition to a central honors program. There are hundreds of ways to study abroad, and there are tons of scholarships available to help you do so.
When I arrived at MSU, I was immediately struck by the beauty of the campus. One of my friends has described the campus as “A&M with trees”—and, in a way, that’s spot on. The campus is right in the middle of a medium-sized city but it feels like its own little world. The campus is heavily wooded and feels very welcoming; for example, it started to rain and not one but TWO people offered to share their umbrellas with me. No one said “howdy” to me, but I was impressed by the students’ generosity and warmth.
I had a great meeting with, one of the many friendly admissions officers at MSU. He and his colleagues offered me a great packet of information tailored specifically to out-of-state students, including handouts on generous scholarship packages and honors programs at the university. These scholarships are extremely generous; check them out here: . These would truly make MSU an affordable choice as an out-of-state student. If you’re looking for an out-of-state experience at a big school that feels small and personal, I would highly suggest you check out MSU. Check out the scholarships here: http://admissions.msu.edu/finances/scholarships.asp.
MSU’s admissions requirements are listed on their website here: http://admissions.msu.edu/admission/freshmen_profile.asp. As I spoke with the admissions officer, he mentioned that the requirements are a little more relaxed for out-of-state students (read: lower test scores and GPA than listed here are acceptable for admission). MSU is just beginning an initiative to increase their out-of-state student body from 12% of all undergraduates to 18%, and they want to move toward that in the next incoming class. This means that if you want to go to a great school that offers a lot of merit-based aid and has great programs for undergraduates, MSU might be a good choice for you. Also, keep in mind that Lansing is the capital of the state of Michigan, so there are government-related opportunities in this city as well.
One of the best points we dicsussed was about students who choose to major in agriculture, hospitality, environmental studies, or marketing. He said that many of these students actually aspire to positions in business, and they’ve chosen their majors based on the industry in which they eventually want to work. Like A&M, MSU has such great resources in these areas, and students can do cutting-edge, hands-on work in these fields while also gaining an education in business essentials. This is a great option to keep in mind if you’re aspiring to be a business major in college—namely, it’s worthwhile to get a more specific sense of the industry you want to work in rather than just majoring in “business.” Many students imagine that they’ll major in business and start a job after college that vaguely involves sitting behind a desk and using a pen. While that’s a cursory view of what a corporate job might entail, there’s a huge variety of positions you might find yourself in after graduation. To make the best use of your time as an undergraduate—and to make yourself exceptionally marketable as a graduate—it might be worth thinking about a major in a specific field rather than in a generic business major.Continue Reading...
When I arrived at MSU, I was immediately struck by the beauty of the campus. One of my friends has described the campus as “A&M with trees”—and, in a way, that’s spot on. The campus is right in the middle of a medium-sized city but it feels like its own little world. The campus is heavily wooded and feels very welcoming; for example, it started to rain and not one but TWO people offered to share their umbrellas with me. No one said “howdy” to me, but I was impressed by the students’ generosity and warmth.
I had a great meeting with, one of the many friendly admissions officers at MSU. He and his colleagues offered me a great packet of information tailored specifically to out-of-state students, including handouts on generous scholarship packages and honors programs at the university. These scholarships are extremely generous; check them out here: . These would truly make MSU an affordable choice as an out-of-state student. If you’re looking for an out-of-state experience at a big school that feels small and personal, I would highly suggest you check out MSU. Check out the scholarships here: http://admissions.msu.edu/finances/scholarships.asp.
MSU’s admissions requirements are listed on their website here: http://admissions.msu.edu/admission/freshmen_profile.asp. As I spoke with the admissions officer, he mentioned that the requirements are a little more relaxed for out-of-state students (read: lower test scores and GPA than listed here are acceptable for admission). MSU is just beginning an initiative to increase their out-of-state student body from 12% of all undergraduates to 18%, and they want to move toward that in the next incoming class. This means that if you want to go to a great school that offers a lot of merit-based aid and has great programs for undergraduates, MSU might be a good choice for you. Also, keep in mind that Lansing is the capital of the state of Michigan, so there are government-related opportunities in this city as well.
One of the best points we dicsussed was about students who choose to major in agriculture, hospitality, environmental studies, or marketing. He said that many of these students actually aspire to positions in business, and they’ve chosen their majors based on the industry in which they eventually want to work. Like A&M, MSU has such great resources in these areas, and students can do cutting-edge, hands-on work in these fields while also gaining an education in business essentials. This is a great option to keep in mind if you’re aspiring to be a business major in college—namely, it’s worthwhile to get a more specific sense of the industry you want to work in rather than just majoring in “business.” Many students imagine that they’ll major in business and start a job after college that vaguely involves sitting behind a desk and using a pen. While that’s a cursory view of what a corporate job might entail, there’s a huge variety of positions you might find yourself in after graduation. To make the best use of your time as an undergraduate—and to make yourself exceptionally marketable as a graduate—it might be worth thinking about a major in a specific field rather than in a generic business major.Continue Reading...
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
VISIT: University of Notre Dame, South Bend, Indiana
As you may know, Notre Dame is one of the most prestigious universities in the country. It’s a leader in the arts and sciences, has a stellar law school, exceptional engineering programs, and has a top-flight business school. And you might have heard that they also play football there. (That’s me being sarcastic. That’s why I don’t do that very often—I’m bad at it.) Check out their newly redesigned website at http://www.nd.edu. I find it a little hard to use, but you may have a better time with it than I do.
The campus is exceptionally beautiful and rife with traditions: there’s the Grotto (a replica of the shrine to the Virgin Mary at Lourdes, France), the Golden Dome (the 23-karat gold dome of the administration building), the “Touchdown Jesus” mural on the wall of the Hesburgh Library, and the famous Notre Dame Stadium, otherwise known as “the House that Rock Built.” The campus contains the College Football Hall of Fame and many beautiful bronze sculptures, all of which have affectionate student-created names like “First-Down Moses”. The buildings are gothic in style and like a less-ornate version of Oxford University. Many buildings were built in the nineteenth century and are beautifully restored and have modern function. There is considerable construction going on, including major expansions to the law school building and the erection of a new dorm.
Like Purdue, Notre Dame also offers a First Year of Studies program to which all freshman students are admitted. As a first-year student, all students take core courses that fulfill requirements for all majors on campus. At the end of the first year, all students choose a college among the five undergraduate academic units at ND: Arts and Letters, Sciences, Business, Engineering, or Architecture. Students finally declare a major at the end of the sophomore year. One fact the university is especially proud to mention is that 96% of Notre Dame students graduate on time in four years—including the engineering students. That’s a big deal in a time when the norm for undergraduate degrees in engineering is five years.
Notre Dame also prides itself on its financial aid packages: Notre Dame meets 100% of demonstrated financial need. ND has made this policy a major priority of its aid program and its general university mission; our Texas regional representative, Gil Martinez, told me that all proceeds from the football team’s television deal with NBC go directly into the financial aid fund. While this is an extraordinary policy for students with need, it means that the university does not offer any merit-based (menaing non-need-based) aid. Instead, the university emphasizes that all of its admitted students have meritorious records—that’s why they were admitted in the first place. This can be a little discouraging for a school where next year’s total estimated price tag (including tuition, room, board, transportation, fees, and incidentals) is $49,000.
I had a great conversation with our Texas regional representative, Gil Martinez, and he’ll be visiting our school this fall to speak at greater length with STES students. He wanted me to let you know two things about the admissions process at ND this fall. First of all, ND will be moving to the Common Application for the first time. If you apply to ND, make sure you apply to the RIGHT ND. Just to remind you: there are other schools with similar names in California and Maryland; ND is in Indiana.
Furthermore, it’s important to know that ND’s admissions process is not rolling in the way that many other schools’ processes are. Let me explain this, because it’s a little different from the way other schools do things. Notre Dame has two admissiosn pools: Early Action and Regular Decision. They do not have an Early Decision program. You are advised to apply to the university “when your application will be strongest”, since they really evaluate all the early action applications together, then take a break, then evaluate all of the regular decision applications. Many other schools encourage you to get your application in early because the application pool is smaller and admissions officers might be more generous or less selective in such earlier rounds. At Notre Dame, Mr Martinez told me, this is not the way things work. The admissions office is instead especially conservative with admissions in the early round, and they will deny students at this point in the process. Applicants are advised to apply when they feel their application is strongest. That is, if you’re still awaiting an improved SAT score or first marking period grades, don’t apply early action! Make your application only when you feel happiest with the total picture you’ll be presenting to the admissions office.Continue Reading...
The campus is exceptionally beautiful and rife with traditions: there’s the Grotto (a replica of the shrine to the Virgin Mary at Lourdes, France), the Golden Dome (the 23-karat gold dome of the administration building), the “Touchdown Jesus” mural on the wall of the Hesburgh Library, and the famous Notre Dame Stadium, otherwise known as “the House that Rock Built.” The campus contains the College Football Hall of Fame and many beautiful bronze sculptures, all of which have affectionate student-created names like “First-Down Moses”. The buildings are gothic in style and like a less-ornate version of Oxford University. Many buildings were built in the nineteenth century and are beautifully restored and have modern function. There is considerable construction going on, including major expansions to the law school building and the erection of a new dorm.
Like Purdue, Notre Dame also offers a First Year of Studies program to which all freshman students are admitted. As a first-year student, all students take core courses that fulfill requirements for all majors on campus. At the end of the first year, all students choose a college among the five undergraduate academic units at ND: Arts and Letters, Sciences, Business, Engineering, or Architecture. Students finally declare a major at the end of the sophomore year. One fact the university is especially proud to mention is that 96% of Notre Dame students graduate on time in four years—including the engineering students. That’s a big deal in a time when the norm for undergraduate degrees in engineering is five years.
Notre Dame also prides itself on its financial aid packages: Notre Dame meets 100% of demonstrated financial need. ND has made this policy a major priority of its aid program and its general university mission; our Texas regional representative, Gil Martinez, told me that all proceeds from the football team’s television deal with NBC go directly into the financial aid fund. While this is an extraordinary policy for students with need, it means that the university does not offer any merit-based (menaing non-need-based) aid. Instead, the university emphasizes that all of its admitted students have meritorious records—that’s why they were admitted in the first place. This can be a little discouraging for a school where next year’s total estimated price tag (including tuition, room, board, transportation, fees, and incidentals) is $49,000.
I had a great conversation with our Texas regional representative, Gil Martinez, and he’ll be visiting our school this fall to speak at greater length with STES students. He wanted me to let you know two things about the admissions process at ND this fall. First of all, ND will be moving to the Common Application for the first time. If you apply to ND, make sure you apply to the RIGHT ND. Just to remind you: there are other schools with similar names in California and Maryland; ND is in Indiana.
Furthermore, it’s important to know that ND’s admissions process is not rolling in the way that many other schools’ processes are. Let me explain this, because it’s a little different from the way other schools do things. Notre Dame has two admissiosn pools: Early Action and Regular Decision. They do not have an Early Decision program. You are advised to apply to the university “when your application will be strongest”, since they really evaluate all the early action applications together, then take a break, then evaluate all of the regular decision applications. Many other schools encourage you to get your application in early because the application pool is smaller and admissions officers might be more generous or less selective in such earlier rounds. At Notre Dame, Mr Martinez told me, this is not the way things work. The admissions office is instead especially conservative with admissions in the early round, and they will deny students at this point in the process. Applicants are advised to apply when they feel their application is strongest. That is, if you’re still awaiting an improved SAT score or first marking period grades, don’t apply early action! Make your application only when you feel happiest with the total picture you’ll be presenting to the admissions office.Continue Reading...
VISIT: Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana
Several 2008 STES graduates applied to Purdue and were extremely impressed with the school, so I decided it was worth going to learn more about this school I’d already heard so much about. For the most up-to-date information, you can always visit their website at http://www.purdue.edu.
I had a great time visiting the Purdue campus. It’s about a two-hour drive from the Michigan-Indiana border, so it was a bit of a trek southward, but the trip was well worth it. West Lafayette may not be what you envision when you think of Indiana. This part of Indiana is anything but empty flat; I drove through enormous rolling hills covered in cornfields and forests and tiny towns selling fresh strawberries by the carton. Purdue is on the banks of the mighty Wabash River just a stone’s throw from the Tippecanoe battlefield. This battle is to Indiana third-graders what the Battle of the Alamo is to Texas students: it’s the big battle that altered all state history that came afterwards. However, the difference with Texas history is that there are a lot of other battles to talk about. Indiana history is a lot less action-packed after Tippecanoe.
Anyway, back to West Lafayette. It’s about two hours from a really major city, but it’s a nice small city that surrounds and serves the university. People are friendly, parking is easy and cheap, and the campus is really lovely. While the campus is very large—it covers nearly 2500 acres—it’s organized into small units that make it feel small. The academic buildings are concentrated into several small quads on the east side of campus. As our tour guide says, this is great when you have multiple classes in one day: it’s never more than a ten-minute walk across the campus from any class to another. Dorms are concentrated to the north and west of the academic buildings, and there is abundant housing. Students are not required to live on campus, but many choose to in the first year. The campus is further surrounded by apartments, condos, and homes for rent to students. It's a very friendly campus and it was remarkable how quickly you could move between bustling city life and peaceful campus life within just a few minutes' walk.
The big things to know about Purdue this fall are some small changes to their admissions process. The deadline for applying for ALL MERIT-BASED SCHOLARSHIP—that is, those that DO NOT CONSIDER FINANCIAL NEED—is November 15. This means that you must submit your admission application online by that date in order to be considered for merit-based scholarships. This is very worthwhile, since Purdue can be very generous with money. Additionally, all applications submitted by this date will have their decisions posted online on the Purdue website by 5 PM EST on Friday, December 5th—the Friday after Thanksgiving. This means that, if you apply to Purdue, you’ll know your admission decision very early. If you’re admitted, it can be a very nice early Christmas present to yourself to know that you’ve definitely got a place to go to college in fall 2009.
Two things that impressed me about Purdue were its freshman programs and its co-op program. Many freshmen agonize about what they should major in, and this process can be especially stressful when students are interested in TIME-CONSUMING majors like engineering. Purdue allows students to enroll in the first year of studies program before choosing a major that they’ll stick to for four years. This helps students get a lot of their basic core requirements out of the way before specializing in a major. It's a great way for students to gain a real-world sense of the things they want to study and then enter into those programs better prepared and better informed.
One of the most special things about Purdue’s renowned business and engineering programs is their co-op program. Through this program, Purdue students will leave the campus every other semester or so to work for major companies around the country including NASA, IBM, Schlumberger, and many other major corporations and agencies. Students graduate from the university after five years, and they have a total of four years of college and about 18 months of employment history by the time they receive their degree. This is a huge boon to students as they search for jobs after college. While their contemporaries at other schools will have only a degree, they’ll have more than a year of work experience to offer their potential employers. Many of these co-op programs lead to post-graduation job offers.Continue Reading...
I had a great time visiting the Purdue campus. It’s about a two-hour drive from the Michigan-Indiana border, so it was a bit of a trek southward, but the trip was well worth it. West Lafayette may not be what you envision when you think of Indiana. This part of Indiana is anything but empty flat; I drove through enormous rolling hills covered in cornfields and forests and tiny towns selling fresh strawberries by the carton. Purdue is on the banks of the mighty Wabash River just a stone’s throw from the Tippecanoe battlefield. This battle is to Indiana third-graders what the Battle of the Alamo is to Texas students: it’s the big battle that altered all state history that came afterwards. However, the difference with Texas history is that there are a lot of other battles to talk about. Indiana history is a lot less action-packed after Tippecanoe.
Anyway, back to West Lafayette. It’s about two hours from a really major city, but it’s a nice small city that surrounds and serves the university. People are friendly, parking is easy and cheap, and the campus is really lovely. While the campus is very large—it covers nearly 2500 acres—it’s organized into small units that make it feel small. The academic buildings are concentrated into several small quads on the east side of campus. As our tour guide says, this is great when you have multiple classes in one day: it’s never more than a ten-minute walk across the campus from any class to another. Dorms are concentrated to the north and west of the academic buildings, and there is abundant housing. Students are not required to live on campus, but many choose to in the first year. The campus is further surrounded by apartments, condos, and homes for rent to students. It's a very friendly campus and it was remarkable how quickly you could move between bustling city life and peaceful campus life within just a few minutes' walk.
The big things to know about Purdue this fall are some small changes to their admissions process. The deadline for applying for ALL MERIT-BASED SCHOLARSHIP—that is, those that DO NOT CONSIDER FINANCIAL NEED—is November 15. This means that you must submit your admission application online by that date in order to be considered for merit-based scholarships. This is very worthwhile, since Purdue can be very generous with money. Additionally, all applications submitted by this date will have their decisions posted online on the Purdue website by 5 PM EST on Friday, December 5th—the Friday after Thanksgiving. This means that, if you apply to Purdue, you’ll know your admission decision very early. If you’re admitted, it can be a very nice early Christmas present to yourself to know that you’ve definitely got a place to go to college in fall 2009.
Two things that impressed me about Purdue were its freshman programs and its co-op program. Many freshmen agonize about what they should major in, and this process can be especially stressful when students are interested in TIME-CONSUMING majors like engineering. Purdue allows students to enroll in the first year of studies program before choosing a major that they’ll stick to for four years. This helps students get a lot of their basic core requirements out of the way before specializing in a major. It's a great way for students to gain a real-world sense of the things they want to study and then enter into those programs better prepared and better informed.
One of the most special things about Purdue’s renowned business and engineering programs is their co-op program. Through this program, Purdue students will leave the campus every other semester or so to work for major companies around the country including NASA, IBM, Schlumberger, and many other major corporations and agencies. Students graduate from the university after five years, and they have a total of four years of college and about 18 months of employment history by the time they receive their degree. This is a huge boon to students as they search for jobs after college. While their contemporaries at other schools will have only a degree, they’ll have more than a year of work experience to offer their potential employers. Many of these co-op programs lead to post-graduation job offers.Continue Reading...
VISIT: University of Michigan
My visit to U of M ended up being shorter than I expected. Their representative for the Texas region has stepped down and they don’t plan to hire to refill the position until much later in the summer. In the meantime, I was offered the same brochure I received in the mail and was invited to take a campus tour in which they didn’t show the inside of any of the campus buildings. Not inexcusable, but not impressive when I wasn’t otherwise getting much information beyond what I saw online.
Ultimately, the best information about U of M is on their very extensive website: http://www.umich.edu. My personal opinion of the university is that it’s an exceptional research university with a sterling national and international reputation. You can get a great education at Michigan, and many people—including my own dad and four of his brothers—do so. However, U of M just isn’t doing as much for its undergraduates as many other schools are. For example, Purdue has a huge focus on its first year of studies programs in each college; Michigan State has residential colleges and several special undergraduate “living/learning communities” through which students live in a dorm where they take most of their classes and can visit their professors’ offices. U of M has programs like these, but on a much smaller scale. Furthermore, U of M’s out-of-state tuition is comparable to that of a private university, and they’re not huge on offering merit-based aid. If you’re going to pay tuition like you’re going to a small private college, why do it at a huge school where you’re probably not going to get as much personal attention?
My advice would be to check out U of M for graduate school—its law school and other graduate programs are exceptional. But for the time being and for your undergraduate education, there are better values for your money right now, in my opinion.Continue Reading...
Ultimately, the best information about U of M is on their very extensive website: http://www.umich.edu. My personal opinion of the university is that it’s an exceptional research university with a sterling national and international reputation. You can get a great education at Michigan, and many people—including my own dad and four of his brothers—do so. However, U of M just isn’t doing as much for its undergraduates as many other schools are. For example, Purdue has a huge focus on its first year of studies programs in each college; Michigan State has residential colleges and several special undergraduate “living/learning communities” through which students live in a dorm where they take most of their classes and can visit their professors’ offices. U of M has programs like these, but on a much smaller scale. Furthermore, U of M’s out-of-state tuition is comparable to that of a private university, and they’re not huge on offering merit-based aid. If you’re going to pay tuition like you’re going to a small private college, why do it at a huge school where you’re probably not going to get as much personal attention?
My advice would be to check out U of M for graduate school—its law school and other graduate programs are exceptional. But for the time being and for your undergraduate education, there are better values for your money right now, in my opinion.Continue Reading...
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
Open Threads Below: Here's What to Do
Welcome to the blog! As I mentioned in this week's counseling news, you can use this space to send me questions and concerns you'd like me to explore while I visit colleges throughout the midwest over the next two weeks. These can be big questions (What does it cost to attend Wheaton? Where the heck is Kalamazoo College?) or more specific queries (what's the pre-med curriculum like at Northwestern? What engineering internships are available to Purdue students?), and I'll be glad to bring them all with me when I visit these campuses. Please feel free to post early and often!
Nota Bene: if you post to this blog, keep the discussion positive and coherent (read: don't write as if you're sending a text message). A good model for what I'm expecting is the MIT Admissions Blog here: http://www.mitadmissions.org/blogs.shtmlContinue Reading...
Nota Bene: if you post to this blog, keep the discussion positive and coherent (read: don't write as if you're sending a text message). A good model for what I'm expecting is the MIT Admissions Blog here: http://www.mitadmissions.org/blogs.shtmlContinue Reading...
Open Thread: University of Chicago, Monday 7/14
I'll be visiting the University of Chicago in Chicago, Illinois, on Monday, July 14th. If you've got any questions you'd like me to ask or information you'd like me to pursue, post it below!Continue Reading...
Open Thread: Wheaton College, 7/11
I'll be visiting Wheaton College in Wheaton, Illinois, on Friday, July 11th. If you've got any questions you'd like me to ask or information you'd like me to pursue, post it below!Continue Reading...
Open Thread: Northwestern University, 7/10
I'll be visiting Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois, on Thursday, July 10th. If you've got any questions you'd like me to ask or information you'd like me to pursue, post it below!Continue Reading...
Open Thread: Kalamazoo College, 7/9
I'll be visiting Kalamazoo College in Kalamazoo, Michigan, on Wednesday, July 9th. If you've got any questions you'd like me to ask or information you'd like me to pursue, post it below!Continue Reading...
Open Thread: Purdue University, Tuesday 7/8
I'll be visiting Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana, on Tuesday, July 8th. If you've got any questions you'd like me to ask or information you'd like me to pursue, post it below!Continue Reading...
Open Thread: University of Notre Dame, Tuesday 7/8
I'll be visiting the University of Notre Dame in South Bend, Indiana, on Tuesday, July 8th. If you've got any questions you'd like me to ask or information you'd like me to pursue, post it below!Continue Reading...
Open Thread: University of Michigan, Monday 7/7
I'll be visiting the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, Michigan, on Monday, July 7th. If you've got any questions you'd like me to ask or information you'd like me to pursue, post it below!Continue Reading...
Weekly Counseling News, 7/2/08
IN THIS ISSUE:
I. Reminder: Miss M Out of Office, 7/4-7/18
II. NEW: College-Bound at STES--the blog!
III. Got questions for Midwest colleges? I'll get some answers!
**************
I. Reminder: Miss M Out of Office, 7/4-7/18
Just a quick reminder: I'll be out of the office visiting colleges in the midwest for the next two weeks. You can always reach me via email; it may take me a day or so to get back to you, but I'll be in touch while I'm away.
II. NEW: College-Bound at STES--the blog!
In an effort to offer one more way for students and parents to keep abreast of the latest news and information coming from my office, I've created a new webpage that wil contain the weekly counseling news and updates from my travels on behalf of the school (see below). I'll be posting the Weekly Counseling News in this location, too. This site isn't meant to replace the good habit of checking your email---in fact, I hope you're all checking it regularly now!---but it's one more site you can add to your daily internet perusal as you keep on top of your college admissions process this summer.
III. Got questions for Midwest colleges? I'll get some answers!
While I'm away in the Midwest, I'll be blogging about my experiences on the new website. Before I leave, I'll be posting open threads on the blog where students and parents can leave questions that you'd like me to ask admissions representatives at each school. These can be big questions (What does it cost to attend Wheaton? Where the heck is Kalamazoo College?) or more specific queries (what's the pre-med curriculum like at Northwestern? What engineering internships are available to Purdue students?), and I'll be glad to bring them all with me when I visit these campuses. Please feel free to post early and often!
Nota Bene: if you post to this blog, keep the discussion positive and coherent (read: don't write as if you're sending a text message). A good model for what I'm expecting is the MIT Admissions Blog here: http://www.mitadmissions.org/blogs.shtmlContinue Reading...
I. Reminder: Miss M Out of Office, 7/4-7/18
II. NEW: College-Bound at STES--the blog!
III. Got questions for Midwest colleges? I'll get some answers!
**************
I. Reminder: Miss M Out of Office, 7/4-7/18
Just a quick reminder: I'll be out of the office visiting colleges in the midwest for the next two weeks. You can always reach me via email; it may take me a day or so to get back to you, but I'll be in touch while I'm away.
II. NEW: College-Bound at STES--the blog!
In an effort to offer one more way for students and parents to keep abreast of the latest news and information coming from my office, I've created a new webpage that wil contain the weekly counseling news and updates from my travels on behalf of the school (see below). I'll be posting the Weekly Counseling News in this location, too. This site isn't meant to replace the good habit of checking your email---in fact, I hope you're all checking it regularly now!---but it's one more site you can add to your daily internet perusal as you keep on top of your college admissions process this summer.
III. Got questions for Midwest colleges? I'll get some answers!
While I'm away in the Midwest, I'll be blogging about my experiences on the new website. Before I leave, I'll be posting open threads on the blog where students and parents can leave questions that you'd like me to ask admissions representatives at each school. These can be big questions (What does it cost to attend Wheaton? Where the heck is Kalamazoo College?) or more specific queries (what's the pre-med curriculum like at Northwestern? What engineering internships are available to Purdue students?), and I'll be glad to bring them all with me when I visit these campuses. Please feel free to post early and often!
Nota Bene: if you post to this blog, keep the discussion positive and coherent (read: don't write as if you're sending a text message). A good model for what I'm expecting is the MIT Admissions Blog here: http://www.mitadmissions.org/blogs.shtmlContinue Reading...
Weekly Counseling News, 6/26/08
IN THIS ISSUE:
I. Swarthmore Discovery Weekend: Soliciting Nominations
II. Ohio Wesleyan University Honors Programs: Soliciting Nominiations
*****************
I. Swarthmore Discovery Weekend: Soliciting Nominations
Discovery Weekend is designed to introduce the liberal arts at Swarthmore College (a top-notch liberal arts college in Pennsylvania) to academically talented senior students of color. The weekend includes a series of panels, introducing students to faculty and staff, while providing them with ah first-hand look at Swarthmore. Prospective students attend classes, stay with current students in the dorms, eat in the dining hall, and enjoy a candid view of campus life. To ensure that students from all socio-economic backgrounds are able to attend, the Office of Admissions will provide transportation by plane or train and will cover meals and lodging. This year’s Discovery Weekend is scheduled for September 27-29.
If you are interested in attending this program, please email me ASAP and I’ll be glad to submit your name to Swarthmore. The students I refer will be mailed an application to apply for the program. Please let me know if you have any questions.
II. Ohio Wesleyan University Honors Programs: Soliciting Nominiations
http://honors.owu.edu/
http://admission.owu.edu/meritAid.html
If you’re eligible, Ohio Wesleyan’s Leland F. and Helen Schubert Honors Program gives you the chance to push well beyond your personal boundaries and learn more than you ever thought you could. Ohio Wesleyan University wants to recruit talented high school students to compete for their generous merit-based scholarships. Again, merit-based scholarship are based SOLELY on high school achievements like GPA and standardized test scores, not on parental income status. This is a great small school in the Midwest that’s worth checking out. If you’re interested in learning more about OWU, email me and I’ll submit your name to them so they’ll send you more information.Continue Reading...
I. Swarthmore Discovery Weekend: Soliciting Nominations
II. Ohio Wesleyan University Honors Programs: Soliciting Nominiations
*****************
I. Swarthmore Discovery Weekend: Soliciting Nominations
Discovery Weekend is designed to introduce the liberal arts at Swarthmore College (a top-notch liberal arts college in Pennsylvania) to academically talented senior students of color. The weekend includes a series of panels, introducing students to faculty and staff, while providing them with ah first-hand look at Swarthmore. Prospective students attend classes, stay with current students in the dorms, eat in the dining hall, and enjoy a candid view of campus life. To ensure that students from all socio-economic backgrounds are able to attend, the Office of Admissions will provide transportation by plane or train and will cover meals and lodging. This year’s Discovery Weekend is scheduled for September 27-29.
If you are interested in attending this program, please email me ASAP and I’ll be glad to submit your name to Swarthmore. The students I refer will be mailed an application to apply for the program. Please let me know if you have any questions.
II. Ohio Wesleyan University Honors Programs: Soliciting Nominiations
http://honors.owu.edu/
http://admission.owu.edu/meritAid.html
If you’re eligible, Ohio Wesleyan’s Leland F. and Helen Schubert Honors Program gives you the chance to push well beyond your personal boundaries and learn more than you ever thought you could. Ohio Wesleyan University wants to recruit talented high school students to compete for their generous merit-based scholarships. Again, merit-based scholarship are based SOLELY on high school achievements like GPA and standardized test scores, not on parental income status. This is a great small school in the Midwest that’s worth checking out. If you’re interested in learning more about OWU, email me and I’ll submit your name to them so they’ll send you more information.Continue Reading...
Weekly Counseling News, 6/17/08
IN THIS ISSUE:
I. Reminder: Miss M out of office, Wednesday 6/18 through Monday 6/23
II. Websites to know and love: the Common Application and ApplyTexas
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I. Reminder: Miss M out of office, Wednesday 6/18 through Monday 6/23
As I mentioned last week, I’ll be out of the office this Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, and I’ll also be out next Monday. I will be back at STES on Tuesday. I will have limited availability by email, so if you have an urgent issue that can’t wait until next week, please contact Mrs Pearsall in the front office. She’ll be happy to assist you. Thank you for your understanding!
II. Websites to know and love: the Common Application and ApplyTexas
As you may know, most college applications are submitted online these days, and it’s good to find out early on what they’ll entail. It can be helpful to print out the applications so you can fill out a draft copy; that way, you can take your time gathering the information on paper and input it to the application site all at once.
There are two important application sites you need to know about: ApplyTexas and the Common Application. ApplyTexas is a site that lets you fill out one application that’s accepted by all of the public schools in Texas, including UT, A&M, Tech, and UH. You can create an account and start exploring the site at http://www.applytexas.org. The Common Application is an online application accepted by more than 300 colleges and universities around the country. Many private universities—including the Ivies, Rice, Vanderbilt, Northwestern, and many others—use this application in addition to a school-specific supplemental form. Check it out and see what you’ll need to do to submit your application. Explore the site at http://www.commonapp.org.
Some colleges have their own online applications to fill out, too. As you assemble your final list of schools for your application process, check out the format and requirements for each college on your list and get a sense of what you’ll need to submit and the way to use their online application.
As you get started on these applications, be sure to check the web browser requirements for each website you’ll use to submit applications. My experience as a Mac user is that some college-specific online applications will prefer one browser over another (e.g. Internet Explorer over Safari or Firefox); make sure to use an approved browser so your application will be submitted correctly. This is not the case with all sites, but it's worth checking on. Feel free to ask me if you have any questions on this subject—I’ll be glad to help.
Keep in mind that sites like these will require you to create an account. In all cases, you can create an account at no charge. Make sure to write down your login ID and your password when you create these accounts; while it doesn’t cost anything to create a new account if you forget your password, it’s just a hassle to have to re-enter all of your information.Continue Reading...
I. Reminder: Miss M out of office, Wednesday 6/18 through Monday 6/23
II. Websites to know and love: the Common Application and ApplyTexas
*********
I. Reminder: Miss M out of office, Wednesday 6/18 through Monday 6/23
As I mentioned last week, I’ll be out of the office this Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, and I’ll also be out next Monday. I will be back at STES on Tuesday. I will have limited availability by email, so if you have an urgent issue that can’t wait until next week, please contact Mrs Pearsall in the front office. She’ll be happy to assist you. Thank you for your understanding!
II. Websites to know and love: the Common Application and ApplyTexas
As you may know, most college applications are submitted online these days, and it’s good to find out early on what they’ll entail. It can be helpful to print out the applications so you can fill out a draft copy; that way, you can take your time gathering the information on paper and input it to the application site all at once.
There are two important application sites you need to know about: ApplyTexas and the Common Application. ApplyTexas is a site that lets you fill out one application that’s accepted by all of the public schools in Texas, including UT, A&M, Tech, and UH. You can create an account and start exploring the site at http://www.applytexas.org. The Common Application is an online application accepted by more than 300 colleges and universities around the country. Many private universities—including the Ivies, Rice, Vanderbilt, Northwestern, and many others—use this application in addition to a school-specific supplemental form. Check it out and see what you’ll need to do to submit your application. Explore the site at http://www.commonapp.org.
Some colleges have their own online applications to fill out, too. As you assemble your final list of schools for your application process, check out the format and requirements for each college on your list and get a sense of what you’ll need to submit and the way to use their online application.
As you get started on these applications, be sure to check the web browser requirements for each website you’ll use to submit applications. My experience as a Mac user is that some college-specific online applications will prefer one browser over another (e.g. Internet Explorer over Safari or Firefox); make sure to use an approved browser so your application will be submitted correctly. This is not the case with all sites, but it's worth checking on. Feel free to ask me if you have any questions on this subject—I’ll be glad to help.
Keep in mind that sites like these will require you to create an account. In all cases, you can create an account at no charge. Make sure to write down your login ID and your password when you create these accounts; while it doesn’t cost anything to create a new account if you forget your password, it’s just a hassle to have to re-enter all of your information.Continue Reading...
Miss M's Summer Availability
As you may know, I'll be working at the school all summer and will be available to meet with you regarding any questions that arise as we move toward the senior year. The school's hours this summer are 9 AM to 3:30 PM, and I'll be in my office between those times. Feel free to drop in at any time. You can also give me a heads-up that you're coming via phone (713-559-1625) or email (counselor@stes.org).
If you'd like me to put together any workshops this summer (for example, on essay-writing, organizing your application process, or resume building), just let me know! I'd be glad to organize things like this on campus if a few of you are interested. Just give me a few days' notice to reserve a room and alert your classmates, and I'll be glad to make it happen.
There are only two exceptions to my summer availability. I will be out of town for vacation from June 18 through 24th. I will be out town touring colleges in the Midwest and teaching a course in Austin from July 5 through 18. Those dates are reflected on the College Counseling Calendar in Edline.
I hope that helps! Have a great week and keep enjoying your summer.Continue Reading...
If you'd like me to put together any workshops this summer (for example, on essay-writing, organizing your application process, or resume building), just let me know! I'd be glad to organize things like this on campus if a few of you are interested. Just give me a few days' notice to reserve a room and alert your classmates, and I'll be glad to make it happen.
There are only two exceptions to my summer availability. I will be out of town for vacation from June 18 through 24th. I will be out town touring colleges in the Midwest and teaching a course in Austin from July 5 through 18. Those dates are reflected on the College Counseling Calendar in Edline.
I hope that helps! Have a great week and keep enjoying your summer.Continue Reading...
Weekly Counseling News, 6/12/08
IN THIS ISSUE: Things to do with your summer vacation. This is a long email, but it's worth keeping for your reference this summer.
I. Ask for letters of recommendation
II. Visit colleges
III. Read books
IV. Brainstorm essays
*************
I. Ask for letters of recommendation
As I mentioned in my email last week, now is a great time to ask your teachers for letters of recommendation. It’s best to ask for these letters in writing in hard copy—NOT via email. The best way to do this is to contact your teachers via email and get an appropriate mailing address from them. Then send that teacher a written request and a brief resume of your achievements via snail mail. Remember, you’ll probably need two recommendations, and they should come from an academic teacher. Ask me if you have any questions.
II. Visit colleges
The summer is a great time to attend tours and information sessions at colleges around the country. Check out different universities’ admissions websites for information on when such events are scheduled and how you can sign up to attend.
Remember to print out a copy of the College Visit Cheat Sheet I generated for your use. You can find it in the Class of 2009 folding on the college counseling page in Edline.
Although it’s good to check out colleges during the summer, it might be worth visiting schools during the fall when students are back on campus. That way, you’ll have the chance to see what life as a student really looks like. Review the Student-Parent Handbook for our school’s policies on missing class for college visits. (Hint: these are excused absences—just check them out with me and Mr Cusack and we’ll give you the okay.)
III. Read books
There are some great books out there that are great for getting in a positive, productive mindset for the college admissions process. I have two main ones I’d recommend: Colleges That Change Lives, by Loren Pope; and Less Stress, More Success, by Marilee Jones and Kenneth R. Ginsberg. The former is about a group of colleges across the US (including Texas’s own Southwestern University and Austin College) that have extraordinary resources and programs. I recommend the book not to endorse the specific colleges but instead to help you get a sense of what’s out there now in terms of great college programs. It’s a great resource for learning what to look for as a consumer in the college admissions process. The latter book is another great text on a fit-focused college search. Both books are readily available at stores like Barnes and Noble and Borders, and I have a couple of copies in my office in case you’d like to borrow them.
IV. Brainstorm essays
As I’ve mentioned to you before, there are several essay topics that come up again and again on college applications. As you narrow down your list of schools to which you’ll apply, start to keep a good list of the essay topics you’ll be required to address in those schools’ applications. As you know, I’ll be here all summer, and I’ll be glad to help you organize your ideas, brainstorm essay approaches, and plan the writing process.
Depending on how many people are interested, I’d be glad to host some weekly summer workshops on these subjects. Drop me a line and let me know if you’re interested in putting some of these together; I’d be glad to do it.Continue Reading...
I. Ask for letters of recommendation
II. Visit colleges
III. Read books
IV. Brainstorm essays
*************
I. Ask for letters of recommendation
As I mentioned in my email last week, now is a great time to ask your teachers for letters of recommendation. It’s best to ask for these letters in writing in hard copy—NOT via email. The best way to do this is to contact your teachers via email and get an appropriate mailing address from them. Then send that teacher a written request and a brief resume of your achievements via snail mail. Remember, you’ll probably need two recommendations, and they should come from an academic teacher. Ask me if you have any questions.
II. Visit colleges
The summer is a great time to attend tours and information sessions at colleges around the country. Check out different universities’ admissions websites for information on when such events are scheduled and how you can sign up to attend.
Remember to print out a copy of the College Visit Cheat Sheet I generated for your use. You can find it in the Class of 2009 folding on the college counseling page in Edline.
Although it’s good to check out colleges during the summer, it might be worth visiting schools during the fall when students are back on campus. That way, you’ll have the chance to see what life as a student really looks like. Review the Student-Parent Handbook for our school’s policies on missing class for college visits. (Hint: these are excused absences—just check them out with me and Mr Cusack and we’ll give you the okay.)
III. Read books
There are some great books out there that are great for getting in a positive, productive mindset for the college admissions process. I have two main ones I’d recommend: Colleges That Change Lives, by Loren Pope; and Less Stress, More Success, by Marilee Jones and Kenneth R. Ginsberg. The former is about a group of colleges across the US (including Texas’s own Southwestern University and Austin College) that have extraordinary resources and programs. I recommend the book not to endorse the specific colleges but instead to help you get a sense of what’s out there now in terms of great college programs. It’s a great resource for learning what to look for as a consumer in the college admissions process. The latter book is another great text on a fit-focused college search. Both books are readily available at stores like Barnes and Noble and Borders, and I have a couple of copies in my office in case you’d like to borrow them.
IV. Brainstorm essays
As I’ve mentioned to you before, there are several essay topics that come up again and again on college applications. As you narrow down your list of schools to which you’ll apply, start to keep a good list of the essay topics you’ll be required to address in those schools’ applications. As you know, I’ll be here all summer, and I’ll be glad to help you organize your ideas, brainstorm essay approaches, and plan the writing process.
Depending on how many people are interested, I’d be glad to host some weekly summer workshops on these subjects. Drop me a line and let me know if you’re interested in putting some of these together; I’d be glad to do it.Continue Reading...
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