If you’re a student who wants to further your education, there is no way around the personal statement/essay. But why fret? For most students, this is your chance to “interview” on paper.
Here are five helpful hints before you begin or if you’re editing your personal statement/essay:
Keep It Simple, Stupid (KISS)!
Too many students try to be coy by inserting unneeded words and adding fluff. Admission committees are looking for themes that are supported with appropriate detail, not long-windedness.
Don’t start your essay the night before it’s due.
You will need time to go through several revisions and think through what is needed for a quality essay.
Answer the question(s).
It’s so easy to deviate, but don’t be that person. Stick to what’s asked within the length that is asked. If you need more substance to fill the page(s), take some time to reflect on what could be added.
Watch your use of adverbs
Like adding fluff, students like to accentuate their message. Unfortunately, it can be lost if too many adverbs are used, especially in the same sentence.
Do not Xerox key words in the essay.
Use the thesaurus to get your point across. This approach does two things: it empowers your vocabulary and enhances your essay’s themes through different word choices.
There are many more ways to improve an essay and each essay question/answer poses new challenges, accomplishments, and introspection. The bottom line is that you are unique and your essay should be too.
Liam Dunfey
University Advisors
Monday, December 29, 2008
Friday, December 19, 2008
Holiday Break and College Admissions Help
The holiday break is finally here for students across the country! For seniors, this could be a time to reflect on early action/decision matters and for the majority of students, it’s crunch time to complete personal statements, applications, and maybe even visit a campus or two.
The holiday break is a time to step away from the hustle, stress, and routine of school and reflect on what you really want from a college experience. Do you feel the same way about a school as you did in September? Have your goals changed? Perhaps you’re rethinking an intended major? This is completely normal. Investing your time and resources into the next fours years is not to be taken lightly, so over the next few weeks, consider all your options and which path you’d like to go. If you’re not sure, talk it over with people that are close to you. Besides yourself, they know you best!
For juniors, next month is traditionally the month that begins the college search. You may want to take a look at your school’s calendar and/or NACAC’s to figure out when a college fair is coming to your area. These fairs are an excellent way for you to learn more about what’s out there beyond the brand name school in your region. With over 4,000 accredited institutions of higher education, there’s many to choose from and learn about. Focus on the possibilities and not the limitations.
Liam Dunfey, M.A.
University Advisors
The holiday break is a time to step away from the hustle, stress, and routine of school and reflect on what you really want from a college experience. Do you feel the same way about a school as you did in September? Have your goals changed? Perhaps you’re rethinking an intended major? This is completely normal. Investing your time and resources into the next fours years is not to be taken lightly, so over the next few weeks, consider all your options and which path you’d like to go. If you’re not sure, talk it over with people that are close to you. Besides yourself, they know you best!
For juniors, next month is traditionally the month that begins the college search. You may want to take a look at your school’s calendar and/or NACAC’s to figure out when a college fair is coming to your area. These fairs are an excellent way for you to learn more about what’s out there beyond the brand name school in your region. With over 4,000 accredited institutions of higher education, there’s many to choose from and learn about. Focus on the possibilities and not the limitations.
Liam Dunfey, M.A.
University Advisors
Friday, December 12, 2008
Top 10 Reasons Why The College Search Is Fun!
10. If you are diligent and choose fit over brand as a high school senior, you won’t have to transfer!
9. The essays encourage you to dwell on your accomplishments and polish your weaknesses.
8. A good college tour guide will offer you a small treat from the cafeteria.
7. At many schools, you can get your application fee waived.
6. The realization that high school is almost over and that freedom is right around the corner!
5. When the search is over, there will be no more nagging from parents.
4. Road trips to colleges!
3. College interviews are excellent opportunities to be exceptional interviewers when you apply for your first professional job.
2. At over 800 colleges around the country, you can opt not to submit your SAT/ACT scores!
1. The American dream of going to (and completing) college is within reach.
Liam Dunfey
University Advisors
9. The essays encourage you to dwell on your accomplishments and polish your weaknesses.
8. A good college tour guide will offer you a small treat from the cafeteria.
7. At many schools, you can get your application fee waived.
6. The realization that high school is almost over and that freedom is right around the corner!
5. When the search is over, there will be no more nagging from parents.
4. Road trips to colleges!
3. College interviews are excellent opportunities to be exceptional interviewers when you apply for your first professional job.
2. At over 800 colleges around the country, you can opt not to submit your SAT/ACT scores!
1. The American dream of going to (and completing) college is within reach.
Liam Dunfey
University Advisors
Monday, December 8, 2008
Helicopter Parents: Are They Hovering Too Close?
Over the past few years there has been more and more talk and research about “Helicopter Parents” a term given to parents that tend to hover over their child, never giving the child full control of their educational life. Wikipedia defines helicopter parents as “a parent who pays extremely close attention to his or her child's or children's experiences and problems, particularly at educational institutions. These parents rush to prevent any harm or failure from befalling them and will not let them learn from their own mistakes, sometimes even contrary to the children's wishes. They are so named because, like helicopters they hover closely overhead, rarely out of reach, whether their children need them or not. An extension of the term, "Black Hawk parents," has been coined for those who cross the line from a mere excess of zeal to unethical behavior, such as writing their children's college admission essays. (The reference is to the military helicopter of the same name.) Some college professors and administrators are now referring to "Lawnmower parents" to describe mothers and fathers who attempt to smooth out and mow down all obstacles, to the extent that they may even attempt to interfere at their children's workplaces, regarding salaries and promotions, after they have graduated from college and are supposedly living on their own” (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Helicopter_parent). The new trend for parents of today’s college bound students is to not only help them through the admission process but to do most of it themselves. Parents are the ones making the phone calls to college admission offices, asking questions at college fairs and on campus tours, sometimes not even giving their child a chance to do it themselves. The child cannot learn to advocate for themselves if the parents always do it for them. One of the biggest issues I personally tend to see on the college campus I work for is in the residence halls. Students are not filling out the roommate information correctly because parents are either doing it all for them or hovering over them while they are doing it. Students are being improperly matched with other students thus making roommates incompatible and constructing issues that could have been avoided. An article by Shannon Colavecchio-Van Sickler of the St. Petersburg Times has some great insight from college professionals on this subject. “Administrators say they know these parents mean well. But their frequent phone calls and unreasonable demands stunt student development and test the patience of college officials. Where parent behavior becomes a challenge for us is when they encourage dependence, and they become too involved because they are afraid their son or daughter will make a mistake," says Tom Miller, a University of South Florida dean of students. "Our students are graduating," says Jeanna Mastrodicasa, associate dean of the UF honors college. "But they are not ready to go into the real world." (http://www.sptimes.com/2006/06/19/State/Mommy__tell_my_profes.shtml)
Now I know this all sounds very negative so far but there is also research that suggests being a helicopter parents is not all bad. A study done by the National Survey of Student Engagement show that students whose parents were very often in contact with them and frequently intervened on their behalf "reported higher levels of engagement and more frequent use of deep learning activities," such as after-class discussions with professors, intensive writing exercises and independent research, than students with less-involved parents. "Compared with their counterparts, children of helicopter parents were more satisfied with every aspect of their college experience, gained more in such areas as writing and critical thinking, and were more likely to talk with faculty and peers about substantive topics," said survey director George D. Kuh, an Indiana University professor. Another thing that the NSSE study also indicated was that although engagement levels and use of deep learning activities were up, the grade point averages of students reporting more frequent contact with parents and whose parents intervened more frequently on their behalf were lower. (http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/11/04/AR2007110401754.html) Also found in a recent study done by Shilo Henriques the Associate Director of Admission at Cape Code Community College in her thesis Information regarding the long-term detriments of helicopter Parenting. Her study overwhelmingly indicated that “college students and faculty alike agree that the detriments of helicopter parenting outweigh its benefits. Development of important qualities and life skills are greatly affected when parents do not allow their children to learn from their own mistakes. The development of independence, self-advocacy and decision-making skills are crucial to being a successful adult and often times are lacking in people who have not been allowed to fend for themselves."
The College Board web-site has a great test for parents to take if they are questioning their helicopter tendencies. Follow this link and scroll to the bottom to take the quiz for yourself or if someone you know needs a little help to figure it out please feel free to send them the link. The better ready and prepared students can be for college and the real world the better. http://www.collegeboard.com/parents/plan/getting-ready/155044.html.
By: Aaron F. Smith
College Counselor and Learning Disabilities Specialist
University Advisors Admission Specialists
Now I know this all sounds very negative so far but there is also research that suggests being a helicopter parents is not all bad. A study done by the National Survey of Student Engagement show that students whose parents were very often in contact with them and frequently intervened on their behalf "reported higher levels of engagement and more frequent use of deep learning activities," such as after-class discussions with professors, intensive writing exercises and independent research, than students with less-involved parents. "Compared with their counterparts, children of helicopter parents were more satisfied with every aspect of their college experience, gained more in such areas as writing and critical thinking, and were more likely to talk with faculty and peers about substantive topics," said survey director George D. Kuh, an Indiana University professor. Another thing that the NSSE study also indicated was that although engagement levels and use of deep learning activities were up, the grade point averages of students reporting more frequent contact with parents and whose parents intervened more frequently on their behalf were lower. (http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/11/04/AR2007110401754.html) Also found in a recent study done by Shilo Henriques the Associate Director of Admission at Cape Code Community College in her thesis Information regarding the long-term detriments of helicopter Parenting. Her study overwhelmingly indicated that “college students and faculty alike agree that the detriments of helicopter parenting outweigh its benefits. Development of important qualities and life skills are greatly affected when parents do not allow their children to learn from their own mistakes. The development of independence, self-advocacy and decision-making skills are crucial to being a successful adult and often times are lacking in people who have not been allowed to fend for themselves."
The College Board web-site has a great test for parents to take if they are questioning their helicopter tendencies. Follow this link and scroll to the bottom to take the quiz for yourself or if someone you know needs a little help to figure it out please feel free to send them the link. The better ready and prepared students can be for college and the real world the better. http://www.collegeboard.com/parents/plan/getting-ready/155044.html.
By: Aaron F. Smith
College Counselor and Learning Disabilities Specialist
University Advisors Admission Specialists
Monday, December 1, 2008
Remembering Loren Pope
The higher education community was saddened when Loren Pope passed away earlier this fall. However, his service, books, and message still resonates with many looking for a “good fit” college experience over a brand name/elite university.
Loren Pope was best known for his book, Colleges That Change Lives. The book was published in 1996 and it highlights forty colleges that provide stellar educations for their students. Most of the schools are small (under 2,000 undergraduates) and are not brand name institutions. When I first heard of the book, I was in college. By the time it was gaining notoriety in 2000, I was in my higher education administration program at the University of Maryland and had the experience of being at a much bigger school than my alma mater, Elmira College (NY). I was intrigued with his affinity to smaller, intimate, and in some cases, remote schools. Mostly, I was pleased that someone was highlighting the key advantages of the smaller schools over the bigger brand name schools that are perpetuated in the media.
Now that I’m ten years out of college and with several years of experience helping students navigate the college admission search, I am compelled to pick-up Mr. Pope’s book again during this holiday season. One of the things I’m grateful for in my life is having the small liberal arts experience in my back pocket and everything it gave me (and still gives).
This will be a challenging admission/financial aid season for colleges, parents, and students. I will not forget the writings of Loren Pope during these adverse times and will encourage my students to be cognizant of Loren Pope’s message as their enrollment intentions come to fruition.
Liam Dunfey, M.A.
University Advisors Admission Specialists, LLC
Loren Pope was best known for his book, Colleges That Change Lives. The book was published in 1996 and it highlights forty colleges that provide stellar educations for their students. Most of the schools are small (under 2,000 undergraduates) and are not brand name institutions. When I first heard of the book, I was in college. By the time it was gaining notoriety in 2000, I was in my higher education administration program at the University of Maryland and had the experience of being at a much bigger school than my alma mater, Elmira College (NY). I was intrigued with his affinity to smaller, intimate, and in some cases, remote schools. Mostly, I was pleased that someone was highlighting the key advantages of the smaller schools over the bigger brand name schools that are perpetuated in the media.
Now that I’m ten years out of college and with several years of experience helping students navigate the college admission search, I am compelled to pick-up Mr. Pope’s book again during this holiday season. One of the things I’m grateful for in my life is having the small liberal arts experience in my back pocket and everything it gave me (and still gives).
This will be a challenging admission/financial aid season for colleges, parents, and students. I will not forget the writings of Loren Pope during these adverse times and will encourage my students to be cognizant of Loren Pope’s message as their enrollment intentions come to fruition.
Liam Dunfey, M.A.
University Advisors Admission Specialists, LLC
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Economic Downturn Hitting Higher Education
The Ivory Tower is not immune to a recession. Across America, small colleges, brand name schools, and public universities are being affected by lost jobs, the stock market downward spiral, budget cuts, and drops in their endowments. In order to keep financial aid available for families that need it, schools are going through hiring freezes, slashing costs across departments, and getting creative about how to generate new revenue. Even Harvard and MIT are responding to our down economy.
Families of high school juniors and seniors should not panic, nor should they take an institution off their list just because of its sticker price. For example, many competitive private schools from Boston to California will probably accept more students this admission cycle, just because they know there may be fewer students who actually enroll. For the California State Universities, there could be a record amount of applications. Unfortunately, the 23-campus system wants to cut its enrollment statewide by 10,000 students.
For parents and students, my advice is to stay the course and see what happens between now and May 1st, the standard deposit deadline for higher education enrollment intentions. There is a school out there for you that will fit your academic, social, and financial criteria. Consider the vast possibilities of schools instead of being in a mindset of doom and gloom.
Your education is a lifelong investment. Don’t let an economic downturn make you lose sight of your dreams and educational goals.
Liam Dunfey, COO
University Advisors
Families of high school juniors and seniors should not panic, nor should they take an institution off their list just because of its sticker price. For example, many competitive private schools from Boston to California will probably accept more students this admission cycle, just because they know there may be fewer students who actually enroll. For the California State Universities, there could be a record amount of applications. Unfortunately, the 23-campus system wants to cut its enrollment statewide by 10,000 students.
For parents and students, my advice is to stay the course and see what happens between now and May 1st, the standard deposit deadline for higher education enrollment intentions. There is a school out there for you that will fit your academic, social, and financial criteria. Consider the vast possibilities of schools instead of being in a mindset of doom and gloom.
Your education is a lifelong investment. Don’t let an economic downturn make you lose sight of your dreams and educational goals.
Liam Dunfey, COO
University Advisors
Monday, November 17, 2008
Which College is 'Right' for Me?
With over 3500 colleges and universities across the United States, not to mention the numbers around the globe, the possibilities for higher education are almost infinite. But how do you determine which is really the "right one" for you?
Seniors - and in some case juniors and sophomores - already have been receiving publications from a large number of colleges. And again the question, "How do you determine which one is 'right' for you?"
The college and university ratings and rankings often are of minimal assistance even if they do purport to be distinctive and individual. So how do you sort through all of these guide books, web sites, and rankings?
One way to approach finding the "right college" is to identify the institution where you will be most engaged: that is, where you will find an educational experience that will keep you connected and involved - inside and outside of the classroom - and where you find "like minded" students.
The report titled "Promoting Engagement for All Students: The Imperative to Look Within" was released this last week by Indiana University's Center for Postsecondary Research. It was sponsored by Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching. Remarkably the study found that a student's experience does not differ much among institutions.
It was not so much the specific college or university attended that made the educational experience special and worthwhile; rather it was differences amongst students' attitudes and behaviors where "educational quality" occurred.
Specifically the report focused on academic challenge, collaborative learning, student-faculty interaction, enriching educational experiences and the supportive campus environment. While the report honed in on these five areas, the key for students is to be "totally engaged" -- both inside and outside the classroom.
A senior from Wichita State University, quoted in the study, said, "The time spent out of the classroom (i.e. extra curricular activities) has been just as valuable, if not more valuable, as time spent in the classroom. The administration and faculty have taken the time to continue the learning experience outside the classroom." (Blog writer's note: Blogger is a graduate of Wichita Sate University).
When trying to answer the question of which college or university is "right" for you, look at the entire experience and the ability to immerse yourself in the learning culture of the college rather than just considering reputation, professors, and location. Key to the quality of your post-secondary education is to choose a college that facilitates your choice to connect, engage, participate, collaborate, and enjoy the total college experience.
Brian E. Davis, M.T.S.
CIO, University Advisors Admission Specialists, LLC
Seniors - and in some case juniors and sophomores - already have been receiving publications from a large number of colleges. And again the question, "How do you determine which one is 'right' for you?"
The college and university ratings and rankings often are of minimal assistance even if they do purport to be distinctive and individual. So how do you sort through all of these guide books, web sites, and rankings?
One way to approach finding the "right college" is to identify the institution where you will be most engaged: that is, where you will find an educational experience that will keep you connected and involved - inside and outside of the classroom - and where you find "like minded" students.
The report titled "Promoting Engagement for All Students: The Imperative to Look Within" was released this last week by Indiana University's Center for Postsecondary Research. It was sponsored by Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching. Remarkably the study found that a student's experience does not differ much among institutions.
It was not so much the specific college or university attended that made the educational experience special and worthwhile; rather it was differences amongst students' attitudes and behaviors where "educational quality" occurred.
Specifically the report focused on academic challenge, collaborative learning, student-faculty interaction, enriching educational experiences and the supportive campus environment. While the report honed in on these five areas, the key for students is to be "totally engaged" -- both inside and outside the classroom.
A senior from Wichita State University, quoted in the study, said, "The time spent out of the classroom (i.e. extra curricular activities) has been just as valuable, if not more valuable, as time spent in the classroom. The administration and faculty have taken the time to continue the learning experience outside the classroom." (Blog writer's note: Blogger is a graduate of Wichita Sate University).
When trying to answer the question of which college or university is "right" for you, look at the entire experience and the ability to immerse yourself in the learning culture of the college rather than just considering reputation, professors, and location. Key to the quality of your post-secondary education is to choose a college that facilitates your choice to connect, engage, participate, collaborate, and enjoy the total college experience.
Brian E. Davis, M.T.S.
CIO, University Advisors Admission Specialists, LLC
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Consider Going Back to School in a Down Economy
This afternoon, I volunteered at the San Diego jobing.com fair in the resume workshop area. As a college/graduate admission consultant and former grant writer, I've had years of experience reviewing resumes and other application to worthy organizations and institutions.
The theme today from job seekers was transferring skills and experience to new industries. While that is a smart strategy, many professionals lacked the educational credentials to compete with a crowded marketplace of job hunters. There is a solution, though: Consider going back to school!
In a down economy and without solid job prospects, returning to school is a compelling option. I read an article today in the LA times that indicated GRE tests are up 11% for the year. It didn't surprise me. Historically, people return to learning during tough economic times because they need the training and education to advance their careers or switch them entirely! For a working professional who has been out of school for more than ten years, it sounds daunting to return to school. Once that fear is overcome, the possibilites are limitless with so many great local and national educational programs to consider. Let me offer a lending hand during this search.
University Advisors (www.universityadvisors.net) help traditional and non-traditional students navigate the complex admission world for college and graduate bound students. We have counselors all over the country, including me, right here in San Diego.
No one knows what tomorrow holds for the economy and job market. What you can control is your education. Let us help you get to the next level. Your future depends on it.
Liam Dunfey, M.A.
University Advisor
Liam@AdmissionSpecialists.com
The theme today from job seekers was transferring skills and experience to new industries. While that is a smart strategy, many professionals lacked the educational credentials to compete with a crowded marketplace of job hunters. There is a solution, though: Consider going back to school!
In a down economy and without solid job prospects, returning to school is a compelling option. I read an article today in the LA times that indicated GRE tests are up 11% for the year. It didn't surprise me. Historically, people return to learning during tough economic times because they need the training and education to advance their careers or switch them entirely! For a working professional who has been out of school for more than ten years, it sounds daunting to return to school. Once that fear is overcome, the possibilites are limitless with so many great local and national educational programs to consider. Let me offer a lending hand during this search.
University Advisors (www.universityadvisors.net) help traditional and non-traditional students navigate the complex admission world for college and graduate bound students. We have counselors all over the country, including me, right here in San Diego.
No one knows what tomorrow holds for the economy and job market. What you can control is your education. Let us help you get to the next level. Your future depends on it.
Liam Dunfey, M.A.
University Advisor
Liam@AdmissionSpecialists.com
Friday, October 24, 2008
The SAT/ACT Option in College Admissions
The SAT is back in the news. In David Hawkins' CNN commentary on "Don't use SATs to rank college quality " (http://www.cnn.com/2008/US/10/17/hawkins.tests/index.html), he illustrates why the SAT is becoming less significant in college admissions.
A few nights ago, I spoke about private colleges at a local college fair in a break out session for parents and students. I talked at length about the SAT option in college admissions and the importance of grades, rigor of curriculum, and reputation of high school. I encouraged them to visit www.fairtest.org and see the growing list of schools around the United States that are now SAT/ACT optional. The SAT option will continue to grow at the private school level, and I hope one day that it'll be an option for the more competitive and elite public schools.
It's college admissions season and the SAT is being offered several times this fall. My advice is to keep up your grades, stay focused, and don't be dismayed if you don't score well. There are over 750 schools that are SAT/ACT optional, and they'll gladly consider your candidacy.
College admissions help is available from University Advisors by visiting www.universityadvisors.net.
Liam Dunfey, M.A.
University Advisor
A few nights ago, I spoke about private colleges at a local college fair in a break out session for parents and students. I talked at length about the SAT option in college admissions and the importance of grades, rigor of curriculum, and reputation of high school. I encouraged them to visit www.fairtest.org and see the growing list of schools around the United States that are now SAT/ACT optional. The SAT option will continue to grow at the private school level, and I hope one day that it'll be an option for the more competitive and elite public schools.
It's college admissions season and the SAT is being offered several times this fall. My advice is to keep up your grades, stay focused, and don't be dismayed if you don't score well. There are over 750 schools that are SAT/ACT optional, and they'll gladly consider your candidacy.
College admissions help is available from University Advisors by visiting www.universityadvisors.net.
Liam Dunfey, M.A.
University Advisor
Sunday, October 19, 2008
Support Services vs. Support Programs: For College Bound Students with Learning Disabilities
For high school students with Learning Disabilities that are starting their college search, one very important piece of information is on the levels of support given. Every college across the country has to have some type of support for all their students. The type of support is what can be the tricky part to understand if you are not aware of the lingo or what to look for. Some colleges have Support Services (available for ALL students) that can range from, one person or student staff members that help students with tutoring in classes that they may be struggling in. Other colleges have Support Services that have multiple professional and student staff members to help with tutoring in any class and students can choice a professional or student tutor that best fits their needs (sometimes having to pay for the professional, so make sure to ask if there is an additional coast).
The other type of support is in the form of a Support Programs. Students typically have to submit documentation from their cognitive and achievement testing (the Wechsler Intelligence Scales, the WAIS, or The Woodcock Johnson), and their IEP or 504 (educational assistance plans) in proof of their Learning Disability. This will help the college to evaluate the student and see if they are a good fit for the program or not. Programs give more one-on-one support with an educated and trained counselor/advisor in areas of Learning Disabilities. This counselor helps the student to learn skills, strategies, time management, and goal setting to help build on the students strengths and weaknesses. This helps them to understand what type of learning style works the best for them and what type of learner they are (visual, auditory, hands on or combinations of each or all). Also, being in a program will offer students multiple types of accommodations such as un-timed testing, testing put on the computer or read allowed, note takers, readers, Books - text book - and articles on CD, and computer assistive technologies.
All the extras of accommodations and one-on-one support that come with a program also come with an additional fee. All programs fees very college to college and is another great question to ask when visiting a college campus. I recommend when touring a campus to make sure and ask to see the facilities of the Support Services and Support Programs. This will allow you to know where they are located, but also to see the size of the facilities (rooms, technology, staffing, that can be a strong indicator of how much time, money and effort is put into the services or program).
Aaron Smith
Independent Counselor
The other type of support is in the form of a Support Programs. Students typically have to submit documentation from their cognitive and achievement testing (the Wechsler Intelligence Scales, the WAIS, or The Woodcock Johnson), and their IEP or 504 (educational assistance plans) in proof of their Learning Disability. This will help the college to evaluate the student and see if they are a good fit for the program or not. Programs give more one-on-one support with an educated and trained counselor/advisor in areas of Learning Disabilities. This counselor helps the student to learn skills, strategies, time management, and goal setting to help build on the students strengths and weaknesses. This helps them to understand what type of learning style works the best for them and what type of learner they are (visual, auditory, hands on or combinations of each or all). Also, being in a program will offer students multiple types of accommodations such as un-timed testing, testing put on the computer or read allowed, note takers, readers, Books - text book - and articles on CD, and computer assistive technologies.
All the extras of accommodations and one-on-one support that come with a program also come with an additional fee. All programs fees very college to college and is another great question to ask when visiting a college campus. I recommend when touring a campus to make sure and ask to see the facilities of the Support Services and Support Programs. This will allow you to know where they are located, but also to see the size of the facilities (rooms, technology, staffing, that can be a strong indicator of how much time, money and effort is put into the services or program).
Aaron Smith
Independent Counselor
Saturday, October 4, 2008
Financial Aid for Freshman Students
Financial planning for college is important. In 2008, many famillies using private lenders are scrambling to find new lenders after some private loan companies shut down. That may not be a bad thing. Private loans have higher interest rates and higher fees than government loans. Unfortunately, some students were resorting to private lenders like credit cards.
There are options for families. Always onsider federal and state programs first. The federal government just made it easier for students to avoid more expensive private loans by increasing the limit students can borrow through federally subsidized loans. That's good news for families who are trying to keep their children in higher education.
There are many resources for family to consider when sorting through the financial aid maze and how to maximize their opportunities. University Advisors Admissions Specialists partners with College Solutions, a financial aid company that works one-on-one with families. Families have specific answers about financial aid and college fit, and both these firms have answers.
Financial aid should not deter families from considering higher education, especially a private higher education. Take the time and explore the options.
Liam Dunfey, M.A.
There are options for families. Always onsider federal and state programs first. The federal government just made it easier for students to avoid more expensive private loans by increasing the limit students can borrow through federally subsidized loans. That's good news for families who are trying to keep their children in higher education.
There are many resources for family to consider when sorting through the financial aid maze and how to maximize their opportunities. University Advisors Admissions Specialists partners with College Solutions, a financial aid company that works one-on-one with families. Families have specific answers about financial aid and college fit, and both these firms have answers.
Financial aid should not deter families from considering higher education, especially a private higher education. Take the time and explore the options.
Liam Dunfey, M.A.
Friday, September 19, 2008
Private colleges, loans, and the economy
The college class of 2013 is in full admission swing. I spent my first week on the road travelling to high schools and colleges for my part-time job with Drew University (NJ) as its southern California admissions office. The theme I heard from students and parents was the sticker shock of a private higher education. The economic news only exacerbated students/parents anxiety as they began the college search.
Students and parents forget that many private schools will waive their application fees. If students do not apply to private schools because of their sticker price, they forego the opportunity of finding out what type of merit aid they could receive.
The economy is going through a rough patch. However, an education is a life-long investment. Proper planning, work, and reasonable pay back is a part of the process. Consider the possibilities without closing an opportunity because of its sticker price. College admission help is there with University Advisors Admission Specialists (www.universityadvisors.net).
Liam Dunfey, M.A.
University Advisor
Students and parents forget that many private schools will waive their application fees. If students do not apply to private schools because of their sticker price, they forego the opportunity of finding out what type of merit aid they could receive.
The economy is going through a rough patch. However, an education is a life-long investment. Proper planning, work, and reasonable pay back is a part of the process. Consider the possibilities without closing an opportunity because of its sticker price. College admission help is there with University Advisors Admission Specialists (www.universityadvisors.net).
Liam Dunfey, M.A.
University Advisor
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
Your College Search and Search Engines
Knowing a bit about 'Search Engine Optimization' and 'Payment for Placement' I am sometimes skeptical about the information links obtained through doing a Google Search; however, sometimes you can get exactly what you are looking for—or even cause further confusion. Your own college search process may be somewhat like a Google Search—too much information and not knowing how to decipher that information or know how to apply it to yourself.
You can obtain a plethora of information on applying to Colleges and University's simply by 'doing a Google' or 'Googling' the words "College Admissions". When I did this today, the bottom of my browser indicated over 200 pages of links (50 links to a page times 200 equals over 10,000 links for 'college admissions'. (Note: I used Firefox and IE, but today Google released its 'Open Source' Search Engine called Chrome [see http://blogs.zdnet.com/Burnette/?p=646 for a blog about it ]. I may start using it---not that I know one Search Engine from another!).
I started surfing through the listings and came across a link to a February 7, 2007 for an NPR (National Public Radio) titled, The College Admissions Game. It begins with the series overview, Navigating the College Admissions Process, [http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=7535849 ]. Below are links to other stories in the series.
Part 1: Some Top Students Look for Hidden-Gem Colleges
Part 2: Colleges Want to Cool Admissions Frenzy
Part 3: Quirky Essays a Window to Future Success?
Part 4: The Community College Path to Higher Ed
Choosing a College: Tips for Finding the Right Fit
At University Advisors we help you wade through the myriad of colleges and universities to help you drill down to find a few good fits for you and your family to consider. Think of us as a 'Google Search Engine' for your College search.
Brian E. Davis
You can obtain a plethora of information on applying to Colleges and University's simply by 'doing a Google' or 'Googling' the words "College Admissions". When I did this today, the bottom of my browser indicated over 200 pages of links (50 links to a page times 200 equals over 10,000 links for 'college admissions'. (Note: I used Firefox and IE, but today Google released its 'Open Source' Search Engine called Chrome [see http://blogs.zdnet.com/Burnette/?p=646 for a blog about it ]. I may start using it---not that I know one Search Engine from another!).
I started surfing through the listings and came across a link to a February 7, 2007 for an NPR (National Public Radio) titled, The College Admissions Game. It begins with the series overview, Navigating the College Admissions Process, [http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=7535849 ]. Below are links to other stories in the series.
Part 1: Some Top Students Look for Hidden-Gem Colleges
Part 2: Colleges Want to Cool Admissions Frenzy
Part 3: Quirky Essays a Window to Future Success?
Part 4: The Community College Path to Higher Ed
Choosing a College: Tips for Finding the Right Fit
At University Advisors we help you wade through the myriad of colleges and universities to help you drill down to find a few good fits for you and your family to consider. Think of us as a 'Google Search Engine' for your College search.
Brian E. Davis
Thursday, August 7, 2008
Heading back to school
Senior year is growing closer for many high school seniors across the country. It's time to start thinking about life after high school. Have you visited any colleges this summer? Have you figured out how to finance a higher education? Will you need college admission help?
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