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
Thursday, November 20, 2008
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
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