Are Community Colleges Worth It?

Due to the economy, community colleges are starting to appear as a favorable choice over a four year university. High school seniors attending community college after graduating can save money and have direct admittance into a four year university. The problem, however, is that the transition from community college to a university may not be as smooth. For example, some community college credits may not transfer over to the four-year college. Thus, there might be a delay in graduating within four years from college (community and four-year college included). In addition, there is a dramatic level of change within the classroom from a community college to a four year university. Since community colleges can have larger classes, students receive less individual attention. Yet in a four year university, a student’s work can undergo more criticism; thus resulting in a lower grade. Therefore, if a student received straight A’s in community college, getting lower grades can be a shock. Besides academics, the social aspect of community college to four year university has its drawbacks. Given that the student will be transferring as a third year, it is difficult to “fit in” since the other students have established their social groups.

Still, with all these obstacles, there are solutions. For any high school senior enrolling into community college before transferring, remember to check what classes transfer to the desired four year university. Prepare yourself for the academic and social changes when first attending the four year university. Finally, take advantage of opportunities at the community college and four year university—school is what you make out of it.

Adrienne Kwan
Social Media Director
University Advisors

College Essay Editing: How Far Is Too Far?

A high school senior’s personal response can make or break an application. The problem, however, is determining how much an essay should be edited by a teacher. Recently, as discussed in Richard’s column, teachers are often conflicted as to how much help should be given to high school seniors. To some teachers, editing and rewriting parts of someone’s essay is acceptable. Yet to others, teachers feel it’s only valid to encourage students to find their “voice”. Still, there are services offered online and in person that greatly edits a high school seniors’ essay. Services can guarantee “Complete package” that provide “‘an upfront, wide-ranging interview, an outline, and after you write it, editing your essay’”. Though these services are appealing, being accepted based on your own writing can only make you feel more accomplished with your own work, not an overly edited work.

Adrienne Kwan, Director of Social Media
University Advisors

Letters of Recommendation

When applying to colleges, a quality letter of recommendation can only benefit a high school senior’s overall application. Getting a quality letter of recommendation, however, is more of a challenge. First, ask a teacher, mentor, sports coach—someone who knows you as a student and person—to write your letter. Someone who actually knows and interacts with you makes for a better letter of recommendation. Always ask politely and allow enough time for the letters of recommendation to be complete. Plan two or three weeks ahead of time so the person writing you the letter will not feel pressured. In addition, tell the recommender of your personal college goals so in the letter, he/she can focus on those topics. Furthermore, always provide envelopes and stamps. When the letters are sent in, send a thank you note to your recommenders. Thank you notes show that you appreciate their effort and he/she will be impressed by your consideration.

Adrienne Kwan, Social Media Director
University Advisors
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Investing in Standardized Test Preparation

Taking the SATs and ACTs are daunting for every high school student. For every parent, however, the SATs and ACTs bring up the question of whether or not extra help is necessary for their child. Ever since Stanley Kaplan began a tutoring service 70 years ago, other test preparation companies have developed from his original concept. According to this article, Kaplan makes $2 billion in revenue and more than a million students register for the courses offered. Still, although it is a booming business, parents must consider these two questions:

1. Is your son and daughter motivated to set aside time to study?
2. How much money are you willing to spend?

If your son and daughter are willing to set aside time, then enrolling into SAT or Act prep courses can be useful. In addition, any point increase for the standardized test scores is always beneficial. Nevertheless, high school seniors also need strong extracurricular activities, a good GPA, and convincing essays.

Adrienne Kwan, Social Media Director
University Advisors
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College Admission Rates

Although many Americans believe that college admission rates have severely dropped, rates have only declined slightly. According to the National Association for College Admission Counseling, the college acceptance rate for 2001 was 71.3% while in 2007, it was 66.8%. The difference is only 4.5%; thus, college acceptances have somewhat declined. Still, in regards to high school seniors applying this year, the chances of being accepted is marginally raised due to the poor economy. Since universities are looking to recover from financial losses, colleges will be admitting more students, increasing wait list size, and also offering more grants.

As a high school senior, however, apply to colleges that personally interest you. Even though a college may be close to home or “convenient”, explore what each college campus has to offer. In addition, look into classes that seem appealing. Furthermore, find a college life that suits you. College is an experience each person wants to enjoy and later cherish.

Adrienne Kwan
Director of Social Media
University Advisors