Putting A Value On Science

In his final days as president of the University of California, Richard Atkinson marveled at the system’s impact on society. Read more about it here.

Plagiarism at its Best

Adam Wheeler, a former Harvard University student, pleaded not guilty to 20 counts of fraud in a plagiarism case. Wheeler, who submitted references and applications for the Rhodes and Fulbright scholarships, was caught with falsified information. A Harvard professor who was reviewing his application noticed that many of Wheeler’s “completed” works was similar to that of another professor. After further investigation, the professor discovered that the majority of Wheeler’s application had been plagiarized. Following this discovery, Wheeler’s file was under scrutiny by officials and new accounts of plagiarism were found out. Wheeler had allegedly fabricated teacher recommendations, college transcripts, lectures he supposedly taught. Furthermore, Wheeler had received over $45,000 in grants, scholarship, and financial aid money when at Harvard using false information.

This case shows the growing problem of students using false information or plagiarizing on applications. When applying for college, one should always be honest because once the real truth has been discovered, there’s no going back.

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Common College Application Mistakes

Common College Application Mistakes

When filling out any form, one should always be careful and double check for any errors before submitting. But, what if you were to make a mistake on your college application? Here are some of the most common college application mistakes:

1. Submitting the application online: Remember to always check if the college did receive your application. Sometimes, students believe they have submitted the application but in actuality, the application was not received by the university.

2. Grammar and spelling mistakes: Never submit an application with grammar or spelling mistakes. The admission officer will assume that you don’t care enough to check or that your grammar/spelling is bad. Either way, it leaves a bad impression.

3. Print illegibly: Always use nice handwriting when filling out any part of the application. The more legible, the better.

4. Using your cool funky e-mail address from middle school: When putting down an e-mail address, use a professional one.

5. Relying on Mom and Dad: You are the one applying to college, not you parents. Hence, you should be filling out the application and not depend on your parents to do all the work.

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Logging online for class

This past year has been a tumultuous one for University of California. The system has been victim to budget cuts and increased tuition. Students and staff alike are feeling the effects of UC’s economic situation. The solution, however, for these problems is an unlikely one. The UC system is considering offering the completion of undergraduate degrees online. Having courses online will allow for greater revenue and also access for the students. Professors will receive a grant, structure the class’s syllabus, and evaluate the students’ progress. Still, the administrators are unsure of how successful the online courses may be. The initial courses offered online will be lower division courses, typically taken by freshmen to fulfill general education requirements. It can lessen the amount of time spent battling the waitlist for overcrowded courses, and also reduce the time needed to graduate. The UC system hopes to have online courses offered in Fall 2011.

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Deadline gone! Now what?

Many high school seniors are letting out a sigh of relief. After months of stress and contemplation during the college admission process, seniors have finally submitted their letter of intent. But what should seniors do now?

Relax.

The letters have been sent and it’s time to enjoy the last year few weeks of high school. Remember to maintain the certain grade point average required by the selected college. In addition, finish off strong in all academic areas including AP tests, which could count for college credit. Also, be aware of deposits and housing information associated with your college. Finally, be proud of your achievements and look forward to the opportunities that await you. You've earned them.

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May 1st Deposit Deadline

The annual undergraduate admission deposit deadline is a few days away. Have you made a decision? If not, here are some things to consider.

Fit over brand

Students are choosing higher education institutions for their name, and not neccesarily for the opportunities that are available. Since one university may be more famous or “prestigious” students are more willing to submit a letter of enrollment intention. Although not all students are simply going for the name, this trend in selecting a university is worrisome. An informed choice based on your college criteria is better than selecting a university based on name and exclusivity. Students should research what the specific university has to offer—such as academic programs or social opportunities. It is these things — academic offerings and overall college life — that will shape a young person’s experience in college. The name and reputation of a university can only hold so much. Be smart about picking a university that is well suited for your needs and goals.

Cost and Time

Let's face it, what it costs to attend over four years will play a role in your decision. Keep in mind, though, that your education should be viewed as an investment in your future. It's better to spend the money now and graduate on-time than go somewhere where you'll pay less and not graduate.

Making a decision shouldn't be taken lightly. Remember, this is your life and your decision. Take the next few days and consider your options.

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What To Do Now

In the college application world, it’s the awkward in between phase. High school seniors have received their rejection and acceptance letters. Colleges are waiting to hear back from applicants, unsure of how large the incoming freshmen class will be. Yet now is the perfect time for all other high school students (not seniors) to be looking towards the future. It definitely pays off to start the college hunt earlier than later.

April is the beginning of college fair season. High school sophomores and juniors should begin charting out schools they are potentially interested in. Also, students should start talking with their guidance counselor about colleges and the application process. In addition, guidance counselors can offer information about the upcoming college fairs taking place on campus. It is at college fairs where students can connect and meet admission officials from specific universities. College fairs are a valuable tool for students to ask the college representative compelling questions that shows the student’s genuine interest. Leaving a strong impression on the college representative will prove beneficial when applying to a university. Colleges prefer students who have shown true interest in the university, instead of students that haphazardly apply to everything and anything. Do research, utilize the tools around you, and start the college shopping process.

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Decision Time

The acceptance letters have been sent out and now, students have the power to choose what university they would like to attend. The roles have been switched and colleges are eagerly anticipating how large the incoming class will be the following year. Students no longer have to sweat it out; instead the colleges need to. Before even submitting a deposit, however, students should make the effort to take a campus tour of their prospective schools. Also, students should examine what the campus has to offer in terms of social organizations, the surrounding environment (i.e. rural, urban setting), and also academic opportunities. In addition, one of the most important items on the list is the financial aspect. Is there financial aid? How much is tuition? What scholarships are offered? Come May 1st, students must submit their final decision to their number one choice and hope that they made the right pick.

More Private Colleges Joining the $50K Club

Who says you can’t put a price on education? Recently, more private colleges are increasing their tuition to surpass the $50,000 a year mark. Come next year, incoming freshmen attending Harvard will pay $50, 724 for tuition, room and board, and fees. Other colleges that already charge over $50,000 are Tufts University, Boston College, Boston University, and Smith College. Next year, however, Dartmouth College, Wellesley College, Brandeis University and more are expected to be asking for over $50,000 a year. Thus, students who qualify for financial aid need to capitalize on whatever financial aid that is provided from the university. Students and parents need to contact the financial aid officers for that specific university to ask of scholarship opportunities or grants being offered. In addition, there are many scholarships not associated with the university that are offered to college students.

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Choosing a Major

The world will always need accountants, scientists, and mathematicians. But, what about the world needing liberal art majors such as history, literature, and philosophy? How will these majors be beneficial for students in the long run? Since many universities are facing budget cuts and financial strains, liberal art majors have felt the effects of the university financial woes. For example, universities are eliminating majors that if 10-15 years ago, were popular but nowadays, have a lack of appeal and lack of interest from students. Students choosing liberal art majors such as classics or philosophy have steadily declined. Parents and students are more interested in majors that will transition into a secure job post college. The problem, however, is focusing too much on the now. Students should not simply complete a major for the mere fact of having a secure future. College is a chance for students to explore and learn of other subject areas, to mature and develop as a citizen of the world. Employers still want college graduates to be capable of effectively communicating orally and in writing, to use critical thinking and analytical reasoning skills, to be innovative and creative. These are skills that all students should come away with after graduating college—the ability to create and successfully convey ideas to others in order to truly make an impact.

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The Gap Year

Overwhelmed with college applications, juggling AP tests, extracurricular activities, many seniors have contemplated the path less taken—a gap year between high school and college. Nowadays, the most common path is to enter college directly after graduating from high school. Yet what if a student wants a break after overworking in high school? The answer is a gap year. Already popular in some European countries, the option of a gap year is a great chance for high school graduates to explore and participate in gap year programs. For example, there are programs for students to go abroad and volunteer. The experience allows for recent high school graduates to gain a more worldly perspective and also, mature as a person. Still, students need to be cautious about deferring a year from their intended university. Private universities are more likely to be receptive to the gap year option. As for public university, due to limited space and high demand, the gap year is not recommended. Nevertheless, students should take advantage of any opportunity before or during college to go abroad—to develop a deeper understanding of others and also themselves.

Get a Head Start

High school seniors are eagerly anticipating the many acceptance letters from interested colleges and universities. As for high school sophomores and juniors, college acceptance letters seem too far away. Yet for high school students who want a head start on college applications, spring break is the best time. During spring break, many colleges are still in session and high school students can get an accurate feel for the campus. They can experience the college “life” by seeing everything in action. In addition, it is a chance for students to formulate an opinion on the likes or dislikes of a campus. Also, the students will have an opportunity to sit in on classes or even schedule an interview with a professor. In addition, students can set up an appointment with a financial aid officer and discuss scholarships, work study jobs available on campus. Not only will it help students focus his/her application pool, it will make the college application process easier and less stressful.

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Waitlists

Since universities are scrambling to cut back reevaluate their budget, high school seniors are receiving the worst of it. Now, the two dominant university systems in California are wait-listing applicants. The UC (six campuses) and Cal State systems will be using the waitlist more extensively. This is largely due to the state budget reductions which is forcing the UC and Cal State campuses to cut down on freshman enrollment. Thus, high school seniors who aren’t accepted or fully rejects are placed on the waitlist.

The chances, however, of being accepted if on the waitlist is slim to none. It is only after the accepted students have submitted an answer to the respective university by which the waitlisted students are notified. Last year, for San Diego State, all waitlisted students were denied admittance since the freshman class had reached its full capacity. Therefore, if accepted into another university, send in your acceptance and down payment. It’s better to have a secure position at one university, than holding out for something less stable.

Racial Diversity on Campus

Racial diversity on University of California campuses have been under scrutiny due to the racially themed party at UCSD. This party, called “Compton Cookout”, invited students to dress up with gold chains, nappy hair, etc. Publicized on Facebook, it received negative attention and was soon taken off. The damage, however, was already done. Furthermore, students on the UCSD sponsored television station supported the event saying that black students should not be offended. Now, UCSD officials have condemned the event and also, complied with various requests submitted by UCSD’s Black Student Union.

Still, this event brings to light the type of activities found in college campuses. There have been other cases of racially themed parties at other universities such as male students posing as U.S. soldiers and females as Vietnamese prostitutes. Therefore, high school seniors entering college in fall 2010 need to be conscientious of the decisions he or she makes. Yes, college is a time to experience new things and meet new people, but remember to make the smart decision.

Checking Your Social Media Reputation

Nowadays, more and more people are getting plugged into the social media world with Twitter, Facebook, Myspace etc. The problem, however, is that people do not realize how much an inappropriate Tweet or picture can affect future endeavors. This is extremely important for high school seniors applying for college as well as college students looking to be hired by companies. For example, during the college decision process, admission officials have the option of looking at one’s personal webpage (i.e. Facebook or Myspace) to double check their decision. As a result, an applicant’s personal webpage can make or break a decision. High school seniors need to make sure their own websites do not hold any explicit photos or inappropriate content. In the eyes of the admission officials, one’s university admission can be denied simply by a single photo or unsuitable content.

Adrienne Kwan, Social Media Director
University Advisors

Education Key for Future Plans

Americans nationwide are feeling the effect of the “Great Recession”. Not only have unemployment rates dramatically increased, more and more people are taking college courses to earn accreditation for another job skill. Still, the most important thing however is graduating from high school or even college.—simply having a high school GED or college degree greatly improves chances of getting or receiving a job. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics recently released that from the 10 percent jobless rate—15.3 percent were workers who never graduated from high school, 10.5 for high school graduates, 9 percent for people who attended college, and 5 percent with a four year degree or higher. Furthermore, according to Bob Wise, who leads the Alliance for Excellent Education in Washington D.C., if more people had a high school diploma or college degree, it could potentially cause more spending and job growth. For example, the high school and college graduates would have a job, and in the middle of their career, have the ability to spend more. Thus, in spending more, the economy could slowly regain its normal vitality.

In addition, it brings to light how high school administrative staff should focus on different career paths for high school students. Instead of solely emphasizing a four year university route, high school guidance counselors should motivate students to achieve within his or her potential, not limiting the student to one option. Nevertheless, finishing up high school and college will always be in that individual’s best interest. Not only does it heightens one’s chance of landing a job, it will lead to future economic security.

Honesty Is The Best Policy

Applying for colleges is a long and lengthy process. Often, students feel compelled to exaggerate their accomplishments in order to impress the admission officers. Too much exaggeration, however, can lead to suspicion. For University of California admissions, there is a team of auditors that verify select student’s applications. The students are chosen at random and asked to validate their claims written in their application. Although only one percent of UC applicants are selected, students should always be able to validate information on his or her application. In some cases, applicants do not choose to respond to the auditors’ request. As for others, there are tickets, certificates, plaques, etc that are sent in. Even though not every application is checked, it is necessary for an auditing system to be used. College applicants must remember that honesty will always be the best policy when applying for universities.

Adrienne Kwan
University Advisors

Gender Gap in Colleges

According to an article recently published in the Los Angeles Times, the widening of the gender gap on college campuses have caused some alarm. Nowadays, there are more females applicants submitting college applications. Male applicants, on the other hand, have decreased. Thus, college campuses are faced with the question of either accepting the most qualified applicants regardless of his or her sex, or maintaining the female male ratio. For some universities, the balance between males and females on campus is extremely important. This need for balance however is more commonly found in private universities. For example, at Vassar College—initially an all women college—accepted 35% of its male applicants in comparison to 20% of female applicants. Even though the female applicants outnumbered the male applicants, more males were accepted. As for public universities, the discrepancy between female and male acceptances isn’t as apparent. This can be attributed to how public universities look at applicants; there is more of a focus on grades and test scores. Therefore, the importance of one’s gender in applying to college is alarming. Applicants may be more than qualified but small details such as one’s sex can guarantee a “yes” or “no” from a university.

What Not to Look for in a College Consultant

Nowadays, getting into college has become more competitive and cutthroat. Parents are hiring admission consultants in order to improve their child’s chances of being admitted into his/her first choice. The problem, however, is that there are many people who claim to be a legitimate and trustworthy consultant. As a parent, be wary of admission consultants that state they have “influence” at a certain university. Also, the consultant should have firsthand knowledge of various college campuses due to his/her own personal visits to the campus. In addition, the consultant should have formal training and be part of IECA or NACAC. Furthermore, college consultants should not guarantee that your son/daughter will definitely be accepted into their first choice. Consultants are there to find the most suitable university for your child and assist in the admission process. Their job is to showcase different opportunities available at various campuses. Moreover, they lay down the groundwork for applying—it’s ultimately up to the student to complete the admission process. Yes, we all want our children to be admitted into a university but at what cost?

Adrienne Kwan
Director of Social Media
University Advisors

College Rejection Letters: How to Deal

As colleges are sending out their letters of acceptance or rejection, high school seniors will have to learn how to cope with either. For students who receive a letter of admission, he/she should know whether or not he/she truly wants to commit four years or more to that particular institute. Seniors should double check the courses offered at the university and also, if possible, take another campus tour. Knowing about the academic opportunities along with the social aspects is extremely important in deciding to accept or reject a university’s offer of admission.

Students, however, that receive a rejection letter should not feel downtrodden. If anything, seniors have the option of sending in a letter of repeal. In addition, there are many great possibilities with other universities. All college campuses have strong aspects and it’s up to the student to capitalize on what the college has to offer.

Adrienne Kwan
Director of Social Media
University Advisors

Accepting the Good and Bad

The new year has begun and high school seniors are eagerly anticipating college acceptance letters. Still, many high school seniors will face the sting of rejection from a specific university. A rejection, however, does not mark the end of a potentially great college experience at a non-first choice school. Instead, when accepting any university’s offer of admission, high school seniors should consider all aspects such as the university’s net cost, college environment, and the university’s course offerings. In addition, being close minded about choosing a university can only hinder the student. All universities have strong and weak points—it’s the matter of knowing what you want as an individual and whether or not the university can benefit your future plans. Furthermore, making the most of your college experience depends on you. Thus, it is important to consider all options before selecting a college and remain open minded.

Adrienne Kwan
Social Media Director
University Advisors