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.