An above satisfactory SAT score is one of the many requirements for high school students when applying to different universities. Nowadays, however, submitting an SAT score can be optional. For example, at Wake Forest University, applicants can choose whether or not to include their SAT score. Some students opt out from sending in his/her SAT score due to low scoring. Last year, 28 percent of Wake Forest’s 10,555 applicants chose not to present his/her SAT score. In addition, students rather have the admission officer focus on his/her extracurricular activities than one standardized test.
With this new trend taking a hold, the role of SAT scores might play less of a factor in the application process. If the SAT is eliminated, will a new standardized test be produced? Also, the non-SAT option emphasizes the value of being a well rounded student and not simply relying on one factor.
Adrienne Kwan
University Advisors
Showing posts with label College Admissions. Show all posts
Showing posts with label College Admissions. Show all posts
Monday, October 5, 2009
Monday, September 28, 2009
New Cal State Admission Policy
College applications are coming around the corner and local San Diego high school students west of Highway 56 are no longer guaranteed a spot at San Diego State University. Due to California’s budget crisis, SDSU is cutting back on enrollment and applying a “universal eligibility system” on local students. Thus, students who originally only needed to meet the 3.0 GPA and other requirements are now scrambling. Counselors are suggesting that students retake the SATs for higher scores, send out applications to other schools etc. Although Sweetwater Union High School District and Hoover High School still have a contract with SDSU, other schools are being affected by the change in the admission policy.
This admission policy changes and budget cuts causes high school seniors and parents to speculate about “How will the application process be for me/my child?” It puts into perspective how the academic and social aspects of high school should be approached. Yes, high school should be filled with memories about football games, dances—still, prepare for the future because now, everyone is tightening up their belts.
Adrienne Kwan
University Advisors Intern
This admission policy changes and budget cuts causes high school seniors and parents to speculate about “How will the application process be for me/my child?” It puts into perspective how the academic and social aspects of high school should be approached. Yes, high school should be filled with memories about football games, dances—still, prepare for the future because now, everyone is tightening up their belts.
Adrienne Kwan
University Advisors Intern
Thursday, August 20, 2009
School is back!
School is back!
Seniors around the country are heading back for their final year of high school. Seniors hoping to go on to college have one more academic year to prove their college ready!
What is your academic plan? Where do you see yourself a year from now? How will you get there? Who, besides yourself, is going to help you get there?
Now that summertime has come and gone, it’s time to buckle down and get things done. Your grades will be the most important component of your senior year, if college is on the horizon. Have you signed up for rigorous classes? If you’ve struggled with specific academic areas, get the help you need to succeed now!
We can help with your college search and keep you on task.
Liam Dunfey
University Advisors
Seniors around the country are heading back for their final year of high school. Seniors hoping to go on to college have one more academic year to prove their college ready!
What is your academic plan? Where do you see yourself a year from now? How will you get there? Who, besides yourself, is going to help you get there?
Now that summertime has come and gone, it’s time to buckle down and get things done. Your grades will be the most important component of your senior year, if college is on the horizon. Have you signed up for rigorous classes? If you’ve struggled with specific academic areas, get the help you need to succeed now!
We can help with your college search and keep you on task.
Liam Dunfey
University Advisors
Saturday, August 15, 2009
For Rising Seniors: College Advice for Late Summer
Act now!
Yes – waiting for the start of school is a delaying tactic that could prove to be problematic.
Following through on the list below will allow the college search/applying process to be so much easier on you and your family. In fact, you will find that you can derive some joy from this part of your senior year.
1. Look up the dates for the fall open houses at the colleges on your tentative list. Plan to attend one or more of these functions.
2. Sign up online for the SATs or ACTs to be sure that you are assured a space at the site and date of your choice.
3. Look for an answer to this question: is your academic record consistent with the profile of students your chosen universities usually accept? Look on the admission section of the colleges’ web sites and heed the requirements and the entering class profile (most universities list both).
4. Be sure that you “love your list.” If you are not enthusiastic about a college on your list, then deep-six it!
5. Identify the topic(s) for the essays that you need to write for your college choices. Sketch out an outline for each essay. Compose your first drafts(s).
6.. If your list is shy of “loved” colleges, then now is the time to email your counselor at school for an early appointment in September and/or engaging an independent college consultant. Identify possible choices by looking at the professional web site for the Higher Education Consultants of America – www.hecaonline.org. For a modest cost a consultant will help you to develop an appropriate list of universities.
Consultants can work with you in person or by distance (phone/email).
Will Dunfey
University Advisors
Yes – waiting for the start of school is a delaying tactic that could prove to be problematic.
Following through on the list below will allow the college search/applying process to be so much easier on you and your family. In fact, you will find that you can derive some joy from this part of your senior year.
1. Look up the dates for the fall open houses at the colleges on your tentative list. Plan to attend one or more of these functions.
2. Sign up online for the SATs or ACTs to be sure that you are assured a space at the site and date of your choice.
3. Look for an answer to this question: is your academic record consistent with the profile of students your chosen universities usually accept? Look on the admission section of the colleges’ web sites and heed the requirements and the entering class profile (most universities list both).
4. Be sure that you “love your list.” If you are not enthusiastic about a college on your list, then deep-six it!
5. Identify the topic(s) for the essays that you need to write for your college choices. Sketch out an outline for each essay. Compose your first drafts(s).
6.. If your list is shy of “loved” colleges, then now is the time to email your counselor at school for an early appointment in September and/or engaging an independent college consultant. Identify possible choices by looking at the professional web site for the Higher Education Consultants of America – www.hecaonline.org. For a modest cost a consultant will help you to develop an appropriate list of universities.
Consultants can work with you in person or by distance (phone/email).
Will Dunfey
University Advisors
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Do Top Schools Produce High Earners?
In about a month, high school seniors will return for their final year of high school. They’ll be pressured to excel in their grades, perform well on SATs, and stay involved with outside activities. Many will begin the college search and feel as if they need to apply to and get into a brand name school under the misconceived notion that they won’t get a high paying job if they don’t go to a top school.
A recent article in Yahoo Finance asked if elite colleges produce the best paid graduates. I recommend parents and prospective students to read it because it analyzes college from an investment point of view. Sure, college is an experience, but it is also one of the most important investments that someone will make in their future. The brand of the school has less to do with success/potential of the student than what the student makes of the education.
There are thousands of schools that students haven’t heard of that would empower them with tools, resources, and educational experience to earn a comfortable living after college. The challenge, of course, is identifying these schools after doing an assessment of a student’s criteria for admission.
Liam Dunfey
University Advisors
A recent article in Yahoo Finance asked if elite colleges produce the best paid graduates. I recommend parents and prospective students to read it because it analyzes college from an investment point of view. Sure, college is an experience, but it is also one of the most important investments that someone will make in their future. The brand of the school has less to do with success/potential of the student than what the student makes of the education.
There are thousands of schools that students haven’t heard of that would empower them with tools, resources, and educational experience to earn a comfortable living after college. The challenge, of course, is identifying these schools after doing an assessment of a student’s criteria for admission.
Liam Dunfey
University Advisors
Monday, June 1, 2009
Study Abroad: Part 1 of 4
This week I attended the annual conference of NAFSA: Association of International Educators in Los Angeles, CA. While being involved with International Admissions for almost three decades, I am always encouraging students to look beyond the U.S. boarder and seek a global education.
Having worked for Universities in London, England and Rome, Italy for over twenty years, I have seen these two cities be an extension of the classroom not only for Study Abroad/Semester programs, but also for students seeking to complete their entire degree outside of the U.S.
With the rapid globalization of society and the many educational options available to you worldwide, studying abroad should be an integral part of your college education. And this option may not be just for a semester or a year. You may end up choosing to complete your entire university degree abroad!
The reasons for studying abroad differ for everyone---the chance to travel to another country for the first time, an opportunity to return to a country you visited in high school, or to immerse yourself into a language and culture you have always wanted to experience.
Your trip abroad in high school gave you a taste of what it would be like, but to actually live and study in another culture is truly an educational opportunity that should not be missed. Attending a university overseas will allow you to develop a sense of relationship to other cultures while still embracing your own.
There are several different types of educational opportunities available to you abroad as an American college student. Most students have a more traditional view of study abroad which is synonymous with Junior Year or semester abroad. Studying abroad can also mean enrolling at a foreign, non-American institution. And for others, it is studying abroad for all four years. For some of them it is enrolling and receiving an American accredited degree at a college overseas.
Whatever the international educational experience you decide to pursue, you will be making the world a part of you. As a result of the cross-cultural/multi-cultural skills required, the linguistic ability needed, the broad knowledge base acquired, and the sense of self-reliance needed to survive internationally, you will develop an expanded world view called globalism.
You will come away with an ability to observe without judgment and communicate across differences as a result of your new global perspective. A life changing and diverse challenge awaits you in what ever international educational experience you choose. With the world becoming smaller a global educational is something that should be part of your college curriculum.
Brian E. Davis
University Advisor
Having worked for Universities in London, England and Rome, Italy for over twenty years, I have seen these two cities be an extension of the classroom not only for Study Abroad/Semester programs, but also for students seeking to complete their entire degree outside of the U.S.
With the rapid globalization of society and the many educational options available to you worldwide, studying abroad should be an integral part of your college education. And this option may not be just for a semester or a year. You may end up choosing to complete your entire university degree abroad!
The reasons for studying abroad differ for everyone---the chance to travel to another country for the first time, an opportunity to return to a country you visited in high school, or to immerse yourself into a language and culture you have always wanted to experience.
Your trip abroad in high school gave you a taste of what it would be like, but to actually live and study in another culture is truly an educational opportunity that should not be missed. Attending a university overseas will allow you to develop a sense of relationship to other cultures while still embracing your own.
There are several different types of educational opportunities available to you abroad as an American college student. Most students have a more traditional view of study abroad which is synonymous with Junior Year or semester abroad. Studying abroad can also mean enrolling at a foreign, non-American institution. And for others, it is studying abroad for all four years. For some of them it is enrolling and receiving an American accredited degree at a college overseas.
Whatever the international educational experience you decide to pursue, you will be making the world a part of you. As a result of the cross-cultural/multi-cultural skills required, the linguistic ability needed, the broad knowledge base acquired, and the sense of self-reliance needed to survive internationally, you will develop an expanded world view called globalism.
You will come away with an ability to observe without judgment and communicate across differences as a result of your new global perspective. A life changing and diverse challenge awaits you in what ever international educational experience you choose. With the world becoming smaller a global educational is something that should be part of your college curriculum.
Brian E. Davis
University Advisor
Monday, May 11, 2009
For High School Juniors – Snapshot Time
Your junior year will be ending in a few short weeks. Now is the time to do a “college admission self-assessment.”
A few key questions suffice:
1. What is your three-year grade point average?
2. What are your junior-year SAT I or ACT scores?
3. What are your senior-year courses?
4. What is your tentative list of colleges as I enter the summer?
5. Are my grades and scores consistent with the academic and admission requirements of the colleges on my tentative list?
You have very specific answers for the first three questions. The next two pose a greater challenge.
If your tentative list is short – perhaps very short – then now is the time to check with your guidance counselor for additional suggestions. Or perhaps it is time to think about consulting with a private college advisor. Or both!
June is the time to check out college web sites for visitation schedules and summer day programs for rising seniors and their families. June also is the time to plan day or longer trips with your family to visit as many of your tentative choices as possible. Most colleges now encourage students to register for their visits online.
While on the web site you also should be looking for an answer to the last question: is my academic record consistent with the profile of students my colleges usually accept? Look on the admission section of the colleges’ web sites and heed the requirements and the entering class profile (most colleges list both).
If you judge your qualifications to be “in the ballpark” with recently enrolled students, then plan your visits! If your qualifications do not appear to be reflective of your colleges’ expectations, your self-assessment should result in developing a different and more appropriate list.
Will Dunfey
University Advisors
A few key questions suffice:
1. What is your three-year grade point average?
2. What are your junior-year SAT I or ACT scores?
3. What are your senior-year courses?
4. What is your tentative list of colleges as I enter the summer?
5. Are my grades and scores consistent with the academic and admission requirements of the colleges on my tentative list?
You have very specific answers for the first three questions. The next two pose a greater challenge.
If your tentative list is short – perhaps very short – then now is the time to check with your guidance counselor for additional suggestions. Or perhaps it is time to think about consulting with a private college advisor. Or both!
June is the time to check out college web sites for visitation schedules and summer day programs for rising seniors and their families. June also is the time to plan day or longer trips with your family to visit as many of your tentative choices as possible. Most colleges now encourage students to register for their visits online.
While on the web site you also should be looking for an answer to the last question: is my academic record consistent with the profile of students my colleges usually accept? Look on the admission section of the colleges’ web sites and heed the requirements and the entering class profile (most colleges list both).
If you judge your qualifications to be “in the ballpark” with recently enrolled students, then plan your visits! If your qualifications do not appear to be reflective of your colleges’ expectations, your self-assessment should result in developing a different and more appropriate list.
Will Dunfey
University Advisors
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
March Madness Is Over
UNC earned the men’s basketball championship vs. Michigan State University last night. Congratulations to the team!
When I was a child, I always wanted to attend a Division I school that had a winning men’s basketball or football team. I admired the passionate crowds, the fan celebrations after winning important games, and generally wanted to be a part of something bigger than myself. I wanted my alma mater to be a winner!
Well, I never attended a Division I school for college and I’m glad I didn’t. It wasn’t the right fit for me academically, athletically, or socially. As a teen-ager making my final college decision in the spring of my high school senior year, I was advised by family to consider a small school with a personalized education. It didn’t have a huge student body or a big brand name, but it did have classes taught by faculty, administrators that knew my name, and classmates that were probably more passionate than the ones I viewed on television as a child. Plus, I was able to graduate in four years, enroll in a top ten graduate program, and successfully begin my career in higher education administration.
Who needs a national championship when you have all that?
Liam Dunfey
University Advisors
When I was a child, I always wanted to attend a Division I school that had a winning men’s basketball or football team. I admired the passionate crowds, the fan celebrations after winning important games, and generally wanted to be a part of something bigger than myself. I wanted my alma mater to be a winner!
Well, I never attended a Division I school for college and I’m glad I didn’t. It wasn’t the right fit for me academically, athletically, or socially. As a teen-ager making my final college decision in the spring of my high school senior year, I was advised by family to consider a small school with a personalized education. It didn’t have a huge student body or a big brand name, but it did have classes taught by faculty, administrators that knew my name, and classmates that were probably more passionate than the ones I viewed on television as a child. Plus, I was able to graduate in four years, enroll in a top ten graduate program, and successfully begin my career in higher education administration.
Who needs a national championship when you have all that?
Liam Dunfey
University Advisors
Monday, March 16, 2009
Spring NACAC College Fairs
It’s mid-March and for juniors in metropolitan areas around the U.S., there’s a pretty good chance they’ll be a NACAC college fair in your region. NACAC fairs give students the opportunity to visit various college booths and learn more about higher education opportunities available. College representatives are friendly, informative, and can be an advocate for you in the admission process. You’ll notice some familiar college names, but many of the institutions represented will be out of your region, out of your state, and in some cases, international!
I’ve heard many students ask why going to college fairs is important since all the information is available online. Well, the information is online, but learning about other college possibilities, engaging people, and taking an active first step in the college search is productive. Parents should allow their son(s)/daughter(s) to drive the process when you arrive at the fair (after all, it’s the student that will be enrolling in college, not the parent!). Come prepared with some questions that may not be found online and with an adhesive address labels so you don’t have to fill out college inquiry cards repeatedly. Admission Officers will be impressed with good questions. You may even want to take their card for follow-up purposes down the road.
It’s also important to take notes about the specific schools so you remember what you heard and/or learned. The college search can sometimes be a maze and with thousands of schools out there, you want to have the information documented in a systematic way that works for you.
Good luck beginning your college search! You will not be disappointed by the NACAC Fair in your area.
Liam Dunfey
University Advisors
I’ve heard many students ask why going to college fairs is important since all the information is available online. Well, the information is online, but learning about other college possibilities, engaging people, and taking an active first step in the college search is productive. Parents should allow their son(s)/daughter(s) to drive the process when you arrive at the fair (after all, it’s the student that will be enrolling in college, not the parent!). Come prepared with some questions that may not be found online and with an adhesive address labels so you don’t have to fill out college inquiry cards repeatedly. Admission Officers will be impressed with good questions. You may even want to take their card for follow-up purposes down the road.
It’s also important to take notes about the specific schools so you remember what you heard and/or learned. The college search can sometimes be a maze and with thousands of schools out there, you want to have the information documented in a systematic way that works for you.
Good luck beginning your college search! You will not be disappointed by the NACAC Fair in your area.
Liam Dunfey
University Advisors
Friday, February 6, 2009
University of California Regents Change Admission Policies
The UC Board of Regents approved a change to the University's admission policy that will affect current high school students graduating in 2012 and beyond. The new policy requires the same number of "a-g" courses and the same GPA as current policy.
The two key differences are:
1. These changes will not change the way students prepare for the University: students still need to complete the"a-g" requirements, earn the best grades possible, and take the ACT Assessment with Writing or the SAT Reasoning Test. They will also need content knowledge in case they choose to take an SAT Subject Test to demonstrate specific subject-matter proficiency.
2. Students who graduate from high school prior to 2012 will be held to existing admissions requirements. Moreover, this means that these students will be required to submit scores from two SAT Subject Tests in order to be eligible for admission (which is the policy now).
You can find out more information about the policy here.
Liam Dunfey
University Advisors
The two key differences are:
1. These changes will not change the way students prepare for the University: students still need to complete the"a-g" requirements, earn the best grades possible, and take the ACT Assessment with Writing or the SAT Reasoning Test. They will also need content knowledge in case they choose to take an SAT Subject Test to demonstrate specific subject-matter proficiency.
2. Students who graduate from high school prior to 2012 will be held to existing admissions requirements. Moreover, this means that these students will be required to submit scores from two SAT Subject Tests in order to be eligible for admission (which is the policy now).
You can find out more information about the policy here.
Liam Dunfey
University Advisors
Monday, February 2, 2009
Hitting College Application Deadlines
It’s that time of year again when regular admission deadlines are looming. Students will sometimes wait till the last minute to upload their essays, or request transcripts, or ask teachers for letters of recommendation. There’s no point in procrastinating till the last day when you have months of planning time to make sure all necessary documents are received well before the deadline.
During these challenging economic times, there are some advantages to submitting your application before the deadline. The first is that many institutions are sending acceptance letters faster than in previous years because they want you to strongly consider them as an attractive option. Second, for students’ and parents’ sake, there is no need to compound the stress of waiting till the last minute when one missed item can cause a delay in an institution making a decision, or even worse, not considering the student at all because there are missing components to the application.
The college search can be stressful, but taking the anxiety out of it is very easy, especially at this time of the admission cycle. If students find themselves in the precarious position of missing a deadline, they should consider strongly calling the institution and asking what their options are. It never hurts to ask!
Liam Dunfey
University Advisors
During these challenging economic times, there are some advantages to submitting your application before the deadline. The first is that many institutions are sending acceptance letters faster than in previous years because they want you to strongly consider them as an attractive option. Second, for students’ and parents’ sake, there is no need to compound the stress of waiting till the last minute when one missed item can cause a delay in an institution making a decision, or even worse, not considering the student at all because there are missing components to the application.
The college search can be stressful, but taking the anxiety out of it is very easy, especially at this time of the admission cycle. If students find themselves in the precarious position of missing a deadline, they should consider strongly calling the institution and asking what their options are. It never hurts to ask!
Liam Dunfey
University Advisors
Friday, January 23, 2009
Ten Financial Aid Questions
Let's face the fact that financial aid can make or break a decision about attending a particular institution. Here are ten questions that I recently read about from the latest HECA e-newsletter that you can ask an admission officer about financial aid before making an informed decision:
1. What is the average four-year graduation rate? What are some reasons why students don’t graduate in four years?
2. What is the average loan debt of a graduating senior?
3. How do you handle outside scholarship awards? Some colleges will reduce loan and/or grant awards.
4. What are the projected tuition increases over the next four years? What’s been the rate over the last five years compared to inflation?
5. Do you offer both merit and need based aid?
6. When packaging financial aid awards, do you meet full need or gap students?
7. Is institutional aid available, and if so, is it re-evaluated annually based on a family’s circumstances?
8. Does applying to financial aid impact admission decisions?
9. What are the criteria for merit aid?
10. Which need analysis methodology do you use?
Liam Dunfey
University Advisors
1. What is the average four-year graduation rate? What are some reasons why students don’t graduate in four years?
2. What is the average loan debt of a graduating senior?
3. How do you handle outside scholarship awards? Some colleges will reduce loan and/or grant awards.
4. What are the projected tuition increases over the next four years? What’s been the rate over the last five years compared to inflation?
5. Do you offer both merit and need based aid?
6. When packaging financial aid awards, do you meet full need or gap students?
7. Is institutional aid available, and if so, is it re-evaluated annually based on a family’s circumstances?
8. Does applying to financial aid impact admission decisions?
9. What are the criteria for merit aid?
10. Which need analysis methodology do you use?
Liam Dunfey
University Advisors
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Be Realistic: Plan Ahead for Your College Options
Colleges can't accept everyone. Just like any other consumer product (and yes a college education is a consumer product!) there is supply and demand.
Many colleges have only so many places and the job of the admission office is to find students to fill those places without over enrolling. The Ohio State University marching band can only have one tuba player dotting the "i" on Ohio during the halftime show! And colleges only have so many seats in classrooms and beds in the residence halls.
Supply and demand is what makes certain colleges or majors selective; thus, they can pick and choose exactly who they want and who they think will enroll.
This selectivity causes many very good students (even valedictorians) and those who are class presidents with many extra-curricular activities to be rejected from their first choice college. It comes down to is a numbers game. And sometimes these numbers are not SAT scores, GPA, yards per carry, number of extra-curricular activities or leads in the school play.
If you've “got the numbers and resume” you should still apply to the selective places, but you should also apply to others that are not as competitive for admission. You will get in somewhere. It may not be your top choice, but you will find the place which will be "exactly the right school for you.”
This is also the reason for applying to schools that you definitely want to go to or where you will be happy if your first choice college doesn't accept you. Being realistic about the places you apply will eliminate the stress of the process not only for yourself, but also for your parents.
Plan ahead for options now!
Brian E. Davis
University Advisors
Many colleges have only so many places and the job of the admission office is to find students to fill those places without over enrolling. The Ohio State University marching band can only have one tuba player dotting the "i" on Ohio during the halftime show! And colleges only have so many seats in classrooms and beds in the residence halls.
Supply and demand is what makes certain colleges or majors selective; thus, they can pick and choose exactly who they want and who they think will enroll.
This selectivity causes many very good students (even valedictorians) and those who are class presidents with many extra-curricular activities to be rejected from their first choice college. It comes down to is a numbers game. And sometimes these numbers are not SAT scores, GPA, yards per carry, number of extra-curricular activities or leads in the school play.
If you've “got the numbers and resume” you should still apply to the selective places, but you should also apply to others that are not as competitive for admission. You will get in somewhere. It may not be your top choice, but you will find the place which will be "exactly the right school for you.”
This is also the reason for applying to schools that you definitely want to go to or where you will be happy if your first choice college doesn't accept you. Being realistic about the places you apply will eliminate the stress of the process not only for yourself, but also for your parents.
Plan ahead for options now!
Brian E. Davis
University Advisors
Monday, January 5, 2009
College Campus Trips/Tours
I’m always amazed at how students choose colleges Most times, it’s the brand name, or a family member attended, or a high school friend is going, or it’s in-state/close to home (perception that tuition will be cheaper). I rarely hear a student say: I’m interested in X school because I visited the campus when I went on a college campus trip/tour. Students that go on college campus trips/tours are the ones I enjoy working with because someone (their parents, their guidance counselor, or perhaps themself?) took the initiative to learn more about the “lived experience” of a school. In this age of facebook and google searches, it’s comforting to know that students will look outside their limited view and focus on the possibilities, which are initially found on the campus itself.
There are many college campus trips available to students in the United States. One that I know well and recommend is College Campus Trips. I met with their owner, Ron Denaro, after the NACAC conference this past year, and learned more about the unique experiences that his company provides – hassle free – so that students can focus on observing and living the campus experience. Without going into all the details, it just made sense for me as an admission consultant to want my students involved with this opportunity.
Many juniors are just beginning their college search and should consider scheduling a college campus tour experience this spring/summer/fall. Don’t rely on hearsay, the default of going to the local school, or following in someone else’s footsteps just because you’re supposed to. College is a major investment of your time and money. Take the time as a high school student and visit campuses you don’t know about or want to investigate. It will broaden your viewpoint on college itself. Additionally, traveling is such a fun experience to begin with, so why not do it while you can!
Liam Dunfey
University Advisors
There are many college campus trips available to students in the United States. One that I know well and recommend is College Campus Trips. I met with their owner, Ron Denaro, after the NACAC conference this past year, and learned more about the unique experiences that his company provides – hassle free – so that students can focus on observing and living the campus experience. Without going into all the details, it just made sense for me as an admission consultant to want my students involved with this opportunity.
Many juniors are just beginning their college search and should consider scheduling a college campus tour experience this spring/summer/fall. Don’t rely on hearsay, the default of going to the local school, or following in someone else’s footsteps just because you’re supposed to. College is a major investment of your time and money. Take the time as a high school student and visit campuses you don’t know about or want to investigate. It will broaden your viewpoint on college itself. Additionally, traveling is such a fun experience to begin with, so why not do it while you can!
Liam Dunfey
University Advisors
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
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, 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
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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