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
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Monday, March 30, 2009
Decisions, Decisions, Decisions
So, you’ve been accepted to several schools and you have a decision to make before May 1. What are you going to do?
1. Create a spreadsheet and write down all the pros and cons of the schools.
2. If cost is a factor, estimate how much it will cost over four years and if you have the money and/or are prepared to incur debt. No matter what, college is an investment in your future!
3. Visit the campuses. Many schools have admitted student receptions or open houses. Some may even have an overnight program to better acquaint you to the academic and campus culture.
4. Talk with current students, alumni, and faculty. Find out what’s going on with their campus by picking-up the student newspaper or reading it online.
5. Be patient and wait till you are ready to make a decision. This is an important decision, and needs to be carefully considered. Talk with people that know you the best – family, friends, and mentors.
Happy thinking!
Liam Dunfey
University Advisors
1. Create a spreadsheet and write down all the pros and cons of the schools.
2. If cost is a factor, estimate how much it will cost over four years and if you have the money and/or are prepared to incur debt. No matter what, college is an investment in your future!
3. Visit the campuses. Many schools have admitted student receptions or open houses. Some may even have an overnight program to better acquaint you to the academic and campus culture.
4. Talk with current students, alumni, and faculty. Find out what’s going on with their campus by picking-up the student newspaper or reading it online.
5. Be patient and wait till you are ready to make a decision. This is an important decision, and needs to be carefully considered. Talk with people that know you the best – family, friends, and mentors.
Happy thinking!
Liam Dunfey
University Advisors
Monday, March 23, 2009
New Loan Policy from Sallie Mae
Last week, Sallie Mae announced that it’s changing its lending rules for its signature loan for the 2009-10 academic year. Here are the pros and cons:
I always like starting out with the cons and ending with the pros so the last thing the reader remembers is positive J
Cons
-Interest payments on the loan start while you’re in school.
-It just got harder for families to get a private loan and in the tough credit market, that’s not good news.
Pros
-Value of loan payment will be cut up to 40% over its life!
-Loan payments will be 5 to 15 years instead of 15 to 30.
Why did Sallie Mae make this change? It’s a cash flow issue – they get the money back faster and don’t have to wait till the student graduates.
A higher education is an investment and loans will continue to be a part of the process.
Liam Dunfey
University Advisors
I always like starting out with the cons and ending with the pros so the last thing the reader remembers is positive J
Cons
-Interest payments on the loan start while you’re in school.
-It just got harder for families to get a private loan and in the tough credit market, that’s not good news.
Pros
-Value of loan payment will be cut up to 40% over its life!
-Loan payments will be 5 to 15 years instead of 15 to 30.
Why did Sallie Mae make this change? It’s a cash flow issue – they get the money back faster and don’t have to wait till the student graduates.
A higher education is an investment and loans will continue to be a part of the process.
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
Monday, March 9, 2009
College Admission Status Letters in the Mail
March is typically the month where many students will be notified of their admission status. For some, the letters bring and for others, disappointment. Some will be on wait lists. If students have done their college homework and applied to six to eight schools that are their "first choice" schools, they won't be in despair if they're only accepted to one school.
Students might be in a situation where they're accepted to more than one "first choice" school. Over the next six to seven weeks, you'll have the time to think through the pros and cons of what those particular institutions can offer you. Perhaps you'd like to revisit the campus? Or spend some time in a class, or in a residence hall. Choosing a college is an important decision, and students need to take the time and make an informed decision. A good fit over brand name is always a wiser choice.
No matter if you are accepted, wait listed, or denied, stay positive this spring. You will have a choice.
Liam Dunfey
University Advisors
Students might be in a situation where they're accepted to more than one "first choice" school. Over the next six to seven weeks, you'll have the time to think through the pros and cons of what those particular institutions can offer you. Perhaps you'd like to revisit the campus? Or spend some time in a class, or in a residence hall. Choosing a college is an important decision, and students need to take the time and make an informed decision. A good fit over brand name is always a wiser choice.
No matter if you are accepted, wait listed, or denied, stay positive this spring. You will have a choice.
Liam Dunfey
University Advisors
Monday, March 2, 2009
Stimulating Accessibility to Higher Education
A higher education is a life-long investment. It's nice to know that the federal government feels the same way. If you watched Obama's speech to congress, he gave us sobering news about how less than 50% of students who enroll in college actually finish. The reasons are many - money, timing, family, fit, etc. By 2020, he wants an american workforce where at least 50% are college educated. Here's how his administration will help meet that goal.
The federal government will spend approximately $13 billion in stimulus funds on improving the accessibility of financial aid to college students around the country. It is predicted that the stimulus will offset about $2,500 in college costs on average for millions of lower class and middle class families. In addition, Pell Grant and College Work Study allocations are set to increase.
Pell Grant funding will increase its maximum award by $500 next school year, to $5,350. Additionally, taxpayers earning up to $80,000 for single filers or $160,000 for joint filers will be reimbursed for the first $2,000 of tuition and books. Unlike previous student financial policy, college students who file separately from their parents and who don’t make enough money to pay taxes will be eligible for a rebate. The bill will also allow families to spend money from over 500 college savings plans on computers.
What does all this really mean for families? This doesn't mean that tuition for higher education will stop or that it'll be easier to get into the more competitive schools. What it does mean is the federal government is doing what it can at this point to fund american's higher education aspirations. I'm still advising families to save for college, apply for outside scholarship money, and to look for the best possible loans.
Liam Dunfey
University Advisors
The federal government will spend approximately $13 billion in stimulus funds on improving the accessibility of financial aid to college students around the country. It is predicted that the stimulus will offset about $2,500 in college costs on average for millions of lower class and middle class families. In addition, Pell Grant and College Work Study allocations are set to increase.
Pell Grant funding will increase its maximum award by $500 next school year, to $5,350. Additionally, taxpayers earning up to $80,000 for single filers or $160,000 for joint filers will be reimbursed for the first $2,000 of tuition and books. Unlike previous student financial policy, college students who file separately from their parents and who don’t make enough money to pay taxes will be eligible for a rebate. The bill will also allow families to spend money from over 500 college savings plans on computers.
What does all this really mean for families? This doesn't mean that tuition for higher education will stop or that it'll be easier to get into the more competitive schools. What it does mean is the federal government is doing what it can at this point to fund american's higher education aspirations. I'm still advising families to save for college, apply for outside scholarship money, and to look for the best possible loans.
Liam Dunfey
University Advisors
Monday, February 23, 2009
How to get the most out of your college campus visit
Visiting a college campus plays a vital role in the college admission process for both the student and college. The student is able to see firsthand what the campus grounds, building, staff and students are like, and the college gets to see what the student’s personality and character is like. The recommended time to visit a college campus is during the spring of the student’s junior year of high school through the fall of their senior year. Visiting during the summer is fine but realize that most college student will not be there so you may not get the full vibe of the college.
In order to schedule your campus visit come up with a day and time that works best for you and your family (always have a back up date too just in case) and then call the college to see what their availability may be. Most college websites will have their available hours of operation and all of the contact information. It is very important for the student to be making this phone call as this is your education and you need to start taking responsibility for it yourself. When visiting the college, show up prepared and nicely dressed. You do not have to wear a suit but look at it this way: would you wear a t-shirt and jeans to a job interview? This interview will help you get into the college you want; thus, the career you want. The major things to accomplish during a campus visit are to tour the campus and have an Admission interview. Touring the campus allows you to see class rooms, residence halls, sport and recreational facilities, libraries, student centers and any other areas of interest. For example, if you are interested in majoring in Nursing, ask to see the nursing labs or if you want to be on TV or Radio ask to see the stations. The Admission interview is your time to shine and allows your personality to shine through, allowing the Admission Counselor to acknowledge your potential at the college and lets them put a face with your name. This is also your time to ask questions and this is where being prepared comes into play. Having a list of questions to ask shows that you’re interested and you have the maturity of wanting to find the right college.
Here are some great questions to ask:
What are the class sizes?
What is the student to teacher ratio?
Are there any support services like tutoring and is it free?
Is housing guaranteed?
Are there any resources on campus for internships and job placements?
How are your study abroad programs?
How are the sports programs, intramurals, weekend life and activities?
What is the % of students that live on campus? Percent that are out of state and where?
What is the student retention rate?
More questions include: is there part time or full time faculty?, future strategic plan for the college?, what is allowed in the residence halls?, wireless and where?, meal plans and what is the surrounding area like? Some good final questions include: why the counselor likes working for the college and what makes that college different from the rest? After the interview, ask for a business card so you can send a personal thank you card.
If you are traveling and trying to see as many colleges as you can in a set amount of time think about this: the average college campus tour is around one hour and the Admission interview will last around thirty minutes to an hour. If you schedule yourself to meet with a coach or person from any other specific program then that is additional time as well. This can add up to around three or more hours at just one college so I suggest only two colleges a day; one morning visit and one later afternoon visit is plenty. This will allow your brain to let it all sink in as there is a lot of information flying at you for one day. If for some reason you are going to be late for your appointment or cannot attend at all, make sure to call and cancel. Not showing up without explanation is unacceptable.
To conclude, always have this in the back of your mind: the Admission Counselor’s job is to find students that can add to the prestige of their university. What do you possess that they are looking for? What are their weaknesses you can help to make their strengths- academically and socially? Sell that and you will have them knocking on your door.
By: Aaron F. Smith and Jerrod Zertuche
University Advisors
In order to schedule your campus visit come up with a day and time that works best for you and your family (always have a back up date too just in case) and then call the college to see what their availability may be. Most college websites will have their available hours of operation and all of the contact information. It is very important for the student to be making this phone call as this is your education and you need to start taking responsibility for it yourself. When visiting the college, show up prepared and nicely dressed. You do not have to wear a suit but look at it this way: would you wear a t-shirt and jeans to a job interview? This interview will help you get into the college you want; thus, the career you want. The major things to accomplish during a campus visit are to tour the campus and have an Admission interview. Touring the campus allows you to see class rooms, residence halls, sport and recreational facilities, libraries, student centers and any other areas of interest. For example, if you are interested in majoring in Nursing, ask to see the nursing labs or if you want to be on TV or Radio ask to see the stations. The Admission interview is your time to shine and allows your personality to shine through, allowing the Admission Counselor to acknowledge your potential at the college and lets them put a face with your name. This is also your time to ask questions and this is where being prepared comes into play. Having a list of questions to ask shows that you’re interested and you have the maturity of wanting to find the right college.
Here are some great questions to ask:
What are the class sizes?
What is the student to teacher ratio?
Are there any support services like tutoring and is it free?
Is housing guaranteed?
Are there any resources on campus for internships and job placements?
How are your study abroad programs?
How are the sports programs, intramurals, weekend life and activities?
What is the % of students that live on campus? Percent that are out of state and where?
What is the student retention rate?
More questions include: is there part time or full time faculty?, future strategic plan for the college?, what is allowed in the residence halls?, wireless and where?, meal plans and what is the surrounding area like? Some good final questions include: why the counselor likes working for the college and what makes that college different from the rest? After the interview, ask for a business card so you can send a personal thank you card.
If you are traveling and trying to see as many colleges as you can in a set amount of time think about this: the average college campus tour is around one hour and the Admission interview will last around thirty minutes to an hour. If you schedule yourself to meet with a coach or person from any other specific program then that is additional time as well. This can add up to around three or more hours at just one college so I suggest only two colleges a day; one morning visit and one later afternoon visit is plenty. This will allow your brain to let it all sink in as there is a lot of information flying at you for one day. If for some reason you are going to be late for your appointment or cannot attend at all, make sure to call and cancel. Not showing up without explanation is unacceptable.
To conclude, always have this in the back of your mind: the Admission Counselor’s job is to find students that can add to the prestige of their university. What do you possess that they are looking for? What are their weaknesses you can help to make their strengths- academically and socially? Sell that and you will have them knocking on your door.
By: Aaron F. Smith and Jerrod Zertuche
University Advisors
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)