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

Be Smart About Financial Aid

Due to the recent economic downturn, families faced with paying $20,000 per year for college tuition are looking into financial aid opportunities. The problem, however, is that universities are also facing cutbacks throughout various departments. Still, universities are willing to offer aid to students in need and want the student to attend their university. Thus, financial aid is available; just be smart about receiving it.

In order to receive the best possible amount, remember to update your status with the financial aid office. If a main breadwinner recently lost his/her job, let the university know. Also, a student that defers and works for a year also hinders his/her chance of obtaining a larger amount of aid. Since financial aid applications ask for the student and parents’ income, with the addition of the student’s income, it can possibly lower the amount of aid. In addition, look towards lesser known private universities. Private colleges are more inclined to offer more aid in order to guarantee that the student will accept their offer of admission. Furthermore, high school seniors should actively seek out scholarship opportunities. Nowadays, anything big or small can contribute to defraying the high cost of attending college.

Adrienne Kwan
Director of Social Media
University Advisors

Cal State Univ. (CSU) Admissions Impacted by Budget Cuts

Since the budget cuts in CSU and UC system, both organizations are forced to reanalyze their admission requirements and include other measures. According to Jaschik’s article, due to budget cuts this year, the California State University (CSU) system is undergoing changes to its admission process. Last year, only six of the 23 campuses had to include “competitive measures” beyond the requirements to decide what students should be admitted. This year, however, 12 campuses have already adopted this practice and it is predicted that more campuses will follow. As a result, students that meet CSU’s requirements are not guaranteed a spot into one of the 23 campuses. Furthermore, there have been cases of high school guidance counselors who are handling 950 student cases—thus, each senior may not receive the individual attention needed to be accepted into a CSU. Guidance counselors are also encouraging high school seniors to look for private or out-of state universities as alternatives to CSU schools. Therefore, high school seniors need to have more than the bare minimum to enter into a CSU school; they have to go above and beyond everything they do.

Adrienne Kwan, Director of Social Media
University Advisors

Are Community Colleges Worth It?

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

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

Adrienne Kwan
Social Media Director
University Advisors