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St. Mary’s University Texas Bill Greehey School of Business Fits the Bill

Thursday, March 3rd, 2011

Do you want hands-on learning, internship experience, and a chance to run a small business…before you graduate from college? St. Mary University’s Bill Greehey School of Business might just be the innovative college business program that you are looking for! My College Guide caught up with Stephanie Ward, Director of Greehey Scholars Program, for the details on this high-ranking business degree program.

Barrett Memorial Bell Tower at St. Mary's University

Courtesy of St. Mary's University Texas

What makes St. Mary’s University Bill Greehey School of Business a great choice for business-minded students?
Professors with diversified academic and industrial experiences
The interactions between students and professors, and between students and industrial and government leaders in and out of classroom
Plenty of opportunities to engage in experiential learning, e.g. student-managed portfolio and enterprises, study abroad programs, internship opportunities, opportunities to be involved in academic research in business areas

Business students can also choose a 5 year combined bachelor’s and master’s degree program. What is involved in this program?
Under this program, St. Mary’s undergraduate students apply for admission to the MBA program after completing their junior year (90 hours) and all MBA prerequisite courses (specific undergraduate business core courses taken while pursuing an undergraduate degrees in business or engineering management: managerial and financial accounting, micro and macro economics, organization behavior or management, principles of marketing, principles of finance, information systems and statistics). They complete a no-fee, online admission application and submit their GMAT score.

St. Mary's University Students and Faculty Connect

Courtesy of St. Mary's University Texas

Students who are admitted may enroll in up to 12 semester hours of MBA courses during their senior undergraduate year (6 hours per semester; minimum grade of B in each graduate course); they may use the undergraduate financial aid award and will pay tuition at the undergraduate rate (until the undergraduate degree is awarded). Then they will complete the remaining 18 hours of MBA courses, paying the graduate tuition rate, to complete all requirements to receive the MBA degree.

Did My College Guide see that Bill Greehey School of Business students can also gain international business experience?
Students in the Bill Greehey School of Business have tremendous opportunities to gain international business experience.  Students can major in International Business and develop expertise in areas such as international management, international marketing, and international finance.  This is supplemented by guest speakers, internships and study abroad opportunities.

St. Mary's University Bill Greehey School of Business Students perform community service.

Courtesy of St. Mary's University Texas

All Bill Greehey School of Business students regardless of major can participate in a wide range of study abroad opportunities in places such as Austria, Germany, Spain, England, Malta, Argentina, and the United Arab Emirates.

What is the Entrepreneurship Scholars program? How does participation in the Entrepreneurship Scholars program transfer outside of college? (after graduation)
In seven years of operation the program has included students from 16 different majors across campus: accounting, biochemistry, biology, corporate finance, electrical engineering, engineering management, English communication arts, entrepreneurial studies, general business, industrial engineering, international business, international relations, marketing, multinational organizational studies in Spanish, political science, and psychology.

The curriculum consists of a carefully selected blend of traditional classroom learning with opportunities outside of the classroom that significantly enhance students’ entrepreneurial education.  Students enrolled in the program are required to use their entrepreneurial skills and knowledge in a social entrepreneurship project to fulfill civic engagement and community service endeavors.

St. Mary University: Home of the Bill Greehey School of Business

Courtesy of St. Mary's University Texas

The true hallmark of the E-Scholars Program is that it overcomes common barriers to learning such as the isolation of the classroom, limited expertise, cost, time, and rapid globalization.

Students are exposed to other useful learning environments outside of the classroom; they are able to tap into the expertise of numerous business professionals besides their professors; an international business trip provides more time for educational opportunities; and the international business trip allows them the chance to conduct business beyond their comfort zones, thus significantly strengthening their skills and confidence levels.

Over 50 students have participated in the program, representing 16 different majors from the Bill Greehey School of Business, the School of Science, Engineering, & Technology, and the School of Humanities & Social Sciences.  Students have conducted five social entrepreneurship initiatives as a way to give back to the community.

St. Mary's University Bill Greehey School of Business students

Courtesy of St. Mary's University Texas

National Awards & Accomplishments:

Alexandra McCoy, E7, place in the Elevator Pitch competition at the National CEO conference in 2010.

Shannon Lowry, E6, 1st place in the Elevator Pitch competition at the National CEO conference in 2008. She also won 1st place at the National E-Scholar Student Consortium in 2010.

Armando Sanchez, E3, 1st place in the National E-Scholar Student Consortium Elevator Pitch Competiton in 2007 and in 2008. Samantha Karam, E1, took 2nd place.

If St. Mary’s University and the Bill Greehey School of Business sound like a good fit for a college bound student, what should s/he be doing to prepare and stand out to college admissions?
Academic excellence, willingness to be involved in community services, positive attitude toward challenges, eagerness to be successful, and open minded.

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Step Away from the TV: Pre-College Summer Programs at the University of Rochester

Thursday, February 17th, 2011

How do you usually spend your summer? If you answered, “Sitting around doing nothing,” you may want to plan ahead now and make next summer one to remember! Consider a pre-college summer program at a school like the University of Rochester that can help boost your chances of college success! Check out our interview with Ursula Balent, pre-college summer program coordinator at the University of Rochester.

Rochester ScholarsWhat does a residential pre-college summer program look like at the University of Rochester?
Students may choose between one-, two-, and three-week noncredit courses offered through Rochester Scholars or four-week, credit-bearing courses offered through Taste of College.

The students’ day begins with breakfast at 8 a.m. Morning Rochester Scholars classes run from 9 a.m. until noon, when lunch begins. Afternoon Rochester Scholars classes run from 1 to 4 p.m. Courses are structured like traditional college seminars and promote learning by doing. Students actively participate in a variety of workshops, class discussions, field trips, group projects, experiments, and labs, putting newfound knowledge to use in independent and creative ways. Classes are taught by select University faculty and graduate students, along with top local educators, who have demonstrated their commitment and enthusiasm to cultivating the minds of young students. With smaller class sizes, instructors have the time to mentor and guide each student and give valuable insights into theories, technologies, and principles of the field.

University of Rochester pre-college summer program!Class times for students enrolled in credit-bearing undergraduate classes through Taste of College vary, but classes typically run for a total of 3 hours and are held 3-5 days a week. The program allows motivated students to explore subjects that are typically reserved for study on a collegiate level. Courses are offered during the University’s summer academic semesters, and credits are transferable to most colleges and universities.

If a student is not enrolled in both morning and afternoon classes, they may use the free time to enjoy the many activities available, study, browse the libraries, or simply relax. Students are also encouraged to attend information sessions, workshops, campus tours, and interviews offered by the Office of Admissions.

How old should students be to participate, and what can they study?
Rochester Scholars classes and the residential offerings are open to students entering grades 9-12. Courses offer hands-on classroom activities that introduce students to fields of study such as art, photography, journalism, music, history, forensic science, neuroscience, medicine, and engineering, among others. Classes are also offered in partnership with the Eastman School of Music, the School of Medicine and Dentistry, and the University of Rochester Medical Center’s Life Sciences Learning Center.

What do you want your summer to be? Consider a pre-college summer program like at the University of Rochester!For high school juniors and seniors looking to get a jump start on their college careers, our Taste of College program offers the chance to earn college credits and study among University of Rochester undergraduates. Typical Taste of College course subjects have included Calculus, Intro to Philosophy, American Sign Language, Prep for College Chemistry, and Principles of Economics, among others.

Why should a college-bound student think about giving up part of their summer to enroll in a pre-college program?
Students will get a true taste of the college environment and gain new perspectives on their academic abilities and potential. In addition, they can investigate their educational goals and explore career possibilities. Students build lasting relationships with peers who share similar academic and personal interests. Participants who enroll in the residential component of Rochester Scholars or Taste of College will have the opportunity to meet with admissions counselors, attend workshops about the admissions process, and receive tips and advice for study skills. These programs are also attractive additions to college applications. Students can add the program to their resumes, write about their experiences in application essays, or talk about it during interviews with admissions counselors. A student who elects to spend time pursuing an academic interest beyond the school environment often translates into a very interesting applicant.

University of Rochester ScholarsWhat options are available for younger students?
Rochester Scholars Jr. is designed for students in grades 6-8. The program runs for one week during the summer and offers just the right mix of intellectual stimulation, academic freedom, and gentle guidance and support from instructors. During the lunch hour, Rochester Scholars Jr. students participate in supervised activities and games on campus.

Any advice for a student considering a pre-college program? What should they look for? Anything in particular they should be prepared to bring with them?
Look for programs that offer courses students are interested in exploring. Determine what it is they want to get out of a pre-college program. Talk to former program participants. Determine what the family can afford and ask if there are scholarships available.

Ask if the program is run by the university itself or another organization renting space on campus. Summer is a great time for students to try something new and explore their options. All they need to bring is their excitement and willingness to learn!

Malwai Immersion Summer SeminarSo what’s new in 2011?
We are very excited to be offering a pre-college study abroad program for rising juniors and seniors to Malawi, Africa. The two-week Malawi Immersion Summer Seminar offers a unique opportunity to experience Malawi and its culture through exploration, community mapping, research activities, interviews, and field notes. Trips will include extraordinary travels to villages, museums, parks, and safaris. Students will walk away with enhanced knowledge of the customs, cultural and political milieu, and historical context of Malawi.

The University of Rochester’s Office of Pre-College Programs is always adding new classes and exciting opportunities. Please refer to http://enrollment.rochester.edu/admissions/precollege/ for the latest, most comprehensive information. Please adhere to scholarship and application deadlines.

Who We Are: Information you can trust. For 20 years My College Guide has produced an annual magazine chock full of free college info for high-achieving high school sophomores. Check out our participating colleges. If you’re a student, enter for a chance to win an Apple iPad or iPhone or cash!

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University of South Florida Teaching Internship with a Virtual Twist

Tuesday, February 1st, 2011

Don’t think that internships won’t help you out in the real world – at the University of South Florida in Tampa, Florida, the College of Education now provides online training so USF grads can learn new technology in addition to the traditional internship experience! We met up with Steve Sanders, Director of the School of Physical Education and Exercise Science, to give you the low down to this unique twist to the internship experience.

Students participating in the virtual teaching internship at the University of South Florida

Courtesy of the University of South Florida

We’ve heard of internships before but we’ve never heard of a virtual teaching internship! What is it?
The College of Education at the University of South Florida has teamed with Florida Virtual Schools (FLVS) to provide our undergraduate teacher education students with practical experience in teaching middle and high school students online. Technology has certainly transformed the way we teach and learn. Giving our teacher education candidates the opportunity to learn to teach online will provide them with the knowledge and experience to effectively teach K-12 students in virtual settings. In the virtual internship our teacher education candidates are paired with certified teachers employed by FLVS and share in the responsibility of teaching high school students who are enrolled in FLVS online classes. The experience is similar to a typical face to face internship, the difference being instruction occurs online and not in the traditional school setting. Teacher education candidates plan lessons, communicate with students, and assist with assessment of learning, all online.

So – Education Majors learn how to teach online? This sounds pretty rare! How does this program work?
The virtual internship experience at USF is in addition to a traditional internship where students work face to face with students in schools. Virtual internships are rare and USF and FLVS have been pioneers in this effort. USF College of Education students first participate in a series of online modules introducing them to FLVS online systems. They are then paired with a cooperating teacher from FLVS, and the cooperating teacher assigns these beginning teachers to high school students to begin online instruction. University students communicate with their high school students daily and monitor progress, introduce new content, and assess learning. This process is supervised by a university professor and a FLVS cooperating teacher just as a traditional internship experience would be.

Beautiful University of South Florida Campus.

kellogg / Amy Kellogg

What USF majors have this opportunity?
Undergraduate teacher education students in physical education, foreign language, and master’s students in school counseling are currently piloting the program. Other subject areas will be added as the program moves forward.

How long does this virtual teaching internship last?
The length of the virtual internship experience varies depending on the teacher preparation program in which the student is enrolled. For example, students in physical education do virtual teaching with high school students who are taking the state required physical education course. Undergraduate physical education majors are scheduled to be involved with virtual coursework 8 hours each week during one semester. They participate in this experience along with other courses required during that semester. Those eight hours could be any time during the day based on the schedules of the high school students.

What skills does this program teach or enhance?
Teacher education candidates participate in a number of activities and experiences prior to and during the virtual internship. The list below includes a variety of activities and experiences undergraduate students participate in during virtual internships.

Online training about the learning management system that houses the courses and how to maneuver through the course shell
Elluminate training, assigning of individual Elluminate room/account and instruction on how to use, how to host live Elluminate sessions, how to upload a presentation, how to record, etc…)
The interns learn about the course they will assist in teaching via a course training module, which covers course content and course assignments
Interns grade student assignments and help the cooperating teacher with student assessment
Interns create lesson presentations and present the information in a live Elluminate tutoring sessions and also record the sessions in Elluminate
Anything else you’d like to add about this program?
In addition to our virtual internship experiences for undergraduate teacher preparation students, practicing teachers may enroll in the College of Education Virtual Digital Educator Certificate Program that we are offering on the graduate level beginning January 2011.

Anything else that our college bound students need to know?
As more and more middle and high school students take online courses those future teachers interested in competing in the teaching job market will find that having the skills and experiences to teach online will become crucial to employment. College bound students should make sure the university teacher preparation program they plan on attending includes instruction and experience in teaching online.

Who We Are: Information you can trust. For 20 years My College Guide has produced an annual magazine chock full of free college info for high-achieving high school sophomores. Check out our participating colleges. If you’re a student, enter for a chance to win an Apple iPad or iPhone or cash!

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Mathematically Minded and So Much More: Engineering at Georgia Tech

Thursday, January 27th, 2011

Engineering majors are always in demand. My College Guide got connected to Matt McLendon, the director of communications, at the Georgia Institute of Technology to learn about the great programs, contests, and exciting academic paths for skilled engineering majors!

Georgia Tech is the number one producer of women and minority engineers in the United States.

Courtesy of Georgia Tech

What do engineers do? Why is this a worthwhile career choice in today’s job market?
Engineers design and create everything from artificial organs to eco-friendly skyscrapers and a synthetic fabric that is durable, lightweight, and bulletproof. Engineers are some of the most sought after professionals in our society today because they imagine the future and make it happen. There are a wide variety of career paths open to them, and they can work nationally and internationally. Additionally, engineers are always challenging themselves to create and imagine new useful products or discoveries that help in everyone’s health, happiness, and safety.

What academic paths can Georgia Tech engineering students take?
Georgia Tech offers Bachelor of Science degrees in Aerospace Engineering, Biomedical, Chemical and Biomolecular, Civil and Environmental, Electrical and Computer, Industrial, Material Sciences, Mechanical, Nuclear, and Radiological Engineering.

What are some ways that Georgia Tech encourages engineering students to think outside the box? (programs you want to highlight? contests?)
Competitions, such as the InVenture Prize at Georgia Tech, encourage students to develop a new product from concept to market, awarding them patent opportunities and cash to support their entrepreneurial goals. Georgia Tech also offers a variety of extracurricular opportunities to allow students to develop their specific interest. Students interested in racing vehicles and car development may want to join GT Motorsports. GT Motorsports is a student-run, research-based group that designs, builds, and races vehicles in the national Formula SAE competition.

The Wall Street Journal ranks Georgia Tech engineering graduates as the most desirable hires by major corporations.

Courtesy of Georgia Tech

RoboJackets is a group of Tech students, faculty, and alumni that aims to enhance the understanding of the field of robotics. For the further reaching engineering student, Engineering Students Without Borders creates sustainable solutions for third-world countries, with volunteers working around the world, Atlanta, and campus. These are just a few of the many organizations that Tech has to offer undergraduate engineering students.

Are there any particular character or personality traits that engineers seem to share? (a particular way of looking at the world, etc.)
Engineers are creative, collaborative, innovative, logical, and committed to improving our world. Engineers observe the world around them to identify problems and have the imagination to develop multiple solutions.

What can a high school student do to boost not only their chances of admittance but their success level in the field of engineering?
Selective college admission offices are looking for students who have taken and excelled in the most rigorous course work available to them. Students interested in engineering should develop a strong base in math and science, as the undergraduate core curriculum revolves around these areas and professors will expect competency.

With assistance from the Advanced Technology Development Center (ATDC) and Georgia Tech's VentureLab, Qualtre is commercializing the next generation of motion sensors, further broadening their applicability in consumer electronicsdevices such as cellular handsets, personal navigation devices, and gaming controllers.

Courtesy of Georgia Tech

Do you have any advice for a student who wants to pursue engineering at Georgia Tech?
We recommend that students visit campus to ensure that Georgia Tech is the right fit. There are a variety of visit opportunities available, from a daily campus tour and admission information session to more extensive open houses and overnight programs.

So — what cool things are going on in the engineering world at Georgia Tech?
Students can get involved in undergraduate research, co-ops, internships, and study abroad while they are at Tech! Students will also have the opportunity to join faculty research teams studying epitaxial grapheme as a replacement for silicon, micro needles as a way to deliver a less painful shot, and how robotic innovations are improving quality of life. Not a day goes by that you don’t see Georgia Tech innovators mentioned in international press!

Anything else that our readers should know?
For more information about Georgia Tech and our admission process, please contact our admission office at admission@gatech.edu or 404-894-4154. You can also read more about Georgia Tech at www.gatech.edu.

Who We Are: Information you can trust. For 20 years My College Guide has produced an annual magazine chock full of free college info for high-achieving high school sophomores. Check out our participating colleges. If you’re a student, enter for a chance to win an Apple iPad or iPhone or cash!

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Beyond the Border: University of North Carolina Wilmington Study Abroad

Tuesday, January 25th, 2011

A college education doesn’t begin and end in the classroom and it’s definitely not limited to the borders of your college campus. At the University of North Carolina Wilmington, you’ve got the world at your fingertips! As part of My College Guide’s study abroad series, we caught up to Education Abroad Director Mark Gallovic, who says it best, “Going to college today is more than just going to a campus for an education; it is about utilizing that campus as a springboard to the world.”

Step out of your comfort zone and explore the world!

Courtesy of the University of North Carolina Wilmington

Tell us all about it! What study abroad programs are offered at the University of North Carolina Wilmington?
The University of North Carolina Wilmington offers more than 500 education abroad opportunities in more than 50 countries! Every student interested in study abroad receives advising and support in finding the program best suited to their personal and academic goals. One can study abroad with a group of fellow Seahawks on a faculty-led program or at one of our many global partner schools. UNCW offers programs with internships abroad, service- learning components, honors courses, as well as foreign language classes or subjects in English. There is something for everyone, whether one wishes to study abroad for spring-break, a summer, a semester or full year. Students do not just attend UNCW, they are offered the UNCWorld.

What are a few of your most popular programs?
We offer many quality programs so that each student can find the program best suited to academic and personal goals. The most popular destinations include Australia, Spain, the U.K, Chile and South Africa. Some programs focus on particular majors. For example, we have a teacher licensure program in Belize, a Nursing clinical program in Peru, a Communication Studies program in the Netherlands, and more than 30 short-term and summer programs led by UNCW professors from a wide variety of disciplines. Students looking for something off the “beaten Path” will certainly have many exciting choices.

Thailand on your mind? It's one of 50 countries that you can choose between at UNCW!

Courtesy of the University of North Carolina Wilmington

Do you have any programs new to this year?
We offer new programs every year, based on the growing interest of our faculty and students. For example, this summer there will be an exciting new art program in Macedonia. New programs are also being launched in China, Sweden and Belize in areas such as Environmental Studies, Recreation Management and Criminal Justice. UNCW students also have new opportunities in Vietnam, Panama, and Morocco.

We noticed you have a Facebook Page for students interested in studying abroad – what other tips or tools are available to students?
Our tools and resources guide students through every step of the study abroad process, from program selection to pre-departure preparation to participation and return. At our annual fall Study Abroad Fair students can obtain information on programs and speak to program providers, international students from partner schools abroad and study abroad returnees. Students take the first step towards study abroad by attending one of our general information sessions, held twice weekly throughout the year. An education abroad professional takes the guesswork out of this transformative experience by providing one-on-one advising to each student. Students are also supported by a team of Study Abroad Ambassadors, returnees who are trained to support and share their expertise with peers. Finally, a comprehensive pre-departure orientation prepares students for a smooth, safe and successful experience abroad.

Don't just get a college education -- become a global citizen.

Courtesy of the University of North Carolina Wilmington

If a college bound student is thinking “study abroad” is there anything they should be doing to prepare in advance?
Make sure you select a school that truly supports and facilitates study abroad. Nearly every school will have some form of study abroad opportunities but they are not all equal in terms of quality, choice and support. When deciding on what school is right for you, look into the array of programs they offer abroad, the quality of those programs and the support services they offer to students looking to study abroad. The website of the school’s international office is a good place to start. The University of North Carolina Wilmington places a lot of emphasis on supporting every student on the path towards study abroad, overcoming obstacles to making that plan a reality and preparing our students to make the most of their experience abroad. Beyond that, there is nothing that one needs to do in advance of attending college other than perhaps discuss this interest with their parents and make a personal commitment to follow through with their goal to do it!

At My College Guide we often hear that a student would love to go abroad but can’t because they are afraid it would cost too much – is there financial aid available or are there programs that run a bit less than others?
Access to scholarships and financial aid for study abroad can vary by school but generally is available. Any financial aid one receives at the University of North Carolina Wilmington can be used towards education abroad programs, and one’s aid package will be adjusted based on all costs associated with such an experience (inclusive of one’s flight and passport). In addition to the multitude of study abroad scholarships available for students across the country, UNCW’s offers need- and merit-based travel grants.

One may argue, then, that in today’s global society, you cannot afford to not study abroad!

Courtesy of the University of North Carolina Wilmington

Additionally, exchange programs in which one pays UNCW tuition for a semester or academic year at a partner school abroad, can be just as cost effective as staying home. Expensive programs do exist, but so do many economical options. Recent research shows that a study abroad experience improves retention and graduation rates, grade point averages, and chances of getting a job upon graduating. One may argue, then, that in today’s global society, you cannot afford to not study abroad! Don’t assume it is too expensive before talking to a study abroad advisor!

Who We Are: Information you can trust. For 20 years My College Guide has produced an annual magazine chock full of free college info for high-achieving high school sophomores. Check out our participating colleges. If you’re a student, enter for a chance to win an Apple iPad or iPhone or cash!

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Need a Challenge? Harriet L. Wilkes Honors College at Florida Atlantic University

Thursday, January 20th, 2011

What do you want to get out of your college education? If you said you want to learn differently and challenge yourself to reach your full potential: you might want to check out an Honors College like the Harriet L. Wilkes Honors  College at Florida Atlantic University! My College Guide got in touch with Kerry Rosen, Admissions Counselor at the Honors College, for answers!

The Honors College at Florida Atlantic University

Courtesy of Harriet L. Wilkes Honors College

Isn’t college hard enough already? Why consider a Liberal Arts Honors College like the Harriet L. Wilkes Honors College at Florida Atlantic University ?
Honors colleges and programs aren’t necessarily harder – but they do require a different kind of academic work, academic work that stresses critical thinking skills rather than mere memorizing.  The Wilkes Honors College at FAU is a place for students who are interested in becoming better readers, writers and thinkers, so that they will be better prepared for graduate and professional programs and a life-time of learning.

The Harriet L Wilkes Honors College at Florida Atlantic University calls itself an all-honors education at an all-honors college. What does that mean?
At Wilkes, students take all four years of courses at the honors level – something unique for honors programs that are part of larger universities.

What are some of the unique features of the Honors College ?
The curriculum at the Wilkes Honors College stresses learning that crosses the lines of traditional disciplines and requires that students take a certain number of team-taught courses.  Some examples of this would include:  The Aging Process (Psychology/Biology), Ethno-mathematics (Math/Anthropology), and Punishment (Philosophy/Political Science).

And on the non-academic side, our students live in modern residence halls that offer single bedrooms in four-person suites!

Are there any special annual events or programs that Honors College students particularly look forward to? Every spring we have a Research Symposium, where students present their research and creative projects.  We also have student art exhibits at our campus museum and a whole raft of social activities and traditions such as the Homecoming Carnival and the annual Student-Faculty Softball Game.  We have a wonderful 18-hole disc golf course that is heavily used and because we’re located in sunny South Florida , students can play year-round.  Ultimate Frisbee and soccer are other popular activities on campus.

Did we see something about a Senior Year thesis paper?
Every student completes a senior thesis before graduation.  This is a major project in their area of academic concentration and is the culmination of their four years of study.  Upon completion, the theses are published and placed in the library; they are also available electronically on our college website for other scholars to use.  Many of these theses actually are published in professional journals. We also require all students to complete an experiential learning component, which can be either a study-abroad experience or an internship or both.

Students at the Harriet L. Wilkes Honors College at Florida Atlantic University

Courtesy of Harriet L. Wilkes Honors College

Do you have any advice for a college bound high school student who thinks they might be interested in an Honors College like Florida Atlantic University’s?
They should come and visit – meet current students and faculty, see how they think they will fit in, and see if this kind of education is what they are seeking for themselves.

Is there anything they can do to prepare themselves and to gain a better chance of acceptance?
We are looking for students who have demonstrated that they have a good chance of being successful here, those who are interested in learning and being active participants in their own learning.  We consider the student’s transcript, test scores, resume as well as a sample of their academic writing.

What about college scholarships?
We offer an amazingly wonderful education at a great value – public school tuition AND generous academic scholarships, the latter including a limited number of out-of-state scholarships for non-Florida students.

Anything else that My College Guide college bound readers should know?
It is important that students and their families understand that liberal arts actually include sciences!  The Wilkes Honors College and other liberal arts colleges not only offer programs in the humanities and social sciences, they also offer strong programs in the natural and physical sciences and prepare students exceedingly well for medical school and graduate programs.

Who We Are: Information you can trust. For 20 years My College Guide has produced an annual magazine chock full of free college info for high-achieving high school sophomores. Check out our participating colleges. If you’re a student, enter for a chance to win an Apple iPad or iPhone or cash!

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Posted in Choosing a College, College Admissions, College Applications, College Campus, College Classes, College Life, Fun Stuff, Housing, Study Abroad | No Comments »

Wells College Experiential Learning: Experience of a Lifetime

Tuesday, January 11th, 2011

Not just liberal arts, at Wells College, you’ll also find Experiential Learning! This hands-on program is definitely unusual and out of the ordinary. Of course, My College Guide got in touch with Jaclyn Freehand, admissions counselor, alumni volunteer and marketing coordinator, at Wells College so we could tell you all about it!

Study abroad at Wells College and you might just earn college credit!

Courtesy of Wells College

What does the liberal arts foundation look like at Wells College?
Wells College is a traditional liberal arts college located on beautiful Lake Cayuga in Aurora, New York. At Wells, we offer a highly individualized experience that gives each student access to a wide array of opportunities and resources that support intellectual and personal development.

The mission of Wells College is to educate students to think critically, reason wisely, and act humanely as they cultivate meaningful lives. Through Wells’ academic program, residential atmosphere, and community activities, students learn and practice the ideals of the liberal arts. The Wells experience prepares students to appreciate complexity and difference, to embrace new ways of knowing, to be creative, and to respond ethically to the interdependent worlds to which they belong. Committed to excellence in all areas of its reach, Wells College equips students for lifelong learning and for sharing the privileges of education with others.

Experiential Learning is an unusual college program – can you tell us about it?
Wells College is committed to programs and activities that encourage students to connect their classroom studies with hands-on, real world experiences.  To this end, the College approved an experiential learning requirement for all students (four year and transfer) as part of the distribution requirements.

Experiential Learning at Wells College

Courtesy of Wells College

Because these experiences may take place off campus and at times other than during fall and spring semesters, it is important that students plan their academic schedules accordingly and not postpone meeting the requirement. If a student chooses an internship to meet the requirement, the first internship may be completed as soon as January intersession of the first year.  Other options for meeting the requirement such as additional internships, Off-Campus Study, and Student Teaching will take place after the first, second or third years.

What are some of the exciting projects that students have completed in order to finish off the Experiential Learning requirement?
Faculty-led courses, Topics in Experiential Learning, which include hands-on work during January Intersession will also meet this requirement.  These short courses will introduce students to areas of interest both aligned with and outside the faculty’s normal course offerings.  The topics, which change annually, have included genealogy research in Salt Lake City taught by a professor of chemistry, anthropology studies in Hawaii taught by a professor of anthropology, tutoring on a Navajo reservation led by a professor of education, and study of theatre in London led by a professor of performing arts.

What’s the academic experience look like at Wells? At Wells, we offer a highly individualized experience that gives each student access to a wide array of opportunities and resources that support intellectual and personal development. Our approach is unique in the landscape of higher education. Our small class sizes, dedication to faculty/student collaboration, and an outstanding study abroad program, students have experiential learning opportunities both on-and off-campus that simply are not possible at most other colleges and universities.

Talk about hands-on! Wells College students get in there as part of the Experiential Learning experience.

Courtesy of Wells College

How can a college bound student prepare themselves for the college experience and this style of liberal arts learning at Wells College?
With that being said students can prepare themselves for the Wells experience by taking responsibility for their own education. Grades are important, but learning should be the priority. Wells College faculty has high expectations for their students in terms of their academics. Reading and writing are key skills at Wells, no matter what subject you plan to major in. As a liberal arts college we want a well rounded student who can communicate effectively. Also, through the development of positive relationships with teachers, coaches and other influential adults and peers in their life students can gain the social networking skills that will prepare them for working closely with faculty members and professionals through student internships and off campus study. Lastly, become passionate and involved in your community, school, athletics, student government, or anything else of interest. These experiences will give students insight on taking initiative and enriching a community like Wells.

What are some options that students have when it comes to fulfilling the required Experiential Learning Requirement?
Options that can be used to fulfill the Experiential Learning Requirement:
Credit-bearing internships (domestic or international), including WLLS 190, 290, and
390 will satisfy one or more of the experiential learning requirements.
Off-campus study abroad will satisfy one experiential learning requirement per
country.
Off-campus study in the U.S. will satisfy one experiential learning requirement when
fieldwork or an internship is associated with the off-campus study.
Topics in Experiential Learning will satisfy one or more of the experiential learning
requirements.
Student teaching

A bit of the backstory:
Wells College was founded in 1868 as one of the first all women’s colleges in the United States. With such deep history, and many changes along the way Wells has maintained a strong foundation of traditions that continue to this day. Through these traditions students develop life-long friendships and beautiful memories of their alma mater.

Who We Are: Information you can trust. For 20 years My College Guide has produced an annual magazine chock full of free college info for high-achieving high school sophomores. Check out our participating colleges. If you’re a student, enter for a chance to win an Apple iPad or iPhone or cash!

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The Best of The Best: My College Guide’s 6 Most Popular Posts of 2010

Tuesday, January 4th, 2011

What a year it’s been! My College Guide has gathered up all your favorite posts from the last year for easy bookmarking. But first, My College Guide is going to go all sappy on you for a minute and thank you for liking us on Facebook, for following us on Twitter, and for subscribing to our RSS or email list. It’s been fun! Now, without further ado, take a peek at the past year’s treasures and your favorite college related posts!

These pet friendly colleges let you bring your favorite pet to campus!

Adam Foster | Codefor

You Can Take Them With You: Pet Friendly Colleges and Universities –Go beyond a tiny little fish tank! Cats, dogs, and a few other unusual animals can be found in these pet friendly dorm rooms. Would you like to room with a rooster?

Colleges for Low Income Students: Free Tuition, No Loans, and Full Rides – Are you considered a low-income student? These colleges have your needs in mind. No loans packages or full rides for qualifying students mean you can graduate from college debt-free!

51 Four Year Colleges and Universities with Online Bachelor’s Degrees – Looking for a way to brighten your future but don’t have time to attend at a college campus? Many four year colleges and universities now offer online bachelor’s degrees! Check out our large list to get started.

Super List of College Scholarship Websites – Looking for college scholarships? My College Guide made your search so much easier: we’ve got a great list of college scholarship websites. It’s always a good idea to use more than one scholarship website – it helps boost your chances of finding that hidden gem!

Factors of College Admission or How to Get Into Your Dream School – Your GPA and standardized test scores are important, but they are only a part of the college admission puzzle! Make sure you don’t focus so much on your SAT’s or ACT’s that you neglect these other important factors of college admission!

How to Apply to College without Paying a Fee – If you don’t like the idea of dropping $40 here and $60 here in college admission fees (especially if your chance for admission is a toss-up), you might want to take a look at this article! My College Guide has tips to help you get those hefty application fees waived!

Who We Are: Information you can trust. For 20 years My College Guide has produced an annual magazine chock full of free college info for high-achieving high school sophomores. Check out our participating colleges. If you’re a student, enter for a chance to win an Apple iPad or iPhone or cash!

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To Boldly Go: Star Trek and The Information Age Class at Syracuse University

Thursday, December 30th, 2010

Grab your tricorder and gear up for this unusual college class at Syracuse University: Star Trek and the Information Age! My College Guide had heard of a Star Trek class before (remember Religions of Star Trek?) – but not like this one! After talking to Anthony Rotolo, the Professor behind the Syracuse University class, we quickly understood: resistance is futile.

Looking for an unusual college class? Check out Star Trek in the Information Age at Syracuse University.

Courtesy of Syracuse University

Why a Star Trek class? What do you think we can learn from watching Star Trek?
Star Trek has inspired generations of technologists and scientists, not to mention countless people around the world. The franchise depicts a possible future for humanity, complete with technological advancements that sometimes look a lot like our own emerging technologies. Star Trek also addresses some of the same societal challenges we face in today’s Information Age. In my class, we will use Star Trek to launch a discussion of these issues, and to explore what is possible through work in Information Science and other fields of study.

Is this a class for “Trekkies” or is this something that anyone, School of Information Studies major or not, can enjoy and understand?
The class is definitely not just for Trekkies — but, as I’ve told others, I can’t promise students won’t become Trekkies by the time the semester is over! Students who have never watched Star Trek before will find the class very approachable. Each new episode or example will be introduced with background information on story and characters to help link everything together. We are using Star Trek to start a discussion, and every student — trekkie or not — will be able to contribute, learn and enjoy the class.

Students from a variety of majors have enrolled in the class so far (we’ve had to move the class to a larger auditorium). I have students from information studies, psychology, sociology, management, television and film, engineering, education and more. The diversity of majors and backgrounds will add quite a bit to the discussion. This is also in the spirit of Star Trek, which envisioned starships filled with people of all backgrounds and interests contributing to exploration.

Did we hear that you are also somehow incorporating Twitter? Do tell!
My main focus at the iSchool (how we refer to the School of Information Studies) is Social Media. I teach a course on social media (use in business, entrepreneurship, and related issues — policy, privacy, management…)  which is also popular with students university-wide.

"The Star Trek class is an elective, of course, but our undergraduate B.S. in Information Management and Technology would certainly be of interest to students who want to work on "what's next," Anthony Rotolo.

Courtesy of Syracuse University

My social media course is known on Twitter by its hashtag #RotoloClass, which students use to chat during class. Twitter users often participate in the discussion as well, which is displayed live on screen during lecture. This adds a lot to our discussion and often brings in interesting perspectives from outside the classroom. In the same way, my Star Trek course will use the hashtag #TrekClass to conduct a similar discussion. Anyone interested in the topics we’re covering is welcome to join in — including Trek fans.

Can anyone follow along with The Collective or is this for Syracuse University class participants only?
The Collective is a new concept, and I’m still working out all the details. The site will be public, and anyone will be able to comment and discuss the articles posted by the students. I’m not certain whether individuals outside the class will be able to post articles themselves, but I’m open to the idea. We’ll see…

Can you give examples of Star Trek episodes and the topics up for discussion?
Using Episodes like “The Best of Both Worlds” from The Next Generation and “Scorpion” from Voyager, which deal with the Borg, we will raise the issues of collective intelligence, technological enhancements to the human body, organic/biological technology, etc. Some have compared Google and Twitter to the Borg. We will look for similarities there. Also, if we are building a collective intelligence through social networking and the web, how do we manage this?

The Original Series episode, “The Ultimate Computer” deals with the loss of human jobs to computer automation. We will discuss how our own society has handled this issue.

The Next Generation episode, “The Arsenal of Freedom“  focuses on the concept of remote warfare — we will discuss how this compares to remote access technology we see emerging today, including unmanned drones and modern remote warfare.

Grab your tricorder and get ready for Star Trek and the Information Age class at Syracuse University!

Judy and Jam / Jam Zhang

Through the characters of Data (TNG) and the Doctor (Voyager) we will look at intelligent systems — technology that can learn, process human language, etc. — and holographic technology. Through Lt. Barclay, who becomes addicted to the Enterprise holodeck, we will discuss what today’s tech addictions look like. We will use the starships themselves to examine how our own technology compares to the systems and environments we see on the Enterprise, the Deep Space Nine space station or Voyager.

Out with it! Who is your favorite Star Trek captain?
I’m afraid that information is classified. However, students will have the opportunity to weigh in on this question at the end of the course!

Anything else that we need to know about the Star Trek class?
You can find out all the details, including a bit about assignments, etc., at: http://rotolo.syr.edu/trek. I think the course will be both useful and enjoyable, and that’s the most important thing!

Special thanks to Kim Brown on Twitter for bringing the Star Trek and the Information Age class to our attention!

Who We Are: Information you can trust. For 20 years My College Guide has produced an annual magazine chock full of free college info for high-achieving high school sophomores. Check out our participating colleges. If you’re a student, enter for a chance to win an Apple iPad or iPhone or cash!

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College Finals Week: How Rutgers University Students Deal with Finals Stress

Friday, December 24th, 2010

You aren’t quite there yet, but when remembering the stress of dealing with high school finals, the thought of college finals week might really make you worry! Colleges often have special events and programs designed to put you at ease and to help take the stress away from what can be a very stressful time.

At the Rutgers-Newark campus of Rutgers University, students have a chance to relax and unwind with massages, makeovers, and all kinds of activities. See how students de-stress, have fun, and unleash their creative side. Watch Feeling Stressed During Finals from Rutgers University on YouTube or below.

Who We Are: Information you can trust. For 20 years My College Guide has produced an annual magazine chock full of free college info for high-achieving high school sophomores. Check out our participating colleges. If you’re a student, enter for a chance to win an Apple iPad or iPhone or cash!

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