Posts Tagged ‘Choosing a College’
Tuesday, June 28th, 2011
Make college visits now so you can make the right choice later.
When it comes to getting ahead in the college admissions process, scheduling a summer college visit can be a smart move.
Why? Read on to find out.
You can schedule “practice” interviews during summer college visits.
While your college interviews will go farther if you’ve already applied to the schools in question, speaking with admissions counselors in the summer can help you prepare for more formal visits later.
Your campus tour can be more in-depth during a summer college visit.
It’s true that most colleges schedule fewer campus tours in the summer, but this can be a good thing! Without the time pressures of back-to-back tours, your tour guide can take his or her time, giving you a clearer picture of what the campus really has to offer you.
During summer college visits, you can get a preview of what classes are like.
No question about it, summer classes at most colleges are different from those during the regular school year. But you can still get a good feel for how classes are taught. And since the professors on campus usually have fewer classes to teach, they often have more time for other things—like meeting with potential students. So summer could be a great time to get some one-on-one time with a future mentor (one who might be able to help you at application time)!
You’re surrounded by other motivated students during summer college visits.
There are bound to be fewer students around when you visit colleges during the summer. But those who are? Are more likely to be serious, ambitious students—just like you. By talking to them during your college visit, you’ll get a more complete picture of the academic scene at that school—and what life could be like for you.
You have time to return for a second look if you start with a summer college visit.
Choosing a college is a major decision—one that could very well be deserving of more than one visit to a campus. Take a look at all your options during the summer. Then, before you make your final decision, return to those you liked best. That way you get more than one view of the campus!
Of course, college visits are just the first step in the admissions process, so make sure you’re getting all the latest tips and tricks for shining all the way through. Subscribe to our blog!
Photo courtesy of the University of Denver.
Tags: Choosing a College, college admission, college admissions, college advice, college campus visit, College Life, getting into college
Posted in Choosing a College, College Admissions, College Campus, College Interview, College Life, College Search | No Comments »
Monday, June 20th, 2011
What does your ideal college look like?
Deciding where to go to college is a big decision – and an exciting one! But in a world full of awesome schools, it can be hard to narrow down your list of places to apply.
The trick is knowing what you really want and need from a college. And to figure that out? You need to know the answers to a few key questions.
What do you want the place you go to college to look like?
Close your eyes and think for a minute. Is the college of your dreams lined with oak trees, or do palm trees dot the scenery? Are you surrounded by a big city, or are you in a small town? Are the buildings old and covered with ivy, or new and modern?
The environment where you go to college in is a big part of the whole experience, so think carefully about where you want to spend the next four years. And remember, you’re just dreaming right now. Practicalities, like financial considerations, can come later.
How many people do you want to go to college with?
This is an important question. After all, the experience you’ll get at a school with 40,000 students will be vastly different from the one you’ll have at a college with only 1,200 attendees. Do you want to be part of a crowd, or would you be more comfortable if you could know all your classmates by name?
When answering this question, think also about the size of your future classes. At a big school, lecture halls can sometimes hold as many as 400 students, which usually translates into less personal attention. At smaller colleges, you’ll probably get more one-on-one time with your professors, but there may not be as many classes to choose from.
What activities do you plan to take part in when you go to college?
If you’re an athlete, you’ll want to make sure the college you choose has a strong athletic program – both competitive and intramural. If theater is your thing, you’ll want to check out the drama programs at colleges you’re considering.
So think about how you want the things you love to fit in. No matter how specialized your interests, there’s sure to be a college or university that’s a good fit!
What do you want to study when you go to college?
If you already know you want to be an orthopedic surgeon, you’ll want to be sure that the college you choose offers a good pre-med program. But if you have no clue? You might want to focus on colleges that offer a robust liberal arts curriculum. It’s important to know what you’re looking for!
No matter where you want to go to college, we can help. Try our college search to find schools that match your interests, or subscribe to our blog for all the latest college admissions information!
Photo courtesy of Let Ideas Compete.
Tags: Choosing a College, choosing a college major, college advice
Posted in Choosing a College, Choosing a Major, College Campus, College Life, College Search, Preparing for College | 4 Comments »
Tuesday, June 7th, 2011
Browse around enough college websites and you’ve probably come across the terms “selective” and “non-selective.” It’s a very important part of figuring out where to spend your time and energy when it comes to applying to college!
Rice University
There is a difference between selective schools and Ivy League schools. In general, Ivy League refers to athletics and encompasses schools like Harvard and Yale. However, there are many selective schools that aren’t considered Ivy League, like MIT and Stanford University, that are also competitive.
Selective Colleges
While any college is more likely to accept a well-rounded student with a great GPA, at a selective college? It’s doubly important! Your involvement in extracurricular activities, community service, and other activities is a key factor of college admission—and having more than good grades is a big part of achieving admission at your dream school.Selective schools are in great demand yet typically admit a very small percentage of students who apply.
Less—Selective or Non-Selective Colleges
Don’t let the term fool you: A non-selective college doesn’t mean they let just anybody in! Like any other college, a non-selective will still have standards. They usually operate on a more open admission basis, or rolling admission, where they will accept college applications until their student body is full—which is good news for you if you decide to apply at the last minute!
Who Gets in to Selective Colleges, Anyway?
Selective colleges admit the best of the best: those over-achievers who are very involved in not only their high school or homeschool groups but their community as well. They have taken (and survived) AP classes and Honors courses and passed with flying colors. They may be fluent in a second language or have some other well-developed talent or skill.
MIT
Highly selective schools consider many factors of college admission. They look at your application as a whole and decide whether or not they need someone who fits your profile.
If they have only one cello player who happens to be graduating that Spring, and you happen to play the Cello, you might get in. The same goes for students from a particular state. If the school needs a student from that state so they can mention with pride that they have students from every state in the US, you might get in.
Again, don’t think that this means that your GPA, test scores, and community service don’t matter—they most certainly do! However, a selective college has many factors to consider. Your legacy status and notable achievements are just another piece to fit into the selective college admissions puzzle.
Where Do You Fit In?
Public or private college, big campus or small, it doesn’t matter—any college can be selective or non-selective. The key to choosing a college isn’t about shooting for the most selective school, it’s about looking for the school that is the right fit for you!
Image #1 Courtesy of Flickr, Onilad.
Image #2 Courtesy of Flickr, Francisco Diez.
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. Subscribe to our blog via RSS or email and stay on top of everything college!
Tags: AP Classes, Choosing a College, extracurricular activities, factors of college admission, getting into college, getting into first choice college, GPA and getting into college, Harvard University, honors classes, ivy league, mit, non-selective colleges, rolling admission, rolling admissions, selective colleges, stanford university, yale university
Posted in AP Classes, Choosing a College, College Admissions, College Applications, College Campus, College Classes, College Life, College Search, Extracurricular Activities, Homeschool, Preparing for College, SAT/ACT Test, Summer Programs | No Comments »
Thursday, June 2nd, 2011
Students frequently overlook a very important factor in the process of choosing a college: College graduation rates! There’s a few things that a high graduation rate means—and it’s important for you to know! Finding the graduation rates of the colleges that you are interested in can help you make an informed decision regarding your future.
College Graduation Rates
College Graduation Rates
The college graduation rate simply lets you know how many students stick through to the end. Colleges are required to publish their graduation rates—but that doesn’t mean it’s always easy to find!
Dig around on the school’s website or look for it in one of the giant college information books found at your local library. Of course, you can also get the information from college admissions.
High College Graduation Rates
A college with a high percentage of graduation rates can tell you a few things.
The college may have a very strong financial aid program in place to help students pay for continuing their studies. Low income students aren’t forced to drop out when there is ready financial aid available. This can be more readily apparent in a high graduation rate (you can check out our list of low-income friendly colleges and universities, too) but you should never cross a school off your list based on sticker price! You just never know how much add you will get.
Sometimes, a high graduation rate can mean that a college has a lot of resources available to help students achieve their goals. For example, a school with a high graduation rate may have a well-stocked college library, updated equipment, and easy access to tutors and other peer mentors. Students who can find help and support tend to stay put.
Admissions may have sought out students who met and exceeded the factors of college admission. Admissions may have admitted students who have already shown a demonstrated success in high school—and let in those they believe will keep up the good work in college!
Where You Fit In
Don’t think that a college with a lower graduation rate is something to ignore. Make the college campus visit, find out more detail about the programs and majors that your interested in, and see if it feels like the right fit for you! Sometimes, the numbers just don’t tell you everything you need to know—so visit the campus and see for yourself!
Image Courtesy of Flickr, ajagendorf25.
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. Subscribe to our blog via RSS or email and stay on top of everything college!
Tags: Choosing a College, college, college admission, college graduation, college graduation rate, college library, factors of college admission, low income families and financial aid, what is college graduation rate
Posted in Choosing a College, College Campus, College Classes, College Life, College Search | No Comments »
Monday, May 16th, 2011
If you’ve ever wondered how you could turn your love for fashion into a career, then you’ll love this—we’ve rounded up the very best online degree for the fashionably-inclined! Whether you want to design the clothes or the rooms they’re photographed in, we’ve got the best online degree program for you!
Best Online Degree for Fashion
Are you the type of person who always has to put her own stamp on her clothes? Do you find yourself dissecting outfits—and putting together better ones in your head? Then a career in fine arts like fashion design might be a good fit for you.
You’ll be immersed in courses about sewing and tailoring, pattern making, fabrics and more! By the time you graduate, you’ll have the skills you need to break into the fashion industry—and the degree to prove it!
Fashion Merchandising
If your goal is to open a boutique or buy clothing for a department store, you might want to look into a career in fashion marketing. You’ll take a variety of business and marketing courses, as well as coursework designed to give you the technical skills you’ll need to excel in the fashion industry.
Fashion Photography
If you prefer to look at the world from behind a camera lens, and find yourself mentally art directing everyday situations to display clothes at their best angle, you might be well suited to fashion photography.
When you choose a fashion photography degree program, you’ll take photography and art design courses, as well as classes in history and fashion design! Breaking into the fashion photography business can be tough—but this type of degree will give you the edge you need!
Interior Design
If you’re more interested in the beautiful furniture used in photo shoots than the people who sit on them, you may be interested in an interior design career. An interior design program will teach you about artistic techniques and interior design principles, as well as drafting, CAD and even construction theory. An interior designer has to know a little bit about everything!
There’s no shortage of career options for fashionistas. So let your fingers do the walking over the virtual catwalk and find the best online degree for you!
Image Courtesy of Flickr, Thomas Hawk.
Who We Are: Information you can trust. For more than 20 years, My College Guide has provided information to help students find the best college degree and career for them. Get information on the best online degree programs to get you on the road to the right career for you!
Subscribe to our blog via RSS or email and stay on top of everything college!
Tags: adult learners, adults going back to school, best online degree, Choosing a College, Choosing a Major, college, college major, college majors, distance education, Distance Learning, fashion, fashion and marketing management, fine arts, online college
Posted in Choosing a College, Choosing a Major, College Campus, College Classes, College Life, College Search, Distance Learning, Online Colleges, Online Degrees, Online Education | No Comments »
Tuesday, May 10th, 2011
Looking into a vocational technical school? There’s a lot of them out there, so how do you find the best school for you? My College Guide has tips to help you find the perfect fit!
Vocational Technical School Tips
Class Size – How big are the classes and the classrooms? If large lecture halls aren’t your thing, make sure that the vocational technical school that you pick includes plenty of hands-on class time than book time.
Hands-On – The key to a successful vocational technical school experience is that ever-critical hands-on learning! How does your potential college compare? Check out the kitchen or the garage and see if the field you are interested in is complete. There’s no better way to learn the skills you need than actually getting in there and doing it for yourself!
It’s All in the Details
Retention Rate – Find out the percentage of students that continue on in their education. A high drop-out rate could mean that the program isn’t up to par. Students may be dropping out because the course just didn’t meet their expectations. Do your research and see what you can find. Your potential vocational technical school can supply you with this information.
Accreditation – My College Guide has said it before and we’ll say it again: Make sure your school is accredited! An accredited school can be your key to financial aid. Not only that, but choosing an accredited vocational technical school can mean that your degree will be taken seriously—and that the program is well-developed to help ensure your future success!
Modern and Tidy – As an adult going back to school, you need to make a visit! If you are interested in mechanics, check out the garage. Want to be a chef? Browse the kitchen! Is everything taken care of and in good shape? Does it look up to date and modern? You should expect a little wear and tear if the vocational technical school has a lot of hands-on class time (as it should) but in general, it should feel well-kept, welcoming, and modern! An outdated facility could be a big, giant sign that you may not necessarily receive the education you are paying for.
Image Courtesy of Flickr, ssibara.
Who We Are: Information you can trust. For more than 20 years, My College Guide has provided information to help students discover the best college degree and career for them. Get information on things like vocational technical school and other questions to find the right career for you!
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Tags: adult education, adult learners, adults going back to school, career schools, Choosing a College, Choosing a Major, Financial Aid, Technology, trade schools, vocational school
Posted in Career Colleges, Choosing a College, College Campus, College Classes, College Life, College Search, Vocational School | No Comments »
Friday, May 6th, 2011
Many adults returning back to school (and even students fresh out of college) are turning to an associate of arts degree. Online or on-campus, this degree can help get you working towards a bachelor degree in less time and with less money!
Thinking of obtaining an associate of arts degree? There's no better time than now!
An associate’s degree is an undergraduate degree like any other except—this one only takes two years to complete! Best of all, earning this degree cuts two years from earning a bachelor’s degree!
You can find an associate of arts degree from the usual higher education institutions, like community colleges, junior colleges, technical and vocational schools, and colleges with bachelor’s degree programs.
The Purpose of an Associate of Arts Degree
An associate of arts degree (AA) helps you complete your general requirements before continuing on and snagging a bachelor’s degree. Of course, your credits may transfer differently, but as general rule, an associate degree will reduce your time spent studying for a bachelor’s degree by two years and help you prepare for the workload involved in earning a four year degree.
You’ll need to compare programs and check out the sister college for the four year university you plan on transferring to. Some four year colleges offer an associate of arts degree so you won’t need to transfer colleges and will know that your credits will qualify toward completion of your bachelor’s degree.
What To Expect
An associate of art degree can help bulk up your resume!
As with any degree, associates, bachelor, or beyond, you will have specific courses that you will need to complete in order to graduate college. You won’t just get to “do art” all day.
You may be required to complete courses in math, English (like English Composition or Literature), and the humanities (like sociology or psychology) as well as other subjects. Whether you complete these courses on-campus or online, you will have certain art-related courses to complete in order to graduate. Your art classes can also vary depending on the school you are attending and what they have to offer!
What’s Next?
Your associate of arts degree can help you work toward a bachelor’s degree in quite the range of subjects! These majors include business administration, languages, social sciences, law, accounting, and the arts, of course. Your academic background will then form the basis for jobs in the same fields—and beyond!
Image #1 Courtesy of Flickr, geishaboy500 / THOR.
Image #2 Courtesy of Flickr, DailyPic / Joan M. Mas.
Who We Are: Information you can trust. For more than 20 years, My College Guide has provided information to help students discover the best college degree and career for them. Get information for associate of arts degree programs and find the right career for you!
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Tags: adult learners, adults going back to school, associate of art degree, associate's degree, business administration, Choosing a College, Choosing a Major, college major, college majors, College Transfer, distance education, Distance Learning, online college, online degree programs, online distance learning, transfer
Posted in Choosing a College, Choosing a Major, College Campus, College Classes, College Life, College Search, Distance Learning, Online Colleges, Online Degrees, Online Education | No Comments »
Saturday, April 30th, 2011
In tough economic times like these, getting a master’s degree online can give you a real competitive edge. But don’t kid yourself—getting a master’s degree is hard work—online or off.
Thinking about getting a master's degree online?
Before you make the commitment to getting your master’s degree online, put some serious thought into it. Do a gut check and make sure an online program is the right choice for you.
The master’s degree online and you.
Online master’s degree programs are a great choice for working professionals. But it’s a different sort of graduate school experience. Before applying, ask yourself:
How self disciplined am I?
Online master’s degree programs offer a level of flexibility that can’t be matched by most traditional schools. Often, you’ll be given a syllabus, access to pre-filmed lectures and an assignment list, and simply be expected to complete the necessary work by the end of the term.
That means you can study whenever it’s convenient for you, whether that’s before your morning Wheaties or after your kids are finally in bed! But, as an adult going back to school, if you can’t commit to a regular study schedule—and stick to it no matter what—getting your master’s degree online might not be the best choice for you.
Do I have the right personality to go to school online?
There can be no doubt about it—the experience of getting a master’s degree online is very different than that of a traditional graduate program. While you’ll probably participate in regular online discussions with your peers and may even chat with a study group over Skype, it can feel rather isolating.
So if you’re the type of person who needs regular, in-person interaction to feel fulfilled, studying online will be challenging for you. If, on the other hand, you just want to learn at your own pace, on your own time, getting a master’s degree online might be just the thing for you!
The #1 question to ask yourself before getting a master’s degree online.
Once you decide that yes, you do think an online master’s degree program is the right choice for you, there’s only one question you need to ask yourself:
Will getting a master’s degree online pay off?
For most professions, the answer is an unqualified yes! For careers ranging from business to education, an advanced degree usually translates into a bigger paycheck. But there are exceptions. So before making the commitment, take a look at your industry and make sure getting a master’s degree online will enhance your job outlook.
And if it won’t? Maybe you should consider using your online master’s degree as a way to transition into a better paying field!
Image Courtesy of Flickr, lauren-janelle.
Who We Are: Information you can trust. For more than 20 years, My College Guide has provided information to help students find the best college degree and career for them. Get information on master’s degrees online that will get you on the road to the right career for you!
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Tags: adult learner, adults going back to school, Choosing a College, distance education, Distance Learning, master's degree, online college, online college courses, study habits
Posted in Choosing a College, College Campus, College Classes, College Life, College Search, Distance Learning, Online Colleges, Online Degrees, Online Education | No Comments »
Friday, April 29th, 2011
If you are a busy working adult and want a career change or to enhance your current skills, you may want to look into online criminal justice degree programs. It can be a great career option for those interested in the law and criminal justice but who just didn’t have the time or money to attend college right out of high school!
Online Criminal Justice Degree Programs
While police and police detective learn many of their skills through extensive training and on the job, many of these people are also encouraged to obtain a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice to supplement this training.
Some agencies even pay all or part of the cost of tuition for employees to pursue higher education with online criminal justice degree programs. If you currently have a job in this field, you may want to see if your employer will help pay your way!
What to Expect in Online Criminal Justice Degree Programs
Like any other college course, whether online or on-campus, you will have a required set of classes to complete in order to earn your degree. Depending on whether or not you have any college credit behind you, the length of time it can take you to finish your degree can vary.
Your course may focus on “police science” as well as enhancing your background in the study of crime and criminal behavior or criminology. Online criminal justice degree programs can also expand to include subjects like administration, policies and procedures of the agencies of criminal justice, as well as law enforcement and correction.
Programs can greatly vary so shop around to see what online criminal justice degree programs fit your goals and future plans. In fact, your life experience can sometimes translate into college credit—speak to your admissions representative to see if that’s a possibility for you!
Related Careers
After completing your online criminal justice degree program and you have your bachelor’s degree in hand—you’ve got options!
You can choose from an array of careers where your degree will give you the confidence and background you need to go far! You will be able to decide between the following careers and then some:
Law enforcement
Probation Officer
Parole Officer
Private Security Personnel
Advocate agency for victim or witness
Legal Offices
Court Personnel
If you want to enhance your current skills or get into a whole new career, there are online criminal justice degree programs to fit your needs! Shop around, get information, and get started. Don’t put your future on hold any longer—start your online degree and advance your career!
Image #1 Courtesy of Flickr, Phanatic.
Who We Are: Information you can trust. For more than 20 years, My College Guide has provided information to help students discover the best college degree and career for them. Get information for online criminal justice degree programs and find the right career for you!
Tags: adults going back to school, bachelor's degree, Choosing a College, criminal justice field, criminology, distance education, Distance Learning, online criminal justice degree programs, online degree programs, online education
Posted in Choosing a College, Choosing a Major, College Campus, College Classes, College Life, College Search, Distance Learning, Online Colleges, Online Degrees, Online Education | No Comments »
Thursday, April 28th, 2011
My College Guide has told you time and time again that when it comes to choosing a college, it’s about the right fit for you. How will your college of choice prepare you for your future career and life in the real world? No matter what your career aspirations may be, you can find a school that will complement.
Check out this unusual college class from RISD, the Rhode Island School of Design. Students didn’t just attend a course sponsored by gaming giant Hasbro, they also created their own game! This is interdisciplinary college coursework at its finest. Not only did these RISD students get a chance to try something different and think outside the box, dabbling in different branches of design, but they have something to add to their resume – and a heap of real world experience thrown in!
Visit the college campus at schools you are interested in. Ask your questions and see how your dream college will prepare you for life! Watch RISD and Hasbro Explore Game Play 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.
Subscribe to our blog via RSS or email and stay on top of everything college!
Tags: Choosing a College, college class, college classes, college courses, Colleges and Social media, colleges and youtube, hasbro, interdisciplinary course, rhode island school of design, RISD, unusual college classes, youtube
Posted in Choosing a Major, College Campus, College Classes, College Life, College Search | No Comments »
