Posts Tagged ‘college guide’

What the Experts Have to Tell You About Selecting a College

Saturday, March 10th, 2012

Selecting the perfect college can be complicated.  The sooner you begin researching and thinking about you college decision, the better off you will likely be.  You may have read books on everything from financial aid for college tuition and private loans for college to test prep tutoring and college dorm life, but at the top of your college reading materials should be the guides that give you a better idea about what college is right for you.  Remember, however, that your time is limited, and that means finding the best books are key.  Let’s take a look at couple of available options and see how they stack up!

Students’ Guide to College: The Definitive Guide to America’s Top 100 Schools Written by the Real Experts, the Students Who Attended Them by Jordan Goldman and Colleen Buyers

Isn’t a book like this one outdated almost as soon as it is published?  Secondly, it is also important to note that these rankings are very arbitrary and a bit more ridiculous than it might seem at first glance.  After all, who are the people that really make the decision as to what are the “top schools” or the “top” anything.  You can see the problem.

Another issue with Students’ Guide to College: The Definitive Guide to America’s Top 100 Schools Written by the Real Experts, the Students Who Attended Them is that it by its very nature, it ignores career paths.  A given school may not be ranked in the top 100 per se, but it may have a great department that is ranked near the top and is respected in its field.  This does matter, especially if you are a student or the parent of a student that isn’t likely to get into a top school.  Or perhaps you just can’t afford to pay the ridiculous prices that many top schools are now requesting.

It would be easy to dismiss this book outright, but that would be a mistake.  Despite its flaws, it does have something to offer prospective college students.  There are lots of college guides on the market, and while this doesn’t go straight to the top of the list it is, nonetheless, a worthy entry, especially for those who dream of attending a top-ranked school.

The Complete Idiot’s Guide to College Survival by Laurie Rozakis

Try and ignore the fact that a “complete idiot” should probably not bother with college and just go along with the Complete Idiot’s Guide on this one.  This isn’t a bad book; however, it lacks the punch and weight of many other college guidebooks.  The competition in this area is just too intense for this book to come out on top.  When contrasted against its competitors, it seems pretty average and perfunctory at best.  The Complete Idiot’s Guide to College Survival by Laurie Rozakis does cover some territory that other books might ignore, but it’s just not enough.  Further, many readers will likely feel as though the book is just a bit to fluffy to be highly effective.

Ultimately, there are many “guidebooks” on this topic, and one has to be careful as to how much weight to put into any of them.  The real point of this article isn’t that one guidebook is better than another, but that you shouldn’t treat any of these kind of books as a de facto bible designed to tell you which college or university that you should select.

Finding the right college or university for you is based on a variety of factors and you as a person.  In the end, you might have to use guidebooks like the two we examined here just to cover the basics, as your personal situation will obviously be more complex than what can be put in a guidebook.  Remembering this factor will increase the chances of getting into a college or university where you will be happy and this will, in turn, increase your chances of success.

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When is it OK to Ignore Your High School Guidance Counselor?

Tuesday, October 25th, 2011

It is important not to assume that your high school guidance counselor is some sort of all knowing oracle.  Even the best high school counselor will never understand your particular situation the way that you do.  Now with that said, of course, your high school guidance counselor is a great potential source of information and, of course, can offer you topnotch guidance on many occasions.  Let’s take a look at some occasions where it is probably all right to ignore your high school guidance counselor’s advice.

#1-What Do Your Parents Do?

The second your high school guidance counselor asks you this question; you should put up your guard.  Who cares what your parents do for a living?  Your guidance counselor shouldn’t be concerned with your parents, but with you and what you want to achieve.

#2-You Can’t Get Into That School

If your high school guidance counselor tries to decide what colleges and universities you can and cannot get into, you may need to ignore this advice.  This situation is especially true if you are planning far in advance.  If you need to improve your grades or test scores, then focus on that goal.  Don’t just give up on your dream schools because your guidance counselor recommends that you do so.  After all, you could potentially transfer to your dream school after your freshman or sophomore year of college.

#3-Is College Really for You?

Don’t let your high school guidance counselor decide whether or not you should go to college.  It is your decision whether or not you should go to college.  Be very wary of any counselor that is attempting to make this key decision for you.

#4-This is the Major for You!

Just as you should ignore your high school guidance counselor’s advice on whether or not you should attend college, the same holds true for allowing your counselor to pick your major.  You have to live with whatever major you pick, and this decision could influence your career path, your success in college and the how happy you are with your college experience.  Even if you don’t know what you to do in the future, the odds are you are better waiting to make your decision than letting someone else decide for you, and this includes your parents as well.

#5-Follow Your Gut, If Advice Sounds Bad, Then Maybe It Is Bad!

You should listen to what your guidance counselor has to say on every topic, but there is a difference between listening, and following the advice given.  Remember the advice you receive from your guidance counselor is advice; it’s not an order.  Often students overlook this key point because the high school guidance counselor is giving advice within a school.  Of course, students are taught at a very young age to listen to teachers.  However, if you hear what you think is questionable advice from your guidance counselor, then just follow your gut.

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Creating Community: Living and Learning at the University of Texas Dallas

Thursday, December 9th, 2010

On-campus housing is no longer synonymous with no terms like “cramped” or “crowded,” the new residence halls and, more specifically, learning and living communities, offer college freshmen a totally unique college experience (and a chance to fill a resume)! My College Guide talked  to Cynthia Jenkins, the assistant vice president for human affairs, at the University of Texas Dallas, about their fantastic college housing.

Viva Volunteerism at Jubilee Park in Dallas - Energy Audit

Courtesy of the University of Texas Dallas

So, at the University of Texas Dallas, all students live in the residence halls, but a select group of Freshmen have the option of also participating in a living and learning community?
This has been the model to this point. Beginning Fall 2011, all Freshmen who live on campus will be part of a living learning community. The freshman housing application has students select their top 3 choices for the communities they would like to join.

What is the living and learning community like at the University of Texas Dallas?
Living learning communities (LLC) at UT Dallas enable students with similar academic majors or personal interests to share the same living space (they occupy suites that are adjacent on the same floor of the residence hall),  and they provide them with numerous opportunities to connect based on the community theme, such as:

They enroll in the same First Year Experience course in the Fall semester, taught by an LLC faculty or staff partner (for example, students with a major in the School of Management share the class and are taught by an Assistant Dean in the school.)  Some communities have special courses created for them for the Spring semester.

Residential Life programming developed by the students’ Peer Advisors (our equivalent of Resident Assistants) often focuses on the theme of the community: upperclassman- led study sessions, pizza party for planning out course schedules before registration & discussing course content/format/professors in their areas of study, faculty members invited to speak on their research, etc.

Living Learning Community staff develop programs that further the learning experiences outside the classroom: movie nights showing documentaries reflecting the community theme followed by a panel discussion, faculty dinners where faculty dine with student in the campus Dining Hall, field trips to local industries (the Art & Technology community visited the Janimation Studios in Dallas), guest speakers (such as a panel of medical students from UT Southwestern who spoke to members of the Pre-Health LLC.)

SPARC-Ceremony-03-24-2010-1122

Courtesy of the University of Texas Dallas

What communities are available to Freshmen?
For Fall 2011 we will offer the following communities:

Academic: Engineering and Computer Science, Art & Technology, School of Management, Pre-Health
Special Interest Theme – Music, Global Awareness, Wellness, Sustainability, Pathways to the Future

So, the residence halls are a little different from the 8 x 8 boxes for a room, aren’t they?
Our residence hall consists of 3-room suites. There is a common living area, common sink area with 3 sinks and storage space for each student, single shower and toilet, and 3 individual lockable rooms.

What activities are living and learning students involved in outside of the classroom?
Some are listed above. Others include: special projects for Engineering students (creating a ‘machine’ of some sort, displaying in the lobby of the residence hall and judged), Art & Technology students produced a video on living in the ATEC LLC and worked with faculty and grad students to learn techniques, Management students had a residence hall room cooking contest which was  judged by the Dean of the School of Management, Music students went back stage with the Dallas Symphony Orchestra.  Students in the communities also engage in service projects and in Spring 2010 there was an Alternative Spring Break trip to Heifer International Headquarters for just LLC students. There are lots of study sessions and socializing with community members and their Peer Advisors as well.

Why should a student consider a living and learning community?
Living learning communities enable students to connect with peers who share their interests and meet faculty who can help them develop their college path. The special opportunities afforded students in living learning communities can enhance their experience of the university and put them on the fast track to getting involved in meaningful ways. Events and programming are designed specifically to engage students relative to their community interest, offering both academic, career-focused, and social events that are more meaningful.

Viva Volunteerism at Jubilee Park in Dallas - Energy Audit

Courtesy of the University of Texas Dallas

What makes a living and learning community a good choice for some students?
Students can gain from being in an LLC in different ways, which makes the experience beneficial to all students. Those who come to the university not knowing anyone will have an instant connection with students who share their academic goals or other personal interests. Students who hope to be campus leaders and build strong college resumes for graduate /med/law school have opportunities to get to know faculty outside of the classroom setting and discover very quickly how they can make an impact. Students who want to learn how to connect their passions (for environmental issues, global causes, physical/spiritual/mental wellness) to a major and career have university faculty and staff who can help them do so.  Living learning communities enable students to engage with their academic and personal interests beyond what their individual classes offer.

If a high school student likes the thought of the living and learning communities at UT Dallas, what can they do to boost their chances for getting chosen?
Beginning in Fall 2011, all students who wish to live on campus will now have the opportunity to experience being part of a Living Learning Community.

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 Campus, College Life, Housing | 1 Comment »

Study Abroad Advice: Australian Catholic University

Tuesday, November 30th, 2010

My College Guide is all packed up and ready to go! In fact, we’re gearing up for a study abroad series. Stay in tune with all things study abroad as we speak to colleges for advice as you decide how long or how far you want to travel!

Australian Catholic University study abroad -- enjoy the beach at the Sydney, Australia location!

Courtesy of Australian Catholic University

First up is Australian Catholic University! My College Guide spoke with Elissa Newall, online marketing manager, at Australian Catholic University for a little study abroad advice. Keep watch over the coming weeks for more study abroad advice and tips from several International universities – and maybe even a few right here in the US! It’s good to know your options.

If a student hasn’t really traveled before, is studying abroad a good idea?
Definitely! Study abroad is a great way to explore the world, while still having support from university staff at home and abroad. You have the ability to live and experience another culture, while continuing to complete your degree.

Australian Catholic University (ACU) provides comprehensive support services to all students to help them make the most of their time at university and to ensure their studies are successful. These services include:

Pre-departure guide
International student orientation program
Multi-faith chaplaincy and quiet rooms
Accommodation assistance
Careers and employment service

ACU hosts students from a number of countries around the world, with the majority of students traveling abroad individually and for the first time. We always find that students forge great friendships with not only Australian students, but with students from all over the world during their semester abroad. These friendships continue well into the future and are especially useful for additional overseas adventures after their study abroad!!

Melbourne VIC

Courtesy of Australian Catholic University

How does study abroad at Australian Catholic University work?
The most popular option is for students currently completing a university degree, to spend a semester or year as a study abroad student at any of our 5 locations along the Eastern Coast of Australia. Students can enroll in a maximum of four units (classes/subjects) and then transfer credits back to their home university. This is a great way to study abroad, break up the length of their degree program, but still be able to graduate on time.

Studying abroad also enables students to study units that may not be offered at their home university, such as Australian, Indigenous, Asian or Environmental studies. Some units also offer exciting field trip options which are a great way to engage in the Australian culture and enhance their experience studying in a foreign culture. Find out more about Study Abroad at ACU.

ACU has formed partnerships with a large network of partner universities around the world. Students studying at any of our partner university can participate in our semester or year abroad program as an exchange student. Exchange students continue to pay their usual tuition at their home institution while studying at ACU. Check if your university is one of ACU’s Exchange Partner Universities.

Students also have the option to complete a full degree program abroad. ACU offers a full range of Bachelor, Masters and PhD programs, across five faculties: Arts & Sciences, Business, Education, Health Sciences and Theology & Philosophy. This is a perfect way to complete a professional qualification, while studying abroad for a longer period of time. Students can browse Degree Courses or contact the ACU International Office for more information.

ACU Brisbane2

Courtesy of Australian Catholic University

Why study abroad at Australian Catholic University?
With six campuses in Australia, located in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Canberra and Ballarat, ACU offers students a choice of destination each with its own unique lifestyle and character.

ACU has a total population of approximately 20,000 students, providing the facilities and academic opportunities of a large university. However each campus is small enough to allow for a close working relationship between students and teachers, with smaller classes enabling academic staff to give individual attention to students. ACU has a diverse student population, hosting students from more than 85 different nationalities.

ACU offers a wide selection of majors across five faculties: Arts & Sciences, Business, Education, Health Sciences and Theology & Philosophy.

We also offer a range of ‘value-added’ study abroad options for students who are looking for a program that offers more than a typical semester abroad and are interested in engaging with their host community on a deeper level, Our ‘Study Abroad Plus’ range of programs enables students to enroll in 2-3 elective units at our Brisbane, Sydney or Melbourne campuses, and complete one of our new study abroad components: Internship, Community Engagement (service learning) or China Study Tour.

Any advice regarding what a student should bring with them to make the transition to a foreign country a little easier?
Studying overseas means leaving family, friends and familiar places. Whilst this can be incredibly exciting, it can also be an extremely emotional time. You will, no doubt, have feelings of home sickness at some stage or another. The most important thing to remember is that this is quite normal. Bring photos of family members, or any items that you may use day-to-day that may not be able to get abroad – such as hair & beauty products or specific cultural/religious items. Of course, it is always recommended to check with customs and immigration policies to ensure specific products are allowed into Australia.

Whether this will be your first overseas trip or you have had some experience already, you will probably find that your transition to tertiary study in Australia will be smoothest if you have prepared thoroughly. ACU sends all students a pre-departure guide to assist with preparing for their study abroad program.

BNE-0069-04

Courtesy of Australian Catholic University

Any opinion on how far in advance a student should start preparing/planning to study abroad?
For students wishing to spend a semester or year abroad, it is a good idea to start planning as a freshman. Visit your study abroad office and/or academic advisor to start planning your opportunity to study abroad, and coordinate your study plan to allow for a semester abroad in your specific degree.

However any time is a good time! Research different programs, meet with staff at your home university to discuss study abroad options, and start the planning process now! ACU can always assist with any advice during the planning process.

What kind of student would benefit from a study abroad program?
All students can benefit in one way or another. Study abroad influences personal development, academic quality and experience, intercultural development and awareness, as well as career development and preparation. If you set goals, engage with your host community, and attempt to get the most out of your study abroad experience, the underlying benefits will remain with you for your entire life.

If I decide to study abroad at Australian Catholic University, what should I do next?
Get as much information as you can! Here are some resources which might help:

Download the ACU Study Abroad Guide (PDF 3.3mb)
Visit the ACU International Student Blog
Check out the ACU International Facebook page
Learn more about life in Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne

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 Lip Dub Phenomenon: Hebrew University of Jerusalem and Glee’s Somebody to Love

Friday, November 12th, 2010

You know My College Guide is a fan of college admission musicals, remember Delaware and Yale? Well, we’ve got a new one for you — the college lip dub phenomenon! From college campuses here in the US and even overseas, colleges have been churning out their own lip dub videos and putting their own unique spin on musical favorites like you wouldn’t believe (but that is a post for a different day – so stay tuned).

Today, however, we are going to share with you the best college lip dub video we’ve seen so far – the Hebrew University of Jerusalem lip dub of Glee’s Somebody to Love. Remember that the lip dub is created from one long continuous shoot (the characteristic of the lip dub) and involves a lot of students! Which leads us to this friendly reminder: when you get to college, don’t just sit in your dorm room like a bump on a pickle. Go out there and get involved! It’s what college life is all about.

These fun and clever lip dub videos are just another way that colleges show off their unique and silly side and it gives you a great chance to see actual students, faculty, staff, and the campus itself. Watch the Somebody to Love: Glee lip dub by Hebrew University of Jerusalem 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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College Class of 2014 on Facebook

Thursday, January 21st, 2010

Want a head start on getting comfortable and creating connections at college before you officially finish high school?  Early decision acceptance students are on it!  My College Guide already helped you get in touch with your favorite  colleges and universities with our Twitter list — now how about getting  connected with your classmates?

We’ve got 51 Colleges with Facebook Pages for the Class of 2014 on our handy list!  Current students are sharing advice on everything from which dorm is the most spacious and favorite college courses to tips for getting around on campus and the best local hang-outs.  Just remember to use common sense and play nice – college admissions are still watching you!

Did we forget someone? Add your Class of 2014 Facebook Page (or Facebook Group) to the comments section below!

1. American University 26. Miami University
2. Arizona State University 27. Middlebury College
3. Boston College 28. Montana State University
4. Boston University 29. Muhlenberg College
5. Butler University 30. Parsons New School for  Design
6. Cabrini College 31. Pitzer College
7. Carleton College 32. Randolph-Macon College
8. Clemson University 33. Rice University
9. College of Charleston 34. Stanford University
10. Dartmouth College 35. Stonehill College
11. Drexel University 36. Union College
12. Emerson College 37. University of Chicago
13. Emmanuel College 38. University of Illinois
14. Florida State University 39. University of Maine
15. Georgia Institute of Technology 40. University of Massachusetts Amherst
16. Guilford College 41. University of Michigan
17. Hamilton College 42. University of Minnesota
18. Hendrix College 43. University of Notre Dame
19. Howard University 44. University of Oklahoma
20. Indiana University 45. University of Rochester
21. Iowa State University 46. University of South Carolina
22. Ithaca College 47. University of Tennessee
23. Marshall University 48. University of Texas
24. Marquette University 49. Vassar College
25. Massachusetts Institute of Technology 50. Wheaton College
51. Yale University

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Posted in Choosing a College, College Life, Fun Stuff, Social Media | 15 Comments »

Early Decision: Is it the Right Decision for You?

Tuesday, January 12th, 2010

Twitter, Facebook, really, the whole internet is buzzing with two words: early decision. Who got in, who didn’t get in, and who is still waiting to hear from their school of choice is all anyone can talk about – even our Admissions Guru has been bombarded with questions. Early decision confusion?  That’s what we’re here for!

It's a LOT to think about!

katrinalopez

You can only choose one school in which to apply for early decision because it is a binding contract (not to be confused with early action which is non-binding).  Apply by the November early decision deadline (which can vary slightly between schools) to receive “the answer” somewhere between December and January.

Even if you don’t receive early decision acceptance, most colleges and universities will defer your application, giving you a chance to gain regular decision admittance.  Simply put, this deferment means that, while you still have a shot at getting into that school, you are no longer bound by the early decision contract.  You should definitely apply to multiple colleges, just know that you will have to withdraw the applications to those schools if you’re accepted early decision

When considering whether or not to send in an early decision college app for a particular school, try to imagine paying for that school without any financial help.  If that thought makes you uncomfortable (or just downright nervous), you should check to make sure that your application is subject to your receiving the minimum amount of financial aid you’ll need. Otherwise, you might end up getting bound to attend that school regardless of the amount of financial aid offered!

Again, this is a binding contract.  Colleges and universities mean business so read that contract carefully!  If you do try to walk away, you will most likely be black-listed not only at that school, but at other schools as well, which can severely hamper your future plans.  Also, if you then decide to attend a different school, that school might just revoke their acceptance of you if they find out that you broke your early decision contract.  Colleges value personal integrity – do you really want to take a chance at severely damaging yours?

But, if you have done the campus visit, taken the college tour, have completely fallen in love with a particular school, and know that it’s your top pick, you might want to consider early decision.  Why draw out the agony of waiting if you can receive your acceptance (or not) early?

Decisions, decisions.

ambrown

Better yet — Class of 2014 Facebook Pages are popping up daily so new students can get acquainted, network, and form friendships with one another before ever setting foot on campus (keep watch for our Class of 2014 Facebook list, coming soon!). That would go a long way in helping to calm first day jitters!

Early decision = fewer applicants.  However, even with a smaller pool of college applications to wade through, the applicants tend to be pretty strong (we’re talking top of their class and super involved) so  it doesn’t mean you’ll have a better chance of getting in.   Early decision is a huge responsibility.  It’s definitely not something to walk into blindly.

So, would you/have you/are you considering applying for early decision?  Why or why not?  Share you thoughts in the comments section below.

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