Purchase College SUNY Joins the Gourmet Guide

Posted on Thu, 10/18/2012 - 13:12

 

If you're traveling to Westchester County in New York to look at colleges, you'll probably be stopping at Purchase College, part of the State University of New York network -- or Pace University or Iona College or the College of New Rochelle. Thanks to the students and Office of Admissions at Purchase, we've got the goods on where to eat. Cheeseburgers to vegan spinach curry, Nutella pizzette, fondue! and BBQ Beercan Chicken -- there's something for everyone. Check it out here. 

Tales of Haunted Residence Halls and Spooky College Classrooms

Posted on Thu, 10/18/2012 - 11:04

 

Who doesn't love a good ghost story? Turns out, there are plenty of tales of haunted residence halls and spooky classrooms on college campuses -- from Cal State-Camarillo and Kenyon to University of Georgia, Montclair State and Smith College. Spectral students, phantom lovers (no, not that guy who said he was going to call) and even the ghost of Notre Dame's the Gipper can be found wandering campus. While a resident ghost is not a factor we would suggest using in your college search, we couldn't resist these wrap-ups of collegial Caspers. Here's your rogue's gallery for the approaching All Hallows' Eve:

Top 10 U.S. Haunted College Campuses

The 5 Most Haunted College Campuses

Haunted Colleges and Universities

Boo! 

Seniors: What are colleges looking for in the essay?

Posted on Wed, 10/17/2012 - 11:29

As you work on finishing up your essays, don't psych yourself out by thinking the essay has to do all the heavy lifting in a college application. It is only one of many pieces. Keep in mind the two things that colleges are looking for when they read your essay:

First, can you write? Colleges want to know if your ability to write meets the academic standards of the college. They want to see that you can take a thought and develop it in a clear and organized fashion, using proper grammar. No typos, please. Your ease with language and ability to write in an engaging and thoughtful way shows them that you can express yourself effectively and that you possess the intellectual ability and readiness for college work.

Second, who are you? Admission officers want to hear your voice and know more about you when they have finished your essay than they did before they started reading it. Above all, they are trying to learn what impact you will have on their community. Will you make their school a better place simply by being a part of it -- whether that’s in the classroom, chemistry lab, a residence hall, or theater program. Colleges look for who you are in the application as a whole and the essays are one place in particular where this can be seen most clearly. So tell a story only you can tell.

Walking the Talk

Posted on Tue, 10/16/2012 - 10:44

We wanted to bring to your attention an excellent piece from Stuart Schmill, dean of admissions at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology that appeared in Inside Higher Ed. In "More to Life than AP," Schmill addresses the messages that colleges send to students about how they make their decisions and the role colleges play in shaping students' behavior. He addresses the "holistic" process; what MIT is looking for; and why parents and counselors should give students the confidence to pursue their true interests instead of ignoring them in favor of what they think a college wants.  Candid and reassuring, Schmill's commentary is a must-read.

Beloit College Joins the Gourmet Guide

Posted on Mon, 10/15/2012 - 17:15

Visiting Beloit College or another school in the environs of Beloit, Wisconsin, located on the state's border with Illinois? If so, we have recommendations for where to dine from their Office of Admissions. There's a Farm Taco Scramble from Bushel & Peck's, a store and restaurant specializing in locally-sourced organic food, great bagels at Bagels and More, and burgers and salads at Little Bistro. But wait! Don't miss the opportunity to check out one of Wisconsin's famous supper clubs for a peak old-fashioned, fine dining experience. Read more about it and Beloit College's other recommendations here.

Seniors: You don't have to jump on the early bandwagon

Posted on Fri, 10/12/2012 - 08:00

In October of senior year, it may seem like everyone is jumping on the early admission bandwagon. Students report a lot of pressure to apply early. It comes from peers, parents, newspaper headlines— and sometimes it comes from oneself. But there is nothing wrong with sitting out this round and opting for more time and the greater choice it allows. There are distinct advantages to waiting and applying regular decision. Before you jump on the early bandwagon, seriously consider whether it's right for you.  That depends on a number of factors. Most important are the plans offered at the colleges on your list, especially the ones that have emerged as your top choices. Other factors that you must consider include your own goals, your grades and test scores, and your family’s need for financial aid.

 

For more information about early programs, including a list of questions to help you figure out whether an early program is right for you, see Chapter 15, "Decision Plans," in College Admission: From Application to Acceptance, Step by Step.

October Financial Aid Checklist for Seniors

Posted on Thu, 10/11/2012 - 10:37

 

Paying for college is a concern for most families. This is the second installment in a monthly series for seniors on what you should be doing with regard to financial aid, written by college advisor Alice Kleeman. Remember, while in most families it is up to the parents to provide the bulk of the money for college costs to the extent of their ability to pay, it is the student who applies for student aid. Read, save and use these monthly reminders!

 

          *             Check with your high school about the availability of informational sessions on financial aid or      scholarships at your school or in the surrounding community.

          *             Never pay a fee to locate financial aid or scholarship information. Beware of scams. You may see offers of help in obtaining financial aid or scholarships in the mail, on the Web, and in magazines. Some of these are legitimate. Others are not. Avoid any organization or service that either guarantees a reward or charges a fee for completing the FAFSA or applying for or receiving a scholarship. Information on legitimate financial aid and scholarships is easily available at no cost at:

                      • FAFSA

                     • The U.S. Department of Education

                     • College Goal Sunday

Juniors: A "practice" visit at a local college

Posted on Thu, 10/11/2012 - 10:21

 

Fall break coming up? Or a long weekend? Do a test-run visit at a local college. College visits provide crucial information for making a good match between you and a school. And at this point, you don't have to venture far. Visits to any campus can help you zero in on what's important to you. So take the tour at a college within driving distance -- even if you aren't considering applying there. You'll experience a tour and a group information session (if offered, not all colleges do) so that you get a sense of a college visit. A "practice" visit like this will help you make good firsthand evaluations later, when you visit the colleges in which you are most interested.

For more on college visits, including campus visit etiquette, getting off the beaten track to learn more about a school, and questions to ask tour guides and admission officers, see Chapter 9, "College Visits," in College Admission: From Application to Acceptance, Step by Step.

Thank you, thank you

Posted on Tue, 10/09/2012 - 10:15

Thank you to the students, parents, and counseling staff of Palo Alto High School and Gunn High School in northern California! It was wonderful to have the opportunity to talk with all of you about everything from college visits and extracurriculars to AP's and financial aid. And it's great to hear what is on the minds of students and parents when it comes to college admission!