College Guide 2012 by Des Moines Register

COLLEGE GUIDE How to start planning NOW for your college future

Tips and resources to help pay for school 5 undergrads offer advice for high schoolers 6 financial aid mistakes to avoid Page 7 JessicaGearheart, Iowa State University

The Des Moines Sunday Register

Find 150+ colleges and universities at the Golden Circle College Fair

Des Moines Sunday Register | College Guide Special Edition

What you’ll find in the 2012 College Guide: START PLANNING EARLY

universities to help you get started

4 A year-by-year checklist for high schoolers to follow

15 Five things to consider before making your final pick

PAYING FOR COLLEGE

COLLEGE FAIR

5 Tips for navigating the financial aid process 7 Six financial aid mistakes to avoid CHOOSING A SCHOOL 10 A comparison chart for Iowa colleges and

STAFF Editor: Tim Paluch Writers: Sophia Ahmad, Paula Reece, Kelly Roberson Designer: Phap Lam

16 Find out which schools will be at the Sept. 30 Golden Circle College Fair

Questions or comments? Call Tim Paluch at 515-2862564, or email tpaluch@dmreg.com.

ADVICE FROM CAMPUS

Find advice from college undergrads sprinkled throughout the section.

DM-9000346561

2 • Sunday, September 23, 2012

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www.AIB.edu

Des Moines, IA | (800) 444-1921 | admissions@aib.edu

Des Moines Sunday Register | College Guide Special Edition

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Sunday, September 23, 2012 • 3

Des Moines Sunday Register | College Guide Special Edition

College checklist invaluable tool for teens What you should be doing each year of high school to prep for college By Paula Reece Special to the Register

The start of high school is not too early for students to start planning for their next stage of life — college. In fact, all Iowa students now create a career plan in eighth grade, and complete a designated career information system, I Have A Plan Iowa, in grades 8-12. The website (ihaveaplan iowa.gov) gives students information and resources to plan for college or careers after high school, including interest inventories, careerfinder activities, preparation for college entrance tests,

information on financial aid and scholarships, a resumebuilding tool and more. Jennifer Scott, guidance counselor at Clarke Community High School in Osceola, believes the I Have A Plan Iowa program is helping students become more organized and forwardthinking. “Starting in eighth grade they complete an activity called Your Plan of Study, where they map out the classes they will take until graduation based on their interests, skills and career goals. Each year they update their plan. Our students are consistently reevaluating their high school and career goals all along their journey rather than at the last minute,” she said. This simple checklist can help keep track of what students should be doing each year to prepare for college, so no unexpected roadblocks impede them from attending the college of their choice:

Ninth grade

10th grade

counselor to search out local and national scholarships.

» Choose high school classes carefully, with your future in mind. “Students should make sure they are on track to not only complete all graduation requirements but also college admission requirements — often, they are not one in the same,” said Kristin Hilton, guidance counselor at Des Moines’ Central Academy. Students looking at more selective colleges and universities should challenge themselves academically with a rigorous course load throughout high school.

» Take advantage of the PLAN test, a college-readiness test produced by ACT. Most schools offer this test to sophomores.

» Decide who you’d like to write recommendations for you, including teachers, coaches, activity leaders or other adults who know you well. Plan on asking for the letters the spring of your junior year so the individuals have plenty of time to write well-thought-out recommendations. Make sure to provide addressed, stamped envelopes so they can send the letters directly to the schools.

11th grade

» Start a binder, spreadsheet or other system to keep track of all academic awards, extracurricular activities and awards, community service projects and anything else that will be helpful when filling out college or scholarship applications in the future.

» Create a testing plan for the SAT and/or ACT. Find out which tests the schools you are considering require. Take the tests junior year so you can retake them next fall if you are not satisfied with your scores. » Work with your guidance

» Sign up for the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test. Not only does the test give you real-world practice for the SAT, it also gives you access to National Merit scholarship programs. » Begin compiling a list of colleges you’d like to learn more about or visit.

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Visit or Apply Today!

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4 • Sunday, September 23, 2012

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» Apply for a summer job or internship. » Write rough drafts of your college application essays. Have a teacher read through them for feedback. » Start college visits. Hilton believes a college visit is the most important aspect of the decision-making process. “I have had multiple students over the years who have had their hearts set on one school or another, only to find out

when they got on campus that it actually wasn’t a good fit,” she said. “I think they need to get a feel for where it is they will spend the next several years of their lives.”

12th grade » Continue visiting prospective schools. » Create a calendar so you don’t miss important deadline dates for admission, financial aid and scholarships. » Fill out financial aid paperwork with your parents. (They can’t be processed, however, until after Jan. 1 of your senior year.) » Consider taking AP or CLEP tests to earn college credit. » Narrow your list of schools, and try to make your final decision by May 1. Be sure to send your deposit and ask your guidance counselor to send your final transcript in June.

Des Moines Sunday Register | College Guide Special Edition

The big question: How do I pay for this? It’s an ever-confusing, and oftentimes scary, conundrum: How do families pay for college without leaving themselves or their children in piles of debt? Fortunately, there are resources to help, from reviewing choices to planning costs. Here are some insights from the experts.

Graceland University

Here’s a bit of gloom-and-doom math: In 2010-2011, the United States Department of Education estimated total yearly costs for undergraduate tuition and room and board reached $13,600 — and that’s at public institutions. At private, not-for-profit institutions, the cost jumps to $36,300 — a whopping $145,200 for four years.

DM-9000349957

In Iowa, tuition at Iowa’s public universities has risen an average of 53 percent since 2003, and student fees have risen another 73 percent. But every autumn, students pack up and go to school, graduate, land jobs, and find ways to pay for all of it. The most successful ones, experts agree, start the discussions and planning with their families, and not in their junior year of high school, but as early as

possible. “Many families just start the quest too late,” Susan Ladd,

director of student financial planning with Drake University, says. “You can never start

saving and planning too early for college and making a college fund a part of the family

budget.” See FUNDS, Page 6

Homecoming 2012AND Gala Shaw Center GALA CONCERT #1 Ticket October 19 7:30 p.m. 09,3172!6 Jens Lindemann & Fountain City Brass Band with special guest Wycliffe Gordon.

GALA CONCERT #2 October 20 7:30 p.m.

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HOMECOMING PLAY Our Town October 18 8 p.m. October 19 & 20 7:30 p.m. October 21 2 p.m.

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INFORMATION GALA CONCERTS $ 10 adults $5 students PLAY $5 To order tickets or for more information, call

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FALLVISIT DATES October 5 GU Open House November 1 Agricultural Business Day November 17 Academic Honors Day November 30 GU Open House

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Special to the Register

866.GRACELAND (866.472.2352) . www.graceland.edu . admissions@graceland.edu

By Kelly Roberson

Sunday, September 23, 2012 • 5

Des Moines Sunday Register | College Guide Special Edition Continued from Page 5

WHAT IT COSTS

CAREER VS. COST

Career goals lead to colleges, and there are seemingly endless choices there, too. Tuition, fees, books, room and board represent 80 to 90 percent of most student costs, says Ladd. Additional factors include travel (a higher education institution that’s far away will entail increased cost), technology needs and textbooks (even with rental options, they’re still a big expense). While many institutions market amazing features — apartment-like living, cool cafeterias — all those extras cost more, too. “Some students see all this stuff and are willing to borrow student loans to have it,” Ladd says.

A key element of those plans includes career discussions relative to costs. That doesn’t mean an art enthusiast should abandon creative pursuits, but it does mean checking out career options and degree paths, some of which may include community colleges or local institutions to fulfill prerequisites. “Every high school student should be thinking of this, with how the job market is,” Heather Doe with the Iowa College Student Aid Commission says. “They need to explore different career options, including degrees in high demand, and think about where they want to live and where the jobs are going to be.”

See FUNDS, Page 7

A 25-foot-tall inflatable “Spike” adorns the Drake University campus between Carnegie Hall and Cole Hall. The bulldog welcomes prospective students. REGISTER FILE PHOTO

rsity e iv n U w ie V d n at Gra

chart your career

on a vibrant metropolitan campus, with the personal touch and the programs you need for success.

40 majors

Average class size of 16

Dynamic internships

Nearly 100% job placement for more than a decade and a half

Financial aid to 99% of full-time students

Choice of on-campus living styles

Affordable tuition

Personal attention

4$ 17/$,>2%$2/9 .7==2-2' %$/79- <8<62;#8% <96 < */; .,/#%$#<9 0<#$, ;2<9 :#- 7557/$"9#$#2% $7 =2</9 <96 -/7>+ 37")== :292*$ from close relationships. Supportive faculty mentors—leaders in $,2#/ *2=6% >,7)!2 %$"6#26 <$ $75 -/<6"<$2 %8,77=%+ 4 8<;5"% community that feels like home. And life-changing experiences around the world.

Watch Real.Northwestern.2 Des Moines, Iowa DM-9000351198

515-263-2810 ! 800-444-6083 ! www.admissions.grandview.edu

6 • Sunday, September 23, 2012

<6;#%%#79%(9>8#7><+26" & 1-800-747-4757 DM-9000351199

Continued from Page 6

WHAT YOU CAN DO College visits and a focus on academics while in high school continue to be key for students. “Spend time and energy and even money in college exploration,” Ladd says. “By the end of your sophomore year in high school, have your college list narrowed to 10 or fewer schools and try to visit all schools of serious interest, if financially feasible. “Your job is to determine schools that really do fit, which takes both effort and soul-searching.”

PAYING FOR SCHOOL Which leads to the most headacheinducing aspect of higher education: How to pay for it all. There is need-based aid, and then there is merit-based aid. There are public and private funding sources, too. Sorting through the options can feel like finding your way out of a maze. “In a nutshell there are federal, state, institutional (the school) and outside funding sources,” Ladd says. “My experience with

students and families is not so much that they are unaware of the sources but that they need support in navigating those sources and understanding how they can fit together to help fund college. “Separate needs from wants when borrowing student loans and do not borrow loans for wants. I once heard a law school dean caution new students: ‘If you live like a lawyer while you’re a student, you’ll live like a student when you’re a lawyer.’ ”

WHO CAN HELP A good place to start is financial aid officers at prospective schools. There are all sorts of free calculators, including a Free Application for Federal Student Aid forecaster that shows your likelihood of qualifying for aid. But after all the discussions and calculators, it’s important to remember that cost is but one element to success. A school needs to be a good fit, too. “The college decision is one filled with emotion for both student and parent and that emotion must be balanced with a hard look at what can really be afforded,” Ladd says.

RESOURCES EVERY FAMILY NEEDS If you’re a first-timer or an old pro, you won’t want to miss these resources: » Studentaid.ed.gov: The website of the Federal Student Aid office of the U.S. Department of Education, with calculators and good background information. » Iowacollegeaid.gov: The Iowa College Student Aid Commission website, with a variety of tools on financial literacy. Lots of free publications are also available. » Ihaveaplaniowa.gov: This site helps students determine if they’re taking the right courses and includes a slope calculator, which shows student loans over projected earnings. » Icansucceed.org: The site of the Iowa College Access Network, with resources that discuss early planning. » Nces.ed.gov: The National Center for Education Statistics provides a link to each college’s net price calculator.

Des Moines Sunday Register | College Guide Special Edition

6 common financial aid mistakes Take note: Avoid making these errors when planning out your college aid plans By Kelly Roberson Special to the Register

Not filing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). “Everyone should file it,” Heather Doe with the Iowa College Student Aid Commission says. “Even if you don’t think you will be eligible for need-based aid, if you are going to

apply for a federal loan you will need it.”

Not searching for scholarships. They are out there but it takes time to look, Doe says.

Ignoring the essay or letters of recommendation. Get them done before you need to apply for scholarships, Doe suggests. “And don’t skip a scholarship because there’s an essay associated with it.”

Paying someone to search for scholarships. “Some people use scare tactics to convince families they need to, but FAFSA has built-in error checks and

agencies like ours together with any college’s financial aid office can answer questions,” Doe says.

Passing over small sources of aid or missing deadlines. Small ones add up. Have a calendar with deadlines so you don’t miss any.

Not starting to plan soon enough. “You can never start saving and planning too early for college and making a college fund a part of the family budget,” Susan Ladd, director of student financial planning at Drake University, says. Don’t wait until your senior year.

» Fastweb.com: Free outside scholarship searches. » High school guidance offices: “The best chance for receiving an outside scholarship is from a donor close to home,” Drake’s Susan Ladd says. “As long as time and brain power are all that is being expended, can one really justify not making the effort because the amount is too small?”

DEFINING THE

Named one of the best colleges in the Midwest by Forbes.com, Princeton Review, Washington Monthly, and U.S. News & World Report

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CALL 800.242.4153 OR VISIT CHOOSEASHFORD.COM 400 NORTH BLUFF BLVD., CLINTON, IA 52732 12AUC1399 • AC0255 DM-9000350147

Sunday, September 23, 2012 • 7

Des Moines Sunday Register | College Guide Special Edition

Advice from campus: Mary Honeyman By Sophia Ahmad Special to the Register

Mary Honeyman is a marketing and entrepreneurial management double major at Drake University. The 22-year-old grew up a farm girl in Emerson, a southwest Iowa town with a population of fewer than 500. The small-town girl with a self-professed big personality was not about to attend a college close to home, but fate had another plan for her. How she chose her college: After sending applications to out-of-state schools, her father told her that her great-grandfather had attended Drake. “The decision to go to Drake was not all that strategic. I just knew — it

was a feeling,” Honeyman said. “It seemed like Drake wanted to know me. It's like they took Recruitment 101. They wanted to know my decision, whether I went there or not. They didn't treat me like a dollar sign.” Best experiences: In addition to earning a double major, Honeyman is also working toward a music minor and is the Drake chapter president of the American Marketing Association. Many of her favorite experiences stem from her involvement in the Drake choir and AMA. After college: “I am completely in love with marketing,” she said. She hopes to land an agricultural marketing job at a larger company in Des

Moines, preferably one that can help her get a master’s degree. She’d like to stay in the area for five years then transfer to Colorado or live and work in Germany, where her grandmother is from. Advice for those in the college search: 1. “Do the research, but don't base it solely on the numbers,” she said. Although she is paying for her own education, tuition is not the only factor Honeyman considered. She found a place that cares about her and wants her to succeed, she says. 2. Visit prospective colleges. “I never would've known to come to Drake if I didn't tour it and see it. It's important to get a feel for the campus and the environment. Each campus

Mary Honeyman on the Drake University campus. DANI AUSEN/SPECIAL TO THE REGISTER has its own vibe and culture,” she said. 3. Get involved. When Honeyman joined the Drake choir, she

YOUR SUCCESS

immediately acquired a “built-in friend group,” she said. “Whether it's choir or club athletics, find what

makes you happy and keep it going throughout college. Though I have a business mind, music is what centers me.”

Looking for Direction? Look to Allen College. Associate of Science in Radiography (ASR) Bachelor of Health Sciences (BHS) ! Medical Laboratory Science ! Nuclear Medicine Technology ! Diagnostic Medical Sonography Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) ! Traditional, Upper Division ! 15-month Accelerated BSN ! LPN-BSN ! RN-BSN ! Part-time, Evening/Weekend

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) ! RN-MSN ! Nurse Practitioner tracks in ﬁve areas ! Nursing Education ! Nursing Leadership ! Community/ Public Health Nursing Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

WWW.SIMPSON.EDU 8 • Sunday, September 23, 2012

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AWA I T S AT

For more information call 319.226.2000 or go online at allencollege.edu. Allen College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, marital status, sex, age, national origin, disability, sexual orientation or gender identity.

Des Moines Sunday Register | College Guide Special Edition

Advice from campus: Aly Merschman By Paula Reece Special to the Register

Aly Merschman is a junior studying digital media production and political studies at Grand View University. How she chose her college: Merschman said no other college she visited offered as many internship opportunities and connections so close to Des Moines. “I also knew that Grand View had a dance team so I tried out, and I love my coach and team,” she said. “I also fell in love with the communication program and all of its opportunities that it has afforded me: I worked at a radio station

this summer and got real-world experience of what to expect after graduation. “This wouldn't have been possible if not for the connections I made in my time at Grand View.” The campus in Des Moines is what really sold her on Grand View. She said everything is within a 10-minute walk, and this year she gets to live in a new apartment building — an on-campus living option for juniors and seniors. Best thing about college: “The biggest advantage of Grand View is definitely the location in Des Moines,” she said. “You

can take part in the great school-sponsored events in the city, like free bowling nights, free movie nights, lazer tag, paintball, mini golf, ice skating … the list goes on and on. “Basically, Grand View wants you to be involved and make connections with people to hopefully further your career in the future.” Advice for those in the college search: “When visiting a college, make sure and ask lots of questions,” she said. “Tour guides, coaches, professors and your admissions counselors are great for information. You'll be glad you did when you get home and can't find the answers on the Internet.”

Aly Merschman says Grand View University’s location in Des Moines means more opportunities for internships. MICHAEL WATSON/SPECIAL TO THE REGISTER DM-9000351195

K1Sunday, September23, 2012 • 9

Des Moines Sunday Register | College Guide Special Edition

10 â&#x20AC;˘ Sunday, September 23, 2012

Des Moines Sunday Register | College Guide Special Edition

IOWA’S PRIVATE FOUR-YEAR COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES, CONTINUED INSTITUTION INFORMATION

College/University Location

Phone Web site

ACADEMICS Degrees offered

Most popular majors

Four-year graduation rate

Undergraduate: Full-time Part-time

Tuition Room/Board

Books Application Fee*

Allen

(319) 226-2000 www.allencollege.edu

Associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s

Radiology, health science, nursing

65%

79%

21%

$16,236 $7,281

$1,200 $50

Des Moines University

(515) 271-1400 www.dmu.edu

Graduate level only, 9 different degrees

Osteopathic medicine, podiatric medicine, physicians assistant, biomedical science

Mercy College of Health Sciences

(515) 643-6715 www.mchs.edu

Associate’s, bachelor’s

Nursing, diagnostic medical sonography, radiologic technology, emergency medical services

59%

41%

$14,460 NA

$1,400 $30

St. Luke’s College

(712) 279-3149 www.stlukescollege.edu

Associate’s, certificate programs

Nursing, radiology, respiratory care, phlebotomy

$16,020 NA

$1,550 $50

Location

sff

Waterloo Des Moines

Des Moines Sioux City

* Some institutions waive application fee if student applies online. Some schools have book lending programs.

$40,800 NA

$1,924 $50

Source: Iowa’s colleges and universities

Sunday, September 23, 2012 • 11

Des Moines Sunday Register | College Guide Special Edition

IOWA’S COMMUNITY COLLEGES If you’re looking for options closer to home for the first couple of years, community colleges provide a variety of opportunities.

College

Phone Website

Des Moines Area Community College

Phone Website

Campus locations

College

(800) 362-2127 www.dmacc.edu

Ankeny, Boone, Carroll, Newton, Des Moines, West Des Moines, Perry

Kirkwood Community College

(800) 332-2055 www.kirkwood. edu

Eastern Iowa Community Colleges

(800) 462-3255 www.eicc.edu

Scott Comm. College (Bettendorf), Clinton Comm. College, Muscatine Comm. College

Cedar Rapids, Iowa City, Marion, Benton County (Vinton), Cedar County (Tipton), Iowa County (Williamsburg), Jones Regional (Monticello), Tippie-Mansfield (Belle Plaine), Washington

Hawkeye Community College

(319) 296-2320 www.hawkeye college.edu

Waterloo, Cedar Falls, Independence, Waverly, Holland

Northeast Iowa Community College

(800) 728-2256 www.nicc.edu

Calmar, Peosta, Cresco, Dubuque, Oelwin, Waukon, Manchester

Indian Hills Community College

(800) 726-2585 www.indianhills. edu

Ottumwa, Centerville

North Iowa Area Community College

(888) 466-4222 www.niacc.edu

Mason City, Charles City, Forest City, Garner, Hampton, Lake Mills, Osage

Iowa Central Community College

(800) 362-2793 www.iccc.cc.ia.us

Fort Dodge, Webster City, Eagle Grove, Storm Lake

Northwest Iowa Community College

(800) 352-4907 www.nwicc.edu

Sheldon

Iowa Lakes Community College

(800) 521-5054 www.iowalakes. edu

Algona, Emmetsburg, Estherville, Spencer, Spirit Lake

Southeastern Community College

(866) 722-4692 www.scciowa. edu

West Burlington, Keokuk, Mount Pleasant, Fort Madison, Burlington

Iowa Valley District Community College

(641) 752-4643 Marshalltown Comm. College, www.iavalley.edu Ellsworth Comm. College (Iowa Falls), Iowa Valley Comm. College (Grinnell)

Southwestern Community College

(641) 782-7081 www.swcciowa. edu

Creston, Red Oak, Osceola

Iowa Western Community College

(800) 432-5852 www.iwcc.edu

Western Iowa Tech Community College

(800) 352-4649 www.witcc.edu

Sioux City, Cherokee, Le Mars, Mapleton, Denison

Council Bluffs, Clarinda, Cass County (Atlantic), Page/Fremont County (Shenandoah), Shelby County (Harlan)

Campus locations

Source: Iowa’s colleges and universities

A few

decisions in life are

big.

These big decisions – the life changers – are b e s t when they promise:

D e p e n d a b i l i t y. S t a b i l i t y. P o s s i b i l i t y.

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When uncertainty rocks the world,

THE BEST CHOICES feel right in your heart and make sense in your head.

WA R T B U R G S TA N D S S T R O N G .

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C O R E VA L U E S .

Like the mighty

FORTRESS

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For more information go to www.war tburg.edu/rightchoice

Make a decision that makes sense to both the head and the heart.

Choose Wartburg graduates. Choose Wartburg College.

WARTBURG

COLLEGE

Leadership. Service. Faith. Learning.

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12 • Sunday, September 23, 2012

Des Moines Sunday Register | College Guide Special Edition

ECC is a great fit! CNNMoney.com has ranked

Ellsworth Community College as having the 19th best student success rate (graduation rate + transfer rate) of any community college in the nation! Try us on for size at an upcoming Panther Preview Day ... Oct. 12, Nov. 16, or Dec. 7. Call or e-mail the ECC Admissions Office to participate.

The right size, right price and a great fit for YOU! ELLSWORTH

Community College iowa valley community college district

1100 College Ave., Iowa Falls, Iowa 50126 Ph: 1-800-322-9235 ! E: eccinfo@iavalley.edu W: EllsworthCollege.com DM-9000344770

Sunday, September 23, 2012 â&#x20AC;˘ 13

Des Moines Sunday Register | College Guide Special Edition

Advice from campus: Steven Kellogg By Paula Reece

every minute I’ve spent at AIB.” Best thing about college: “My favorite part about AIB is the fact that you’re not just a number, but an actual person,” he said. “I know a lot of people say this about their school, but I have seen it on a personal level. Professors will contact you to see why you aren’t coming to class, and they will work with you whenever they have time.” Kellogg enjoys the small classroom sizes, and how “you get into the workplace sooner.” “You also save money because you don’t have to go that fourth year,” he said. Advice for those in the college search: “Look at all types of schools, and go and visit

Special to the Register

Steven Kellogg is a sophomore at AIB College of Business in Des Moines. He’s studying business administration and financial services at the school, which he admits was not his first choice when his college search began. How he chose AIB: “I was looking at a couple of other colleges that would allow me to play football,” he said. “Also, I was looking at smaller schools because I went to a small high school and really enjoyed that atmosphere.” His mother is an AIB alumna, and “she really just nagged to me to come and visit the college. I came up and visited and left loving the school. I have enjoyed

K Y L E F R E IS C

H L AG

O LO GY, HI ST MAJORS: BI

Pella, Iowa

ISTR Y

, B IO LO GY SS IO NS CLUB HE ALTH PR O FE ET Y HO NO R S SO CI TE R N IP: NORTH W ES INTERNSH AG O I T A L IN CH IC M ED I CA L HO SP OAD: GH ANA

R STUDY AB L: CE NTR A L E CENTRA V O L I Y H W GL O B AL TO GA R NER A AL LO W S YO U WANT YO U O N LI FE TH EY VE TI EC P S P ER U HE R E EY ENGA GE YO HE R E, AND TH

al.edu www.centr

14 • Sunday, September 23, 2012

them with an open mind. I don’t think I would be at AIB if I hadn’t come to see the school. Also, don’t just

COLLEGE

A NIS H, CH EM MINORS: SP NIS , S: VA RS IT Y TE N ACTIVITIE

DM-9000350388

MICHAEL WATSON/SPECIAL TO THE REGISTER

CENTRAL

OR Y

Steven Kellogg says he has enjoyed every minute at AIB. settle on your first choice of schools — you don’t know what’s out there until you actually see it.”

llege! o C rf o ld a W t a g n lo be At Waldorf College, it’s all about you! 2 $4,0 academics: 20 popular majors (with loads of tracks to clarify your interests), small classes and faculty who are truly committed to your success. 2 $4,0 activities: 18 intercollegiate sports, more than 30 clubs and organizations, and loads of musical and theatrical performance opportunities. 2 $4,0 life: Great food options, a wide variety of housing choices, and a real sense of community that is unique to Waldorf College. &+!+04,/ /.'4#10/'%3 304(01"/ make your Waldorf education even more affordable! )4"+ *%/%- 4,0 .1"3,/ to ﬁnd out for yourself!

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Des Moines Sunday Register | College Guide Special Edition

5 things to consider before choosing a school

Choosing the best college can be tricky. Brittany Preston, the assistant director of admissions at Simpson College, offers five things for students and families to consider while planning their academic futures. By Sophia Ahmad Special to the Register

1. Proximity to home It seems simple, but students have to decide if they want to stay close to home or not. Keep in mind though, a college that is nearby can seem far away, since the atmosphere and lifestyle is different than living at home with parents. “I’m a huge proponent of visiting campuses,” Preston, 28, said. “Brochures and websites can only tell you so much. The most important thing is getting on those

campuses and getting a feel (for them).” She recommends arranging an overnight visit. For example, Simpson College hosts high school seniors on campus, and that gives them a sense of “I can do this” and “I feel comfortable doing this,” she said. 2. Size Do you want a big school or a small school? Factors like large sports teams or one-on-one relationships with professors can determine the size of college best for the student.

Brennan Acton leads a tour of the University of Iowa campus in Iowa City. Brittany Preston of Simpson College recommends students visit campuses before heading down the road to choosing a school. REGISTER FILE PHOTO Small schools have similar research and internship opportunities as big schools, Preston said, but the competition is less aggressive. “Prospective students have to figure out what size means for the classroom experience, what that means for their social life

and what that means if they’re an athlete.” 3. What is the student hoping to get out of the experience? Academically driven students should find schools that support their career goals. “Say the student wants to be a doctor and go to

medical school. The school needs to help them build a resume, apply to med school and develop a relationship with a professor who can write a good letter of recommendation,” she said. If the student is undecided, look for a school that will guide and help him/her choose what to study. If the prospective student has always dreamed of studying abroad, ask schools about what opportunities are available. 4. Cost Since student debt can be a big factor for some families, comparing financial aid packages is important, Preston said. “When a student has all of those offers and all of those awards, they want to evaluate if the experience is worth the price tag,” Preston said.

Families should weigh the pros and cons of the cost. On one hand, college is an investment in a future career. On the other, families have to agree on the right amount of loans and potential debt for their financial situation. 5. Will it prepare the student for what he/she wants to do after college? Preston advises students to pay attention to those in the field they plan to study and ask where they got their degrees. Also, find out what alumni are doing postgraduation, she says. Make sure they’re finding jobs, doing well and speaking positively about their alma mater. Admissions staff and faculty should be able to put students in touch with successful alumni, she said.

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Sunday, September 23, 2012 • 15

Des Moines Sunday Register | College Guide Special Edition

Explore your future at college fair

The following colleges, universities and organizations are taking part in the Iowa College Access Network’s college fair Sept. 30. AIB College of Business, Des Moines Allen College, Waterloo American Academy of Art, Chicago Ashford University, Clinton Augustana College, Sioux Falls, S.D. Augustana College, Rock Island, Ill. AVEDA Institute, Des Moines, West Des Moines Avila University, Kansas City, Mo. Baker University, Baldwin City, Kan. Beloit College, Beloit, Wis. Bethel University, St. Paul, Minn. Black Hills State University, Spearfish, S.D. Bradley University, Peoria, Ill. Briar Cliff University,

GOLDEN CIRCLE COLLEGE FAIR When: 12:30-3 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 30 Where: Hy-Vee Hall at Iowa Events Center, 730 Third St., Des Moines Sioux City Buena Vista University, Storm Lake Butler University, Indianapolis, Ind. Carleton College, Northfield, Minn. Carlson College of Massage Therapy, Anamosa Central College, Pella Central Methodist University, Fayette, Mo. Clarke University, Dubuque Clarkson College, Omaha, Neb. Coe College, Cedar Rapids Colgate University, Hamilton, N.Y. College of Saint Mary, Omaha. Neb.

College St. Benedict/ St. John’s University, Collegeville, Minn. College of Visual Arts, Saint Paul, Minn. Columbia College Chicago, Chicago, Ill. Concordia University, Seward, Neb. Cornell College, Mount Vernon Cottey College, Nevada, Mo. Creative Center, Omaha, Neb. Creighton University, Omaha, Neb. Des Moines Area Community College, Ankeny Doane College, Crete, Neb. Dordt College, Sioux Center Drake University, Des Moines Drury University, Springfield, Mo. Eastern Illinois University, Charleston, Ill. Eastern Iowa Community College District, Davenport Ellsworth Community College, Iowa Falls

www.kirkwood.edu

FUTURES

Start Here.

DM-9000349610

16 • Sunday, September 23, 2012

Emmaus Bible College, Dubuque Graceland University, Lamoni Grand View University, Des Moines Grinnell College, Grinnell Gustavus Adolphus College, St. Peter, Minn. Hamline University, St. Paul, Minn. Hawkeye Community College, Waterloo Huntington Learning Center, West Des Moines Illinois Wesleyan University, Bloomington, Ill. Indian Hills Community College, Ottumwa Iowa Army National Guard, Johnston Iowa Central Community College, Fort Dodge Iowa College Access Network, West Des Moines Iowa College Goal Sunday, West Des Moines Iowa College Student Aid Commission, Des Moines Iowa Lakes Community College, Emmetsburg Iowa School of Beauty, Des Moines Iowa State University, Ames Iowa Wesleyan College, Mount Pleasant Iowa Western Community College, Council Bluffs ITT Technical Institute, Clive Kaplan University, Urbandale Kirkwood Community College, Cedar Rapids Knox College, Galesburg, Ill. La James International College, Johnston Lawrence University, Appleton, Wis. Loras College, Dubuque Luther College, Decorah Macalester College, St. Paul, Minn. Marquette University, Milwaukee, Wis. Marshalltown Community College, Marshalltown Mercy College of Health Sciences, Des Moines Midland University, Fremont, Neb. Minnesota State University, Mankato, Mankato, Minn. Missouri State University, Springfield, Mo. Missouri University of

Science and Technology, Rolla, Mo. Missouri Western State University, St. Joseph, Mo. Monmouth College, Monmouth, Ill. Morningside College, Sioux City Mount Mercy University, Cedar Rapids Nebraska Christian College, Papillion, Neb. North Central College, Naperville, Ill. North Iowa Area Community College, Mason City Northwest Iowa Community College, Sheldon Northwest Missouri State University, Maryville, Mo. Northwestern College, St. Paul, Minn. Northwestern College, Orange City Park University, Parkville, Mo. PCI Academy, Ames Penn State University, University Park, Pa. Peru State College, Peru, Neb. Proteus, Des Moines Purdue University, West Lafayette, Ind. Robert Morris University, Chicago Rockhurst University, Kansas City, Mo. Saint Louis University, St. Louis, Mo. Saint Mary's University of Minnesota, Winona, Minn. Seton Hall University, South Orange, N.J. Signature Healthcare, Waukee Simpson College, Indianola Smith College, Northampton, Mass. South Dakota State University, Brookings, S.D. Southwest Minnesota State University, Marshall, Minn. Southwestern Community College, Creston St. Ambrose University, Davenport St. Catherine University, St. Paul, Minn. St. Luke’s College, Sioux City St. Olaf College, Northfield, Minn. Texas Christian University, Fort Worth, Texas The Original La James College, Mason City The Savannah College of

Art and Design, Savannah, Ga. Truman State University, Kirksville, Mo. University of Central Missouri, Warrensburg, Mo. University of Dubuque, Dubuque University of Evansville, Evansville, Ind. University of Iowa, Iowa City University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kan. University of Minnesota Rochester, Rochester, Minn. University of Missouri, Columbia, Mo. University of Nebraska at Omaha, Omaha, Neb. University of NebraskaLincoln, Lincoln, Neb. University of Nebraska Engineering, Lincoln and Omaha, Neb. University of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls University of Sioux Falls, Sioux Falls, S.D. University of South Dakota, Vermillion, S.D. University of Southern California, Los Angeles, Calif. University of St. Thomas, St. Paul, Minn. University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Va. University of Wisconsin-Platteville, Platteville, Wis. Upper Iowa University, Fayette Valparaiso University, Valparaiso, Ind. Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tenn. Vatterott College, Des Moines Viterbo University, La Crosse, Wis. Waldorf College, Forest City Wartburg College, Waverly Washington and Lee University, Lexington, Va. Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Mo. Wayne State College, Wayne, Neb. Webster University, St. Louis, Mo. Wellesley College, Wellesley, Mass. Western Illinois University, Moline, Ill. William Jewell College, Liberty, Mo. William Penn University, Oskaloosa

Des Moines Sunday Register | College Guide Special Edition

I love the CONNECTIONS I’ve made with faculty and staff as well as the ORGANIZATIONS I’VE BECOME INVOLVED IN. UNI is the PERFECT FIT for me!

Matthew public administration: human resources major Des Moines, Iowa

At UNI, you’ll find smaller classes, personal attention and in-depth programs. UNI students graduate with the knowledge, drive and passion that allows them to explore the world and make positive change. Schedule a visit and see for yourself!

I am

www.uni.edu

DM-9000333348

Sunday, September 23, 2012 • 17

Des Moines Sunday Register | College Guide Special Edition

Advice from campus: Natalie Pearson By Paula Reece Special to the Register

Natalie Pearson is a senior studying finance and economics at Drake University. How she chose Drake: Pearson points to three reasons Drake University won her over: size, location and the College of Business and Public Administration. “Coming from the largest high school in Iowa (West Des Moines’ Valley High School), the transition from 2,400 students to 3,400 students was simple,” she said. “I liked the medium-sized private school aspect because class sizes were smaller and professors knew me by name.” Being 15 minutes

from home is another bonus. “I can live the life of a college student both on campus and in the city, but I can also swing by to see the family because they’re easily accessible — best of both worlds.” “Lastly, I truly appreciate and admire the relationships between the CBPA and several companies in the Des Moines area,” she said. “The CBPA has such wonderful relationships with local businesses that I have been able to make connections with professionals and obtain three internships at the Principal Financial Group prior to graduation.” Best part about life at Drake: “An aspect Drake

University offers which many other schools do not is the ability to begin your major the moment you start your first year,” she said. “I found this very beneficial as some students like to double major, and because of this opportunity paired with Drake’s curriculum, students have the ability to do so and graduate in four years.” Pearson said 97.3 percent of 2011 Drake graduates found a job or were enrolled in grad school within six months of graduation. Advice for those in the college search: “Go on a visit to every college. I considered five schools — Drake University, University of Chicago, Washington University in St. Louis,

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18 • Sunday, September 23, 2012

Natalie Pearson on the Drake University campus DANI AUSEN/SPECIAL TO THE REGISTER

Stanford University and the University of Iowa — and visited all five. From my visits, I knew exactly where I wanted to go.”

She also recommends taking AP courses if possible to get accustomed to college-level classes. “You don’t need to

drown yourself in AP credits your senior year,” she said. “Just take a couple courses to make the transition easier.”

Advice from campus: Jessica Gearheart By Paula Reece Special to the Register

Jessica Gearheart is a sophomore studying apparel and merchandising with a minor in event management at Iowa State University. How she chose Iowa State: For Gearheart, it was all about the “awesome” apparel merchandising and design program. “And I wouldn’t have to pay out-of-state tuition for learning the same material at another school,” she said. “I didn’t really have any other options because nowhere else in Iowa has this kind of a program. The only other school I was looking at was FIT in Manhattan, but the expenses weren’t

Jessica Gearheart on the Iowa State campus. DANI AUSEN/SPECIAL TO THE REGISTER

reasonable.” Best experiences: Gearheart loves the university’s beautiful campus. “The busing system is awesome, too — if you don’t live within walking distance of campus you know you’ll always have a

ride to class,” she said. “Another advantage about ISU is that the professors and advisers really care about finding their students internships and good jobs once we graduate. They are always sending emails of different clubs to join and different internships available that would benefit us in the future.” Advice for those in the college search: “Don’t just go somewhere because your friends are or because you think you’ll have the most fun there. Once you graduate from college, none of that is going to matter anymore. You’ll meet friends wherever you go, and your future is more important. “Also, college isn’t as scary as some make it seem.” K1

Des Moines Sunday Register | College Guide Special Edition

You feel it when you step on campus at the University of Iowa: the energy and pride of

Tradition

students inspired by our history and excited about our future. When you join the Hawkeye family, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re a part of both.

Be a part of it. Be a Hawkeye. ! More than 100 undergraduate areas of study

! About 22,000 undergraduates and 31,500 students overall

! Students from every state and more than 100 countries

! 16-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio ! Nearly 500 student organizations ! 22 Big Ten varsity sports teams and distance learning ! Online opportunities in the Des Moines area

admissions.uiowa.edu ! 319-335-3847 DM-9000351075

Sunday, September 23, 2012 â&#x20AC;˘ 19

Des Moines Sunday Register | College Guide Special Edition

Your Passion Our Opportunities What is an exceptional college experience? The path to your dream may come by way of an internship as a production assistant for a presidential debate on campus or a semester in Africa studying sustainable development. Or it could come from touring Europe with an award-winning jazz ensemble or collaborating on ground-breaking research. It’s a path that’s set on a strong foundation. Nearly all of our faculty hold the highest degree in their ﬁeld and all teach their own classes. Best of all, more than 97 percent of Drake grads ﬁnd career employment or enter graduate school within six months of receiving their degrees.

It’s about more than just getting an excellent education. It’s learning by doing, and it’s the Drake Advantage.

write Drake University 2507 University Ave., Des Moines, Iowa 50311-4505 call 1-800-44-drake (37253) surf www.drake.edu/advantage like www.facebook.com/DrakeAdmission tweet www.twitter.com/DrakeAdmission

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20 • Sunday, September 23, 2012