My College Guide 2019

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2019 EDITION

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VISITS

Admissions

INFO

lynn.edu/visit

If you’re defiantly optimistic

We have a different way of doing things. Three-year degrees. iPad®-powered learning. Dialogues instead of lectures. We come from everywhere and believe we can do anything. We’re tinkerers and restless early adopters who believe education demands bold, persistent experimentation. We’re Lynn. And if you—like us— are defiantly optimistic, you’re Lynn, too. iPad is a registered trademark of Apple Inc. Lynn University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, age, pregnancy or parenting status, veteran status or retirement status in its activities and programs. In accordance with Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Lynn University does not discriminate on the basis of sex. Inquiries concerning the application of the non-discrimination policy may be directed to the University Compliance Officer/Title IX Coordinator at 3601 N. Military Trail, Boca Raton, FL 33431; via email at titleixcoordinator@lynn.edu; by phone at +1 561-237-7727 or to the U.S. Dept. of Education OCR. Lynn University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award baccalaureate, master’s and doctoral degrees. Contact the Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097 or call +1 404-679-4500 for questions about the accreditation of Lynn University. © 2018 Lynn University

THE UNIVERSITY FOR THE

4-YEAR TUITION PLAN Provides peace of mind — and the same net tuition all four years plus no fees.

#1

85%

95%

of students find success within six months of graduation

of our students live on campus or in our student neighborhood

TOP-TIER

#4

national Catholic research university

Catholic university for sponsored engineering research and development

“Students Love These Colleges”

TOP 50 “Colleges that Create Futures”

udayton.edu

INVENT THE LIFE YOU WANT TO LEAD

PUBLISHER Michael Gluckstern ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER April Gluckstern EDITOR Wendy Burt-Thomas CREATIVE DIRECTOR Carla Mattioli MARKETING CONSULTANT Lisa Fortini DATA SPECIALIST Erika Hudson ONLINE EDITOR Haley Zilberberg CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Charlie Hagerman and Ben Stevenson If your school is interested in participating in My College Guide, contact Michael Gluckstern at 561-203-1859 or mg@mycollegeguide.org.

My College Guide is made available to high-achieving, college-bound high school students seeking to make a successful transition to college.

• Located in the heart of Silicon Valley, the hub for high-tech innovation, future-thinkers, and entrepreneurship opportunities • Academically rigorous and hands-on programs in the Arts & Sciences, Business, and Engineering • Low student-to-faculty ratio with personal support from an engaged community • Preparing the next generation of ethical leaders to build a more humane and sustainable tomorrow

scu.edu/ugrad

Some of the students receiving My College Guide participate in the Talent Identification Program at Duke University; the Center for Talent Development at Northwestern University; the Belin-Blank Center for Gifted Education and Talent Development at the University of Iowa; and the National Society of High School Scholars.

ADVISORY BOARD Robert Bennett Senior Associate Director of Admissions, Clemson University Michael Heintze Associate Vice President for Enrollment Management & Marketing, Texas State University C. Lauren Scott Associate Director of Admissions, University of North Carolina Wilmington Mike Sexton Vice President for Enrollment Management, Santa Clara University

My College Guide 5500 Military Trail, Suite 22-264 Jupiter, FL 33458 ©2018 My College Guide

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Directory COLLEGES

Lynn University ................. IFC

Texas State University .........15

Allegheny College ...................5

Boca Raton, FL www.lynn.edu

San Marcos, TX www.admissions.txstate.edu

Meadville, PA www.allegheny.edu

Maryville College .................15

Trine University ...................48

Maryville, TN www.maryvillecollege.edu

Angola, IN www.trine.edu

Oklahoma Baptist University ............................46

University of Colorado— Colorado Springs .................46

Clemson University ............ IBC

Shawnee, OK www.okbu.edu

Colorado Springs, CO www.uccs.edu

Clemson, SC www.clemson.edu

Pratt Institute .....................42

University of Dayton .............1

Coastal Carolina University....6

Brooklyn, NY www.pratt.edu

Dayton, OH www.udayton.edu/apply

Shawnee, OK www.okbu.edu

Conway, SC www.coastal.edu

Rhodes College ....................30

University of North Carolina Wilmington .........................31

Southwestern Assemblies of God University .......... 43

California University of Pennsylvania ...................37 California, PA www.calu.edu

Concordia University Chicago ................................28 River Forest, IL www.cuchicago.edu

Emory University Pre-College Program ..............................29 Atlanta, GA www.precollege.emory.edu

Georgian Court University ...41 Lakewood, NJ www.georgian.edu

Hofstra University ...............23 Hofstra, NY www.hofstra.edu

Indiana Tech ........................37 Fort Wayne, IN www.indianatech.edu

Lawrence Technological University ............................20 Southfield, MI www.ltu.edu

Memphis, TN www.rhodes.edu

Rutgers University—New Brunswick............................11 Piscataway, NJ admissions.newbrunswick.rutgers. edu

National Student Leadership Conference....................... 8

CHRISTIAN Oklahoma Baptist University ...................... 46

Waxahachie, TX www.sagu.edu

University of Oklahoma .......41

ENGINEERING

Norman, OK www.ou.edu

Tennessee Technological University ...................... BC

Santa Clara University ...........2 Santa Clara, CA www.scu.edu/ugrad

Spartanburg, SC www.uscupstate.edu

Southwestern Assemblies of God University ................43

Wentworth Institute of Technology ..........................19

Waxahachie, TX www.sagu.edu

Boston, MA www.wit.edu

Stetson University .................6

Winthrop University ............13

Deland, FL www.stetson.edu

Rock Hill, SC www.winthrop.edu

Cookeville, TN www.tntech.edu

National Society of High School Scholars.............. 23

Wilmington, NC www.uncw.edu

University of South Carolina Upstate................................29

Tennessee Technological University ............................BC

ADVERTISERS

Cookeville, TN www.tntech.edu

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info on college life & admission

WAYS TO START CHECKING OUT

GET

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COELL ARNNEYEGES O M College

, YOU’RE FINALLY GETTING SERIOUS about the prospect of going to college and feeling an itch to start looking options. But where to begin? Assuming at some you’re not ready to shell out hundreds of dollars for flights to attend campus tours around the country, here are a few inexpensive (or free) ways to start checking out schools now.

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for Campus

VISITioSns Admiss

INFO

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TAKE A VIRTUAL TOUR. Many colleges and universities now offer virtual tours on their websites.

Most will show you the outside campus and inside the library, theater, dining halls, dorms, classrooms and athletic field houses. You can also search like YouTube and Vimeo. Or, if you’re sites looking for a next-level experience, head to YouVisit.com. The site boasts 360-degree tours and virtual reality tours for more than 600 schools.

Find a virtual reality headset and dive in!

VISIT A LOCAL COLLEGE.

Even if you don’t plan to attend a nearby college or university, just visiting a local school may give you a taste campus life. You may be able to sit of in on a class, visit the library, eat in a dining hall and check out a dorm There’s always a chance you’ll find room. your dream school close to home when you least expect it! www.mycollegeguide.org

life changes. keep up with it.

Read My College Guide for tips on college admissions, campus life and career options.

www.mycollegeguide.org

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contents

3 | Directory 7 | Briefs What are the best ways to start checking out colleges? What’s going on across college campuses in terms of trending fashion, activism, apps and music? How can you make the most of visiting a friend at college? Which college majors lead to the highest-paying jobs? We’ve got the answers to these questions—along with the 411 on dorm goodies, financial aid myths, waits lists and demonstrated interest—and more!

26 | Preparing for College Now

By Charlie Hagerman It might feel early to start thinking about college, but there are plenty of things you can do now to get a leg up on the process! Find out how to best beef up your schedule with academics and extracurriculars, ways to start researching colleges, how many times to take the college-prep tests and where to get help brainstorming on majors and careers.

32 | Campus Visits

By Wendy Burt-Thomas You probably won’t be able to visit every college or university you’re considering, but we’ve got some tips to help you narrow down your list. You’ll also learn what to expect on a typical campus visit, how to get a true feel for schools on your visits, and what to do if you can’t see a school in person.

38 | Earning Money for College

By Ben Stevenson Did you know you can start earning money for college now? From scholarships to essay and video contests, there are plenty of options to consider even if you’re a sophomore in high school. We’ve got tips on finding contests and scholarships now, as well as examples of some that can earn you thousands of dollars for college.

44 | Admissions Technology

By Wendy Burt-Thomas Colleges are adopting new tech and digital tools to help applicants do just about every part of the admissions process: compare colleges, virtually visit schools, get questions answered and upload videos. We asked some admissions officers to share their favorite tools and social media and which ones they recommend to interested applicants.

Win an Amazon gift card or Visa® gift card!

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G E T T H E G E A R G I V E AWAY 4

www.mycollegeguide.org

Allegheny is doing the work that more schools should be doing: challenging students and holding them accountable to their potential.

Hilary Oswald, Editor

Colleges That Change Lives

#6

MOST INNOVATIVE National Liberal Arts College U.S. News & World Report

the campus culture that celebrates unusual combinations allegheny.edu/visit www.mycollegeguide.org

5

If there is one thing you should know about Stetson it is this: While some institutions boast that bigger is better, we’ve shown the opposite is true. Beyond cookie-cutter academics and crowded classrooms, you’ll find an education that’s about your passions and potential, not another college process.

It’s not that our class sizes are smaller, it’s that the connections are real. Connections that lead to successful careers, to lifelong friends and life-changing opportunities.

Here, you’ll find a rare place that embraces and elevates your voice – that’s significant.

SIGNIFICANCE ONE UNIVERSITY

CHANGE EVERYTHING

GO BEYOND - 800-688-0101 - STETSON.EDU/I-CAN

experience coastal

Picture yourself in CCU’s Class of 2023!

Conway, S.C. 29528 6

www.mycollegeguide.org

800.277.7000

Visit coastal.edu/virtual_tour to experience Coastal Carolina now.

The Fall 2019 application will be available at coastal.edu/apply

by Sept. 1, 2018. @CCU_Admissions

@CCUchanticleers

/CoastalAdmissions

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info on college life & admissions

WAYS To STArT cHecKING ouT

colleGes

so, you’re finally getting serious

about the prospect of going to college and feeling an itch to start looking at some

options. But where to begin? Assuming you’re not ready to shell out hundreds of dollars for flights to attend campus tours around the country, here are a few inexpensive (or free) ways to start checking out schools now.

1 2

take a Virtual tour.

Many colleges and universities now offer virtual tours on their websites. Most will show you the outside campus and inside the library, theater, dining halls, dorms, classrooms and athletic field houses. You can also search sites like YouTube and Vimeo. or, if you’re looking for a next-level experience, head to YouVisit.com. The site boasts 360-degree tours and virtual reality tours for more than 600 schools. Find a virtual reality headset and dive in!

Visit a local colleGe. even if you don’t plan to attend a nearby college or university, just visiting a local school may give you a taste of campus life. You may be able to sit in on a class, visit the library, eat in a dining hall and check out a dorm room.

There’s always a chance you’ll find your dream school close to home when you least expect it! www.mycollegeguide.org

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checking out colleges

Visit a friend or relatiVe at colleGe. If you’ve got a friend or relative at college, it might be time to invite yourself for a visit! Spending a couple days at a school with someone who can show you around is about as hands-on as you can get. If possible, try to schedule your visit to include at least one weekday so you can sit in on a class and see what campus is like during a typical day. Visiting on a weekend may only give you a taste of what the social life and “downtime” are like at the school.

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Go to a colleGe fair.

Many colleges and universities send one or more admissions representatives to events at high schools, convention centers or other community-gathering facilities to talk about their institutions.

They share information and answer questions from parents and prospective students. It’s a good way to start your research, and if you immediately feel drawn to the school, make an initial introduction.

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follow colleGes and students on social media.

There’s a lot to be learned by following a college or university on social media.You find out about events, school news and changes, student experiences and answers to prospective students’ questions, including your own! For slightly less “polished” perspectives on the school, follow a few current students on social media.You’ll likely get a real look into things like Greek life, athletics, events and the general climate of daily life at the school.

Don’t assume that visiting faraway schools is the only option to learn about colleges. Save your money with some closer-tohome research while your list is still big.

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trends

pop culture trends found on colleges campuses Sometimes, the jump from high school to college can feel like you’re moving to another country where you don’t speak the language. But it doesn’t have to be so scary!

We thought giving you a little glimpse into what’s trending on campuses across the country— in terms of TV shows, music, food and more—might help you feel a little less intimidated.

In fact, you’ll probably realize that you have a lot more in common with college students than you thought.

TV Netflix is a must-have on campus, but in terms of specific shows, you’d be likely to get a mix of old (think Friends, The Office, Family Guy and Spongebob Squarepants) and new (Stranger Things, Rick & Morty, Supernatural, and Riverdale).

food

apps

Instagram, Snapchat and Facebook are still the favorite apps. More specifically: • Going live on Facebook and Instagram • Snapchat streaks and filters • Instagram stories • Subtweets

In general, there’s a shift toward vegetarian, but more specifically, students are eating: • Acai bowls • Kombucha tea • Poke

music If their headphones are loud enough, you’ll probably be hearing Drake, Cardi B, Post Malone, Ed Sheeran, and Imagine Dragons.

fashion

Brand names include Adidas, Timberland, Thrasher and Vineyard Vines, but more broadly speaking, these trends are seen a lot right now: • Crossbody bags • Anorak jackets • Lacrosse jackets • Flannel • Leggings

activities and social causes

Black Lives Matter, the Women’s March and issues around social justice and gender roles are active movements right now. There is also a lot of interest in Greek life, technology, entrepreneurship and innovation.

other

Other trends you’ll likely experience on college campus include: • Venmo • Fortnite • Political debates • Uber

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visiting college

Making the Most of It Visiting a Friend at College

congrats! your parents have finally

agreed to let you visit your friend at college. While you should go with the intention of having fun, you can actually turn the trip into a reconnaissance mission to get the scoop on the school, campus life and what you do or don’t want in a college. Here are some tips to help you make the most of your combo business-and-pleasure trip!

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Go on a weekend Ideally, you’d arrive on a Thursday night so your friend is done for the day. This gives you the opportunity to eat dinner in the dining hall Thursday night and possibly attend a class with your friend on Friday or have coffee with a professor (if you contact them in advance). get permission Make sure your friend gets permission for you to tag along. Although you can easily blend in with a lecture hall of 150 students, there’s no “sneaking in” to a class with only 15 students whom the professor knows by name. You’ll also need to

ensure you’re not going on an exam day.

Take cash Don’t go on an empty wallet. It’s a good idea to have some extra funds in case your car breaks down, or you need to catch a taxi because you lose your friend, or your “designated driver” becomes too intoxicated (or ditches you). It’s also polite to offer to take your host out to dinner or, at the very least, pay your own way when there’s a cost for food or events. branch out Don’t stay in the room the entire time.

Take some time to explore campus, even

visiting college

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if it’s alone. Be sure to visit the library, the athletic field house, the theater, several dorms and a few classrooms. read all about it pick up a college newspaper. You can read it when you’ve got some downtime or when you return home in order to get the lowdown on the school.

what they hate, their favorite things to do, how much sleep they get and what they were most afraid of about college before enrolling.

skip class, expect them to entertain you every minute or do anything that might embarrass them or get them in trouble. on the flip side, hold your ground if they pressure you to do something you’re not comfortable with! Dealing with peer pressure is a part of college life, so this is a good time to get some practice.

be respectful Your friend has invited you in hopes you’ll have a good time. Be respectful of their situation! Don’t beg them to

take photos If you really like the school, you may want to have photos to reference as reminders once you start looking at other colleges down the road. It may also be good to start posting photos of your visit to demonstrate your informed interest on social media if you decide to apply. make friends exchange contact information with other students.You’re bound to make friends during this visit, so why not ask to connect on social media or by exchanging phone numbers or emails? This is especially true if you meet someone majoring in something you’re considering yourself.You’ll be able to ask questions about classes, professors and program requirements. meet with a professor For example, if you’ve wanted to be a reporter since you were in middle school, why not call in advance to try to set up coffee with a journalism professor? outline some questions and bring some paper to take notes. ask Questions Most people like to talk about their experiences, so you’re probably not going to annoy your friend by asking what they like most about college,

STEM

AT RUTGERS #1 IN THE NATION

BEST COLLEGES TO STUDY HEALTH PROFESSIONS

#1 PUBLIC NATIONAL UNIVERSITY, UNDERGRADUATE ENGINEERING

COLLEGE FACTUAL

NYC/NJ METRO REGION

#15 IN THE NATION BEST PUBLIC COLLEGES FOR BIG PAYCHECKS

U.S. NEWS & WORLD REPORT

MONEY

Choose from over 50 STEM majors and get involved in research in: Animal Science (Pre-vet)

Computer Science

Mathematics

Astrophysics

Dentistry

Medicine

Biological Sciences

Engineering (10 options)

Microbiology

Biomathematics

Food Science

Pharmacy

Cell Biology and Neuroscience

Genetics

Physics

Chemistry

Marine Sciences

Public Health

admissions.newbrunswick.rutgers.edu Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey

CollegeGuide2018-half4C.indd 1

UANB-AD-1819-001

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financial aid

FINANCIAL AID

myth

myth

myth

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MYTHS

Getting outside scholarships can only help.

Before you go slogging through the vast number of scholarship opportunities outside what the college offers, it’s important to know that many schools will simply deduct that amount from your federal financial aid package. It’s not a choice; it’s a requirement. That’s not to say you shouldn’t apply for other scholarships. But before you do, contact the school you’ll be attending to find out what its policy is.

>>

Financial aid is the same for all four years.

You’re probably familiar with the idea of zero-interest introductory rates on credit cards. The offer says there’s no interest for the first, say, 12 months, but then the rate skyrockets up to 19.99 percent. “Front-loading” at colleges is a similar concept.

Colleges offer you a great financial aid package to make it affordable for the first year, but sometimes the aid decreases dramatically later. Contact the financial aid office to find out if the award is renewable through your senior year. If it’s not, make sure you know what you’re being offered for your sophomore, junior and senior years.

>>

You can skip the FAFSA because your family makes too much money.

Your parents’ income is just one of many factors in how much financial aid you qualify for. Schools also weigh things like family size, how many family members are in college, and whether the school you’ll be attending is public or private, among other factors.You’ve got nothing to lose by filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA—https://fafsa.ed.gov/), and money to lose if you don’t.

>>

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MYTH

>>

the “best” schools are too eXpensiVe to attend.

If you want to attend a certain school but think the tuition is out of your reach, think again. A school’s “sticker price” should never be the deciding factor on whether or not to apply (or attend). With the right financial aid package or a few outside financial awards, the seemingly more expensive school may actually become less expensive than the schools with lower sticker prices.

MYTH

>>

it doesn’t matter when you fill out that fafsa, as lonG as you make the deadline.

170 +

200

Activities & Organizations

Performing Arts Groups

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degree programs

employers and community partners recruit on campus

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National Greek Organizations

14:1

Student/Faculty Ratio

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NCAA Division I Sports

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Service Learning Courses

Sports Leagues 50+ Intramural and Tournaments

Raleigh Asheville Charlotte

2

Greenville

Myrtle Beach

ADMIT ONE

P WI N TH RO

Now you can use your newly minted knowledge about college finances to move forward on finding the best school for both your interests and your budget!

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ITY UNI V ER S

The sooner you fill out the FAFSA, the better. (The earliest you can file is october 1.) The main reason is that schools might make earlier financial aid offers, helping you decide which schools to tour or attend. In addition, you’ll probably make fewer mistakes if you’re not rushing to file to make the deadline—especially if your parents don’t have enough time to have a financial advisor review your FAFSA for errors.

The Winthrop

ROTC Partnership Programs (Air Force & Army)

Charleston Hilton Head

numerous events sponsored

by Winthrop’s award-winning DiGiorgio Student Union programming board

800/WINTHROP (946-8476) admissions@winthrop.edu www.winthrop.edu/admissions

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essay + interest

More important than ever

Essay and Demonstrated Interest want to increase your chances

of getting into a specific school? Show them you

want them. The National Association for College Admission Counseling’s 2017

State of College Admissions report found that in regard to admissions criteria, after “hard factors” like grades, test scores and curriculum, the two most important “soft factors” are an applicant’s essay and demonstrated interest.

Although demonstrated interest has been an important factor over the last decade or so, it has become even more important as college admissions representatives try to estimate how many applicants will actually enroll in their school. This has led to a trend in weighing “informed interest,” or rather, how well a student knows the school.

Tips for demonstrating informed interest To demonstrate that you’ve done your homework AND want to attend a certain school, be sure to mention specifics about the college each time you mention them on social media or make contact with the school. Whenever possible, explain how you’d be an asset to the college.

>> Whenever possible, explain how you’d be an asset to the college.

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For example, you could tweet (with an @ mention to the school) that you noticed there’s no saxophone player in the band, but you’d be happy to change that.

Or in your meeting with an admissions rep, ask specific questions that aren’t answered in the school’s brochure or website.

If you visit the school, be sure to post photos on social media and tag the school’s admissions office.

showinG creatiVity (and yourself) in the essay Many schools ask the standard “Why do you want to attend this college?” question, but with the increased search for applicants with informed interest, supplemental essay questions are getting even more school-specific or, to say the least, unique. For example: “Tell us about spiders.”

– university of richmond “What one invention would you un-invent if you could, and why?”

– Brandeis university

FRoM AdVANcING ReseArch to creATIVe exCelLEnCE 5TH LARGEST UNIVERSITY IN TEXAS • 38,694 STUDENTS 98 BACHELOR’S, 92 MASTER’S & 13 DOCTORAL DEGREES Founded on a tradition of lifelong learning, our Bobcat family is a living testament to the creativity, energy and diversity of Texas, with students from every corner of the state and around the globe. Together, we are forging careers and creating new opportunities for a brighter future.

“What do you hope will change about the place where you live?”

– university of North carolina, chapel Hill “You’ve just reached your one millionth hit on your YouTube video. What is the video about?”

– lehigh university

facebook.com/txstateu instagram.com/txst

TXSTATE.EDU 18-338_ADM_My_College_Guide_Ad.indd 1

In the coming year, you may even run across school-specific prompts related to the college’s traditions, mottos or history.

Be sure to do your research!

Be sure to check your work for errors.

The content of your essay matters, but grammatical mistakes can tell a lot about the applicant. The only message you want to send is about how excited you are to attend their school!

5/16/18 1:42 PM

MARYVILLE, TENNESSEE

MARYVILLECOLLEGE.EDU/ADMITGUIDE

When it comes to your essay, your goal is twofold: tell the school something about yourself that they couldn’t otherwise get from your other application materials and demonstrate why you’re a perfect match for their school. Be as specific as possible, mentioning people, places, activities or concepts that show you’re not just interested in going to college; you’re interested in going to THAT college.

twitter.com/txst snapchat: txstateu

Academically relevant. Ideally situated.

Incredibly life-changing.

Our liberal arts curriculum and requirements for undergraduate research and career preparation ensure that you’re ready for graduate school and the workforce. And our location — just minutes from Knoxville and the Great Smoky Mountains — offers you great job opportunities, outdoor adventures, culture and entertainment. Come visit!

Call us at 800.597.2687 www.mycollegeguide.org

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dorm goodies

$8.81

Bedside Storage Caddy No room for a nightstand? No problem. Keep your phone, book, tablet, glasses and drink handy in this six-pocket storage caddy that slips under your mattress. provides easy access for top-bunk sleepers. It’s even machine-washable for those sticky spills or melted chocolate you’ve been hiding from your roommate. available at Dormco.com

$92.09

Locking Safe Bookshelf

dorm room Goodies

Fulfill two primary needs of college dorm rooms— storage and security—with Yak About It’s locking safe bookshelf. This durable bookshelf is easy to put together and provides a locking bottom compartment to store your laptop, cash, cellphone, jewelry, passport and other valuables (and keep them safe from sticky fingers). available at Dormco.com

Mini Futon Need the convenience of extra seating or a spare bed, but you can’t lug an entire futon to college? check out this Spring Green mini futon that’s guaranteed to fit in your dorm room. constructed with quality steel covered with plush cushioned foam and ultra-soft microfiber fabric, this flexible piece lets you reposition the armrests for seating or sleep. available at Dormco.com

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$123.92

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dorm goodies

Bed Topper

$39.99

Heed our warning: dorm beds are renowned for being uncomfortable! push this gel-infused 2” memory foam topper to the top of your college wish list to ensure a better night’s (or day’s) sleep. The hypo-allergenic, fivezone convoluted piece has 2.5 pounds of high-density liquid gel visco memory foam and is made extra long to fit twin dorm bedding. Bye-bye, cardboard bed; hello, comfort. available at Dormco.com

$17.79

Suction Cup Blackout Curtain $5.99

Rapid Pasta Cooker There’s no need for a pot or boiling water with this über-fast noodle cooker. Just pop your pasta in the microwave for 15 minutes and you’ll be slurping spaghetti in no time. This reusable piece is BpA-free and dishwasher safe, but you’ll probably just need to give a quick rinse in the sink.

The sun will come out tomorrow. And the next day. And the next. If you’re trying to catch some Z’s in a bright room, this blackout curtain with seven suction cups can help. No curtain rod necessary.

Just attach to the window under your curtain or blind and let the darkness work its magic! available at Dormco.com

available at Dormco.com

www.mycollegeguide.org

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low-income opps

increasing opportunities

for low-Income Students to Attend college growing movement in college opportunities as “color-blind Affirmative Action,” and plenty of people are happy to hear about this newer attempt to close the higher education gap between rich and poor.

cbs news recently referreD to a

It started with the creation of the university Innovation Alliance in 2013.

Backed by the Melissa and Bill Gates

Foundation, the Alliance brought together leaders from some of the largest public universities in the country to brainstorm ways to help low-income students get a college education. In addition to lowering tuition, the schools worked to make it easier for students to transfer their credits from community colleges and increased online learning to help working students stay in school. There was also a conscious shift in how college applications were evaluated.

At princeton, for example, the admissions staff is being trained to look at

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applications through a different lens. All things created equal—such as GpA and test scores—a first-generation, low-income (FlI) student working two jobs to support his family might be chosen over a student from an elite private school.

This year, 28 percent of princeton’s freshmen are FlIs, and 60 percent of the student body receives financial aid. of course, the argument against this shift to welcome students from the

low-income opps

BRIEFS

The university of Texas at Austin (uT) decided to focus more resources on supporting at-risk students and increased their graduation rate by 1,000 more students per year in six years.

More graduates also means more income and more openings for the university, allowing uT to reduce the cost of school and increase Hispanic undergraduate enrollment (now at 23 percent of the student body). purdue froze tuition, lowered student costs to improve access for low-

To find out which schools are members in the university Innovation Alliance, visit www.theuia.org.

p

Wentworth’s Five Factors of Career Success

Id L o ea ca l ti on C Pa oll a r t bo ne r r s a ti hi on ps &

At the university of central Florida, a New Direct connection program helped 69 percent more AA transfer students complete a Bachelor’s degree.

of california, riverside, is now one of two campuses in the country where underrepresented minority and lowincome students graduate at the same rate as the campus-wide average.

In En no tr va ep ti re on ne & ur sh i

princeton isn’t a lone wolf in the movement. Bill and Melinda Gates spent more than a billion dollars on college scholarships for low-income minority students, and schools in the Alliance are seeing their goals come to fruition.

The university Innovation Alliance seems to be on track to fulfill its mission. In four years, membership schools have increased their low-income student graduation rates by nearly 30 percent. one of its members, university

C L e oop ar er ni at ng iv e

“This commitment we have to be a real leader on socioeconomic diversity is a big part of taking the next step for us and making the right kind of difference in the world,” princeton’s president, christopher eisgruber, told cBS News. “It’s a new way of making sure that we have the diversity on our campus to deliver on the kind of education that we care about and that the world needs.”

income students and developed threeyear competency-based degrees.

F Ac ocu ad se em d ic s

lower socioeconomic class to college is that princeton is turning down lots of other highly qualified students who happen to come from money. How does princeton justify its choices?

Wentworth offers a unique combination of five factors that help ensure career success through a seamlessly integrated program of learning, building, and doing. Yesterday’s credentials are no match for the challenges of the future—only at Wentworth do all these factors converge and prepare you for the career you envision.

Innovation in the Making wit.edu

|

Boston, MA

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19

hiGhest-payinG

JoBS BY MAJor the bureau of labor statistics has releaseD

new data on job salaries for 2018, and there are some standout majors. To be clear, no one is suggesting you choose your major solely because it pays well.Your decision should be based on what you enjoy doing, the opportunity for advancement or travel, expected job growth, and fields of interest, among other factors. But things like starting salary, average salary and potential income do play a role for most people when weighing potential majors, especially when you factor in student loan debt that you’ll be required to pay back.

We’ve listed 10 of the highest-paying jobs (i.e., average annual salary) by major. It’s important to remember that these are average annual salaries, so yours could be higher or lower, depending on the organization you work for, where you live, how good you are at your job, the economy and more.

When in doubt, choose a major that will likely lead you to something you love doing. It’ll feel a lot less like work, so you’ll enjoy going to your job every day, no matter how much money you make!

Possible is everything.

Whether you study engineering, architecture, or dozens of other fields at Lawrence Technological University, you’ll get an innovative, hands-on education to prepare you for the career of your dreams.

Why do students choose LTU? Find out! ltu.edu/studentstories

5th 11:1 in nation for boosting graduates’ earning potential

student/faculty ratio

86% students employed or

admissions@ltu.edu

registered for graduate school at commencement

Architecture and Design | Arts and Sciences | Business and Information Technology | Engineering

20

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Southfield, Michigan

BRIEFS

majors

major

major

Business and/or Finance

STEM—Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics

1

Management Information Systems (MIS) Jobs in MIS involve meshing technology and business.

Unlike computer technology, management information systems is about the computer system as a whole. average annual salary................$135,800 expected growth..............................................15%

2

Marketing Part psychology, part communications and part business, this creative major takes graduates into careers selling products, services or ideas. average annual salary................$131,180 expected growth..................................................9%

3 Economics With this degree, many economists end up in positions making forecasts for the money market, based on the historical trends of a company, nonprofit or region. average annual salary......... $101,050 expected growth.............................. 6% 4

Business Management Many careers stemming from a degree in business management include such tasks as analyzing a business’s weaknesses and strengths, providing potential solutions and determining ways to increase profits. average annual salary...................$97,230 expected growth..................................................6%

5

Finance If you enjoy accounting, statistics and economics, a degree in finance might head you down a satisfying (and high-paying) career path. average annual salary..............$81,760 expected growth.......................................12%

1

Physics Although you could (naturally) become a physicist with a degree in physics, many who major in the degree end up in industries like healthcare, engineering, astronomy, aeronautics or research science. average annual salary................$114,870 expected growth..................................................8%

2

Computer Science If you like mathematical theories and formulas and trying to figure out how computer programs work, a major in computer science might be a good choice. average annual salary................$111,840 expected growth.............................................. 12%

3 Mathematics Only a small percentage of math majors end up being math teachers. Many finish college and head into jobs in applied mathematics, actuarial sciences (e.g., assessing risk for the insurance industry), accounting or even theoretical mathematics. average annual salary................$100,610 expected growth.............................................. 28% 4

Engineering There are plenty of sub-branches under engineering, and they all pay very well: civil, electrical, aeronautical, chemical and mechanical engineering can take you into some very exciting fields. average annual salary...................$83,540 expected growth..................................................4%

5

Information Technologies (IT) Consider yourself a “techie”? Information technology includes things like software development, website design and IT management. average annual salary..............$82,860 expected growth.......................................12%

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21

BRIEFS

wait lists

Wait Lists

Are They Worth the Wait? getting a “maybe” from your top

school of choice puts you squarely in limbo. As tempting as it may be to call the school every week to see if you’ve been bumped to the “accepted” list, don’t. (Although you can write another letter demonstrating your interest.)

It’s acceptable to call once to ask for the size of the wait list. After all, if you’re one of 2,000 students in the “friend zone” at a school that only accepts 4,500 students total, it might be time to move on to your second choice. That might sound extreme, but consider what happened at Dartmouth College in spring 2017.

According to a story on National Public Radio, 2,021 applicants were put on the wait list and none were eventually accepted. Considering that the school only enrolls about 4,300 students, it’s not that surprising.

That’s not to say you should automatically jump ship if you’re wait-listed at a school you’ve wanted to attend since you were 12. But it’s worth considering your secondchoice school if you’re eager to get the process rolling in terms of preparing for college. After all, choosing a college sooner rather than later allows you to start researching your financial aid options, choosing a dorm and picking out your preferences for first-year classes. It’s also worth noting, though, that many colleges are depleted of financial aid by the time any students on the wait list are chosen for acceptance. Can you afford to pay full price for your dream school?

If you’re absolutely obsessed with getting into the school that wait-listed you, consider paying a deposit to your second choice. Yes, you’ll lose that money if you get into your first-choice school, but the peace of mind you’ll get will provide some insurance that you’ll be able to attend college in the fall if you never move from the wait list to “accepted.”

22

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Before you start getting nervous that you’re destined for a wait list, consider that, according to the National Association of College Admission Counseling, only about 40% of colleges even used them in 2017.

One way to get a better idea of your odds is by researching the institution’s wait list history. This includes how many applicants were offered to be put on the wait list, how many applicants agreed to be put on the wait list, and how many applicants were eventually accepted from the wait list.

Don’t let a wait list stress you out and hold you hostage. Yes, there’s a chance you may get into the school, but do some homework to get a better idea of what your chances might be. And don’t be so quick to rule out your second choice. It could end up being the best school for you in the long run, and once you make a decision, the better you can relax during your senior year of high school!

DISCOVER YOU @HOFSTRA Seek, shape, and discover your own educational and career journey at Hofstra University. Small classes, tailored programs, and dedicated faculty help you pursue your passion in a dynamic learning environment that encourages collaboration, engagement, and interaction. And Hofstra’s proximity to Manhattan offers a wide range of networking and internship opportunities.

Schedule a campus visit to learn how you can be a part of the Hofstra Pride.

Go to hofstra.edu/myguide or call 516-463-6700 for more information.

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Warm up your browser to shop Amazon.com, where you can choose from smartphone and computer accessories, movies, dorm items, clothes, books, music and millions of other items!

Our grand prize winner will receive a link to a gift card worth $200. Amazon gift cards have no fees and never expire.

Prefer to shop in person so you can see it, try something on or out, or feel it before you buy? Then choose a $200 Visa gift card if you’re our grand prize winner. The card is good almost anywhere so you can get a head start on your college goodies at your favorite local stores.

One entry per person, and each entrant is eligible to win only one prize. One grand prize winner will have their choice of a $200 Amazon or Visa gift card. Online request forms must be submitted by February 1, 2019, to be eligible. Immediate family members or employees of My College Guide and related parties are not eligible. Prize recipients are responsible for all local, state and federal taxes. Any winner whose address cannot be verified will forfeit his or her prize, and a new winner will be selected. All entries become the property of My College Guide. Prizes may vary depending on availability, and the publisher may substitute a prize of equal value. Winners must agree to have their names and prizes announced on My College Guide’s website.

An Amazon or Visa gift card is given away on behalf of My College Guide. This Gear up for College Giveaway has not been authorized, sponsored or otherwise approved by Amazon or Visa.

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Just fill out the online form at

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Concordia University Chicago, IL Indiana Tech, IN Lawrence Technological University, MI Trine University, IN University of Dayton, OH NORTHEAST

Allegheny College, PA California University of Pennsylvania, PA Georgian Court University, NJ Hofstra University, NY Pratt Institute, NY Rutgers University, NJ Wentworth Institute of Technology, MA SOUTHEAST

Clemson University, SC Coastal Carolina University, SC Emory University Pre-College Program, GA Lynn University, FL Maryville College, TN Rhodes College, TN Stetson University, FL Tennessee Technological University, TN University of North Carolina Wilmington, NC University of South Carolina Upstate, SC Winthrop University, SC SOUTHWEST

Oklahoma Baptist University, OK Southwestern Assemblies of God University, TX Texas State University, TX University of Oklahoma, OK WEST

Go online. mycollegeguide.org/request

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National Society of High School Scholars National Student Leadership Conference

5 ways to start

preparing for college

NOW 26

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BY CHARLIE HAGERMAN

It may feel a bit early to start thinking about college, but the earlier you begin the process, the better. We’ve asked seven admissions officials to share their advice on things you can do now to start preparing for college.

BEEF UP YOUR SCHEDULE.

1

“Forge your own path!” suggests Caroline Madden, director of merit awards, compliance & residency in the Coastal Carolina University (SC) Office of Admissions & Merit Awards. “Colleges seek students who are well prepared for collegelevel work and have demonstrated their capabilities inside and outside of the classroom. Whether your path includes college preparatory, honors, advanced placement (AP), international bacca-

laureate (IB), or dual-enrollment (college-level), take courses that challenge you academically yet produce a positive learning outcome (aka a good grade).”

Phyllis Micketti, director of applicant services for Rutgers University (NJ), adds, “Take advantage of study groups and learning resource centers whenever available. Use free online tools such as the Khan Academy to prepare for standardized tests.”

And don’t forget that these higher-level courses also have the potential to save you money if the credits count toward college coursework!

P R E P A R I N G

F O R

C O L L E G E

2

… students should take ACT/SAT practice exams at least twice before the real thing.

PRACTICE TESTING. For the majority of scholarships available, high school grades and ACT/SAT scores will be very important as they relate to the amount of money available. Cyndi Sweet, former executive director for admissions and financial aid at Maryville University (MO), says that students should take ACT/SAT practice exams at least twice before the real thing. “By doing so, they will know their ‘baseline’ score, which will help them know if they should take advantage of ACT/SAT test prep courses to increase their score. Additionally, many institutions use a ‘super score,’ which is the highest sub-scores from all test dates combined together for a new composite score. If you’re able or want to take the test more than once, the super score can be used for admission and scholarship purposes,” Sweet adds.

Will Brantley, director of admissions for Oklahoma Baptist University, suggests trying to take the test more than twice if you can swing it, starting your sophomore year.

In addition to outside test-prep courses and tutors, students can seek help right in their school. “There are free practice tests, and students can check out ACT/SAT prep books from the library to gain more exposure to the test questions,” explains Cheya Lacroix, assistant director for the office of admissions for University of Colorado Colorado Springs (UCCS).

“Students can also ask their teachers for help on problems that they do not know how to solve.”

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P R E P A R I N G

F O R

C O L L E G E

3

RESEARCH COLLEGES. With thousands of colleges to choose from, it is never too early to begin researching.

“Start by deciding on certain college ‘must-haves,’ such as determining a specific location, size of campus or programs you are looking for,” suggests University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW) first year admissions coordinator Monica Flores. “At this point, you can also research admissions requirements for colleges of interest, to set as goals to strive for throughout your high school years.”

Mickettie at Rutgers takes a similar approach. “It’s spreadsheet time! Students

should make lists of what they want in college: Academic interests, housing and food options, size of campus, distance from home, academic quality, available sports, clubs, sororities and fraternities, religious offerings ... to items as specific as, ‘Can I bring my horse with me?’”

Once you’ve narrowed down your wants and needs, it’s time to start researching.

“Stay informed by exploring different university websites, reading brochures from colleges, and attending local college fairs and information sessions,” says Megan Rolf, director of recruitment for Winthrop University (SC). “Students should also … ask questions regarding admissions and scholarship criteria so that they are aware

of important deadlines.”

Lacroix at UCCS agrees that college websites can be a good start but adds that tours can really help you get a true feel for a school. “Students should also begin touring a variety of institutions (community colleges, junior colleges, private and public institutions, small, medium and large institutions) to see which type of institution is a better fit for them.”

Brantley of OKBU agrees that seeing a school in person can make or break a decision. “That is the single most important thing a student can do in their college search. Step onto the campus, take the tour, eat lunch in the café, sit in on a class and talk to as many people as possible.”

YOUR

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29

P R E P A R I N G

4

F O R

C O L L E G E

MAKE YOUR EXTRACURRICULARS COUNT.

When it comes to extracurricular activities, think quality over quantity.

The keyword for activities is meaningful. Pursue those in which you have a genuine interest, not ones just to build your résumé.

“Extracurricular activities and work experience … have immense value and supplement your academic profile,” says Madden of Coastal. “A successful academic path combined with a robust high school résumé may lead to greater college prospects.”

Micketti of Rutgers explains that colleges look most at the depth of involvement and outcomes. “Did your participation in extracurricular activities have a positive effect on yourself or others? If yes, how? Did you tutor one person, or take on an entire class to mentor? Was your participation at a school, city, county or state level? If you did just one thing, did your focus allow you to achieve at a very high level? Do you have any independent documentation of outcomes, such as recognition awards or an objective ranking?”

… think quality over quantity.

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5 START THINKING ABOUT MAJORS AND CAREERS. As Lacroix of UCCS explains, students in college typically change their major several times, so it’s not necessarily expected that students narrow down their options to one major. “There are several free online resources students can take advantage of, such as career inventories and personality tests that are linked to careers that could potentially be a good fit.

Students can do their research and utilize websites such as O*NET OnLine to learn more about different aspects of careers.”

Sweet of Maryville says a good place to start is simply by spending some time

P R E P A R I N G

F O R

C O L L E G E

thinking about what topics are interesting to them, what problems they might like to solve, or what careers they may have already thought about, and then research those careers online. “When visiting college campuses, they will then be ready to ask questions about the different types of majors that will help connect them to their career interests.”

and research what courses are offered within each program to determine if you would likely excel throughout the program.”

In addition to what interests them, Rolf at Winthrop suggests, “Students should consider what academic subjects they excel in at school, what career areas interest them, employment opportunities, future financial outlook and job growth, as well as quality of life, when considering majors.”

“Whatever it is you want to do, start looking at careers that are related to that and find ways to shadow people in different fields,” advises Brantley of OKBU. “You may find that you really like one aspect of this particular career but not another. Talk to people who do those things and find out what they recommend and what they wish they’d known at your age.”

Flores of UNCW reminds students to keep an open mind. “There will be majors you have never heard of or considered that may spark your interest. Continue to dig deeper

Madden of Coastal adds, “Most colleges also offer admission to undeclared majors and then provide courses and strategies to narrow your interests and strengths to relatable fields of study.”

“Whatever it is you want to do, start looking at careers that are related to that and find ways to shadow people in different fields.”

WILL BRANTLEY, DIRECTOR OF ADMISSIONS, OKLAHOMA BAPTIST UNIVERSITY

Charlie Hagerman is a freelance writer in Wells, Maine.

TEALS LIKE HOME With more than 100 majors and minors to choose from, you're sure to find one that's right for you.

uncw.edu/virtualtour An EEO/AA Institution. Questions regarding UNCW’s Title IX compliance should be directed to TitleIXCoordinator@UNCW.edu.

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CAMPUS CAM PUS 32

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S VIS VISITS An

, Guide s r e d Insi

BY WENDY BURT-THOMAS

F

or many students, the high school years can be a

mix of excitement and total chaos. On top of studying for standardized tests, participating in extracurricular activities and finishing your homework, researching colleges might sometimes feel like overkill.

On the other hand, possibly one of the most fun and exciting parts of the college search is getting to scout schools in person. If you have the ability to do it, a campus visit might be the most useful key to unlocking what you’re truly looking for in a college. Here are some tips on how to plan for and make the most of your campus visits.

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33

c a m p u s

v i s i t s

RESEARCH FIRST Start with a look at the website for each school you’re interested in to get an idea of what the campus looks like.

But how do you narrow down your list of schools?

Paul Willeboordse, first year admissions coordinator with University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW), suggests that students select schools that vary in general characteristics. “Small vs. large, private vs. public, urban vs. suburban, distance from home, and majors/programs offered,” he says. “Each of these differences offer advantages and disadvantages to students, and identifying which schools meet your personal and academic needs can help you narrow your choices when considering where to apply. Experiencing these different types of campuses will give you an idea of what you like and, sometimes more importantly, what you may dislike at your future university.”

Caroline Madden, director of merit awards, compliance & residency in the Coastal Carolina University (SC) Office of Admissions & Merit Awards, agrees.

“Visiting schools presents opportunities and challenges. If visiting schools is a strategy to narrow down the list of colleges to which you apply, begin visiting schools in your junior year. If you

plan to only visit schools to which you are accepted, begin applying as soon as possible. Build college visits into preexisting travel plans, such as vacations, and maximize your time on campus by calling ahead to coordinate with various offices or departments. Ask your colleges of interest if they have preview days, programs in your area or a virtual tour online, which may help you determine if a physical campus visit is warranted for a particular school.”

wHAT TO EXPECT ON YOUR VISIT “Each school you visit will likely offer a different tour experience, but be prepared to see a lot!” says Willeboordse of UNCW. “Most campus tours will incorporate many elements of life as a student, so expect to see a residence hall, an academic space and student life buildings, like the library or recreation center.

Try to begin each tour as open-minded as possible and make a point to interact with your tour guides, students and other campus representatives to make your visit as memorable as possible.”

Alex Callis, a coordinator with the office of undergraduate admissions at Tennessee Tech University, says that while visiting Tennessee Tech, prospective students and their families receive an admissions presentation from one of the school’s counselors, a walking tour of campus led by a current student, and a residen-

“… make a point to interact with your tour guides, �tudents and other campus �epresentatives to make your visit as memorable as possible.”

—Paul Willeboordse, first year admissions coordinator with University of North Carolina Wilmington 34

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c a m p u s

tial hall tour. “Our admissions office also schedules each prospective student a departmental meeting of their choice.

Upon registration, the student selects the major of their choice and we contact the department. Some offices are unavailable to meet at specific times, but we do our best to advertise that unavailability on the website ahead of time ... We will also do our best to schedule any additional departmental meetings of the student’s choice (Honors, ROTC, disability services, etc.).”

Madden of Coastal adds, “A general tour of campus, usually guided by a current student or admissions staff member, is designed to highlight key features, including buildings, services and programs for students while covering a wide array of information. Expect to eventually forget what you hear and see. Details from even the most captivating campus visits will fade overtime, especially if you begin visiting early, so take pictures or videos, which can be helpful later when comparing campus visits.”

v i s i t s

How to get

l e e f e u r t a

for the school

1

Make a list of questions you can’t find answers to any-

THE IMPORTANCE OF VISITING Now that most schools offer virtual tours and direct access to admissions counselors, you might think it’s fine to save time and money by skipping an in-person visit. But if you can swing it, it really can be worth it.

Look at the bulletin boards around campus to see what

where else. Don’t ask the questions

sorts of clubs and activities are

that are addressed on brochures and

popular.

websites, unless you need clarification on something.

2

6

Read the college newspaper

7

Research a professor in your

or arts magazine.

Once on campus, talk to different students, and if

possible, visit their dorm rooms during public hours.

After the official visit is over, allow plenty of time to wander around and get your own take on things. Talk to current students about life on campus and the college. Walk through the student union.

Check out the freshman residence halls.

This is your chance to get a feel for student life and see if this college is a place where you will do well.

5

field of interest. Before your

visit, request an appointment to stop in during his or her office hours.

3

Meet with someone in the financial aid office. Finan-

cial aid officers at each school can

8

By the time you get home from your college visit, you

provide you with information about

might forget what the university was

scholarship deadlines and help you

like. Take some photos and specific

make a timeline.

notes of moments or places you really loved or that intrigued you.

4

Attend a sporting event, concert or any sort of

cultural activity the university has on the schedule for the day.

9

Follow students or faculty members on social media to

stay updated about events going on at the school.

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35

c a m p u s

“Visiting a school before enrolling or even applying is essential in my opinion!” says Callis of Tennessee Tech. “It is the best way to ensure you can see yourself as a student at that specific university. Walking around campus, seeing the buildings where you will take classes, seeing how busy or lively the campus is and talking with current students are all things that will help make the college-decision process easier.

Unless you experience the university firsthand, you will not truly know if that college is the right fit for you!”

Madden of Coastal agrees. “It just feels right! The college visit is usually the deciding factor that confirms whether your research resulted in a college that is right for you. Most college visits help you visualize yourself as a student.

Hopefully, you will have the opportunity to interact with current students, faculty and staff or to simply walk the campus grounds to ‘get a feel’ for campus life.”

“Schools can often feel very different compared to what they look like online, so visiting campus allows you the opportunity to experience campus and visualize what life as a future student might feel like,” adds Willeboordse of UNCW. “Admission offices take note of students who take the time to visit campus, and your initial interest can be a great start to your relationship with any school.”

“Most college visits help you visualize yourself as a �tudent.”

—Caroline Madden, director of merit awards, compliance & residency in the Coastal Carolina University (SC) Office of Admissions & Merit Awards

36

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v i s i t s

IF YOU CAN’T VISIT Sometimes a student just isn’t able to visit a campus because of the distance or family circumstances. If that’s the case, you can still go the extra mile to show the school your interest.

“Look for the college’s travel schedule on their website to see if representatives will be visiting an area near you,” Madden of Coastal suggests. “Do not hesitate to reach out for more information.

Colleges want to engage with you—in person or by phone, email or social media—[so] stay connected.”

Before you decide not to visit because of financial reasons, check with the schools you’re interested in to see if there are options for you. Many universities provide travel assistance for students to come out and visit on a case-by-case basis.

“If there are financial restraints, distance concerns or other circumstances that hinder a student from being able to tour a specific university, I would recommend a few options,” says Callis of Tennessee Tech. “Go to a college fair near you or see if your high school is hosting a college fair. Find the admissions counselor for your specific high school/county and call or email them with all of your questions regarding that specific university. Go to that college’s website and see if they have a virtual tour online.”

Just remember, campus visits are there to give you insight. Don’t stress over them: just turn them into a fun adventure to help determine your future!

Wendy Burt-Thomas is the editor of My College Guide.

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AT CAL U, IT’S ALL ABOUT YOU. WE BELIEVE IN YOU. INVEST IN YOU. AND EMPOWER YOU TO BE BETTER, AND STRONGER. WE BELIEVE IN YOUR ABILITIES TO RISE UP AND ACHIEVE, AND WE GIVE YOU THE TOOLS AND TEACHING TO ACTUALLY DO IT.

CAL U

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scoUt of thE yEar vfw.org/community/youth-and-education/ scout-of-the-year The Veterans of Foreign Wars annually awards three scholarships ranging from $1,000 to $5,000 for Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts ages 15 or older who have received their scouting organization’s top rank.

+

Examples of scholarships for sophomores or Juniors

+

+ coMMoN KNoWlEdGE scholarship foUNdatioN

thE prUdENtial spirit of coMMUNity aWards spirit.prudential.com This program annually recognizes high school students for volunteer community service. State winners receive an all-expenses-paid trip to Washington, D.C., and $1,000. National winners receive an additional $5,000.

cksf.org Compete with other high school students in online quizzes about general common knowledge items, speciďŹ c academic subjects, books, websites or movies to win scholarships from $250 to $2,500.

BY BEN STEVENSON

A

verage college tuition and fees range from $9,650 to $33,480 per year, according to the College Board. Tack on room and board, and that pushes the average annual bill up to $12,000 more.

Although most scholarships and financial aid will come from the college you attend, you can get a head start on paying for college now. Beginning your search for scholarships and essay and video contests early— even during your sophomore year—is essential so you don’t miss out on excellent money-earning opportunities.

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Scholarships are based on your academics and talents, as well as your extracurricular activities, leadership roles and community service work. They provide money you don’t need to pay back. And, according to Cyndi Sweet, former executive director for admissions and financial aid of Maryville University (MO), sophomores and juniors can begin an online scholarship search anytime.

“While they may not be able to apply right away, they will be able to research the types of scholarships that are available and the qualifications and criteria needed when the application is available,” she explains. “The Federal Student Aid site (https://studentaid.ed.gov/sa/) is a great place to gather information about grants, scholarships and loans, as it breaks down the process into easy-tounderstand steps. Other reputable sites include Fastweb (fastweb.com), Chegg (chegg.com/scholarships), and College Xpress (collegexpress.com).”

Kate Brittain, director of recruitment & enrollment for Rutgers University (NJ), agrees that Fastweb is a good source, along with Unigo (unigo.com) and others. “They both list literally millions of scholarships available from freshman year of high school all the way through graduate school. The U.S. Department of Labor also offers a website to search for scholarships based on the education level you are pursuing (careeronestop.org).”

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Local and community foundations, professional associations, ethnic organizations, churches, nonprofits and corporations all offer scholarships. There’s a scholarship out there for everyone: for students under 5 feet tall, for students with red hair, for students who volunteer, and even for students who write a 250-word essay on what ice cream flavor they’d like to be.

To find local scholarships, Google the terms scholarship foundation and your city or state. For example, a search for scholarship foundation Milwaukee gets results for scholarships offered by organizations from the Milwaukee Brewers Community Foundation to a Milwaukee home improvement remodeling association.

In addition, ask everyone you know— including teachers and high school guidance counselors, your boss at your part-time job, or leaders of school and community organizations you participate in—about whether they know of any scholarships or other awards you could apply for.

You’ll also want to learn the names of the national or regional professional associations related to your preferred fields of study. Ask a professor or admissions counselor, or do a web search for the academic major and association scholarships, such as, for example, dietetic association scholarships. (Put

the terms in quotation marks to have Google match the phrase precisely.)

Many corporations offer scholarships— some to any student and some to their employees’ children. Have your parents ask their employers about scholarships and search the internet for large companies in your city or state to see if they offer any. New scholarships become available all the time, so search regularly, and take advantage of social media by following scholarship-related Twitter feeds such as @Scholarshipscom, @USNewsEducation, @PayingForSchool and @ScholAmerica.

As you start your search, a word of caution: “Legitimate scholarship providers want to help students attend college, not earn a profit from the student,” explains Brittain of Rutgers. “Students should also be wary of unsolicited scholarship offers.

Legitimate scholarship providers are not looking to reward a student who hasn’t applied or put forth any effort in receiving the award. Like anything, students should read the fine print and make sure they understand the terms. For instance, are there any specified renewal criteria they should be aware of?”

When in doubt, just remember that you should never pay to apply for scholarships.

There’s a scholarship out there for everyone: for students under 5 feet tall, for students with red hair, for students who volunteer, and even for students who write a 250-word essay on what ice cream flavor they’d like to be.

www.mycollegeguide.org

My College Guide Half-pg Horiz Ad ol.indd 1

5/22/18 10:32 AM

The UNIVERSITY of OKLAHOMA • OU has been awarded the largest federal research grant in its history - an eight-year, $161 million contract by NASA to advance understanding of Earth’s natural exchanges of carbon between the land, atmosphere and ocean.

• OU was recently awarded the prestigious Davis Cup for the fifth consecutive year in recognition of its record-setting enrollment of United World College international freshmen. OU is the only public university to ever be awarded the Davis Cup. • OU is the only university in the nation, public or private, whose students have won Goldwater, Mitchell, Truman, Rhodes, Marshall, Fulbright and National Security Education Program scholarships in the same year.

• OU is the only public university in U.S. history to ever rank first among both public and private universities in the number of freshman National Merit Scholars enrolled.

The University of Oklahoma is an equal opportunity institution. www.ou.edu/eoo

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Ranked among the top design schools by BusinessWeek.

Over 20 top-ranking undergraduate programs in art, design, writing, and architecture— including the accredited fiveyear architecture (B.Arch) program, history of art and design, fine arts, interior design, industrial design, fashion design, communications design (graphic design, illustration, advertising art direction), digital arts (animation, interactive arts), art and design education, writing, critical and visual studies, and construction management.

A beautifully landscaped residential campus in Brooklyn, New York, minutes from Manhattan, and a distinguished faculty of award-winning professionals. www.pratt.edu admissions@pratt.edu

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“Scholarships for high school sophomores and juniors are typically smaller in dollar amount, but individual awards can add up over time,” says Sweet of Maryville. “Many of these scholarships are based around competitions of some type which may include essays, projects or interviews.”

“The nice aspect of [essay contests, etc.] is that they broaden the criteria used for awarding scholarships,” says Brittain of Rutgers. “Academic performance is no longer the main factor and instead talents, interests, expression through an essay, community service, residency, membership to a certain association, etc. … would be considered, which allows a younger audience to join the pool of candidates.”

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Other than the format, video contests are like essay contests in terms of content and creative expression. Large corporations and other organizations offer these types of contests. Organizations determine the topic or subject for the contest.

Then you get to be creative and have fun while trying to earn prize money. For a list of several video contests and their deadlines, visit onlinevideocontests.com.

To find video and essay contests, ask your teachers about upcoming opportunities, and search for contests on the same websites you search for scholarships. Additionally, Google high school essay contests to find national and local contests. National competitions often require local or state competitions prior to advancing to the national level, so look for these opportunities early in your sophomore and junior years to meet the deadlines.

Examples of annual essay & video contests

scholastic art & WritiNG aWards artandwriting.org Apply to earn a scholarship of up to $10,000 and have your artwork exhibited or writing published.

Special summer awards provide scholarships for prestigious precollege programs. www.mycollegeguide.org

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Ben Stevenson is a freelance writer in White River Jct., Vermont.

EGirl Essay coNtEst engineergirl.org/10209.aspx The National Academy of Engineering’s EngineerGirl website offers an essay contest on an engineering topic for girls and boys. Awards range from $100 to $500.

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artBa traNsportatioN stUdENt VidEo coNtEst www.artba.org/video-contest This contest, sponsored by the American Road & Transportation Builders Association, offers a top prize of $500 to students who create a video examining any aspect of transportation in the United States. c-spaN’s stUdENtcaM studentcam.org C-SPAN offers a national student documentary contest about issues that affect our communities and nation. The contest is open to students in grades six through 12. Awards range from $250 to $5,000.

WWW.SAGU.EDU/BE-UNCOMMON

technology + college admissions

By Wendy Burt-Thomas

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Thanks to technology, it’s never been easier to find information on colleges. New tech and digital tools help you do everything: compare colleges, virtually visit them, get questions answered and upload videos. With the admissions superhighway moving so fast, we don’t want you to get left behind. We asked admissions officers at colleges nationwide which tools they use, which ones you should check out during your college search and where they see the future of admissions going regarding technology use.

What colleges are using From application platforms and online “lockers” to social media live sessions and podcasts, colleges and universities are working to stay on top of the latest technology to make the application process faster, easier and more interactive.

“Technology is now being used to show aspects of a student that go beyond the traditional factors of standardized test scores and transcripts,” explains Kate Brittain, director of recruitment & enrollment for Rutgers University (NJ). “Companies like ZeeMee exist to provide a more complete picture of the student, which is changing how and

what is viewed in the application process. For instance, a student can upload a series of short videos to share their story, which allows for a creativity and authenticity never before used in the admissions process. Various application platforms also have started incorporating a similar technological approach. The Coalition platform [coalitionforcollegeaccess.org] allows students to upload documents, photos or videos into what is called a ‘locker’ that a student can opt to then share with an admissions office. The platform also provides a collaboration space which enables students to connect digitally with counselors, advisers and other trusted adults to solicit opinions and feedback.”

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At Oklahoma Baptist University, students are encouraged to discover who they will become and to develop their God-given talents for an exciting, successful future.

Find your place today.

Visit okbu.edu.

500 W. University Shawnee, OK 74804 800.654.3285 admissions@okbu.edu MyCollegeGuideAD_SOPH_17.indd 1

ReachHigher. Achieve.

6/28/18 1:49 PM

University of Colorado Colorado Springs | www.uccs.edu | 1-800-990-8227 ext. 3084

“UCCS inclusively engages diverse people and perspectives in learning, discovery, and innovation to prepare students for successful futures, to build knowledge, and to inform the greater good.”

BY THE NUMBERS:

G 11,400 undergraduate and graduate students from all 50 states and 80+ countries G 17:1 student-to-faculty ratio and an average class size of 25 G 6 academic colleges house 46 bachelor’s, 22 master’s, and 5 doctoral programs G 200+ student organizations, 16 NCAA D-II sports and 15+ intramural sports G 550-acre campus at the base of the Rocky Mountains rests at an elevation of 6,425 feet

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The demand for updates in technology usage in the admissions process is largely being driven by students, not schools.

As Taniesha Young, first year admissions coordinator with University of North Carolina Wilmington, points out, “The application process changes and evolves each year and with each college. It is important for colleges to think outside the box, as fewer students frequently check their emails.”

“Students will use college websites to research programs and general information about the institution and general admission information, [but] more technology will [be needed] to maintain students’ interest and help them answer more specific questions,” says Eva Blanco Masias, dean of undergraduate admission at Santa Clara University (CA). “To support this increasing demand for instant information and services, colleges are using a variety of tools such as social media live sessions, chats, student-written blogs, virtual tours, digital maps, podcasts and video to deliver relevant and digestible information that both informs and engages.

Text messaging has also more recently become an acceptable form of communication with applicants. While colleges are not using it as a major mode of communication, it is proving useful in providing quick reminders about approaching deadlines and missing application items.”

What students are using So, what apps and other types of technology are students from around the globe already using when it comes to college applications?

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“Students should begin to follow Instagram and Snapchat because these platforms are best to provide a visual experience of the campus,” says Young. “These apps can be very beneficial for those who cannot travel to the campus for an official in-person tour.”

At Santa Clara University, the school has integrated YouVisit and Guidebook into its admission services. “They have served us and our students well because they allow students from all over the world to get to know us better,” says Blanco Masias. “We offer YouVisit virtual tours online as an alternative to the in-person campus visit. Using interactive maps, students can roam the campus at their leisure, including walks inside buildings and classrooms. The panorama views and 360-degree media offer accurate depiction of our campus viewable across desktops and mobile devices.”

guideboo k

Santa Clara University also uses the app Guidebook, which the school uses as its basis for its self-guided tours. “Guidebook offers families an alternative to our fixed schedule student-led tours, allowing campus visitors to tour at times that work best for them. The tour is recorded

by SCU students for students, so it’s consistent with our in-person tours. Selfguided tours are also offered in multiple languages for our Spanish and Mandarin-speaking families, and we hope to add more languages in the future.”

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Being social-media saVVy Although students may worry that their social media posts could work against them, most admissions officials agree that when done properly, social media can also work in your favor.

“Social media can be a powerful tool for gaining information and communicating,” says Blanco Masias. “By connecting with communities and individuals on campus via their social media feeds, students can learn a lot about a campus and/or programs— and in an interactive way. Once a student enrolls, social media enables community building and connection with future classmates. Facebook, Twitter and Snapchat are still the primary social media platforms, but my guess is that others will sprout, like Kickwheel, a mobile app creating private social networks for colleges and universities.”

“Students should follow any and all social media accounts for any college that they want to apply to [in order to] help them see student perspectives and campus life,” says Young. “Our society has become a ‘viral’ community, and it is important that students understand that what they put online can be found and seen by admissions counselors. Social media can be a powerful tool to gain access to information, positive or negative.”

Brittain agrees. “Social media is a great way to keep in touch with friends and loved ones, but it also now means that very few moments are private. Some colleges will view a student’s social media account; others won’t. Therefore,

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as a rule of thumb, students should be mindful of how they present themselves. Social media, however, can be very helpful in getting application tips and information on special events from a college, so I do recommend students follow their top college choices.”

technology’s role in the Future oF college admissions Will technology continue to change the admissions process? Most likely.

“Technology allows for the college to provide information to a student that is more customized and conversely allows a student to reveal themselves in a more personal and authentic way,” says Brittain. “Technology has also allowed for information to be more accessible, whether that be through websites but also apps, Skype, Instant Chat and many other mechanisms now being used to connect with and share information with students not just nationally, but globally.”

So what’s one of the biggest changes students can expect over the next few years?

“As we continue to advance in the technology field, I believe that most schools will become completely paperless to help maximize efforts for reading and processing applications,” says Young.

Now that’s something to look forward to!

Wendy Burt-Thomas is the editor of My College Guide.

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