Higher Education 09-12-2024

September 12, 2024

Empowering a brighter future

advertorial

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September 12, 2024 — HIGHER EDUCATION — HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS

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HIGHer eDUCATION — FALL 2024

Including a brag sheet can help you get into the college of your dreams!

High school students have busy schedules often filled with extracurricular activities, clubs, volunteer work — not to mention academic work, too! All of these aspects make up who you are as a student and that’s exactly what you want colleges to see.

Building a brag sheet can help you give colleges the necessary information they should know about you, whether it’s through your voice or a teacher’s.

How and why to build a ‘brag sheet’ What’s a brag sheet? A brag sheet is very similar to a student resume — it highlights your accomplishments, key experiences, leadership skills and employment throughout your high school career.

Essentially, it’s a quick reference guide with all of the details and achievements for someone trying to get to know you better.

Your brag sheet can be used for a variety of different purposes. You can share your brag sheet with your teachers, coaches or with any other adults with whom you are asking for letters of recommendation. Though a teacher may have you in their class, they may not necessarily know all of the clubs and activities you participate in, both in and out of school. The brag sheet will help them easily reference your accomplishments, activities and skills, should they need help — remember, many of these adults have hundreds of students to keep track of so it’s difficult to reference each student’s accomplishments without help.

Making it easier for them to do so will help them write a letter of recommendation effortlessly and this certainly works in your favor. Including your brag sheet with your college applications can also give college admissions officers more insight into who you are, not only as a student, but as a human being as well. While it’s wonderful to have a great GPA and high test scores, colleges also want to see students who have passion, students who give back to the community and who are active beyond traditional academics.

How can a brag sheet help me?

The brag sheet offers you a chance to shine beyond academics — especially if your GPA or test scores aren’t quite as high as you’d like. Take the opportunity to show off your individuality and highlight your personal attributes, which more than make up for a score, because that’s what makes you unique.

Formatting a brag sheet As with college essays, keep your brag sheet as clear and concise as possible. Anyone who will be reading your brag sheet will be reading many student documents, so under a page is always best. Use bullet points instead of long paragraphs for readability, making sure that whoever reads your sheet can easily scan and still get the main points.

Keep in mind that your brag sheet won’t look exactly like a typical resume. For example, a business professional will certainly have a different look and feel to his or her resume than your brag sheet, just as your resume would look different if you were applying for a job versus creating a brag sheet for college applications.

Yes, you should include your GPA and any test scores (such as the PSAT, SAT and ACT) but your brag sheet will also include many other highlights of your high school career as well. Starting from ninth grade, include all of your experiences. Ideally, you would have been keeping track of all your time in any extracurricular activity, sport, club, travel time, volunteer service, as well as any awards, leadership positions, etc.

However, if you have not been keeping track,

Ace that college admissions interview What to expect

A college admissions interview can take different forms. It might involve an informal meeting with an alumnus or admissions staff member at a coffee shop near your home or a meeting with a staff member when you’re taking a college tour. In some cases, it will be a rigorous meeting with a panel of interviewers.

For schools that offer the opportunity to take an admissions interview, it’s almost always a good idea to take advantage of the chance to present yourself more fully than you can in an application.

Be Prepared This advice will hold you in good stead for an admissions interview or a job interview. Prepare by learning about the college you’re applying to and why you’d want to attend. Find out about their culture and academic programs, and what makes them a good fit for you. If the school has a department or program you’re especially interested in, be sure to share that.

Tell the interviewer why the university’s culture — whether traditional, religious, open-minded, or service-oriented — appeals to you.

Write out a few bullet points about what makes you stand out, and make sure you can explain them clearly. For example, if you’re a gifted athlete or performer, or love science fairs or spelling bees, tell the interviewer that. They want to know about you, not just your grades. And if you love some courses at school more than others, think through that as well. there’s no time like the present to create your list.

Also, keep in mind that this is called a brag sheet for a reason. It can seem uncomfortable listing all you’ve accomplished, but they are your accomplishments! While you should be honest (some schools do verify the truth to these), you should not be overly humble — it’s time to highlight your accomplishments! At the top of your brag sheet, include your name, address and contact information.

Additionally, some brag sheets include a question and answer format, which is your option. Some students answer questions, but only include them when giving their brag sheet to individuals writing letters of recommendation and not to potential colleges.

You will have to determine what the best option for your application situation. Some example questions include: √ What would you consider to be your most outstanding accomplishment thus far, academic and personal? √ Talk about an event or happening in your life that had a significant impact on you. How did it affect your life, both personally and academically? √ Describe yourself using only five positive adjectives. √ What do you consider your three greatest academic strengths and weaknesses? Please briefly explain your answers. √ What do you consider your three greatest personal strengths and <checkmark>Are there any factors or circumstances in your life related to your grades or admission test scores that you would like colleges to be aware of? • Are you excited to explore a particular academic area in college? If yes, which area of <checkmark>Are you interested in a particular profession? Why?

Be Professional First off, show up on time. If it’s at a university admissions office, and you’re visiting with parents, walk up to the desk and introduce yourself rather than having Mom or Dad do it for you. Admissions officials know that a student who can take ownership, be responsible, and speak for themselves is much more likely to succeed at school than one who can’t.

Dress appropriately. You can still show your personality and identity, but it’s important you look dressed for the situation.

Be Conversational This is one of the hardest things for many students (and for many adults too). Remember the goal of an interview is never to tell the other person everything you came prepared to say. Listen to what the other person is saying and respond.

Practicing can help you learn this skill. Use a friend, a parent, or a coach to help you prepare to have a good conversation in which you still get your points across.

Ask Questions Think through some questions ahead of time, so when the interviewer asks you if you’ve got any questions, you’re prepared. Come up with questions that have to do with the specific school so they know you’re thinking through it seriously.

These questions are critical to show “demonstrated interest.” Demonstrated interest is one of the factors universities use in deciding whether to admit you.

The way they figure it, admitting a student who’s genuinely interested improves the likelihood of that student actually accepting their offer of admission and attending.

Courtesy Fastweb

Follow Up This is the thing many many students forget. After you attend an admissions interview, write an email to the person you met with and thank them.

This goes to show demonstrated interest, but it’s also a way of conveying maturity. Tell them you appreciate the time they took to meet with you, answer your questions, and get to know you.

If the interviewer gave you the name of faculty or coaches at the colleges who might be helpful, make sure you drop those people a note. Tell them the interviewer suggested you contact them, explain why you’re interested in the university, and ask some questions about the department or program.

Photo: College admissions officers want to evaluate the whole person, not just a GPA.

Photo: The interview is rarely the deciding factor in whether the college will accept you, but it can give a representative from the college a chance to get to know you better.

September 12, 2024 — HIGHER EDUCATION — HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS

Building your ‘brag sheet’

September 12, 2024 — HIGHER EDUCATION — HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS

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ADVERTORIAL

WELCOME TO THE NEW U!

Molloy, where you’ll find a learning style that fits your lifestyle.

“We invest in our students’ success, and we prepare them to succeed. Molloy students are committed to a value system that stresses a strong work ethic, resiliency, professionalism, and leadership.”

- Dr. James P. Lentini, President, Molloy University Molloy Emphasizes Values & Value

Students and their families are always looking for an academic environment that offers the best fit and the best value for their tuition dollars. Molloy was recently recognized as one of Money Magazine’s 2024 “Best Colleges,” receiving a coveted 4-star rating. The Princeton Review also named Molloy one of the “Best Regional Colleges” for 2024, and according to Niche, the University is the #1 Safest College Campus in New York State!

In addition to being recognized as a great value, Molloy is one of the lowerpriced private universities in the region, and approximately 97% of Molloy students receive some form of institutional aid.

Additionally, Molloy’s strong retention and graduation rates mean that the majority of

our students graduate on time, resulting in significant financial savings compared to students who transfer to other colleges or universities.

tradition, we welcome a diverse community of students and reach beyond the classroom to educate the entire person,” said President Lentini.

Academic Programs That Fuel Careers

Drawing on the Strength of the New York Metropolitan Region

Molloy students can earn degrees in a variety of outstanding academic programs (including nursing, business, education, social work, music therapy, computer studies and many more), led by an outstanding faculty, that lead to rich and rewarding careers.

Additionally, Molloy offers a variety of graduate and doctoral programs that provide the opportunity for students to further enhance their career or take a new direction while pursuing a passion. The University’s graduate and doctoral programs include a variety of MBA options, as well as programs in clinical mental health counseling, criminal justice, music therapy, speech-language pathology, education and nursing.

Investing in Students’ Success A small student-to-faculty ratio (10:1) means that students are more than just a number to our professors, who provide input and guidance that enable students to pursue their dreams.

“This is why they graduate and find success individually and professionally.

Inspired by our Catholic, Dominican

One of the many strengths of Molloy is its proximity to New York City. Nestled in the Long Island suburbs just a short ride from Manhattan, Molloy takes advantage of the NYC metro region to provide its students with the highest quality internships and clinical placements. The largest metropolitan region in the country, the NYC metro area is a world leader in healthcare, business and finance, education, criminal justice, performing arts and much, much more.

Most students at Molloy enjoy an internship at some point in their academic careers.

These real-world experiences are a crucial part of the learning process and ensure that students enter their chosen field ready to make strong contributions.

Vibrant Student Life

popular study and meeting areas, Molloy gives students the opportunity to enjoy themselves and make new friends. Whatever your interest, Molloy has something for you!

For those interested in living on campus, Molloy’s three residence halls house approximately 350 students and provide energy for a campus already buzzing with activity. Living with roommates, meeting new people, and learning to live on their own helps our students succeed in and out of the classroom. Being a resident puts everything the University has to offer right outside your door.

Don’t take our word for it. Visit our campus and see for yourself all the wonderful opportunities Molloy has to offer.

And don’t miss our Open House, on November 17!

At Molloy University, you’ll think about your future in a whole new way.

Welcome to the new U! Visit molloy.edu to learn more or to schedule an in-person tour.

We know that students are serious about their education, but not all learning takes place in the classroom. With more than 50 clubs/student associations, evening and weekend activities and trips, a 550seat theatre, exciting dining options, and

Open House: November 17 molloy.edu

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HIGHer eDUCATION — FALL 2024

The most overused college essay topics to avoid Writing the college application essay is a tough gig. You’ve got to be charming, personal, memorable, and insightful — all in under two pages!

But keep in mind this key tip from college admissions officers: half of a great personal essay is a great topic idea. If you’re passionate about what you’re writing, and if you’re truly documenting something meaningful and serious about yourself and your life, then that passion and meaning will come alive on the page and in the mind of your reader.

On the flip side, here’s what not to do.

“Blood drive” essays. They make a lot of admissions officers want to draw their own blood by jabbing themselves with a paper clip, as one applicant after another claims that one on-campus blood drive changed his life and made him appreciate the importance of serving humanity.

When students try to write what they think the admissions office wants to hear, they inevitably arrive at the blood drive essay and its clichéd cousins. Overused essay topics aren’t wrong, but they’re all the same. They won’t help a student stand out. So here are five topics you’ll want to avoid.

The aforementioned “blood drive essay” or “How community service taught me the importance of helping others...”

Colleges appreciate students who are concerned about their communities. But one

munity service that really meant a lot to you, say so. And be honest. Otherwise, consider doing a good deed for admissions officers and avoid the community service cliché.

“Hard work always pays off,” and other life lessons learned while playing sports.

A lot of athletes try to inject meaningful life lessons into the experiences they write about in their college essays. But if the whole point of your essay is that hard work in the off-season pays off, you’ve just written the same essay that thousands of other varsity letter holders will write. And you probably would never say to your friends, “I feel very fortunate to have participated in athletics because it has taught me many important lessons about hard work and commitment.”

So be original. Tell your athletic story that nobody else will be able tell.

blood drive does not a humanitarian make. A claim to have learned how important it is to help people needs to be substantiated with evidence of a sincere, long term commitment to helping people. Otherwise, your message loses some oomph.

If you had an experience during your com-

“How my trip to another country broadened my horizons…”

A lot of applicants recount their trips to strange, uncharted lands. Like France. These students were inevitablyconfronted with the challenge of adapting to the bizarre customs of their foreign hosts. Maintain your perspective.

Visiting a country and noticing that it is different is not a story that you own. And if your parents took you on an African safari in which you petted lions, we’re jealous (and some admissions officers will be, too). But a

“How I overcame a life challenge (that wasn’t really all that challenging…)”

Essays can help admissions officers understand more about a student who has overcome legitimate hardship. But far too many other students misguidedly manufacture hardship in a college essay to try and gain sympathy or to make excuses for things like low grades. That’s not going to work.

If you’ve had a difficult hardship and you want to talk about it, you should. Otherwise, it’s probably better to choose a different topic.

And please don’t write a eulogy for your pet.

Ever.

Anything that doesn’t really sound like you.

Your essays are supposed to give the readers a sense of your personality. So give your essays a sincerity test. Do they sound like you, or do they sound like you’re trying to impress someone? Don’t use words you looked up in the thesaurus (there really is no place for “plethora” in a college essay). Don’t quote Shakespeare or Plato or the Dali Lama.

If your best friend reads it and says it sounds just like you, that’s probably a good sign.

Courtesy Collegewise.com

Photo: Your college essay topic needs to come from the fact that essays are a way for colleges to get to know the real you, a you that is separate from your grades and scores.

With over 50 undergraduate degree programs, Molloy University combines academic excellence and leadership with personal mentoring. Molloy’s programs in healthcare, education, business and arts and sciences will lead you to an exciting career.

Here, you’ll think about your future in a whole new way.

OPEN HOUSE Sunday, November 17 at 1 PM

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September 12, 2024 — HIGHER EDUCATION — HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS

Don’t be a cliche

safari doesn’t make you a worldlier applicant, and it won’t help you get in.

September 12, 2024 — HIGHER EDUCATION — HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS

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advertorial

Nassau Community College The Smart Choice for a Quality Education Close to Home NCC’s 20+ intercollegiate sports teams compete in the National Junior College Athletic Association. The college is home to championship lacrosse, football, wrestling and cheerleading teams. Our alumni are among the ranks of professional athletes competing in the NFL and NBA.

Nassau Community College, a campus of the State University of New York, offers over 80 associate degrees, certificates and vocational training taught by distinguished faculty. With a commitment to comprehensive personalized education, the college provides small classes, flexible course schedules, and affordable tuition with no tuition increases for the fifth year in a row.

The Hometown College Experience: Situated on 225 acres in historic Garden City, Nassau is home to 17,000 full and part-time students, more than 800 instructional faculty, and expert academic and career advisors. Our safe and close-knit campus community thrives with over 65 student clubs and organizations ranging from the Wall Street Club and the Student Organization of Latinos to the NCC Outing Club, which takes advantage of the natural resources of Long Island.

New Academic Programs: NCC continues to meet the growing demands of the labor force with new

majors coming in Fall 2024, including Entrepreneurship, E-Sports Marketing, Healthcare Administration, Medical Assistant, Sport Marketing, and much more.

A Popular Destination for Transfer Students: Nassau provides excellent support for students who wish to earn credits toward their bachelor’s degree. Many Nassau students get accepted to top four-year universities thanks to Nassau’s transfer partnerships.

Affordability: Named the best community college in New York State by edSmart, Nassau is recognized for educational quality and economic value.

Nassau has kept its low tuition rates steady for the past five years, despite the rising cost of living and the effects of a global pandemic, demonstrating its commitment to affordable education. NCC’s Financial Aid professionals connect students with funding opportunities to help offset tuition costs and other expenses.

Nationally Ranked Athletics: Cheer on the Nassau Lions!

Arts and Culture: Nassau’s campus radio station, WHPC 90.3 FM streams award-winning programming nationally, and provides students with unique internship opportunities. Plaza Art Gallery exhibitions and theater and music performances complement a large array of arts and entertainment programs offered to students and the surrounding community.

A Network of Success: Nassau Community College’s alumni network is over 163,000 strong with graduates finding success as CEOs, medical doctors, actors, professional athletes, award-winning teachers, and more. Many notable Nassau alumni were the first in their families to earn a college degree, including our current Chief Administrative Officer, Dr. Maria P. Conzatti, Class of 1986.

New for Fall 2024: NCC campus dining is getting a delicious upgrade. This fall, we’re thrilled to introduce new food services with fresh, sustainable options for students and staff alike. Whether you’re in the mood for a hearty meal, a quick snack, or something in between, our new dining spots will offer a delicious variety of nutritious choices to fuel our campus community.

Mark your calendars: Our Fall Open House is on Sunday, October 20, at 9:30 a.m.

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Diversity and Equity: At Nassau we pride ourselves on making a quality education accessible to everyone. We recently opened the Minority/Women-Owned Business Enterprise (MWBE) Center for Excellence in Entrepreneurship to help current and future small business owners succeed as entrepreneurs.

Join the ever-growing ranks of those who chose Nassau Community College as their home for success. Apply now at ncc.edu/admissions or call 516-572-7345.

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SMART CHOICE

September 12, 2024 — HIGHER EDUCATION — HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS

Make the

for a successful future.

Nassau Community College offers you an affordable, quality education close to home with flexible routes to a college degree.

Your Hometown College Has It All • Connections with top employers throughout Long Island and beyond • 80+ Associate degrees and certificates in growing fields • Transfer seamlessly with student support at every step • No tuition increases for the fifth year in a row

Join us for our Fall Open House Sunday, October 20, 2024 9:30 a.m.

RSVP today at ncc.edu/openhouse

Nassau Community College One Education Drive Garden City, New York 11530 516-572-7345 | ncc.edu

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The smart choice.

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September 12, 2024 — HIGHER EDUCATION — HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS

ADVERTORIAL

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Vaughn College of Aeronautics and Technology: Rise Above

ounded in 1932, and located in New York City, Vaughn College is a private, nonprofit, fouryear college that enrolls more than 1,100 students in master’s, bachelor’s and associate degree programs in engineering, technology, management and aviation on its main campus in New York City and online. The studentfaculty ratio of 14 to 1 ensures a highly personalized learning environment.

Faculty and staff know students as individuals and work with them to enhance their college experience.

Ninety-eight percent of Vaughn College graduates are placed in professional positions, 78% in their field of study, or choose to continue their education within one year of graduation. Ninety percent of students receive some type of financial aid. The institution serves many first-generation college students and is recognized by the US Department of Education as a Hispanic-Serving Institution.

Vaughn College was ranked number one in upward mobility among 2,137 colleges according to a study reported in 2017 in The New York Times meaning Vaughn is fulfilling its mission by moving students from the bottom 40 percent to the top 40 percent in income. The College was recognized in the top four percent of colleges with the highest return on investment for students from under-resourced communities by a 2022 study completed by Georgetown University’s Center on Education and the Workforce. And Vaughn continues to be recognized as a top regional college in the Northeast and a top college for social

mobility by US News and World Report.

The projected need for aviation personnel will top nearly 2.4 million over the next 20 years, according to Boeing’s Pilot and Technician Outlook 2024-2043.

Staffing shortages have created an unprecedented need for professionals including pilots, air traffic controllers, aeronautical engineers, airline and airport managers and aviation maintenance technicians. Vaughn is meeting this demand by educating students through its state-of-the-art degree program offerings and providing resources and industry connections in all areas of aviation.

Vaughn is also one of the only institutions in New York to offer a degree in mechatronic engineering and has recently added bachelor’s degrees in computer science and computer engineering with artificial intelligence and cybersecurity tracks.

Vaughn’s master’s degree in airport management is uniquely targeted to an industry that employs thousands and contributes significantly to the regional economy. Vaughn now offers a master of business administration degree in aviation management and a supply chain management certificate program.

Vaughn houses a $1-million flight simulator complex that enables students to take off alongside a member of the flight faculty to complement the learning experience. Partnerships with flight training institutions enable students to pursue Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) flight certifications and ratings.

Vaughn recently expanded the current training program with an air traffic

control simulation laboratory that allows students to train on the same state-ofthe-art equipment used by the FAA; and an associate of occupational studies in aviation maintenance along with FAA airframe and powerplant certification is available through Vaughn’s Aviation Training Institute.

The career development office provides year-round opportunities for on-campus recruitment, employment and internships nationwide. Recent graduates work at companies including NASA, SpaceX, JetBlue, Atlas Air, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, the Federal Aviation Administration, the Boeing Company, Lockheed Martin and the Metropolitan Transportation Authority. Students also complete

internships with companies such as Boeing, NASA, Pratt & Whitney and Rolls-Royce. This real-world experience helps students to explore career options as well as build expertise in their field of study.

Find out if Vaughn is the right institution for you. Visit www.vaughn. edu, email admitme@vaughn.edu or call 1-866-6VAUGHN. Visit Vaughn on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ VaughnCollegeFB, Instagram at www. instagram.com/vaughncollege or on TikTok at @VaughnCollege. Vaughn looks forward to meeting you and supporting your pursuit of a futureproof education.

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September 12, 2024 — HIGHER EDUCATION — HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS

ARE YOU READY TO

RISE ABOVE? There’s currently an unprecedented shortage of aviation professionals—including pilots, air traffic controllers, engineers and mechanics. These skills have never been in greater demand, opportunities are endless and compensation is at an all-time high.

To make the most of these incredible opportunities, start with an education from Vaughn College. Our outstanding reputation, experienced faculty, state-of-the-art training facilities and extensive employer network will prepare you to achieve more than you can imagine.

INDUSTRY CONNECTIONS THAT WILL TAKE YOU HIGHER, FASTER Here are just a few of the companies where Vaughn students land: • SpaceX • Lockheed Martin • Boeing

• Delta Air Lines • United Airlines • NASA

• Northrop Grumman • Pratt & Whitney • LaGuardia Airport

ENGINEERING | TECHNOLOGY | MANAGEMENT | AVIATION

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TO FIND OUT HOW VAUGHN COLLEGE CAN HELP YOU RISE ABOVE, VISIT OPEN HOUSE ON NOV. 16, VAUGHN.EDU OR EMAIL US AT ADMITME@VAUGHN.EDU

September 12, 2024 — HIGHER EDUCATION — HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS

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HIGHer eDUCATION — FALL 2024

Recommendations are still important Help admissions team to get a clearer picture of the whole applicant

Those teacher recommendation letters might just make the difference between whether or not a student gets into their dream school.

Colleges and universities want to see that their applicants are well-rounded, passionate, and determined. Thousands upon thousands of students can earn a 4.0 GPA, but far fewer students are able to do so while also demonstrating strong leadership skills, advanced critical thinking skills, and impeccable character.

Schools rely on recommendations from teachers to gain a more holistic view of their applicants, allowing them to see which students have what it takes to thrive on their campus and contribute to the institution. In short, recommendations help you stand out.

They showcase your personality and the way you interact in an academic setting.

Letters of recommendation serve multiple purposes in the college admissions process.

They give a new perspective to a student’s application—recommendations are someone else talking about the student and are a great way for colleges to learn more about an applicant’s character and personal qualities. Teacher recommendations shine a light on a student’s work ethic in the classroom. They also let school representatives provide context about a student’s academic journey that may not come across by looking at a transcript.

And so because students are putting an important piece of their application in some-

one else’s hands, students should have a plan in place.

Ask Early It’s advised that students choose two teachers to ask for a recommendation and to go ahead and ask before the end of junior year. It may seem early to ask before applications are open — or before you’ve finished your college list — but we have a few reasons for wanting to give your teachers plenty of notice ahead of time.

First, some teachers prefer to write recommendations over the summer when they have more free time. Writing recommendations is not part of your teacher’s job (let’s acknowl-

edge that they are doing something very nice for you!), so they may not have time to write multiple letters during the school year.

Second, some teachers may limit the number of recommendations that they write each year. Maybe they’re “known” for writing “good” recommendations (English teachers often get this reputation just because they’re the English teacher…), or maybe it’s a teacher most students like. If you wait until the fall to ask, the teacher you really want to write your recommendation may have filled up.

Choose Wisely Okay, you’re going to ask your two teach-

ers by the beginning of senior year. But who are you going to ask? Your first instinct may be to ask the teachers in whose classes you have the highest grades. That’s not quite the approach many admissions counselors recommend.

Ideally, choose teachers from junior year.

Colleges prefer recommendations from teachers who’ve taught you in junior year because they’re getting a look at your most recent self.

You may have had a great relationship with a teacher from 9th or 10th grade, but you’ve probably grown as a student and a person since then. Junior year classes are also more difficult, so colleges learn more about how you handled tougher coursework. Few students are “college-ready” academically or personally in 9th grade.

Choose at least one core subject teacher.

Your favorite classes might be your electives, but try to think of at least one teacher who teaches a core subject (math, English, social studies, science, foreign language) with whom you have a good relationship. Sometimes, colleges will request that at least one teacher recommendation come from a core subject.

You may not know this until the fall, but this keeps you on the safe side.

Photo: While in high school, try to form quality, meaningful connections and relationships with teachers and staff so you have people willing to write high-quality recommendations for your admissions applications.

Understanding the admissions process Questions admissions officers want applicants to ask

By Kirsten Clodfelter

learn more about the affordability of a specific school by asking questions like, “What percentage of students receive [financial] aid?”

“What are the qualifications for academic scholarships?” and “Are there additional scholarships to apply for as an incoming student?”

Admissions officers may seem like the big scary gatekeepers when you’re in the middle of college applications. But, the truth is that they’re passionate about higher education and want to admit students to their university who will thrive on campus and beyond.

Admissions officers actually want you to ask them questions to ensure that you’re applying to their school because it’s the right match for your educational, personal and professional goals. Here, admissions experts share the questions potential students should be asking colleges.

What are you looking for in an applicant?

Greg Kaplan, an independent college counselor and author of Earning Admission, says, “Many students feel the need to be perfect at everything to present a ‘well-rounded’ application.” However, that’s often not what schools want.“Colleges are looking for specialists to fill niche roles at a school, which enables students to excel in a field that matters to them,” he says. Before you try to present yourself as perfect at everything (which is impossible) ask your admissions officer for their take on what they ideally want in an applicant.

If you have an idea of an intended program or major within your potential school, Guidance counselor Tracy Wood says, “Ask the admissions team what makes students stand

out more than others for a specific program.”

Finding out if there’s a summer internship opportunity or prerequisite classes that are used to narrow down the applicant pool can do a lot to improve your chances for acceptance.

What sets your school apart from other schools?

Don’t forget that colleges should be presenting themselves as solid selections for you as much as you’re working to make yourself look like a good choice for them. John Schaffer, assistant director of admission at Delaware Valley University in Pennsylvania, suggests students dig into both the school as a whole

and their potential major or program. Then, Schaffer advises, follow up by asking, “‘How will the school prepare me for my career goals?’ and ‘What are recent alumni doing with this degree?’” Be sure your school is able to offer you the tools necessary to achieve your goals over the next four years and well beyond that.

What does the student debt load really look like here?

The importance of understanding the true cost of your college education before you commit can’t be overstated. Schaffer says he “always encourages students to look beyond the ‘sticker price’ of a school.” Students can

Which events should I attend to learn about campus life?

One of the best ways to determine if a school’s a good fit is to spend time around campus, if possible. Of course, you’ll get the most helpful information if you know exactly when and how to spend that time on campus.

Heidi Reigel, director of admissions at McDaniel College in Maryland, says, “We often have students who are overwhelmed by our offerings when it comes to visit events.”

Reigel suggests the simplest solution is to reach out to admissions and start a conversation. “Call or email [an admissions] counselor and ask for advice about which program to attend or the differences between the events.

We can help students determine the best way to see our campus and get their questions answered.” Admissions counselors can also provide information about virtual and online visit information if needed.

Photo: Don’t fear the admissions team.

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Hofstra’s location on Long Island and proximity to New York City ensures that students gain access to internships and co-op positions with

leading companies and organizations in nearly every industry. In fact, 92% of Hofstra undergraduate degree recipients report being employed or in graduate school within a year of graduation. Classes are small, with a 13:1 student-faculty ratio, and Hofstra professors are leading scholars who are dedicated to teaching.

Since its founding in 1935, Hofstra has grown from one central house to 117 buildings on 244 acres. Hofstra’s new Science & Innovation Center provides modern academic spaces and labs for students in the Fred DeMatteis School of Engineering and Applied Science and the Hofstra

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Hofstra’s longstanding partnership with Northwell Health – New York state’s largest healthcare system and private employer – allows the School of Health Sciences and the Hofstra Northwell School of Nursing and Physician Assistant Studies to offer internships and guaranteed clinical placements at Northwell facilities.

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you discover new talents.

For students who want to gain specialized knowledge directly after undergrad or individuals aiming to advance their career, Hofstra offers more than 200 graduate program options. Students are encouraged to take advantage of Hofstra’s flexible scheduling, a global alumni network of 148,000, and its many career advancement opportunities across business, communications, education, health sciences, nursing, and psychology.

Regardless of your major, Hofstra’s abundant resources and dynamic learning opportunities will help you thrive academically, personally, and professionally.

Among full-time, first-year students who started at Hofstra in fall 2023, 100% determined to have financial need were awarded some type of aid. Thirty-two percent were in the top 10% of their high school class, and 56% self-identified as people of color – a new high for the University.

Experience outstanding academic programs, personal attention, a vibrant campus life with more than 200 clubs and organizations, 21 NCAA Division I athletic teams, and, most importantly, a community that cares about you and your dreams.

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September 12, 2024 — HIGHER EDUCATION — HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS

YOUR SUCCESS STORY STARTS AT HOFSTRA

September 12, 2024 — HIGHER EDUCATION — HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS

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ATTEND HOFSTRA’S UNDERGRADUATE OPEN HOUSE Join us for one of the following tour dates:

• Sunday, September 22, 2024 • Sunday, October 20, 2024 • Sunday, November 10, 2024 Check-in begins at 9 a.m.

Hofstra University is home to more than 175 undergraduate program options designed with your future in mind. Learn from world-class faculty, attend classes in cutting-edge labs and facilities, and participate in professional work experiences such as internships and co-op programs. With over 200 student clubs, a wide range of resources, and a vibrant campus life, your path to success starts at Hofstra!

In-person and virtual tours are available.

For event details and to RSVP, visit hofstra.edu/falloh

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