OCTOBER 8, 2026
Empowering a brighter future
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October 8, 2026 — HIGHER EDUCATION — HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS
HIGHer eDUCATION — FALL 2026
Getting in
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Trends that will shape college admissions
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The admissions landscape has no doubt changed dramatically over the last few decades, and especially in the years post-pandemic. Most universities went test-optional or test-blind, SAT subject tests flatlined, and the writing section of the SAT perished along with it. On the admissions front, a few students chose to opt for alternate pathways instead of pursuing expensive college degrees. Even for college counselors who are constantly tracking college admission updates, it can sometimes be challenging to keep up. It’s important for college-bound students to stay up to date on the latest college admissions trends. Here some things college advisors have seen this year, and what to watch as these trends shape admissions going forward. The 2025-2026 admissions cycle continued the trend of tremendous change that affected almost every aspect of college-bound students’ lives — including the admissions process. Application numbers, lower admission rates, test-optional policy updates, and the rise of generative AI have had a profound impact on college admissions. Throughout the process, doing your due diligence is essential. Early Application Numbers Are Mixed Early applications to some of the most highly selective schools decreased for the admissions cycle, likely due to the reinstatement of standardized test requirements. Students who apply Early Decision or Early Action often have a statistical advantage over students who apply Regular Decision. Why? Colleges and universities help maintain or improve their yield rates by accepting more students in the early rounds. Testing Requirements Reinstated The number of test-optional schools is now on the decline, with many private and public schools — including most of the Ivy Leagues — reinstating standardized testing requirements. Test scores are better than high school grades at indicating a student’s academic preparedness for college and chance for success. And because grading standards are inconsistent, colleges use standardized tests to level the playing field. The ACT Makes Changes The ACT made changes to its digital test — most notably, making the Science section optional. However, watch for schools that may require or recommend that students take the Science section.
Additionally, the whole test is shorter, as is each individual section. The overall test time is now 125 minutes, compared to the previous 175 minutes. Students also have an average of 10 additional seconds to answer each question, but this varies by subject. These changes were implemented on the paper test in September 2025. It’s worth noting that the ACT will remain linear, meaning the questions on the test will not be adaptive as they are for the digital SAT. Application Videos Are Becoming More Popular Another recent trend is the addition of a college application video at some schools, allowing students to share more about themselves and their voices beyond the information provided in the rest of their application. Schools that have incorporated videos into the application process include Bowdoin College, Brown, Case Western, Duke, Vanderbilt, UChicago, and more. Each school has different requirements. In some cases, they are looking for a video introduction. Or it might be a video essay. These videos are often optional, but its recommended to submit then, Admissions officers want to get to know who you are as a person — not just as an academic — so this is a great way to add a more depth and personality to your application. It also shows demonstrated interest, since you made the extra effort. Public Institutions Are Attracting More Applicants State schools are generally a more affordable option for students who live in the region, and the Common App data is showing a higher growth rate in applications for public institutions vs. private colleges. Public member schools saw a 10% increase in applications, while private member schools saw a 2% increase overall. Admissions Committees Are Using AI AI has been touching nearly every aspect of our lives, and that includes the college admissions process. Admissions officers are using AI to automate parts of the application review process, such as scanning letters of recommendation, transcripts, and essays to pull out key information and transcribing applicant interviews. Photo: If you take the time to do your research and keep yourself open to a wide range of colleges and universities, you’re bound to find many college options that will be right for you academically, socially and financially.
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HIGHer eDUCATION — FALL 2026 Including a brag sheet can help you get into the college of your dreams!
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igh 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, there’s no time like the present to create your list.
So many choices It all starts with the 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 weaknesses? Please briefly explain your answers. • 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 study and why? • Are you interested in a particular profession? Why? • Briefly introduce yourself to your future college roommate. Key high school experiences and activities that colleges will look for include (but are not limited to): • Volunteer and community service work • Leadership positions you’ve held • Non-academic extracurricular activities such as your involvement in music, arts or athletics • Academic clubs or academically-focused extracurricular activities you are (or have been) involved in • Honors and awards you’ve received (in school, community or otherwise) • Employment, part-time or otherwise When listing items like jobs, volunteer work and community service, you want to be sure to list the organization supervisor’s name and number with the description, so that colleges are able to verify your experience, should they feel the need. Courtesy Fastweb Photo: College admissions officers want to evaluate the whole person, not just a GPA.
If you want to make a better college search list, don’t limit your potential list of colleges to just schools you have heard of. There are over 1,500 four-year U.S. colleges — there is no reason to start off with a short list of five institutions. Now your college search list is not the same thing as your college application list where five schools is a very reasonable number. The college search list should contain at least 20 schools, more if you have the time to research them. A good search list will include colleges that you haven’t considered or heard of before you started creating the search list. This is the time to be open to new ideas. Pick or imagine your ideal school in every aspect. Go all out and assume you have a full scholarship to attend. Next, start playing “what if” with the characteristics of this dream school. Would you go if it were 500 miles away? What if it is was significantly smaller than you wanted? If just one of these factors was missing, would you still attend if you had a full scholarship? If you would still consider going than you need to realize that these “requirements” you have already created are probably limiting some very good schools from your list. You can start expanding your list by taking one college you’re interested in and changing or removing a limiting characteristic to find similar schools. For example, say you are interested in big universities with finance majors in the northeast. Start by changing finance to business or economics in general. What schools does that add to your list? Or maybe keep the finance part but add the mid-west or change big to medium-sized. Ultimately, these new schools may not stay on your list. However, it’s more likely that you will discover possibilities that you hadn’t considered and revise the criteria for your list. Ignore geography. This means both location, such as state, and place, such as rural. There are a lot of preconceived notions about colleges based on geography alone. Ultimately, it may be an important consideration, but by keeping geography out of the equation to begin with, you may discover other factors that more than make up for being in a place you had thought was less than desirable. Don’t use rankings to keep colleges off your list. Rankings are arbitrary, one person’s top 10 may not make it to another person’s top 50. If and when you do use rankings to narrow your college search list, be sure to understand the basis for the rankings. Don’t use college size in making your preliminary list. This is another area where many students have assumptions that they haven’t really tested. Also, it’s simply a matter of numbers since there are just a lot more smaller colleges than bigger ones. Consider the extracurriculars. College isn’t only about the classroom, so your criteria should include extracurriculars. Some schools even offer scholarships or other forms of financial aid for based on extracurricular interests. Of course, the number and type of extracurriculars is dependent upon the school community. At many schools, Greek life is active. Most universities have athletics programs, including intramural sports. Outside of sports, students can join the choir or debate team, participate in volunteer opportunities, or work on theater productions. Most colleges also host special interest clubs. Consider the other factors. Ultimately, finding the right college could boil down to any number of factors — or just one big one, depending on your goals. For some, that factor might be a school’s religious affiliation, while others may look at study abroad opportunities or campus culture to find the best fit. Finally, prospective applicants should consider their chances of gaining admission. Applicants should be realistic about their grades and test scores and make sure they’re applying to a range of schools within their qualifications.. Photo: With so many facets to the college application process, it can be difficult for students and their families to even know where or how to begin. A good starting point — and one of the most important pieces of the application process — is formulating a balanced list.
October 8, 2026 — HIGHER EDUCATION — HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS
Building your ‘brag sheet’
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October 8, 2026 — HIGHER EDUCATION — HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS
FIND YOUR FUTURE AT HOFSTRA
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hoosing a college is about discovering what you want to do, gaining the experience to do it well, and knowing you have room to grow. At Hofstra University, seven career communities help students connect their interests to academic programs, hands-on learning, and meaningful career possibilities. The communities organize Hofstra’s undergraduate programs around the futures students imagine for themselves: Health, Wellness, and Human Performance; Business, Analytics, and Enterprise; Media, Storytelling, and Sports; Engineering and Applied Technology; Society, Law, and Education; Science, Research, and Discovery; and Arts, Design, and Performance. Whether a student hopes to care for patients, launch a company, design new technology, conduct scientific research, teach, shape public policy, produce a broadcast, or perform onstage, the framework presents Hofstra’s wide range of opportunities in a way that feels personal, relevant,
and easy to explore At Hofstra, meaningful involvement begins in the first year. Undergraduates can conduct research alongside faculty, practice in advanced simulation laboratories, create in professional television and film studios, and design and test projects in 17 high-tech engineering labs. Because undergraduate courses are taught by faculty rather than graduate student instructors, students can build relationships with professors who become mentors, collaborators, and professional references. Hofstra brings together opportunities uncommon on a campus of its size, including a medical school and law school, an R2 research environment, and strong connections with Northwell Health. Paid co-ops, internships, study abroad, student-run media, performances, research opportunities, and community-based projects allow students to apply classroom learning while developing the confidence and experience employers and graduate programs value.
Hofstra combines the breadth of a nationally recognized university with the personal attention of a close community. An average class size of 21 and a 13-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio provide individual guidance and support. Hofstra’s relationships with leading employers, health systems, schools, media organizations, nonprofits, and cultural institutions open doors to professional experience throughout the academic year. Participating students complete an average of 2.5 internships. The results reflect that preparation. In 2026, Hofstra students earned prestigious national honors, including a Rhodes Scholarship and Goldwater Scholarship. Additionally, 92% of Hofstra undergraduate degree recipients are employed or attending graduate school within six months of graduation, a rate that has remained steady for three years. Beyond academics, students can connect and get involved with more than 175 clubs and organizations, NCAA Division I athletics, and events
throughout the year. Whether they are leading, creating, competing, or cheering on the Pride during the race to March Madness, students find countless ways to make campus life their own. At Hofstra, students do not have to arrive with every answer. Career communities give them a place to begin, the freedom to explore their interests, and the support to shape their future.
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October 8, 2026 — HIGHER EDUCATION — HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS
Get to Know Hofstra This Fall See yourself at Hofstra. Select the visit that fits you best. FALL EXPERIENCE DAY MONDAY, OCTOBER 12
Most high schools are closed. Hofstra is open!
Experience Hofstra while classes are in session. Tour the campus, see our academic spaces, connect with students and faculty, and get a feel for what a day at Hofstra is really like.
FALL OPEN HOUSE SUNDAY, OCTOBER 25 AND NOVEMBER 15 Take a closer look!
Spend the day discovering academics, student life, campus resources, and opportunities across Hofstra. Meet faculty and students, explore our spaces, and get the information you need as you consider your college options.
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October 8, 2026 — HIGHER EDUCATION — HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS
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Molloy is where you’ll become who you were always meant to be. “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, service and leadership.” - Dr. James P. Lentini President, Molloy University Investing in Students’ Success “At Molloy University, we provide an education that leads to success in areas that include the health professions, arts and sciences, education and business. Rooted in the liberal arts, our programs are designed to develop critical thinkers who are prepared for the future,” said Dr. Lentini. “This is why students graduate and find success. Inspired by our Catholic, Dominican tradition, we welcome a diverse community and reach beyond the classroom to educate the whole person.” Our small 10:1 student-to-faculty ratio ensures that professors know their students personally and serve as mentors. Molloy offers flexible pathways and support for transfer students, career changers and veterans, making it easier than ever to earn a degree. Academic Programs That Fuel Careers Students choose from outstanding undergraduate programs leading to meaningful careers in fields such as nursing,
WHERE U BELONG! business, education, fine arts, social work, psychology, biology and computer studies. Courses are taught by accomplished, approachable faculty who bring real-world expertise into the classroom. Molloy also offers a wide range of graduate and doctoral programs, providing opportunities to advance or pivot professionally. Options include multiple MBA tracks and programs in clinical mental health counseling, criminal justice, music therapy, speech-language pathology, education and nursing. Additionally, professional certificates and continuing education programs help students continue growing throughout their careers. Across programs, students engage in internships, experiential learning, capstone projects with real-world clients and faculty-guided research that strengthen their résumés and broaden their skills. Molloy Emphasizes Value and Values Molloy has earned national recognition for excellence and value, ranking far above peer institutions on Long Island. The Wall Street Journal named Molloy one of the nation’s top 100 colleges and 6th in New York State. Forbes included Molloy among its Top Colleges in America (2026), while Money Magazine awarded Molloy a prestigious 4-star rating in its 2026 “Best Colleges” list. Molloy was also ranked the #1 Safest College in New York State and #3 in the nation, and was the only Long Island institution named one of Niche’s Top 50 “Value” Colleges.
A remarkable 99% of Molloy students receive institutional aid, helping make their education more affordable. Strong retention and graduation rates mean most students finish on time. “We provide students with the best possible value. If you come to Molloy, you graduate with a job in your field at a salary that’s significantly higher than average.” - Dr. James P. Lentini Drawing on the Strength of the New York Metropolitan Region
Molloy’s location is one of its greatest advantages. Situated in the Long Island suburbs just a short ride from Manhattan, Molloy leverages the largest metropolitan region in the country to offer exceptional internships and clinical placements. The NYC metro area leads globally in healthcare, business and finance, education, criminal justice and the performing arts, giving students unparalleled access to opportunities. In addition to the main campus in Nassau County, Molloy maintains satellite locations in Manhattan and Suffolk County. The University’s growing Communiversity initiative strengthens ties with the local community, helping students and their families feel connected and supported. With more than 28,000 alumni living and working in the tri-state area, students benefit from a powerful network of mentors and professional connections.
Vibrant Student Life College is about more than academics, and Molloy offers a vibrant, welcoming campus experience. With 50+ clubs and organizations, evening and weekend activities, a 550-seat theatre, diverse dining options, and plenty of study and gathering spaces, there’s a place for everyone to get involved and make new friends. Students can study abroad through international education programs that offer travel during school breaks or for full semesters, with destinations such as Spain, Italy, Ireland, and Tanzania. Molloy competes in NCAA Division II athletics and has a growing roster of club sports, including sprint football and flag football. Students seeking the full campus experience can live in one of three residence halls, home to approximately 350 students. Living on campus provides independence, friendship, and easy access to everything Molloy has to offer. Don’t take our word for it—come visit! See why Molloy is Long Island’s top-ranked private university and discover where you belong. Attend Molloy’s Open House on November 15. Learn more at molloy.edu.
Open House: November 15 molloy.edu
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HIGHer eDUCATION — FALL 2026
Strategizing is key
College application essays are often the most stressed about component of the admissions process, but they don’t have to be! By taking some time to learn what admissions officers are looking for students can feel confident when crafting their application essays. When it comes to writing compelling essays, students need to keep a few simple tips in mind in order to approach the process in a stress-free manner. Here are three simple tips from former admissions officers on what to keep in mind when finishing up your college application essays. Let admissions officers get to know you Colleges are looking to really get to know the applicant in their essays. There is only so much that an application reader can learn from a list of extracurriculars, transcript, test scores, recommendationa, etc. Often, the best way to get a clear picture of a student’s goals, accomplishments and character is to hear it directly. Essays offer students a chance to share something with admissions officers that they don’t already know, and also offer students an opportunity to demonstrate their interest in a school. Don’t regurgitate information that’s already available — reveal something that can’t be found anywhere else in the application. Be detailed in supplements For certain school-specific essay questions, or the common “why this school?” ques-
tion, students should get specific. Colleges are looking for really detailed and well-researched responses here. It’s not enough to say, “I want to go to XX University because it’s a great school.” Colleges want to know that a student has done their homework on the institution and has really thought about how they will fit into the campus community. This is referred to as informed interest. Mention specific courses or professors of interest. Also elaborate on campus organizations or programs that fit certain goals, and certain aspects that make the school a good social and academic fit. Admissions officers should be able to clearly see where a student might fit into the fabric of the community based on their answer.
Use AI thoughtfully The majority of colleges and universities don’t have clear guidelines about how prospective students can use AI tools in their essays and personal statements. However, this doesn’t mean that AI can write your essays for you. The purpose of college application essays and personal statements is to give colleges a deeper look at who you are — what matters to you, what you’re passionate about, and what excites you about the future. ChatGPT doesn’t know any of that! It’s up to you to tell your story. Your college application essay should reveal something about you through storytelling. If you’re having trouble deciding what
Avoid common mistakes There are simple mistakes that students make every year. It’s important to keep an eye out for these simple mistakes and work to resolve them before submitting your final applications. Some common mistakes students make in their college application essays include: Trying to sound like someone else or writing about things they think admissions readers what to hear. Students want to find the best-fit school for them and that means they need to be authentic in their applications. Not proofreading. Another huge mistake is not doing that final read-through to catch any last spelling or punctuation errors. You don’t want to work hard on your essay and then leave the reader wondering if you truly meant “marital” arts over “martial” arts. Copy and pasting. Supplemental essays should all be unique and focused on the school you are applying to. Don’t copy the essay you wrote for Tufts and try to apply it to Hamilton. Essays aren’t rocket science but they are an important part of the admissions process that students need to invest a good amount of time and effort into. Photo: There’s no need to sweat this part of the process, but do be prepared with a good topic and concise writing
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Sunday, November 15 at 1PM With over 150 undergraduate, graduate and doctoral degree programs and championship NCAA Division II teams, Molloy is where you’ll learn with purpose and lead with confidence. Our career-focused programs in healthcare, education, business and arts and sciences help turn ambition into action.
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See why we’re Long Island’s top-ranked private university.
October 8, 2026 — HIGHER EDUCATION — HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS
Crafting the ‘perfect’ essay
to write, you can turn to AI to help you generate ideas and narrow down your topic. For example, you can ask it to come up with 10 questions to help you brainstorm topics or to elaborate on an idea you might already have.
October 8, 2026 — HIGHER EDUCATION — HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS
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HIGHer eDUCATION — FALL 2026
Recommendations are still important Help the admissions team 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 of students can earn a 4.0 GPA, but far fewer are able to do so while also demonstrating strong leadership skills, advanced critical thinking, 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. Letters of recommendation serve multiple purposes. They give a new perspective to the 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 in a transcript. Recommendations are just one part of the college application — but they’re important to colleges who use them as part of the holistic admissions process. They’re also one piece of the application that students have little control over. Ask Early It’s advised that students choose two teachers to ask and do so 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 there are 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 their job (let’s acknowledge 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 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 one most liked. If you wait until the fall to ask, the teacher you really want may not be available. Choose Wisely Your first instinct may be to ask the teachers in classes that 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; think of at least one teacher who teaches a core subject (math, English, social studies, science) with whom you have a good relationship. Sometimes, colleges will request that at least one recommendation come from a core subject. You may not know this until the fall, but this keeps you on the safe side. Your recommenders’ subjects don’t have to relate to your intended major. So if you want to major in engineering and have a great relationship with your history teacher, don’t feel like you have to ask your math and physics teachers. A letter from that history teacher could provide a great new perspective that would be otherwise missing from your application! Think about who knows you the best. So if you’re not deciding solely based on your highest grade or subject area,, think about the strength of the relationship you have with your teacher. Remember, recommendations are someone else writing about you. You want to choose teachers who have something to say! Think about the classes where you are most yourself. Where you participate and get involved. Where your teacher knows a little bit about who you are when you aren’t in their classroom. Photo: While in high school, try to form quality, meaningful connections and relationships with teachers and staff so you have people willing to write highquality recommendations for your admissions applications.
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Higher Education— Career-ready by Design
or many adults, higher education is about more than earning a degree— it’s about gaining practical skills and confidence to pursue a rewarding career. For more than 135 years, St. Paul’s School of Nursing, with campuses in Queens and Staten Island, has offered career-ready healthcare programs. The Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) program is designed to prepare students to become Registered Nurses, while the Associate of Occupational Studies (AOS) in Medical Assisting program is designed to help students develop skills for clinical and administrative roles. Both programs prepare students for entry-level opportunities in healthcare. Whether you’re a recent high school graduate, career changer or adult ready for a fresh start, St. Paul’s combines classroom learning with hands-on clinical training led by instructors with real-world healthcare experience. Higher education doesn’t have to mean a four-year commitment. If you’re ready to explore where hands-on healthcare training could take you, St. Paul’s can help you take the first step.
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Founded in 1932, and located in New York City, Vaughn College is a private, nonprofit, four-year college that enrolls more than 1,600 students in master’s, bachelor’s and associate degree programs in engineering, technology, management and aviation. The student-faculty ratio of 16 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-seven percent of Vaughn College graduates are placed in professional positions, 77% in their field of study, or choose to continue their education within one year of graduation. More than eighty-six 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.
October 8, 2026 — HIGHER EDUCATION — HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS
Vaughn College of aeronautiCs and teChnology: rise aboVe
Visit Vaughn College, email admitme@vaughn. edu or call 1-866-6VAUGHN. Visit Vaughn at Facebook; YouTube; Instagram or on TikTok at @ VaughnCollege. Vaughn looks forward to meeting you and supporting your pursuit of a futureproof education.
PROGRAMS WITH WITH PURPOSE. PURPOSE. FUTURES WITH PROMISE. PROMISE. Are you ready to rise above? Our industry-driven programs in engineering, technology, management and aviation don’t just prepare you Are you to rise above? for aready career—they help you secure one. With a 97% job placement rate and 77% of graduates landing jobs in their field, this is where your future begins. And that’s a guarantee.*
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Our industry-driven programs in engineering, technology, management and learn more aboutyou the for programs we offer,help visit you vaughn.edu. aviation To don’t just prepare a career—they secure one. With 97% of graduates employed or continuing their education within one year (77% landing jobs in their fields), this is where your future begins. And that’s a guarantee.*
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See What Makes Adelphi Different. Come to a Fall Open House.
hat makes Adelphi University the smart choice for students who want to make the most of their college experience? Find out by joining us on our Garden City campus on Saturday, October 24, or Sunday, November 15. Here are some of the reasons that Forbes has named Adelphi the top private university on Long Island for four consecutive years. the Numbers that Matter • Average annual salary of our baccalaureate graduates: $83,002— that’s 37 percent higher than the national average • 100 percent of undergraduates receive scholarships • More than 80 undergraduate programs, from STEM to the arts • More than 90 clubs and organizations • Award-winning career guidance Find Your voice at Adelphi There are no giant lecture halls here. Your professors will know your name, encourage your ideas and make sure your voice is heard.
More Academic options You’ll choose from more than 80 majors including innovative programs like an artificial intelligence degree and a scientific computing minor. Fast-track Your Future Our 4+1 programs allow you to earn a bachelor’s and master’s degree in just five years, saving both time and tuition. And our joint degree programs with partner universities provide direct pathways to professional careers. Career Success Starts Here You’ll be career-ready. You’ll gain résumé-writing, LinkedIn optimization and interview skills and land valuable internships through our award-winning Prep for Success program. explore Adelphi at a Fall Undergraduate open House on our Garden City Campus Meet faculty and current students, connect with admissions counselors and financial aid advisers, and explore our beautiful campus.
• Saturday, October 24, 10:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m. • Sunday, November 15, 10:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m. Learn more at adelphi.edu/heraldoh26.
COME TO ADELPHI. YOU’LL GO PLACES. Choosing a college with your future in mind? You belong at Adelphi. • Strong Starts: The average annual salary of our baccalaureate graduates is $83,002. • Small classes: 11:1 student-to-faculty ratio • Generous scholarships: 100 percent of our undergraduate students receive scholarships. • Exceptional outcomes: See where our 2026 grads have landed at adelphi.edu/nextsteps26.
UNDERGRADUATE OPEN HOUSE Saturday, October 24 | 10:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m. ET Sunday, November 15 | 10:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m. ET Garden City Campus Register today to reserve your spot! Visit adelphi.edu/heraldoh26. 1364166
October 8, 2026 — HIGHER EDUCATION — HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS
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ADVERTORIAL
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Endless Opportunities
assau Community College (NCC) students are laying the foundation for their next step. Whether your goal is to transfer to a four-year university, gain a promotion in the workplace, or return to education to complete a degree, NCC’s 225-acre campus in Garden City is your launchpad to academic and career success. This is where affordability meets excellence. Affordable Academic Excellence At NCC, we believe that a worldclass education should be accessible to everyone. For qualifying full-time, instate students, tuition can be less than $3,000 per semester, and adult learners may qualify for tuition-free learning in select high-demand programs through the SUNY Reconnect program. We provide comprehensive support, including free FAFSA workshops, to ensure financing your college education is as straightforward as possible. Launching an educational journey at NCC means you receive a top-tier education at an affordable cost, helping you minimize student debt. NCC students learn from award-winning faculty, many of whom also teach at private, four-year universities. NCC faculty bring a depth of knowledge and real-world experience to the classroom. With small class sizes, personalized attention, and faculty who know students by name, you’ll receive the mentorship and guidance needed to excel. And with access to more than 60 associate degrees and certificates in high-demand fields, you’ll find a desired area of study to expand your skills. Our access to high-quality facilities, cutting-edge technology, and study-abroad options further enriches the learning experience.
employers and four-year institutions value. NCC also offers opportunities to learn beyond the classroom through internships, experiential learning, student activities, athletics, leadership opportunities, and campus events. These experiences help students discover interests while building connections that can last well beyond graduation. You’ll also have access to an engaging alumni network of over 166,000 who are eager to provide career mentoring, supportive networking, as well as internship and job opportunities to help you along your journey to success.
Career & Transfer Focused NCC is a direct path to your next step. Many of our students successfully transfer to a four-year institution, thanks to our guided transfer process. Our dedicated transfer counselors offer comprehensive information and guidance for a seamless transition. We host an annual Transfer Fair, bringing representatives from other institutions directly to NCC, and maintain articulation agreements with local four-year institutions, ensuring your credits transfer smoothly. From the moment students arrive, they are encouraged to explore their interests, build confidence, and develop the skills
Engaged Community Join a vibrant cultural and social environment that feels more like a traditional college campus. Our prime location provides immediate access to transportation, shopping, dining, and recreation, as well as unparalleled proximity to NYC for internship and career opportunities. Beyond academics, our thriving community life includes more than 20 NJCAA teams and dozens of academic, cultural, religious, political, and athletic clubs. Programs like the First-Year Experience connect students to our diverse community, faculty, and one another, fostering a sense of
belonging from day one. For students balancing work, family, and education, NCC offers flexible pathways and resources designed to make college manageable, including an on-campus childcare facility that supports student parents. Academic advising, tutoring, career services, and student support programs are available to help students navigate goals and stay on track. Whether you are beginning college for the first time or continuing a journey, NCC provides a supportive environment where you can build a plan for your next accomplishment. NCC is where momentum starts with one step forward. Your future
starts here, and NCC is ready to help you take the next step with confidence. Visit ncc.edu to learn more.
October 8, 2026 — HIGHER EDUCATION — HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS
Affordable Academic Excellence,
October 8, 2026 — HIGHER EDUCATION — HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS
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Join us for
FALL OPEN HOUSE Sunday, October 18 | 9:00 a.m. Location: Physical Education Complex (P Building) One Education Drive, Garden City, NY 11530
• Explore affordable academic pathways to earning a degree • Meet the people, and learn about the programs and experiences that make NCC unique • Tour our 225-acre Garden City campus
Register today at: ncc.edu/openhouse
1362680
Nassau Community College 516.572.7345 | admissions@ncc.edu | ncc.edu