Higher ed, june 4, 2017

2017

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HIGHER ED is a supplement of The Spokesman−Review • Sunday, June 4, 2017

CHOOSING A COLLEGE EASIER SAID THAN DONE

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EL E F T N O D ED R U S S E R P JOR A M A K TO PIC

K C I P O T JUST .

E G E L L A CO

By Renee Sande/Marketing Correspondent

To a parent, a child considering colleges can feel like them taking their first steps all over again. The scary thing is you can help, but they really need to learn how to try their own wings.

But what you can do though, is set them up for success by helping them choose a college that’s a good fit.

While there are lots of questions that should be asked about academics, the big picture that should always be in view is, will my son or daughter be happy there?

Choosing the right college for your son or daughter means making it a conversation with your child, listening to their wants and needs and finding a good balance, supported by lots of research.

Try these strategies to give him or her guidance: Attend a fair.

With your list of questions in hand, attend any and all college fairs in your area, where college reps are at the

ready for one-on-one quality sessions with prospective applicants.

Typically held in the fall, these fairs can be found at your local high school, as well as at a local hotel or convention center. Talk to a school counselor or go to the National Association for College Admission Counseling website at www.nacac.org to learn about fairs in your area.

Pretend that money is no object.

While cost ultimately is one of the biggest factors in determining where you’ll attend college, don’t let it be a deciding factor on your prospects, just yet.

According to SuperCollege.com, over $97 billion in financial aid was distributed to college students just last year. As well, there are scholarships out there for everyone, not just the valedictorian smart or the below-

poverty-line poor. Just check out YesCollege.com where you’ll find the “Jif Most Creative Sandwich Contest” which awards $25,000 and “The Wear Duck Tape to the Prom Scholarship” which promises $5,000 to college students.

Wait until the acceptance letters arrive and the financial aid packages are determined before making cost a limiting factor. It could turn out that the most expensive college on your list is the most cost-effective.

Let your fingers do the walking Have your child hop online to get the facts. visiting the websites of colleges on “the list,” as well as the plethora of other super helpful college-support websites out there, makes the task of narrowing down choices so much easier.

T N E M N I ATTA

HIGHER ED is a supplement of The Spokesman−Review • Sunday, June 4, 2017

When perusing a college’s website, encourage your child to dig deep and ask themselves what could possibly interest them during their four-ish years there?

For example, what types of extracurricular clubs are offered? What are the events throughout the year? Are there community-based service-learning projects available?

What are the work study opportunities and scholarships available? Who are the guest speakers who have visited campus?

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The Future is in Your Hands.

Look to other websites such as SuperCollege.com which can answer just about any question you have about college, eCampusTours.com which features virtual tours of over 1,300 college campuses, and the National Survey of Student Engagement (NSSE. indiana.edu) website which answers location-specific questions based on surveys of over 2 million college students across the U.S. and Canada, that you and they really want to know like, “How much reading is expected?” and “How do students rate their interactions with faculty?”

Take the “Neapolitan Ice Cream” approach.

Undoubtedly, one of the best solutions to answering life’s big questions is ice cream; even when it comes to choosing a college!

Just think of your child’s options as one big container of tri-flavored ice cream.

Now – and this is where it could get political – rank your household’s favorite flavors.

Perhaps strawberry is the decided favorite, with vanilla and chocolate coming in second and third. With this scenario, your top school choices – and maybe also the schools that are hardest to get into – are your strawberry choices. Now onto vanilla; these choices could be the schools your child has a reasonable chance of getting into and which they would be happy to attend. Last, but not least, the chocolate choices would be the “safety colleges” – those schools you know your child will definitely get into, would still be happy to attend should strawberry and/or vanilla fall through.

Don’t feel pressured to pick a major just to pick a college.

It’s pretty rare that a high school junior or senior knows what they want to do with the rest of their life. At this point, it’s good to be undecided, as it will leave a student open to more academic experiences. Often, it’s the journey of delving into the variety and depth of college coursework that determines a student’s interest and aptitude.

Make the trip.

Nothing helps quite as much as actually visiting a school and getting a feel for the campus and atmosphere. Go on campus tours. Sit in on classes. Eat in dining halls.

Look through recent issues of student newspapers. Make your visit a day in the life of a student there and chances are you’ll feel if it’s right or not.

Most importantly here don’t be shy. Talk to a few students and ask if they would make the same college choice if they had to do it again. Talk to admissions counselors and ask lots of questions—questions that matter to your ability to learn, grow, and succeed in college.

Remember, this is one of the biggest decisions of your child’s life so far. Offer guidance, support and help with all the nitty-gritty details, but let them make the ultimate decision. If you encourage them to dream big, with enough research and determination, they may just find exactly what they want is within their reach.

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HIGHER ED is a supplement of The Spokesman−Review • Sunday, June 4, 2017

IDAHO COLLEGES

The Spokesman-Review/Marketing Staff

Idaho continues to push for students to attend its schools, and reverse a trend of more people entering the workforce after high school or studying in other states.

To make the application process easier, public colleges will automatically offer letters of acceptance if someone has at least a 3.0 GPA or high SAT or ACT scores.

Students with lower marks in this area will receive letters of acceptance to two-year colleges or certificate programs.

The Idaho Board of Education has made a push for higher education a priority.

A recent economic study showed that a degree in Idaho was a better financial investment in terms of overall return, especially when compared to real estate or stock market.

The study, funded by Boise State University, Idaho State University in Pocatello and University of Idaho in Moscow showed an increase in lifetime earnings of $791,855 for an Idaho college graduate vs. someone with only a high school diploma, a 13.6 percent return.

Comparably, a similar Federal Reserve study found a 15 percent national annual rate of return.

For those considering studying in the Gem State, visit https://nextsteps.idaho. gov for info about how to get started with a course of action. Or get information about these public four-year institutions.

University of Idaho, Moscow www.uidaho.edu Enrollment 11,780 Resident Tuition: $7,232 (2016-2017), total costs $20,6410 Founded in 1889, the university is a land-grant institution dedicated to research, education and extension services.

It offers 85 undergraduate majors, the most popular being Psychology, General; General Studies; Mechanical Engineering; Finance, General; and Human Resources Management/Personnel Administration.

A total of 62 master’s programs and 31 doctoral programs are available. There’s 16-1 student to faculty ratio, and 75 percent of undergraduates conduct

research projects.

Setting: The rural setting in Moscow is across the state border from Washington State University. Adventure is available nearby from kayaking and rafting to camping, mountain biking, rock climbing and wilderness trips. Satellite campuses can be found in Coeur d’Alene, Boise and Idaho Falls, and a research and extension center in Twin Falls.

Boise State University www.boisestate.edu/ Undergraduate enrollment: 23,886 Resident tuition: $7,354/year for undergraduate, $19,698 for all costs.

History: Founded in 1932 by the Episcopal Church, the university became an independent institution in 1934. It offers 84 baccalaureate programs, 4 associate’s degrees and 64 graduate certificates and 12 doctorate/education specialists.

Setting: The 175-acre campus in the capital city’s center is backdropped by the Rocky Mountain foothills where recreation includes skiing at Bogus Basin, hiking, rafting and four-wheeling in the vast recreation and wilderness areas within minutes of campus. Satellite campuses at Mountain Home Air Force Base and in Twin Falls provide additional education opportunities.

Idaho State University, Pocatello www.isu.edu/ Enrollment: 13,569 Tuition and fees: $3,478/per semester (resident) or $10,512 (non-resident) per semester History: Founded in 1901, ISU has a $49 million endowment, some of which funds student scholarships toward 250 baccalaureate degrees, certificate programs and graduate programs. It boasts a 15:1 student-teacher ratio.

Setting: Mountains surround Pocatello, offering easy access to recreation at Bear Lake, Craters of the Moon, Lava Hot Springs, Yellowstone National Park and several ski areas. In coordination with the Idaho National Laboratory and other

Idaho universities, ISU established the Center for Advanced Energy Studies, and now the university is ranked as one of the top 98 U.S. institutions by the Carnegie Foundation as a Research University-High standing. ISU has satellite campuses in Meridian, Idaho Falls and Twin Falls.

Lewis-Clark State College, Lewiston www.lcsc.edu Enrollment 3,924 Resident Tuition $6,120 or $15,162 for all fees per year.

History: Founded in 1893, the college began as a college of education and now offers about 90 degree and certificate programs in six divisions, including in the areas of education, nursing and criminal justice. A satellite campus can be found in Coeur d’Alene.

There are also 372 online courses and nine online degrees.

Setting: On the border of Idaho and Washington where the Clearwater and Snake rivers converge, the public

undergraduate college sits on 46 acres, surrounded by peaks and notably close to Hells Canyon and other recreational areas.

There are a variety of two-year programs that provide associate’s degree and technical certificates, including North Idaho College in Coeur d’Alene, College of Western Idaho in Boise, College of Southern Idaho in Twin Falls and Eastern Idaho Technical College in Idaho Falls.

HIGHER ED is a supplement of The Spokesman−Review • Sunday, June 4, 2017

Ranked among America’s

TOP 100 public universities.

—U.S. News & World Report

What makes UI unique? It’s our top-ranked programs, $25 million in available scholarships, small classes, and hands-on interdisciplinary research—all on a beautiful green campus. Which means you can challenge yourself and solve real world problems while studying in one of the most beautiful locations in the Northwest. Start your journey today at uidaho.edu.

Moscow | Boise | Coeur d’Alene | Idaho Falls

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HIGHER ED is a supplement of The Spokesman−Review • Sunday, June 4, 2017

N O T G N I H WAS O T S E U N CONTI E G A R U O C EN N O I T A L U C I MATR

The Spokesman-Review/Marketing Staff

It’s a lot cheaper than it used to be to attend school in the Evergreen State.

In the last few years, education leaders and state lawmakers have taken steps to bring costs down at the same time encouraging more students to seek higher education.

Affordability and accessibility sometimes run parallel and sometimes overlap. But putting more resources into both can result in removing financial, social or cultural barriers or other challenges for people of all ages interested in additional education.

One of the most visible efforts is the “12th Year Campaign” created by the Washington

Student Achievement Council. The program combines College Goal Washington and College Application Campaign, two national programs that assist high school seniors with the application and financial aid process.

resources to find, pay for and complete the education path that is right for each student. The process can start as early as 6th grade.

WSU is a top-tier research university that has been providing postsecondary excellence for more than a century. It was founded in 1890 as Washington’s original land-grant university.

The council’s goal is to increase the number of people age 25-44 earning post-secondary credentials to 70 percent by 2023.

For more info on these resources visit www.wsac.wa.gov/12th-year-campaign or readysetgrad.com/

Students can choose from 90 academic majors for undergraduates, 76 master’s degree programs, 64 doctoral degree programs and three disciplines with professional degree programs, (business administration, pharmacy, veterinary medicine). Online students can study nine undergraduate programs and 12 graduate programs.

Related to this is a significant drop in tuition at four-year and community colleges in 2015.

The council has also launched readysetgrad.com, a site that encourages students and parents to discover

Washington State Higher Education at a Glance Washington State University wsu.edu/ Current Enrollment: 29,686 Resident Tuition starts at $9,884 per year (2016 rates)

HIGHER ED is a supplement of The Spokesman−Review • Sunday, June 4, 2017

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In addition to the main Pullman campus, there are satellite locations in Spokane, Tri-Cities, Vancouver and Everett.

University of Washington www.washington.edu/ Current Enrollment: 56,819 (all locations) Resident Tuition starts at $9,694 per year (2016 rates) The University of Washington is a multi-campus university in Seattle, Tacoma and Bothell, as well as a wellknown academic medical center.

Founded in 1861 with an original class of 30 students, it has grown to 16 colleges and schools and offers 1,800 undergraduate courses. It’s one of the most acclaimed research universities nationwide.

Eastern Washington University www.ewu.edu/ Current Enrollment: 12,279 (fall 2015) Resident Tuition starts at $6,110 per year (2015-2016 rates) With its main campus in Cheney surrounded by neighboring wheat fields, EWU offers 135 fields of study.

This includes nine master’s degrees, 12 graduate certificates, 39 graduate programs, two educational specialist degrees and one applied doctorate.

In addition to the main campus, students can enroll at EWU Spokane, Bellevue, Everett, Kent, Seattle, Shoreline, Tacoma and Vancouver.

Founded in 1882, the university is academically divided into five colleges: the College of Arts, Letters & Education; the College of Business & Public Administration; the College of Health Sciences and Public Health; College of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics; and the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences and Social Work.

Central Washington University www.cwu.edu/ Current Enrollment: 11,119 (2016-2017) Resident Tuition starts at $5,907 per year (2015-2016 rates) Originally founded as a school to educate future elementary and junior high teachers, students at Central Washington University can pursue 135 different majors. Doors first opened in 1891, but the school didn’t take its current name until 1977.

Today CWU provides high quality programs via eight locations, and is co-located with community colleges in Des Moines, Everett, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Lynnwood, Pierce County, Moses Lake, Wenatchee, and Yakima, so students can complete baccalaureate degrees without leaving their communities.

CWU has a small class size, with a 18-1 teacher to student ratio. It boasts a number of nationally and regionally distinguished academic programs including music, geology, physics, and education.

Western Washington University www.wwu.edu/ Current Enrollment: 15,574 Resident Tuition starts at $7,143 per year (2015-2016 rates) Located 90 miles north of Seattle, Western Washington University offers more than 160 academic programs. More than 79 percent of faculty hold the highest degree in their field and there’s a 18.7:1 student to faculty ratio. The campus is surrounded by 180 acres of forest and 6 miles of trails.

Founded in 1893, with the first class entering in 1899 of 88 students, Western is now one of the leading ‘green’ campuses in the country and even served as an academic model for the Evergreen State College.

The Evergreen State College evergreen.edu/ Current Enrollment: 4,416 (2016) Resident Tuition starts at around $6,500 per year (2015-2016 rates) Evergreen began in 1971 and has since developed a national reputation for leadership in developing innovative interdisciplinary, collaborative and team-taught academic programs. With a campus located in Olympia, the College offers a vibrant undergraduate program, three graduate programs, and public service centers that constitute a unique academic setting.

There are more than 60 fields of study to explore at this progressive liberal arts program. First year students have access to top-tier equipment like nuclear magnetic WA Matriculation continued on pg. 8

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HIGHER ED is a supplement of The Spokesman−Review • Sunday, June 4, 2017

WA Matriculation continued from pg. 7

resonance spectroscopes, 3D printers, and studio cameras. This creates an inspiring learning environment.

Recent accolades include being listed as a best buy school in the 2015 Fiske Guide to College. U.S. News and World Report’s 2014 listing of top public regional universities ranks Evergreen at #4 in the West. Plus the 2014 Princeton Review calls Evergreen one of the country’s best institutions for undergraduate education, based on outstanding academics.

Private Postsecondary Education Washington state is also home to many highly regarded private colleges including Antioch University, Bastyr University, Cornish College of the Arts, Gonzaga University, Heritage University, Northwest University, Pacific Lutheran University, St. Martin’s University, Seattle Pacific University, Seattle University, University of Puget Sound, Walla Walla University, Whitman College and Whitworth University.

HIGHER ED is a supplement of The Spokesman−Review • Sunday, June 4, 2017 The Spokesman-Review/Marketing Staff

NOT TOO LONG AGO,

PEOPLE SEEKING

ADVANCED MEDICAL TRAINING NEEDED TO GO OUTSIDE OF SPOKANE.

Though there are excellent nursing programs and offerings for various therapists in Idaho and Washington, local medical schools have been absent.

However, Washington State University and University of Washington, with collaboration from Gonzaga University, now offer medical training in the Spokane area.

The UW School of Medicine- Gonzaga Regional Health Partnership was established in 2016. It allows first- and second-year medical students to study in this area and also get involved in community service projects, such as working with the homeless.

This program is part of the WWAMI program, which offers uniform medical curriculum to students in Washington, Alaska, Montana, Idaho and Montana. It also encourages new providers to focus on rural communities.

For more info visit www.uwmedicine.org/education/md-program/ admissions/applicants/wwami-first-year/wwami-spokane Another option is the Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine through WSU, a community-based program which offers clinical training at WSU-affiliated programs through the state, especially Spokane, Vancouver, Everett and Tri-Cities.

Students can earn a medical degree or other health science credentials.

Students are also encouraged to focus on service to communities or populations with greater health needs.

For more info visit medicine.wsu.edu/

ONE OF AMERICA’S BEST COLLEGES (U.S. News, Princeton Review, Fiske Guide)

“Evergreen gave me the tools to create my own path and become a leader within my profession.“

EXPERIENCE MORE evergreen.edu

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HIGHER ED is a supplement of The Spokesman−Review • Sunday, June 4, 2017

SUPER STUDY HABITS CAN HELP STUDENTS SEE SUCCESS

By S. Michal Bennett/Marketing Correspondent

“Study is the bane of childhood, the oil of youth, the indulgence of adulthood, and a restorative in old age.”

– Walter Savage Landor, a 19th century English writer and poet.

As an emerging college student, it is your task to transform this bitter bane into a well-oiled machine that launches you into the next prodigious endeavor that life has in store for you.

Besides the obvious, like going to class, taking notes, doing the homework and actually reading assignments, here are a few practical tips for establishing and

maximizing effective study habits as you enter your freshman year...or even your senior year.

Know thyself.

No matter how you previously prepared, or didn’t, anyone can develop competent study habits at any time. The first step is to be self-aware. Observe your

studious self and ask some questions.

What are my strengths and weaknesses?

Is there a time of day when I am more alert and aware? What are my greatest distractions? Don’t try to fit yourself into an institutional category, like right-brained or left-brained. It is more important to figure out what works for you and what doesn’t.

HIGHER ED is a supplement of The Spokesman−Review • Sunday, June 4, 2017

Find a zen place, or places.

Traditional advice tells you to find that one place where you think best and stick to it.

But monotony and routine can sometimes foster a bored or complacent mind. Having a few different study locations can keep your brain active and expecting new things.

Here are a few thoughts to consider when it comes to what you place in, or remove from, the vicinity when creating your ideal study zone(s).

First, turn off your phone and close Facebook or other social media on your laptop.

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Finally, review your notes within 24 hours of class for the best long-term retention. When going over your notes, alternate subjects, rather than obsessing with just one. Try starting with the least interesting and working up to your favorites.

The facts of life No, we don’t have any studies or statistics to quote about sex being good or bad for your brain. But the basic other functions of sleep, eating and exercise are key factors in helping you manage stress and keep your mind sharp. It’s been shown that you’ll do best on your test if you get between 6-8 hours of sleep the night before. And you can’t beat a walking break in the middle of an intense study session, even if it’s at midnight.

Now get out there and make the most of your college experience before it’s gone.

There is nothing like that little ping of a notification to pull you away into hours of distraction.

Second, shut off the music.

According to a 2010 Applied Cognitive Psychology study, students who listen to music while studying have the poorest recall abilities. Finally, moderate diverting people – kindly and gently, of course. You know exactly who is misusing your time. It might even be you!

Use people and things.

Let’s start with people. Study and homework groups are a great way to utilize the knowledge and talents of your peers, divide up coursework by strengths, build communication skills, get feedback, encourage critical thinking and maybe even meet new people. Sometimes the voices in your head need a fresh perspective. Also, don’t be afraid to ask for help. Teachers, professors, tutors - they are all there to assist you in being a successful student.

Since we were kids, we have learned through flash cards and tests.

These two methods still prove their time-tested effectiveness, regardless of setting, grade or age. Incorporating repetition, both written and verbal, and practice testing into your study routine is a great way to solidify long-term recall.

Having a few different study locations can keep your brain active and expecting new things.

Do the time and pay your dues It is a fact that studying is mostly tedious, and sometimes boring.

Still, downing a pack of energy drinks and power studying the night before a test has rarely been a proven optimal study practice for the long-term, although it might be a common one. Go ahead and make life a little easier on yourself with these suggestions on how to avoid post-test crashes.

At the beginning of the semester, get a calendar. Maybe something that will catch your eye every once in a while. Note in permanent marker the dates of all your exams and assignment deadlines. With a different marker, block out times specifically set aside for studying. Then hang it up. And remember it.

Make the most of your time.

Don’t study for three hours. Instead peruse a lesson for 30-50 minutes, take a 10-minute break and repeat, for three hours. Flip through flash cards while waiting for the bus or between classes. Know when your brain is ready to stop, and give it some TLC for putting up with all that abuse.

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S U C O F

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HIGHER ED is a supplement of The Spokesman−Review • Sunday, June 4, 2017

COLLEGE RECIPROCITY

The Spokesman-Review/Marketing Staff

Because the Greater Spokane area offers higher education offerings in Washington and Idaho, leaders in both states have figured out ways to make it easier to afford school in either state.

The concept is called reciprocity, and it started in the 1950s with the creation of the Western Interstate

Commission for Higher Education to facilitate resource sharing among the higher education systems of the West.

Residents of WICHE states are eligible for the Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) program waiver, which allows students throughout certain states to enroll at reduced tuition rates while seeking their first undergraduate degree.

Current WICHE states include Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Washington, Wyoming, Alaska, Hawaii, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.

Students in these states can request a reduced tuition rate of 150 percent of resident tuition at participating

HIGHER ED is a supplement of The Spokesman−Review • Sunday, June 4, 2017

two- and four-year college programs outside of their home state. Each state currently determines their own WUE funding, so reduced tuition rate may not be automatic. There are a limited number of WUE awards given each academic year – so apply early.

Current requirements for eligibility include applying and being accepted at a WUE school and completing the FAFSA. Once a tuition waiver is granted the student must maintain residency in an eligible state, maintain a cumulative 2.0 GPA, and be enrolled at least half-time. There is usually no separate application process to be considered for the WUE, but verify with the school before applying.

Keep in mind that the WUE program does not apply to summer classes, study abroad programs, or remedial courses. Postbaccalaureate students, graduate students, or students seeking a second bachelor’s degree are not eligible to receive the WUE. If a student is given a WUE waiver for tuition, that rate should extend to the student for a maximum of two years to earn an associate’s degree at a community college or for four years to earn a bachelor’s degree at a university. Verify with your school to confirm if you have to reapply each year. You can not establish residency in the state where you are attending school if you are paying the WUE tuition rate, and some degree programs are not eligible.

So how do the local colleges and universities compare in terms of cost?

Let’s look at Eastern Washington University in Cheney and North Idaho College in Coeur d’Alene.

Eastern Washington University EWU assists students in the 15 participating states to attend EWU with a much lower cost of tuition. The current tuition breakdown is based on an EWU average 9-month cost of attendance. For the 2015-2016 school year WUE students would have saved $10,706 more than a non-resident (a savings of 48 percent).

Using that year’s costs, Washington residents would pay $7,866, WUE members would pay $11,565, and non-residents would pay $22,271.

North Idaho College NIC in Coeur d’Alene determines a student’s residency at the time of application to the college. Currently NIC offers Washington residents a reduction in tuition beyond the WUE rate. For the 2015-2016 school year, Idaho residents in NIC’s district signed up for 12 credit hours would pay $1,607. Non-district Idahoans would pay $2,215. Washington residents who don’t apply for/receive WUE would pay $2,639, WUE residents would pay $3,107 and non-residents would pay $3,983.

E C N A M PERFOR

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HIGHER ED is a supplement of The Spokesman−Review • Sunday, June 4, 2017

WHY CHOOSE A PRIVATE SCHOOL? The Spokesman-Review/Marketing Staff

Private schools have their perks, smaller class sizes and more in-depth academic programs. Institutions with religious affiliations can help students achieve academically while exploring their own spirituality. In return for partaking of the often impressive academic or athletic reputations, the schools may charge higher fees than public universities or colleges. However, many of them also offer all sorts of scholarship programs and financial aid options to help students eager to pursue educational opportunities.

The following are some of the private institutions that often attract interest in the Inland Northwest.

Gonzaga University www.gonzaga.edu Go Zags! Their well-performing hoopsters got a whole lot of headlines recently, but there’s a lot more to cheer about at this Roman Catholic university in Spokane. GU has been a part of the Inland Northwest community since 1887, providing solid Catholic

education with a Jesuit approach to academic excellence and appreciation of scholarly pursuits.

continues to be proud of its rigorous intellectual inquiry combined with Christian faith and learning.

Students can earn undergraduate, master’s and doctoral degrees at the 152-acre campus near downtown Spokane , which includes 7,572 students.

The student body currently includes about 5,000 undergraduates and 2,412 master’s and Ph.D. students.

Current enrollment is 2,630 undergraduates and 339 graduate students. The school boasts an impressive 11:1 student-faculty ratio. The 200-acre campus has been recognized for not just its beauty but its sustainability efforts – all buildings created after 2010 have received LEED certification, a national certification for energy efficiency.

Degree seekers can choose from 75 fields of study, including business, engineering, nursing, and art, plus three Ph.D. fields, and 23 master’s degrees and three Ph.D programs. The Gonzaga School of Law also awards juris doctorate degrees.

Full-time undergraduate students pay $38,980 per year (2016-17), and graduate credits range from $700$935 per credit depending on the program.

Whitworth University www.whitworth.edu This residential liberal arts institution is affiliated with the Presbyterian Church and opened in 1890. It

Programs include the College of Arts and Sciences; School of Business; School of Education, and School of Continuing Studies.

Annual tuition is $40,652 (2016-2017) plus $11,170 room and board.

Along with its high academic standards, the college is also known for an impressive athletic program, and competes at the NCAA Division III level. It also has earned the best overall athletics program for the division’s Northwest conference.

HIGHER ED is a supplement of The Spokesman−Review • Sunday, June 4, 2017

College of Idaho

Carroll College

www.collegeofidaho.edu/ Idaho’s oldest private liberal arts college was founded in 1891. Formerly known as Albertson College, College of Idaho offers a focus on humanities, natural sciences, social sciences and professional fields. Its innovative PEAK program encourages students to earn one major and three minors in four years.

www.carroll.edu/ This Catholic-based college in Helena, Mont., has an enrollment of about 1,430 undergraduate students. It was founded in 1909 by the Catholic Diocese of Helena, and today students can pursue 52 baccalaureate programs plus associate’s degrees and 9 pre-professional programs.

Noteworthy undergraduate academic programs include science, civil engineering, nursing, teacher education and math.

The institution is located in Caldwell, and has enrollment of about 1,100. Students can choose from 26 majors and 58 minors. Current costs are $19,038 per semester or $38,830 per year.

Tuition is $33,500/year for undergraduate plus room/ board/fees/books/expenses to total $48,826; the average financial aid package is $25,056, which is more than half the tuition. Currently, 99 percent of students receive aid, scholarships and grants. Nearby is some 75 miles of hiking and biking trails, just five minutes from campus.

Students enjoy fly fishing on streams and the nearby Missouri River, as well as skiing at Great Divide Ski Area.

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HIGHER ED is a supplement of The Spokesman Review • Sunday, June 4, 2017

HERE IS WHERE YOU CHANGE THE WORLD Every day, dreamers and doers from around the globe unite at the University of Washington. Together, we create. We innovate. We solve today’s problems and make an impact — in Washington and beyond.

JOIN US. Freshman application opens September 1. admit.uw.edu

HIGHER ED is a supplement of The Spokesman Review • Sunday, June 4, 2017

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HIGHER ED is a supplement of The Spokesman−Review • Sunday, June 4, 2017

HIGHER EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES FOR CURRENT HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS

By Nicole Skinner/Marketing Correspondent

Motivated high school students in Washington and Idaho have a variety of opportunities available to get a head start on higher education, including Advanced Placement classes or dual enrollment options.

These opportunities not only help students gain traction on their path toward a college or technical degree, but can offer substantial financial savings.

Credit-by-Examination Options Advanced Placement Classes Both Idaho and Washington students can take advanced placement (AP) classes to prepare them for college level work and start earning college credits.

AP classes are offered at high schools in a variety of subjects. The postsecondary institution a student plans to attend can provide information about which AP classes are accepted and which credits can be provided.

Students must take an exam in that subject and receive a passing score, usually 3 or higher, depending on the school’s requirements, to receive credits. For more info, visit the official AP student site, apstudent.collegeboard.org.

College-Level Equivalency Program (CLEP) This credit-by-examination program has been around for more than 40 years.

It is accepted by 2,900 colleges and universities, and administered in more than 1,800 test centers.

These exams test the mastery of college-level material, including general academic instruction, independent study and extracurricular work. It’s the easiest way to earn college credits based on what a student already has learned.

Many Washington and Idaho higher education institutions are testing centers and honor college credits earned through

CLEP. For more information or to find a testing center, visit clep.collegeboard.org.

International Baccalaureate (IB) This course of study leads to culminating exams for highly motivated high school students in Washington and Idaho. Only

High Level (HL) exams will receive collegelevel credit, with a qualifying minimum score to receive credit.

This program encourages students throughout their education to think independently and drive their own learning, take part in programs of

education that can lead them to some of the highest ranking universities around the world and become more culturally aware, through the development of a second language.

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Students are encouraged to contact the college or university of their choice to request information about credit transferability.

Technical Student Options Tech Prep Students planning to attend a technical college can receive college credit for high school professional technical courses through tech prep programs in Washington and Idaho. Tech Prep is an industry and education partnership committed to providing a highlytrained and motivated workforce. These programs prepare students for the workforce and help maintain a quality life in a changing society.

Normally certain courses are evaluated and have been determined to be the equivalent of a college course.

Alternately, high school students may take classes from a participating technical college or technical program at post-secondary institution that will apply toward their desired technical degree or certification. For more detailed information, contact your student’s high school counselor.

Washington State Programs The Washington State Office of Superintendent of Public instruction recently announced that dual credit programs result in increased high school graduation rates and college enrollment, better grades in college and a higher likelihood of earning a college degree or professional certificate.

The data released shows that in 2016, more than half of Washington students (57 percent) completed at least one dual credit course or program. Participation is steadily increasing in all program offerings.

“Two-thirds of all jobs require at least some posthigh school education or training,” said Chris Reykdal, Superintendent of Public Instruction. “Helping our students prepare for this reality is an economic imperative.”

Below are class options that students can choose from to work on earning dual credits. To learn more, visit www.k12.wa.us and search dual credit programs.

High School Campus Option: College in the High School Taught by approved high school instructors, the College in the High School program provides collegelevel academic courses for qualified high school students.

The courses are the same as those listed in the college or university course catalog: any curriculum, credits and assessment use the standards used at the participating college or university. Costs to students vary with each institution.

College Campus Option: Running Start High school juniors and seniors can earn high school and college credit for Running Start courses, which are offered at select state colleges and universities. This program was initiated by the Legislature as a component of the 1990 parent and student Learning by Choice Law.

Running Start students and their families do not pay college tuition, but are responsible for any required fees, books and transportation. This method can substantially accelerate progress toward educational goals while reducing overall higher education costs.

Interested students and families should contact the Running Start coordinator at their intended college or university for more information.

Other dual credit opportunities include Gateway to College and Technical College Direct Funded Enrollment Programs.

Idaho Options New in Idaho is the Fast Forward program. It provides every student attending an Idaho public school an allocation of $4,125 to use toward Advanced Opportunities in grades 7-12. The program was expanded by the Legislature in 2016. The fund can be used for overload courses, dual credits, and exams.

An overload course is a high school level course that is taken in excess of the student’s regular school day and can help a student move toward graduation at an accelerated pace. Dual credit are courses taken by high school students that are transcribed on their high school and college transcripts. Students can also utilize Fast Forward funds to pay for a variety of college-credit bearing

or professional technical exams. These include Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, College Level Examination Program, or Career & Technical Education exams.

For more detailed information about Fast Forward, along with other higher education planning tools visit nextsteps.idaho.gov.

Dual Credit Options Created by the Idaho Legislature in 1997, Idaho Dual Credit is a collaboration between Idaho’s colleges, universities and high schools that allows high school students to take college courses at their high school for college credit. Courses can be taken online, by virtual conferencing or at college campuses.

Students receive both high school and college credit.

Letter grades are reflected on a college transcript. The Fast Forward program can pay for up to $75 per credit, and in most cases, the cost of these credits is $65. This opportunity can result in substantial savings for collegebound students working toward a degree.

E D U T I T AP

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HIGHER ED is a supplement of The Spokesman−Review • Sunday, June 4, 2017

FINANCING GRAD SCHOOL LOANS, SCHOLARSHIPS, GRANTS, AND SCHOOL EMPLOYMENT OFFER WIDE RANGE OF OPTIONS

By Courtney Dunham/Marketing Correspondent

If you want to attend college as an undergraduate or graduate student, one major question is how to pay for it.

Just answering a few key questions will enable you to get the most out of your experience and alleviate possible financial stress.

Another route is to find a local civic organization, such as the Chamber of Commerce, Lions or Elks club, or a religious organization that you or a family member may have an affiliation. Find out if they offer any type of financial assistance for members and/or their relatives.

You could also explore the option of working at a college you want to attend. Taking this route can pay for part or even all of your tuition.

Working while going to school can be quite a juggling act, but the plus of funding your Look for sources of aid, such as scholarships or education can make the added effort more grants. Check out your local, state, and federal than worth it. As an added incentive, many departments of education for possible fits. Start institutions hire their graduate students. by doing a search for “college grants” or “school Spokane resident Briana Miller did this when scholarships,” and you will find a wealth of she attended graduate school. She took a job as information. You can do a similar search on your an admissions counselor, which paid her less than state department of education website too. the job she had at the time.

Find out your credit score. If there is a problem with it, you could end up not being able to secure all loans available to you through the financial aid office.

“It paid about $1,000 less a month than what I was making, but I knew that I couldn’t pay for grad school on my own,” she said. “It took me longer to finish going at night, but it was entirely worth it in the long run.”

If you decide to pursue financial aid, it is critical to educate yourself on the entire process and upcoming deadlines. To be considered for federal student aid for the 2017 year, you can complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) until midnight Central Time, June 30, 2017. Any corrections or updates must be submitted by midnight Central Time, Sept. 9, 2017.

Many states and colleges have earlier deadlines for applying for state and institutional financial aid. You can find your state’s deadline at https://fafsa.ed.gov/deadlines.htm.

HIGHER ED is a supplement of The Spokesman−Review • Sunday, June 4, 2017

Be sure to check with the college of your choice about its deadlines. Because of the variation in state and college deadlines, it is highly recommended that you fill out the FAFSA as soon as you can after January 1 to ensure that you do not miss out on available aid.

The FAFSA asks for your tax return information for the current year. Often, this information might not be available until the end of January, at the earliest.

Keeping this in mind, you can choose to either wait until you or your family files income taxes for the year or complete your FAFSA using estimates derived from the previous year’s tax returns and other documentation.

It paid about $1,000 less a month than what I was making, but I knew that I couldn’t pay for grad school on my own,” she said. “It took me longer to finish going at night, but it was entirely worth it in the long run.

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HIGHER ED is a supplement of The Spokesman−Review • Sunday, June 4, 2017

WHERE TO BEGIN? UNIVERSITY OR COMMUNITY COLLEGE Almost as important, though, is the validity of a community college education. The Bureau of Labor Statistics says that, of the 30 fastest growing occupations, only half require more than a two-year degree.

Four of the other 15 require an associate of arts (AA) degree as a prerequisite, eight ask for on-the-job training and just three expect a postsecondary vocational award.

Some of the positions that don’t need a four-year degree include medical assistants, dental hygienists and veterinary technicians. Traditionally, community colleges are among the first to offer courses that address national labor demands, especially when it comes to technology and trade skills.

For those not committed to the idea of a traditional college or university, community colleges can provide an easier transition between high school and higher ed for several reasons. Community college professors aren’t generally required to conduct academic research, which means they can spend more time with students. They usually have fewer students per class, including at Spokane’s two community colleges.

“Nineteen-to-one for 2014-15,” said Mark Macias, District Director of Institutional Research at for the Community Colleges of Spokane, in an email on the ratio of students to instructors. “This is the last year we have numbers for, but they don’t change often.”

Two-year colleges are also more flexible in allowing students to set a schedule that works with jobs or parenting.

If your issue isn’t finding time to attend classes, but low grades in high school, community college allows students to pursue a degree while improving their grades.

For the most part, low test scores or grade point averages don’t keep students out of two-year colleges.

“Community colleges are open enrollment, which means we accept just about everyone,” said Annie Gannon, communications manager at Community Colleges of Spokane. “However, specific programs (for example nursing) have a competitive admissions process or additional requirements because there is so much interest.”

By Staci Lehman/Marketing Correspondent

The benefit of community colleges isn’t just to students; the entire community spends the fewest tax dollars per student on community colleges when it comes to higher education. Savings vary by location, but estimates are that expenditures on fulltime students at two-year colleges are about one-third the amount spent on students at four-year colleges.

Short on money? Undecided about what you want to do with your life? More interested in a vocation than a desk job? Or just not sure college is for you? Then beginning your education or career at a community college may be the right decision.

Many community college students don’t stop at a two-year degree. Macias says 32 percent of all degree/certificate seeking students transfer to a four-year school and 42 percent of those seeking transfer-degrees move on to four-year schools.

When it comes to choosing between a four-year school or a community college, there are many advantages to taking the two-year route. The one cited most often is the price difference.

Community colleges aren’t ideal for everyone though. Historically they have lower graduation rates than four year colleges, but Macias says that’s because the comparison is unfair.

HIGHER ED is a supplement of The Spokesman−Review • Sunday, June 4, 2017

“When a student stops attending a two-year college it is often because they’ve transferred to a four year college before completing their two-year degree,” he said in an email. “These students are counted against the two-year college as a drop out when in fact they’ve successfully transferred, which is part of the community college mission: to prepare students for transfer!”

Another drawback is that credits earned at community colleges sometimes don’t transfer to four year colleges. Having to retake classes in order to obtain the required credits can deplete money saved by attending a community college in the first place and add time to the process of earning a degree.

Others don’t like the lack of the traditional “college experience.” This means students at some community colleges don’t have the option of living on campus, joining sororities or fraternities or taking part in service organizations at some community colleges.

Many don’t care, arguing that today’s community colleges have expanded to offer clubs and activities, music and theater, honor societies, and even athletics. Still, some students are just in it for the value of the product for the price.

Washington Gov. Daniel J. Evans signed the Community College Act in April of 1967, creating a system of post-secondary education for every citizen, regardless of academic background or experience. Washington community colleges have served about 10 million students since then.

Whether you are seeking career or job training, planning to transfer to an university or four-year college or an employer is paying to provide you with training, community college graduates increase the state’s economic vitality as entrepreneurs, employees, consumers and taxpayers.

Thirty-four community and technical colleges across the state contribute over $20 billion annually to the state’s economy, according to an economic impact study from 2016.

You can find more information on all 34 of those colleges on the Washington State Board for Community and Technical Colleges website at www.sbctc.edu. Click on “Our Colleges for the list.

In Idaho, seven community colleges statewide serve 62,899 students, including North Idaho College in Coeur d’Alene. You can find Idaho community college listings at www. collegesimply.com.

Traditionally, community colleges are among the first to offer courses that address national labor demands, especially when it comes to technology and trade skills.

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HIGHER ED is a supplement of The Spokesman−Review • Sunday, June 4, 2017

MATH 101: HOW MUCH YOU WILL $AVE ATTENDING COMMUNITY COLLEGE College Access & Success says 68 percent of those students have loans averaging around $30,000. In comparison, 27 percent of community college students took out loans, with the average student loan debt amount being $6,000.

Locally, the Community Colleges of Spokane charge approximately $3,852 per year.

“Our district outreach coordinator Tim Churchill explains that, if a student is doing a direct transfer degree to the most affordable 4-year university in our region (EWU), they can save $6,198.60 in the first two years,” said Community Colleges of Spokane Communications Manager Annie Gannon. “That’s the savings of doing two years at SCC or SFCC and then transferring to EWU. It would be more of a savings if they went somewhere more expensive.”

“Four thousand dollars a year is a full time student,” agreed Churchill. “Fifteen credits for three quarters a year.

If you don’t work I recommend taking as many classes as you can and make the homework your life to finish as quickly as possible.”

Idaho public community college students pay slightly less. The average tuition there is approximately $3,498 per year for in-state students.

By Staci Lehman/Marketing Correspondent

Do you have four-year college aspirations but a twoyear college budget? You’re not alone. The major deciding factor between attending a community or traditional college often comes down to affordability for many students.

Those who don’t have parental help or scholarships, or don’t want to take on student loans, many times decide to start at community colleges to ease the financial burden associated with higher education. Which was specifically why community colleges were created. In 1947 the Truman Commission set out to increase post-secondary education opportunities by establishing a network of public community colleges around the country. These were also aimed at providing military education assistance, such as the G.I. Bill, to promote higher education among veterans.

Fifteen credits for three quarters a year. If you don’t work I recommend taking as many classes as you can and make the homework your life to finish as quickly as possible.

Students at public two-year institutions save an average of $4,183 in tuition over public four-year schools, according to the Department of Education. That number jumps to almost $23,000 for private four-year colleges.

And the majority of people graduating from four-year colleges do so with student loan debt. The Institute for

Based on these numbers, it’s not surprising that community college enrollments have increased significantly over the last 50 years. The cost of attending a four-year college compared to what is earned using that degree has also contributed to more people electing to attend two-year schools. Between paying more out of pocket, accruing more debt and forgoing years of employment in order to attend college classes, many students are deciding the investment isn’t worth the return.

Churchill sees the value of community colleges for a different reason though.

“Not just because I work for the Community College but because I really do find us to be the cornerstone of this community because we have resources for all citizens no matter what stage of their career they are in.”

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STUDY IN

BIG SKY COUNTRY

By Jean Arthur/Marketing Correspondent

Montana’s 25 colleges and universities range from the two flagship schools, Montana State University in Bozeman and University of Montana in Missoula, to adjuncts of those programs in Billings, Havre, Dillon and Great Falls. The private Carroll College in Helena attracts students from across the U.S. Several community colleges and tribal colleges draw students to rural communities.

Montana colleges participate in a fall College Fair in different communities across the state.

Attendees can get the latest information on colleges in the Big Sky State.

Every fall, the Montana Post Secondary Educational Opportunities Council hosts 18 college fairs throughout Montana, which are targeted toward high school students and their parents. The fairs feature between 55-80 colleges, universities, technical schools, military branches and other agencies from both in-state and out-of-state. Students, counselors, parents, and community members attend the fairs for free.

See www.montanacolleges.com For more information.

Fair sites and dates: Western Montana Region Dates: Sept. 25-28 Expected Attendance: 4,150 Fair Sites:Butte, Helena, Missoula, Hamilton, Polson, Kalispell Central Montana Region Dates: Sept. 18-21 Expected Attendance: 3,360 Fair Sites: Bozeman, Livingston, Billings, Lewistown, Great Falls, Cut Bank Eastern Montana Region Dates: Sept. 11-14

Expected Attendance: 1,790 Fair Sites: Havre, Glasgow, Sidney, Glendive, Miles City, Colstrip

Montana State University – Bozeman www.montana.edu Undergrad Enrollment: 13,371 (for a total of 16,440) Resident Tuition: $17,090/year for instate undergraduates; $33,390 for out-ofstate students.

History: Founded in 1893 as a public land-grant college. Currently, 48 percent of students receive financial aid, toward 50 baccalaureate programs, and 59 graduate degrees.

Setting: Bozeman sits at 4,800 elevation, in the Gallatin Valley, surrounded by mountains and streams. Students find the in-town bus system delivers them to downtown and to shopping centers and malls and in winter, the ski areas of Bridger Bowl and Big Sky Resort. Bicycling and hiking trails depart from in-town and the university and lead to the Hyalite Range, the Bridger Mountains and the valley.

Montana Tech of the University of Montana Butte www.mtech.edu Undergrad Enrollment: 2,800 and 190 postgrads Resident Tuition: $19,493/year for in-state undergraduates, $33,566/year for out-of-state students.

History: Founded in 1897 as The School of Mines. Currently, Montana Tech offers $1.4 million in scholarship to incoming freshmen, toward 50 baccalaureate programs, and 13 graduate degrees.

Setting: Butte is home to about 34,000 residents, at a mile high and nestled under the Rocky Mountains. Butte was established as a mining town, extracting copper, silver and gold during the riproaring 19th and early 20th centuries. It’s mining heritage is why Montana Tech has such a strong technology education program. Recreation includes hundreds of miles of backcountry trails, popular with cyclists of the motor and humanpowered kind.

University of Montana – Missoula www.umt.edu Undergrad Enrollment: 8,732 undergrads and 2,267 graduate students Resident Tuition: $6,446/year for undergraduate, plus expenses to total $15,041; out of state students pay $24,562 for tuition for a total of $32,567.

History: Founded in 1893, UM is the state’s second largest university and is known for its Grizzly mascot and the rowdy football games in Washington Grizzly Stadium. Currently, 59 percent of students receive financial aid, scholarships and grants, toward 127 baccalaureate programs, and 152 graduate degree options.

Setting: Missoula is know for the leafy valley of the same name, made famous in part for the fly fishing and the Norman McLean book, “A River Runs Through It.” Three ski areas lure students away from campus: Montana Snowbowl is 14 miles from campus; Lost Trail is 60 miles from campus; Discovery is 70 miles from campus. In between are hundreds of miles of trails for biking and hiking, numerous streams and the Bitterroot and Clark Fork Rivers.

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HIGHER ED is a supplement of The Spokesman−Review • Sunday, June 4, 2017

Plan Ahead When you intend to visit a college or university, be sure to reserve a spot on a campus tour. Depending upon the institution’s size, several tours may occur daily or weekly, especially in summer.

VISIT A COLLEGE THIS SUMMER

Most college visits begin with a 60 or 90-minute information session with an admissions officer who provides facts, figures and tips, requiring concentration. Next is the walking campus tour, often led by a current student.

Cora Bennett, University of Oregon’s Director of Student Orientation, said her office sees 11,000 high school visitors annually plus parents and siblings for regularly scheduled tours or open house sessions. Bennett offers some notable suggestions for visiting.

Potential students may gain better insight into the college life through a college-student-led tour. This is a good time to ask insightful questions such as the guide’s favorite class; his or her typical week; and why the guide chose the institution.

“When I give presentations to potential students and their parents, I emphasize that it’s not just a college that they are choosing, it’s a neighborhood and a home for four years,” says Adam Miller, Director of Admissions at Whitman College in Walla Walla. “Sit on a bench and count the number of students on their cell phones vs. those interacting with one another. Consider what’s important to you: a four-minute walk downtown to a coffee shop, or a bus ride from dorm to class.”

By Jean Arthur/Marketing Correspondent

Even though most college students are away from campus for the summer, high school hopefuls and their parents can still get a good sense of community, even if they meet more groundskeepers, faculty and other families on their tours.

A campus visit can help students narrow the list of potential colleges, which can lighten the application load.

Summer visits can also be part of a summer vacation.

Depending on the campus locale, lodging options in a community might be booked with summer tourists, so it’s best to secure lodging and even dining well in advance— even if it’s a camping trip.

Campus visitors should make appointments ahead of time instead of just popping in to ask questions about programs and admissions, since professors, department chairs and admissions officials may take vacations during the summer or attend out-of-town conferences.

Larger universities may offer dorm stays in the summer, which is a good place to not just experience the residence hall, but to check the options in the cafeteria, get to know a few seasoned undergrads around for the summer, and learn about extracurriculars, from sports and recreation to summer research.

If a college offers a camp for athletes, student-athletes should consider taking advantage of the sports camp, even if it’s only a one-day affair. Athletes can learn the demeanor of the coaches and potentially future teammates too. Some offer dorm stays too for players or teams.

For soon-to-be collegians, the visit process will be smoother and likely more gratifying by considering a few more tips.

“I highly recommend making tour reservations ahead of a visit, especially if you want an individualized visit to see a particular department or athletic facilities,” says Bennett.“

An important question: How’s the food? The tour guide may offer a delicious picture of gourmet chow, the best burgers in the West and probably not a glimpse at standard mystery meat.

Bennett’s big tips: “Give yourself plenty of time to find parking. Relax. Make it a day instead of just a tour. Have lunch. Visit the bookstore. Ask yourself, does if feel right for you? Walk around campus. Do you see happy students?”

Physical surroundings, the campus grounds, dorms, classrooms and labs round out important checkpoints.

Miller suggests that potential students prepare a couple of questions plus as “a couple of generic questions. “(Impromptu questions) will reveal a bit of the character of the institution.”

An important question: How’s the food? The tour guide may offer a delicious picture of gourmet chow, the best burgers in the West—and probably not a glimpse at standard mystery meat.

For students who have food allergies, it’s extremely important to find out if the college’s food service has gluten-free options, meals produced in tree-nut-free or

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peanut-free kitchens, etc. It can be a selling factor too, in that often times, vegetarian and allergy-free options are tastier, healthier and fresher.

One student found out during a college visit that students had to specifically ask for allergy-free food then go into the back of the kitchen to get it themselves.

It’s already awkward for teens when visiting a new place, and then having to walk through the kitchen was embarrassing.

Ask students about off-campus eateries—student favorites, hangouts and study-worthy coffee shops—and then try them out.

The unexpected can be as important as the anticipated, say college students, thus other good questions for the tour guide include: “Where else did you apply? and “Tell me something that’s not in the tour script.”

While choosing college, some students research about the education system and its ranking. It’s also important to check out the surrounding area. What would a bike ride or a run or a hike look like? Is public transportation available on campus or in town? Can first-year students bring cars to campus?

Recent college graduates may have good information, so if families know grads who attended schools of interest, find out what was notable.

Is the climate is especially important consideration? Ask about the weather.

Does the student feel comfortable in the constant rain or snow or too much sun?

“Don’t arrive with preconceived expectations or already hating the place because your parents are making you visit. Come with an open mind,” she said.

Give yourself plenty of time to find parking.

Relax. Make it a day instead of just a tour.

Have lunch. Visit the bookstore. Ask yourself, does if feel right for you? Walk around campus. Do you see happy students?

Visit the student union and read the bulletin boards for a flavor of the campus community.

The “Don’ts” Oregon’s Bennett laughs when she suggests, “Don’t wear another university’s logo gear! The dads are the worst or little brothers who think it’s funny to wear our competitors’ sweatshirts on a tour.”

She also says sports shouldn’t be a factor unless someone is specifically being recruited for a team.

“Don’t visit just because you like a football program.

You have to care about academics too.”

Just about everyone involved with the campus visit process agrees that guests should not text during the tour because the guide may read that as being uninterested in the college and report back to admissions.

A summer stop at a campus during a vacation shouldn’t be a negative.

While the tour offers an insiders’ view of campus, it’s worth noting that just because you don’t click with the guide or their major, doesn’t mean the entire college is a write-off.

Some kids abhor the thought of their parents joining a campus tour. Don’t shrink away from the walkabout or request separate tours.

Some schools do offer a tour just for parents so moms and dads can ask deeper questions about academics, graduation rates or financing.

“Don’ts for Parents” Avoid offering personal information to the tour guide and thus the group. Parents should avoid discussing financial aid topics because the guide is usually a student.

Don’t try to shape your child or his or her resume to fit the school – it’s the other way around.

Don’t ask embarrassing questions like, my kid’s GPA was low in his early high school years – will that affect acceptance?

Parents need to have the financial tête–à–tête early in the college conversation with their youngsters and before

Jean Arthur/Marketing Correspondent The campus at Montana State University.

a campus visit. Don’t let you your kid get too excited about a college until you understand and are prepared for the financial commitment.

Meet with the financial aid office if parents and students have questions about how aid works at that college.

Parents can also consider walking around the town while the prospective student tours campus.

And Finally Potential students can get a glimpse of campus life much different from the day tour. Stay-overs must be arranged in advance, and some colleges only allow these stays on weekdays.

Many colleges require an interview as part of an application process – check to see if an interview is required and a time is available during your visit, even if you’ve not yet applied. The visit is also a good time to arrange to meet a professor or an advisor in your potential field of study.

Most schools allow prospective students to attend a class – accept the invitation, especially if a summer class is available.

And finally, take notes. Jot down at least three things that make each campus unique to you as well as a few things that you may need to investigate before making decisions – and before buying the college’s sweatshirt for Dad.

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HIGHER ED is a supplement of The Spokesman−Review • Sunday, June 4, 2017

HOW TO ADVANCE YOUR GRADUATE SCHOOL OPTIONS

By Courtney Dunham/Marketing Correspondent

If you’ve been dreaming of graduate school, whether to advance your current career or to focus on another field, understanding the application process can help make your vision a reality.

Another suggestion is to reach out to current grad students and alumni for first-hand accounts of their own experiences. Even if you don’t know anyone personally, most grad schools host events and workshops that can help get answers about the application process, including funding and scholarship options.

Academic advisors suggest that before you even start the application process, that you spend some time thinking about why you want to take this next step.

Grades and test scores do matter, but don’t underestimate the power of your personal statement and references. Most grad schools require a personal statement, which you can use to grab the attention of the admission officer.

Questions about professional and personal goals, and your academic and professional strengths can map out the best route. Once you have a better understanding of your reasons, it will help you to select courses that mirror those answers.

The next crucial tip is to begin your grad school application as early as possible.

Typical steps include submitting results from exams such as the GRE, providing transcripts, and a personal essay on why you are pursuing a graduate degree.

There may be additional requirements if you’re applying for schools abroad, such as TOEFL result scores.

Stacie Riggers decided she wanted to become a teacher 15 years after she got her Bachelor’s of Arts in Marketing. However, her undergraduate grades were average and her test scores not much better.

Grades and test scores do matter, but don’t underestimate the power of your personal statement and references.

Most grad schools require a personal statement, which you can use to grab the attention of the admission officer.

Regardless of where and what grad school you choose, it’s important to know that every application process differs, so make sure you include any specific information requested by each institution.

The process can be overwhelming, but most schools have admission counselors to help guide you through the process.

“I’ve never been a good test taker. I often let my anxiety overtake me when I take a test, and the result is I don’t come across as smart on certain subjects as I really am,” she said. “So I decided to focus on proven strengths and tell the story I wanted to.”

Riggers knew from other friends who had gone to grad school just how important personal statements were in the overall picture. She heavily researched the departments of two schools she was applying to, and personally emphasized how her experience and skill set could benefit the program and vice versa.

“Remember, they’re looking to fill spots just as much,” she said. “So don’t hesitate to apply even if your marks aren’t that great.”

HIGHER ED is a supplement of The Spokesman−Review • Sunday, June 4, 2017

SPOKANE-AREA GRADUATE PROGRAMS

Riggers also carefully picked both professional and personal references that could back up the key points in her personal essay.

“I wanted to teach and knew that my leadership skills, and the way I can relate to people were far more important traits in a teacher than how high my GRE score was – or at least that was the message I wanted to get across,” she said. “So I made sure that my passion came across very clear in my essay and that my references echoed those qualities.”

Rigger successfully was accepted at grad school at Washington State University and has been teaching English and Performing Arts for the past five years.

While a graduate degree does not automatically lead to a promotion in title, salary, or responsibility, it can be personally and professionally rewarding.

Most graduates say their investment in themselves will eventually pay off in intangible and tangible ways.

NT E M N I A T AT

Gonzaga University

Eastern Washington University

GU is especially known for its Master’s in Business program. Its AACSB-accredited graduate business programs are rooted in the Jesuit understanding that business decisions have ethical implications. The school challenges students to think beyond dollars and cents.

EWU offers several graduate programs, including Business, Communications Disorders, Counseling, and Urban Development. For more information, contact gradprograms@ewu.edu or (509)359-6297.

“Our mission is to inspire men and women to become innovative and ethical business leaders who will use their talents to create a vibrant workplace and a better world,” its program states.

WSU offers a variety of graduate programs in Pullman, at its branch campuses or online. One popular route is WSU Online program, which works with individual colleges and faculty to offer their graduate programs in different formats.

Depending on the college, that format may be completely online, at a site other than a WSU campus, or blended, with both site-based and online learning components. For more information and to see a list of grad programs, visit www. online.wsu.edu/grad/

Gonzaga offers several graduate business programs including: • Master of Business Administration (MBA) • Master of Accountancy (MAcc) • Master of Science in Taxation (MSTax) • Dual Degree: MBA/JD or MAcc/JD • MBA in American Indian Entrepreneurship Graduate programs in business are open to any qualified holder of a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university regardless of undergraduate major field of study. The goal of the admission policy is to select candidates who demonstrate the greatest potential for academic and professional success. The application committee reviews all components of candidates’ applications when making admissions decisions.

Students may be admitted to the program prior to the start of any term. GU does not specify specific deadlines for admission, however, it recommends that you complete your application three months prior to the start of the semester.

Visit www.gonzaga.edu for more info.

Whitworth University Whitworth offers several graduate programs, but one of its most popular ones is Master’s in Teaching.

If you have a bachelor’s degree in an approved teaching endorsement area, the school’s Master in Teaching Program lets you earn a master’s degree and your Washington State Teaching Certificate at the same time.

Completing this intensive full-time program means someone is ready to teach in just 13 months.

For questions about the program, or to sit in on an MIT class, contact a MIT advisor at (509)777-3769.

Washington State University

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HIGHER ED is a supplement of The Spokesman−Review • Sunday, June 4, 2017

I WISH I’D KNOWN. COLLEGE STUDENTS

SHARE WISDOM IN HINDSIGHT

By Jean Arthur Marketing Correspondent

College years can be gratifying, frightening, challenging and fun. Students polled during spring semester 2017 shared their irreverent, funny, honest and creative responses to the question, “What do you wish you’d known before heading off to college for your first year?”

Many of them agreed with Shanoah Eck, a freshman studying psychology, from Bozeman, Mont., who said “… laundry is expensive, class attendance is painstaking but essential and that college would be the most openended, self-recreation process yet. College is terrifying and liberating, difficult and so enjoyable. Submerge.”

Here are a few other responses.

Academics Seth Indergard, sophomore, business marketing, Watford City, N.D.: “Simple is better. The more simple you make things in college, the better: Have a planner, run on a schedule, take notes every day so at the end of the semester when everything gets complicated, you can make it simple and easy for yourself to succeed.”

Heather Wall, junior, Community Health, Belt, Mont.: “I wish I had known how to study in regards to how it is that I learn.”

Cameron Foreman, freshman, electrical engineering, Vancouver, Wash.: “It’s about scheduling hour gaps between classes and how disrupting they can be. An hour isn’t enough time to study or work out.”

Leina Clarke, sophomore, animal science, Chico, Calif. “You’re not always going to agree with your professors. Getting a bad test grade isn’t the end of the world. It happens. And I wish I’d have known that Freshman 15 wasn’t a joke.”

Elizabeth McDonald, freshman in history and linguistics, Kalispell, Mont.: “How much work 21 credits would be, and how hard learning Japanese would be.”

Fallon Grant, sophomore, exercise science, Carrabassett Valley, Maine: Most professors do care about how you do in school, so don’t be scared to ask

them questions; they will be open to help you if you do your part.”

Brynlee Baker, sophomore nursing, Billings, Mont.: “How to study to learn the material rather than study to pass the test, and that professors aren’t as scary as everyone says they are.”

Rachel Bonsall, freshman, equine science, Santa Cruz, Calif.: “How important my grades would be in order to keep my scholarships. ‘Cs may get degrees, but Bs keep me at the college of my dreams.’”

Christian Adame, freshman, Asian studies and anthropology, Hawthorne, Calif.: “The cost of not being prepared for finals and that there are ten thousand Japanese characters I have to memorize. The amount of writing was more than expected.”

Bryttani Stevenson, freshman, microbiology, Bozeman: “Attendance IS required and that there are so many resources to help you with your classes.”

Logan McGreevey, cell biology and neuroscience, Missoula, Mont. “Not to choose an elective class that had a final scheduled on the Friday afternoon of finals week.”

Maddy Ouellette, sophomore, business accounting, Billings: “How to wrestle a gator because that seems easier than cramming for all my finals.”

Living situations Marenah Crockett, freshman chemical engineering, Glendive, Mont.: “Just how crazy a roommate can actually be. She wore MY underwear then put them back in my drawer – dirty!”

Luc Meyer, undeclared freshman, Hudson, Wisc.: “How much freedom you actually have. It can be daunting at times. And to become good friends with your RAs. I also wish I’d known how to cook more than a box of Kraft Mac ‘n Cheese, and known that it’s really easy to get alcohol.”

Landis King, freshman, engineering, Salt Lake City: “The cost of poor time management and just how much sleep is needed in college.”

Maddeline Clark, sophomore, cell biology and neuroscience, Tracy, Calif.: “Coffee filters don’t make great napkin replacements.”

Rachel Bonsall, freshman, equine science, Santa Cruz: “How much I would miss my dogs.”

Austin Standley, senior, Missoula, education, “…that a dozen day old doughnuts does not count as a week’s worth of meals. Eating right makes a major difference in attitude, energy and performance. Invest in yourself and eat some fruit!”

Staying Social Hayden Morgan, freshman, undeclared, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, “…that all the money you spent time earning and saving, well, it’ll be gone in the first few months.

Prepare to let it go now.”

Larson Lynch, undeclared, Boise: “How to deal with the dorm RA and police better.”

Zoe Baker, freshman, fish and wildlife ecology and management, San Diego: “Bringing my entire SoCal wardrobe to college was not necessary. I literally wear the same pair of sweat pants and tank top with my Goodwill flannel almost every single day.”

Eric Healy, sophomore, environmental biology, Bitterroot Valley, Mont.: “How lonely you can feel surrounded by thousands of people.”

Stephanie Timm, sophomore, environmental sciences, Indianapolis: “How lonely it can be at the beginning and even throughout the years. I joined clubs like the Ultimate Frisbee team and met some girls that way. It takes time to become close with people.”

Haylee Flick, junior organismal biology, Billings. “My alcohol limits before my first college party.”

Sage Kerkes, senior, chemical engineering, Charleston, W.V.: “Focus on socializing more in high school then on testing.”

The Fine Print Eli Chance, freshman graphic design, Boulder, Colo.: “Learn all the fine print involved with financial aid because if you don’t read it all, you’ll lose it, then college becomes much more expensive.”

HIGHER ED is a supplement of The Spokesman−Review • Sunday, June 4, 2017

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Making health care more accessible.

Advancing solutions that reduce costs.

Degree Programs: Nursing, Pharmacy, Medicine, Health Policy and Administration, Nutrition and Exercise Physiology, Speech and Hearing, Criminal Justice, and Education

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HIGHER ED is a supplement of The Spokesman−Review • Sunday, June 4, 2017

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