As many students are relaxing, more than satisfied with their college selection and the prospects of a transformational freshman year, some still reel. It is always good to utilize the allotted time in order to make the most informed and positive college choice, but unless new information is coming to light or a visit is happening in the coming week or two, this decision should be very close to done.
photo by velotech
Every year, people spend a good deal of money to check out colleges, but rather than returning home with the information they were seeking, they often find themselves exhausted and more confused than before. This is especially disheartening for students who will have the opportunity to visit colleges that are far from home only once.
Photo by Raymond Yee
Congratulations, the schools you thought would be a good fit for you have accepted you. Now you are faced with the challenge of deciding which one of those “good fit” colleges is actually the right college choice for you. (more…)
Does this scenario sound familiar? You get home from school and grab the mail out of the mailbox in front of your home to bring inside. It’s the usual junk mail, catalog or two, bill for your Mom or Dad. But then you notice something different. Something addressed to you!
Let’s be honest. You are probably only used to getting a card from Grandma on your birthday and maybe a cell phone bill (but you probably get that online). Something addressed to you that isn’t one of those two things must demand your attention, right?
The next day you get home … and there are 2 things addressed to you. The next day 5. The day after 10. What are these wonderful pieces of mail I am talking about? Well if you are a high school junior or senior you know … I’m talking about the mounds and mounds of brochures from colleges that you are probably getting on a daily basis.
Photo by gerlos
If you’re considering online schools for a college degree, you probably have a lot of questions. One of the things prospective students find most confusing is college accreditation. What is the difference between regional and national accreditation? Is college accreditation really necessary? And what does it all mean to you? (more…)
From wind turbines that provide power to their campuses, to student-run organic farms that provide the produce you find in the dining commons; colleges all over the country are stepping up to the challenge of making their campuses more sustainable. But where do the colleges you are considering rank when it comes to their overall commitment to sustainability?
Photo by The Truth About…
It may seem like there’s already too much to keep in mind when you are looking at colleges, but there’s one more very important thing you need to consider: university accreditation. It’s not something you may hear a lot about, but it’s definitely a factor you need to pay attention to. (more…)
A lot is said about US College Rankings and if they are in fact relevant to the college search. As a representative for a small, comprehensive, liberal-arts based university in Connecticut, I am constantly encountered with questions about how the University of New Haven “ranks” against other schools. As you begin (or even conclude) your college search, it is important to concentrate on a different word than “rank” … That word is “fit”.
Photo by Geo Pollack
Today we have a guest from Emily Goll. Emily is a graduate of Whitman College with a degree in English literature. She currently lives in Seattle, Washington and writes for GuidetoOnlineSchools.com, a publisher of accredited online college and online degree information.
The reputation of your college is incredibly important. It will help to determine the rigors of your academics, the jobs you are eligible for, and the quality of faculty that teach at your school. As a result, most graduating seniors who hope to attend a four-year institution spend the months before their applications are due pouring over books and magazine articles that feature college rankings.
Such articles and books cover everything about a school from the cost of tuition, to the student to faculty ratio, to the academic rating, and to the admissions selectivity rating. Not only do these types of lists help students narrow down their choices, but they paint a clearer picture of the schools for each individual. This can strongly help a student make a well-thought out, informed decision when choosing where to obtain his or her bachelor’s degree.
Distance Online Learning vs. the Conventional Campus Route
Today, distance online learning is becoming increasingly popular. Rather than attending classes on campus, many people are obtaining a degree by attending college online. Advancement and employment opportunities are at your fingertips with online education, whether you’re considering jobs in healthcare, sales jobs, or a career in finance. Still, many people question, “is an online degree acceptable to employers?” The answer is, yes. Online degrees are as good as degrees earned the conventional way and are suitable for employment. In fact, there are many colleges that offer both and these institutions consider the degrees to be identical.
Photo by Ed Yourdon
I was just reading an article this morning about women’s professional tennis and the flaws in its ranking system. This time of year, I also see weekly reviews with different people giving their opinion about the various ranking systems in college football. There are computer programs that use data analysis, coaches votes, win/loss and strength-of-schedule ranking systems, and different ranking systems based on the weight of each different criteria. Honestly, I find it to be a bit of overkill. But, what about US college rankings? So how do the US college ranking systems work? Which US college ranking organization is most reliable? (more…)
You’re planning to continue your education beyond high school and perhaps you’re a little confused about which degree is right for you and your career goals. This post aims to give a simple breakdown of the different types of degrees out there:
types of degrees photo by gadget dude
Do you want a new puppy? Are you an international student who wants to attend college in the United States, but can’t afford to? Whether you are coming from abroad, or an uncodumented/illegal alien living here in the United States, there are resources out there to help you find the money to fund your education. Whether you are an undergraduate (enrolling after secondary/high school) or a graduate student (you have attended a college or university and want to continue your studies), this article provides links to help you begin your search. Also, my labrador just had a litter of puppies, and they need a home.
*A hint first: START YOUR SEARCH EARLY! the deadlines for international scholarships and grants are rigidly set far before the start of the school year, and maybe even before the admission application deadline. *
Photo of International Students by MattCline
Last month, the Princeton Review released their annual college rankings, listing off the nation’s biggest party schools, best college towns and nicest dorms. And while you may be thinking about those factors as you shop for schools, maybe it’s worthwhile to look ahead: PayScale.com recently released an interesting report of college graduate salary statistics. Is your dream school worth the price of tuition?
It’s true that many students change their major several times before graduating. So why do so many experts advise you to to compare the quality of your intended major when it comes to choosing a college?
Here’s a look at why choosing a major before freshman year might actually matter–and why it might not.
photo by Jonathan Ng
In order to take full advantage of the benefits your military service has provided you, you should leave no stone unturned. Fully investigate every benefit available to you and how best to use them.
Veteran photo by Brent and Marilyn
Congratulations! You worked hard, got involved, and did a great job on your applications. You have good reason to be proud, but now you also have a bit of a dilemma: you were accepted to more than one college that you thought would be a good fit for you. So, how do you choose? (more…)
Whether you’re looking to jumpstart your higher education or enhance your career, an online education may be the way to go. Does college seem too expensive? Do you live far away from a college or university and can’t commute or move at this point in your life? Does the nearest school not offer the type of courses you need? There are many advantages to an online education, and thanks to the Internet, almost anyone can pursue a college degree. Read on to find out why an online education might be the best option for you.
As you are trying to figure out what type of college to attend, size should be a part of your consideration. Large universities and small colleges are different in many ways, and either option might work well for you depending on what you’re wanting out of your college experience. It’s really up to you and your interests. Considering that I work at a small liberal arts college, I’m admittedly biased toward the small college experience. Even so, I think it sensible to think about all the benefits that small colleges can offer you. Let’s take a look…
Photo of William and Mary Campus by geopollock
Today’s post is from our newest guest blogger, Sara Fowler, and admissions insider from Colorado Mountain College.
I grew up in the mountains of Colorado, in a town that draws crowds year-round for pretty much any outdoor activity you can imagine – tourists came to ski, hike, kayak and bike in my backyard.
I worked, like most of my friends, in the coffee houses, restaurants and shops in Glenwood Springs throughout high school. And when I talked to visitors in our area, they often mentioned that they wished they could live their outdoor vacation lifestyle forever. I guess no one ever told them they could.
Picture of Hanging Lake, Colorado by Rob Lee
