When most people (and colleges) reference a college's "ranking," they're typically referring to U.S. News & World Report rankings that have been running steady since 1983 and have helped to transform a once moderate admissions process into one that's far more competitive and stressful, both for colleges and applicants. But that's old news on an old topic I've written about before.
I want to share with you a few other means of ranking colleges that will hopefully help some applicants prioritize their lists and get a better picture of the school that fits their priorities. Take these sources of information loosely, as studies like the Wall Street Journal and Ph.D. study have pretty small data sizes and the difference between 4th and 12th place might be less than a 5% difference. The general idea is that even making it on these rankings should be impressive.
The Wall Street Journal "Top 50 Feeder Schools" is a list of colleges that send the highest percentage of graduates to Ivy League and other top law, business, and medical graduate schools. I like that the list includes liberal arts colleges and gives you a good picture of how successful very small colleges are at producing successful graduates. Most of the rankings are as you would expect; Harvard, Yale, and Princeton take the top three, but there are some small colleges like Williams (5) and Pomona (13) that also prove that they have a formidable reputation in graduate school's eyes. I think this is a great reminder to go to the school that fits you best, even if it is a tiny liberal arts college that no one has heard of, and a testament to the idea that names don't always mean everything.
Another metric I like to use is the percentage of graduates who go on to get a Ph.D. Again, merely making the list is a really impressive indicator of academic excellence. These rankings are nice in that you can look up individual departments to see what schools have strong programs for a given major. Especially for those of you looking to go onto non-professional graduate school, to something like English or Physics, these rankings would be a great source to reference even if not for a Ph.D. Another trend that has helped me a lot is that this figure tends to be associated with how intellectual or nerdy a college environment is, so there is definitely a lot to work with out of this study.
The Forbes magazine rankings "America's Best Colleges" uses a similar approach to U.S. News & World Report but uses slightly different weighting and factors that make these rankings more about value and educational quality versus U.S. News's emphasis on endowment and reputation. They based 25 percent of their rankings on seven million student evaluations of courses and instructors, as recorded on the web site RateMyProfessors.com. Another 25 percent depended upon how many of the schoolҀs alumni, adjusted for enrollment, are listed among the notable people in WhoҀs Who in America. The other half of the ranking was based equally on three factors: the average amount of student debt at graduation held by those who borrowed; the percentage of students graduating in four years; and the number of students or faculty, adjusted for size, who have won nationally competitive awards like Rhodes Scholarships or Nobel Prizes.
Rankings are never a sole criterion on which to choose a certain school over another, but these metrics are really user friendly and have done a lot of the deciding work for you; take advantage of them!
P.S. Try making your own ranking at StudentsReview that's customized based on what matters to you. Additionally, the Princeton Review allows you to look up colleges you're already interested in to see where they ranked on the publication's most recent lists such as "best campus dining" or "students study the most."
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Online School Courses Help to Balance Life
ByWayne Hemrick
If you are among the many people now in middle age who didn't get a chance to attend college or complete a degree when you were younger, online school courses are a great solution. The greatest advantage to online schools programs is that they allow busy working adults to hold down jobs and meet family obligations while pursuing their online degree. You can work on course requirements at your own pace and on your own schedule - and most online school courses allow a distance learner up to a year to complete coursework.
What Will It Cost?
Here is some additional good news when it comes online schools programs. They tend to cost less. Yes, there is tuition, but when it comes to many of the endless fees charged by institutions of higher learning anymore in the U.S., you'll be spared. These fees usually cover operation costs such as building maintenance, use of computer labs and what are known as "associated student body" fees. Since you are doing an online degree, many of these won't apply.
However, online schools programs are eligible for the same financial aid programs as any other school or college. The types of financial aid packages that are available can vary, so it pays to do a bit of due diligence, here.
What Online Degree Programs Are Available?
You'll find an excellent selection of online school courses from which to choose, whether you are trying to earn an online degree or simply learn more about a single subject. A simple Internet search will bring up an extensive list of online schools that offer everything from high school diplomas to doctoral degrees. The list of subject areas is as wide and varied as those offered at traditional "brick-and-mortar" institutions, and run the gamut from Associates in General Studies to Doctorate of Zoology.
What some people might miss is the social aspect of college attendance. Earning a degree on the Internet from home can be isolating, and there are no rigid schedules to follow, so keep this in mind when you consider studying from home.
Getting Started
The first step is to decide what your educational goals are, then find online school courses that interest you. The list of online schools is an extensive one, and you may have trouble at first narrowing it down unless you have a defined objective. Once that is accomplished however, you'll find that it's not difficult to find the rightonline school courses.
Wayne Hemrick writes about--Online School .
Study at Home - Attend Online Schools
By Wayne Hemrick
If you have always wanted to complete a college degree but don't feel as if you have the time or money, you may benefit through programs offered by an online school. It is not difficult to find online schools, but you may have some difficulty deciding on which online school courses you may wish to take. Nonetheless, for many people, an online school is the ticket.
Where To Find Online Schools
There are many Internet resources that can help you to find the right online school, but the best place to start might be the websites of brick and mortar institutions that interest you. Most traditional colleges and universities offer online schools degree programs. These institutions are fully accredited, so you can rest assured that your online schools degree will entitle you to all the same rights and privileges as a regular degree.
You can also find online schools by simply calling up your favorite search engine and entering the terms "online school" - but be warned, because you'll come up with millions of hits. It may be easier to find online schools by narrowing your search by subject or goal, using terms that are related to the online schools degree that interests you.
What Else Is There?
In addition to an online schools degree, it is possible to earn a high school diploma or GED by taking online school courses. What's better, you will often find online schools that will offer you credits for your life experiences, including knowledge and training gained in the workplace or simply from having pursued an area of interest. These Internet-based online school courses are ideal for home-schools as well, as these teachers can be of considerable help when it comes to "filling in the gaps" for those subject areas that a parent may not have experience.
You're Not Alone
While online school can lack real-time interactions and instant feedback, you are never all alone. Professors at virtual schools will be available via e-mail and will get back to you within 24 hours should you have a problem or question. You'll find online schools faculty to be just as competent and helpful as those at "real world" institutions. In addition, you have more time and flexibility when it comes to an online school - it is ideal for those who must juggle job and family responsibilities while pursuing a degree.
Wayne Hemrick writes about--Attending Online Schools
Sunday, August 29, 2010
Friday, August 27, 2010
Banting Postdoctoral Fellowships
| Canada's Banting Postdoctoral Fellowships are part of a prestigious new program to attract and develop the world's best and brightest postdoctoral researchers in Canada. The new fellowships will be valued at CAD$70,000 per year (taxable) for two years. Canadian citizens, permanent residents of Canada and foreign citizens are eligible to apply. The program will be delivered by the three federal granting agencies: the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC), the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC) and the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR). CIHR will administer the program on behalf of all three agencies. Unlike the Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships, candidates are not required to be nominated first by a Canadian institution and recommended by the institution to the federal granting agencies for an award. Candidates for a Banting Fellowship must demonstrate, beyond the excellence of their research, synergy between their research program and their host institution. As such, applications must be completed in full collaboration with the host institution. The deadline for candidates to submit a complete electronic application, including referee assessments, is November 3, 2010. International applicants must hold their fellowships at a Canadian institution. Canadian applicants who completed their degree at a Canadian institution may hold their fellowship at a Canadian or foreign institution.
|
Information regarding federally-funded scholarships are listed on Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade's (DFAIT) International Scholarships website at Boren Awards Competition is Now Open!
Applications for the 2011-2012 National Security Education Program's David L. Boren Scholarships for undergraduate students and Fellowships for graduate students are now available at www.borenawards.org. Boren Awards provide unique funding opportunities for U.S. students to study in Africa, Asia, Central & Eastern Europe, Eurasia, Latin America, and the Middle East, where they can add important international and language components to their educations.
Or contact your GT Campus Representative: Rebecca Miller, Office of International Education, rebecca.miller@oie.gatech.edu, 404-894-7475
Boren Scholarships provide up to $20,000 for an academic year's study abroad. Boren Fellowships provide up to $30,000 for language study and international research. The GT Campus application deadline for the Boren Fellowship is January 12, and the GT campus deadline deadline for the Boren Scholarship is January 26, 2011. *Please note the campus deadline is before the national deadline to allow time for on-campus review and interviews.
More information about the Boren Fellowship and Scholarship can be found at: www.borenawards.org
Or contact your GT Campus Representative: Rebecca Miller, Office of International Education, rebecca.miller@oie.gatech.edu, 404-894-7475
Thursday, August 19, 2010
The Crabby Counselor
Hi! If you're looking for The Crabby Counselor, click on this post's title or go here. He'll be commenting on college admission and all it inspires every week or so! Enjoy.
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Campus Deadlines & Info Sessions for Fellowships
GT Fellowships Office Information
CAMPUS DEADLINES FOR FELLOWSHIPS
September 10 (noon)׀Rhodes, Marshall, Churchill, Mitchell, Gates
September 17 (noon)׀Fulbright
Send copy of completed application to advisor.
Marshall, Churchill, Mitchell, Gates: Dr. Karen Adams (karen.adams@provost.gatech.edu)
Rhodes: Mr. Paul Hurst (paul.hurst@provost.gatech.edu)
NSF GRADUATE RESEARCH FELLOWSHIP INFORMATION SESSIONS
September 7, 11:00׀Piedmont Room, Student Center
September 30, 11:00׀Crescent Room, Student Center
National Science Foundation (NSF) applications are due the first week of November. Students have an opportunity to hear and ask questions from someone who has been an NSF reviewer. Last year 38 Georgia Tech students won NSF awards worth about $122,000 each. Encourage seniors and first-year graduate students in STEM areas to attend one of these sessions to learn more about the application process.
For more information about fellowship opportunities, please visit the GT Fellowships Office website: http://www.fellowships.gatech.edu/
For more information about fellowship opportunities, please visit the GT Fellowships Office website: http://www.fellowships.gatech.edu/
Saturday, August 14, 2010
Combating Digital Maximalism
I just finished William PowersҀ HamletҀs Blackberry which is a great rumination on the costs we accrue as we become increasingly interconnected and what we can do to loosen itҀs insidious grip on our lives. Powers (like Neil Postman in his third idea of technological change) thinks that an identifiable philosophy lies at the heart of technology and that in the digital era it's called "Digital Maximalism" and can be summarized by a maxim and two corollaries:
ItҀs good to be connected, and itҀs bad to be disconnected.
First corollary: The more you connect, the better off you are.
Second corollary: The more you disconnect, the worse off you are. [p.35]
Like most people who value contemplation, Powers takes issue with this philosophy and devotes a good deal of the book examining how we can get off the grid and spend a little more time with our inner selves. HeҀs by no means the first to have written on this theme (think CarrҀs well received The Shallows or my own small contributions in ӀiPhones Each Day Keep the Instructor O.kԀ), but I especially appreciate his attempt to look at a few famous men from Western history (including Socrates, Seneca, Gutenberg and Shakespeare) and examine what theyҀve done to shirk the distractions of the crowd and get down to deeper and more focused thinking. If you need a fresh and interesting take on the canon, and you worry whether our intellectual capacities are diminishing as a result of recent inventions than this book is for you.
Addendum: Powers suggests that we need to build options into our current digital technologies that will allow us to adjust how much connectivity we want. Most of our devices attempt to realize the maxim and corollaries enumerated above. But when people choose the relatively less connected Kindle over the iPad they are often leveraging the kind of option Powers wants to see more of. People (like myself) who turned on Gmail labҀs ӀEmail AddictԀ feature (which made Gmail unavailable for 15 minutes) were after the same thing too. ItҀs a shame that the feature was retired which (incidentally) is somewhat at odds with GoogleҀs very own Eric Schmidt who as CEO once advised:
Turn off your computer. YouҀre actually going to have to turn off your phone and discover all that is human around us. Nothing beats holding the hand of your grandchild as he walks his first steps. (quoted from p.76 of HamletҀs Blackberry).
ItҀs good to be connected, and itҀs bad to be disconnected.
First corollary: The more you connect, the better off you are.
Second corollary: The more you disconnect, the worse off you are. [p.35]
Like most people who value contemplation, Powers takes issue with this philosophy and devotes a good deal of the book examining how we can get off the grid and spend a little more time with our inner selves. HeҀs by no means the first to have written on this theme (think CarrҀs well received The Shallows or my own small contributions in ӀiPhones Each Day Keep the Instructor O.kԀ), but I especially appreciate his attempt to look at a few famous men from Western history (including Socrates, Seneca, Gutenberg and Shakespeare) and examine what theyҀve done to shirk the distractions of the crowd and get down to deeper and more focused thinking. If you need a fresh and interesting take on the canon, and you worry whether our intellectual capacities are diminishing as a result of recent inventions than this book is for you.
Addendum: Powers suggests that we need to build options into our current digital technologies that will allow us to adjust how much connectivity we want. Most of our devices attempt to realize the maxim and corollaries enumerated above. But when people choose the relatively less connected Kindle over the iPad they are often leveraging the kind of option Powers wants to see more of. People (like myself) who turned on Gmail labҀs ӀEmail AddictԀ feature (which made Gmail unavailable for 15 minutes) were after the same thing too. ItҀs a shame that the feature was retired which (incidentally) is somewhat at odds with GoogleҀs very own Eric Schmidt who as CEO once advised:
Turn off your computer. YouҀre actually going to have to turn off your phone and discover all that is human around us. Nothing beats holding the hand of your grandchild as he walks his first steps. (quoted from p.76 of HamletҀs Blackberry).
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Great College Lists and Profiles from Allen Grove
August 11, 2010
Allen Grove of About.com runs a great college admissions blog for About.com that I consider to be top tier, along with Jacques Steinberg's New York Times Education blog: The Choice. One of the best features on Allen Grove's site is the "starter lists" he makes akin to the "best and worst" lists the Princeton Review's college guides are famous for. I find these lists really useful when sorting between the over two thousand four year undergraduate programs in the country; Grove brings lesser-known colleges really worth considering to life in his short lists and convenient descriptions. Furthermore, Grove has an unbelievable grasp of the American higher education system as a whole and offers great application and admissions advice.
20 Most Selective Colleges
Ivy League Schools
Top Catholic Colleges and Universities
Top Liberal Arts Colleges and 20 More Great Liberal Arts Colleges
Top Public Liberal Arts Colleges
Top Public Universities
Top Undergraduate Business Schools
Top Undergraduate Engineering Universities and Top Engineering Colleges
Top Universities and 10 More Great Universities
Top Women's Colleges
Also of note are Groves's lists of "top picks by state" which break down great schools by geography. I hope you Illinoisians will appreciate the "Top Illinois Colleges" page!
Allen Grove of About.com runs a great college admissions blog for About.com that I consider to be top tier, along with Jacques Steinberg's New York Times Education blog: The Choice. One of the best features on Allen Grove's site is the "starter lists" he makes akin to the "best and worst" lists the Princeton Review's college guides are famous for. I find these lists really useful when sorting between the over two thousand four year undergraduate programs in the country; Grove brings lesser-known colleges really worth considering to life in his short lists and convenient descriptions. Furthermore, Grove has an unbelievable grasp of the American higher education system as a whole and offers great application and admissions advice.
20 Most Selective Colleges
Ivy League Schools
Top Catholic Colleges and Universities
Top Liberal Arts Colleges and 20 More Great Liberal Arts Colleges
Top Public Liberal Arts Colleges
Top Public Universities
Top Undergraduate Business Schools
Top Undergraduate Engineering Universities and Top Engineering Colleges
Top Universities and 10 More Great Universities
Top Women's Colleges
Also of note are Groves's lists of "top picks by state" which break down great schools by geography. I hope you Illinoisians will appreciate the "Top Illinois Colleges" page!
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
American University of Cairo Scholarships
The AUC Exchange Program in Cairo, Egypt is open to eligible Georgia Tech students who have completed at least 2 semesters of undergraduate college study and have maintained a minimum 3.0 GPA. Courses taken at the American University of Cairo can count toward your Georgia Tech degree program.
AUC offers two scholarships for Study Abroad students:
1. Hermann F. Eilts International Scholarship
This scholarship is awarded in tribute to Hermann F. Eilts, an AUC trustee and former U.S. ambassador to Saudi Arabia and Egypt. Eilts played an integral role in Arab-American relations during his 32-year tenure with the U.S. Foreign Service. He was a negotiator on the Camp David peace accords and one of the State Department's first Middle East specialists. Through diplomacy and education, Eilts worked tirelessly to bridge political divides and increase cultural understanding between the United States and the Arab world.
AUC offers two scholarships for Study Abroad students:
1. Hermann F. Eilts International Scholarship
This scholarship is awarded in tribute to Hermann F. Eilts, an AUC trustee and former U.S. ambassador to Saudi Arabia and Egypt. Eilts played an integral role in Arab-American relations during his 32-year tenure with the U.S. Foreign Service. He was a negotiator on the Camp David peace accords and one of the State Department's first Middle East specialists. Through diplomacy and education, Eilts worked tirelessly to bridge political divides and increase cultural understanding between the United States and the Arab world.
To be eligible, a student must be accepted to AUC's study abroad program, have a 3.5 cumulative GPA, maintain full-time status, and register for at least one political science, Middle East studies, or history course each semester of attendance at AUC.
To apply, please write a 1500 word essay on the following topic: "How will my experience at The American University in Cairo impact my future career plans and broaden my appreciation of Arab culture?" This essay should be emailed to Wesley Clark at wclark@aucnyo.edu or mailed to his attention in the New York office. The award received may be applied to tuition, fees, and on-campus housing.
2. The Simpson Scholarship in Egyptology
The Simpson Scholarship is a $2500.00 award for one semester to be used toward tuition or living expenses. The scholarship is designed for students who wish to increase their knowledge and familiarity with ancient Egypt at The American University in Cairo. Students must enroll in at least three Egyptology courses.
Up to five scholarships are awarded annually, for one semester each. To apply, please send a 1500 word essay about why you want to study Egyptology at AUC, and include a reference to three Egyptology courses for which you wish to register. This essay should be emailed to Wesley Clark at wclark@aucnyo.edu or mailed to his attention in the New York office.
For more information on the AUC Exchange Program, please visit the OIE website: http://www.oie.gatech.edu/sa/programs/details/auc.php
Sunday, August 8, 2010
Summer Tours 2010
COLLEGE TOURS SUMMER 2010
Two weeks on the road and 22 colleges and universities was how I spent the last part of June 2010. I now have seen all but one of the 20 private schools in South Carolina. Several pounds later and way too many desserts, I am now a knowledgeable consultant about the following schools.
Monday started in Columbia, SC at Columbia International University. As a Christian college, all students must major in Bible and something in a vocational field. Their curriculum is based on five core values: authority of scripture, prayer and faith, evangelical unity, world evangelism (involvement in 140 countries), victorious Christian living. Students on campus represent over 130 countries. They have a very unique program with an adjacent State prison. The college president has a goal of have an expanding athletic program.
Monday afternoon we moved on to Allen University located in the urban part of Columbia. This HBCU school is affiliated with the AME church. There is a very family-oriented atmosphere where students have strong bonds from faculty as friends and supporters. There are a number of historic buildings on campus which have lovingly been restored.
Tuesday morning we visited Newberry College in Newberry, SC. Located on edge of a small Southern town with a restored opera house, it has an ideal college setting. Affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church, they are celebrating their 150th anniversary. I found the campus similar to Emory & Henry and Erskine. They participate in the Call Me Mr. Program, which encourages black males to teach in elementary school. Newberry has a laptop program that provides each incoming freshman with a computer for all four years. The nursing program at Newberry just celebrated its first graduation and is expanding. One unique program is the forensic program with a chemistry basis that has a working relationship with SLED.
Lunch was served at Anderson University in Anderson. This Southern Baptist institution has evolved over the past 100 years. The campus has grown in size from 68 acres to 271 acres. Anderson has an accredited interior design major and their graphic design department has won many awards. This school has 2300 students and strives to grow to be even larger. Afternoon tea with a student panel was the highlight of the visit.
Wofford College with its unique Boston terrier mascot was the next host school. Located in Spartanburg, this campus shares its surroundings with several other colleges. Currently at 1500 students, they hope to grow to 1600. The strongest majors are Biology and Foreign Language. Many students study abroad--68% and many are Greek--60%. Wofford has a beautiful housing complex for Seniors with a village-type atmosphere. This is one of the more demanding schools academically.
Wednesday started with breakfast in the outdoor courtyard with fountains at Converse College in Spartanburg. I can still taste those delicious scones! Converse has a dynamic female president with an Ivy League educational background. As a women's college, this institution provides many opportunities. Their athletics program is growing. The newest sports are equestrian, lacrosse, and swimming. Study abroad is enjoyed by 33% of their students. Gorgeous sculptures abound throughout their lovely, expansive campus. Music and visual arts are strong majors. They are going to open their new School of Arts.
The afternoon was spent at Spartanburg Methodist. This is one of those rare two-year colleges which give a strong, supportive environment to its students. They have extremely generous financial aid packages. If you are Methodist, you receive a $1,000 scholarship. Degrees can be earned in Arts, Science, Religion or Criminal Justice. This school has 3 males to 1 female, a very different scenario than most . The cobblestone buildings on campus have a history which began as a school to educate textile workers.
The late afternoon we visited Limestone College in Gaffney. Situated on the edge of a quarry, this institution began as a women's college in 1845. The oldest building on campus was originally a hotel for those who wished to visit nearby healing springs. Limestone is most known for its strong lacrosse program. Business is the most popular major. Another plus for Limestone is that they have a LD program. Life coaches are an important part of this alternative learning program.
Thursday we traveled to Sumter to Morris College. They are a HBCU affiliated with the Baptist Education and Missionary Convention of South Carolina. Criminal justice is their fasted growing major. Those in engineering or nursing, benefit from the agreements with Clemson, NC A&T, and USC. This school also participates in the Call Me Mr. Program. The biggest boost to this school is a $10 million gift from an alumnus who won the State Lottery. Their will be new buildings, campus improvements, and additional scholarships. Morris served the world's best fried chicken and wow, what a dessert bar!!
A bit of a ride on country roads and we arrived at Coker College in Hartsville, just a bit from Florence. Dinner was hosted at their historic 1820 Thomas Hart House, followed by a tour of the campus's Kalmia Gardens. On Friday morning we returned to Coker. They hosted a lovely sit-down breakfast in the beautiful Coker home which was adorned with rare, expensive Dresden and Waterford chandeliers. Coker got my star for this tour. Set in a lovely Southern town, with an expansive, green campus--it is just beautiful--columns and bricks abound. The Governor's School shares this same setting. Round-table learning is the predominate style for this campus. There are an abundance of choices in dance and music--choreography, music/piano--to name a few. There are 630 students from many states. This is a wonderful, small liberal arts school with excellent academic opportunities for students.
Friday afternoon was a trip back to Columbia to travel back home. There was just enough time to go home, unpack, do laundry, repack and be back on the road on Sunday.
Two weeks on the road and 22 colleges and universities was how I spent the last part of June 2010. I now have seen all but one of the 20 private schools in South Carolina. Several pounds later and way too many desserts, I am now a knowledgeable consultant about the following schools.
Monday started in Columbia, SC at Columbia International University. As a Christian college, all students must major in Bible and something in a vocational field. Their curriculum is based on five core values: authority of scripture, prayer and faith, evangelical unity, world evangelism (involvement in 140 countries), victorious Christian living. Students on campus represent over 130 countries. They have a very unique program with an adjacent State prison. The college president has a goal of have an expanding athletic program.
Monday afternoon we moved on to Allen University located in the urban part of Columbia. This HBCU school is affiliated with the AME church. There is a very family-oriented atmosphere where students have strong bonds from faculty as friends and supporters. There are a number of historic buildings on campus which have lovingly been restored.
Tuesday morning we visited Newberry College in Newberry, SC. Located on edge of a small Southern town with a restored opera house, it has an ideal college setting. Affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church, they are celebrating their 150th anniversary. I found the campus similar to Emory & Henry and Erskine. They participate in the Call Me Mr. Program, which encourages black males to teach in elementary school. Newberry has a laptop program that provides each incoming freshman with a computer for all four years. The nursing program at Newberry just celebrated its first graduation and is expanding. One unique program is the forensic program with a chemistry basis that has a working relationship with SLED.
Lunch was served at Anderson University in Anderson. This Southern Baptist institution has evolved over the past 100 years. The campus has grown in size from 68 acres to 271 acres. Anderson has an accredited interior design major and their graphic design department has won many awards. This school has 2300 students and strives to grow to be even larger. Afternoon tea with a student panel was the highlight of the visit.
Wofford College with its unique Boston terrier mascot was the next host school. Located in Spartanburg, this campus shares its surroundings with several other colleges. Currently at 1500 students, they hope to grow to 1600. The strongest majors are Biology and Foreign Language. Many students study abroad--68% and many are Greek--60%. Wofford has a beautiful housing complex for Seniors with a village-type atmosphere. This is one of the more demanding schools academically.
Wednesday started with breakfast in the outdoor courtyard with fountains at Converse College in Spartanburg. I can still taste those delicious scones! Converse has a dynamic female president with an Ivy League educational background. As a women's college, this institution provides many opportunities. Their athletics program is growing. The newest sports are equestrian, lacrosse, and swimming. Study abroad is enjoyed by 33% of their students. Gorgeous sculptures abound throughout their lovely, expansive campus. Music and visual arts are strong majors. They are going to open their new School of Arts.
The afternoon was spent at Spartanburg Methodist. This is one of those rare two-year colleges which give a strong, supportive environment to its students. They have extremely generous financial aid packages. If you are Methodist, you receive a $1,000 scholarship. Degrees can be earned in Arts, Science, Religion or Criminal Justice. This school has 3 males to 1 female, a very different scenario than most . The cobblestone buildings on campus have a history which began as a school to educate textile workers.
The late afternoon we visited Limestone College in Gaffney. Situated on the edge of a quarry, this institution began as a women's college in 1845. The oldest building on campus was originally a hotel for those who wished to visit nearby healing springs. Limestone is most known for its strong lacrosse program. Business is the most popular major. Another plus for Limestone is that they have a LD program. Life coaches are an important part of this alternative learning program.
Thursday we traveled to Sumter to Morris College. They are a HBCU affiliated with the Baptist Education and Missionary Convention of South Carolina. Criminal justice is their fasted growing major. Those in engineering or nursing, benefit from the agreements with Clemson, NC A&T, and USC. This school also participates in the Call Me Mr. Program. The biggest boost to this school is a $10 million gift from an alumnus who won the State Lottery. Their will be new buildings, campus improvements, and additional scholarships. Morris served the world's best fried chicken and wow, what a dessert bar!!
A bit of a ride on country roads and we arrived at Coker College in Hartsville, just a bit from Florence. Dinner was hosted at their historic 1820 Thomas Hart House, followed by a tour of the campus's Kalmia Gardens. On Friday morning we returned to Coker. They hosted a lovely sit-down breakfast in the beautiful Coker home which was adorned with rare, expensive Dresden and Waterford chandeliers. Coker got my star for this tour. Set in a lovely Southern town, with an expansive, green campus--it is just beautiful--columns and bricks abound. The Governor's School shares this same setting. Round-table learning is the predominate style for this campus. There are an abundance of choices in dance and music--choreography, music/piano--to name a few. There are 630 students from many states. This is a wonderful, small liberal arts school with excellent academic opportunities for students.
Friday afternoon was a trip back to Columbia to travel back home. There was just enough time to go home, unpack, do laundry, repack and be back on the road on Sunday.
I made my way to High Point, NC to begin the Central portion of the North Carolina private colleges and universities.
After starting at High Point University, everything else was lacking in the shine and precision experienced at HP. High Point is the Disneyworld of college campuses. Inside and out the campus sparkles and shines and offers the best of the best to its students. The staff and President of HP were very polished and professional in all that they did, said, and offered to the tour counselors. Purple banners, fountains, flowers, life-size sitting figures of great historical individuals, classical music piped throughout the campus--including the outside, finely furnished student areas, fine art throughout the campus are just a few of the things to be found on this growing campus. A new Greek village with million dollar homes is to begin construction. Growth to an enrollment of 5,000 is the goal. HP is a Steinway campus. This school is on an upward trajectory which will surely be reached under the leadership of President Nido R. Quebein. This is soon to be the next Elon. Counselors were treated to dinner in the campus Steak House, movies with popcorn, candy and drinks, and chocolate chip cookies wrapped with a thank-you card at our room doors. The amenities that are offered to the students in their comprehensive fee is not to be found on any other campus that I have visited thus far. In their own words, they have an "elegant, pristine, boutique" campus. All I can say is WOW about HP.
Monday afternoon we proceeded to Wake Forest University in Winston-Salem. WF is a test optional school. They have a lovely new stadium that is guarded by a gigantic Demon Deacon. Wake Forest own properties in England, Austria and Italy with 65% of students taking advantage of study abroad. Early decision is the way to get in to this highly competitive university. One-third of the freshmen class is admitted Early Decision, which is rolling and binding. Business is the most popular major. After having lunch atop the new stadium, we moved on to another location in Winston-Salem.
Salem College in the historic Old Salem district hosted us for dinner. We first had a chance to explore the Old Salem section. The bakery was not to be missed. Founded in 1772 by Moravians, this is the oldest women's college in the United States and in North Carolina. New majors are exercise science and public policy. They have a strong School of Music. There was extreme passion for this school exhibited by the President, faculty and students.
Tuesday started at Catawba College in Salisbury. They hosted breakfast in their Center for the Environment--a lovely building set into the hillside with a waterfall running beside it. They have a strong environmental program that is supported by a 189-acre ecological preserve and a 300-acre wildlife refuge. The German Reform Church founded this school. The core values of scholarship, character, culture and service are stressed. With 1,000 students and 40 majors, one should not have to worry about overcrowding. One unique concentration is popular music. A learning specialist is on staff. Lemonade and cookies at the lovely campus guest house was a nice touch farewell send-off.
Livingstone College in Salisbury was our next stop. A HBCU it was founded by the AME Church. A former plantation with ties to the Underground Railroad and Harriett Tubman are part of this campus. This school provides an excellent setting for at-risk students. There is a Bridge Program, as well as scholarship incentives, for good academic performance. The school population is primarily first-generation--73%. This is another campus that has a three-to-one, male-to-female, ratio. This campus has the only library funded by and named for Andrew Carnegie.
Wingate University in Wingate was our dinner stop. This school strives to have students graduate in four years. As a Baptist institution, their motto is Knowledge that integrates Faith that inspires Service. New sports are diving and track. They hope to grow to a campus of 4,000 undergrads. The entire Junior class participates in the Winternational Program, which involves study abroad for ten days. Religious activities, though voluntary, play a large role on this campus.
Thursday morning began at Cabarrus College of Health Sciences in Concord. This is a very regionally based college which offers a variety of medical majors from the AA to BS level. Many of the students were non-traditional.
Pfeiffer University in Misenheimer hosted us for lunch. There were so many tasty sandwich choices that it was difficult to make a final decision. They refer to their setting as a village with a Methodist Church that is run by the students. The Bonner Leaders Program, which is connected to AmeriCorps, is on this campus. There is a train that runs through the campus. This institution was founded by the Pfeiffer family from Upstate New York. A student would be comfortable on this campus if they have strong religious values. There is a certified learning center. Snow cones were our treat at the end of our visit!
Elon University was our last stop of the day. Since my last visit to this campus, there has been a big building boom, which is still in progress. This school is connected to the United Church of Christ. Experiential and engaged learning seemed to be the current terminology on the campus. The acorn and the oak (there are many oak trees on campus) are integrated into campus traditions. Elon is moving to a four-credit system--as is High Point. Elon is a Phi Beta Campus. Elon is the school that High Point is striving to become.
Guilford College in Greensboro was our overnight host. After breakfast on Thursday, we were given a golf-cart, progressive campus tour. There are a number of renovations throughout the campus. Green is the important word. Quaker values are an integral part of life on this campus. Strong LD services are provided. The Bonner Scholars Program is on this campus. Guilford is a writing-intensive school.
Bennett College for Women in Greensboro was our next stop. This is a HBCU affiliated with the United Methodist Church. This is another campus that was supported by the New York-based Pfeiffer family. There are many traditions connected with this historic school. Rolling admission and test optional admissions make things easier for applicants. This is the only campus that has a headstone in memory of Miss Gossip.
Thursday evening we spent in downtown Greensboro, right down the street from the Civil Rights Museum. Just up the block was the lunch counter that was the center of so much activity in the sixties. We were treated to a Grasshoppers baseball game, the local farm team, at the nearby stadium.
Friday morning marked our final visit of the tour. We toured Greensboro College. This is a United Methodist school that began as a women's college. Their brother school was Trinity (now Duke.) Athletics are strong on this campus with a male-majority population. This is one of the few schools that have a Learning Service Program with no additional fees connected to it. Generous financial aid packages are offered at Greensboro. The four-credit system is now being used on this campus. The most popular majors are athletic training, criminal justice, and business.
At the conclusion of our Greensboro tour, we returned to High Point. Driving home gave me time to formulate a plan to lose all of those lovely calories that I consumed as I took my college (culinary) tour through the Carolinas!
Sunday, August 1, 2010
The Common Application is live, Class of 2011!
The Common Application went up on August 1st, 2010 for the High School class of 2011 who will be entering college in the fall of 2011. Don't tell me you haven't been waiting all summer for this moment... maybe just me! In any case, the Common App is now legitimate, so you can add the schools you're interested in applying to, get all of the address/family/education background questions out of the way, and find out the fees and supplemental applications associated with each college. If you haven't done so, register for an account now so that you can start taking advantage of the resources the Common App makes available, even though most applications aren't due until November (early programs) or January (regular decision).
As far as opportunities to get started on your essays before school starts, this is the time to start! I would recommend that everyone work on the required Common App "pesonal essay" first, and then go on to school specific supplemental essays, which are unique to each college and will only be read by that particular school.
This year's Common App essay choices are as follows:
. For now, here is a great exercise to get started.
The Ideas Exercise - Facing a blank Word document with a blinking cursor taunting you? Don't know what to write about in your essays? This exercise is designed to get your mind loosened up to writing freely. It should preferably be performed with paper and pen, but it can also be done on a computer word processor. Set aside ten minutes of time at a desk in a quiet area with no distractions, and simply begin writing. Here's the only rule: never, never stop writing. Even if you run out of things to write (or type) about, simply write "I have nothing to write about. I have nothing to write about." Before long, you will notice that you "have something to write about... this one time..." and so the exercise goes. Simply getting those ideas out on paper shows you after a few brainstorming sessions, which things you naturally think about in the world. Do you write mostly about your past experiences, about other people, about places in your future, or about the meaning of life? That's the gist to capture in your essay first and foremost: your approach to the world and the way you really think. (Exercise courtesy of a writing workshop I attended at Harvard.)
In addition, here's a great resource on the application process in general that also addresses the common apps and shows a few strong sample essays for you to get an idea of what is expected: Allen Grove's article on the Common Application (About.com - college apps).
As far as opportunities to get started on your essays before school starts, this is the time to start! I would recommend that everyone work on the required Common App "pesonal essay" first, and then go on to school specific supplemental essays, which are unique to each college and will only be read by that particular school.
This year's Common App essay choices are as follows:
Stay posted for advice on writing and revising your essays. I have attended three workshops on writing the college application essay and will be sure to fill you all in! I'll also be reviewing the book 50 Successful Harvard Application Essays, Third Edition: What Worked for Them Can Help You Get into the College of Your Choice (Harvard Crimson)
. For now, here is a great exercise to get started.The Ideas Exercise - Facing a blank Word document with a blinking cursor taunting you? Don't know what to write about in your essays? This exercise is designed to get your mind loosened up to writing freely. It should preferably be performed with paper and pen, but it can also be done on a computer word processor. Set aside ten minutes of time at a desk in a quiet area with no distractions, and simply begin writing. Here's the only rule: never, never stop writing. Even if you run out of things to write (or type) about, simply write "I have nothing to write about. I have nothing to write about." Before long, you will notice that you "have something to write about... this one time..." and so the exercise goes. Simply getting those ideas out on paper shows you after a few brainstorming sessions, which things you naturally think about in the world. Do you write mostly about your past experiences, about other people, about places in your future, or about the meaning of life? That's the gist to capture in your essay first and foremost: your approach to the world and the way you really think. (Exercise courtesy of a writing workshop I attended at Harvard.)
In addition, here's a great resource on the application process in general that also addresses the common apps and shows a few strong sample essays for you to get an idea of what is expected: Allen Grove's article on the Common Application (About.com - college apps).
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