Posted on Wed, May 16, 2012 @ 11:07 AM
Guest post written by Jairus Burdick: a current student at the University of Massachusetts Amherst:
In Dr. Randall S. Hansen’s article “10 Tips for Successful Career Planning: An Activity for Job-Seekers of All Ages” he focuses heavily on one of the most important aspects of planning a career: staying current. Throughout his comprehensive list of ideas and thoughts to keep in mind, he appropriately emphasizes the need to stay updated on the process of planning a career. Instead of looking at it as a one-time ordeal, he says that it is an issue that stays with us throughout our lives while noting that most people change their career multiple times. With this in mind, he goes on to explain that looking both behind and in front of you is extremely valuable. By seeing where you have come from and where you want to go, you can set goals that will allow for success. The approach he suggests is much like that taken with a résumé. Instead of compiling a résumé and then not looking at it again for years, it makes much more sense to update it periodically. The nature of career planning is not one of complacency. Rather, it is one of diligence in which people must take it upon themselves to make the most of what they have to maximize what they might someday have. By following these tips, people will find themselves much more prepared to enter a new career, as well as assessing where they are in their current occupation.
Posted on Tue, May 15, 2012 @ 10:58 AM
Guest post written by Tara Tyrrell, a current student at Yale University:
Campus Life’s article on getting into college is brief, but it offers good broad insight into the mind of an admissions officer-namely, Marlyn McGrath Lewis, director of undergraduate admissions at Harvard University. The article begins by quoting Ms. Lewis, who says that generally speaking, taking more advanced classes (even if your subsequent grades are not quite as top-notch as those you might receive at a lower level) shows colleges that you are up for a challenge. Of course, it also looks good for you to demonstrate that you know your limits, so taking a difficult class and then failing it is not advised. Along the same lines, taking specific courses in an attempt to get a jump start on training for your career is also not really advisable, as admissions officers expect to see students grow and develop career ambitions within the four years of their college careers. Flexibility and willingness to try new things are a very attractive trait for an admissions officer to see.
What may perhaps come as a relief is the next paragraph’s declaration that SAT and ACT scores will not firmly decide your chances of admission. If you are well-rounded and stand out academically, the officer making your admission decision will not deny you admission if your scores are only average. A consistent showing of drive, ambition, and general excellence is ultimately key. The last bit of advice the article has to offer is one of the most important (and often overlooked) factors in having everything a college wants in an admitted student-start early. Cramming everything into senior year is not only hectic and miserable, but it also does not show that consistency of excellence that I mentioned earlier. Colleges are ultimately looking for the kind of person that will contribute best to their school. Hurriedly participating in resume padders senior year looks disingenuous and makes your achievements seem rarer than they may actually be. Do things that make you happy and showcase how amazing you are and your achievements will shine through on your application.
Posted on Mon, May 14, 2012 @ 10:46 AM
Hello everyone, I’d like to introduce myself. My name is Megan Comstock, and I’m a senior at SUNY Binghamton, studying Psychology, English and Evolutionary studies.
For my first article on college planning, I guess I should start at the beginning. I would consider my first major college planning decision would be choosing between going to a two-year Community College, (and then transferring) vs. going right from high school into a four-year university. Could I have gotten into either? Yes, but that was only one factor at play.
One of the major deciding factors for me was ultimately the price. Choosing a community college that was close enough for me to live at home, and commute, was much less expensive then going to a four-year university, and living on campus. Obviously staying home vs. on campus, cut down expenses exponentially (over 10,000 for the year), but the tuition was also less as well.
With so many news stories coming out about the poor economy, and how difficult it is for graduating college students to get a job. (Not to mention the interest rates on college loans) I really decided that I wanted to get a bachelors degree with as little debt as possible. Of course there is always a trade off, sometimes it’s really true that you get what you pay for. I believe that the level of education I received at both institutions was great. (I really feel that the quality of an institution is shown in its professors not the institutions themselves. You can have great professors at a community college and no-so-great ones at a university.) However, with certain areas of study, like the sciences, I found some areas lacking at my community college. For example there was little to no opportunities for research assistantships.
Ultimately it’s up to each person to decide what’s best. I am very happy with though, my decision. I was able to get all my “General Education” requirements, as well as some courses that would count for my future major, completed in two years, at a faction of the cost of a university.
Posted on Sun, May 13, 2012 @ 10:37 AM
Guest post written by Lauren Boudreau, a current student at SUNY New Paltz:
I don’t want to say that I always knew I was going to be an English major, but on some level I always did. When I first arrived at college I tried anything and everything to not become an English major. It had just always seemed like the obvious choice and I wanted to do something more challenging. But on the morning of going to declare my major in Psychology, I had a sudden epiphany, well, more like a slap in the face. All my books, novels, diaries, poetry and writings, cornered me in my room and said, what are you doing? You are an English major and you know it. So, instead of walking into the Psychology department, I made the choice of English and never looked back.
But what does it take to be an English major? Well, below are some tips to consider:
1. Love of all things Literature
It is important that while choosing any major, you love what you do. This is especially important for English majors. When you choose to study English, keep in mind that you will spend 90% of all your time reading and understanding texts. A passion for literature is needed if you plan on getting through twelve volumes of the Norton Anthology.
2. An eye for Detail
You will be asked to interpret and analyze many different texts throughout your major. In many cases you will asked to pick out a specific detail from a text and explain its significance to a larger theme of the text or the text as a whole. If you can, start developing those skills. When you’re reading, pay attention to the little details of the text.
3. Time Management
An important issue for any college student is time management. This is especially important for an English major considering the amount of reading and essay writing assigned weekly. It is very possible a professor will give you one hundred pages of reading every couple of nights. I cannot stress enough that you do not want to leave it to the last minute. You will be assigned multiple essays by different professors. It would also be a good idea to start early in order to not just get it done, but get it done well.
4. Getting to know your Professors
This is very important. A good or bad professor can determine your fate, the fate of the class, and whether or not you actually learn anything. Be sure to get to know the faculty as you take more classes so you know which professors like your writing style and which ones interpret texts in a way you understand. A lot of times the case will be that a certain professor just does not like the way you write but another one may. Getting to know your professors is the key to success in any classroom.
Posted on Sat, May 12, 2012 @ 11:16 AM
Guest post written by Evelyn Siu, a current student at Princeton University:
mo·lec·u·lar bi·ol·o·gy – noun (Oxford American Dictionary)
The branch of biology that studies the structure and function of the macromolecules (e.g., proteins and nucleic acids) essential to life.
The definition listed above encompasses the basics of what you will study as a molecular biology major. The subject is focused on understanding human and animal function from the molecular level. Some topics covered in this course of study are DNA, RNA, proteins, cellular organization and structure, and development. This is a very research-based branch of biology. The lab portion of a molecular biology class will help you get a feel for what the field is like. Some organisms you will work with are E. coli, C. elegans, and yeast.
Most biology majors are also pre-med. This is because biology and medicine are closely related, and many of the pre-med requirements will overlap with the major requirements. This usually means that people who take these classes are very concerned about their grades and thus the classes are very competitive. However, this should not discourage non-pre-meds from taking biology classes, or ultimately becoming a molecular biology major if you are interested in the subject.
If you are considering becoming a molecular biology major, I would recommend gaining some research experience to see if you like it first. If you aren’t able to research in a lab before you declare, then make sure to take classes in the department. Either way, it’s important to get a feel for the subject and department before you declare your major.
Posted on Fri, May 11, 2012 @ 01:42 PM
Guest post written by Lauren Epstein, a current student at Binghamton University:
Choosing a major can be difficult. The major you choose sets the tone for the rest of your undergraduate career, delegates the classes you will take, the people you will interact with, and the field or work you may enter. I chose to major in English with a concentration in rhetoric.
English majors often face a great deal of scrutiny from peers, family members, and friends. Many people believe that English majors will not get jobs in the future. This is not true at all. English classes expose students to a wide variety of literature, and teach them to write and communicate effectively. Therefore, when English majors are interviewed for jobs in the future, they are able to speak confidently and eloquently, and communicate not only with the interviewer but also with colleagues and clients in the future.
As you may have guessed, the English major is reading and writing intensive. Though an English major may not have as many exams as other students, they make up for it in weekly readings and papers. However, if you chose this as your major in the first place, you will probably find this work to be enjoyable. English courses also tend to be more creative and discussion based, rather than factual and lecture-like. This allows for more expression of opinion, contemplation, and imagination.
I have been an English major for two semesters now, and I am so happy with the decision I made. It is important to choose something you love. If you decide you don’t love it, you can always switch!
Posted on Thu, May 10, 2012 @ 11:34 PM
Guest post by Patrick Durgin, a current computer science major at the College of the Holy Cross:
When starting at college I came in as a Psychology major, really interested in cognitive and also adolescent fields of study. After an introduction to Psychology class my first semester I felt unsure if I would like to continue with it as I felt that there was a lot of areas that did not appeal to me, and that is when the opportunity arose for Computer Science. I took a Survey Course that would teach basic programming and general studies about circuits, html, and the internet. I felt like this was the first class that really called upon me at college to pursue as a field of study. I always enjoy my time in labs and class learning about structures and programming and honestly I am extremely excited to start in on major requirements in the next few semesters.
Growing up in a technological age where I spent hours on the computer anyway I felt like I could certainly make something out of this profession. If you appreciate Mathematics or logic this also may be a field that could interest you. Computer Science is one of the most active and growing majors out there and if you go to a smaller school you may have small class sizes and may be eligible to get research funding by your senior year which could really help you as you transition to the world. Although you may have not taken any classes in high school, like me, the best way to immerse yourself into this field is to just dive in. It can be tedious at first but once you learn one programming language you will be able to convert that knowledge into many of the others as they are all very similar. I would recommend this major to any who likes working with efficiency, numbers, tech related fields, and anyone interested in learning more about computational science.
Posted on Wed, May 09, 2012 @ 09:51 AM
Guest post written by Richard Rodriguez, a current student at DePaul University:
DePaul University is not as academically selective as many other private Catholic institutions, but they do look for students who stand out as promising contributors to a specific part of their community. The tips below will be helpful for anyone whose student may be applying to DePaul Undergraduate programs.
1) Extracurricular activities, leadership, and community service experience are only to your benefit.
I was fortunate enough to attend a college preparatory high school that promoted student involvement in organizations and service projects. While many private institutions are known for being test score sticklers, DePaul seems to place more of an emphasis on real-world experience. This observation was supported by DePaul's recent choice to become placement test optional, which means that students can choose to either submit their ACT/SAT scores, or withhold this information and respond to a series of short essay prompts instead. The essays are great opportunity to highlight the experience you have relative to your declared major (if you have one) and DePaul's mission statement.
2) Put time into your personal statement.
Whether you plan to submit test scores or not, a compelling personal statement that describes and reflects on 1-3 distinct experiences is key to getting your application in the right pile. In my essay, I discussed a community service project I was a part of as well as my involvement in my high school newspaper and literary magazine. Revision can only improve your writing, and the personal statement is no exception to this rule.
3) DePaul is obsessed with multiculturalism, so if you have a distinct cultural background, draw attention to it in your essays.
DePaul prides itself on having one of the most diverse student populations in the nation. Regardless of what ethnic group(s) you identify with, talk about this aspect of your life purposefully. Writing about your cultural heritage and how it has influenced a specific choice regarding your high school activities, college application process, or career goals is a great way to make this information work you in your personal statement or short essays.
4) Even if you aren't declaring a major, mention prospective career paths and university organizations and/or activities that interest you.
As with any school, DePaul wants to know why you are interested in their academic programs, campus life, and student community. What makes DePaul appealing to you in comparison to other colleges?
The majority of DePaul's academic programs are writing-intensive, so demonstrating your ability to reflect on ideas and significant experiences is an important step to proving your worth as a prospective student. With these tips, you should be able to start asking yourself questions, pinning down those characteristics, skills, and experiences that make you unique so that you can express them in writing.
Posted on Tue, May 08, 2012 @ 10:33 AM
Guest post writtern by Ryan Faja, a current graduate student at University of Wisconsin:
Applying to college can be a headache and a lot of work; sometimes the more prestigious the university the more work and dedication in high school is required to ensure that you are accepted. My Alma mater, the University of Wisconsin, is one of the few dozen Public Ivies. It prides itself on high academic standards, strong research and being a pillar of excellence in the community, whether it is the city of Madison, Dane County or the state of Wisconsin. These core values are part of the “Wisconsin Way”, where the community benefits from the hard work done by and at the university. These key attributes are important when the University of Wisconsin considers applicants for admission.
While in high school I was involved in many activities, member of the National Honor Society, the German Honor Society, participated in sports and was a stage manager for several school plays and musicals. Being involved in extracurricular and volunteering along with getting good grades (3.5 out 4.0 GPA is a must) and ACT (27 or better) and AP (4’s and 5’s) exam score are important parts of the acceptance process, but they are not the only important elements that factor into your acceptance to such a prestigious university.
Perhaps the most important thing during the whole application was the essay. In this essay you must write about yourself, which is one of the hardest things you will have to do. Why should the University of Wisconsin accept you? How will you attending Wisconsin benefit the university? These are some important questions you must answer. Showing that you can contribute to the “Wisconsin Way” is perhaps the mot important thing you can do while applying to Wisconsin.
While your essay might be one of the most important parts of the application process, but being involved inside and outside of school along with good grades is very important. And remember, this perhaps the most important thing to remember, do not take the easy route senior year, universities look at that and take that into consideration. Public Ivies, like the University of Wisconsin, do not want slackers; they want motivated, driven individuals willing to work hard. On Wisconsin!
Posted on Mon, May 07, 2012 @ 09:42 AM
Guest post by Siddharth Bal, a current student at Purdue University:
I had finished the application process to my choices of schools and I found myself in the second semester of my senior year. The process of visiting schools began in earnest on the Thanksgiving weekend of my first semester senior year. I had finished my standardized tests the previous month and had received my results; I was pleased with the results, but it wasn’t sufficient to qualify for the program that I wanted to enter. Still, I wished to visit my dream school, Purdue. I had scored a 27 on my ACTs, but I needed a 30 to qualify for the engineering program. I felt that after viewing the campus I would have the inspiration needed to retake the ACTs.
We drive for several hours and I awaken dazed and confused. My stepfather arrives and announces “We’re here”. I look around and observe and the sky is full of clouds with sharp streaks of orange emanating from the declining sun. I awoke the next morning and we made the 15 minute trek to the Purdue campus. It was a crisp fall day with the sun in the sky and the wind rustling amongst the leaves. I met with the campus tour and I observed the fellow students; we all felt excited and nervous at the same time. The tour guide a student in aeronautical engineering soon began our tour at the engineering mall. I immediately felt impressed with the fountain with its 4 pronged design and central fountain. The very campus seemed to convey a kind of elegance built around an overriding sense of order. The tour guide added “the majority of your pre-engineering courses are designed to weed out the majority of students”. I felt a sharp pang in my head as I pondered the prospect of struggling with all of my classes. As a senior I already found myself contending with multiple AP courses; the prospect of several weed out courses proved unappetizing. I remarked “what other programs does Purdue specialize in”? He added “Purdue is a full fledge university with historical strengths in engineering, pharmacy and the hard sciences”.
I thought about that last comment from the guide and reflected upon it for the following 3 months. I retook the ACTs in late January and still received the same score. I thought about my interests and focused on what courses proved interesting to me. I received high scores in my AP computer science course and felt interested with the subject material. I decided to enroll in Purdue’s computer science program. I returned the following fall secure in my decision to enroll as a computer science major; I choose a field that interest me and that I was ultimately competent in. I was still able to pursue a technical profession in an environment that inspired me.