There are several college admissions myths which should be exposed before you apply. These myths often scare certain students from applying to the best schools. Never limit yourself from applying to top colleges because you believe these things:
(10) Applicants are pre-screened.
Whether using the common application or a school-specific application, college admission offices have enough staff members to read your entire application. After all, you pay an application fee for a reason and colleges want to make sure you get your fair chance. However, if your application is incomplete or missing crucial components (essays, transcripts, or supplements) this might explain why it is rejected, or pre-screened out, before it reaches the full committee.
(9) You must choose your major and stick to it.
When you apply to college, admissions officers know your major is bound to change. In fact, many admissions offices have reported that the majority of their students change their major by the end of their freshman year. Don't worry about choosing your major. Pick a department or major where you have a genuine interest, and be open-minded to changing it once you're enrolled.
Read more
Thursday
Sunday
Tuesday
Hacking College
Here's a great free read for students (and their parents) heading off to college. The book explains the easiest route to getting the degree you want, financial aid, and how to make the most of college. You can read the entire book here.
Sunday
List of Tuition-Free Colleges
Want to go to school for free? You can, really. With the rising cost of college most people would love to go to a free college but most don't know where to look- or even that they even exist. Here's a list of tuition free colleges.
Alice Lloyd College, Pippa Passes, Ky
You must score at least a 17 on the ACT or 430 verbal and 400 math on your SAT. Also, you must have at least a 2.25 GPA in your pre-college (high school) curriculum courses.
Berea College, Berea, Ky
You need between 20 and 30 on the ACT or between 1410 and 1980 on the SAT. Applicants should have a GPA of at least 3.0.
City University of New York's Teacher Academy, New York, NY
If you're looking to become a teacher after college this school may be right for you. Applicants are expected to have a high ACT score and a high GPA.
College of the Ozarks, Point Lookout, Mo
Applicants must demonstrate financial need and score at least a 18 on their ACT and a 910 on the SAT.
Cooper Union, New York, NY
If you're interested in engineering and/or architecture this tuition free school may be right up your alley. Applicants need to submit a portfolio for consideration. Architecture applicants are considered based on an academic achievement and home test evaluation. Engineering applicants are reviewed based on SAT score and math and science exams.
Curtis Institute of Music, Philadelphia, PA
Applicants need to show strong musical talents and considering a professional musical career. Students need to submit an application and audition at the school.
Deep Springs College, Deep Springs, CA
This all male liberal arts college requires a review of SAT and ACT scores and a two part application.
Franklin W. Olin College of Engineering, Needham, MA
Applicants must have a strong foundation of calculus and physics. The school also reviews SAT or ACT scores as well as two SAT tests within math and science.
Webb Institute, Glen Cove, NY
Applicants must have a strong engineering background. Also, a B average in physics, chemistry and math as well as high SAT scores.
There's only a couple of tuition free schools but it's worth the effort to at least try to to apply.
Alice Lloyd College, Pippa Passes, Ky
You must score at least a 17 on the ACT or 430 verbal and 400 math on your SAT. Also, you must have at least a 2.25 GPA in your pre-college (high school) curriculum courses.
Berea College, Berea, Ky
You need between 20 and 30 on the ACT or between 1410 and 1980 on the SAT. Applicants should have a GPA of at least 3.0.
City University of New York's Teacher Academy, New York, NY
If you're looking to become a teacher after college this school may be right for you. Applicants are expected to have a high ACT score and a high GPA.
College of the Ozarks, Point Lookout, Mo
Applicants must demonstrate financial need and score at least a 18 on their ACT and a 910 on the SAT.
Cooper Union, New York, NY
If you're interested in engineering and/or architecture this tuition free school may be right up your alley. Applicants need to submit a portfolio for consideration. Architecture applicants are considered based on an academic achievement and home test evaluation. Engineering applicants are reviewed based on SAT score and math and science exams.
Curtis Institute of Music, Philadelphia, PA
Applicants need to show strong musical talents and considering a professional musical career. Students need to submit an application and audition at the school.
Deep Springs College, Deep Springs, CA
This all male liberal arts college requires a review of SAT and ACT scores and a two part application.
Franklin W. Olin College of Engineering, Needham, MA
Applicants must have a strong foundation of calculus and physics. The school also reviews SAT or ACT scores as well as two SAT tests within math and science.
Webb Institute, Glen Cove, NY
Applicants must have a strong engineering background. Also, a B average in physics, chemistry and math as well as high SAT scores.
There's only a couple of tuition free schools but it's worth the effort to at least try to to apply.
University of Pennsylvania
Introduction
U Penn Admissions
Academics
Student Body
Surrounding Area
Housing
U Penn Admissions
Academics
Student Body
Surrounding Area
Housing
Dorm at School or Commute?
Students going to school in-state are faced with a decision of whether they should dorm or commute to school. Heres some pros ad cons of both.
Dorming Pros-
Live in a social environment with people your own age.
More opportunities to make friends.
Living away from your parents.
Living on campus near classrooms and being able to wake up minutes before class.
Dorming Cons-
Extra cost of dorming added on to tuition.
May get stuck with a roommate you don't like.
Social enviroment may impact ability to do schoolwork.
Dorming Pros-
Live in a social environment with people your own age.
More opportunities to make friends.
Living away from your parents.
Living on campus near classrooms and being able to wake up minutes before class.
Dorming Cons-
Extra cost of dorming added on to tuition.
May get stuck with a roommate you don't like.
Social enviroment may impact ability to do schoolwork.
Tuesday
Study Finds Many College Students are Stressed Out and Depressed
A recent study for mtvU and The Associated Press finds many college students are stressed about everything ranging from tests to even vacations. Many of the students polled say they have had trouble sleeping, concentrating, finding motivation, agitated or worried to work. Here's how US college students did on the stress test:
4 out of 10 college students expeirence stress often. 1 out of 5 feel it all or most of the time. The sources of this stress can largely be attributed to school work, financial problems, relationships and dating, family problems and juggling extracurricular activities.
45% of women report they face pressure often versus 34% of men facing pressure. 25% of students studies admitted they should cut down on their drinking. 33% say they use drugs or alcohol to relax or cope with stress.
55% of women say dating and relationships issues have a major impact on their daily lives versus 45% of men.
15% worry about being pressured into drinking too much on spring break.
1 in 5 say they were too stressed to do schoolwork or be with freinds.
1 in 5 said things have been so stressful they considered dropping out of college.
1/3 reported feeling lonely.
1 in 6 say they have freinds who have mentioned suicide and 1 in 10 say they have had suicidal thoughts themselves.
13% say they have been diagnosed with a mental health condition (depression or anxiety disorders)
26% have considered speaking to a counselor or seeking professional help.
Thankfully, 1/2 said they feel understood by their families and 60% said they are generally enjoy their life.
How the test was conducted
40 randomly chosen undergraduate schools were picked across the nation and
2,253 students ranging in age from 18-24 responded to the forms.
Why so much stress on America's college campuses?
College is supposed to be one of the most enjoyable time of someone's life but it's turning into one of the most stressful for many. So what gives?
Deciding what career path they want to pursue and pressure from parents, advisor's, friends and themselves. Read more
4 out of 10 college students expeirence stress often. 1 out of 5 feel it all or most of the time. The sources of this stress can largely be attributed to school work, financial problems, relationships and dating, family problems and juggling extracurricular activities.
45% of women report they face pressure often versus 34% of men facing pressure. 25% of students studies admitted they should cut down on their drinking. 33% say they use drugs or alcohol to relax or cope with stress.
55% of women say dating and relationships issues have a major impact on their daily lives versus 45% of men.
15% worry about being pressured into drinking too much on spring break.
1 in 5 say they were too stressed to do schoolwork or be with freinds.
1 in 5 said things have been so stressful they considered dropping out of college.
1/3 reported feeling lonely.
1 in 6 say they have freinds who have mentioned suicide and 1 in 10 say they have had suicidal thoughts themselves.
13% say they have been diagnosed with a mental health condition (depression or anxiety disorders)
26% have considered speaking to a counselor or seeking professional help.
Thankfully, 1/2 said they feel understood by their families and 60% said they are generally enjoy their life.
How the test was conducted
40 randomly chosen undergraduate schools were picked across the nation and
2,253 students ranging in age from 18-24 responded to the forms.
Why so much stress on America's college campuses?
College is supposed to be one of the most enjoyable time of someone's life but it's turning into one of the most stressful for many. So what gives?
Deciding what career path they want to pursue and pressure from parents, advisor's, friends and themselves. Read more
Monday
Tuesday
Selecting A College to Attend
Selecting a college has always been a very big decision for students evaluating their options. Today there are even more choices than ever and some dangers along the way. Not only are students faced with choices of the traditional classroom, but also the virtual campuses that have became a popular contender over the past several years. There are several factors involved in choosing the correct school and much of the decision is based on academic performance. For some lucky students that have achieved greatly the acceptance letters will be stacked up before they ever walk their high school graduation stage, but for the rest, they are faced with walking the tight rope of deciding which college.
College Entrance Testing
All colleges have guidelines for acceptance to the University and then many of the departments have other requirements. When applying to a university it is important to understand that most colleges require a college entrance examination such as the ACT or SAT with a passing score. Most require an essay detailing your goals and educational plans over the next couple of years. Considering the specific department that you are looking to enter into will determine the requirements of college entrance. Many departments such as the Nursing departments or Psychology department have strict guidelines requiring your entrance testing and previous GPA to tally to a certain level before you will be considered. That is the reason that it is highly important that you plan for the college entrance tests and study to prevent a declination letter. Choosing a college is not only about the entrance guidelines, but it can prevent you from entering if you have not scored well or performed poorly in high school.
Field of Knowledge
Having a basic idea of what career field that you want to study is another good way to determine which college is right for you. Not every college offers the type of degree that you may be looking for so it is important to research before applying. Most universities have websites that give a detailed list of degrees offered and the time line in which most students complete the program. If you are looking for a nursing program, you would want to make sure that the university that you are looking at offers a nursing program. Be careful with entering one college to get basics, believing that all the classes will transfer to the next university. In many cases, the credits will not transfer and then you are stuck with credits that are worthless.
Close to Home vs Out of State
One of the biggest decisions for most students is whether to attend a local college or move away for a college education. Much of this decision is based on the financial resources that the student and/or parent have. Most parents advocate that their students remain close to home to defray living expenses. Other costs besides living arrangements that are sometimes pricey include out of state tuition. Another concern that students face when moving off to college is the lack of family support and contending with roommates in the dorm situation. College is stressful enough and can sometimes cause a lack of interest or study habits when faced with dorm mate problems. Of course, the cost of attendance is much less if the student remains in the parent's home. Most colleges require that if the student is not within living distance of the parents that they live on campus for the first two years of attendance. Again depending on the financial situation this can prove costly. Read more.
College Entrance Testing
All colleges have guidelines for acceptance to the University and then many of the departments have other requirements. When applying to a university it is important to understand that most colleges require a college entrance examination such as the ACT or SAT with a passing score. Most require an essay detailing your goals and educational plans over the next couple of years. Considering the specific department that you are looking to enter into will determine the requirements of college entrance. Many departments such as the Nursing departments or Psychology department have strict guidelines requiring your entrance testing and previous GPA to tally to a certain level before you will be considered. That is the reason that it is highly important that you plan for the college entrance tests and study to prevent a declination letter. Choosing a college is not only about the entrance guidelines, but it can prevent you from entering if you have not scored well or performed poorly in high school.
Field of Knowledge
Having a basic idea of what career field that you want to study is another good way to determine which college is right for you. Not every college offers the type of degree that you may be looking for so it is important to research before applying. Most universities have websites that give a detailed list of degrees offered and the time line in which most students complete the program. If you are looking for a nursing program, you would want to make sure that the university that you are looking at offers a nursing program. Be careful with entering one college to get basics, believing that all the classes will transfer to the next university. In many cases, the credits will not transfer and then you are stuck with credits that are worthless.
Close to Home vs Out of State
One of the biggest decisions for most students is whether to attend a local college or move away for a college education. Much of this decision is based on the financial resources that the student and/or parent have. Most parents advocate that their students remain close to home to defray living expenses. Other costs besides living arrangements that are sometimes pricey include out of state tuition. Another concern that students face when moving off to college is the lack of family support and contending with roommates in the dorm situation. College is stressful enough and can sometimes cause a lack of interest or study habits when faced with dorm mate problems. Of course, the cost of attendance is much less if the student remains in the parent's home. Most colleges require that if the student is not within living distance of the parents that they live on campus for the first two years of attendance. Again depending on the financial situation this can prove costly. Read more.
Saturday
Finding the College of Your Choice
Applying for college is an intimidating task for any student. Unlike high school, where classes and curriculum are relatively simple and straightforward, college attendance is a drastic and often frightening change for both parents and students. The first step is to start discussions with high school counselors and teachers. Is there a particular field of interest? Those already in the academic world will likely have beneficial advice and recommendations that make this process easier.
It's always a good idea for any potential student to visit their campus of choice prior to applying. Not only will you see the student body as it will be when you attend, you will meet advisers, faculty, and develop a better idea of the facility's layout. Ask many questions and find the answers to your questions. This saves you from applying to a facility that might not be what you assume. Read more.
It's always a good idea for any potential student to visit their campus of choice prior to applying. Not only will you see the student body as it will be when you attend, you will meet advisers, faculty, and develop a better idea of the facility's layout. Ask many questions and find the answers to your questions. This saves you from applying to a facility that might not be what you assume. Read more.
Sunday
Princeton University
Introduction
Princeton Admissions
Princeton Setting
Princeton Housing and Dorms
Academics
Princeton Housing and Dorms
Princeton Food
Princeton Scene
Princeton Admissions
Princeton Setting
Princeton Housing and Dorms
Academics
Princeton Housing and Dorms
Princeton Food
Princeton Scene
Wednesday
Northwestern University Launches YouTube Channel
A few universities such as Vanderbilt University and the University of Southern California have created their own YouTube channels.
Northwestern University recently launched their own YouTube channel showcasing videos of the NIU Symphony, theater productions, athletic events, lectures, lessons and more. You can watch it at www.youtube.com/NorthwesternU
Northwestern University recently launched their own YouTube channel showcasing videos of the NIU Symphony, theater productions, athletic events, lectures, lessons and more. You can watch it at www.youtube.com/NorthwesternU
Monday
Northwestern University
Introduction
Setting
Northwestern University Admissions
Northwestern Academics
Dorms and Housing
Students
Food
Northwestern Scene
Setting
Northwestern University Admissions
Northwestern Academics
Dorms and Housing
Students
Food
Northwestern Scene
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