Here are 12 key ways independent educational consultants support college-bound students. http://www.examiner.com/article/12-key-ways-independent-educational-consultants-support-college-bound-students
Reflections on the Class of 2015
The College Expert Team takes pride in staying up to date with news and trends in the college admissions world. We attend IECA and HECA conferences, visit multiple colleges each year, meet with college representatives, and take an active role in the community of Independent Educational Consultants. Through doing so, we are able to recommend the best possible list of colleges for our clients, and we love spending time with our students on their applications and essays.
With the knowledge and experience of our team, each year we recommend a variety of colleges across the country, many that clients do not recognize, and others that clients may not have considered without a comprehensive discussion of the school’s fit for their child. We strive to help families make private colleges affordable, and are thrilled at the merit scholarships, grants, and aid our students received. It’s been another great application season, and we want to celebrate this year’s class and the success of each student.
Here is a brief summary of our year
The class of 2015 embraced the application process with excitement, due diligence, and flexibility. After attending Research Jam Sessions and several summer workshops, when the Common Application went live on August 1st, our students were ready to go. Being proactive, almost 100% of our students applied somewhere Early Decision, Early Action or Priority, and we encouraged students with rolling admission applications to have them in by the beginning of October. All in all, over 50% of applications submitted were Early Action or Early Decision, and many students completed the application process by November 1st.
We are proud of our students’ dedication, hard work, and we are thrilled with their acceptances. Our students are matriculating to a wide variety of colleges across the country including Ivy League, small liberal arts colleges, great research universities, music conservatories, Big 10 schools, a Canadian University, and colleges with in-state tuition.
A lot of our students found themselves accepted into their colleges’ Honors Program, a great honor in itself. Many of our students found themselves with merit scholarships, and some with full rides. We are happy to announce that the nation’s top music, film, theater and architecture programs accepted our students! In addition, we have athletes continuing their sports on the collegiate level, and they will compete in swimming, soccer, volleyball, basketball, football, and hockey.
Earlier this month, U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan announced the 51st class of U.S. Presidential Scholars. Of 141 students picked across the nation, one of our students received this distinguished honor. And, this year one of our students found himself accepted to two Academies (10% acceptance rate), and we wish him well as he serves our country.
Even though spring came early this year, we noticed a continued upswing in students choosing colleges in warmer climates; though many decided to stay in the Midwest (namely outside of Minnesota). Our students have a higher rate of applying to, and choosing, out of state schools. They exceed the national average in applying early with 89% attending a four-year out of state college and 80% matriculating to private universities. Across the country, 20% of students decide to attend out of state schools, and 34% choose private colleges and universities. Our students will attend colleges in: Massachusetts, California, Colorado, Wisconsin, Illinois, Pennsylvania, New York, North Carolina, Connecticut, and Minnesota (just to name a few).
Our students want to experience the world and build upon their knowledge, and we are overjoyed to help them prepare for this new chapter. 100% of our students will attend a 4-year college in the fall, a number that showcases the importance of finding great match schools. Over 40% of our students were accepted by their Reach colleges, and out of all the applications submitted this year, 75% were accepted, 17% denied, and 8% waitlisted or deferred. We understand that leaving high school can be bittersweet, but our students cannot wait for the start of their freshman years!
Here are our 2015 statistics:
- 100% will be attending four year colleges this fall
- 89% will go out of state (National average 21%)
- 95% attending high or first choice college
- Students on average submitted 10 applications
- 16 out of 21 accepted Early Decision
- 10 out of 15 accepted Restricted Early Action
- We are very proud of our 72% acceptance rate for students applying to highly selective Early Decision and Restricted Early Action Colleges. This includes many of the most selective colleges with acceptance rates under 8% – such as Harvard, Stanford, Yale, Columbia, Dartmouth, Cornell, Princeton, Penn, MIT, and Cal Tech
- 99% applied Early Action, Early Decision, Rolling or Priority
- 50% of all applications were submitted by the early deadline
- 80% are attending private colleges (National average 34%)
- Of all the applications submitted: 75% accepted, 17% denied, 8% waitlisted or deferred
- Students were accepted to over 40% of Reach colleges
New Library Opening This Week
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Consumer Digest Report on Colleges and University Affordability
Sue Luse was recently interviewed by the editor-in-chief of Consumer Digest for the May/June 2015 report on colleges & universities and the affordability of attendance. The feature article can be accessed now if you are a subscriber to Consumer Digest. Otherwise, the article will be available to non-subscribers in July.
Changes are coming with the PSAT and SAT
Take a look at these links for information on upcoming changes to the PSAT and the SAT.
LinkedIn post: Update from College Board Forum: The Latest on the new SAT and PSAT
From the CollegeBoard website, two charts with the differences (the first is substantive; the second is procedural):
Test-prep Tips for College Entrance Exams
Test-prep Tips for College Entrance Exams:
The ACT, SAT, and PSAT
Many colleges and universities require scores from either the ACT or SAT as part of their applications, which are due during the first semester of senior year. By planning ahead, students can begin the test-prep process much earlier and give themselves time to perform well.
The ACT and SAT are typically offered at least six times per school year, and educational consultants generally advise students to try and earn their best scores junior year. That way, students can still repeat either test, if necessary, in the fall of senior year.
Here are some tips from independent educational consultant Sue Luse, the “College Expert,” to help you prepare for your college entrance exams and earn your best possible scores:
When should I begin my prep for the ACT or SAT? The summer before your junior year of high school can be the perfect time to devote to test preparation. To become test-ready for the math section of the ACT or SAT, however, you may want to wait until you’ve taken (or at least started) high school courses in Algebra 2 and Trigonometry.
Should I take the ACT, the SAT, or both? Colleges will accept a score from either test, and many students perform equally well on both. However, some students find that they are better suited to the ACT than the SAT or vice versa. Try taking a practice test of both the ACT and the SAT and see if you have a preference. If you perform much better on one over the other, focus your test prep there.
How many times should I test? I recommend that my students plan to take either the ACT or SAT three times. Because the first test can be an intimidating new experience, your score may also be adversely impacted. The second test should be your strongest effort to attain your best possible score. Having a third possible test date in mind is helpful if you would like to try again. The key is to plan ahead: Compare the test date schedule for the ACT and SAT to your upcoming commitments for finals, sports, jobs, vacations, and other planned activities.
Should I take advantage of ACT’s “Test Information Release” service? Yes. I strongly encourage students to take their first ACT in December, April, or June when Test Information Release (TIR) is available at national test centers. Through TIR, you pay an extra fee to receive a list of your answers, a copy of the multiple-choice test questions, and the answer key, along with a copy of the writing prompt, the scoring rubric, and the scores assigned to your essay by two different evaluators. You can order TIR when you register and for three months after you test. TIR is extremely helpful in identifying those areas where you may want to focus additional study and consider private tutoring, as well as those parts of the test you completed successfully.
Will the ACT be offered at MN high schools? Yes. New this year, per a law passed in 2013 by the MN State Legislature, high school juniors will be required to take the ACT plus Writing at their high schools in April, which will be offered free of charge. Check with your high school for details.
What are SAT Subject Tests, and do I have to take them? A small number of highly selective colleges may also require that you submit scores from these single-subject tests. If you are applying to a college that requires SAT Subject Tests, you may want to schedule a test (and do your best) shortly after completing a high school course in a similar subject.
What is the PSAT? The PSAT is the qualifying test for high school juniors to compete for the National Merit Scholarship Program. It is not required by colleges and is only offered in mid-October. Students who expect to do well on the PSAT may benefit from taking this test as freshmen or sophomores (for practice) so they are better prepared to take it again when their scores count junior year. If your goal is to qualify for the National Merit program, you may also want to prep for the PSAT the summer before and during the fall of your junior year.
If I do well on the PSAT and am a National Merit contender, do I also have to take the SAT? Yes. To be named a National Merit Scholar, you must also submit a score from the SAT. Some students elect to take it in October or November, immediately following the PSAT. Special note to current high school sophomores who expect to do well on the PSAT (or did well on a practice test): The SAT will be completely different in 2016. You may want to take the SAT yet this school year, in May or June, before the test is changed, and begin your SAT test prep several months in advance.
A Visit to the University of Michigan
By Sue Luse
Campus Overview
Located in Ann Arbor, the University of Michigan is a large, exciting campus with the dynamics of a smaller more personal experience. Nice open spaces. An arboretum on campus. The Huron River runs through Ann Arbor which makes canoeing and boating a popular recreation among students. Close to two state parks.
Student Life
There are 28,000 undergrads and approximately 60% of students live on campus. There are 6,000 freshman in the dorms and the East Quad is the best place for freshman to live. Wolverines tend to be both academically serious students and socially outgoing. Michigan is not a “party” school, but is known for its legendary school spirit. Greek life is approx 19%. There are 1,400 clubs available to participate in. Free tickets for all students to the football games.
Learning Communities
U of Michigan’s 13 Learning Communities are really quite unique. Learning communities combine the personal attention of a small college environment with the rich resources of a large research university. Michigan’s Learning Communities (MLC’s) are composed of self-selected groups of students and faculty, often from diverse backgrounds, that are drawn together by shared interests and goals. They offer both residential and non-residential learning communities.
Academics
U of Michigan has 13 undergraduate schools and colleges and 250 degree programs. Large freshman classes – for example Organic Chemistry has 500 students and Psychology has 300 students. Lecture classes also have a discussion component that has break-out sessions where grad students lead a discussion of 30 students. The core curriculum differs with each college in the university. The Ross Business School is ranked #2 in the country. U of Michigan has a highly ranked engineering program. They also have a highly ranked Conservatory of Music.
Admissions
2014 Entering Class Test Scores:
ACT 30-33 – Mid 50th % range
- English: 30-35
- Math: 29-34
- Science: 28-34
- Eng/Writing: 28-32
- Reading: 30-34
SAT 2040-2260 – Mid 50% range
- Critical reading: 650-750
- Math: 690-770
- Writing: 670-770%
U of Michigan is looking for serious students. The offer merit-based scholarships. U of Michigan schools, colleges, and departments administer their own scholarships also. Ross School of business has a very limited direct entry for freshman. Ross has it’s own rubric which is different from Admissions and they look at articulation, leadership and math scores. Approx. 20% of pre-business students are accepted as preferred admissions.
Location
Ann Arbor is ranked the 2nd best college town in the country and I can see why. You can walk from campus to many restaurants, bars and shops. Ann Arbor is described as a small, friendly town with a big city sophistication renowned for its cultural offerings.Tom and I stayed at the Inn at The Michigan League, right on campus, a landmark hotel. We enjoyed dinner at Vinology Wine Bar and Restaurant. Ann Arbor has so much to offer – art exhibits, performances by jazz legends, lots of bookstores, unique galleries and museums.
A Visit to Hope College
By Sue Luse
About Hope
Known for academic excellence and a vibrant Christian faith. Approximately 3,400 ecumenically diverse students. The faculty is not required to be Conservative Christian. Chapel is not mandatory and no faith statement is required as part of admissions. There are no GLBT groups. Hope is striving to be more diverse and more national.
Location
Holland, Michigan is a really cute Dutch town – nice tourist area and close to beaches on Lake Michigan. Their website describes it perfectly:
Throughout the history of Holland, MI right up to today, the city’s Dutch heritage is pervasive and cherished. You’ll see it in the spring as millions of tulips bloom throughout the city. You’ll see it in the Dutch architecture, particularly downtown where there’s been a surge of facade restorations and redesigns. You’ll taste it in the Dutch delicacies found in shops and eateries around town. And you’ll experience it at our Dutch attractions and during events like Dutch Winterfest and the Tulip Time Festival.
So whether touring DeZwaan Windmill, learning how to Klompen dance at Nelis’ Dutch Village, tiptoeing through the tulips at Veldheer Tulip Farm, or exploring the history of Holland and its Dutch art collection at the Holland Museum, you’ll see how Holland honors and delights in its Dutch heritage.
Academics
- Music is very strong at Hope – they do operas and musicals. They also have a summer theater program. For information on their theater, dance and music, see: http://hope.edu/arts/
- Science is also very strong at Hope – they have one of the top Chemistry programs in the country. Their research programs are huge. Biochemistry is a popular major. A good pre-med program and it’s not just for the “high flyers” – B’s in high school chemistry are fine. Good nursing program.
- Good English, Creative Writing and Education programs. Also, a small but wonderful History program.
Admissions & Financial Aid
- Average ACT 24-29
- Average GPA 3.8
- Offer $3,000 to $18,000 in merit scholarships – apply early
- Hope does not require filling out the FAFSA for merit scholarships
Athletics
Hope has very nice athletic facilities – great work-out rooms, tennis courts, etc. They have ice hockey and football and also lots of fun club sports.
A Visit to the University of Tennessee, Knoxville
By Sue Luse
Location/Overview
UT campus
Located in an urban setting in Knoxville with abundant lakes and rivers and only 40 minutes from the Smoky Mountains. Great college town. Founded in 1794 and became a land-grant university in 1869. The campus is 580 acres – very walkable. A new Student Union is opening in 2016. They have their own police force and a blue light system.
Student Life
Undergraduate enrollment is approximately 22,000 with about 12% from out-of-state. All freshman live on campus. Although there is Greek housing available, the University of Tennessee is not a typical SEC (Southeastern Conference) college because they have a smaller Greek system. They get transfer students from Ole Miss and Alabama who didn’t get into a frat or sorority and feel left out of the social scene. There are lots of rural students. Not considered a “suitcase college”.
School spirit is huge – they sell out over 100,000 seats at football games. Tailgating is very popular – everyone does it. Excellent marching band!
Admissions/Financial Aid
Haslam Music
- Average GPA 3.8 weighted
- Average ACT 27
- Acceptance rate 67.3%
- Freshman retention rate 85%
- Approx. $35,000-$40,000 per year for everything
- A new institutional scholarship model is being implemented starting Fall of 2015. These increased awards will be based on GPA and test score and do not require an essay:
- Minimum 3.8 weighted UT core GPA and Score Range Out-of-State
- 34-36 / 1490-1600 $18,000
- 30-33 / 1330-1480 $15,000
- 28-29 / 1250-1320 $10,000
- Minimum 3.8 weighted UT core GPA and Score Range Out-of-State
Academics
Ayres
- The College of Engineering is great (the creator of the Garmin went to UT)
- Have a high tech business building and their College of Business holds high rankings: http://bus.utk.edu/RankingsNew.asp
- Communications and Advertising are strong majors
- They have a 5-year Education Program which includes a Masters
- Good Vet Program
- There is a new Music Building – an audition process is required for music majors
A Visit to Kalamazoo
By Sue Luse
Location & Area
Kalamazoo College (fondly referred to as “K”) is located in Kalamazoo, Michigan, a city of approximately 240,000, located in scenic southwest Michigan. This city is a 10 hour drive from the Twin Cities and there are direct flights to/from Minneapolis and the Kalamazoo Airport. Kalamazoo is just 35 miles from Lake Michigan and approximately 140 miles from both Detroit and Chicago on Interstate 94. Fortunately for the students, the city’s downtown district is within easy walking distance from campus. There are also shopping malls, movie theaters and restaurants a short bike or bus ride away. I found Kalamazoo to be similar to Macalester College including the metro and more urban area/atmosphere.
Academics
Kalamazoo promotes their distinctive approach to a liberal arts education through their K-Plan, which encompasses these four components:
- Depth and Breadth in the Liberal Arts
- Learning Through Experience
- International and Intercultural Experience
- Independent Scholarship
All students take three Shared Passage Seminars which serve as preparation for the K-Plan. The K-Plan emphasizes student ownership in their educational experience. There are very few core requirements for graduation (3 courses in foreign language and 3 seminar classes). Popular majors include Biology, Chemistry, Psychology and Sociology. Nearby Western Michigan University has a new med school and K students can gain early admission to their program. At Kalamazoo research is abundant. Though K does not have a traditional theater program, they do have a good theater program, but musicals are rare. Kalamazoo overlaps with Macalester, University of Michigan, Hope, Wooster, Carleton, Grinnell, Beloit, Knox and Smith. An education at K has been described as creative but not a cakewalk, and collaborative versus cut-throat.
All seniors are required to complete a Senior Individualized Project, also known as SIP, which results in a written report, performance, or exhibit. SIP’s are often in conjunction with an internship or other creative activity and usually completed in the student’s major department, but with approval, it can be completed in other departments. One example is a physics and music major student who designed an amphitheater.
More than 2/3 of students complete an internship or externship. The Career and Professional Development department assists students one-on-one and through workshops, guiding students to find the ideal internship or externship for them. Through externships, students connect with Kalazamoo alumni living all across the world and working in a wide variety of fields. Students work with these alums and live in their homes.
Studying abroad is huge at Kalamazoo and they have been recognized as a leader in study abroad programs. More than 85% of students participate with the average duration of studying abroad being 6 months and is typically done in junior year.
Admissions & Financial Aid
Eric Staab, Dean of Admission and Financial Aid, works with students from Minnesota.
- Class of 2013 mean ACT-27.8 / mean SAT critical reading-631.9 /mean SAT math-629.8
- Essay more important than ACT
- More than 90 percent of students receive need-based and/or merit-based financial aid; 13 percent are Pell eligible
- 60% acceptance rate
- Average GPA 3.8
- They do weight the curriculum
- EA & ED deadline is Nov. 15
Student Body
- The student body at Kalamazoo represents 38 states and 27 countries.
- The five states with the largest enrollment on campus are: Minnesota, Michigan, Illinois, California and Washington.
- Liberal, progressive and tolerant
- Diverse and inclusive culture
- Growing Jewish population
Recreation and Social Life
Kalamazoo has a brand new sports facility. Good football team. Also known for swimming and tennis (these tend to be nationally ranked teams for DIII). School spirit is growing with many fun events offered throughout the year. The Student Activities Committee (SAC) composed of students provide a variety of activities and offer its members opportunities for campus leadership and involvement.
Kalamazoo street
Sue at Kalamazoo
New College Expert Office Uptown
We are delighted to announce that College Expert has expanded to open a new office in Uptown. The new office is located in the heart of Uptown at 1005 W Franklin #4, Minneapolis, MN, 55405. We will be there the third Sunday of every month from 10-4 and may offer other dates in the future. We realize many of our clients live in the western suburbs and Minneapolis, and hope this will provide a convenient option.
We will be in our new space starting January 11.
Main Room
Small Group Room
Kitchen
A Visit to Whittier College
By Sue Luse
About
Whittier College is a small, private liberal arts college in the heart of Southern California. Founded by the Quakers in 1877, this is no longer a Quaker institution, but still holds Quaker values, such as consensus-building, commitment to community, a global perspective, and respect for individuality. With approximately 1,700 students, Whittier is able to maintain a 13 to 1 student faculty ratio and an average class size of 19. They boast 60% diversity with 40% of students coming from out-of-state.
Location
Whittier College is located on 80 acres on a hill with a nice view of Los Angeles. I visited on a lovely day – great weather, beautiful flowers and trees. Being close to LA, naturally there is some smog so it can be rather hazy. Whittier is a pleasant college town where the residents are very supportive of the students. Because of the small-town feel of Whittier and the proximity to big-town opportunities, they were recently listed as one of the Top 100 Places to Live in the U.S. on livability.com. Located on the border of Los Angeles County and Orange County affords students many internship opportunities. Within walking distance is the Uptown area where many unique shops and restaurants are located (Tom and I had a wonderful lunch at the Firehouse Grill). Students also enjoy being close to beaches, mountains and even Disneyland.
Academics
Outline of the Liberal Education Program Core
The goals of the Liberal Education Program are met by a set of core requirements that are contained in a framework of four categories. The selection of these four categories is a reflection of what we value most here at Whittier College.
- Community: The transformative experience begins in learning communities that introduce the idea of building connections across disciplines, as well as the importance of interdisciplinary approaches to understanding the world.
- Communication: Students learn to communicate understanding using different sets of symbols.
- Cultural Perspectives: Students gain cultural perspective by exploring different cultures.
- Connections: Students again connect as a community in the context of interdisciplinary courses and pairs.
Whittier’s most popular majors are Business, Psychology, Biology, Political Science and English. They also have a 3-2 engineering program where students normally spend three years at Whittier College and two years attending an engineering school. The five-year program leads to a Bachelor of Arts degree from Whittier College – in either physics, math, or chemistry – and a bachelor of science degree in engineering from a university. Whittier has a good pre-law program as well as a pre-med program with an 85% acceptance rate into medical school.
At Whittier the professors are very accessible with open door office hours. Many professors also give out home and cell phone numbers to their students to make sure they’re available when students need help – they really do care about their students’ success. There is also a Center for Academic Support, a Writing Center, tutors and computer labs.
Classroom Dynamics & Opportunities
Whittier emphasizes discussion-based classroom learning with very few lectures. It is a collaborative atmosphere. While Whittier’s facilities rival those at large public institutions, theirs is an intimate setting where students and professors unite in an ongoing pursuit of knowledge. Faculty and students focus on green and sustainable living.
Whittier has a J Term (January term) which allows more opportunities to study abroad (aside from a semester studying abroad) and you can even do this in your freshman year. Some exciting examples of study abroad opportunities are a music class in Cuba or art history in Florence.
Students can create their own course of study through the Whittier Scholars Program where you can create your own major. This is a very cool program with many benefits. Students have the opportunity to create a “body of work” that can be very advantageous if seeking grad school.
Admissions/Financial Aid
Whittier accepts the Common App and requires a Letter of Recommendation from either a recent or current teacher as well as a school counselor. Other Letters of Recommendation are welcome also. They accept either the SAT or ACT with Writing. Admissions staff look at grades, rigor of coursework and activities outside the classroom. Student admittance rate is 63%. The average GPA is 3.2 unweighted and they use 3.5 weighted as their average benchmark. The average ACT score is 24 and the average SAT is 550/section, not including the writing.
The total cost of attendance is $52,000 per year with merit based aid of up to $26,000 per year. More than 85% of students receive some form of aid. It is highly recommended to apply early in order to be considered for the fullest range of financial aid opportunities.
Whittier College also offers Talent Scholarships (in addition to merit scholarships) valued from $1,000 to $12,000 in art, music, and theater. Talent Scholarships are awarded to students by the academic departments based on a separate application and supplemental materials (auditions for theater and music, and a portfolio for art). A student does not have to major or minor in the subject, only maintain involvement with the department while they are a student at Whittier College. Students interested in talent scholarships must apply early in order to qualify. Auditions/portfolio reviews take place in January, so if students wait for February’s Regular Decision deadline, they might miss out unless the department makes an exception for them.
Housing and Dining
- 2/3 of students live on campus
- There are 9 dorms
- Dorms are larger than average and very comfortable
- Freshman living and learning communities where freshman are housed together and take freshman writing seminars together
- The Campus Inn Dining Hall (known as CI) is the main cafeteria with an all-you-can-eat style
- The Spot is cafe style and offered freshly grilled foods, custom-made sandwiches and salads
Social Life & Recreation
Whittier has 10 fraternities and sororities – which they refer to as societies. Approximately 1 out of 5 students join a society. Students engage in activities centered around traditions, society-sponsored events and school spirit.
Athletics are a big part of campus life at Whittier, which is a is Div. 3 college with Johnny the Poet as their mascot. They have an amazing outdoor pool facility that can be used year-round.
Fun Facts
- Students are not preppy
- Different points of view and backgrounds are welcome – the Quaker consensus of communicating and learning from one another is emphasized
- 40% of students are from out-of-state
- Have a popular radio station
- Approximately 100 students transfer in every year from various community colleges as well as other 4-year institutions
- 25% Hispanic population
- Social justice is important here
- Has had Rhodes scholars, including my sister-in-law, Pam Hill
- President Richard Nixon attended Whittier
- Students are passionate about learning
- Many poets
What kind of student would be happy here?
A student who is looking for an adventure, warm sunny weather, in a small, nurturing environment. Also, happy with a more alternative feel, low key social scene and school spirit, with interesting, bright students who love to engage in academic discourse. The generous scholarships and merit aid is also very attractive and Whittier would be a good fit for several of our students.
How to Fair Well at the College Fair 2014
Take a look at How to Fair Well at the College Fair 2014 before heading out to the college fairs.
The next college fair in the Twin Cities is Minnesota National College Fair, October 7 – 8, 2014.
Location:
Minneapolis Convention Center
Halls D – E
1301 Second Avenue South
Minneapolis, MN 55403-2781
612/335-6000
Fair Hours:
Tuesday, October 7, 2014
9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
4:30 p.m.–8:00 p.m.
Wednesday, October 8, 2014
9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
How is College Different from High School?
This is a great article comparing and contrasting the differences between high school and college, courtesy of Southern Methodist University (SMU). Enjoy and share this article with someone who is preparing to go to college.
| FOLLOWING THE RULES IN HIGH SCHOOL | CHOOSING RESPONSIBLY IN COLLEGE |
|---|---|
| High school is mandatory and usually free | College is voluntary and expensive |
| Your time is structured by others. | You manage your own time. |
| You need permission to participate in extracurricular activities | You must decide whether to participate in co-curricular activities. |
| You can count on parents and teachers to remind you of your responsibilities and to guide you in setting priorities. | You must balance your responsibilities and set priorities. You will face moral and ethical decisions you have never faced before. |
| Each day you proceed from one class directly to another, spending 6 hours each day–30 hours a week–in class | You often have hours between classes; class times vary throughout the day and evening and you spend only 12 to 16 hours each week in class |
| Most of your classes are arranged for you. | You arrange your own schedule in consultation with your adviser. Schedules tend to look lighter than they really are. |
| You are not responsible for knowing what it takes to graduate. | Graduation requirements are complex, and differ from year to year. You are expected to know those that apply to you. |
| Guiding Principle: You will usually be told what to do and corrected if your behavior is out of line. | Guiding Principle: You are expected to take responsibility for what you do and don’t do, as well as for the consequences of your decisions. |
| GOING TO HIGH SCHOOL CLASSES | SUCCEEDING IN COLLEGE CLASSES |
| The school year is 36 weeks long; some classes extend over both semesters and some don’t. | The academic year is divided into two separate 15-week semesters, plus a week after each semester for exams |
| Classes generally have no more than 35 students. | Classes may number 100 students or more. |
| You may study outside class as little as 0 to 2 hours a week, and this may be mostly last-minute test preparation. | You need to study at least 2 to 3 hours outside of class for each hour in class. |
| You seldom need to read anything more than once, and sometimes listening in class is enough. | You need to review class notes and text material regularly. |
| You are expected to read short assignments that are then discussed, and often re-taught, in class. | You are assigned substantial amounts of reading and writing which may not be directly addressed in class. |
| Guiding Principle: You will usually be told in class what you need to learn from assigned readings. | Guiding Principle: It’s up to you to read and understand the assigned material; lectures and assignments proceed from the assumption that you’ve already done so. |
| HIGH SCHOOL TEACHERS | COLLEGE PROFESSORS |
| Teachers check your completed homework. | Professors may not always check completed homework, but they will assume you can perform the same tasks on tests. |
| Teachers remind you of your incomplete work. | Professors may not remind you of incomplete work. |
| Teachers approach you if they believe you need assistance. | Professors are usually open and helpful, but most expect you to initiate contact if you need assistance. |
| Teachers are often available for conversation before, during, or after class. | Professors expect and want you to attend their scheduled office hours. |
| Teachers have been trained in teaching methods to assist in imparting knowledge to students. | Professors have been trained as experts in their particular areas of research. |
| Teachers provide you with information you missed when you were absent. | Professors expect you to get from classmates any notes from classes you missed. |
| Teachers present material to help you understand the material in the textbook. | Professors may not follow the textbook. Instead, to amplify the text, they may give illustrations, provide background information, or discuss research about the topic you are studying. Or they may expect you to relate the classes to the textbook readings. |
| Teachers often write information on the board to be copied in your notes. | Professors may lecture nonstop, expecting you to identify the important points in your notes. When professors write on the board, it may be to amplify the lecture, not to summarize it. Good notes are a must. |
| Teachers impart knowledge and facts, sometimes drawing direct connections and leading you through the thinking process. | Professors expect you to think about and synthesize seemingly unrelated topics. |
| Teachers often take time to remind you of assignments and due dates. | Professors expect you to read, save, and consult the course syllabus (outline); the syllabus spells out exactly what is expected of you, when it is due, and how you will be graded. |
| Teachers carefully monitor class attendance. | Professors may not formally take roll, but they are still likely to know whether or not you attended. |
| Guiding Principle: High School is a teaching environment in which you acquire facts and skills. | Guiding Principle: College is a learning environment in which you take responsibility for thinking through and applying what you have learned. |
| TESTS IN HIGH SCHOOL | TESTS IN COLLEGE |
| Testing is frequent and covers small amounts of material. | Testing is usually infrequent and may be cumulative, covering large amounts of material. You, not the professor, need to organize the material to prepare for the test. A particular course may have only 2 or 3 tests in a semester. |
| Makeup tests are often available. | Makeup tests are seldom an option; if they are, you need to request them. |
| Teachers frequently rearrange test dates to avoid conflict with school events. | Professors in different courses usually schedule tests without regard to the demands of other courses or outside activities. |
| Teachers frequently conduct review sessions, pointing out the most important concepts. | Professors rarely offer review sessions, and when they do, they expect you to be an active participant, one who comes prepared with questions. |
| Guiding principle: Mastery is usually seen as the ability to reproduce what you were taught in the form in which it was presented to you, or to solve the kinds of problems you were shown how to solve. | Guiding principle: Mastery is often seen as the ability to apply what you’ve learned to new situations or to solve new kinds of problems. |
| GRADES IN HIGH SCHOOL | GRADES IN COLLEGE |
| Grades are given for most assigned work. | Grades may not be provided for all assigned work. |
| Consistently good homework grades may raise your overall grade when test grades are low. | Grades on tests and major papers usually provide most of the course grade. |
| Extra credit projects are often available to help you raise your grade. | Extra credit projects cannot, generally speaking, be used to raise a grade in a college course. |
| Initial test grades, especially when they are low, may not have an adverse effect on your final grade. | Watch out for your first tests. These are usually “wake-up calls” to let you know what is expected–but they also may account for a substantial part of your course grade. You may be shocked when you get your grades. |
| You may graduate as long as you have passed all required courses with a grade of D or higher. | You may graduate only if your average in classes meets the departmental standard–typically a 2.0 or C. |
| Guiding principle: Effort counts. Courses are usually structured to reward a “good-faith effort.” | Guiding principle: Results count. Though “good-faith effort” is important in regard to the professor’s willingness to help you achieve good results, it will not substitute for results in the grading process. |
How to make the transition to college
- Take control of your own education: think of yourself as a scholar.
- Get to know your professors; they are your single greatest resource.
- Be assertive. Create your own support systems, and seek help when you realize you may need it.
- Take control of your time. Plan ahead to satisfy academic obligations and make room for everything else.
- Stretch yourself: enroll in at least one course that really challenges you.
- Make thoughtful decisions: don’t take a course just to satisfy a requirement, and don’t drop any course too quickly.
- Think beyond the moment: set goals for the semester, the year, your college career.
7 Hot Majors That Didn’t Exist When You Were in College
Sue Luse was interviewed for this Mashable article. Read about 7 Hot Majors That Didn’t Exist When You Were in College.
Congratulations to the class of 2014!
Dear Class of 2014,
Thank you for allowing me to be a part of your college planning journey. Congratulations and all the best as you go off to college. Please keep in touch and let me know how your freshman year goes. Enjoy the summer!
Sue Luse
Click to enlarge.
It’s Time for Students to RAVE about Summer
In my educational practice, the upcoming months of June, July, and August are some of the busiest for me and my College Expert team. We take full advantage of school being out to introduce rising seniors to essays, resumes, and applications, and to help underclassmen boost test scores on college entrance exams, pursue academic interests, and add depth to their activities. At times, it can be tempting to push our students to complete as much as they possibly can during the summer, particularly our soon-to-be seniors, knowing all too well that application crunch time lingers just ahead on the fall horizon.
But in my 20-plus years of counseling students, I’ve realized that students also need time to kick back, relax, and get to know themselves. And while it can be fruitful for students to get a jumpstart on their applications and essays or prep for the ACT or SAT, a balanced summer – “all things in moderation” – goes a long way. I see my role as an educational consultant as guiding my students to achieve this ever-important balance.
That’s why I recently challenged all of my students to RAVE about the summer of 2014 and include something in their summers from each of these four components:
R: Relax, Refresh, and Recharge. I am purposeful in reminding students they will be more likely to excel in college if they aren’t burned out. Sometimes, I may also reinforce this point with parents and point out that not everything students do should be for the sake of building a college resume. I am mindful of the fact that too many colleges are telling us that too many students are beginning freshmen year overly frazzled and stressed out. As an advocate for my students, I want to guard against burnout, help them get off the 24/7 treadmill, and have some fun in the process.
A: Academics. While I encourage taking it easy, spending an entire summer playing video games or sleeping in doesn’t strike a desirable balance. I meet with each of my students at the beginning of summer, and I use this time to explore their academic interests or where their “spark” for learning lies. Some of my students may embark on a research project, read a new genre, try coding, or take a stab at writing poetry or music. One of my students wrote her own country music song titled Stick It in Your Boot, which made for a one-of-a-kind essay. Assessing my students’ strengths and weaknesses is another component of our summer meetings. Some students may benefit from working with a tutor in a weak-suit subject or prepping for their standardized tests, too.
V: Volunteer. Rather than simply logging volunteer hours, I want my students to identify at least one thing they are passionate about, and match that passion with an opportunity to volunteer. For example, one of my students loved to fish, so he started a fishing club at his high school. As his interest in fishing grew and the club expanded, he found a way for his club to take underprivileged children fishing, which turned into a wonderful community service project for him, the other students, and the children involved. To help my students think about how and where they might contribute, I also provide a list of community service opportunities within the greater Minneapolis-St. Paul area, www.handsontwincities.org.
E: Enrichment and Employment. These days, summer offers a plethora of options for camps, internships, travel, sports, performing arts, and jobs. I support these activities, too, in moderation. Many students can discover new interests and develop unique talents through summer enrichment programs. I caution parents and students to be wary of invitations a student may receive for programs on leadership or early college enrichment, however. These programs are often run by for-profit organizations, may be quite expense, and are not considered an “honor” per se by colleges, although many students enjoy participating. I also encourage students to try their hand at some sort of job, such as lawn-mowing, dog-walking, or a temporary retail or food service position. One of my students loved animals, and she created a part-time business baking homemade dog biscuits and selling them at dog shows.
June, July, and August can be busy times for our profession, given students tend to be much more available during their time off from school. To best be of help to my students, I’m going to challenge myself to RAVE about the summer of 2014, too. Please join me!
Reflections on the Class of 2014
Educational consultants can be proud of their results. As a member of IECA, we have opportunities to attend conferences, visit colleges and keep up with all the news and trends in the college admissions world. We are able to recommend the best possible list of colleges and spend hours of time with student on the application and essay process. Because of our extensive knowledge of colleges and the time we spend with our students, we can celebrate our outcomes and the success of each student. Here is a brief summary of our year with the class of 2014.
This year, our students embraced the application process with excitement, due diligence, and flexibility. When the Common Application went live on August 1st, they navigated the bumps and quirks, brainstormed to maneuver the early-stage problems, and worked as a team to support one another. Being proactive, almost 100% of our students applied somewhere Early Decision, Early Action or Priority, and we encouraged all to get their rolling admission applications in by the beginning of October. All in all, over 50% of the applications submitted were Early Action or Early Decision.
We are proud of our students’ dedication, hard work and thrilled with their acceptances. Our students are matriculating to a wide variety of colleges across the country including Ivy League, music conservatoires, small liberal arts colleges, great research universities, Big 10 schools, and colleges with in-state tuition. Many found themselves with full rides and merit scholarships.
With the knowledge and experience of our team, each year we recommend a variety of colleges across the country, many that clients had never heard of, and others that clients would not have considered without a comprehensive discussion of the school’s fit for their child. We also strive to help families make private colleges affordable, and were thrilled at the merit scholarships, grants, and aid our students received.
After a long, fierce winter, we noticed an upswing in students choosing colleges in warmer climates, but also found that many decided to stay in the Midwest (though outside of Minnesota). Our students have a much higher rate of applying to, and choosing, out of state schools. They also exceed the national average in applying early with 91% attending a four-year out of state college, and only 9% staying in Minnesota. 80% of our students will be attending a private college. Across the country, roughly 21% of students decide to attend out of state schools, and 34% choose private colleges and universities. Our students want to experience the world and build upon their knowledge, and we are overjoyed to help them prepare for this new chapter. 100% of our students, (except for one gap year student), will attend college in the fall, a number that showcases the importance of finding great match schools. Over 40% were accepted by their Reach colleges. Out of all the applications submitted this year, 75% were accepted, 17% denied, 8% waitlisted or deferred. We understand that leaving high school can be bittersweet but our students cannot wait for freshman orientations come August!
Here are our 2014 statistics:
- Students on average submitted 7 applications
- 99% applied Early Action, Early Decision or Priority
- 70% were accepted Early Decision
- 50% of all applications were submitted by the early deadline
- 91 % are attending out of state colleges, (National average 21%)
- 80% are attending private colleges, (National average 34%)
- 99% will be attending college in the fall
- Of all the applications submitted, 75% accepted, 17% denied, 8% waitlisted or deferred
- Students were accepted to over 40 % of Reach colleges
- 75% of the students are attending their first choice college
Amount families actually pay at our colleges remains stable
Here are some stats from Minnesota Private College Council May, 2014 Newsletter. Sue Luse is quoted in this article.
A Visit to Wheaton College
By Sue Luse
Overview/Location
Wheaton College is located in the affluent city of Wheaton, Illinois, which is approximately 25 miles west of Chicago and Lake Michigan. Downtown Wheaton is within walking distance and there is also a train stop right on campus. Wheaton is a non-denominational Christian College where students must have a Christian commitment. This institution is considered a top tier academic institution. Wheaton is a vibrant community that pursues what it means to love God, one another and the world. Wheaton students mix academic rigor with healthy fun, as evidenced by our 60+ student clubs and 40+ ministry opportunities.
Admissions
- Require two essays
- Pastor recommendation
- Grades and testing are important but they also want to know what sets you apart
- Application asks “Have you accepted Jesus Christ as your personal savior?”
- Interviews are optional but recommended
- 65% of applicants are accepted
- Average GPA is 3.7
- Average ACT scores between 27 – 32
- Have non-binding Early Action deadline of Nov. 1
Financial Aid
Tuition, room and board is $40,720 and they have merit-based aid as well as need-based aid. Wheaton uses the FAFSA as well as their own financial aid form. They recommend using the net price calculator for an estimate. Sixty percent of students receive some form of financial aid.
Student Body
Of the 2,400 students, 80% are from out-of-state (all over the country) and there is approximately 20% diversity. Females comprise 51% of student body and males comprise 49%. No Greek life. Lots of school spirit – students rally around the mascot Tor Thunder the Wooly Mastodon! Very cohesive community as students are required to live on campus. Students enjoy good soccer, club hockey, crew, basketball and golf.
Academics
- Challenging academics
- Diversity of thought is welcome
- Four bible classes required
- Big study abroad school
- Global mindset – has Office of Global and Experimental Learning
- Good science and pre med programs
- Strong advising for pre-med
- Other strong programs are Psychology, Biblical Studies, International Studies, and a 3/2 Nursing Program affiliated with Emory, Vanderbilt and John Hopkins
- Wheaton is about developing critical thinking through Christian-based liberal arts
Christian Basis
All students profess the Christian faith and attending Chapel is required. A community covenant must be signed. There is no dress code. Wheaton’s motto is “For Christ and his Kingdom”.
Who would be happy here?
Students that want to be educated in a Christian environment that takes the life of the mind seriously within a community of believers that want to make the world a better place.
A Visit to Lake Forest College
By Sue Luse
Campus Overview
Lake Forest College is an easy 6 hour drive from the Twin Cities. Located 30 miles north of Chicago and only minutes from Lake Michigan. This campus is beautiful, surrounded by a forest in a very affluent area. The atmosphere feels like a cute New England town. An old campus with historic buildings.
Admissions/Financial Aid
- Admissions Counselor for Minnesota: Meredith DuMais, dumais@lakeforest.edu, 847-735-5012
- Average ACT is 23-28
- Average GPA is 3.6
- 57% acceptance rate
- Accepts their own application or the Common App with no preference for either
- Interviews are highly recommended
- 85% of students receive aid
- Offer Presidential Scholarships for up to $12,000 per year
- Offer Forester Scholarships for up to $8,000 per year
- Can receive up to $20,000 per year
Academics
Lake Forest has small classes taught by professors (no teaching assistants). The student-faculty ratio is 13-to-1, and most classes top out at around 20 students. Their most popular majors are Economics, Communications, Politics, and Biology. Lake Forest overlaps with Lawrence, St. Thomas, St. Olaf, St. John’s, Ohio Wesleyan, Denison, Puget Sound, Redlands, Hobart William Smith and Skidmore. They have pre-professional programs in Health and Law. This college also offers a dual degree in Law, Engineering and Pharmacy. Students can declare up to two majors and one minor and about half of the students double major. There is also a Learning Center that is very good for students with learning disabilities.
Lake Forest offers an Independent Scholars Program where students can design their own majors. They also offer a Richter Scholars Program where students experience one-on-one research opportunities with a professor during the summer after their first year.
There is also a campus in the loop of downtown Chicago providing off-campus programs that run every semester which allow students to do internships in Chicago and engage in immersive academic programs. Internships in Chicago include United Airlines, The Art Institute, Merrill Lynch, Morgan Stanley, Chicago Blackhawks, Shed Aquarium and Rolling Stone Magazine.
Student Body
- 1,600 students
- 46% from out-of-state
- 16% international students
- 35% diversity
- Quite a variety of students – preppy, alternatives, jocks, etc.
Recreation/Activities
Lake Forest offers over 50 clubs and plenty of intramural sports. The Greek scene is small. They have 17 Div III sports including hockey. There is an impressive hockey facility on campus. The new 17 million dollar Athletic Center is very nice and there’s also a beautiful beach quite near the campus.
Sue on MPR – April 15 at 11:20 am
Sue will be a guest on MPR’s The Daily Circuit on April 15, 2014 at 11:20 am. The discussion’s topic is “Which colleges, majors are worth the cost?” You can listen live on 91.1 FM or stream it from the The Daily Circuit page (click the headphones icon to the right of the article to listen).
If you missed the live streaming, click here to listen to the program.
A Visit to the University of California San Diego
By Sue Luse
Overview
As you might imagine, UCSD is the number one surf school in the country and has gorgeous weather year round. There are approximately 23,000 undergrad students – lots of skateboards and flip flops. This school is more conservative than Berkeley. Engineering and science are strong here. Very diverse student with plenty of international students. Asian students comprise 45% of the student body. Research is not as popular as with other institutions and not nearly as available. Recognized by the Washington Monthly as the nation’s top “positive impact” college, in rankings that measure research, social mobility and commitment to service.
Academics
UCSD has a a unique College System – like Harry Potter :}. There are six colleges to choose from and each provide students with small communities within the university as a whole. The colleges also provide their students with many of the advantages of a small liberal arts college plus the opportunities and resources of a large research university. When applying at UCSD, you are asked to rank the six colleges in order of preference. Every college has students from all the majors offered at UCSD. Each college has something unique to offer presenting a choice of general education programs distinctive to each college. Students take only their college’s core courses and writing program courses with students from their home college. The great majority of courses are taken with students from all the colleges.
Admissions
- Based on 10th and 11th year grades only
- Cannot drop courses in your senior year
- Requires ACT with Writing
- No superscore
- Seniors can take exams in December
- SAT II not required
- They recommend not to take 5 AP classes in one year
- Holistic review
- 33% acceptance rate
- Average GPA is 4.1 weighted
- Average ACT score is 29
Costs/Financial Aid
Out of state tuition is $52,000 per year. Approximately 65% of students receive financial aid. It is difficult to get residency. California funds the resident students so UCSD needs to admit the majority of students from California. Only approximately 10% of students are from out of state.
A Visit to the University of San Diego
By Sue Luse
Overview
The University of San Diego is a private, catholic university founded in 1949. Beautiful campus on 180 acres with new buildings. Easy to navigate and pedestrian-friendly campus. Beaches, mountains, downtown and the Mexican border are all within a short drive. The student body is approximately 50% Catholic and about 46% of students are from out of state. International students comprise 6% of the student population.
Academics
State of the art academics with small class sizes that average 22 students. USD offers 42 majors and it’s easy to double major. They offer an MBA program, a law school and and a PhD in Nursing. Their core curriculum includes three classes in religious studies. Students have access to great internships in San Diego. Plenty of military internships are available in engineering. USD has an Honors Program – the top 10% of incoming freshman are invited to apply. Great alumni network.
Admissions
- 49% acceptance rate
- Application deadline is Dec. 15; reply to students around end of February
- Average GPA is 3.94
- Average ACT score is 28
- Average SAT is 1890
- They superscore the SAT, but not the ACT
- Up to three letters of recommendation
- 300 to 400 students transfer in for junior year
- $55,000 a year
- Merit based for top 35%
- Need based financial aid offered
- Christine Killoran, Admissions Counselor for Minnesota, conducts the interviews
Housing
Very nice housing. Students have to live on campus the first two years. There are four first-year residential areas and campus apartments are available to sophomores. Five different Campus apartments are available for junior, senior and transfer undergraduate students. Some seniors live in beach rentals -supposedly this
is where the parties are.
Study Abroad
Very popular at USD! Ranked #1 for undergraduate participation. Undergraduate students have the opportunity to live and study in over 30 countries for a year, semester, summer or intersession while earning USD credit. Their Madrid Program is very well-liked and they even offer a Semester at Sea program.
A Visit to the University of Notre Dame
By Sue Luse
About
Located 100 miles east of Chicago, just outside South Bend, Indiana, the University of Notre Dame is a 1,250 acre campus comprised of 8,500 undergraduate students. Notre Dame considers itself a Catholic academic community with ample opportunities for prayer, contemplation and celebration. Lovely grounds, a grotto, two serene lakes and a beautiful Gothic Basilica.
Academics
Rather than applying to a specific college, all freshman take the First-Year Studies Program:
- 1 University Seminar
- 1 Writing and Rhetoric course
- 2 semesters of mathematics
- 2 semesters of a science or foreign language
- 2 courses in physical education or ROTC
- 1 additional University Requirement
- 2 program requirements or electives
After the first year, students select a college and it’s easy to switch colleges. All students are required to take two philosophy and two religion classes. Everyone meets with an advisor who assists in selecting classes. Plenty of tutoring and resources for help.
Notre Dame’s Colleges (Aside from First Year Studies):
- School of Architecture
- College of Arts and Letters
- Mendoza College of Business (ranked #1 by Bloomberg)
- College of Science (88% acceptance rate to medical school)
- College of Engineering
- Graduate School
- Law School
Admissions
They accept the Common App. In looking at a students academics, they concentrate on:
- Trancripts
- Rigor of coursework (did the student take the most difficult available)
- Testing (they superscore the SAT)
In reviewing a student’s non-academic achievements, they look for the following:
- A few activities and leadership qualities
- They like unique activities
- Consider a job as extra-curricular
- Teacher recommendations
- Guidance Counselor recommendations
- Essays (Be sure to spell check and proof read!!!)
No interviews are involved in the admissions process. They will accept resumes – should be sent to the admissions counselor. November 1 is the deadline for Early Action and there is no benefit to applying early. Notre Dame is very selective. You will either be Admitted, Denied or Deferred. If Deferred, ask the admissions counselor what would make your application stronger. Notre Dame is need blind and they do offer need-based and merit based financial aid. Typically less than 70 freshman receive merit aid.
Student Life
- 29 dorms – all are single sex
- No Greeks – so the dorms are actually like Greek Life
- Room selection is random
- No freshman dorms – everyone is mixed up
- Most students stay in the same dorm all 4 years
- All dorms have a chapel and Mass every week
- There is a priest or nun living in each dorm
- Students are 80% catholic
- The dorms have sports teams that compete in football with the finals played in the stadium
A Visit to Valparaiso University
By Sue Luse
About
Valparaiso University is a selective, independent Lutheran institution in Valparaiso, Indiana, an hour’s drive from Chicago. Valparaiso has a very cute downtown with a population of 31,000. They are known for engineering, nursing and business and also offer a meteorology program. Valparaiso also houses a law school. Valparaiso has a family atmosphere where students are very friendly in a happy environment. The professors really want to be there – they enjoy interacting with students.
Academics
Valparaiso is comprised of the following colleges:
- Arts & Sciences
- Business
- Christ College (Honors College)
- Engineering
- Law
- Nursing
- Graduate School
They offer an Exploratory Track for undecided students. Also offer the unique major of Humanitarian Engineering as well as an accelerated nursing program.
Admissions
Valparaiso considers weighted grades, though students with unweighted grades are not at a disadvantage. Honors, AP, and IB courses are taken into serious consideration, as well as the rigor of your schedule. Valparaiso evaluates a student’s GPA and class curriculum based on what their individual high school offers.
Christ College (Honors Program)
Excellent Honors Program. Invitations to apply to Christ College are sent to admitted students. Approximately 75 to 85 freshman students enter Christ College each fall.
Interesting Facts
- Brand new engineering building
- 55% of students are not from Illinois or Indiana
- Conservative environment where faith is important
- No longer associated with Missouri Synod
- Own a Doppler Radar (can go storm chasing)
A Visit to Saint Mary’s College, Notre Dame, IN
By Sue Luse
About
Located in Notre Dame, Indiana, just north of South Bend and across the street from the University of Notre Dame, Saint Mary’s College is sponsored by the Sisters of the Holy Cross. Saint Mary’s is a women’s college comprised of 1,500 students. A close-knit community dedicated to stretching your abilities and empowering women.
Academics
Saint Mary’s has more than 30 majors, and the most popular are Nursing, Education, Biology, Business and Communications. They have plans for a Masters program in Speech Pathology. Classes are small (the average size is 15 students), and often discussion-based. The College has a writing proficiency program built into the liberal arts curriculum and requires a senior comprehensive project in the senior year.
Students at Saint Mary’s and Notre Dame can cross-register for a limited number of courses on each other’s campuses (there is a bus to take students back and forth). Students enrolled in the Dual Degree engineering program are an exception. In addition to completing a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degree from Saint Mary’s College, students also earn an engineering degree in chemical, computer science, electrical, environmental geosciences, or mechanical engineering from the University of Notre Dame.
Admissions
- Common App (no supplement); no fee; resumes should be mailed
- Saint Mary’s offers both Early Decision and Rolling Application options for First-Year applicants
- Middle 50% of accepted students’ ACT score fell between 23 and 29
- Middle 50% of accepted students’ GPAs fell between 3.4 and 4.0
- Super scores the ACT and SAT
- Holistic review of applications
- Tuition/fees/room and board total approximately $45,000/year with merit scholarships up to $20,000 (no separate application necessary)
- 88% retention rate from first to second year (Class of 2015)
- 80% of students stay all four years
Student Life
Plenty of clubs and organizations to get involved in. Saint Mary’s students form close relationships with fellow students and enjoy many informal gatherings/meetings as well as service opportunities. Can join Notre Dame Marching Band and participate in their ROTC program. Saint Mary’s women can get season football tickets in the student section at neighboring Notre Dame. There are many area restaurants, shopping malls, entertainment venues, and parks nearby. An hour and a half train ride takes you to Chicago.
So What Kind of Girls Would Be Happy Here?
Girls who like small classes and close relationships with peers. Girls who enjoy lots of personal attention and getting to know their professors. Girls who are academically focused and enthusiastic about making a difference.
Fun Facts
- 45 minutes from Lake Michigan
- 75% students from out of state
- Approximately 85% Catholic
- Convent on campus, but most sisters don’t teach
- Freshman dorm
- All dorms have a chapel
- Seniors in one residence hall can have pets under 10 pounds. There is also apartment-style living available for seniors on campus.
- Very unique dorm rooms – some with fireplaces; sinks; every room is different; high ceilings
A Visit to Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology
By Sue Luse
About Rose-Hulman
Rose-Hulman offers only science, math, and engineering. Students at Rose-Hulman are there to learn. Everyone here has to study hard all the time. It’s okay to be “really smart” at Rose-Hulman. The mens bathrooms even have chalkboards and math problems to work on.
Campus Overview
Rose-Hulman is located in Terre Haute, Indiana. Very nice, safe parts of town. Most faculty live in town. Rose-Hulman is a cozy place and not looking to grow. One hour from Indianapolis airport and a shuttle is available.
Admissions
- No Common Application
- Essay is optional, i.e. to explain grades
- No application fee
- Requires high school transcripts, senior schedule, and letters of recommendations
- Superscore ACT and SAT; also superscore both together
- Average ACT score in Math is 32 (24 is minimum for math) and in reading, it’s 30
- Interviews not required
Academics
Should have Chemistry and AP Physics. You receive credit for AP scores of 4 or 5. There is no language requirement. Students take 9 non-STEM courses. Most students are in the top 25% of their high school graduating class.
Financial Aid
No additional application necessary for merit scholarships. The average merit scholarship is $13,000. Scholarships from Rose-Hulman are available even after you have been admitted. The average financial aid package is $26,000 ($20,000 without loans). The average loan debt of graduates is $42,000. Rose-Hulman offers a unique summer program called Operation Catapault. Students that attend this program receive a $2,500 refund in scholarship money which is renewable for four years.
Job Placement
Once a quarter, companies come to recruit students. Job placement is 100%. Average starting salary is $65,000. Software engineering and computer science graduates start at $100,000 or more.
Student Body
- 2,000 students
- 70% out-of-state
- 20% women
- Current freshman class is 561 with 63 international students
Fun Facts
- Rose Hulman believes math and music go together
- Amazing drama program open to all
- Offer lots of fun competitions
- Big bonfire every homecoming
- Can build decks in dorms and paint the walls
- Students can have their own room
- Current major fundraising campaign for a new student union and academic buildings
- Offer overseas programs and joint international projects
A Visit to Purdue University
By Sue Luse
About
Located in West Lafayette, Indiana, Purdue offers more than 200 majors for undergraduates, over 70 master’s and doctoral programs, and professional degrees in pharmacy and veterinary medicine. In addition, they have 18 intercollegiate sports teams and more than 850 student organizations. West Lafayette is a quaint and charming area with plenty of diversity.
Admissions
- You apply to the college and to a particular school
- If unsure, then apply to Exploratory Studies program
- Now takes the Common Application
- $60 application fee
- Require writing supplement and letter of recommendation
- Should apply by Nov. 1 for scholarships and honors college
- Need 4 years of English and Math
- They like to see AP courses
- Make a new GPA based on core classes
- The average GPA is 3.7
- Like to see good grades in relevant coursework. For example, students applying to College of Engineering should do well in Physics and Math in high school
- They do consider high school rank
- They do not superscore the ACT
- Essays and Letters of Recommendation are important
- The Nursing School is highly competitive to get into
College of Engineering
Climbing Wall
Purdue University’s College of Engineering is one of the premier Engineering institutions in the world. Known for high rankings, top faculty, amazing facilities, top students, famous alumni, reasonable tuition, and so many opportunities right out of school.They offer a First-Year Engineering Program, which is the entry point for all beginning engineering students.
All engineering students at Purdue must complete the first-year engineering requirements before entering the engineering school of their choice. This core curriculum includes courses in math, chemistry, physics, computer programming, and communication skills, as well as introductory engineering coursework.
Undergraduate Demographics
- 57% male, 43% female
- 58% Indiana residents
- 26% other U.S. states
- 16% other countries
- 14% minority domestic student population
Fun Facts
PU Farmers Market
- August, 2012, Princeton Review ranks Purdue at 14th for ‘best campus food’
- 900 organizations
- So much to offer socially, it’s hard to figure out what to do – very unique activities
- Students are good kids – normal – not preppy and all involved in giving back
- Hillel on campus
- Brand new recreation and sports center – very nice!
- Loads of school spirit – tailgating is huge
A Visit to Northwestern University
By Sue Luse
About
Northwestern University is a private, mid-sized university known for innovative teaching and pioneering research. There are approximately 8,400 undergraduate students and 8,000 graduate students. While prospective students apply to one of 6 colleges, it is easy to transfer among colleges and you have the entire university at your disposal. Located in Evanston, the first suburb north of Chicago, the 240-acre campus is on beautiful Lake Michigan.
Academics
Northwestern’s calendar operates on the quarter system, in which the academic year is divided into three 10-week terms (for fall, winter and spring) and a summer session of eight weeks. The quarter system allows students to take a greater number of courses and tends to encourage participation in internships and other off-campus experiences. You will take (on average) four courses per quarter or 12 per academic year on the quarter system. Approximately 2/3 of students double major, which is easy to do with the quarter system. Northwestern offers an exceptional range of study through more than 150 majors, minors, certificates, and concentrations.
Colleges
McCormick School of Engineering and Applied Science
NU Engineering
The McCormick School of Engineering and Applied Science emphasizes cultivating whole-brain™ engineers. Students develop superior analytical, left-brain skills in addition to divergent, right-brain skills. One fun example of a whole-brain project is developing shoes for geriatric penguins. McCormick is recognized for its world renowned research internships and co-ops. Managed by the Office of Career Development, McCormick’s Co-op Program is a five-year combination of formal academic studies and invaluable on-the-job experience. Co-op students supplement 12 quarters of undergraduate study with 6 quarters of hands-on experience at one of nearly 200 corporate partners. The 5th year can be a paid co-op so the student can graduate with a full year of experience. Approximately 1/3 of students participate in the co-op program.
Prospective students need to complete an online math placement and should know computer science. It is very helpful to know coding and calculus before enrolling. McCormick prefers that students don’t take all AP classes and tests as it is considered a red flag that you are not a balanced person. Approximately 30% of course work is not STEM. While community college credits may be accepted, College In The Schools courses are not. During freshman year, students take Engineering First courses to experience a full range of engineering and then declare their major after their freshman year. Biggest programs are biomedical engineering and industrial design. Design competitions for seniors come from industry.
Men to women ratio is 2 to 1. Two percent are accepted into the honors program in medical education. A separate application is needed for the honors program – due Dec. 1. NU Medical School does not give preference to NU undergraduate. Twelve percent do not finish engineering degree. They transfer out but about the same number transfer in. Engineering is all about making people’s lives better. You need to work in a team and integrate all STEM areas.
School of Communication
The School of Communication comprises five departments:
Kellogg School of Management
- Communication Sciences and Disorders
- Communication Studies
- Radio, Television and Film
- Performance Studies
- Theater (includes dance)
Communication studies is a great major for pre-law or pre-business. Speech Communication is popular for pre-med students. No audition is required for prospective theater students. The School of Communications holds over 80 productions a years – there are plenty of chances to get involved.
Medill School Of Journalism, Media, Integrated Marketing Communications
Medill has a long-standing reputation for journalism excellence. This college is very digital and high-tech. Medill likes story tellers and teaches them how to share their stories. They offer a Social Media Certificate program in marketing and communications which is great for pre-business.
School of Education and Social Policy
The Secondary Teaching program uses an interdisciplinary approach by combining course work from Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences (WCAS) in a chosen field — such as English, history or math — with School of Education and Social Policy courses on such topics as child and adolescent development, educational philosophy, and methods of instruction. There is a 10-week practicum.
Bienen School of Music
Old Music School
The Bienen School offers 15 academic majors in six degree programs. There are great resources for diverse interests in music – choice of electives such as music production, music lessons, marching band, jazz ensembles, and not to mention 16 a capella groups. There are approximately 400 undergraduate students.
There is one application to NU. Early decision audition registration is Oct. 15, regular decision by Dec. 1. Depending on how you submit auditions and supplements, read the application process carefully. The School encourages résumés. Students who are interested in being a music major can visit and schedule a lesson with an instructor from the school of music. This will provide good feedback whether or not a prospective student has the talent to audition and pursue the very rigorous course of a music major. Music teacher recommendations should accompany application.
Practice room
Merit scholarships are available. Curriculum is 3/4 music and 1/4 liberal arts. There are 5-year programs for dual degrees and double majors. For example, you can major in music and in economics, or you can major in engineering and minor in music. Music theory can count as a math requirement.
The School encourages gigs for hire in Chicago and hiring students to provide music lessons to the community. Practice rooms are available 20 hours a day.
Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences
The Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences is the oldest and largest of the undergraduate schools. More than half of the undergraduates are enrolled in this college.
Fun Facts
NU Rock
- Great research funded by NU
- Career services helps students find interviews
- Over 500 student groups
- Big 10 school
- 19 varsity sports – The Wildcats
- Free admission to all home events
- 1/3 Greek
- Quarter system – Freshman year starts winter quarter
- Classes are designed for 11 weeks so no more work than say Harvard
- Some classes like bio go the whole year in order to get through the material.
- Size of campus – one mile north and south, half mile east and west
- Building new music and engineering buildings
- There are two beaches
- There is a skating rink
- Restaurant capital of the North Shore
- Olive mountain
- Chicago is the third largest city in the US
- Free transportation shuttle
- Access to trains
Admissions
Looking toward Lake Michigan
The application has three supplements. You need to indicate which college you are applying to and which major. Undeclared is OK for Weinberg and McCormick. Prepare to write about “Why NU?”.
Admissions reviews applicants holistically – quantitative and qualitative. No super scoring on ACT, only the SAT. Subject tests not required, but send them if they are over 700. They look at the rigor and the context of your high school. GPA is not as important because of the different scales. Extra letters of recommendation are OK if they reveal something new about you.
Essay tips: Don’t mention the campus by the lake. Do mention cheesy jokes. There isn’t one college that is easier to get into than another. Students should have a genuine voice.
Financial Aid
Need blind. Need-based only. Use CSA Profile and FAFSA. Will need parents’ tax returns.
