The Job Market for Young Women and Men

Yesterday's New York Times had an interesting piece on the job market for young women vs. young women and why women are going back to school to further their education.

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/12/29/business/young-women-go-back-to-school-instead-of-work.html?_r=1&hp

Tips for Dealing With Stress in College

More than ever before, college students report being stressed and pressured.  So how can you keep it from overwhelming you?  Here are some great tips about not letting stress take over your life. And in reality, it applies to more than just college!

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/campus-overload/post/students-cant-let-stress-become-their-new-norm/2011/11/23/gIQAhNFwpO_blog.html

Can college admissions affect friendships?

Do friendships suffer because of the college admissions process?  Yes, sometimes they do. There's some good advice in the post on how to keep that from happening.

http://thechoice.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/12/05/friendship/?ref=education

The Case for Liberal Arts

This is an interesting look at the value of a liberal arts education in college.  According to the author, a former CEO, it is one of the best foundations for a successful career.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/ag-lafley/a-liberal-education-prepa_b_1132511.html

The Rising Cost of College

Clearly the rising cost of college is a great concern for parents, but are politicians and college officials listening?  Perhaps some headway is starting to be made.

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/11/30/education/duncan-calls-for-urgency-in-lowering-college-costs.html?_r=1&ref=education

Early Decision and study habits

Early decision and early action plans keep growing, and how much time to college students spend studying.  Check out these articles form the Chronicle of Higher Education to find out more.

http://chronicle.com/blogs/headcount/the-flock-of-early-birds-keeps-growing/29334?sid=pm&utm_source=pm&utm_medium=en

http://chronicle.com/article/Who-Hits-the-Books-More-Study/129806/?sid=at&utm_source=at&utm_medium=en

Does being a legacy matter?

Colleges have always at least considered a student's legacy as part of the admissions process, but should they?  That question, as well as other issues, are debated in today's "Room for Debate" in The New York Times.

http://www.nytimes.com/roomfordebate/2011/11/13/why-do-top-schools-still-take-legacy-applicants?hp

Women Biologists

While some students are dropping out of science majors, many women are pursuing biology as a career. The problem is that their salaries might be lower.

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/11/06/education/edlife/where-the-women-are-biology.html?ref=edlife

Is a Science Major Really That Hard?

That's what some researchers say, but with over 35% of GPS students majoring in science, math, or technology,our girls are obviously very well prepared!

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/11/06/education/edlife/why-science-majors-change-their-mind-its-just-so-darn-hard.html?_r=1&ref=edlife

Does it matter what your major is?

Here is one opinion that suggests that's not the question you should be asking.

http://economix.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/11/02/college-majors-matter/?ref=education

Essay Advice

Do you find it difficult to write a compelling essay in 500 words or less?  Then here's some good advice to consider.

http://thechoice.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/11/01/gelb/

How far away are you willing to go?

More and more public universities are recruiting students from outside their home state.  State budget cuts are part of the reason colleges are seeking out-of-state students, but they often offer some pretty good scholarships as well.  Here's an interesting look at this new trend.

http://chronicle.com/article/The-Cross-Country-Recruitment/129577/?sid=at&utm_source=at&utm_medium=en

Georgia Tech High School Outreach Event

The Society of Women Engineers at Georgia Tech is pleased to be hosting an engineering outreach program for female high school students in grades 9-12 who are interested in math or science.
The program will be offered:
Saturday, November 12 from 9 am-2:30 pm on the campus of Georgia Tech

To register please visit:
http://swehsoutreachfall.eventbrite.com/

How Much Can You Pay for College?

Did you know that all colleges that participate in federal financial aid are required to post net-price calculators on their Web sites?  This new law is designed to help  prospective students estimate their out-of-pocket costs.  But while you're at it, you should find out what's included in the total cost of attendance.  It obviously includes tuition,  room and board, but do they include books in the total cost? What about travel expenses (and your travel may cost less than what they anticipate)? Does it include miscellaneous dollars for pizza, dry cleaning, etc.?  Student fees?

If you're not sure, talk to the financial aid office.  And make sure you know exactly which forms you need to fill out (FAFSA, CSS Profile, institutional forms).  It pays to plan ahead!

Syracuse University - Finger Lakes #3

Syracuse University is home to some 13,000 students but if you apply to their College of Arts and Sciences, it's like attending a highly selective liberal arts college within the heart of a major research university. In other words, there is something for everyone at Syracuse. Strong programs abound including their renowed Newhouse School of Communication (Bob Costas and Steve Kroft are notable alums) and the School of Architecture. Downtown Syracuse is within walking distance of campus, offering an excellent art museum, an opera company, a symphony and plenty of local restaurants. Carousel Mall, a shopaholics dream with six levels of stores, is just 10 minutes away. Although it does get cold, football fans need not worry since games are played in the Carrier Dome, but basketball really rocks the house. There are plenty of study abroad opportunties since SU has nine fully staffed campuses around the world including Turkey, Chile and Hong Kong. Community spirit is evident from the minute you walk on campus and the students couldn't be friendlier.

The Role of Your Grandparents in the College Process

Here's a wonderful piece about the role your grandparents might have in the college process.  If nothing else, it's just a great piece about the wisdom these wonderful people have.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/class-struggle/post/grandparents-as-college-admission-guides/2011/10/16/gIQA3MbhsL_blog.html

Hobart and William Smith Colleges - Finger Lakes #2

As a GPS student you should be very familiar with the benefits of an all girls' school but most of you would never consider a women's college, right? Hobart and William Smith Colleges (it's plural because they are two separate schools) offer a unique coordinate program that ensures neither guys nor girls ever feel they are at a single sex school. The admission office, deans and student governments operate independently but students eat and take classes together and even share residence halls. Situated on the shore of Lake Seneca, environmental research takes place daily aboard the Colleges' 65' steel-hulled research vessel, The William Scandling. The campus of 2,000 is very socially conscious, logging over 100,000 hours of community service annually. Service learning is also structured into most study abroad excursions, of which 60% of student partake. An added bonus: HWS is test optional!

Fun College Courses

I'm not sure these fun college courses are what your parents think you should be studying, but check out some of the options that are available at some college and universities across the United States.

http://www.thedailybeast.com/galleries/2011/10/06/hot-college-courses-mad-men-south-park-and-more-unique-classes.html

Four Colleges in Finger Lakes region of New York

I was recently invited to a counselor fly-in to tour 4 distinct schools in the picturesque NY region known as the Finger Lakes, home of 11 magnificent lakes. Follow my posts for the next 4 days as I highlight each of the schools visited!

University of Rochester is a tier one research institution of 5,000 students, the majority of which will conduct and possibly publish research results as undergrads. They are one of the very few schools in the country with an Optics Department, think hybrid between physics and engineering, and Optics is a high demand field, especially for women. Rochester offers a unique "tution free" fifth year during which students can take classes outside their major for enrichment and exploration. (Room and board bills still apply!) Students are focused learners who spend a lot of time studying but also singing, since Rochester is also home to the famed Eastman School of Music. The reading room of the library was packed on an October Monday afternoon around 5:30 pm -- a quiet respite from the activities on a the quad just outside.

Thinking Outside the Box

Looking for scholarships? Perhaps you need to think outside the box when you're considering where to apply.  In the last few weeks, we have received information about academic scholarships at a variety of colleges, but they're not always the one's GPS girls think about first.  So if you're interested, you might want to take a look at Villanova, Ohio Wesleyan, Montana State or the University of Montana, Presbyterian, or the University of Kansas.  Not interested?  The point is that you need to look at a variety of schools, not just the same ones everyone else is considering. Sometimes that's where you'll find the money.

My visit to Oglethorpe University

It's been quite a few years since I last visited Oglethorpe University in Atlanta, and I had forgotten what an attractive campus it is.  Located in Buckhead, not too far from Lennox Mall, this small liberal arts schools of around 1,000 students is a wonderful option for some GPS students.

Interested in developing not only good students but active citizens, Oglethrope offers an interesting Core Curriculum that is interdisciplinary in nature.  Not being a math person myself, I found it fascinating that you could take a course in math as a language to satisfy that requirement, something I think would have helped me view mathematics in a different light. And that's just one example of the courses offered in the Core. Though the sciences are strong at Oglethorpe (among other things), it is also the home of Georgia Shakespeare, a professional theater company.

If you're looking for a college that offers a close community with caring professors, this is a good school to consider. Plus you have all of Alanta at your fingertips.

The Benefits of Failure

In order to be successful, does it help to have some failures under your belt? Read on to find out.

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/09/18/magazine/what-if-the-secret-to-success-is-failure.html?ref=education

The Commericialization of the College Campus

It seems you can't get away from commericals anywhere anymore!  Just how are companies commercializing the college campus? Read and see for yourself.

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/09/11/business/at-colleges-the-marketers-are-everywhere.html?pagewanted=1&_r=1&ref=education

The Benefit of a Random Roommate

Have students lost something by carefully choosing their roommate before they go to college?  The Dean of Social Sciences at New York University offers a thoughtful answer to that very question.

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/08/29/opinion/when-roommates-were-random.html?_r=2&hp

My visit to Rice University

I visited Rice University this summer only because I was road tripping across Texas. But, if you are looking for a premier research university, that also places a strong emphasis on the liberal arts, I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend a special trip to Houston to learn more about Rice yourself. With just over 3,000 undergrads, Rice is one of those “hard to find” medium-sized schools. The meticulously landscaped, tree-lined campus is located just south of downtown Houston, adjacent to a culturally rich neighborhood of museums and performing arts centers. Rice consistently is cited as one of the best values in higher education, due in part to its sizable endowment. On par with other highly selective schools including Duke, Vanderbilt or WASHU, Rice is known for its engineering, science and math departments, as well as the James Baker Institute for Public Policy. Learn more about Rice, without traveling to Houston, by talking with their admission rep at our first college night, Tuesday, September 13.

Decorating Your Dorm Room

Seniors, you may not be leaving for college for another year, but here are some great tips for decorating that dorm room.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/campus-overload/post/your-ultimate-college-packing-list-and-hints-for-what-to-leave-at-home/2011/08/18/gIQAUEaNOJ_blog.html

The Hidden Costs of Higher Education

Interesting reading for a Monday morning...http://www.nytimes.com/2011/08/22/opinion/the-hidden-costs-of-higher-ed.html?_r=1&hp

More Proof for the Value of a College Degree

For those of us who need numbers to prove how valuable a college degree can be, this article provides plenty of charts and graphs to do just that.  In fact, this reporter argues that it's a better investment than gold or stocks and bonds.

http://www.theatlantic.com/business/archive/2011/06/whats-the-best-investment-stocks-bonds-homes-or-college/241056/

Excellent Advice for the College Bound

Not only does this author and academic advisor offer some great advice for the college bound student, readers chime in with their own suggestions as well.

http://thechoice.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/06/23/now-that-youve-gotten-in/

College Does Pay Off!

Despite some people's opinions to the contrary, here's a wonderful explanation of why college does pay off.

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/06/26/sunday-review/26leonhardt.html?_r=1&emc=eta1

College Freshmen Feel "Above Average"

One study claims that today's college students feel that they are above average.  As I read this article, I couldn't help but wonder how our students would rate themselves?

http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2011/jun/17/study-more-college-freshmen-feel-above-average/?breakingnews

Is a College Degree Worth It?

Recently there has been some debate over whether a college degree is worth it.  Some sides say no, that given the sluggish job market, it's not worth the money.  But here's one author who disagrees.

http://www.tnr.com/article/economy/89675/bad-job-market-media-wrong-college-degree?page=0,0

Are the liberal arts important?

I think so, but here's another person's opinion.  You can decide for yourself.

http://www.cnn.com/2011/OPINION/05/21/roth.liberal.education/index.html

The Current Job Market

Worthwhile reading on the current job market for college graduates.
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/05/19/business/economy/19grads.html?_r=1&hp

Sewanee: The University of the South

Because it's so close to home, I think some students overlook Sewanee, but on a recent visit there, I was reminded just how outstanding this liberal arts college is.  Widely known for it's English department (you can now also earn a certificate in creative writing), Sewanee is also a wonderful place to study environmental and sustainability issues.  In fact, if you are interested in environmental biology or chemistry, environmental journalism, or the environment as it relates to the arts and humanities (you could take a course in geology and literature called "Walking the Land"), this would be a wonderful college for you to consider.  Also new is their Pre-Business program that allows you to earn a degree in the liberal arts with a business minor.  The Babson Center for Global Commere provides summer scholarships to leading business schools, support for business and social entrepreneuship internships, and support from a long line of Sewanee alumni and other business leaders.

From languages to theater to the natural resources to the Green House (a "green" dorm), we were very impressed with all that Sewanee has to offer.  And if you have been reading the news lately, you know that they have reduced their tuition for next year by ten percent!  We encourage you to consider the possibilities!

Top Ten Fastest Growing Jobs

Have you ever thought about being a physician's assistant or a home health aid? How about a biomedical engineer or a skin care specialist?  These are only a few of the fastest growing careers according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.  Most of the top ten jobs are in health care, financial services, or technology, but if you look beyond the top ten, there are some other possibilitites too.

http://www.bls.gov/emp/ep_table_103.htm

What's A Business Degree Worth?

The New York Times recently published an interesting article on business schools.  Check it out for yourself.

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/04/17/education/edlife/edl-17business-t.html?_r=1

Is a college loan a "good" debt?

With more and more students going into debt in order to attend the college of their choice, there is some debate over whether a student loan is a "good" debt or a bad one.

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/04/12/education/12college.html?_r=1&ref=education

The New Business of College Admissions

College admissions is always changing, but in some ways, it's getting harder and harder to predict the outcomes.  Here is a thoughful and thought-provoking summary of some of the ways the admissions world is different than it used to be.

http://www.examiner.com/college-admissions-in-washington-dc/the-new-business-of-college-admissions

Facebook Posts and College Admissions

Some good advice about the things you post on facebook and the college admissions process:

http://www.usnews.com/education/blogs/college-admissions-experts/2011/04/06/can-facebook-posts-lead-to-college-rejections?s_cid=rss:college-admissions-experts:can-facebook-posts-lead-to-college-rejections

Selective College Get Even More Selective???

But wait, there's good news!  If you'll read the entire post, you'll see that this only applies to a very small number of schools.

http://blogs.edweek.org/edweek/college_bound/2011/04/selective_colleges_even_more_selective_this_year.html

The Great College Road Trip

If you're preparing to embark on a college road trip this summer, here's a pretty good article from the latest edition of Newsweek magazine. 

http://www.newsweek.com/2011/04/03/the-great-college-road-trip.html

Rhodes College

Not too far away from Chattanooga is a wonderful liberal arts college...Rhodes College in Memphis, Tennessee.  The academic programs at Rhodes are strong, and GPS alums give it high marks in the sciences (especially biology), English, and international studies among other things.  Students choose between two sequences knows as Search and Life (you'll have to look the details up for yourself), and all students must demonstrate proficiency in 12 areas that form the foundation of the liberal arts.  It's quiet an education!  There are also plenty of internship possibilities (think St. Jude's Hospital, Morgan Keegan, Fed Ex among others).  A high percentage of Rhodes students study abroad, and they have a strong Division III athletic program.  And, athletes also participate in study abroad, so you can do both!

Parents often worry about Memphis, but after spending quite a bit of time exploring the city, the area surrounding the campus, and talking to GPS alums now attending Rhodes, I wouldn't hesitate to send my own daughter there.  Our girls feel very safe and are confident about the future that lies ahead!

Dickinson College

Recently I had the opportunity to visit beautiful Dickinson College in Carlisle, Pennsylvania.  Home to over 2,000 students, the college is an easy drive from the capital, Harrisburg, and Carlisle is a lovely historic town with some very cool shops and restaurants.  This is an outstanding liberal arts college, with terrific programs in English, political science, history, and more.  More than anything however, I was bowled over by the school's commitment to global education and sustainability.  International business is strong, study abroad is immensely popular, the school's farm provides food for the dining hall...students are simply focused on a wider world, and that makes Dickinson feel larger than it is. Philadelphia, D.C., Baltimore, and New York are also just a train ride away.

If you're willing to consider an outstanding college outside the southeast, I encourage you to see it for yourself.  You'll have to see it to understand what I'm talking about.

Inside the College Admissions Process

There was a great segment on The Today Show yesterday about how the college admissions process works.  Cameras were allowed inside the Grinnell College admissions office as they debated and decided on applicants.  For an inside view, check out this clip from the show.

Senioritis

Call it senioritis or the senior slide, this article points out the pitfalls of letting it overwhelm you.

http://thechoice.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/02/08/mom-u-02-08/

Good Reading

Whether you have a middle-schooler or a student in the upper school, this article from The Washington Post offers some great advice.
http://voices.washingtonpost.com/class-struggle/2011/02/8_sneaky_ways_to_ready_middle.html

Education Agenda...Race to the Top of What?

A very interesting opinion piece in today's New York Times: http://opinionator.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/01/31/race-to-the-top-of-what-obama-on-education/?ref=opinion

The Choice, the New York Times education blog, currently has some financial aid questions and answers that may be helpful to you.

http://thechoice.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/01/15/fafsaq-and-a-part-5-2/?ref=education

Scholarship Web Sites

Here's an extensive list of scholarship web sites you might want to investigate.  Fastweb is probably the most commonly used one, but the others might be worth checking out.

Need something to read?

The New York Times has an interesting college blog that covers a variety of topics.  Most recently a student wrote about keeping an open mind about her college major, something I think is worth considering.  Though some of the posts are by admissions professionals, many of them are by students currently going through the application process. 

If you have time, you might want to check it out.  http://thechoice.blogs.nytimes.com/