The Role of Diversity in College Admission

In light of the Supreme Court's decision to hear the Texas case about using affirmative action in the college admission process, this is a good post to read. Basically "there is so much debate in our country about affirmative action that many who disagree with such policies tend to narrow the argument down simply to race," and there is much more to it than that.

This is also a good post for juniors to read because it emphasizes what we've been talking about in college class for the last two weeks: using your application to "articulate information about themselves so that colleges can better understand where they are coming from."

Are Our Children Helpless?

Though the question has been asked before, today's Huffington Post asks the question, "Are We Raising Helpless Kids?"  I think it's a question worth considering.

Should tuition rates be based on your major?

Charging different tuition rates (differential tuition) depending on your major is an interesting and controversial idea, but it is one that some colleges are already practicing.  But should you have to pay extra if you want to major in business, engineering, or nursing? Should a junior or senior in college have to pay more than a freshman?  You be the judge.

http://www.insidehighered.com/news/2012/02/21/study-finds-increasing-numbers-public-colleges-differential-tuition

College: What exactly are you paying for?

Is there a quick and easy way to learn quickly and easily how a college stacks up against its competitors nationally on important metrics like graduation rates, what a degree actually costs and how much debt a student can expect to incur by graduation day? Here's one opinion on why it should be mandatory for colleges and universities to disclose this information.

So You Want to Be a Doctor?

The MCAT (the Medical College Admission Test) may be a long way off, but it doesn't hurt to know that  some changes are being made to the exam.  The Association of Amercian Medical Colleges is also embarking on efforts to encourage med schools to consider a more holistic approach to admissions.  In addition, they want graduates to undestand that one of the best ways they can prepare for med school is by "reading broadly," and being "knowledgeable about the world at large."  We think that's good advice no matter what field you choose.

Read the full story here.

Saving Money on College Textbooks

As colleges look for ways to rein in costs, they are looking for less expensive textbook options.  Of course, on-line libraries or textbooks may be part of that solution.

http://www.usatoday.com/news/education/story/2012-02-12/college-costs-free-textbooks/53123522/1

How Students Learn

An interesting study by the Independent Curriculum Group focuses on the seven biggest misconceptions on how students learn.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/answer-sheet/post/seven-misconceptions-about-how-students-learn/2012/02/13/gIQAenfFCR_blog.html

Have you thought about being a vet?

Admission to veterinary school has always been very competitive, but perhaps that's about to change  due to a shortage of vets.  However, if you're only thinking about cats and dogs, perhaps you're barking up the wrong tree.

http://www.insidehighered.com/news/2012/02/08/veterinary-schools-expand-focus-large-animals

You've Been Deferred...Now What?

You've applied to college early, only to find out that you have been deferred.  Is there anything you can do? See the answer here:  http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/campus-overload/post/deferred-students-lobby-for-admission/2012/02/01/gIQAVjUGiQ_blog.html

And this is what we've been telling you all along!

Tips for a Successful College Visit

Visiting Colleges Over Winter Break? Read on for helpful hints and smart suggestions…

Remember all the guidelines we’ve talked about regarding successful visits: ask for the business card of Admission Representatives you talk with; shake hands; introduce yourself, and then introduce your parent(s) rather than having Mom or Dad introduce themselves; and – most importantly – have a list of prepared questions ready. The following, compiled by the Colleges That Change Lives consortium, is yet another list of great questions to ask to find a good college fit:

ON THE ACADEMIC ENVIRONMENT
· Do faculty members hold students to high standards?
· How much time do students spend on work outside of class?
· What type of evaluations (exams, papers) do faculty members use most often?
· How do students receive feedback on academic work, and how often do they receive it?
· Do students work together on projects?
· How often are students required to do presentations in class?
· Are faculty members easily accessible?
· How often and how many students work on research projects with faculty?
· How often do students discuss ideas in class?
· Is there a required first-year program and a culminating senior year experience?
· Are students able to easily access courses outside their major?

ON THE CAMPUS ENVIRONMENT
· Do students and faculty serve together on campus committees?
· How many students participate in community-based service projects?
· How easily is it to be involved in student leadership activities?
· How many students study abroad?
· What do most students do for fun?
· Are there opportunities for spiritual activities?
· Are activities in fine arts, music and theatre limited to students majoring in these areas?
· What percentage of students are involved in athletics or intramural sports?

ON CAMPUS RESOURCES
· What types of financial aid and academic scholarships are available? Are they renewable each year?
· Who assists students with course selection and career advising? How often does this happen?
· How accessible are library and technological services?
· What safety/security services are available and how often do students use them?
· What health and personal counseling services are available?
· What career planning and job placement services and/or internship experiences are available? How early can these services be accessed? What data is available on graduate and professional school enrollment and job placement for students?

The Perils of the Senior Slide

We've certainly said it time and time again, but if you don't believe us, here's a college dean's advice for seniors who are contemplating a senior slide this semester.

http://thechoice.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/02/06/dont-slack-off/

The Value of a Rigorous Curriculum

There are many reasons why a GPS education is beneficial, but here's another one...research shows that a rigorous curriculum translates into success in college.

http://blogs.edweek.org/edweek/college_bound/2012/02/bolstering_the_push_to_improve.html?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter

The Benefits of Learning to Fail

Angel Perez, the Dean of Admission at Pitzer College in California, recently wrote a wonderful article called "Want to Get Into College? Learn to Fail."  It's great advice for every student and parent, and we agree with him.

http://www.edweek.org/ew/articles/2012/02/01/19perez_ep.h31.html?tkn=XQMFVR5UugsvyMEYx3r6p+9c%2FlrOJabX6znR&intc=es

The Senior Waiting Game

It's that time of year.  Applications are finished, and now all seniors have to do is sit and wait.  And that's really difficult.

http://blogs.edweek.org/edweek/college_bound/2012/02/seniors_enter_the_waiting_game_what_are_their_chances.html