SHU Introduces Irish Studies Minor - Sacred Heart University

SHU Introduces Irish Studies Minor - Sacred Heart University

CAMPUS VISITS - PART ONE ARTICLE FROM JEWISH LEADER FEB 25TH

  College Campus Visits - Part One 
jewishleaderwebpaper.com 
(Article on Page 2)

Harbingers of spring, instantly recognizable, they appear yearly in groups on every college campus.  Their leader is a confident young adult with the amazing skill of walking backwards.  Ducks returning from lands to the south, you might ask?  No, what you are witnessing is the start of the campus visit season.  As a college consultant who has visited close to a hundred campuses and moreover a parent who has participated in this rite of passage with my own three offspring, I will share some tips with you to help make your campus visits productive and stress free.

Tips for Freshman/Sophomores

The most important thing I want to convey is that there is absolutely no better way to decide whether a school is the right match than to set foot on its campus.  My advice is to begin visiting a few colleges as early as freshman/sophomore year of high school.  The purpose of these initial visits is to get a feel for the types of schools out there.  Choose a few schools close to home of different sizes from a large state university to a smaller private liberal arts college.   Utilize family vacation time to informally visit colleges, in the area where you are traveling.  Remember that these visits are only preliminary to assist in formulating your needs and preferences.

Tips for Juniors

Junior year is the time to hone your college choices. Try to have most visits completed well before the fall of Senior year when the application process begins in earnest.  Visiting when school is in session is an ideal way to see the campus in action.  Realize that spring vacation of Junior year may be one of the last times you can visit campuses when students are there.

At this stage identify what factors are important to you in selecting colleges. Some areas may have higher priority than others..  Gathering information through visits and other methods will enable you to find schools that are a good fit and also to eliminate other schools. Focus on the following factors.

1.Type:  Choices include two year associates degrees or technical certificates; four year bachelors degrees; five-year programs with a co-op component and combined bachelors and master degree programs.

2.Location:  Factors include the distance from home and whether the college is in an urban, rural or suburban area.

3. Size:   Is the college large (greater than 10,000 undergraduates), medium (3,000 – 10,000) or small  (Under 3,000)?

4. Academics: Does the college have a strong program in your area of interest? Is the college geared to the Liberal Arts offering a broad choice of majors, which may be advantageous for students still exploring their interests?

5.Students:  What is the makeup of the student body? Are students mostly in state or out of state; commuters or living on campus?  How diverse are the students in terms of race, religion, political, sexual orientation, socio economic, and cultural factors?   What is the social atmosphere like? Most importantly can you envision yourself as part of this group living and studying together?

6.Cost:  What is the cost for tuition room and board? What percentage of the students receive financial aid? Would you qualify for merit-based aid?

7. Additional Factors: Depending on your individual interests and needs, investigate the following: athletic programs both NCAA, intramural and club sports; ROTC; and resources for students who need extra support due to physical, learning or emotional disabilities.

Finalize a list of schools to visit. If you have schools that are very similar and time does not permit pick one school and chose to visit the others later once accepted. Call, email or schedule your visit online with the admissions office well in advance since many schools require a reservation to take a tour or attend an information session. If optional or mandatory interviews are offered schedule those as well.

Carefully map out a logical route covering no more than two schools in one day. I found it worked well to drive to a location the night before and take the early morning tour when well rested.

Tips for Seniors:  Utilize the early fall to make any last minute visits. Once you receive your acceptances take advantage of the opportunity to revisit schools during accepted student days.   Arrange an overnight stay in the dorms. Remember you are the one who will be living and studying on this campus. Review all of your options with a critical eye and get answers to any last minute questions you have. 

Part II will cover additional things to consider when visiting a college campus.

Francine Schwartz is the Founder of Pathfinder Counseling LLC.  As a Certified School Counselor and Educational Consultant she has guided numerous families through the college search and selection process.  For assistance contact Francine at: 860-460-8829 or fschwartz@pathfindercounselingllc.com ;www.pathfindercounselingllc.com

Surrender to Early Admissions - Inside Higher Ed

Surrender to Early Admissions - Inside Higher Ed

Kids Are All Right - Inside Higher Ed

Kids Are All Right - Inside Higher Ed

Antioch College will reopen its doors in Fall 2011.  They will admit a select group of 25 students to be pioneers of their new student body.  These 25 students will receive the Horace Mann Fellowship -- a 4-year full-tuition scholarship, including special mentorship opportunities and help with paying room & board as well.

 

If you think you have an appropriate student, this sounds like an amazing opportunity. 

Dollars and Sense -Part II

Dollars and Sense: Demystifying College Financial Aid – Part Two

By Francine Schwartz 

 In this issue I will show you the steps to apply for financial aid, and how the award is determined.  While the process may seem like a big mystery, it is really quite straightforward, as you will see.

How is Financial Aid Determined? The formula used to compute how much financial need a family has is derived by taking the total Cost of Attendance (COA) for the college and subtracting the Expected Family Contribution (EFC). The remainder is the Financial Need. All need-based aid is figured from this bottom line.

In order to determine the EFC, the student and family must complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). It is available online at www.fafsa.ed.gov starting on January 1 for the next school year. Since each college has their own deadlines, complete the FAFSA as soon as possible even if you have not yet filed your income taxes. It is easy to go back to update and make corrections online. There is help available on the website. Families can also attend a free help session on College Goal Sunday, January 30^th, 2011. Check www.collegegoalsundayusa.org for times and locations.

Once the application is reviewed the student will receive a Student Aid Report (SAR), which lists the Expected Family Contribution and whether the student is eligible to receive a Pell Grant.  Each college the student has listed on the FAFSA will receive an Institutional Aid Report. Some private colleges require an additional application such as the CSS/Financial Aid Profile. It is available online as early as October 1^st, at www.collegeboard.com. There is a fee for this application with charges for each college that it is sent to. 

The Financial Aid Award Letter:  Most college award letters will list the type and amount of financial aid the student is eligible to receive.  Students can accept or decline all or part of the award. Not all colleges are able to meet a student’s full financial need. There may be a gap between the amount of aid awarded and the EFC.

The EFC itself may be higher than what you feel you are able to pay. That is because needs analysis is based on the principles that parents and students have the primary responsibility to provide for a college education. The FAFSA is income driven in order to be fair and equitable to all students and does not take into account the family’s level of debt. Be sure to find out if private scholarships affect the schools aid package and the requirements to keep the award from year to year.

Negotiating with a college: College financial aid officers may have some discretion in how they award financial aid. Therefore it is important to make a contact with a real person in the financial aid office as early in the process as possible. Special family circumstances such as a parent’s illness or job loss are often taken into consideration. Once a student has been admitted to colleges in the spring you may be able to tell one college about a better financial aid package offered at another school. The college just might be able to match the better offer.

The Bottom Line:  Take heart. There is money available to go to almost any college. Don’t rule out a college based on its sticker price alone. Sometimes the school with the higher cost of attendance will actually provide a better financial aid package than one with a lower cost.  Remember to start early, complete all forms as soon as possible and look for scholarship opportunities. Always have a financial safety school: one the student can afford to attend should they not receive sufficient financial aid or if family financial circumstances change. Get to know the financial aid officer at the colleges you are considering for additional help and advice.

Francine Schwartz is the Founder of Pathfinder Counseling LLC. As a former Assistant Director of Financial Aid, Certified School Counselor and Educational Consultant she has guided numerous families through the financial aid process. For assistance with financial aid, scholarships or other aspects of the college search and application process contact Francine at: 860-460-8829 or fschwartz@pathfindercounselingllc.com

Yale Adds New Essay Question for Engineering Applicants

App adds essay for engineers

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By Emily Wanger

Staff Reporter

Tuesday, February 1, 2011

Applicants to Yale College interested in engineering were required to write an additional essay for the first time this year.

Students who stated an intent to major in the department had to complete the essay in addition to completing the Common Application and the University’s supplemental essay, Dean of Undergraduate Admissions Jeffrey Brenzel said in an e-mail Sunday. In addition to helping admissions officers better understand the students’ interest, Brenzel said, the essay will help the University assess its recent efforts to promote its science and engineering offerings and continue its project of recruiting promising engineers.

“In many instances students were indicating an interest in engineering on their applications, but not writing about that interest specifically,” Brenzel said in an e-mail. “We thought that this route would be the best for us [to encourage the applicants to tell us more] … and we will evaluate after the cycle is over whether we wish to continue with it going forward.”

The essay asks prospective engineers to describe their experiences in engineering and to explain what appeal Yale’s engineering program holds for them, and is the latest in a string of projects designed to recruit top science and engineering students. These initiatives include a separate science and engineering viewbook in addition to the University’s general viewbook, three science and engineering forums for prospective students spanning the East Coast this fall and Yale Engineering and Science Weekend (YES-W), a program that brings 60 to 80 top science and engineering recruits from the regular-decision pool for tours of the University’s facilities, presentations of Yale’s science and engineering offerings, and discussions with professors and students.

Brenzel said Yale joins several other institutions in requiring an engineering essay, including Princeton University. Though some require engineering applicants to complete a different application than other students, both Yale and Princeton still allow prospective engineers to use the generic application.

Two engineering majors, Keila Fong ’13 and Alex Beltes ’12, said they support the addition of the essay. Fong, who is majoring in mechanical engineering and computer science, said she thinks the essay is a positive addition to Yale’s efforts to attract the top candidates for its engineering program. But Fong said she knows that some students may not share her view.

“Some people feel like rather than trying to recruit more heavily, [the University] should do more to improve the program and let it speak for itself,” Fong said. “[To these students] this is a more superficial way to address the problem rather than improving the standard of life for science and engineering majors.”

Vincent Wilczynski, deputy dean of the School of Engineering and Science, and Roman Kuc, associate dean of educational affairs at the School of Engineering and Applied Science, deferred comment to admissions officers.

Applications for regular admission were due Jan. 1. Decisions will be available online by April 1.

COLLEGE GOAL SUNDAY IS COMING UP JANUARY 30TH
Don't Forget to sign up for free help with the FAFSA  on College Goal Sunday January 30th


Go to link  to register.collegegoalsundayusa.org

International Year of Chemistry

Did you know that 2011 is the international year of chemistry (http://
www.chemistry2011.org)? Google's getting ready to celebrate and
promote educational achievements in science - and all of STEM -  with
several events and programs planned throughout the year. This month we
kicked off the first online science fair and opened applications for
the CS4HS program. We're excited and ready to be inspired by a new
generation of scientists!

THREE RIVERS COMMUNITY COLLEGE INFORMATION SESSIONS/TOURS

Three Rivers Community College

Admissions Information Sessions & Tours

Tuesday, February 15 at 4pm in Room C101

Thursday, March 10 at 3pm in Room C101

Wednesday, April 13 at 5 pm in Room D102

Tuesday, May 17 at 3 pm in Room C101

If this is your first time attending college, the application process may seem overwhelming. Come to an admissions information session and get step-by-step assistance. You will also receive a tour of our brand new campus!

To reserve your seat call or email:

Elizabeth Millhouse

Phone: (860) 885-2675

Email: emillhouse@trcc.commnet.edu

Please include your name, phone number, date you would like to attend, and how many people will be attending.

Three Rivers Community College 574 New London Turnpike, Norwich, CT 06360

INFORMATION FOR CONNECTICUT COLLEGE GOAL SUNDAY

Who High School Seniors and students entering college in the fall 2010 for the first time.

What Completing your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form.

Why Most students need financial aid to attend college. A completed FAFSA opens the doors to opportunities for financial aid. Free Professionals as- sistance will be available.

When College Goal Sunday will be held on Sunday, January 30, 2011 from 1:30 PM – 4:30 PM at all 13 locations

Where

Capital CC, Central CT State University, Central High School (Bridgeport), Eastern CT State University, Gateway CC, Hall High School (West Hartford), Manchester CC, Middlesex CC, Science & Tech Magnet HS of SE CT (New London), Naugatuck Valley CC, Norwalk CC, Sacred Heart University and Western CT State University

How Visit www.collegegoalsundayct.org to pre-register and for more information

Volunteers are welcome to assist, just visit www.collegegoalsundayct.org For more information call 860-240-8555

COLLEGE GOAL SUNDAY IS COMING UP JANUARY 30TH

Don't Forget to sign up for free help with the FAFSA  on College Goal Sunday January 30th


Go to link  to register.collegegoalsundayusa.org

Demystifying Financial Aid Part 1

This article appeared in the January 14th edition of The Jewish Leader :Dollars and Sense: Demystifying College Financial Aid- Part One

By Francine Schwartz

It is early January.  For most high school seniors college applications are completed and there is a palpable sense of relief in the air.  For their parents however, the stress is ramping up.  There is anxiety surrounding financing the college education, often the second largest investment following the purchase of a home.  Not to worry.  I’ll share important information that will help you navigate the financial aid process and maximize those college dollars. In this issue I cover college costs and types of financial aid.  The January 28^th edition will focus on how financial aid is awarded.

Begin Early: College is an investment in your student’s future, therefore it is important to plan as far ahead as possible to ensure the best possible return. One rule of thumb is to finance college in thirds with 1/3 of college expenses funded through current income, 1/3 from savings and 1/3 from financial aid. Whatever your individual financial situation may be, it is important for students and parents to communicate about the amount that the family can realistically afford.  I always advise students to have a financial safety school: one that they can afford to attend should they not receive sufficient financial aid from the college or other sources, or if their family financial circumstances change. 

How much does College Cost?  The costs of college include direct costs such as tuition, fees, and room and board and indirect costs such as books, supplies, transportation, and other miscellaneous expenses, like those midnight pizza runs.   Annual college costs can range from $3,400 at a community college to over $50,000 for a private university. One little known program is “tuition break for New England residents.”  This program provides a tuition discount to New England residents when they enroll in approved degree programs at out-of-state public colleges and universities throughout New England. Visit www.nebhe.org/tuitionbreak for additional information.

What are the types of Financial Aid? There are two primary types of aid: Gift Aid, money that does not have to be repaid, which usually includes scholarships and grants, and Self-Help, which includes loans, and work-study. Federal tax incentives, although a relatively small component of financial aid, helps families recoup some of the money they have paid out for higher education.

Scholarships, or “merit aid”, are awarded to students in recognition of academic, athletic, artistic, or leadership abilities. Institutional aid comes directly from the colleges that award scholarships to students whom they wish to attract to their school. Many corporations, non-profit agencies, religious organizations, civic organizations, employers and unions have scholarship dollars. Often relatively few students apply for these, increasing your chances of being an award recipient. The school guidance office maintains lists of scholarships and their requirements. Frequently an essay and/or recommendations are necessary to apply.  Finally, there are legitimate online sources of scholarships where students complete a profile and receive email notifications for scholarship opportunities that match. One of the best web-based resources is: www.fastweb.com.  Please be aware of scholarship scams on the web.

Grants are awarded to students based on their financial need. The Pell Grant is the largest need-based grant provided by the federal government. Pell Grants are only given to students who show a high degree of financial need based on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Apply online at www.fafsa.ed.gov. Families can attend a free FAFSA help session on College Goal Sunday, January 30^th, 2011.  Check www.collegegoalsundayusa.org for times and locations. Grants are also available through colleges, state agencies, corporations, non-profit agencies and civic organizations.

Work-study enables students to earn money for college expenses by designating an amount of money and providing the opportunity to secure a job, usually on campus. Eligibility for work-study is based on financial need.

With college costs increasing each year families are relying more heavily on loans.

The federal government offers low interest loan opportunities for both students and parents. These programs include the Federal Direct Stafford Loan and Perkins Loan programs for students and Direct PLUS Loans for parents and graduate students. To qualify for any of these programs families need to complete the FAFSA. If a subsidized loan is awarded the federal government pays all accruing interest while the student is attending college and during the six month grace period after the student leaves college. Subsidized loans are based on financial need. Unsubsidized loans are not based on financial need and interest is charged as soon as the disbursements are made.  Be a savvy consumer if you choose to borrow and limit the amount of student debt.

Francine Schwartz is the Founder of Pathfinder Counseling LLC.  For assistance with financial aid, scholarships or other aspects of the college search and application process contact Francine at: 860-460-8829 or fschwartz@pathfindercounselingllc.com

It is time for College Goal Sunday - Free FAFSA Help

The next event will take place Sunday, January 30, 2011 from 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. at thirteen (13) sites throughout the state.

At College Goal Sunday, students and parents can talk to experts and get in-depth help filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

In addition to receiving assistance in filling out the FAFSA, participants will receive general information regarding state and federal financial aid programs.

Visit us on facebook.

Bay Path College Latina Open House on Sunday January 30th

Attention Latina Students:
Bay Path College in Longmeadow MA is hosting an open house on Sunday January 30th. There will be over 30 clubs and organizations represented, spanish speaking campus tours and meetings with current Latina students. Plus : Same Day admission decision with an application, transcript and SAT/ACT scores.


To register contact visti@baypath.edu or call 800.782.7284 Ext. 1331