Lawrence University is a college with unique offerings, located in the big small town of Appleton, WI. Among the esteemed Colleges That Change Lives, Lawrence boasts an undergraduate college, as well as a conservatory of music . . . unique for a college of its size. A real gem of Lawrence that I learned about during a recent visit is that 94% of students have a 1-on-1 class with a professor prior to graduation. Talk about getting a significant value for your investment!
Lawrence University Enrollment:
1,453 undergrads
Academics:
All freshmen participate in a Freshman Studies Program. There are three degrees students can choose from: a Bachelor of Arts, a Bachelor of Music and a combined, five-year Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Music. In the conservatory of music, there are 3 offered majors and 32 majors in the college. Students can also pursue a student-designed major, and one of the more recent areas of study is called Neurodiversity. There is a language requirement for graduation!
Social:
The Lawrence campus is geographically diverse with only 30% of the student body from Wisconsin. Other states most represented there are Illinois, Minnesota, and New York. (Lawrence’s participation in the Posse Foundation has extended the racial/ethnic diversity.) Lawrence University has 22 varsity athletic teams that compete in the Midwest Conference and the Midwest Collegiate Hockey Association.
Close to 25% of the university students participate in varsity sports, and they have a fencing team. Club Sports, Intramural Sports, and other clubs provide individual competition and opportunities for personal recreation, and include karate, ninjutsu, won hwa do, bicycling, rock climbing, running, outdoor recreation, and swing dancing. Financial: Tuition and fees are $40,926 with about 60% of students receiving scholarships. There are also financial awards for international students, with 90% receiving some support.
Check out these campus photos of our visit to Lawrence University:
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Did you know that some states require a standardized test such as the SAT or the ACT in order to graduate from high school? Or that others simply provide the exams for free without requiring students to take them?
Make sure you double check your state requirements to avoid studying and taking both tests! See below for our map and list of testing requirements by state.
We also recommend that students check with their school’s guidance counselors. Within states, schools’ specific testing policies can vary from district to district.
Even though it may be required to take a specific standardized test in your state, it is still a good idea to prepare for the test that is the best fit for you. If your state requires the ACT but you perform better on the SAT, we recommend you take that test as well.
It is important to stay on top of this information as early as possible so you are not overwhelmed with the preparations for the test. Our FREE College Tool Kit includes a month by month junior year roadmap to help you navigate through junior year.
Parents of juniors…I want college admissions to be a stress-free process for your teen. Don’t see how that’s possible? Let me share some intentional things you can do to support your teen’s success to help them (and you!) avoid stressing out. The key is to approach the process in a way that makes sense for your teen, beginning with ownership.
Let Your Junior Own the Process
First off, having your junior own the process (being engaged, responsible and accountable) will take a lot of pressure off you as a parent. But it goes deeper than that. I know from the research, and from experience with my own children that when your teen takes ownership of the process, they:
are much more successful in the college admissions process and more likely to get into the top colleges on their ist
can be sure they are a good fit for the college, and as a result,
end up getting scholarship money.
The key takeaway is to be sure your teen is in charge so that they are owning the process.
Now that we’ve established that, where can you and your teen start with finding money for college?
External Scholarship Opportunities to Consider
Let’s talk about external scholarships, which are scholarships that are not from the colleges, but from external sources. Oftentimes families are unaware of the other resources that are out there. This year especially, you want to be intentional around external scholarships. Here are five in particular that you may not have considered.
Scholarships from Companies
Many companies, including law firms, major restaurants and retail companies offer scholarships. One widely-known example is the Coca-Cola scholarship for seniors which is a very large scholarship. However, your junior can position themselves to compete for that scholarship going into senior year. Also look at some of the companies in your own community that offer scholarships, which you can often find on their websites.
Scholarships from Civic Organizations
Another great resource is civic organizations and foundations. Sometimes they are need-based (which require you to provide proof of need) while others involve a contest, where you complete an application with an essay to qualify. Now is a good time to research the civic organizations in your community that offer scholarships.
Scholarships from Credit Unions
Credit unions are wonderful community neighbors, and they often will have scholarships as well. Sometimes, there are additional offerings for members of that credit union. If you’re a member of a credit union, definitely check that out! I recommend that you look into these opportunities in junior year; some of the requirements are junior-year specific. Another note regarding credit unions: if you know that there is a credit union that offers a scholarship and you’re not a member, now is the time to become a member. If you plan ahead your teen can position themselves for that particular award now.
Scholarships from Your Employer
There are a lot of employers that offer scholarships. I believe that NiSource, the energy company here in Columbus, offers scholarships. See if your employer offers scholarships as well. Again, junior year is the time to look into the criteria.
National Merit Scholarship Program
Most students take the PSAT in junior year and their score will determine whether they qualify for national merit. One thing to know regarding the PSAT, is that it is not really considered for college admission. However, when your junior takes the PSAT and scores in the 99th percentile, then they qualify for a national merit scholarship. Have your teen research the criteria for the National Merit scholarship.
Who Can Apply for External Scholarships?
Although you have a junior, be aware that you can apply for an external scholarship beginning at age 13 (keep that in mind if you have younger children as well). If your child wins a scholarship, that money is held and then sent to the college when they enroll. I encourage families with younger teens to apply for scholarships. Not only does it develop their resilience, it also helps to instill that growth mindset that we want our students to have. Plus, they will be adding to their portfolio of writing samples as well.
You won’t be surprised to hear that healthy college students will be more successful and productive. That’s why, today, I’m sharing these 5 top tips for how to stay healthy in college.
You’ve done the hard work of preparing for and getting into college. All of the testing, tours, interviews, applications, and volunteering have paid off. But once you begin your college education, it can be easy to fall into the trap of too little sleep, not enough water, and other unhealthy habits.
Being Healthy College Students.
Being healthy in college includes the health of your body AND mind.
Understandably, your freshman year of college can be an overwhelming time. The stress of exams, classes, and other responsibilities can take its toll. It’s important to keep your mind and body in tip-top shape to ensure a successful college experience.
The truth about the “Freshman 15”.
When you think of college freshmen and their health, the term “freshman 15” might come to mind. This refers to new college students gaining 15 pounds in their first year of school.
It’s typically associated with eating college dining hall food, not exercising, consuming high-calorie beverages, inadequate sleep, and other unhealthy habits.
In fact, studies show students aren’t likely to gain this much—if they gain at all. Ohio State researchers found most students don’t gain as much as 15 pounds during ALL four years of college. In their study, female students gained an average of 8.9 pounds while men put on an average of 13.4 pounds. Again, this is over four years, not just freshman year.
Staying Physically and Mentally Fit and Healthy in College
When it comes to staying healthy in college, there’s so much more to focus on than your weight and avoiding the freshman 15!
Have a look at these 5 top tips for feeling your best during your academic adventures so you can be a productive, happy college student and get the most out of your experience.
1. Get help.
Most colleges and universities have several resources in place to help students with a multitude of issues. Particularly important are the mental health resources many schools offer.
When college students feel overwhelmed or don’t know where to turn, these counseling and support resources can mean a world of difference. For example, Cornell College’s Counseling Center offers a variety of services, including online screening, education, counseling, and much more.
2. Utilize free resources.
The free resources your college offers will vary by institution.
For example, some offer free laundry for students. This is a time and money-saving consideration for college students that shouldn’t be overlooked.
Most colleges offer free gym memberships for current students to use their on-campus facilities. Take advantage of this service while you have access to it! Keeping active during college will help keep your mind and body sharp. If your school doesn’t offer a free gym membership, look into the discounts offered to college students at off-campus locations.
Speaking of off-campus life, have a look at these pros and cons for living off-campus during college.
3. Eat at regular intervals.
Have you ever had your head buried in a textbook, only to find you haven’t come up for air in hours? During this study session, you’ve likely neglected to eat. Then, you might be tempted to reach for the quickest, most convenient food options to satisfy your hunger.
Unfortunately, these fast food options don’t tend to be the most nourishing choices. Do your best to schedule regular meals and stick to this schedule as much as possible. Planning your meals ahead of time and keeping healthy snacks like granola bars or dried fruit nearby is another way to achieve this goal.
Some students find it hard to eat healthy on a college budget. The truth is, there are plenty of healthy, low-cost foods available. Sometimes it just takes a bit of research to find the right ingredients and recipes that suit your budget and a balanced diet.
Quick Tip: If you’re regularly eating college cafeteria food, start each meal with a serving of fruit or vegetables and you’re less likely to fill up on less nourishing options.
4. Stay hydrated.
Have you developed the habit of grabbing a soda from the vending machine rather than visiting the water fountain? Over time, this choice can have a dramatic effect on your health. To make sure you’re getting enough water, invest in a good quality reusable water bottle to keep handy at all times. This is one of the 7 college essentials worth investing in for your freshman year.
5. Prioritize sleep.
Unfortunately, sleep is often at the bottom of the list of priorities for college students. Instead, things like studying, school work, and social activities take precedence.
While all of these elements are important, you simply won’t be as successful at any of them if you’re sleep-deprived.
Setting up a sleep schedule and sticking to it can be challenging at first. But once you find a pattern that allows you to get enough rest while also fulfilling your other commitments, you’ll find your productivity soars.
Now, I’d love to hear from you. What have your biggest health challenges been during your freshman year of college? What did you find helped you stay healthy during your time at school?
If you’re looking for one-on-one guidance to help you get into (or pay for) college, click here to learn more.
Located in the charming town of Hamilton, NY, Colgate is recognized as one of the most beautiful college campuses. The community is rich in diversity with 25% of students from multi-cultural backgrounds and 7% international students (representing 40 countries). Two-thirds of Colgate students study abroad through 26 semester-long programs, which include an Economics program in Geneva, Switzerland. If a student can not study for a full semester, then there are 3-week, faculty-led extended study programs, and numerous summer programs.
Colgate University Graduation rate: 87.9%
Colgate University Enrollment:
2,969 undergrads
Academics:
Colgate students have a liberal arts core and 52 majors to choose from. The most popular majors are English, economics, and art history. At Colgate, 99% of faculty hold a Ph.D. or highest degree in their field.
Social:
There are over 170 organizations and clubs for students to participate. 25 Division 1 athletic teams and fitness facilities offer opportunities for Colgate students to stay active year-round. Campus life at Colgate is vibrant and active. However, shuttle buses travel to NYC twice a day if students want to getaway.
Colgate University Tuition:
Tuition and fees are $55,000, with students receiving an average award of $40K.
Check out these campus photos of our visit to Colgate:
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When it comes to college admissions, the ACT and SAT are the two primary standardized tests that students in the United States can take. Both tests are accepted by most colleges and universities, but they have distinct differences that can influence a student’s choice. Understanding the pros and cons of ACT vs SAT can help students and parents make an informed decision.
Pros of the ACT
Science Section: One of the most distinctive features of the ACT is its science section. For students who excel in science and are interested in showcasing their analytical and scientific reasoning skills, this section can be a significant advantage.
Math Content: The ACT includes more advanced math concepts than the SAT, including trigonometry. For students who are strong in math, this can be beneficial.
Time Per Question: The ACT generally allows more time per question compared to the SAT. This can be advantageous for students who work well under timed conditions but need slightly more time to process each question.
Straightforward Questions: Many students find the ACT questions to be more straightforward and less tricky than those on the SAT, which can help reduce test anxiety and confusion.
Cons of the ACT
Fast-Paced: Despite the overall higher time per question, the ACT is known for its fast pace and can be challenging for students who need more time to read and comprehend passages.
Science Section Pressure: While the science section can be an advantage for some, it can also be a drawback for those who are not strong in scientific reasoning or data analysis.
Pros of the SAT
No Science Section: For students who are not comfortable with science, the absence of a dedicated science section on the SAT can be a relief.
Evidence-Based Reading: The SAT emphasizes evidence-based reading and writing, which can be beneficial for students with strong reading comprehension and analytical skills.
Math Sections: The SAT math sections focus more on algebra and data analysis, which may be more familiar and comfortable for many students compared to the more advanced math on the ACT.
Guessing Penalty Removed: The SAT no longer penalizes for wrong answers, which can encourage students to answer more questions without the fear of losing points for guessing.
Cons of the SAT
Trickier Questions: Some students find the SAT questions to be more complex and tricky compared to the straightforward nature of the ACT questions.
Time Pressure: The SAT has a different pacing that can be challenging for students who need more time to process and understand the questions.
Choosing Between the ACT and SAT
Choosing between the ACT and SAT ultimately depends on the individual student’s strengths, weaknesses, and test-taking preferences. Here are a few tips to help decide:
Take Practice Tests: Taking practice tests for both the ACT and SAT can help students understand which format they are more comfortable with.
Consider Academic Strengths: Students should consider their strengths in subjects like math and science. If a student excels in advanced math and science, the ACT might be more suitable.
Evaluate Reading and Comprehension Skills: If a student has strong reading and analytical skills, the SAT’s emphasis on evidence-based reading and writing might be a better fit.
Test Timing: Consider the timing of the tests and how well the student performs under different pacing conditions.
Conclusion
Both the ACT and SAT have their pros and cons, and the best choice depends on the individual student’s skills and preferences. By understanding the differences and taking practice tests, students can make an informed decision that will best showcase their abilities to college admissions committees. For more detailed insights, consider consulting resources such as The Princeton Review andCollege Board.
Syracuse is a big campus, with numerous majors in the classroom and big spirit among its Division 1 athletic teams. Choices abound at Syracuse for the student seeking a diverse educational experience. Students have a range of options for majors, residential life, internships, and study abroad programs. There are even 6 fitness centers on campus!
Graduation rate: 82.3%
Enrollment: 14,700 undergrads; 6,100 grads
Academics: Syracuse is a major research university defined by its interdisciplinary theme of Scholarship in Action. Students can major in any one of nine undergraduate colleges. The most popular majors are commercial/advertising art, business administration/marketing, radio/television. At Syracuse, 87% of faculty hold a PhD or highest degree in their field.
Social: There are over 300 clubs/organizations on campus and 25% of students participate in Greek life.
Financial: Tuition and fees are $55,600 with about 75% of students receiving scholarships.
Check out these campus photos of our visit to Syracuse:
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When I remark to families that my students were offered $40K to $64K in scholarships, they are often surprised! Yes, I may boast about our results 🙂 . . . . but the point of my statement is to let families know that most college students pay less than the sticker price. That’s an especially important point for high school juniors who are researching and developing their college list. Do not be deterred by the sticker price.
There are so many scholarships and other funds available from the colleges that significantly reduce the price. Check out these findings:
Among full-time, first-time, degree- or certificate-seeking undergraduate students in the 2010-11 academic year:
In my recent talk with the Dayton Association of Tax Preparations, I shared the calculation for determining financial need. Every college determines “need” differently. So, even in cases where your family may have a higher income, the fact that you have additional children or private school tuition can all play a role in whether the college determines you have “need.” The other truth of the matter is that colleges want to recruit certain students. They may offer scholarships to a student in order to attract them to accept an offer of admission . . . which has nothing to do with whether that family can afford to pay or not.
There are 3 decisions you can hear in this admissions season:
Admitted
Denied
Waitlisted
The first two responses let you know where you stand right away. “Waitlisted” is a bit fuzzier because the applicant is left in limbo. Especially when it’s your spring of the senior year and your classmates are talking about where they are going next year, the waitlisted applicant can feel caught in an awkward place. The applicant can decide to be removed from the waitlist. However, if they decide to stay on the waitlist, then there will be the urge to “do something.” Understanding the college waitlist acceptance rate can provide some clarity during this uncertain time.
As students are wringing their hands to figure out the ins-and-outs of the waitlist, these suggestions featured in the Washington Post may be helpful on how to get off the waitlist for college:
1. Tell your parents to butt out. If they get involved in communicating with the college you desire, you are sunk. Once you tell them what you plan to do in steps two, three and four, they will probably calm down and go do the dishes or some other useful chore. That’s what I did when I became too excited during my own children’s college journeys.
2. Get out a plain sheet of paper and write a letter. It is best to do this in longhand, but if that freaks you out, typing on the computer and printing it out is fine. Just make sure you send it to the college snail mail. E-mail is too informal for this appeal. (Click this article on the importance of handwriting in the college admissions process.)
3. In the letter, make two points, each with three parts. Tell the college of three very specific opportunities it offers that fit with your interests and dreams and plans for the future. Then tell the college of three very specific qualities that you possess that fit with the college’s traditions and values, and why you will be a good asset if they let you in.
4. Somewhere in this letter, say something that is gently self-deprecating. If you are telling them how much you could help their championship debating team, and how much their skills would add to your own in your favorite activity, you could say something like: “I admit I have a tendency to go over the time limit, leading my teammates to call me ‘Just One More Second Jones,’ but that’s better than running out of ideas too soon, right?”
A lot has changed over the years in college admissions. Given the rapid pace of change and the increase in the complexity of the process, there are some lingering college myths I want to dispel. I speak with parents and students every day (except on Sundays usually) and these top 5 myths about college admissions are taken from the most common misconceptions:
Brand name
The brand name of a college says nothing about your chances of admissions. So what if everyone’s heard of XXXX college? It doesn’t mean that you should apply or not. On the flip side, if no one in your school has heard of such a college, it doesn’t mean that it’s NOT a great college for you!
Location
Choosing a college is not about location, location, location, as it is in buying property on the Monopoly board. 🙂 Some students will only apply to colleges within 2 miles of their home; while others only want to apply to colleges in warm places. Whatever the criteria, whether you are happy in college will depend on more than where the college is located. (Unless, of course, you’re on a remote campus of 5 people stationed in the middle of nowhere…all of you will be miserable.)
Numbers game
Contrary to popular belief, you are more than your SAT score or GPA. Students with high scores are surprised when they don’t get accepted. Students with average test scores are even more surprised when they DO get accepted. There are recommendations, essays, school reports, and other supplements that play a role in college admissions these days. The colleges that surprise many students are the ones who accept students for their potential, not just their numbers.
Legacy Colleges
Sorry parents, but if you applied to college 20 years ago, it’s not the same application process anymore. It’s not even the same college anymore. Not to scare you, but the process is a bit more complex and time-consuming than it was back then. It’s even changed in the past 5-7 years.
There’s only one college for me
I love this one . . . there are over 3,500 colleges in the US. Really? There’s only one college that fits you? Rest assured . . . there are numerous colleges that are a great fit for you. Whether you want a small college or big, spirited campus; Kosher meals or sausage 4 times a day; rural or urban; pre-career track or philosophy major . . . . the list goes on. Each of these offerings has a range of selectivity as well, i.e. some college may accept over 70% of applicants. So let’s have some fun, please write in the one college that interests you and we’ll take a crack at posting comparable campuses.
