Furman offers internships and research in all-residential community

Furman is a small, liberal arts college located in Greenville, SC that takes advantage of its size and location. The 2,700 undergraduates have access to faculty-mentored research projects and all faculty serve as advisors. The largest class at Furman has only 32 students. Over two-thirds of Furman students participate in internships, often with the 200+ companies in the local area. As a 100% residential campus, students can build long-lasting friendships throughout their undergraduate years.

Two Furman programs worth noting are the 5-year program in Education and another in Chemistry.

 

Acceptance: 65%

Freshmen from out of state: 72%

Most popular majors: Political science, Health Sciences, Business Administration

Housing: Furman is 100% residential, which means that all students live on campus all 4 years. They fondly describe their housing system as “7 years of friendships”!! Varied housing options on campus include apartments and eco-housing for sustainable living.

4-year Graduation rate: 79%

Academics:  Furman’s Health Sciences major is particularly strong for its pre-med students. Furman’s program helps pre-med students with getting all of their non-academic requirements for a competitive medical school applications – research, internships and community service. Pre-med majors also get assistance with MCAT and medical school applications.

Furman offers a May immersion experience with 2-credit courses. Undergraduate research opportunities start in the summer after freshman year with a faculty mentor.

Many Furman students graduate with a minor. The most popular minor is Poverty Studies. The fastest growing major is currently Sustainability Science.

Social: Participation in campus life is encouraged through 4 required “cultural life” points per semester. There are 200+ cultural life activities a year, so it’s rather easy for students to get credit for taking advantage of all the fun and interesting events.

Financial: Furman offers merit aid and need-based financial aid, with 80% of need met, towards the cost of attendance, which is around $64,000. Furman’s merit scholarships do not require test scores to qualify.

What do you think of Furman? What do you think of test-optional scholarships? Please post your comments below.

Vassar has an independent, interdisciplinary and creative spirit

Vassar is a highly selective, small, coeducational liberal arts college, located just 70 miles north of New York City and known for its liberal traditions. Vassar prides itself on curricular flexibility, tolerance, and diversity.vassar liberal arts college

Multidisciplinary studies have been a distinctive feature of academic life at Vassar for several decades, fostering an intellectual environment that thrives on crossing disciplinary boundaries. A great example of this academic freedom and mindset is the Interdisciplinary Robotics Research Laboratory, created by five professors in biology, psychology and computer science where students can investigate with physical robots as well as computer simulations of virtual robots.

The college’s 1,000-acre campus, just outside Poughkeepsie, New York, is decorated with architecture which is predominantly neo-Gothic and yes, the library does look like a scene out of Harry Potter.

Acceptance: 26%

Freshmen from out of state: 71%

Most popular majors: economics, English, psychology

Housing: Guaranteed housing all four years

4-year Graduation rate: 88%

Vassar College

Academics: Vassar began as a women’s college in 1861 and went coed in 1968. There is no core curriculum and no general education or distribution requirements. Academic flexibility is paramount. That said, all students must take a Freshman Course, a small seminar emphasizing oral and written expression, as well as one course that requires significant quantitative analysis (similar to Hamilton College, also in New York).

More than half the students at Vassar double-major, with the most popular majors being English, political science, psychology, economics, and biological sciences. 70% of Vassar students go to graduate school, with medical school being the largest percent. Absolutely love that all freshmen have their own librarian.

Social: Vassar doesn’t have a Greek system, so social life revolves around films, lectures, parties, concerts, and the like. With its strong theatrical department, Vassar has 50+ theatre productions per year. A senior remarked that, “There are more than 1,000 events registered on the campus every year, which is nearly 40 events a week.”  Student Association, WVKR radio station, Vassar Greens, and ultimate Frisbee are influential in student social life. Popular events include Spring Concert, Founder’s Day, and All Campus Halloween Party.

Financial: Vassar offers merit scholarships and need-based financial aid, with 100% of need fully met.  The average financial aid package is $45,000 and 60% of students receive awards. Interestingly, the family income of students who received financial aid ranged from $0 to $270,000.

What do you think of Vassar? What about this college is a good fit? Please post your comments below.

A Guide on How to Apply for FAFSA

Navigating the financial aid process is a crucial step for college-bound students and their families. One of the most critical tools in this process is the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA. Understanding how to apply for FAFSA, how to fill out FAFSA correctly, and how to add schools to FAFSA can significantly impact the financial aid you receive.

Additionally, many students wonder, “Should I apply for FAFSA before being accepted?” and “Do all schools require the CSS Profile?” This comprehensive guide will answer these questions and provide you with essential tips to complete your FAFSA and CSS Profile efficiently.

FAFSA: The Basics

Families can begin applying for financial aid through FAFSA starting on October 1st each year. This early opening date aligns well with the college application process, allowing students to submit their FAFSA information alongside their college applications.

Given that many students apply to colleges with early action deadlines, having your FAFSA completed early can be advantageous. Schools like Georgia Tech have early action deadlines as early as October 15th, and many others, such as MIT, The Ohio State University, and Purdue, have early deadlines in November. Completing your FAFSA early ensures that colleges have enough financial information to make preliminary decisions about financial aid awards when they release admissions decisions in mid-December or January.

How to Fill Out FAFSA: Step-by-Step

Filling out the FAFSA might seem overwhelming at first, but with the right preparation, it can be a straightforward process. Here are the top steps to follow:

  1. Create Your FSA ID: Before you start the FAFSA, you and your teen need to create separate Federal Student Aid (FSA) IDs. These IDs will be used to fill out the form and update information in subsequent years. Make sure to store your FSA ID securely.
  2. Start the FAFSA at fafsa.ed.gov: Once you have your FSA ID, you can begin filling out the FAFSA online. The form includes over 100 questions, but you don’t have to complete it all at once—you can save your progress and return later. The system will store your information for up to 45 days.
  3. Add Schools to FAFSA: While filling out the FAFSA, you’ll have the opportunity to list the colleges where you want your financial information sent. You can add up to 10 schools initially, and if you’re applying to more, you can update your FAFSA later to include additional institutions.
  4. Gather Necessary Documents: To streamline the process, gather all necessary documents before starting the FAFSA. These include social security numbers, alien registration numbers (if applicable), federal income tax returns, W-2 forms, records of untaxed income, and current bank statements.
  5. Use the IRS Data Retrieval Tool: To simplify the financial information section, use the IRS Data Retrieval Tool (DRT) to transfer your tax return data directly into the FAFSA. This tool reduces the chances of errors and ensures that your financial information is accurate.

Should I Apply for FAFSA Before Being Accepted?

Yes, you should apply for FAFSA before being accepted to a college. Completing the FAFSA early allows colleges to consider your financial information when making admissions decisions. It also ensures that you don’t miss out on any first-come, first-served financial aid. Many schools begin awarding aid packages as soon as they start accepting students, so having your FAFSA on file early is crucial.

Do All Schools Require CSS Profile?

Not all schools require the CSS Profile, but many private colleges and universities do. The CSS Profile, administered by the College Board, is used by schools to award non-federal financial aid. Unlike FAFSA, which is free to submit, the CSS Profile requires a fee, though fee waivers are available for eligible students. The CSS Profile asks for more detailed financial information than FAFSA, and it’s important to check whether the schools you’re applying to require this additional form. You can find this information on the financial aid section of each college’s website.

Tips for Last-Minute FAFSA and CSS Profile Completion

If you’re completing the FAFSA or CSS Profile at the last minute, here are some tips to save time and reduce stress:

  1. Your Teen Leads the Process: Remember that both the FAFSA and CSS Profile are in your student’s name, not yours. This means your teen will need to create their own FSA ID and College Board account. Parents can assist with the financial details, but the student must take the lead.
  2. Plan Ahead: Obtaining an FSA ID can take 2-3 days due to social security number verification. If you’re short on time, you can start the FAFSA without the FSA ID by using your student’s information. Be sure to return later to officially sign the FAFSA once the FSA ID is ready.
  3. Verify and Update: After submitting your FAFSA, set a reminder to check for any required updates or verification, especially if you initially submitted without the IRS Data Retrieval Tool. Ensuring all information is accurate and complete is vital for avoiding delays in receiving financial aid.

Conclusion

Understanding how to apply for FAFSA, how to fill out FAFSA, and how to add schools to FAFSA can make a significant difference in the financial aid process. Applying for FAFSA before being accepted is essential for maximizing your aid potential, and knowing whether your schools require the CSS Profile can save you time and effort. By following these tips and planning ahead, you can navigate the financial aid process with confidence and secure the funding needed for your college education.

If you have any questions or need further assistance, don’t hesitate to reach out for help. Good luck!

Why You Don’t Need to be a Well Rounded Student

During this time of year as teens are getting more involved in school activities, a question that many students and parents raise is whether it’s best to be more “well-rounded.” The term “well rounded student” refers to someone who has experiences in a range of varied activities. “Should I(my teen) be “well rounded” often translates to ‘”Will this help me(my teen) get into college?” The concept of “well–rounded “ was born in hindsight from a 1980’s myth of how students got accepted to most selective colleges.

My question back to them is “What’s your goal?” It’s not meant to be a smart-alecky response but the emphasis on every aspect of the college admissions process is the student. well rounded student, Colgate Campus

My recent e-newsletter shared what colleges today want and many parents were abuzz about what this means for their college-bound teen. Colleges want engaged, curious learners. This new revelation can be unsettling because it’s the opposite of “well-rounded”.

Over the years, I’ve read thousands of applications and spoken with numerous admissions officers about what they seek in prospective candidates and “well-rounded” isn’t just dead among the most selective colleges but an even broader landscape. The activities resume filled with 15-20 activities may show busy-ness, but too often lack evidence of these qualities:

    • Interest – are you really that interested in an activity that you’ve only spent a few hours doing in 9th grade? Based on your activities resume, what are you interested in?
    • Commitment – where is the evidence of your commitment? College communities thrive on student commitment.
    • Impact – what difference was made by your participation? do your activities show what impact you made on your school or community through your involvement? When a student is doing an activity for the sake of appearing “well rounded” then they may not be around long enough to take a leadership role, influence the direction, mentor other students, or make any impact at all.

In closing, I go back to my initial response, “What’s your goal?” The entire college admissions process is about the student NOT the college. If the student is doing an activity just for the sake of getting into college, it will come through in their laundry list of activities and especially their application essays. When students focus their time and efforts on those activities they enjoy, have an interest in pursuing, and make an impact on others involved with them . . . that’s when students have the best chances of getting in and getting money for college.

well rounded student

Is it too soon for a Campus Visit?

Parents ask me all the time “Is it too soon to go on a campus visit?” Unfortunately, the parents who usually ask that question are indeed asking too soon. There is such thing as too soon for campus visits because too many students get burned out on-campus visits when they start their visits well before the application process.

Campus visits matter most in junior and senior year of high school. When students are visiting colleges at a time when it’s relevant then they tend to learn more from the experience. Also, for colleges that track “demonstrated interest”, having an official visit during that time can help with admissions prospects. The other benefit of visiting when students are actively engaged in the application process is that the visit helps with writing a more compelling essay about why that particular college is a good fit.

Rice campus
Rice has a beautiful campus, much like an urban oasis!

There are a few colleges that may host special events for 9th or 10th graders. I think those visits are OK to attend, perhaps as part of a family trip to that area. I don’t suggest making a special trip out of the way just to attend.

What I see more often is that parents are taking their middle schooler or 9th grader to visit the more prestigious, selective universities. That adds a lot of unnecessary pressure and stress. Yes, Princeton may have a beautiful campus, but is it really necessary to visit when it’s not even certain that Princeton is a good fit for your teen? It can even be a bit tricky when a parent takes their child to a reunion event. That too can set the expectation that your child should attend or at least apply to your alma mater.

The best time for students to visit in the winter and spring of the junior year after researching where it makes the most sense to visit. The summers are good for visits, but families should keep in mind that the campus vibe may be a bit quieter and less impressive. Some colleges offer special overnight visits for seniors. These are great to take advantage of but it can be hard to fit into the senior schedule, especially if a teen has a fall sport.

So the short answer to our initial question on is it too soon to do a campus visit is “Yes!” If your teen is a middle schooler or 9th grader, it’s too soon for a campus visit. Those years are better spent doing well academically and making good choices socially. The end of sophomore year is the earliest I would recommend a campus visit.

When are you starting your campus visits? Please post comments below.

 

ALERT College-bound Juniors – AP scores are back, Now What?

AP scores

High school sophomores and juniors can access their AP scores this week! While there may have been high anxiety and a few sleep-deprived nights in May, students may have some butterflies as they open their online accounts to see the results.

What do your scores mean

AP scores will range from 1 to 5. An AP score of “1” or “2” may feel like a real downer, given all the late-night studying. A “3” on the AP exam shows proficiency, but may not get any attention from colleges. The scores that colleges may notice are “4” and “5”. When I say notice, it can mean that the college will allow the student to either

  1. Skip an introductory level college course in that area of study
    -or-
  2. Get college credit

One of the things that students must be careful to do is check with the college’s department to determine whether any course upgrade or college credits will be granted. I advise doing so after a student has determined where they will enroll in college. It wouldn’t make sense to determine the college list based on getting college credit, since the colleges may change their policy.

Whether a college allows a student to skip an introductory level course or grant college credit is specific to each college. If the college does neither, then students shouldn’t feel as if they wasted their time. In the admissions process, colleges will consider the rigor of the high school curriculum. Taking an AP course is still a good way to show that students challenged themselves during high school.

What do you think about AP? Is it worth it?

3 tips every Parent needs to Know about the Common App

You have likely heard about the Common Application and have some questions about what it means for your college-bound teen. As a general overview, the Common Application officially started in the 70s. The system we know today, however, wasn’t really defined until about 2000. A significant turn for the Common Application then was that the organization determined that its focus would be on holistic college admissions. What that means for you today is that all the colleges that are members of the Common Application have a holistic selection process.

Common App
Common App opens August 1

Those colleges consider transcripts, test scores, teacher recommendations, essays, activities, and other supplemental materials which give the colleges a more complete perspective on how that student will contribute to the college community.

Here are 3 hot tips every parent will benefit from knowing:

  • Not all colleges are on the Common App – There are over 500 colleges on the Common App, compared to about 2500 4-year colleges. The colleges that are not Common App members can have any selection process that fits their college mission. On the other hand, some colleges may have a holistic selection process but may want to use their own systems for managing the volume of applications received.
  • When your teen signs the Common App, they are agreeing that . . .

a) the essays are their own writing,

b) all the information is true (i.e. all test scores and school suspensions must be reported, even if they happen in senior year), and

c) they will only send a deposit to one college when they make their decision.

It’s easy to forget these details when students are excited about their admissions letters, but keep in mind that all admissions decisions are conditional and can be revoked at any time.

  • You can get your own Common App account – I suggest that if parents are curious about what their teen is submitting on the Common App then they can get their own account. This will allow you to understand more about the requirements and stresses of meeting the application deadlines!

This is an exciting time with your college-bound teen. I hope that you will allow your teen to own the process, as you participate in the journey.

What additional questions or thoughts do you have about the Common App?

Check out our Parent 2 Parent audio clip on the Common App, which has a juicy aside!

Why Johns Hopkins isn’t just for pre-meds, anymore

Motto: “The truth shall set you free” (Veritas vos liberabit)

The first research university in America, Johns Hopkins prides itself on motivation, collaboration, and a restless intellectual vitality. The main campus is nicely situated in a Baltimore neighborhood but balances the city-feel with numerous quads and classic-style buildings. and clear parameters. During my recent visit, I was impressed with the way the university had transformed its campus into more communal spaces where students could work collaboratively. What a way to build a strong community!

Here are a few quick facts about Johns Hopkins every applicant must know:

Acceptance: 11.5% (close to 50/50 ratio men to women)

Freshmen from out of state: 88%

Most popular majors: public health studies, international studies, biomedical engineering

Housing: Freshmen and sophomores are required to live on campus

4-year Graduation rate: 82%

IMG_3990
Johns Hopkins Homewood campus is in Baltimore with easy access to all the city has to offer.

Academics: Although its had a strong pre-med reputation for years, Johns Hopkins is actually more diverse than you may realize.  A diverse curriculum through nine divisions, curious students, and passionate teachers create Johns Hopkins’ unique educational experience. And a 2-week intersession during January keeps the learning fun and unique!

Social: Students are provided with a whole host of social outlets on and off campus. Over 350 clubs and organizations keep students active throughout the year, but the annual Spring Fair gets the school ecstatic and draws the local community in as well. With being in Baltimore there are also many ways that students can get involved in community service. . . .free public transportation helps too!

Financial: Johns Hopkins offers need-based financial aid and grants. 100% of need is fully met. Although the tuition and fees are $66,197, the average financial aid package is $37,931. 69% of students receive scholarships.
What do you think about this college? What else would you like to learn about it? Please post your comments below.

 

 

What Parents Need to Know about Testing for College-bound Teens

There are 3 tests that are used for college admissions:

  1. ACT
  2. SAT 1 – Reasoning test
  3. SAT 2 – Subject Tests

Each of these tests is different.

ACT ≠ SAT

The ACT is more of an achievement test and more aligned with knowledge gained during the high school years. SAT 1 is more of an intelligence test. As a rule of thumb, I’ve found that my students who are strong readers tend to fare better on the SAT, especially with its vocabulary. Students who do not read as much outside of school tend to do better on the ACT.

The SAT 2 is an hour-long test in a specific subject area. Here are the available subject tests:

  • Literature

These tests tend to match with an Honors or Advanced Placement course. For example, if a student is taking AP US History then they may want to consider the SAT Subject Test in American History for college admissions purposes. (Note: The AP tests are typically used for college placement, but not college admissions.) I recommend that students take the corresponding Subject Test at the end of the course, in May or June. For students who are interested in STEM fields, I strongly urge them to consider taking the Math Level 2 Subject Test soon after they complete Pre-Calculus.

Students will typically take the ACT or SAT in junior year. I do not recommend taking these tests in sophomore year and certainly not the senior year.

Testing Game Plan for Best Score

The best game plan for students is

  1. Determine which test you will focus on at the end of sophomore year. It is NOT necessary to take both tests. Colleges will accept either test.
  2. Take the ACT or SAT for the first time in the winter of junior year. This will give your teen time to get adjusted to a more-demanding junior year schedule and have time to study before taking the test.
  3. Leave time in the spring of the junior year to retake the ACT or SAT, if necessary.

Once the testing is completed, more time can be spent on developing a solid college list and writing application essays! What’s your teen’s game plan for acing the ACT or SAT?

Check out our 4 Tips to Help your Teen Study Better!

What to Wear to a College Fair or Campus Visit

If the title of this article captured your attention, you are asking a great question, “What should I wear to a college fair?” or “What should I wear to this campus visit?” The answer is not always obvious based on what I see teenagers (and sometimes their parents) wearing to these events.

NOT

Here are some quick tips and I will start with what not to wear:

  • Cut-off jeans
  • Shirts with the backs cut out
  • Graphic T-shirts with obscene or explicit language/images
  • Heels that are 6 inches high (when your feet hurt, it’s hard to listen!)

Hopefully, these brief tips do not leave you saying “I need to go shopping!”

YES

Here are a few suggestions for what you can wear:

  • Comfortable, clean shoes
  • A collared shirt
  • Pants, belted at the waist, i.e. not sagging
  • Jeans are OK as long as they are worn neatly!

A good rule of thumb if you’re still wondering  . . . . when in doubt, dress up! 

Which fairs will you visit? Safe travels and be sure to take our comparison checklist with you to make sure you make the most of a college fair!

wear