Princeton University – a liberal arts college with strong computer science and engineering programs

Set in the picturesque town that is its namesake, Princeton University is a haven of Gothic and colonial architecture, as well as a few more modern buildings. The most notable building is Nassau Hall, which served as the temporary home of the Continental Congress in 1783. While known for its exclusivity, the office of admissions has been on the lookout for more students who demonstrate intellectual curiosity, including STEM majors, creative types, and high ability/low income students. 

 

Here are a few quick facts about Princeton:

4-year Graduation rate: 90%, 6-year: 98%

Acceptance: 6%

Freshman retention: 83%

Freshmen out of state: 81% 

Most popular majors: computer science, economics, public administration

Student Community Diversity: 8% Black, 10% Latino, 12% International

 

Housing: Princeton’s dorms are grouped into six residential colleges, each with its own dining hall, faculty residents and social calendar. While some students do continue living in their residence hall through graduation, many juniors and seniors opt to occupy the nicer upperclassmen dorms. Only 4% of undergraduates choose to live off campus. 

 

Another feature of Princeton’s campus, and exclusive to upperclassmen, is eleven eating clubs, five of which admit members through a lottery.  These eating clubs are run by the students and unaffiliated with the school administration.

 

Academics: Princeton is one of the few top liberal arts universities with equally strong computer science and engineering programs. Their math and philosophy departments are among the best in the nation. All students must fulfill course requirements in epistemology and cognition, ethical thoughts and moral values, historical analysis, literature and the arts, quantitative reasoning, social analysis, and science and technology. Freshmen must also take a first year writing seminar with 70 options to choose from. During junior year, students work with a faculty member on 2 papers – 30 pages of work per semester on top of their regular work load. Students must also complete a senior thesis. 

 

Princeton is known as the smallest of the Big Three Ivies, which means that undergraduate students will find that 76% of classes have fewer than 20 students and around 70% of department heads teach introductory courses. Princeton is also unique in its approach to exams, including a two-week period before exams for students to catch up and an honor code that allows for unproctored exams. 

 

Similar colleges to consider: Harvard, Yale, Columbia, University of Pennsylvania

 

Social: Virtually all social life takes place on campus through the aforementioned eating clubs and dorm parties. The college does not endorse any fraternities or sororities, but they do still exist in small numbers. Princeton boasts the oldest college radio station in the country, and those who are culturally inclined will be pleased to find plenty of art offerings both on and near campus. 

 

Varsity and intramural athletics are a big deal at Princeton. Eleven of the Tiger’s 38 Division I teams took home Ivy League conference titles in the 2017-2018 season, including men’s cross country and track and field, as well as women’s lacrosse, soccer and basketball. Every fall the freshman and sophomore classes square off in the Cane Spree, an intramural Olympics that has been a Princeton tradition since 1869. Other traditions include Communiversity Day, which is an international festival, and lawn parties are hosted in the spring. 

 

The surrounding town of Princeton, New Jersey has plenty of parks, woods and bike trails. When students do want to take a break from campus, they usually only venture as far as New York City or Philadelphia, both of which are an hour away (opposite directions) by train. 

 

Financial: Students are admitted to Princeton without regard for their financial need. Princeton offers need-based financial aid and has replaced loans with grants in their financial aid awards. The average percent of need met is 100%, with 100% being fully met. Although the tuition and fees are $77,000, the average financial aid package is $50,000. 85% of students receive financial aid. Princeton does not offer merit or athletic scholarships. 

Get ahead and stay ahead! Get my FREE Toolkit.

Randolph College may be coed now, but many traditions still continue

Named #9 of “Top 50 Green Colleges” and receiving many other accolades, Randolph College is situated on a picturesque 100-acre campus in an historic residential area of Lynchburg, Virginia. Students have close access to shopping and entertainment, as well as public transportation, and Washington, D.C. and Virginia Beach are just a short drive away. Founded in 1891 as Randolph-Macon Woman’s College, Randolph became co-ed in 2007 and men currently make up one-third of undergraduates. 

 

Here are a few quick facts about Randolph:

4-year Graduation rate: 52%, 6-year: 56%

Acceptance: 90%

Freshman retention: 71%

Freshmen out of state: 24% 

Most popular majors: biology, sport/exercise studies, history, psychology

Student Community Diversity: 16% Black, 6% Latino, 3% International

 

Housing: Seventy-six percent of Randolph students live in the dorms where the main drawback is that many of the buildings lack air conditioning. Main Hall is known on campus as “The Hilton” due to being the largest dorm and because of its central location on campus. After the first year, housing is selected by a lottery with the college-owned apartments across the street being the most popular option. 

 

Academics: Randolph offers 33 majors and 43 minors and boasts pre-professional programs in engineering, nursing, law, medicine and veterinary studies. The teacher licensure program is enhanced by two graduate degree programs. The two pillars of the general education requirements are core competencies (writing, quantitative reasoning, and language) and ways of knowing (artistic expression, human experience, culture and identity, social and natural science, and physical education). This matrix allows students to explore different areas and take classes in almost every department.  

Eighty-six percent of classes enroll fewer than 20 students and there are no TAs so students get to know their professors and vice versa. All students are eligible to apply for the RISE grant, which provides students with funding for research, international travel and other academic pursuits. Students who are interested in participating in original and innovative research will find the opportunity to do so through the Center for Student Research and the Summer Research Program – an intensive 8-week program that gives undergraduates the opportunity to present findings at professional conferences and/or publish in professional journals. 

Finals week looks a lot different on Randolph campus – students may pick up their final exam when they are ready and take it in the room they choose. This is possible because of the Randolph Honor Code, which is “the backbone of a tight-knit community that gives our students the respect and dignity they deserve as scholars and human beings.” 

 

Similar colleges to consider: Hendrix, Millsapp, Wells, Eckerd

 

Social: There is no Greek life on Randolph campus, so the real social scene is inside The Red Brick Wall, with a number of secret societies, clubs and other social organizations. Macon Activities Council hosts comedians, bands and other entertainers, talent shows and outdoor parties to keep the student populace from getting bored. Popular Randolph traditions include the Even/Odd class rivalry, Never Ending Weekend and the Pumpkin Parade, just to name a few. 

Randolph Wildcats compete in Division III sports. While there is no football team, their equestrian and women’s teams have been most competitive, along with men’s soccer, basketball, tennis, and track and field.

 

Financial: Randolph offers need-based aid, as well as non-need based merit aid. They do not offer any athletic scholarships. The average percent of need met is 79%, with 21% being fully met. Although the tuition and fees are $41,750, the average financial aid package is $35,873. 90% of students receive scholarships.

Get ahead and stay ahead! Get my FREE Toolkit.

University of Florida offers strong engineering programs and nationally ranked athletic teams

Where can you find great weather, nationally ranked athletic teams, 20 buildings on the National Register of Historic Places, and a college that is a world leader in…citrus science? Look no further than University of Florida, which is located on 2,000 acres (you may want to bring your bike) of forested terrain in northern central Florida. There you and about 30,000 other undergraduates will also find nationally recognized programs in engineering and business, as well as strong pre-professional programs in accounting and pharmacy, and extensive facilities for agriculture education (and not just for citrus fruits).

 

Here are a few quick facts about University of Florida:

4-year Graduation rate: 68%, 6-year: 90%

Acceptance: 39%

Freshman retention: 97%

Freshmen out of state: 12% 

Most popular majors: psychology, biology, mechanical engineering

Student Community Diversity: 6% Black, 22% Latino, 2% International

 

Housing: About 22% of students reside on campus in dorms that can be described as comfortable. UF’s Cypress Hall is one of only five in the nation that is recognized for being designed specifically to be accessible to students with severe physical impairments. Most undergraduates live on campus during freshman year to get the residential life experience, but then move after that. While the campus dining halls get a mixed review, there are a suitable number of vegetarian and vegan options available. 

 

Academics: University of Florida’s general education program includes courses in liberal arts, including classes that focus on themes of internationalism or diversity and multi-disciplinary courses on current topics. A couple of UF’s gems include the College of Journalism and Communications, with its impressive Innovation News Center, and the Graham Center for Public Service, which prepares students for careers in public service with courses in languages, cultures and other fundamental skills.

Even though there is a large campus population, nearly half of undergrad classes have fewer than 20 students. Professors are said to have deep professional experience, but for the introductory-level classes, you are more likely to find a graduate teaching assistant behind the lectern. For those who are looking for enrichment opportunities, it should be noted that half of UF’s undergrads are involved in research and about six percent study abroad in over 70 countries. 

 

Similar colleges to consider: UC Berkeley, UCLA, University of Virginia, University of Michigan

 

Social: University of Florida, and surrounding Gainesville, has a social scene for every type of student. Greek rush, which claims 18% of men and 23% of women, happens right before classes start in the fall and again in the spring. 

University of Florida boasts one of the top intercollegiate athletics programs in the country, making Division I sports a year-round obsession. Florida State and University of Georgia remain the Gators’ biggest rivals and homecoming festivities, known as the “Gator Growl” is the largest student-run pep rally in the nation. If you aren’t involved in varsity sports, you can still get active through 50 club sports, 40 intramural leagues and tournaments and 1,100 student organizations. Another perk to being a student at UF is being able to utilize the 60,000 square-foot fitness park. 

Gainesville, which is between the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico, is very much a college town. There you will find a plethora of stores, restaurants, bars, a sports arena and a performing arts center which puts on a variety of productions, including Broadway plays. For the student who likes to get outdoors, UF owns a nearby lake, and there are plenty of parks, forests, rivers and streams nearby for backpacking, camping and canoeing as well. Orlando, St. Augustine and Jacksonville are some of the most popular getaway destinations. 

 

Financial: University of Florida offers mostly need-based financial aid and grants, and a small percentage of non-need based merit and athletic scholarships. The average percent of need met is 99%, with 29% being fully met. Although the tuition and fees for in-state and out-of-state students are  $21,430 and $45,898, respectively, the average financial aid package is $16,655. 96% of incoming students receive scholarships and financial aid.

Get ahead and stay ahead! Get my FREE Toolkit.

How to find your people at Northwestern

northwestern blog post

With academics to rival the Ivies and the spirited atmosphere of Big Ten publics, Northwestern combines Division I sports with quality instruction. It’s 231-acre campus, which is set off the town of Evanston, IL and runs a mile along the shore of Lake Michigan, makes for the perfect location for picnicking, fishing, running, or simply daydreaming in between classes.

The sense of community and collaboration at Northwestern belies its highly selective admissions. The students I met at  Northwestern University were sincere about their passions and authentic by nature. If you are passionate about your major, Northwestern may be a good fit for you. 

One of the most interesting traditions at Northwestern is the campus-wide “primal scream” which takes place on the Sunday night before finals. The student body joins in to let out their stress and frustration before buckling down again to continue their studies. Another yearly tradition is the “Wildcat Welcome,” a week-long orientation to acclimate incoming freshman to college life and to build community.

 
Here are a few quick facts about Northwestern:

Acceptance: 9%

Freshmen retention: 98%

Freshmen from out of state: 70%

Most popular majors: engineering, economics, journalism

4-year Graduation rate: 83%, 6-year: 94% 

Student Community Diversity: 6% Black, 13% Latino, 10% International

Northwestern University

 

Housing

88% of freshmen but only 52% of all undergraduates live in the dorms. There are residence halls available and themed residential colleges. Dorms range from 50 to 600 students. Some residential colleges bring students and faculty together during faculty “firesides” or over meals. Fraternities and sororities have their own houses.

 

Academics at Northwestern

Prospective students must apply to one of these 6 schools in admissions:

  • Arts and Sciencesnorthwestern campus has a techy and artsy side
  • Communication
  • Education and Social Policy
  • Engineering and Applied Science
  • Journalism, Media, Integrated Marketing Communications
  • Music

Each school has flexible requirements that can be taken anytime during the 4 years of undergraduate. The academic programs are so varied and fluid that those “undecided” can still find a home here.

Northwestern takes advantage of its location and global alumni network to support students through co-op and internship opportunities. The Chicago Fields program offers credit for full-time work, with Monday through Thursday spent on the job and Fridays are supplemented with classroom debrief and discussion.

Northwestern University offers unusual flexibility combined with a wide choice of academic concentrations. There are also several certificate programs available, which is 4-6 courses in a specific area, like Financial Economics or Managerial Analytics from Kellogg School of Business, since there’s no undergraduate business program.

The philosophy of the engineering program is that there’s no one solution to problems and students start with real-world projects. All first year engineering students take a course in “Engineering Design Thinking and Communication” which includes a design project with a local organization.

 

Social

Much of the social life on Northwestern’s campus is centered on the Greek system, with roughly one-third of the students go Greek. For non-Greeks, on-campus entertainment opportunities are still numerous, including theater productions, concerts, and movies. The student government and Activities and Organizations Board sponsor a variety of campus-wide events, such as the very popular 30-hour Dance Marathon and Dillo (Armadillo) Day, an end-of-the-year “festival of music, debauchery, and Greek life,” in the words of a journalism major.

One of the most well-known traditions is when representatives of student organizations slip out in the dead of night to paint their colors and slogans on “the Rock.”

Northwestern has the winningest debate team in the country. In all, there are more than 480 student organizations. My personal favorite is the Happiness Club which spreads love around campus offering hugs, high fives, puppies during finals and hot chocolate in the winter.

 

Financial 

Northwestern offers need-based financial aid, with 100% of need fully met. There are no merit-based scholarships. Although the tuition and fees are about $79,000, the average financial aid package is $56,000 and 81% of students receive financial aid.

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

Basketball, a great social scene and strong programs – IU Bloomington has it all

If you are not intimidated by large crowds (32,000 undergraduates, say what?), have a passion for basketball, and are looking for strong programs as well as a great social scene, then Indiana University at Bloomington may be the college for you. IU is situated on a 1,936-acre campus in southern Indiana, which features a variety of architectural styles, including a few fountains and gargoyles, a large arboretum and some impressive new and recently renovated buildings. 

Here are a few quick facts about IU Bloomington:

4-year Graduation rate: 64%, 6-year: 78%

Acceptance: 77%

Freshman retention: 91%

Freshmen out of state: 38% 

Most popular majors: finance, informatics, marketing

Student Community Diversity: 4% Black, 6% Latino, 9% International

Housing: Freshman can rest assured that they will have a place in one of the many dorms, which range in style from Gothic quads to 13-floor high rises. All dorms have laundry facilities, computer clusters, cafeterias and undergraduate advisors. Some dorms even have language-speaking or academic floors. Students will find a variety of dining options laid out in both buffet style and food courts with offerings of international and healthful menus amongst the usual fast food options. Alcohol is prohibited in the dorms. 64% of all undergraduates live on campus. 

Academics: Indiana University prides itself on its liberal arts education. Freshmen are not admitted to pre-professional schools, but to the “University Division,” and majors are declared after one or two years. General education coursework consists of courses in math, science, social and historical studies, arts and humanities, English composition, world language and cultures, as well as additional requirements that vary by school. IU has many acclaimed schools, including the Kelley School of Business, School of Education and the Jacobs School of Music, as well as the School of Public and Environmental Affairs, which is a top choice for those with an interest in environmental policy. 

The undergraduate who would like to study abroad will find 380 programs in 52 countries and 17 languages in nearly every field of study. Almost a quarter of students participate in these opportunities. 

“Rigorous, but not cutthroat” is the best way to describe the academic climate at IU. Competitive overachievers and laid-back carefree individuals will all find room here as they take several of the 4,000 courses offered each semester. Undergraduates are an important part of the educational process – many faculty members take their research results straight to the students, and professors in math and science are known for bringing undergrads into the labs to assist with ongoing projects.

Similar colleges to consider: Purdue, University of Michigan, University of Wisconsin – Madison, The Ohio State University

Social: The most active social scene on campus is that of the Greeks, which attracts 24% of men and 21% of women. A range of extracurricular organizations, concerts, ballets, recitals and festivals on campus keep students busy, and the IU student union is one of the largest in the country. For those who like to get out a bit more, Bloomington is a great college town with plenty of restaurants, shops and bars. In the local area, the nature lovers will be pleased to find some impressive rock quarries and forests for hiking and there are nearby caves for the enthusiastic spelunker. 

Division I varsity athletics overshadow the numerous intramural and club sports, and basketball is pretty much an established religion in Indiana. Purdue is IU’s athletic rival with both teams playing for the Old Oaken bucket, which was found on a farm in southern Indiana in 1925 and rumored to have been used during the Civil War. 

Financial: Indiana University, which admits students on a need-blind basis, offers both need- and non-need based aid, as well as athletic scholarships. An average of 71% of need is met, with 31% being fully met. Although the tuition and fees for in-state and out-of-state are $25,000 and $53,000,  respectively, the average financial aid package is $12,000. 71% of students receive scholarships.

Get ahead and stay ahead! Get my FREE Toolkit.

What Loyola Marymount University has to offer for college-bound

Ideal weather year round and solid programs in film and television, liberal arts and sciences, and business – this is what you will find at Loyola Marymount University. Established in 1911, LMU is situated on a 142-acre bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean and Marina del Rey and is the only Roman Catholic University in Los Angeles. 

Here are a few quick facts about LMU:

4-year Graduation rate: 76%, 6-year: 84%

Acceptance: 47%

Freshman retention: 90%

Freshmen out of state: 40% 

Most popular majors: Management, Marketing, Communication Studies, Film and Television Production

Student Community Diversity: 7% Black, 22% Latino, 10% International

Housing: Fifty-three percent of students live in on-campus housing, which is described as “pretty nice.” Many first-year students opt to participate in themed living/learning communities, for example, some are dedicated to specific academic disciplines. LMU students will find a variety of meal plan options and all types of food available. Students report that campus security is good and that they feel safe on campus.

Academics: Loyola Marymount’s general education requirements (the Core Curriculum) is designed to encourage “intellectual breadth.” Themes include faith and reason; virtue and justice; culture, art and society; and science, nature and society. The main tenant of this curricular requirement is that it encourages students to be open to various studies. Freshmen will find lots of support through programs such as the honors program and first-year seminar. 

While Loyola Marymount is known for the majors mentioned previously, it also has solid programs in engineering, theatre arts, political science, English, and economics. Students in the School of Film and Television have access to a student-run production office, a television stage and a film soundstage with a professional quality green screen. Students are encouraged to produce their own documentaries that are exhibited at film festivals in both Germany and the United States. 

The College of Science and Engineering takes part in national competitions to design steel bridges and race eco-friendly cars. Need another reason to choose LMU? There are lots of internship opportunities (Disney, MTV and Warner Brothers are on the list of participating companies) and study abroad options are offered on six continents. Nearly a third, 29%, of students participate in one of these experiences during their time at LMU. 

Similar colleges to consider: University of Southern California, UCLA, Santa Clara, Chapman

Social: Loyola Marymount students can expect to have an active social life both on and off campus, with student organizations and clubs frequently hosting events and activities, and beautiful surroundings for those who like to get outdoors. Marina del Rey and Santa Monica are a short car or bus ride away, and those who have a case of wanderlust may find themselves on a road trip to San Diego, Santa Barbara, Las Vegas or Mexico, some of the most popular destinations for LMU undergrads. 

Greek life attracts 17% of men and 29% of women, but students say there is little pressure to drink. The university’s Jesuit heritage has led to a social atmosphere that motivates students to improve themselves through a dedication to helping others, evidenced by the 200,000 hours of volunteer service students put in every year. 

LMU’s varsity teams compete in the Division I West Coast Conference with women’s water polo being a recent champ. Men’s and women’s soccer teams and the women’s volleyball team are also pretty competitive. The LMU Lions’ rivalry with Pepperdine draws a large crowd and the basketball team’s annual pep rally, referred to as “LMU Madness” is another big event. Not to be overlooked is the debate team, which has placed first in more than 250 national and international tournaments over the past 40 years. 

Financial:  Loyola Marymount offers both need-based and non-need based merit aid and scholarships. The average percentage of student need met is 68%, with 23% being fully met. Although the tuition and fees are roughly $73,000 (tuition is the same for in-state and out-of-state students), the average financial aid package is $29,012. 90% of students receive financial assistance in the form of scholarships and grants.

Get ahead and stay ahead! Get my FREE Toolkit.

College of the Week: University of Michigan

University of Michigan, one of the nation’s elite public universities, strives to offer its students a balance of academics, athletics, and social activities. On its 3200+ acres on the main campus (be prepared to use your GPS to get around!), you will find a world-class university with outstanding faculty and top-rated programs designed to make its graduates ready to compete in the 21st century job market. 

Here are a few quick facts about University of Michigan:

4-year Graduation rate: 79%, 6-year: 92%

Acceptance: 23%

Freshman retention: 97%

Freshmen out of state: 45%

Most popular majors: computer science, business administration, psychology, and economics

Student Community Diversity: 4.5% Black, 6.6% Latino, 7.3% International

Housing: The dorms at University of Michigan are described as “mostly comfortable and well-maintained.” Despite being a large campus, only 32% of students reside there. Freshmen are guaranteed housing, but not all sophomores will get a spot, and almost no juniors or seniors live on campus. So where does everyone else live? Many who have pledged live in one of the  fraternity or sorority houses. There are also a large number of college-owned and private co-ops and plenty of off-campus rentals. 

Academics: UM boasts 600 degree programs, which includes 250 undergrad majors as well as individualized concentrations. There are no courses that are required of all freshmen, but all students must complete coursework in English (including composition), foreign language (UM offers over 40, including several that can’t be found at many other institutions), natural science, social sciences and humanities. Students describe courses as being challenging, but not cutthroat. The engineering and business programs are well-respected across the country, and programs in health-related fields are also top-notch. There is excellent academic and career advising for those who seek it, and the Campus Career Center works with 950 companies in their recruiting efforts.

Similar colleges to consider: UC Berkeley, University of Indiana at Urbana-Champaign, Stanford, Cornell

Social: While Detroit is less than an hour away, many UM students flock to nearby Ann Arbor, which has more of a “college town feel.” The Huron River, as well as many lakes and swimming holes are a short drive away for those who like to get outdoors. You will find a large Greek party scene although only about 17% of men and 25% of women “go Greek.” 

In the fall, you can expect Division I football to overshadow nearly everything else. Attending games and cheering, “Go Blue” is a pretty integral part of the University of Michigan experience, with the Little Brown Jug football competition with Minnesota and games against Ohio State being the most popular. Several teams have brought home Big Ten championships in the past year, among them men’s basketball, men’s and women’s cross country, as well as women’s field hockey and gymnastics. For those looking for a more casual form of athletics, there are plenty of intramural sports, which were invented at University of Michigan. 

Financial: University of Michigan offers hundreds of merit scholarships, averaging $5,600 as well as 711 athletic scholarships in 27 sports. Average percent of need met is 91%, with 71% being fully met. UM is the only public university in the state that meets the full demonstrated need of in-state students, and Michigan residents whose families make $65,000 or less qualify for free tuition. Although the tuition and fees are $31,000 for in-state and $68,000 for out-of-state students, the average financial aid package is $27,000. Out-of-state admits with a family income of $90,000 or less can expect to have the full demonstrated need met. 52% of students receive scholarships, averaging almost $18,000 per student. 

Get ahead and stay ahead! Get my FREE Toolkit.

Why Williams is the #1 Liberal Arts College in US

liberals arts in the US
williams college campus
Williams’ picturesque campus is located about an hour from Albany, NY.
Williams is often ranked as the #1 liberal arts college in the country (usually trading places with its top rival, Amherst). Classes are small, teachers are excellent, and students are enthusiastic in academics and athletics. The beautiful and secluded campus in Williamstown, Massachusetts adds to the school’s culture, although it may be too rural or remote for some student’s tastes. There’s been a certain intensity yet fun-loving spirit about my students who have attended Williams. The alumni that I’ve met over the years have been impressively thoughtful. When my son applied to Williams, I appreciated the fact that all students would graduate in 4 years and students can not add a major that would extend their time. This was an appealing distinction because my son loves learning and could be easily interested in studying longer if possible. 🙂

Quick facts about Williams

Acceptance: 13%

Freshman from out of state: 86%

Most popular majors: Economics, Psychology, History, Political Science, Biology, Art History, English

Housing: Guaranteed housing all four years, but seniors have the option to live off campus

4-year Graduation rate: 90%

Student Community Diversity: Blacks: 8%; Latino: 13%; International: 8% Williams College

williams college campus
Tutorials at Williams offer a way for more in-depth, personalized learning.
Academics: Williams emphasizes an interdisciplinary education, so all students are required to complete three courses in each area – humanities, natural sciences, and social sciences. “Tutorials” are a favorite for students, where a class is comprised of two students who alternate writing and critiquing assignments and a supervising professor. Social: “Ephs take their work seriously, but not themselves,” according to an admissions rep I recently met. Social life is active and mostly centered on campus as Williamstown is somewhat of a quiet town. Guests and clubs provide outlets for students, but most enjoy weekend dorm parties. No need to worry though, Williams students boast of its safe, regulated, and still fun campus. Similar Colleges to Consider: Amherst, Brown, Dartmouth, Middlebury, Princeton, Yale Financial: Williams offers need-based financial aid and grants. 100% of need is fully met. 79% of students receive scholarships.Although the tuition and fees are approximately $71,000, the average financial aid package is $50,000. For any student who receives financial aid, books, art and lab supplies, and music lessons are free. About 60% of international students receive aid, even though Williams is need-aware. What do you think about this college? What else would you like to learn about it? Please post your comments below.

Santa Clara in Silicon Valley Emphasizes Ethics and Social Justice

Santa Clara emphasizes a commitment to academics and community and is distinguished nationally by one of the highest graduation rates among all U.S. master’s universities. This comprehensive, faith-based, Division 1 university offers small classes taught by full professors and incorporates faith-inspired values of ethics and social justice to educate students and citizens prepared to contribute to a more just, humane, and sustainable world. The beautiful 106-acre campus in Santa Clara, California, littered with palm trees and luscious rose bushes, is steeped in history and tradition.

This selective mid-sized California university has a heritage of traditional Jesuit ideals of “infusing morality and ethics into strong and coherent academics.” Founded by the Jesuits and with a large undergraduate population (almost half) of Roman Catholics, religion has a non-intrusive impact on campus life. Santa Clara students will find many opportunities for spiritual development and to get involved with local volunteer organizations. Students will also have access to job-recruitment and internships afforded to a university located in Silicon Valley, with other 70% participation.

Here are a few quick facts about Santa Clara:

Acceptance: 50%

4-year Graduation rate: 84%

Freshman retention: 94%

Freshmen from out of state: 41%

Most popular majors: finance, economics, communication

Housing: Guaranteed housing all four years, but juniors and seniors often utilize the option to live off-campus. While nearly all freshmen and sophomores live on campus, the dorms only house about 56% of the overall student population. Plans are currently in the works to build more university housing to help battle the rising cost of off-campus housing. Students have remarked that the campus always feels safe.

 

Santa Clara University

Academics: Santa Clara offers a rigorous undergraduate curriculum as well as robust masters program, law degrees, and engineering doctorate programs. While offering 8 different engineering programs that comprise 15% of the student population, Political Science, Communication, and Psychology are still the most popular classes among students.

SC boasts its 3-2 engineering program in which a student can attain bachelor’s and master’s degrees in five years. The college has also recently added minors in professional writing and real estate. 

Santa Clara’s Core Curriculum prescribes courses in three broad categories: Knowledge, Habits of Mind and Heart (skills), and Engagement with the World. Core Pathways supplement majors and the Core Curriculum by offering 24 sets of courses with interdisciplinary themes (justice and the arts, and values in science and technology, are two such examples). Students choose one Pathway and complete 3-4 courses. A student’s chosen Pathway culminates with an Integrative Reflection Essay and required community service and oftentimes requires completion of a capstone project. 

 

Similar colleges to consider:
Cal Poly–San Luis Obispo, Loyola Marymount, UC Berkeley, UC Davis, University of Southern California

 

Social:  “There’s a great social life both on and off-campus and over a hundred clubs and programs to get involved in,” says one student. Social life is active as 150 student organizations offer a myriad of on and off-campus activities. The Activity Programming Board coordinates a number of popular events such as concerts, movie nights, Midnight Breakfast, to name a few. Although Santa Clara no longer supports fraternities and sororities, Greek organizations and the off-campus party scene still thrive on their own.

Santa Clara’s campus features only one central dining hall where food is prepared by the same company that caters to Apple and Google events. Anyone with a food allergy can take comfort in the fact that they will have a plethora of food options that are organic, farm to table, as well as gluten- and allergen-free.

Financial: Santa Clara offers both university grants and need-based financial aid, with two-thirds of students receiving support. The average percent of need met is 79%. Although the tuition and fees run about $73,000, the average financial aid package is $54,000: $38,000 coming from need-based financial aid, and another $16,000 from merit aid. About 73% of students receive financial aid.

What do you think about this college? What else would you like to learn about it? Please post your comments below.

How Will COVID-19 Affect The 2020 College Admissions Cycle?

How Will COVID-19 Affect The 2020 College Admissions Cycle?

Most of us have seen a change to our day to day lives during the COVID-19 pandemic. While the short-term changes are obvious, many people are wondering what the long-term impact will be. That includes prospective college students. Especially juniors in the Class of 2021 may be wondering how COVID-19 will affect the 2020 college admissions cycle.

The 2020 College Admissions Cycle

The good news is many schools have shared that they don’t expect COVID-19 to impact the college admissions cycle in a major way.

For example, Princeton undergrad admissions tweeted, in early March 2020, “Please note: The coronavirus outbreak and its effects have no impact on how we evaluate applicants to the University.”

That said, there are many ways COVID-19 has already affected students and schools.

Keep in mind, the situation is rapidly evolving. But here’s some of the other information that is currently available about how COVID-19 will (and will not) affect the 2020 college admissions cycle and other academic events.

Admissions Offices

Most post-secondary schools in the United States have closed their admissions offices for now. Be that as it may, they’re still operating virtually. Students can contact them via phone or email to get more information.

Admitted Students Days

If you’re still a year or two away from college visits, we have several resources to help you prepare for successful college campus visits. Click here for my top 5 tips for the best campus visit tips to save you time and money.

But things have been shaken up for students who were planning to visit campuses to learn about their new school this year. Most schools have canceled their admitted students’ days and weekends for students who were already accepted for the fall semester.

Some schools, including Harvard, have moved their admitted students events online. Instead of hosting “Visits” on campus, they’re moving to host “Virtual Visits” that will be available to admitted students for all of April rather than just a three-day period.

College-bound high school juniors should also take a look at this post where I discuss how they (and their parents) can make the most of the year as they prepare for college.

International Students

Many international students have already been accepted for the Fall 2020 semester. Most schools continue to accept and welcome these students. But many schools, including California Institute of Technology (Caltech), require all arrivals at the university to initially follow the same self-quarantine guidelines that apply to all travelers.

 

How Will COVID-19 Affect The 2020 College Admissions Cycle?
A photo from my trip to Caltech

 

Prospective international students could experience certain barriers to their education at American schools. Many schools require standardized testing before admission. In many parts of Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, standardized test sites have closed. This is expected to seriously affect the number of international students that apply.

Tuition and Fees

Unfortunately, having fewer international students is also detrimental to the schools that rely on income from international students. International students are estimated to bring in more than $2.5 billion in tuition plus required fees to American schools.

With fewer admissions, tuition rates could rise for American students, particularly those at public colleges that could lose the most revenue.

Understandably, many prospective students are frustrated with the uncertainty surrounding their upcoming academic future. Prospective students should continue to monitor school websites for updates and information. At the same time, they can continue to do what they can to prepare for college.

Optimistically, most schools are expected to return to normal operation by this fall.

If you’re looking for the right college where you can get in and get money, click here to learn more.

Want to see more posts like this? Don’t miss these:

How to Stay Healthy in College: 5 Top Tips
Top 10 must-dos for college-bounds juniors
7 ways to support your child during the college application process