Summertime with Sheela :]

[Blogger Celinda Note: There are times when I feel like the other PCCs and I are sextuplets because they give me these blog entries that are PERFECT, both written and theme-wise. Today is one of those moments. Btw, if summer college programs aren't something you are interested in, there are plenty of things you can do, such as travel, volunteer, and work. Sheela makes an important point about staying active during the summer!]

Hey Juniors!

With all of the cold weather and snow on the ground, I find myself constantly dreaming about summer and being able to finally do whatever I want. Arguably, the summer before your junior year is the most important because colleges want to see that you are actually doing something besides relaxing. Knowing this, I encourage you all to apply to summer programs! I did one this past summer and it was one of the best decisions I have ever made.

I know that after all the studying and homework you have done this year, you probably don’t want to do even more over the summer by taking a program at some college or another. But here are some reasons why you should consider applying:

1. It isn’t as stressful as you would think!

I went to a two week camp at Duke and when I got the packet in the mail of what I had to buy for the psychology class that I was taking, I was nervous. I had to order a huge book on amazon and had to do reading before I even got there. But, the instructors knows that it is summer and really, everybody is there mostly to try something new and have fun. I can’t guarantee that everybody will have as easy of an experience as me, but if you are applying to a “pre-college” program where you take courses for credit, then my guess is that it will probably be more strenuous than taking a two or three week long course on one subject.

2. It helps you prepare for college

Depending on where you apply, you may find yourself clear across the country. Duke is a 12 hour drive from Champaign, and on the way there I was freaking out. What if I couldn’t survive without my parents?! But once I got there I didn’t want to leave. Yeah you have to live in dorms by yourself, wake up on time, do your own laundry, feed yourself, etc. but it helped me realize that I would be comfortable applying to schools really far away from home. Also, colleges will be impressed with the initiative and risk that you took by doing this. Summer programs at colleges are unique, and if you go to one at a school that you are thinking of applying to, they will see how interested and dedicated you are.

3. It’s fun!

Although there is some work that has to be done for whatever course you may take, the people coordinating the camp want to make it fun for you. They plan activities like going into town to watch movies, go to the mall, or go to sporting events. When I was at Duke, I got to go to a Durham Bulls baseball game, the local mall, and watch Toy Story 3. They also plan events on campus, like ultimate frisbee and soccer tournaments to dances and other socializing events.

Although it is scary at first, leaving town and everything that is familiar, it is better to experience it now rather than when you are leaving to go to college! I made some really great friends at Duke that I still keep in touch with, and although it was only a couple of weeks long, I still have stories that I can tell from there.

The one piece of advice I can give you in terms of applying is: apply early! I know it is only the end of January right now, but this is the time to be looking and applying. Here are some websites to get you started:

http://www.mysummercamps.com/camps/Academic_and_Pre-College_Camps/,

http://www.privateschoolsearch.com/pss/page/summerProgramsList.do,

and the bulletin board outside of the SSO office.

And as always, Lisa and the PCCs can be of help :)

Your PCC,

Sheela

G is for Gap Year!

Happy first day of spirit week everyone! Congrats to you juniors :P
Next item of business: over break I decided I would work on a bunch of the informational blogs, then save them as drafts and just click "publish" when I was ready. I discovered an awful truth though...Google is insane. Half the time I want to chuck the computer out the window in frustration because my blog is malfunctioning. Maybe I'm malfunctioning. Anyway, I wrote a blog about financial aid, but since I began it on January 5th, it published it as such. Here is the link http://collegecorner-celinda.blogspot.com/2011/01/f-is-for-financial-aid.html

Today though, we are discussing a really fun topic: Gap Year!
Every year, at least a few students decide to defer their acceptance for a year in order to travel, work, volunteer, or rest before another four grueling years in college. Most of the students do a Rotary exchange, and the two (FABULOUS) interviews I have are from Class of 2010 students on Rotary, but it isn't the only option. I will provide you some other suggestions/resources, if this isn't the program you aspire to. To start though, enjoy these two interviews from Chris Yoder and Tianna Pittenger!

Tianna (Brazil)
-Why did you decide to take a Gap year?
I wanted to take a gap year ever since my sister went on her foreign exchange to India. I saw the good that it did for her and realized that it would be the experience of a lifetime if I did so as well. She had so much fun and learned so much about other cultures while she was away, and she ended up growing into more of an adult. I wanted the same for myself.

-If you are abroad, what is the process like? When should they begin?
The process for the program that I'm with, Rotary International, is fairly tedious. You need to start applying some time in November, I think, and before that, you need to have interviews and such. The application is daunting: 16 pages, and you need to have 6 copies, all color, with original photos. It's all explained in the meetings, but even so, it's a task, and some people don't even get past that. But it's totally worth it. If someone wants to do a gap year with Rotary, they need to start asking in September or October about the program. Lisa Micele is in contact with representatives who will tell her about meetings and such that they have. Just ask her, and she can generally hook you up.

-How do you deal with colleges and deferring a year?
The college deferral process is fairly painless. But before you apply to a college that you really want, you need to make sure that they allow deferrals and are cool with the program that you choose to be with. But after you get in to whichever college you choose, you need to make a deposit to secure your place, then fill out a deferral form that basically tells them what you're doing and why. The "why" is important, because they could just say, "Eh, this doesn't really seem like a good enough reason." But other than that, it's easy enough. Finding the form on the website was the hardest thing that I had to do.

Chris (India)
Rotary Youth Exchange – Nagpur, India

Hey Celinda,

First, I want to say that this year has been the best thing I have ever done with my life. Now for the questions:

I originally applied for this exchange in November, when it was just another option for the 2010-11 year, like the seven colleges I applied to. I wasn't set on taking a gap year, I was just going to see what happened with my application and see what happened with college.

The further I got into the process of Rotary Exchange, the more committed I became to taking a gap year for the program. My initial application was submitted in November, after two interviews and five copies of a really long paper application. We were given 40 countries to rank, and most of us received one of our top five choices. (India was my fourth choice.) The district which Uni students would apply from (6490) has a 100% acceptance rate. I got my country assignment in January, and I learned my city assignment in April. If I recall correctly, Ethan Stone (class of '08) applied in the spring and was accepted, although there is less flexibility with countries the later you apply. It's still not too late now though!

Rotary Youth Exchange, in a nutshell, is a one-year cultural exchange program. Students live with host families in another country in an attempt to learn the foreign culture and make connections with people abroad. We're not so much students as we are cultural ambassadors: school is not the primary purpose of our exchange.

The financial commitment for the year is also very reasonable: our host families and Rotary clubs account for most of our living expenses. We only have to pay for plane tickets, the July conference in Grand Rapids, MI, and optional tours of our countries/continents.

Of the seven schools I applied to, I was accepted at three (UIUC, Berkeley and USC) and waitlisted at four (Northwestern, UChicago, Vanderbilt and WashU, all to which I was later denied). All but Berkeley and USC said they would definitely allow deferral. As Berkeley was my top choice left, I made a special request to defer, which was granted, and that's where I'll be going after this. Sometimes, it just takes a little extra effort in talking with admissions people. I think most colleges are willing to grant gap years when there's a valid reason to take one.

Rotary Youth Exchange is an excellent gap year opportunity that I think most Uni students would do well with. It's the opportunity of a lifetime and it's the best thing I've ever done.

All the best,
Chris

P.S. Mr. Stone is a good person to talk to about Rotary Youth Exchange.

Chris and Tianna are on opposite sides of the globe, speaking completely different languages, learning completely different cultures, etc. but one thing they have in common: this experience is life-changing for them. Remember though, while I extol the Rotary program, I am not going on an exchange. My personal choice is to go straight to college. Both choices are legitimate and personal. Another thing to keep in mind, if you are considering to do Rotary, is that Rotary is an intense process that starts in November of your senior year (you can begin later, as Chris says, but it becomes more difficult). If you are considering it, have a serious discussion with your parents this spring/summer and check out http://www.rotary.org/en/Pages/ridefault.aspx
Remember, though the Rotary's main purpose is to provide you a cultural experience, you will be expected to attend school. However, from what I hear, Uni kids can handle the school part easily enough.

Not all Uni students decide to go on Rotary. Some decide to stay here and work to raise money for college, some volunteer either locally, regionally, or internationally, and some just...take a year off. Uni is five incredibly intense years, and the idea of jumping into another four years of school is sometimes a little too much to bear (TOTALLY. UNDERSTANDABLE. You have no idea how hard it was to go to school today). Here are a few resources to look at if you are considering the Gap Year, minus the Rotary:
http://globalcitizenyear.org/
http://www.nols.edu/courses/find/byage/gap_year.shtml?gclid=CNSZkMP406YCFY64KgodFWbxHw
http://www.squidoo.com/gapyearlinks

IMPORTANT: Like with scholarship scams, be careful and smart with your research. Avoid shady offers/websites/organizations. If you aren't sure, check with Lisa. If a program needs an interview, bring a trusted adult to the location (you will do the actual interview alone, but you should bring an adult in case something is wrong).

Anyway, soon we are going to discuss Housing and a blog I am really excited to write about...The Ivy Leagues. (cue dramatic music!). Plus, this week, expect to see Sheela blogging her little heart out :]

-Celinda :D

Take Five With Revathi

[Missay here was sick, yet wrote a blog! Go girlie :] Tomorrow (hopefully! We'll see) I will have a financial aid blog, then we have TWO guest contributors from the Class of 2010 who are on Rotary. They are sharing their thoughts on the Gap year!]

Hey guys,
I know that second-semester junior year is busy and stressful. In fact the entire college process can be scary and terrifying. But you will get through this, I promise. So, here are a few things that I suggest you keep in mind as you embark on the college process:

- Testing
Testing can be really confusing. Some schools want subject tests, some schools don’t, some use Score Choice, some don’t. Once you have a list of colleges that you are interested in be sure to look at the testing they require. You don’t want testing be the reason you can’t apply to a school. Also, I know this might seem like a given but STUDY. I’m one of those people who cram for two weeks before the test and it was really difficult to do that last year because the week before a standardized test was always crammed with physics quizzes, English papers, history tests, etc. So make sure to plan ahead and keep that in mind when you come up with a study schedule. Also, it’s a good idea to talk to teachers if you are taking a subject test in their subject.

- College visits
College visits can be really helpful. Over spring break of junior year, I went on college visits. One college I was interested in was right in the middle of a city and when I visited, I realized that I hated their campus. Sure, the school was great but the campus was basically designed in a straight line and there was no “green space”. In the end, I did not end up applying to that school because I knew I would not be happy there. Another college I disliked due to the emphasis on science, something I didn’t know about before I visited. As the presenter talked about requirements in physics, chemistry, and biology, I knew there was no way I would be applying to this school.
Of course, you probably won’t be able to visit every college on your list so keep in mind that you can always visit a college after you are accepted.

- Lisa (and the SSO)
Be sure to talk to Lisa about questions or advice.

Your PCC,
Revathi :)

ACTs and SATs and Subject Tests oh my!

This month begins the official test taking period for Juniors. Today, we are going to discuss each test, how do colleges use the scores, superscoring, test prep ideas, and my own personal experience (PHEW, that's a lot).

The two major tests for college entrance are the ACT and the SAT. We will also discuss SAT II (Subject tests). Below are fast facts about each test

ACT (http://www.actstudent.org/):
-Tests are offered February 12, April 9, and June 11 for this school year.
-ACT is broken up into four long tests, which are English, Reading Comprehension, Science Comprehension, and Math.
-The test is recorded on a 1-36 scale for each test, then combined into voodoo magic to get your composite score, also on a 1-36 scale
-Writing is optional, but I always push for signing up for it, because it is cheaper and more time efficient in the long run to buy the extra portion than it is to retake the whole test

In regards to the actual test material...
English is a 45 minute test with 75 questions. The questions are going to be grammar/spelling/logic correction questions.
Math is a 60 minute test with 60 questions. The questions are going to require your math skills up to around the Algebra II level. AKA, no calculus or pre-calculus.
Reading Comprehension is a 35 minute test with 40 questions. Remember the SSAT? Same format, just harder passages.
Science Comprehension is a 35 minute test with 40 questions. This is often the enemy of many a Uni kid. The crazy part about this test is you DON'T need scientific knowledge. This portion of the test is sort of like a specialized reading comprehension section. Knowledge of graph reading is important, but reading comprehension skills are also essential.

Let me tell you my ACT story. I took the ACT twice because I did better at my first ACT than my first (and last) SAT. However, the first time I took it, I thought I was going to bomb it. I was a little under the weather, I had a fight with someone the night before, I was taking my first ACT. Needless to say, I was freaking. I did okay though. My math and my science had room to improve though. When I took it the second time, I focused on Science especially. I did every practice problem I could. And I improved it seven points. None of my other scores really changed all that much, but my overall composite score improved two points. Focusing on a subject I feel I could improve on was better than focusing on all portions in detail. You will stretch yourself thin that way.

SAT (http://www.collegeboard.com/):
-Tests are offered Januaury 22, March 12, May 7, and June 4 for this school year
-SAT is broken up into ten sections, covering Math, Reading Comprehension, and Writing
-Each test is scored on a 200-800 score, then each score is added together to give you a 600-2400 test score
-The writing section is included

In regards to the actual test material...
The SAT is special. At least, that's what its mother told it. In all seriousness though, instead of four big tests, the subjects are broken up over 10 sections. The time for each section is the variable, not necessarily the subject. There is a 25 minute essay, five 25 minute sections, two 20 minute sections, and one 10 minute section. There is a 10th section, but this one varies from test to test.

Personal SAT story time. I took the SAT back in January of my junior year. It is just a blur in some ways now. I took it, thought I did a pretty damn good job. Who cares if I didn't study so much? The SAT people, that's who. My scores came back fairly okay, but a) not my projected PSAT scores and b) not as high as if I had studied better. One problem is that I didn't spend the time to look at the format of the test. I suppose another thing is that I was cocky. I am not amazing at standardized tests. I took the SSAT three times because my math score was incredibly low the first time I took it. I was cocky though, because I didn't realize the amount of energy it takes to sit down and take a four hour test. It's taxing as hell. I didn't take the SAT again, but if I did, I would walk in with a realistic mind set, knowing what to expect on the test.

SAT IIs/Subject tests (http://www.collegeboard.com/)
-There are 20 subject tests offered: Literature, US History, World History, Math Level 1, Math Level 2, Biology E/M, Chemistry, Physics, French, French w/listening, German, German w/ listening, Spanish, Spanish w/ listening, Modern Hebrew, Italian, Latin, Japanese w/ listening, Korean w/ listening, and Chinese w/ listening.
-The tests are offered on the same days as the SAT above EXCEPT MARCH.
-The Language with Listening tests are only offered in November
-Scored 200-800
-Each test is an hour long, and you can take up to three a day

In regards to actual test material...
This will definitely vary for each of the tests. I won't go over them all, but check out the SAT Subject tests part of Collegeboard.com. Further, talk to a teacher if you are planning to take a subject test in their subject. Ask how much they cover the material that appears on the test and if taking the test is reasonable at all (I've heard some teachers say that taking the subject test in their subject is a bad idea, because the student won't be prepared at all).

My own personal Subject tests story. I took Literature, US History, and Math Level 1. I went in, believing that I knew enough for the test, with only minimal studying. Don't let the fact that you are taking a test in a subject you know fool you. This isn't a school test. This is a standardized test. Study like you would for the SAT or ACT. Literature? Ack. US History, a little less ack, but still pretty bad. Math? Eh, I did okay enough. Still, I wish wish wish I had studied better. If you are interested in taking these tests, but are unsure of which, research! Some schools require certain ones based on major. Some don't want them at all. Some don't specify which. It changes. Also, talk to Lisa, she can give you some good suggestions.

As many know, things are often in opposition, battling for the affection of the masses. Cats vs. Dogs, Mornings vs. Nights, Futbol vs. Football, Pokemon vs. Yu-Gi-Oh, East Coast vs. West Coast. Same with these tests. Some people will say the ACT is better and some will say the SAT is better. The only way you'll find out? Take both! I am a big supporter of taking both tests, to see which is your stronger test, then you can take the test you are stronger in again. (BTW, dogs, nights, football, Pokemon, West coast, and ACT. BAM!)

Colleges and scores:
Juniors, you must must must must keep in mind that these tests are only PART of the greater whole. Schools care about your essays, your recommendations, your GPA, which classes you took, your volunteerism, your work experience, your travels, etc. Some schools will care about one thing more than others. As you look at colleges, use collegeboard to search your college. Under admissions criteria, they provide a list of their very important criteria, their important, and their considered. Most schools will take either SAT or ACT. Some will need the writing component of the ACT. Some will need Subject tests. It varies, so do your research.

Superscoring and Score Choice:
-Score choice, a SAT thing, is pretty much giving you the choice to send the test based on test date (or individual tests of the Subject tests).
-Superscoring, an ACT thing, is a school choosing your best subscores (ignoring test date) and combining them to make the best score. So, for example, let's say for the Feb test you got a 28 in Reading and in April you got 31. They will take your 31, and combine it with your best Math, best Science, and best English, ignoring the test date. [IMPORTANT: Not all schools superscore]

Test Prep:
There are two ways you can prepare: on your own and in a class. Both methods work, just for different people.
-I studied on my own. For the ACT I used the Princeton Review's book. In fact, I recommend them for all the different tests. I don't recommend the official guides because they tend to sugarcoat/limit what you see. Think about it. If I gave a guide answering all your questions the first time, you wouldn't have to take the test more than once. They're in business, so buy unofficial. The official SAT study guide is actually pretty good, if you aren't into Princeton review.
-Some people swear by the local ACT prep classes. If they work for you, then sign up! Ask seniors, to see if any of them took the prep class, and their opinion. Some suggestions are Kaplan, private tutoring, etc.

Anyways, if any of you have any questions (that was a lot of any's) comment, email, or stop a PCC in the hall!

-Celinda :]

Celinda vs. the Interview

I have had three official admission counselor interviews and now two alumni interviews for college. Let me tell you one thing. It is supposed to be comfortable. It is supposed to be fun. It is supposed to be a conversation. But one thing doesn't leave your mind: I hope they like me. That's what makes interviews nerve-wracking, especially college interviews. Learning from my interview today, I want to explore the different aspects of the interview, how I feel about them, and then possible solutions with dealing with it.

"I'm bragging about myself."
Where is the line between talking about all your talents and strengths and bragging about yourself? Honestly, I was wondering that myself. It's hard for some people to review their strengths and weaknesses and say wholeheartedly "I am a logical thinker" or "I have an innate curiosity of the world". One reason why it is difficult might be that our strengths aren't illuminated 24/7. For example, I could have a curious mind, but I know there could be moments when I couldn't care less. So when I tell the interviewer "Curious mind, right here" I feel like I am lying a bit. Another reason might be because telling someone about our strengths raises their expectations of us. We are scared that they might think "Curious mind, right there" and then discover the mind isn't all that curious.
Solutions: Positive energy is a key factor. For example, the word "failure" is banned in this house. In fact, that is the sole reason I am writing this blog while my mother is out. That's a lie. But a good one. Anyway, positive energy helps. Instead of thinking of all the things you can't do or haven't done, think of all the things you can do or have done. Don't ignore your weaknesses, because they are what make you human, but remember this: the interview is your place to shine. Walk in thinking "Heck yah I'm awesome. Wanna know why?". Then tell them. Tell them why. Remember though, you are human. Don't lie about what your strengths and weaknesses are.


"How do I show them I want to go?"
Ah yes. The eternal "Why ___? question. I loathe that question. I often want to scream at the top of my lungs "BECAUSE I WANT TO COME. I HAVE NO RHYME OR REASON FOR THE CHOICES I MAKE". Alas, that's not good enough. (Note: it usually isn't good enough for those annoying math questions that say EXPLAIN. I can't write BECAUSE THAT'S THE ANSWER I PULLED OUT OF MY...HEAD). So, the reason you want to go has to be deeper than that. The question is, why are you putting in the time and effort to apply? I had two reasons to answer that question, and I was astonished that it didn't seem good enough. I think the problem was I didn't articulate it well enough. Half the difficulty with this question is finding the answer. The second half is articulating just why YOU want to go. That's much harder. That's asking for you to be unique. Special. One of a kind. Which you are. All humans are. BUT HOW DO YOU SHOW THIS?
Solutions: Research. Visit the college if you can.* You can discuss a popular aspect of the college (For example, May Term at Illinois Wesleyan) but bring it back to you. "I want to apply to Ill Wes because of the May Term. I hope to do an internship at a (name of nonprofit) in Chicago during one of the four offered because since I was eight..." is how you deal with this. I thought I did that, but thinking back, I could have made a stronger argument.


"Have I visited?"*
This one actually got under my skin tonight. I blushed at my other mistakes, but this one I didn't. The question is a reasonable one. They are interested in level of interest, if you have gotten a sense of the campus, the people, etc. However, if you say no, THIS SHOULDN'T be a strike against you, especially if the college you are looking at would be an investment in regards to travel (aka, either coasts, more than 6 hours of driving). An interviewer shouldn't look at you like you have grown a second head. Not all Uni kids have the time, or the means, to travel across the country. Now, if I got into a college in...California for example, I would fly out there. But only after I get in. Never feel bad about not visiting pre-applying. Visit if the school is close though!
Solutions: Students might worry about level of interest. What you should do is search their websites, email the admissions counselor, respond to their annoying emails, have them send to you all their special brochures. If you love a school, don't let distance be a stifling factor. Make the love for the college known virtually.


"What am I supposed to do with the curveball questions????"
Good question! (heeheehee). I have a complex, ambivalent relationship with these questions. On one hand, they're fun to answer sometimes. On the other hand, they're hard to answer sometimes! "Why do people climb mountains?" "What motivates you?"...honestly, it's easy to write off admissions counselors as insane. The wonderful thing I have discovered though is that the counselors love these questions. I mean it, they get a thrill out of asking them, not because they are sadistic, but because every answer is unique. Every. Single. One. What motivates you? Why do people climb mountains? The answer is going to give them a little peek into the beauty that lies within your core. That's why they ask them. Doesn't make it easy. Just thrilling.
Solutions: Deep deep deep breaths. Ask for a moment to think. Don't ever give them the answer you think they want to hear. They have no idea what to expect. Surprise them with your honest answer.

This was one part therapeutic, because I am still uneasy and unsure of interviews. I left this one a little shaky, a little upset. Sometimes that's going to happen, no matter which school or job is interviewing you. The problem might be the interviewer and their personality (they're human too), the problem might be you, or there might not be a definitive problem and it might just be an off day. No matter what though, the interview is just part of the great process. Further, you probably did better than you think. I probably did better than I think. It's okay to feel frustration though. I promise.

Tomorrow (hopefully!) I will do a blog about the tests and scores. Thursday, we have the fabulous Revathi blogging. Then (hopefully!) Friday I will write a blog about Financial Aid, in the spirit of FAFSA month.
[btw Seniors, FAFSA!!]

-Celinda :]

Katy: Why EA

Hey Juniors! I decided to wait until after Katy's post because of the EA connection (OOOOH!) Anyway, enjoy! Next week it will be Revathi :]

Dear Internet Friends---

I’m done with kolej. What’s up. I’m writing on someone else’s blog and I’m also done with kolej. Word.

In truth, internet friends! I have been so terrified of college for the last four years that I’ve been spelling it ‘kolej’ and getting more jumpy and terrified and scattered with each passing quarter and now all of the sudden I’m done, I’m free. I filed all my applications early and five nail-biting weeks later got all my college letters, and I’ve made my decision and now I’m free. Cats and kittens, I’m done. Second semester senior. It’s happening.

And nothing is ever that easy, or that cut-and-dry. Internet friends, I was denied admission from my first-choice school! And that was hard, and I cried tears all over and was a general mess for about five minutes. It was pretty bad. They weren’t kind about it either—a three line email, telling me that I couldn’t spend the next four years where I had wanted to be for the last four years. I was, I think understandably, upset.

Incidentally, though, I got a letter from my second choice school the same day—Beloit College, in Wisconsin. The letter was personalized, commending me for my essays, my work with the Wesley Food Pantry, and a few days later there was a lovely email from the rep I’d interviewed with, and met again when I visited (Juniors: he’ll be here in January to do some Uni Period thing about liberal arts educations. Even if it’s not mandatory, you should hit that up. He’s a cool guy. Seniors: If you’re applying to Beloit, or interested in Beloit at all, interview with him! Easy and fun etc.)

And that’s where I’ll be next year, Beloit College. In Wisconsin. I suspect many of you haven’t heard of it, it’s not very large, but I was never really looking for a brand name education, and I loved the visit, and I have friends there. I’ll be happy there. I’m glad to be done with “the college process” and all the messes it entails.

Cats and kittens, that’s it. I’ve summed up my college process, all the salient bits, in four paragraphs and most of it was facetious and there was a fair amount of fluffy language. But that’s it, for me. This entire year has been defined by that moment, crosslegged on my bed, shouting into the phone to my boyfriend trying to be heard over a bad connection.
“I’ll be at Beloit next year.”
“What did you say? I just left, I’m not in Beloit anymore.”
“I said, I’ll be at Beloit next year. That’s where I’m going, to school!”
“That’s, uh, what?”
“Never mind, I’ll call you later!”
“No, I heard you that time!”
“What?”
“Congratulations! I’m happy for you.”

I’m happy for me too, guys. There’s a Bon Iver song about Wisconsin that I’m listen to over and over, only half because it’s sweet and sad and excellent. I got mittens for Christmas because I’ll be in snowy northern climes next year. This was—mostly—painless. And now I’m done, and free.

--So much love!,
Katy
Beloit College, Class of 2015

PS// Dudes, merit aid is important and in this day and age a lot of schools don’t give out a whole lot and you have to rely on financial aid which is pretty skinny, and this is a thing that merits research and study and long conversations with people in the know, but I am running off to school with a quite generous scholarship from Beloit based on my essays and the fact that I applied early. Applying early is worth it if you can, wherever you’re going, because sometimes they give you ca$h monay. I mean, merit aid. To spend on books. And stuff. Anyway.

PPS// If you visit a school that you have friends at, it may well be worth arranging to stay with them instead of a random student through the school! Not that that’s bad, but sometimes you end up with an awkward pairing that just makes everyone uncomfortable. Speaking from experience. Okay anyway I’m done for real now, goodbye, good luck, and godspeed.

Ashley's Advice :]

Hi Juniors!

I’m sure you all had a wonderful and relaxing winter break. However, now we’re trying to get back in the swing of things which means it’s time for you to start actually thinking about college. My second semester junior year was complete confusion for me. I was asking myself questions like: How am I supposed to find out what I want to do for the rest of my life? What if I go to college and I hate the school I decided to go to? How do I even decide what school I want to go to?

All of these questions are ones that I eventually realized in the grand scheme of things but don’t really matter at the moment. I don’t need to find out what I’m going to do RIGHT NOW (though everyone you ever meet will ask you and you will say, “I don’t know,” and they will kind of just look at you). You’ll probably change your major at least 2 times anyway. You’re also not even applying to school yet, you’re trying to figure out why you want to apply to a school. The two key words there are “YOU” and “WHY.” Because really, the next year and a half or so when you’re thinking about college and the rest of your life is one of the only times in your life (unless you suffer from only child syndrome) when most of the things you’re doing and thinking about are all about YOU! YOU! YOU! The college process is all about you, and finding what you want.

Now I know a lot of you, if not all of you, will probably apply to at least one school that one or both of your parents really, really, really want you to go to. Even I did that, and it made my mom so happy when I got into that school, but I have absolutely no urge to go to. Going to that school is like my back up plan to my back up plan. I’m sure applying to and going to whatever school would make your parents very happy, and if you really want to go to that school then that’s awesome to whoever you are, but most of you I’m assuming as angst ridden teens have no urge to please your parents at the moment. And I’m sure applying to Harvard and Yale will impress soooo many people, but who really cares if you went to Yale and were miserable, when you could’ve gone to a school that most people haven’t heard of, where you would’ve had an awesome time and education. Note: Just because the college is supposedly spectacular doesn’t mean it’s for you. College is FOUR YEARS of your life, that’s 1,460 days. Do you really want to have 1,460 days of miserable? You should spend those four years somewhere you love and will really be happy, and not someplace someone else thinks you should be. So there are some questions you need to ask yourself.

TOP QUESTIONS TO ASK YOURSELF:

1. Where do I need to be to be happy? Close to home, east coast, west coast, north, south etc. Maybe even overseas.

2. Do I actually want to go to college immediately after high school or do I want to consider taking a gap year?

3. Do I want to live in a place about the size of Champaign-Urbana? Bigger? Smaller?

4. How big does the school I go to need to be? Less than 5,000 students? More than 10,000?

5. Do I care if I live in a co-ed dorm or not? Do I even want to go to a co-ed school?

6. Would I learn and do my best in a class size of about 20? Or would there not really be a difference between 20 students and 300 in a lecture hall for me?

7. Do I need a college that serves vegetarian friendly meals in its dining halls?

8. Do I want to play a sport in college?

9. What kinds of clubs and extracurricular activities am I involved in now that I want to continue, and which ones do I want to try?

And now for the biggest question of all that will really affect where you go to college and why:

For me, is college just a way to get a job? Or is college four years of my life where I want to have an awesome time, try new things, take weird classes, meet new people, develop as a person, and “find myself”?

That’s the most important question because people will keep telling you that you’ll have a blast and that these are the “best years of your life.” Right now is the time to make your own coming of age story and you should make it great, at a school you’ll love. It’s okay to make mistakes right now, make LOTS, but be sure you’re not mistaking the right school.

Best Tools to Help You Use the Information You Should Have From Answering the Questions Above:

1. LISA!!! (When she’s done with seniors of course)

2. College Board. Go to collegeboard.com and take the “College MatchMaker” survey where they will match you with colleges they think you’ll like based on answers you provide to questions similar and more specific than the ones I provided. Use that survey to really think about YOU(!!!) and research colleges that might make the next four years almost bearable.

I hope this information was more helpful than it was overwhelming. The best of luck to you.

Your PCC,

Ashley

F is for FInancial Aid!

For all families at Uni, college is an expensive venture no matter what the family's income is. That's why I have a whole blog devoted to figuring out financial aid. Financial aid is divided up into two categories: need based aid and non-need based aid.

Need Based Aid

Colleges decide how much aid you might be eligible for by a simple formula: Tuition-Estimated Family Contribution (EFC)=your need. They calculate EFC using the CSS Profile and the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid), which you can research more into at http://www.collegeboard.com/student/pay/scholarships-and-aid/409.html

Keep in mind that the college might also have a financial aid that you will have to fill out too. What exactly are these forms looking for? They ask such questions pertaining to: Assets, Annual Income for both parents, Savings, Mortgage/Rent, Student Income, Student Savings, and much more.

My advice:

-Set a good hour or so to work on this in one fell swoop

-Get started as soon as the forms are available, just in case you need forms mailed, etc.

-Have your tax forms by you for reference. For me, I had to have my mother's 2009 tax forms, as well as estimate 2010's. I will have to mail 2010's to my colleges as soon as they are available. For the juniors, you probably will use 2010's and estimate 2011's, so keep that in mind come April.

-Not all colleges require the CSS. However, you definitely want to double check if your college does because you DON'T want to miss the deadline

-If your parents are divorced, the parent you spend less time with will have to fill out the noncustodial profile, which is available along with the CSS. Make sure that they know that they will have to fill this out and the deadline they must meet. If your parents are divorced and you have no contact with one of your parents, there is a box to check.

Your financial aid package based on need can be made up of several different things. The best kind is grant/scholarship/tuition waiver money. This is gift money and doesn't have to be repaid. The second kind are loans. There are two kinds of loans, and it is important to know the difference. Subsidized loans are based on your need. These loans have yearly interest, but you don't have to pay back these loans until after you graduate. The other kind of loans are unsubsidized, and they aren't based on your need. You have to pay back the yearly interest while you are still in school. The third kind is work study, in which you work during both the school year and the summer. For all of these, it is important to ask the college questions regarding the money. The Collegeboard has a number of questions you should ask: http://www.collegeboard.com/student/pay/ways-to-pay/412.html

Non-Need Based Aid

This is often known as Merit Aid, and is pretty much money based upon talents. Many scholarships are awarded based upon talent and not family's income (though many scholarships still use this as criteria). There are academic, leadership, volunteerism, art, writing, political, all kinds of scholarships! The two best resources for researching are fastweb.com and scholarships.com. Make accounts soon because unlike college, the deadlines vary.

IMPORTANT: There are scholarship scams. Don't fall for them. Here are some important tips to keep in mind.

http://www.collegeboard.com/student/pay/scholarships-and-aid/408.html

However, if you aren't sure, talk to Lisa. She's been in the business of college for years, and she can help you discern the legitimacy of a scholarship. No scholarship should cost money-->kind of against the logic, don't you think? Money is nice for college, but be smart and vigilant. Families trying to make college dreams come true can be a nice target.

Colleges can also give Merit Aid scholarships, usually academic or departmental. For example, I am eligble for a $2,500 Humanities scholarship from Loyola because I am an intended history major. The thing about Merit Aid is that the lesser known schools or the ones you have a better chance of getting into are going to be the ones giving the best merit aid. This is because you are going to be an above average student, thus a strong contender for merit money. That's a big reason Lisa and all of us PCCs push for broadening your college possibilities by research. Some of these non-brand name schools are academically sound, places you might be happy at, and a bargain because of merit aid. Keep that in mind as you do your research.

Anyway, I will write about Gap Year soon!

-Celinda :]

E is for EA/ED

As we begin second semester, I want to give you a heads up on what kind of blogs you should be expecting. If you haven't picked up on the trend, I am working on A-Z college related blogs. The next three in the series are E is for EA/ED (or this one), F is Financial Aid, and G is for Gap Year. On Thursdays, I am sitting back with some sort of fruity (non-alcoholic!) drink out of a coconut as the other fantastic PCCs take turns being guest contributors. This Thursday is Ashley Huddson! This coming weekend, stay tuned for a very important special edition testing/scores blog. Now, let's talk EA/ED!

If you hadn't noticed, part of Uni High’s senior class was all flustered in the middle weeks of December. Some of them were like that because OMG finals and OMG end of semester and OMG I don't remember what it's like to relax. A big reason though were EA/ED decisions coming back. Today I want to discuss these two (separate) programs, the pros and cons, and what you need to do as a student in order to apply through these programs.

Early Admissions (EA):
I personally applied to an EA program, and heard back from my college in mid-December. Here are the facts about the program.
-They are Non-Binding, meaning if you get into the college you don't have to go and you still have until May 1st like regular decision folks to decide
-You can apply to multiple schools under the EA program
-Some colleges offer fee waivers/automatic consideration for scholarships if you apply early
-You get a decision back usually in mid-December
-If you are deferred*, you are put into the regular decision applicant pool for reconsideration
-Though applying EA shows a level of interest, colleges still accept vast amounts of their students in the regular decision pool, so don't feel bad if you don't apply EA

Early Decision (ED):
-One of the biggest components of the ED program that differentiates it from EA is that it is BINDING. If you get in, you have to go to that college.
-Some colleges offer fee waivers/automatic consideration for scholarships if you apply early
-You get a decision back usually in mid-December
-If you are deferred, you are put into the regular decision applicant pool for reconsideration
-Applying ED shows a different level of interest than EA because of the binding aspect. You should have a serious conversation with your parents and Lisa before pursuing this option.

For both programs you can continue to work on Regular Decision schools. If you get into a school via ED, you must withdraw your RD schools. If you get into a school via EA, you can still continue to apply to your RD schools.

Pros and Cons for both programs: (Like all aspects of the college process, there are a myriad of pathways that fit all kinds of students. Each pathway has its own strengths and weaknesses. I am going to provide a list of pros and cons, but keep in mind that often the pros can outweigh the cons and vice versa)
-Pro: You will be done applying to schools in December if you do ED and can be done if you do EA
-Con: Students accepted through an ED program must go without knowing their official financial aid package (that comes out for all students in the spring)
-Pro: EA programs allow you to get done with the process faster, without the binding aspect
-Con: Your college calendar will be shifted so that you will have to get things done earlier than other students
-Pro: EA/ED students often have priority when it comes to scholarship money
-Con: You have to be done testing in November of Senior year

There will be pros and cons more specific to the schools you look at, but these are the basic ones I can come up with.

The Timeline of EA/ED students: the college process is a little more structured and shifted earlier for those who pursue these programs.

Junior Year
January-May: You need to be taking the ACT/SAT during this period
May/June: If any of your schools take Subject Tests, or you think you might need them, this is the time to take them
Over the summer: Start working on your applications. The Common App for your class will become available in August

Senior Year
Late August-October: You need to be working on your applications, getting teachers to be writing recommendations for you no later than early October, and working on the CSS Profile if it is needed**. Note, if you need to retest either the ACT/SAT, the latest SAT test is October, and some schools will take the November ACT (though you won't see your scores).
November: Send in those Applications!

Restrictive Early Admissions (I like think of it as the kid of EA and ED) : Restrictive EA is a program with a little bit of EA and a little bit of ED mixed in. It is non-binding like EA, but you can only apply to that one school early, like ED. For example, Yale has a restrictive EA program. That means if you apply to Yale early, it will be the only school you can apply to early. If you get in however, you are not required to go.

*Deferrals will be discussed in a later blog
** CSS Profile will be addressed in the Financial Aid blog, which is the next one in the sequence

-Celinda :]