A Visit to Yale University

April 13, 2013

By Sue Luse

Location

I had an absolutely awesome tour of Yale, even though it was a really cold day! This charming campus is located in in the heart of down town New Haven, Connecticut, which is known as a vibrant community full of opportunities. As Yale’s President Richard Levin has said, “New Haven is large enough to be interesting but small enough to be friendly.”

Campus Housing

I was very impressed with Yale’s Residential College System.  Each of the twelve residential colleges has its own distinctive architecture, courtyard, dining hall, and library, as well as activity spaces.  It reminded me of Harry Potter and Cambridge and Oxford. It is often said that most freshman quickly become convinced that their residential college is the best residential college.

Freshman are randomly assigned to one of the twelve residential colleges giving them a built-in community from the moment they arrive on campus. Each residential college has approximately 450 students and this is their home for all 4 years at Yale. The residential colleges reminded me of a fortress home away from home. They are comprised of suites with a large common room and bathrooms shared by approximately 8 students. These colleges bring together faculty and students forming a unique bridge between academic and social life.

Academics

• 75 majors to choose from
• Students choose majors at the end of their sophomore year
• There are no minors, but you can double major
• Approximately 12 of your 36 courses will be within your major
• 36 courses needed  to graduate
• Yalies typically take four or five courses each fall and spring
• Student-to-faculty ratio is 6:1
• In the Engineering Department,the faculty to student ratio is 1:1
• Students take 1/3 of their courses within a distribution requirement (rather than core classes) and 1/3 in their major and 1/3 are electives
• 2,000 classes are offered every year
• Over 70 languages offered
• 800 research labs
• 95% of science students do research
• Most students are published

Yale has what they call a “Shopping Period” – the first 10 days of each semester are a time when students can visit dozens of classes that interest them in order to decide which ones they want to take.  Students build their class schedule as they “shop”. During this shopping period students also meet with academic advisors to sort through all of the academic opportunities. Through this process, students formulate their most fulfilling academic semester!

Financial Aid

• Need blind
• Need based
• No merit or athletic scholarships
• Scholarships meet 100% of need
• Cost of attendance is approximately $56,000 a year
• The average financial aid package is $36,000
• 55% of undergraduates receive need-based aid directly from Yale
• Families whose total gross income is less than $65,000 are not expected to make a contribution towards their child’s Yale education
• No loans offered

Posted in College, Colleges Visited, Tours,

A Visit to Pratt Institute

April 1, 2013

By Sue Luse

Campus Overview

Located in Brooklyn, New York, Pratt is the opposite of Pace or New York University. This campus is a very peaceful place with lots of green, open spaces. Pratt is among quaint old brownstones within the historic Clinton Hill residential neighborhood.  Lots of cute little eateries and plenty of families, kids and dogs walking around.  I felt very safe on this campus.  This place looks and feels like an art school and is only 25 minutes from the art center of the world – Manhatten. Pratt students enjoy the campus’s uniquely acclaimed and contemporary sculpture garden.  There is also a subway stop on campus.

Pratt’s Mission Statement

The mission of Pratt Institute is to educate artists and creative professionals to be responsible contributors to society.

Pratt’s Schools & Curriculum

Pratt is home to :

• School of Architecture
• School of Art & Design
• School of Information & Library Science
• School of Liberal Arts & Sciences
• Center for Continuing and Professional Studies

Pratt has always believed that educating generalists rather than specialists (Industrial designers rather than car designers, writers rather than journalists) is essential in supporting our mission: to educate creative individuals to be leaders in their fields. The fact that this philosophy is reflected in the professional world with the boundaries between various art forms disappearing confirms this approach.

Top Three Reasons Students Choose Pratt

1. A distinguished faculty of practicing artists, designers, architects, writers, and librarians, many of whom have received awards for their work and are leaders in their fields. Often it’s faculty connections that land you your internship and eventually your first job whether it’s directly through your instructors or through our Center for Career & Professional Development. Pratt’s professors are working professionals who take time off from their successful careers to teach, mentor, and help students find internships and eventually jobs. Google any professor’s name at Pratt, and you’ll find that he or she is at the forefront of contemporary art, design, architecture, writing, or library science. Ask students why they chose Pratt, and invariably they will say, “the faculty.” The fact that Pratt is one of the largest art schools means that you get to choose from hundreds of faculty and courses. Classes are small so that you can work alongside your professors, receiving feedback on your work, advice about your strengths, and an education focused on your own interests.
2. The professional nature of the curriculum which starts in the first year as opposed to a traditional liberal arts college where you choose your major in the third year. Because of Pratt’s size, you get to choose from an extraordinary variety of majors and concentrations including majors in creative writing and critical and visual studies.
3. The Campus: Pratt is the only East Coast art school with an enclosed campus. Twenty-five acres of tree-lined bricked roadways, grassy areas, five residence halls on campus, and outstanding facilities offer students plenty of “green space” in which to work, relax, and spend time with friends.

Additional Information

• Beautiful library with Tiffany interiors
• Frats and sororities and lots of clubs to join
• Brand new building for digital art
• An Admissions Portfolio is required for most programs
• Pratt uses slideroom.com to upload portfolios:  http://slideroom.com/
• They do not take the Common App
• Pratt is highly selective for certain design majors
• I have a student who applied for their Fashion Design major in the Art & Design School

Posted in College, Colleges Visited, Tours,

A Visit to Pace University

March 29, 2013

By Sue Luse

Campuses

Pace is a private metropolitan New York multi-campus university.  Students can get all the classes they want at either campus and don’t need to go back and forth. The New York City campus is located in lower Manhattan near Wall Street. This campus is in the heart of one of the city’s most vital and dynamic areas – alive with activity. Great location – only blocks away from Grand Central Station.

The Pleasantville campus in mid-Westchester County is set on 200 acres of rolling countryside where Pace flourishes as the only private university in the county, and offers a broad range of undergraduate degree programs in a stimulating collegiate environment. The Briarcliff annex, a short distance from Pleasantville, is the location of residence halls, recreational facilities, and administrative offices. A shuttle bus provides continuous service between the campuses. Pace’s School of Law, and a center for other graduate courses in business, public administration, and computing are located in White Plains, the hub of Westchester County.

All campuses are linked by the powerful, goal-oriented features of a Pace University education—personal attention, flexibility, and responsiveness to the needs and expectations of a diverse and demanding student population.

Academics

Pace is home to the renowned Lublin School of Business which offers a 5-year MBA and CPA program.  Location, location, location – Pace’s location affords business students with great internship opportunities on Wall Street. In fact, Pace is ranked in the top 5 universities in the country for business internships. They offer an exceptional Finance major for prospective investments bankers.  Go to Lublin School of Business for more information.

Pace also has much to offer in the area of performing arts – especially musical theater and acting.  They also offer Commercial Dance, not ballet. Again Pace’s location presents students in the performing arts with ample opportunities.

Aside from the Lublin School of Business and the Dyson College of Arts and Sciences, Pace is also home to the College of Health Professions, School of Education, and the Seidenberg School of Computer Science and Information Systems.

Admissions

Pace accepts either the SAT or ACT. The average GPA is 3.3 and the average ACT score is 23. Unlike New York University or Columbia, Pace offers generous merit scholarships.

Student Body

All different kinds of kids go to Pace – the student body is very open and accepting of everyone. Most Pace students are driven, self-motivated, appreciate diversity and are the independent type. The gender demographics are 60% female/40% male.

The Bottom Line About Pace

Pace University is a great option for kids who want to go to college in New York City and are interested in either business or performing arts. It’s an especially great option for students who can’t get into New York University or Columbia and are in need of merit scholarships.

Posted in College, Colleges Visited, Tours,

A Visit to Connecticut College

March 25, 2013

By Sue Luse and Lindsay Berg, Class of 2003

Location/Overview

Perched atop a hill overlooking Long Island Sound and the Thames River, Connecticut College cherishes its small class sizes, honor system and dedicated professors.  Separated from downtown New London on a hilltop originally considered to be “the finest college site in the world,” Conn College (as it is commonly referred to) is its own little slice of New England.  Students wander across the grounds, stroll through the 750-acre arboretum, live and study in Gothic and Georgian style buildings, utilize state of the art academic and athletic facilities, and compete in the NESCAC conference.  It is two hours away from New York and Boston. With its close proximity to Providence, New Haven, and several quaint New England towns, students find themselves with ample opportunity to explore the East Coast.

History

Founded in 1911 after Wesleyan decided to deny entry to women, Conn originally opened as a women’s college and became co-ed several decades later in 1969.  Known as one of the “little ivies,” Conn prides itself on educating “Students to put the liberal arts into action as citizens in a global society.”

Academics

Connecticut College students find themselves in small classes where discussion, dialogue and writing play key roles in academics.  Professors engage their students, include them in research, and act as mentors and friends.  Moreover, professors support student independence, and self-designed research and independent studies are commonplace.  This focus on individualized thought has led Conn to produce more Fulbright Scholars than any other Liberal Arts School in the country. Conn is strong in the humanities, sciences, and arts, and to help craft a well-rounded education, students are required to take seven courses from a wide area of disciplines.  First year students also enroll in a freshman seminar year, and Conn’s incredible CELS (Career Enhancing Life Skills) program provides funding for all students to pursue internships during the summer between their junior and senior year.

Connecticut College’s honor system dictates all walks of life on campus, and it fosters Conn’s open and friendly environment.  Based on trust and mutual respect, Conn students created the code in 1922.  At Conn, exams are self-scheduled and are not proctored; this allows students to take their finals when confident and ready, and students and professors trust one another to be ethical and respectful.

Recreation

Connecticut College does not have a Greek system, instead students find themselves awash in activities ranging from Capella group concerts, dances, theater, renowned speakers, art trips to New York City, outings to Harkness Beach, boat trips to Block Island, ice cream and pizza in neighboring town Mystic, Camelympics (dorm wars), and Floralia (a day-long spring music festival).

Quick Facts

• Student-faculty ratio is 9:1
• Average class size is about 19
• 50% of students receive financial aid
• Submission of standardized tests is optional in the admission process
• More than 40 majors
• 178 full-time professors; 90 percent hold a doctorate or equivalent
• Strong interdisciplinary programs, including five interdisciplinary academic centers
• 1,900 students from 45 states, Washington, D.C., and 71 countries; 40% men, 60% women; 16.4% domestic students of color; 12% students with an international background
• Highly selective, residential, co-educational
• Housing is provided all four years on campus
• Member of NESCAC: the New England Small College Athletic Conference
• NCAA Division III



• Being environmentally conscious plays an important role at Conn College; the school composts, has its own garden, purchases green energy and has a comprehensive recycling program to reduce its ecological footprint
• A national reputation for outstanding service-learning programs and community partnerships
• Pre-law, pre-business and pre-med programs. In recent years, the acceptance rate for our seniors applying to law school and graduate programs in the health professions is about 80 percent.
• Brand new $20 million state of the art facility for life sciences and computer science.

Posted in College, Colleges Visited, Tours,

A Visit to Wesleyan University

March 23, 2013

By Sue Luse

Sue’s Impressions

Students are very involved and exhibit an abundance of energy and passion. The student body of 2,800 are diverse, curious and incredibly vibrant!  They are busy and very obviously loving every minute of it. On this campus you can feel free to explore what interests you and enjoy being yourself.

While all undergraduate students are required to live on campus, you will find the housing is unique – well worth checking out: Residence Halls

Wesleyan’s Highlights

Wesleyan is a small liberal arts college, and while there are many, each one is different.  Like Wesleyan, most have bright students and great faculty; however, Wesleyan stands out for it’s reputation as a research university. They are committed to research but not at the expense of their faculty, so Wesleyan’s science faculty teaches one less class per semester in order to allow time for research. Some examples of areas where students have collaborated with professors: translating a French novel, a documentary about Argentina, dance choreography, and the economic impact of climate change.

Wesleyan promotes the idea that how you come to know things is more important than what you come to know. Thinking creatively is emphasized.

Admissions/Academics

• Considered both rigorous and individualistic
• No core curriculum
• Students are helped and encouraged to develop programs of study based upon their own interests
• Students are challenged to pursue their interests at the highest level
• Easy to double major
• Recently added minors
• 3-2 Engineering Program which allows students to obtain bachelors degree from Wesleyan in 3 years and then transfer to Cal Tech, Dartmouth or Columbia for an additional 2 years to earn bachelor’s degree in engineering

Recreation/Social Life

Four blocks from campus is the downtown area located on the banks of the Connecticut River.  Middletown is not a “typical” college town that mostly caters to students. Lots of coffee shops and dining establishments. Wesleyan is not far from Millers Pond State Park Reserve – great place to go hiking. Wesleyan is also only approximately an hour and a half from New York City.

Rather small Greek life – 3 fraternities and 2 sororities. While many of Wesleyan’s athletes are Div 1 caliber, most students tend to be more excited about academics than sports. Wesleyan’s athletics facilities are considered to be the best in the country and are open to everyone.

Posted in College, Colleges Visited, Tours,

A Visit to Quinnipiac University

March 19, 2013

By Sue Luse

Overview

Quinnipiac (in case you’re wondering it’s pronounced KWIN-uh-pe-ack) is located in Hamden, Connecticut, with 6,200 undergraduate students. There are three campuses: Mount Carmel Campus is home to most of the residence halls, academic buildings, University offices and athletic fields; York Hill Campus, only a 1/2 mile from the Mount Carmel Campus, is home to the Rocky Top Student Center, very new residence halls, a parking garage and the TD Bank Sports Center; North Haven Campus, just a short drive from the Mount Carmel Campus, houses the School of Health Sciences, the School of Nursing, and the School of Education.

Hamden is a safe suburb with easy access to New York City by train.  Quinnipiac is located very near Sleeping Giant State Park – beautiful place to hike.

Demographics/Student Body

To give you an idea what type of students comprise Quinnipiac, here is information on their Class of 2016:

Applications

• Total Applicants: 19,760 Admitted: 63%
• High School Class Rank information for the incoming class
  • Top Tenth of HS Class: 22%
  • Top Quarter of HS Class: 55%
  • Top Half of HS Class: 90%
• Average SAT of entering freshmen:
  • Critical reading: 550
  • Math: 570
  • Writing: 560

Geographic Distribution

• Connecticut: 409
• Massachusetts: 356
• New York: 464
• New Jersey: 320
• ME, NH, VT, RI: 113
• MD, OH, PA, DE, DC, VA: 48
• CA, FL, IL, MN, NE, TN, TX, WA: 45
• International: 33

Composition

• American Indian: 0.3%
• Black Non-Hispanic: 4%
• Asian American/Pacific Islander: 3%
• Hispanic: 8%
• Caucasian: 78%
• Multi-racial: 1%
• Do Not Declare: 6%

Gender

• Male: 39%
• Female 61%

Academics

Quinnipiac offers 58 undergraduate programs, including degrees in the arts and sciences, business, communications, engineering, health sciences and nursing. They excel in Health Sciences and have a great Pre-Med Program. Quinnipiac is slated to open the Frank H. Netter MD School of Medicine in the Fall of 2013. They are also known for excellence in the areas of technology, business and communications.

Being only 1 1/2 hours from New York City means internship opportunities are abound. Quinnipiac boasts having 45 students interning with ESPN and there are even students who have interned with the David Letterman Show.

Assorted Tidbits

• Their reputation is growing, especially their business majors
• They have Div 1 Hockey and are working on getting a Hockey Club
• 99 % of students live on campus
• B students are typical
• Greeks comprise 23% of student population
• They give merit scholarships
• The dorms are very fresh, new and modern
• Known for small classes
• Students are very involved in campus life and recreational activities

Posted in College, Colleges Visited, Tours,

A Visit to Trinity College

March 19, 2013

By Sue Luse

Overview

Located in the state capitol city of Hartford, Connecticut, Trinity College looks like a traditional New England liberal arts school.  However they espouse to act in untraditional  ways with groundbreaking programs and staff as well as an urban-global education commitment. Trinity’s 100 green-acre campus is dotted with historic buildings. Given it’s urban location, the surrounding area is rather “sketchy”, but there is plenty of campus security.

Academics/Admissions

A rigorous institution with a broad choice of majors in the liberal arts and sciences, including engineering. Trinity’s academic experience includes the following key characteristics:

• A dedicated first-year program
• Educational breadth through requirements
• Individual flexibility
• Special academic programs
• Professors as teachers

When evaluating candidates for admission, high emphasis is placed on your high school transcript – both grades and course selection. While standardized test scores are taken into consideration, Trinity admits students with  a wide range of test scores and there is no minimum score required. They require one guidance counselor recommendation as well as two teacher recommendations – and prefer that one of these be from a teacher that can comment on your writing, i.e. an English teacher. Interviews are not required but are strongly encouraged. Interviews can take place via Skype or a local alumni. Approximately 30-40% of candidates are accepted.

Student Life/Recreation/Athletics

• Trinity offers many student-run clubs. They hold an 80′s dance in the fall.  Lots of big concerts, free music festivals and shopping trips. There’s also plenty of multicultural clubs and houses and they often serve free food on Friday nights!
• Plenty of dining options are offered with great food.
• Zip cars on campus.
• Trinity is a NESCAC institution (New England Small College Athletic Conference).
• Trinity has a Div 1 Squash Team; the rest of the athletics teams are Div 3, including a great football team.

Posted in College, Colleges Visited, Tours,

A Visit to Fairfield University

March 13, 2013

By Sue Luse

About Fairfield

Fairfield University is one of 28 Jesuit universities in the United States.  They promote a holistic approach to education with the intent to educate the whole person – mind, body and spirit. They are committed to offering a comprehensive core curriculum, and distinctive living and learning experiences.  Fairfield believes in lifelong learning and the pursuit of social justice and global citizenship. They are recovering well from Hurricane Sandy and with their own power plant, they did not lose power during the hurricane.

Location

Located approximately one hour north of New York City, in Fairfield, Connecticut, which is considered a traditional New England town. Fairfield County’s population of 55,000 comprises a rather affluent community, with a reputation for being a very safe area. Fairfield is also considered to be a “beach town” with approximately 300 seniors living at the beach.

Enrollment/Demographics

Many regional students from Massachusetts, New York and New Hampshire.  Recently acquiring more students from the Midwest area.  Lots of Jewish, Muslim and Catholic students. Fairfield is not a “suitcase school” where students tend to disappear on weekends. Roughly 50% of students attended a private high school and roughly 50% attended a public high school. Their student body is approximately 20% diverse.

Academics

• Fairfield is very strong in the Health Sciences field and is known for having a great pre-professional track with excellent advising for Pre-Med. Also known for Direct-Entry Nursing.
• A competitive applicant has a solid A-/B+ average in a strong college preparatory program which includes some honors and/or advanced placement classes. The middle 50% of admitted students scored between 1690-1910 on the SAT, and between 25 and 28 on the ACT.
• Fairfield accepts the Common App and their admissions process is test optional.
• Their business school holds a 70% acceptance rate.

Student Life/Recreation

Very socially active student life and trips to the City are popular! Fairfield is conveniently located near New York City, Providence, Hartford and New Haven.

Fairfield’s location puts numerous internship opportunities at students’ fingertips and most take advantage of this during their junior or senior year.

More than 400 students participate in intercollegiate, varsity athletics at the University. More than 1,500 are active in club sports, intramurals, and other recreation and fitness programs. While Lacrosse is very popular, Fairfield also offers the following varsity sports – baseball, men’s and women’s basketball, men’s and women’s crew, men’s and women’s cross country, field hockey, men’s and women’s golf, men’s and women’s soccer, softball, men’s and women’s swimming and diving, men’s and women’s tennis, and women’s volleyball.

Housing

Housing is guaranteed for four years to all incoming freshmen. Approximately 80% of all students live on campus in a traditional residence hall, suite-style residence hall, an apartment or townhouse. All freshmen live together in traditional-style halls, and sophomores live mostly in traditional-style halls with some living in suite-style halls depending upon availability. Approximately one-third of the junior class lives in suite-style halls. Seniors live in townhouses, apartments, or off campus (on a limited basis).

Posted in College, Colleges Visited, Tours,

A Visit to the Georgia Institute of Technology

January 19, 2013

By Sue Luse

Campus Overview

Georgia Tech’s campus occupies 400 acres in the heart of the city of Atlanta.  It is often said that Atlanta was built around Georgia Tech, and most students feel they experience the best of both worlds – lush green space in the middle of campus and all the advantages of being located in an urban area. I had a great tour and was impressed with the bustling student union, the library full of  enthusiastic students – many working with two computers, the updated labs and lecture halls and the obvious school spirit.

All freshman enjoy The Freshman Experience. There are over 400 student organizations to become involved in as well as 583 intramural teams.  Georgia Tech boasts a 300,659 square-foot recreation center (rated #1 in the country in 2011 by Princeton Review)

Academics/Colleges

Georgia Tech offers coursework leading to degrees in thirty-four undergraduate majors, forty-seven master’s programs, and thirty doctoral programs as well as preparatory programs for law, dental, medical, and veterinary schools. Undergraduate and graduate degrees are offered in the Colleges of Architecture, Computing, Engineering, Sciences, the Scheller College of Business, and the Ivan Allen College of Liberal Arts.

Admissions

Georgia Tech is a selective institution; therefore, the freshman application process is competitive in nature. Their holistic review includes consideration of four primary factors:

• GPA/Rigor of Curriculum
• Standardized Test Scores
• Extracurricular Involvement
• Personal Essays

Georgia Tech Admissions Staff don’t look at your major choice, recommendation letters, interviews or transcripts. They are interested in research, resume’s and especially your essay. Georgia Tech’s admission rate is 55%.

2012 Freshman Class Profile

• Mid-50% GPA: 3.77 – 4.08
• Mid-50% SAT: 1960 – 2160
• Mid-50% ACT: 28-32
• Average # of AP/IB/Dual Enrollment classes taken: 7.31

Georgia Tech awards undergraduates more than $105 million in need and merit-based aid. Students also use work, research, and study abroad experiences to help make Tech affordable. Every student in their co-op program, 87 percent of students in their internship program, and 92 percent of students in their work abroad program are in paid positions. SmartMoney magazine named Georgia Tech as the #1 best tuition investment in the United States for the second year in a row. Their job placement is highly notable and the yearly median starting salary for graduates with a bachelor’s degree from Tech is $57,300.

Student Body

While maintaining a diverse student body, about half of Georgia Tech’s population are from Georgia, with approximately 35% Non-Georgia (U.S.) and 14% are international students. Approximately 65% of students are male. Greek life is popular with roughly 1/3 students participating.

Posted in College, Colleges Visited, Tours,

A Visit to Agnes Scott

November 30, 2012

By Sue Luse

Location

Agnes Scott is located in downtown DeCatur, Georgia, which is part of the metropolitan Atlanta area. Decatur offers eclectic shops and restaurants within easy walking distance.  Atlanta is well known for being home to a large number of colleges.

OVERVIEW

Agnes Scott is an independent national liberal arts college for women and is affiliated with the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.).  If you feel you’re a “rare bird”  a “wallflower” or simply prefer to “march to the beat of your own drum” while experiencing high rigor academics, you will likely find Agnes Scott very attractive. While encouraging women to think deeply and engage the economic and social challenges of their times, Agnes Scott students are taught how to successfully navigate male-dominated industries such as Science. Agnes Scott also prepares women to to handle the complexities of the business world.  While academics are key, emotional and social development are intrinsic to the Agnes Scott experience.  Students enjoy many social events with affiliate Atlanta and Georgia colleges. Two key benefits of attending a women’s college are the development of innate confidence and an increase in the likelihood of attending graduate school.

Acdemics

• 34 undergraduate majors and 31 minors
• Dual degree programs in computer science, engineering and nursing
• Popular majors include Music, Psychology, English, Economics, Biology, Nursing, and 3/2 Education
• Experiential learning opportunities in the U.S. and abroad
• Student to faculty ration is 11:1
• Cross registration with affiliate Atlanta and Georgia colleges such as Emory University, Georgia Institute of Technology, and Georgia State (just to name a few)

Enrollment/Demographics

• 900 students
• Student body represents social and economic diversity
• Approximate 60% of students from Georgia
• Approximately 11% of students are international
• More than 40% of Agnes Scott students are students of color

Admissions – Class of 2015

• Enrollment 227
• 25% of class graduated in the top 5 percent of high school class
• 40% were in top 10 percent
• 71% attended public schools
• 46% acceptance rate
• Mean High School GPA: 3.67
• Middle 50% range of SAT: 1055-1260 (critical reading and mathematics only)
• Middle 50% range of ACT: 23-29
• 70% of students qualify for and receive need-based financial aid

Also unique to Agnes Scott is the option for an evaluative interview verses submitting test scores.

Costs/Housing

Comprehensive fee for ’12-’13 school year is $43,691, which includes tuition, room and board, and student activity fee.

Living on campus is central to your learning experience. First year residence halls are configured into living, learning communities. Students are grouped according to the first year seminar in which they are enrolled fostering an environment in which they live and learn together. It’s easy to make new friends and leads to an atmosphere of creative learning outside the classroom.

Posted in College, Colleges Visited, Tours,

A Visit To Emory University

November 28, 2012

By Sue Luse

Location/Overview

Emory University is located on a beautiful, leafy campus in Atlanta, Georgia’s historic Druid Hills Suburb. Students enjoy four distinct seasons with temperate weather most of the school year. Emory’s one of the southernmost schools among the nation’s top-ranked universities.This institution is recognized for its local and global commitment to service and volunteer work.  Emory strives to enhance the quality of life in the Atlanta area through health care, cultural support, and volunteer service.

Academics/Colleges

• Four undergraduate colleges and seven graduate colleges
• 70 majors
• Emory offers two undergraduate liberal arts options:  You can choose to apply to Emory College of Arts and Science, a four-year undergraduate  division on the university’s Atlanta campus, or Oxford College, Emory’s original campus where freshmen and sophomores study, located 38 miles east of Atlanta.
• Students may opt to spend their junior and senior years pursuing degrees at the Goizueta Business School or the Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing.
• Average class size is 20
• 7/1 professor/student ratio
• Every department offers research
• Part of the Atlanta Regional Consortium for Higher Education (ARCHE) which brings together 20 schools for cooperative efforts including cross registration. Members include Georgia Institute of Technology, University of Georgia and Agnes Scott college to name a few.

Admissions

The Admissions Staff at Emory are dedicated to getting to know who you are as a student and what kind of student you will be at Emory.  Their regional Admission Counselors are very interested in familiarizing themselves with prospective students.

• Highly competitive
• Merit based – need to be nominated by high school
• Your transcript is most important
• Emory recalculates your GPA
• Superscores the SAT
• SAT subject tests not required
• Average SAT score between 2020 and 2240
• Look at highest composite and writing score for ACT (no superscoring)
• Average ACT score between 30 and 33
• Strong emphasis is on your essay – it is considered your interview

Costs/Financial Aid

Below are the estimated expenses for the 2012–2013 academic year. Some of these costs are set expenses you will pay to Emory; others are estimated for travel, incidentals, and other costs, which may vary, yet Emory includes them when putting together a student’s need-based award.

Tuition	$42,400
Fees	$580
Room	$7,200
Food	$4,800
Books	$1,100
Travel and Incidentals	$2,100
Total	$58,180

Emory is committed to meeting 100 percent of demonstrated financial need for all accepted students.  Because Emory is committed to making their institution affordable, 68 percent of undergraduates receive financial aid. Also, several Merit Scholarships are available.

Posted in College, Colleges Visited, Tours,

A Visit to University of Wisconsin Superior

November 5, 2012

By Sue Luse

Campus Overview

The University of Wisconsin Superior is located in Superior, Wisconsin, a city of 27,000 at the western tip of Lake Superior. Many students choose this institution because of its size, small classes, and the the student-to-faculty ratio of 18 to 1.  UW Superior is considered a “hidden gem” in its ability to offer the attributes of a private education at public school costs.

Enrollment

• Over 2,800 students
• 900+ students live on campus
• Lots of international students (over 30 countries represented at UW-Superior)
• Plenty of first generation students
• Close knit and friendly student body
• 56% female

Academics

• Average ACT score 21.5
• Average GPA 3.3
• Access Bridge Program for marginal students
• Top majors include Education (Elementary and Secondary), Biology, (Ecology, Aquatic, Fishery Science, and/or Cell/Molecular Focus), Business (Marketing, Management, International and/or Finance concentration), Communications, Psychology,  and unique majors are Transportation and Logistics Management, Art Therapy, Digital Cinema, Interactive Media, and Forensic Chemistry
• Self-designed majors
• Pre-Vet, Pre-Med, and Pre-Pharmacy
• No Nursing
• Strong music, vocal and theater programs (as well as orchestra and band programs) – 1 in 3 students at UW-Superior are enrolled in a course offered by the Music Department
• UW Superior has four Research Centers:
  • Lake Superior Research Institute  – http://www.uwsuper.edu/lsri/index.cfm
  • Transportation and Logistics Research Center - http://www.uwsuper.edu/tlresearchcenter/index.cfm
  • Great Lakes Maritime Research Institute - http://www.uwsuper.edu/tlresearchcenter/glmri.cfm
  • Lake Superior National Estuarine Research Reserve – http://lsnerr.uwex.edu/
• UW Superior owns an Environmental Science Research Vessel

Athletics

• UW Superior offers NCAADIII Hockey and has the biggest Div. III arena in the West.
• Men’s Sports: Baseball, Basketball, Cross Country, Hockey, Soccer, Track and Field
• Women’s Sports: Basketball, Cross Country, Hockey, Soccer, Softball, Track and Field, Volleyball

Posted in College, Colleges Visited, Tours,

A Visit to Vanderbilt University

November 1, 2012

By Sue Luse

Overview

Vanderbilt University is located a mile and a half southwest of downtown Nashville.  The 330 acre campus is home to more than 300 tree and shrub varieties and was designated a national arboretum in 1988.  A beautiful, preppy campus with very friendly students.  While the campus is full of activity it maintains a peaceful atmosphere.

Vanderbilt offers undergraduate programs in the liberal arts and sciences, engineering, music, education, and human development, as well as a full range of graduate and professional degrees.  An internationally recognized research university, Vanderbilt maintains strong partnerships among its ten schools, neighboring institutions and the community.

The city of Nashville has a population of 1.2 million people and is filled with very friendly people and great restaurants. It is definitely a “music city” – all kinds of music. Besides great musicians, Nashville is also known for sports and great little neighborhoods.  Hillsburough Village is a fun and interesting student hangout.

Information Sessions

Vanderbilt conducts its Information Sessions in a very fun and engaging manner. At the Information Session I attended, they used the question “What did you want to be when you were 5?” as an opener.  There were students from all over the country conversing and enjoying themselves. They discussed  how finding “the right fit” in a college can be difficult and that unfortunately you can’t visit every college.  They suggested picking five things that are imperative to you and looking for those attributes.  The admissions counselors also encouraged students to begin exploring colleges early on.

Vanderbilt Profile

• 6,800 students
• 4 Undergraduate Colleges
• 65 majors
• 350 student organizations
• Squirrel to student ratio is 3 to 1
• 47 students from Minnesota
• Urban environment yet has lots of green space and trees
• Freshman live in the Commons with their own dining hall
• Modern, bright dorms with high ceilings
• Most students live on campus all four years
• No cars allowed freshman year
• Division I Sports – great football and basketball teams
• 96% retention rate

Admissions

• Admissions Counselor for Minnesota is Andrew Moe
• They look for rigorous curriculum and AP courses
• Only send in SAT Subject Test Scores in the 90 percentile
• Vanderbilt generally awards college credits for AP scores of 4 or 5
• Should demonstrate a passion for something
• Essay should be reflective and not be a narration of your resume
• 2 teacher letters and one counselor letter (you can add extra letters but they should be of a different context)
• Admittance Rate is 14%
• Average ACT score for admitted students is 33 to 35
• Super scores the SAT, but not the ACT
• 97% of admitted students are in the top 10% of their class (when official class rank is reported)
• Early Decision has an acceptance rate of 24%
• 40% of the incoming class are Early Decision
• Good financial aid – one of the best in the country
• Once you send in your application, you will be contacted for an optional alumni core interview

For more information, read about Ryan Luse’s visit (a separate trip from Sue’s visit) to Vanderbilt University in the latest addition to our College Spotlight series.

Vanderbilt University

Residence halls

Expansive grounds

Vanderbilt grounds

Walking paths

Lush gardens

Our tour guide

Dorm room

Social gathering

Posted in Colleges Visited, Tours,

College Spotlight on Vanderbilt University

November 1, 2012

Read about Ryan Luse’s visit (a separate trip from Sue’s visit) to Vanderbilt University in the latest addition to our College Spotlight series.

Posted in College Spotlight, Colleges Visited, Ryan's Blog, Tours,

A Visit to the College of St. Scholastica

October 16, 2012

CAMPUS

The College of St. Scholastica has a warm, inviting campus with an old fashioned feel set on 180 forested acres overlooking Lake Superior. Students enjoy hundreds of miles of biking and hiking. Located in Duluth, MN, a great college town known for it’s vibrant music scene, nightlife and cheap restaurants. The Duluth area is inhabited by 25,000 college students (1/5 of the area’s population).  

OVERVIEW

• Usually less expensive than the University of Minnesota-Duluth (UMD)
• Great place for students who don’t think a private college is affordable
• It’s okay to be undecided
• Great Scholarships
• Very personable Admissions Staff
• Excellent choice for B students

ENROLLMENT/STUDENT BODY

• 2,100 undergraduate students
• Average ACT score is 23
• Multi-faith
• Open to gays and diversity
• Many first generation students
• 33% Catholic
• 65% female, but since adding football, St. Scholastica is attracting more males
• If you feel you’re an underachiever – the professors will step up to help you
• Large majority of students enjoy outdoor sports such as hiking, biking, kayaking and rock climbing
• Good accommodations for students with LD or Aspergers
• All students live on campus for freshman and sophomore year
• Very tight-knit campus – friendly and nurturing
• Diverse students who all enjoy each other

ACADEMICS

• Known for Healthcare Programs, Business Management, Economics, Finance, Education and Psychology
• Great Health Information Management program – “they invented it”
• The Pre-Med program has high placement due to the personal attention students receive and the Human Cadaver Lab
• Direct entry into Physical Therapy program
• Physician’s Assistant Program slated to start in 2016
• Music Program is growing

TUITION & FEES | UNDERGRADUATE

Full time

(12-18 credits, fall and spring semesters)

$15,104 per semester ($30,208 annually)

Per credit

(if below 12 credits or over 18 credits)

$943

Summer 2012 tuition

$395 per credit

Admissions Officer

Our guide

St. Scholastica Monastery

Posted in Colleges Visited,

A Visit to University of Minnesota Duluth (UMD)

October 16, 2012

OVERVIEW

Sue at UMD

The University of Minnesota Duluth (UMD) is a comprehensive regional university. Undergraduate students can choose from 13 bachelor degrees in over 80 majors. UMD consistently ranks among the top midwestern, regional universities in U.S. News and World Report’s “America’s Best Colleges” issue. Providing an alternative to both large research universities and small liberal arts colleges, UMD attracts students looking for a personalized learning experience on a medium-sized campus of a major university.

UMD’s campus consists of more than 50 buildings on 244 acres overlooking Lake Superior, all built since 1948. Most UMD buildings are connected by concourses or hallways, providing convenience for all students year round. UMD is also home for the Tweed Museum of Art, the Marshall W. Alworth Planetarium, Weber Music Hall, and the Marshall Performing Arts Center.

ENROLLMENT

UMD’s fall 2012 enrollment was 11,491 with approximately 40% of the students from the Twin Cities area and an additional 40% from the rest of Minnesota.

ACADEMICS

UMD’s most popular programs are Accounting, Business, Biology, Communications, Criminology, Graphic Design, Mechanical Engineering, Exercise Science, Psychology, and Education (especially Elementary Education). The Elementary Education program is four and a half years, and includes Special Education.

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

• 3 years of Math (including a minimum of algebra, geometry and intermediate/advanced/algebra II). 4 years of Math will be required effective Fall Semester 2015.
• 4 years of English
• 3 years of Science (including a year each of  life science and physical science). Biology, chemistry and physics are the preferred courses for science, engineering and math applicants
• 2 years of a Single Second Language
• 1 year in visual or performing arts
• 3 years of social studies including one year each of geography and American history
• Applicants with a cumulative 3.4 high school GPA will likely be admitted
• Applicants with a cumulative GPA below 3.4 will be reviewed on the basis of curriculum,  ACT scores and trends in GPA as well as extenuating circumstances are considered in a comprehensive review
• The English and Math ACT sub-scores are considered more heavily than the composite score
• Acceptance rate was 74% for Fall Semester, 2011
• Average GPA of enrolled freshmen is 3.4
• Average ACT score is 23.8

APPLICATION PROCESS

The priority deadline is December 15, however engineering students are highly encouraged to apply earlier.

Early application is also advised for those seeking scholarships.

Applications may be made directly to UMD. As an alternative, students may complete an application to the U of M Twin Cities campus and contact UMD to request that their application be shared with UMD for no additional application fee. UMD will review shared applications beginning in late October.

Most applications are reviewed and admission decisions made within a 3-week turnaround time.

Giant Bull Dog

UMD tour guide

Civil Engineering Bldg

Lecture hall

Sue at UMD

Posted in Colleges Visited,

A Visit to Jacksonville University

May 15, 2012

Jacksonville Campus

Location

Jacksonville University is located in a beautiful riverfront setting in suburban Jacksonville, across the St. Johns River from downtown and just minutes from the Atlantic Ocean. The 190-acre campus includes a half-mile of riverfront, oak-lined paths, and a mix of historic and new campus buildings.  3500 students

Demographics

Most JU students are from Florida and the southeastern and northeastern United States. They represent 45 states, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, and 50 foreign countries. The male-female student ratio is about 1 to 1.

Colleges

The College of Arts & Sciences offers traditional liberal arts and science majors, plus programs in nursing, education, and pre-professional education. The College of Fine Arts has outstanding programs in art, dance, music and theater. The Davis College of Business occupies a new, technologically advanced facility.

Student Characteristics

Beginning Fall 2012, traditional freshmen can participate in Jacksonville University’s Four-Year Graduation Guarantee.

What is Our Four-Year Graduation Guarantee?

A guarantee for incoming first-year students that ensures their ability to graduate in four years provided they adhere to the stipulations of the agreement. If they are unable to graduate on time and have met the requirements of the agreement, the University will assume their tuition costs (minus any state and federal aid for which they qualify) until they graduate.

Posted in Colleges Visited,

A Visit to Florida State University

May 15, 2012

FSU Fountain

Florida State University

Overall

• Tallahassee, Florida
• Beautiful, sprawling campus, lots of huge tees, downtown Tallahassee
• Tallahassee is the capital, students can walk right into the downtown area
• Lots of convenient internships
• 31,000 undergraduate, only 9% from out of state
• Sports oriented, Florida State Seminoles an ACC powerhouse
• Lots of fun traditions
• Great athletic facilities
• Frats and Sorriorites dominate the social scene
• Has been known as a party school

Academics

• Research University
• Top majors – criminal justice, finance and business, political science, hospitality, golf course management

Admissions

• 60 percent accepted
• 24-28 ACT
• 3.7 average GPA



Parked bikes at FSU



FSU Fountain



FSU Campus Grounds






Old tree on FSU campus



FSU Statues




Posted in Colleges Visited,

A Visit to Flagler College

May 15, 2012


Flagler Campus

Flagler College
74 King Street St.
Augustine, Florida 32084
904-829-6481

• Wonderful location in a tourist town, four miles from the beach
• Students can walk to all the charming shops and restaurants
• 2500 students
• Good teacher education program, specially deaf education
• Great sports management
• Only freshman live on campus, the other students live around the campus or on near the beach
• No coed dorms
• Cars are allowed
• No Greeks
• Liberal arts college
• 90% study abroad

Admissions

24 ACT, 3.4 GPA, 40 percent accepted.

Cost

VERY affordable. No merit scholarships because of the low cost.

Cost of Attendance

Tuition	$15,340
Room	$4,070
Meal Plan (Full)	$4,280
Total Costs	$23,690



Flagler College Students



Students playing volley ball



Swimming Pool

Posted in Colleges Visited,

A Visit to Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University

May 15, 2012


Florida A&M

Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University, commonly known as Florida A&M or FAMU, is the nation’s largest historically black university by enrollment,^[3] is located in Tallahassee, the Florida state capital, and is one of eleven member institutions of the State University System of Florida. FAMU is also one of Florida’s land grant universities.

Overview

Founded on October 3, 1887, Florida A&M University (FAMU) is part of the State University System of Florida and is fully accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

Distinguished by lush foliage and massive oaks, FAMU’s main campus comprises 156 buildings spread over 422 acres atop the highest of Tallahassee’s seven hills.

The university also has several satellite campuses including a site in Orlando where the College of Law is located and sites in Miami, Jacksonville and Tampa for its pharmacy program.

Enrollment

Florida A&M University enrolls nearly 12,000 students from the United States and more than 70 countries such as India, Egypt, Trinidad, Netherlands, China, Bahamas, Jamaica, and Brazil.

Academic Programs

Florida A&M University offers 62 bachelor’s degrees and 39 master’s degrees. The university has 13 schools and colleges and one institute.  The university also offers a juris doctor at its College of Law in Orlando.  FAMU has 11 doctoral programs which includes 10 Ph.D. programs: chemical engineering; civil engineering; electrical engineering; mechanical engineering; industrial engineering; biomedical engineering; physics; pharmaceutical sciences; educational leadership; and environmental sciences.

Popular Majors

Marching band

Main article: Marching 100

The FAMU Marching “100″ under the direction of Dr. William P. Foster, was invited by the French government to participate in the Bastille Day Parade as the official representation from the United States. This event was held in celebration of the bicentennial of the French Revolution.

The Marching “100″ was named the “Best Marching Band in the Nation” by Sports Illustrated (August 1992). The band received national recognition in January 1993 when it performed in the 42nd Presidential Inauguration Parade by invitation of Bill Clinton. The band has also performed in the Super Bowl and in the 44th Presidential Inauguration Parade.

In 2011, a band member was beaten to death in a hazing incident. Since the 2011 death, a series of reports of abuse and hazing within the band have been documented. In May of 2012, 2 faculty members resigned in connection with a hazing investigation and 13 people were charged with felony or misdemeanor hazing crimes.

Top undergraduate programs are architecture; journalism; computer information sciences and psychology.  FAMU’s top graduate programs include pharmaceutical sciences along with public health; physical therapy; engineering; physics; master’s of applied social sciences (especially history and public administration); business and sociology.

Admission Fees

Fees Per Credit Hour

Undergraduate residents: $124.01
Undergraduate nonresidents: $522.03
Graduate resident: $268.23
Graduate non-resident: $884.75
Law resident: $288.75
Law nonresident: $943.43

Other Fees

Rattler Card ID: $5
Athletic Fee: $11.30
Technology Fee: $4.43
Health Fee: $55
Transportation Fee: $59

Housing

Room rent (average): $2,025.47 per semester

Financial Aid and Scholarships

Grants, scholarships, loans and employment opportunities are available to help families meet the cost of investing in a FAMU education.  For information, visit www.FAMU.edu/UniversityScholarships.

Demographics

(2008-2009)

Full-time	10,509
Part-time	1,339
Female	6,940
Male	4,908
Florida	9,215
Non-Florida	2,633
Black	10,631
White	596
Hispanic	268
Asian	141
Native Indian	27
Non-Resident Alien	131
Not Reported	54

Florida A&M University Mission Statement

Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU) is an 1890 land-grant institution dedicated to the advancement of knowledge, resolution of complex issues and the empowerment of citizens and communities.  The University provides a student-centered environment consistent with its core values.  The faculty is committed to educating students at the undergraduate, graduate, doctoral and professional levels, preparing graduates to apply their knowledge, critical thinking skills and creativity in their service to society.  FAMU’s distinction as a doctoral/research institution will continue to provide mechanisms to address emerging issues through local and global partnerships.  Expanding upon the University’s land-grant status, it will enhance the lives of constituents through innovative research, engaging cooperative extension, and public service.  While the University continues its historic mission of educating African Americans, FAMU embraces persons of all races, ethnic origins and nationalities as life-long members of the university community.

Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University holds the following values essential to the achievement of the university’s mission:

• Scholarship
• Excellence
• Openness
• Fiscal Responsibility
• Accountability
• Collaboration
• Diversity
• Service
• Fairness
• Courage
• Integrity
• Respect
• Collegiality
• Freedom
• Ethics
• Shared Governance

Posted in Colleges Visited,

College Spotlight on Northeastern University

March 22, 2012

A former student of mine, now a sophomore at Northeastern University in Boston, wrote a wonderful piece entitled “Why I’m glad I chose Northeastern” for his former high school newspaper. I’ve posted it in my College Spotlight series http://www.collegeexpert.net/college-spotlight-northeastern-university/ on my website with his permission.

For those of you interested in colleges that offer co-op/internship opportunities, you will find this article enlightening.

Posted in College, College Spotlight, Colleges Visited,

A Visit to Hamilton

September 26, 2011


Hamilton College, Clinton, NY

After our visit to St. Lawrence, Tom and I drove down to the beautiful Finger Lakes area in central New York. We made our way to Mirbeau Inn & Spa named “Best for Romance, Cuisine & Yoga!” This inn became our home for three days as we explored the surrounding areas and colleges.

Here are my notes and observations about Hamilton College, in Clinton, New York.

Clinton

• Centrally located historic town
• New England type village with a village green, cute little shops, etc.
• Close to the Adirondacks, Utica, and Syracuse
• Many other cute little towns near by
• Malls are about 15 minutes away
• Syracuse Airport about 40 minutes away

Campus

• Residential campus, students live on campus all four years
• Truly a community, no need to leave campus
• 1800 students
• Creative, engaged fun students
• Became co-ed in the early 70s when Hamilton merged with all-female Kirkland College
• You will find all different types of students who all seem to get along


Hamilton College Dining Hall

Housing

• Housing is a lottery
• No separate freshman housing, may be some floors that are all freshman
• Lots of unique housing options
• Housing is great because freshman are not put in a freshman dorm. They are not put in the worse dorm as is the case at other
  colleges. They are mixed in with other students so nice housing for all students.

Academics

• Liberal arts, all the majors are strong
• No distribution requirements or core curriculum
• Benefits are students are happy and engaged because they want to be in the classes they choose
• Advising system really good and personal
• Dynamic and organic experience, advisors ensure students get a broad education
• Course of study will be individually tailored and structured to ensure an experience to prepare students to reach their goal
• Faculty are committed to the open curriculum
• There may be a quantative requirement if students are not at the level they need to be, for example Stats.
• Hamilton is a writing intensive college. This means you don’t have to write tons of big papers, but smaller papers and several drafts to become a better, focused writer.
• Professors are here to teach, vast majority live within 3 miles of campus
• Professors know if you are not there
• Senior projects and some full year thesis available
• Pre-professional advisors for business, law, medicine, etc.
• Liberal arts train you for nothing but prepare you for everything
• 5 main off-campus Hamilton programs – New York, Washington DC, China, Spain, and France – 100s of others available.
• Opportunity to be involved in the arts are vast
• Opening an art museum and teaching museum
• Strong theater, a capella groups, jazz band, orchestra, etc.

Athletics

• The New England Small College Athletic Conference (NESCAC) – most prestigious Division III conference, same conference as Williams, Middlebury, Amherst, Wesleyan, Colby, Bates, Bowdoin, Trinity.
• These colleges are overlaps
• Students can contact coaches themselves. Coaches prefer that over a box e mail bought from a company
• National championship womens lacrosse team
• Ham, the pig, is the mascot – dresses like a revolutionary war soldier
• Lots of school spirit!

Extracurriculars

• Lots of competitive club and intra-mural teams
• Hamilton will fund any club students want to start
• Pub for students over 21 on campus
• Greeks live in the dorms

Career information

• Career-Related-Experience (CRE) – every student has at least one before end of sophomore year
• Hamilton is in the top 1 percent for alumni giving of money, time, networking, connections.
• Great alumni network! For example a girl got an internship at MTV in NYC ( unpaid internship).
• The career center funded her summer internship expenses such as rent, food and fun. Very impressive program.
• Summer research opportunities with professors
• Internships open the door to that first job
• Great Names Series – impressive speaker series.


Hamilton College Walkway

Addmissions

• Interviews recommeded. Students need to set this up on the Hamilton website. Alum interview available in the Twin Cities

Financial aid

• 50 percent of students on financial aid, still need blind
• Meets 100 percent of need
• No merit scholarships
• Hamilton, like all colleges, recommends families use the net price caculalator to determine if you will qualify for financial aid on the school’s website.

What separates Hamilton from the others? The friendly, warm, welcoming atmosphere, centrally located, not shared with a major
city. – Sue Luse

Posted in Colleges Visited,

A Visit to Syracuse University

September 21, 2011

Syracuse University is located in the city of Syracuse where you find the arts, shopping, and restaurants.  Lake Onondaga is about 2 miles to the north.  About 40 miles farther to the north is Lake Ontario. 168,000 people live in Syracuse and 700,000 in the metro area.  Syracuse is a private university with 10,000 undergraduates.  It’s close to Hancock International Airport.  Syracuse is working to re-invent the South Side.  Syracuse University business and journalism students are involved in the effort.



Our tour guide from Michigan

Notes and Observations…

• All different kinds of students, 32 percent diversity
• 25 percent Jewish
• One of the biggest Hillel’s in the country
• Active GLBT group
• Study abroad
• 8 different Syracuse locations around the world

Campus

• Big campus, big quad
• Huge Carrier dome. Used for both football and basketball
• Up on a hill
• Mix of old and new architecture
• Bustling, lots of students
• Dorms – split doubles most common
• No freshman dorms
• Connective corridor, new project connecting the campus with the city with walking paths, bike paths, lights, trees, linking the arts and theater, shopping and restaurants
• Dinosaur Barbecue – most famous restaurant


Syracuse Music Building

Admissions

• Interviews are optional and evaluative
• Students should indicate three colleges they want to attend at Syracuse. If not admitted into first choice such as Newhouse, will be considered for the other two.
• 3.6 GPA
• ACT 25 – 26
• Super scores SAT
• Admissions does vary from college to college
• Merit scholarships available

Academics

• “Scholarship in Action”
• Theater,  BFA, strong program.
• First Year Players, a student-run theater program does a musical every year, for the non theater students.
• Direct entry architecture, 5-year BA of Architecture. Ranked in the top 5 in the nation. Need an art profile to be admitted.
• Newhouse School of Communication – new building with focus on multi-media.  Number one communication program in the country. Eight different majors, biggest are radio, TV, and film.
• Dual majors with Newhouse and Whitman Business School
• Information School, has high tech majors such as global enterprise technology and web-based security and finance.
• For students who like technology, Whitman school of Business has a competitive direct entry program.
• School of Education, big focus on urban education and multi-culturism
• College of Visual and Performing Arts
• Also has a School of Music, housed in a gothic Hogwarts-like building
• Also has a music business program
• Most competitive programs are Newhouse, Whitman, Information School, Architecture, Theater
• Has a good Design program
• Engineering very good – 8 different majors
• New science building – state-of-the-art labs for study and research
• Big hospital right by campus for research and volunteering.
• College of Sports Management
• Liberal Arts College has a consortium with Cornell and other nearby colleges

If students are looking for a medium-sized university with many different colleges and majors available in an urban setting, Syracuse
would be a good option – especially if students are looking for big time athletics and legendary school spirit! – Sue Luse

Posted in Colleges Visited,

A Visit to St. Lawrence University

September 20, 2011


Windy day at St. Lawrence Univ.

Tom and I drove through the beautiful Adirondack Mountains to the charming town of Lake Placid, home to the Winter Olympics. We loved Lake Placid even though lightening knocked out power to Lake Placid and our hotel.  Oh well, better then a flat tire!

St Lawrence University, Canton, NY

Notes and Impressions…

Campus

• Lovely, historic campus located in the small city of Canton.
• Well maintained and updated facilities and grounds. Lots of quads, trees in a park-like surrounding.
• Spacious library with lots of interesting study places such as a tree house.
• New and bustling student center and a great book store with a boutique.
• I was surprised to see a Caribou Coffee, the first one I have seen in New York.  Then I found out the co-founder of Caribou Coffee, Kim Puckett, attended St. Lawrence.
• The campus has lots of cute houses surrounding the college that are theme houses for the students.
• Housing is guaranteed all four years with many nice options.
• Loved dining hall

Academics



An outdoor class

• Academics attracts faculty who love to teach, help students develop their academics passions
• Environmental studies is an impressive major.
• Johnson Hall of Science meets LEED (Leadership in  Energy and Environmental Design) Gold Certification – meeting a stringent set of environmentally friendly and energy-efficient standards.
• Takes advantage of location by mountains. Environmental Science majors can go into public policy or field work.
• Over half of the students study abroad.
• Classic liberal arts and sciences
• Good geology, really good and unique rocks!
• Also good anthropology
• 3/2 engineering with Columbia and Clarkson
• Pre med is strong
• Pre law is strong
• 4 plus 1 MBA at many colleges
• International economics – new major
• Flexible core curriculum
• Semester system

Admissions

• 40 percent accepted
• Syracuse or Ottawa airport, closest airport.
• Security will drive students to airports, also have shuttles
• 60 percent from out-of-state,
• Will start reviewing Early Decision applicants Nov. 1
• For Early Decision 2 applicants,  the deadline is Jan 1 but will give students more time if they change their minds and decide to go Early Decision 2
• Test optional – want to see honors and AP classes
• They look for a student is well-rounded, curious, and likes to try new things
• Merit scholarships
• Overlaps - Hamilton, Colgate, Middelbury, U of Vermont


Student workout area - amazing place!

Activities

• Small Greek scene
• Off the beaten track creates a strong community, a bee hive
• Students love the outdoors
• Big outing club Close to Canada gives an international flair
• White Face Ski Area an hour and a half
• Other small ski areas closer by
• Weather – sunny and snowy, but not the lake snow affects which is more cloudy and drizzle

Overall, beautiful campus, impressive facility, all kinds of students would be happy here. Great location by the mountains, somewhat
isolated, but happy students. – Sue Luse

Posted in Colleges Visited,

A Visit to Bard College

September 20, 2011

Bard College is located on the Hudson River in the tiny village of Annandale-on-Hudson in New York.  This is a beautiful area, with lots of outdoor opportunities, and still close to New York City.

• Campus has varied architecture with an upper and lower campus.  The buildings are spread out with lots of green spaces in between.
• Impressive science building.
• The humanities buildings featured seminar classes, all discussion-based with engaged students sitting around a conference table.
• Students were friendly, seemed free to be themselves, artsy.
• Good music department.  Students do not need to audition for music or theater.
• No portfolio required.
• Students are interested in multiple things and tend to be unique.
• Social sciences are number 1.
• Students are opinionated, civic minded, like to do public service, and are politically active.
• When apply for early action, they make immediate decision.  Unique!
• Test scores are optional.
• 30 percent accepted.  Bard admissions is looking for students who are intellectual and independent and can handle the academics  and take advantage of the opportunities at Bard.
• Vassar,  Brown, Reed, NYU, Oberlin, and Carleton are overlaps.
• Students who have good relationships with teachers is what they are looking for
• They will take a look at students with high test scores and low GPAs if they see potential.

Posted in Colleges Visited,

A Visit to Skidmore College

September 20, 2011


Sue at Skidmore

Skidmore College is located in Saratoga Springs, NY. In the summer during the racing season  the population triples. Students move in after labor day, when all the tourists have left and have this cute town all to themselves. The movie Sea Biscuit was filmed here.  There’s a big racetrack in town. Skidmore is a mile and a half from downtown.  It’s surrounded by mansions and the North Woods, and close to the Adirondack Mountains.  Beautiful campus, lots of trees and quads.

Here are some fun facts, stats, and my observations:

• Great college town
• Battle of Saratoga was fought here
• Saratoga Springs is a mineral bath town
• Ski school , close to the Adirondack Mountain ski area
• 850 acres of woods with plenty of hiking trails
• Big outdoorsy scene
• 3 hours from NYC
• 3 hours from Montreal
• Internships and airport at Albany, 20 minutes away
• 70 percent out-of-state
• 7 percent international
• Co-ed since 1972
• 25 percent diversity
• 2500 undergrad

Academics

• Professional track
• Business major available
• MBA program
• Direct entry nursing
• Education major with masters available
• Pre-med
• Pre-law
• Socialwork
• Exercise science

Arts Track

• No need to audition for music, theater, or dance
• All types of music, tons of opportunities
• Visual arts, wonderful art building with print making
• Juniors and seniors get their own studio space

Liberal Arts Track

• English
• Psychology
• International affairs
• Biology
• Many other majors

General

• Small class sizes
• No teaching assistants
• 60 percent double major
• Semesters system
• Four year core curriculum, lots of options
• Study abroad popular
• 48 countries
• Skidmore helps students find internships
• Big horse school, equestrian teams and equine studies
• Crew popular
• 94 percent retention rate
• Men’s varsity ice hockey – ECEA East leaugue of Divisition III
• Women’s field hockey
• Supportive healthy place
• Both “preppy” and alternative students
• Not “cliquey”
• All types of religions.  About 25 percent Jewish.
• Not a bubble school, kids are politically aware and active.

Admissions

• 40 percent acceptance rate
• ACT 27-30 average
• They super score
• Merit and talented scholarships available.

Campus Tour



Amanda - best guide ever!

• Beautiful new music building
• Dance is a popular major. Students can do both modern dance and ballet.
• Great dorms. Suite style with single rooms for sophomores and doubles for the freshman with a shared bath for four students.
• All dorms are connected to the academic buildings and student center with covered walkways.  See picture of tour guide Amanda under covered walkway. Best guide ever!
• Beautiful, compact and well planned campus. Only 40 years old.  Original campus was in downtown Saratoga Springs.
• Juniors and seniors live in really nice apartments on campus.
• Skidmore mascot is the Thoroughbred, of course.
• One of the nicest dining halls I have ever seen. Open from 7 am to 11 pm.
• They have a separate dining room for students who have food allergies, which was good to see, as well as all the healthy menu options.  There is also a unique make-your-own station where students can make their own stir frys, omelets and grilled sandwiches.
• Academic buildings, high tech, modern, all small classes
• No Greeks.  Lots of traditions and social options

Skidmore is a good fit for our Midwest students. – Sue Luse

Posted in Colleges Visited,

A Visit to Vassar College

September 13, 2011

Vassar is located in Poughkeepsie,NY, about an hour and a half from NYC, on the Hudson river. The college campus is a combination of old and new architecture with a stunning library and performing arts center. We stayed in the historic town of Rhinebeck, about 20 minutes away.

Some notes about Vassar College:

• Students at Vassar were diverse and from all over
• No core curriculum
• Can triple major
• English, psychology, biology, economics, political science are the most popular majors
• Lang requirement
• AP level will waive if you get 4 or 5
• 40 percent study abroad
• 1000 courses to choose from – can register for 7 then drop down to 4 so can shop around for best fit
• 2500 students
• Good advising for both majors and minors
• Field work is what they call internships – must do a normal and submit a paper. Vassar sets up field work in the area and provides transportation.
• Students can also intern in NYC who want to get experience working in museums, PR firms, businesses, medical institutions, law firms and  on Wall Street
• There is a Metro Link to New York City
• 22 percent acceptance rate, most rigorous possible high school curriculum required
• Students reviewed from the context of their high school
• Students should take all 5 core classes, English, Math, Science, world language and social studies all four years, and take as many AP courses as possible.
• 3.8 GPA
• ACT with writing 30-33
• Will super score all test scores – send all scores
• Early Decision has a 10-15 percent higher acceptance
• Extra-curriculars important, looking for leadership
• 20 percent in Division III sports, the rest in club and intramural sports
• Students are assigned to one of 9 “houses”, they live in the same house for three years
• There are house fellows who are faculty families who live in the house
• Went co-ed in 1969
• Plan to expand sciences
• Fun fact, the barefoot monks are one of the hundreds of student groups at Vassar, they are a juggling club.
• Who does well at Vassar? Ones who have learned how to balance rigorous academics and their activities.
• Their library closes at 12 because they want students to go home and sleep!
• Poughkeepsie has 120,000 people in the area
• Students do not go into the city all that much, because Vassar has such a multitude of things to do on campus.

For more information, check out Vassar’s website: www.vassar.edu

- Sue Luse

 

Posted in Colleges Visited,

Visiting Colleges in New York

September 13, 2011

Every September when all our students go back to school, my husband Tom and I hit the road to visit colleges. This year we picked New York! Since my daughter Chelsea lives in Manhattan, we planned a weekend in the City with Chelsea and our dear friends Chris and Lauren. And what a weekend we had! World class restaurants, an eating tour of the Village, two days at the US Open, and the hysterical over-the-top Broadway show, The Book of Mormon. All this during the 9/11 Anniversary with increased security everywhere and the solemn ceremonies taking place at Ground Zero.  Sunday night, we stayed in America’s oldest inn – the Beekman Arms.

It’s Tuesday morning and we had planned to visit Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and Union but got a flat tire. Have to buy a new tire!  We will only have time to visit Skidmore. But we get to spend the day on the lovely and fun town of Saratoga Springs. I plan to come back to this area again, so will get to visit these colleges another time. Watch for postings of colleges I visit on this New York trip. – Sue Luse

Posted in Colleges Visited,