C OLLEGE C ONFERENCE M A N U A L
School Guide Publications • www.schoolguides.com
I m a g e c o u r te sy o f P a c e U n i ve r s i ty , W e s tc h e s t e r C a m p u s , N Y . T h e n e w A l u m n i H a l l i s s c h e d u l e d to o p e n S e p t e m b e r 20 1 5.
FEATURING Southern Westchester College Conference DATE AND TIME Monday, April 27, 2015 6:30 – 9:00 p.m. LOCATION Westchester County Center White Plains, NY
Southern Westchester to Host College Conference Representatives from more than 275 two-year and four-year colleges, nursing schools and business schools will participate in the Southern Westchester College Conference to be held at the Westchester County Center in White Plains on Monday, April 27 from 6:30 to 9:00 p.m. Students and parents are invited to take advantage of this opportunity to meet face-to-face with admissions representatives from hundreds of colleges throughout the country. Officers and enlisted personnel from the various branches of the military will also be on hand to discuss the military’s enlistment and education programs such as R.O.T.C., the military academies, and the GI Bill.
Write up a short list of questions to ask admission representatives. To compare several schools, plan on asking the same questions at each table. The more prepared you are for the College Conference, the more you’ll get out of it. Good luck in your college search.
FEATURED ARTICLES pg. 1 pg. 1 pg. 6-7 pg. 37
The College Conference is a timesaving opportunity for students and parents to gather a lot of information in one night. In addition to asking questions, students and parents will be able to set up college interviews, pick up literature and learn about the various financial aid programs available. Before you arrive at the College Conference, check the list of participating colleges and schools found on pages 6 and 7 and select the ones that most interest you. If you have time, research these colleges by reading information in your guidance office or by checking out guidebooks or Web sites.
pg. 38 pg. 39 pg. 40
School Guide Publications is a proud member of the National Association for College Admission Counseling
Allison Hayes B.S. - Occupational Therapy, ’15
ONE OF THE BEST
COMMUTER SCHOOLS IN NY STATE.
Q AFFORDABLE - ONE OF THE LOWEST PRIVATE TUITIONS IN THE COUNTRY
QPERSONAL ATTENTION
Q OVER 90 DEGREE AND CERTIFICATE PROGRAMS
Q FLEXIBLE SCHEDULING DAYS, NIGHTS, WEEKENDS, ONLINE
QA QUALITY, PRIVATE EDUCATION
QDISTINGUISHED FACULTY
QMAIN CAMPUS IN DOBBS FERRY, NY 30 MINUTES NORTH OF NEW YORK CITY WITH AMPLE PARKING, METRONORTH AND BEE-LINE BUS STOPS RIGHT ON CAMPUS
DOBBS FERRY | MANHATTAN | BRONX | YORKTOWN HEIGHTS | ONLINE
Open House FOR HIGH SCHOOL JUNIORS AND SENIORS May 19, 4:30-6 pm REGISTER NOW FOR SUMMER CLASSES Starting May 26, June 29 & August 3
Building Minds, Building Building Futures Futures Building know thatt more loca locall high graduates Westchester high school grad uates choose W estchester Did you kno w tha Community details on more than sixty Communi ty College College than any other institution? institution? Learn details thatt can get you on track to toward ward a four-year college college degree or academic programs tha help launch hel p la unch your career.
914-606-6735 ς sunywcc.edu
WINNERS access to success
22
STUDENT FULBRIGHT SCHOLARS IN 2014
WILLIAM CHEUNG
E
CUNY BACCALAUREATE /BROOKLYN COLLEGE '14 AWARD
2014 Fulbright English Teaching Assistantship in Bavaria
very year, hundreds of thousands of students choose The City University of New York for a multitude of reasons that can be summed up as one: opportunity. Providing quality, accessible education has been CUNY’s mission since 1847, a commitment that is a source of enormous pride. The powerful combination of quality academics, remarkable affordability, financial support and 24 modern campuses spanning the five boroughs of New York – the world’s most exciting city – makes CUNY a singular value in higher education. That’s the CUNY Value. — James B. Milliken, Chancellor
cuny.edu/welcome
The Westchester County Center in White Plains, N.Y. will be the site of the Spring 2014 Southern Westchester College Conference to be held on Monday, April 28 from 6:30 – 9:00 p.m. The College Conference is free to high school students, parents and anyone else interested in higher education. Students can meet one-on-one with representatives from colleges and universities from around the world at their booths to discuss entrance requirements, campus life, application deadlines and majors. “We are very proud to host this event” says Lou Brunelli, Conference Coordinator and a retired guidance counselor from Southern Westchester BOCES. “It gives area students an excellent opportunity to be exposed to hundreds of colleges and universities in one locale.” Look over a list of College Conference participants before the event. Choose the colleges in which you are most interested and research them in your guidance office or on their Web sites. Write up a short list of questions to ask admission representatives. To compare several schools, plan on asking the same questions at each table. Before you leave for the Conference, make sure you have a small notebook with your list of colleges and questions; a pen or pencil; and a backpack or tote-bag to hold all of the college information you’ll be collecting. Rather than asking how many people are in the freshman class, ask what the two or three most popular majors are (that can give you a good idea of the main interests of the majority of the students). If you have a particular major in mind, don’t ask how good is the major. No college representative will tell you that a program is bad. Instead, ask how many students take that major; what research faculty members are involved in (and the opportunities for undergraduates to participate in it); or what courses you would take your first year in a particular major. Students who are undecided should ask about what services and support are available to help them explore various majors. After you leave a table, jot down your impressions of the college and the answers the admission representatives gave you. Try to do this before you visit the next table, while your
WINTER/SPRING 2014 ISSUES 978/3 #% 47843 9,,'14 & 1+:+1'3* '11'7 #% '68,46* # 43- 71'3* '77'9 4938< 438-42+6< 4938< +; +67+< +; &460 /8< 6'3-+ 4938< & /887(96-. 6/3)+ +46-+ 7 4938< 64:/*+3)+ ! !4).+78+6 & "56/3-,/+1* "
>ÌÌ>Ûi°i`ÕÊUÊiÝ«ÀiÛi°iÌ Manhattanville College g is committed to equality q y of educational opportunity, pp y and is an equal q opportunity pp y employer. p y The College g does not discriminate against g current or p prospective p students and employees p y on the basis of race, color, sex, national and ethnic origin, religion, age, disability, or any other legally protected characteristic. This College policy is implemented in educational and admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, athletic and other school-administered programs, and in in employee-related employee-related programs. programs.
www.schoolguides.com
School Guide’s COLLEGE CONFERENCE MANUAL | April 17, 2015 | 15
Get a Degree of Value at CUNY Nearly 80 percent of full-time college students are debt free when they graduate from The City University of New York, making CUNY a national leader in providing the golden combination in higher education value today: valued degrees, high-quality education, award-winning professors, affordable tuition, and the likelihood of debt-free graduation. Even as student debt nationwide has surpassed $1 trillion and U.S. college graduates owe about $27,000 on average, seven of ten students graduate from CUNY colleges without federal student loans, according to “The CUNY Value Plus,” a report available at cuny.edu/value . Almost half of those who carry loans after graduation are transfer students who chose the CUNY value after attending a more costly private or public institution.
The University’s exceptionally affordable tuition, lower than most private and public institutions in the nation, is what makes it possible for the majority of CUNY undergraduates — including low-income and employed, veterans and CUNY scholarship recipients — to cover college costs without having to borrow. Nearly 60 percent of fulltime undergraduates attend tuition free, thanks in part to federal Pell grants, New York State Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) awards, and CUNY’s own financial aid programs. For Army veteran Kasha Taylor, a state employee and mother of two, it was the low-cost tuition at CUNY’s Lehman College, plus work and careful budgeting, that made it possible for her to cover 70 percent of her tuition costs with her veterans’ benefits, and pay the rest before collecting her diploma.
“It’s a beautiful thing,” said Taylor, who graduated with a degree in business administration and plans to go to graduate school. “A lot of people feel the higher the tuition, the higher the education. I disagree. My professors were awesome.” For Christina Terracino, the mix of “a little bit” of state Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) aid and her CUNY scholarships allowed her to graduate from The College of Staten Island owing nothing. “It’s a great thing, it’s such a simple application, and it paid for my education,” Terracino said of her scholarships. Now looking ahead to graduate school, she said, ‘I would love to be an academic librarian, work on the PhD, become a professor. I know I can do that without worrying because I don’t have to worry about any undergrad debt.” Michael Suarez, who attended LaGuardia Community College
and recently graduated from Hunter College, qualified for Pell grants and TAP awards that made his tuition free. He graduated owing just $1,500 left over from a loan to pay for a semester living at a student residence at Queens College. “Graduating with very little debt with hopes of going to medical school is a big deal for me,” said Suarez, who graduated in psychology from Hunter College. “It puts me way ahead of the game.” “CUNY’s unwavering commitment to excellence and opportunity — offering the best academics at an affordable price, making it possible to graduate debt free — is expanding opportunity for the many thousands of students who enroll in our colleges every year,” said then Interim Chancellor William P. Kelly. “That’s ‘CUNY Value Plus,’ and as we emerge from tough economic times into a changing job
bobcatS WANTED.
We’ve got Class. Small classes, a focus on academic excellence, plus top rankings in U.S. News & World Report , Bloomberg Businessweek Top Undergraduate Business Schools , Forbes and the Princeton Review’s Best 379. Just a few reasons to make Quinnipiac University your education destination.
STUDENT LIFE From intramural sports to campus Greek life, the arts and everything in between, at Quinnipiac, we understand that some of the greatest lessons are learned beyond the classroom. That’s why we offer more than 100 clubs and organizations, with a range of extracurricular activities to satisfy even the most diverse tastes.
ATHLETICS Whether you’re in the game or in the stands, Quinnipiac’s 21 Division I teams are sure to exhilarate. Check out www.quinnipiacbobcats.com for tickets, team schedules, news and more.
visit The campus Come for an individual interview, campus tour, group information session, or join us at our Spring Open House on May 11, 2015. Reserve online at www.quinnipiac.edu/visit.
ARTs AND SCIENCEs | Business | Communications | Education | engineering | Health Sciences | Law | medicine | Nursing
Quinnipiac offers 58 undergraduate majors and 22 graduate programs to 6,500 undergraduate and 2,500 graduate students. Classes are kept small and taught by outstanding faculty in state-of-the-art facilities. Plus our expanded 600-acre, three campus suburban residential setting with modern housing, vibrant recreation and Division I athletics makes for a unique and dynamic university. Visit www.quinnipiac.edu, email
[email protected] or call 1-800-462-1944.
Hamden, Connecticut
16 | School Guide’s COLLEGE CONFERENCE MANUAL | April 17, 2015
market, it’s more critical than ever. “We offer the best higher education value to New Yorkers, and are always innovating to best prepare our students for rewarding careers and further study.” CUNY’s tuition is stabilized by a unique public-private funding mechanism called The CUNY Compact, which envisions modest, predictable tuition increases that enable students and families to plan ahead. In 2014, CUNY tuition and fees remained significantly lower than those of most higher education institutions, private and public, in the New York metropolitan area and nationwide. Aside from affordable tuition, more than $1 billion in financial aid, including government grants, CUNY aid and scholarships, is benefiting CUNY students this academic year. The American Opportunity Tax Credit, a rebate of up to $2,500 that eases education expenses for many middleclass families, may further reduce the cost of CUNY tuition. Distinguished professors and CUNY’s increasing attractiveness to motivated, high-achieving students are also key factors in the CUNY Value Plus equation. CUNY students, mentored by award-winning professors and encouraged by the University have consistently been winning prestigious national honors including National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowships, Barry M. Goldwater and Harry S. Truman Scholarships and Fulbright grants. In 2014, 16 CUNY students won NSF Graduate Research Fellowships for science, engineering and other graduate research. CUNY students also benefit from institutional scholarships funded by more than $2.8 billion in private donations raised since 2000 by the Invest in CUNY campaign. The University has also responded to record enrollments, reported at approximately 274,000 degree-credit students in fall 2014, by increasing the ranks of full-time professors and investing $3.8 billion in CUNY construction projects that have modernized facilities and transformed the CUNY experience in all five boroughs. Some $3 billion in new construction, expansion, renovation and maintenance projects are in the pipeline. CUNY Value Plus contains new data from The College Board, the National Center for Education Statistics, and the University’s Office of Insti tutional Research. The CUNY Value Plus Web site, featuring the new publication, videos and other information, is available at cuny.edu/value. The new data underscores CUNY’s value in the higher-education marketplace. CUNY’s tuition and fees, averaging $6,446 at its four-year colleges in 2014, contrasts sharply with the $29,056 national average for private, nonprofit four-year colleges and universities, the $15,172 average at for-profit institutions, and the $8,655 average tuition and fees at public, four-year institutions, according to The College Board.
www.schoolguides.com
www.schoolguides.com
School Guide’s COLLEGE CONFERENCE MANUAL | April 17, 2015 | 17
Mercy College: Dedicated to the Motivated Student Mercy College’s main campus encompasses 66 acres alongside the picturesque Hudson River in Dobbs Ferry, N.Y., a suburb of Westchester County, 25 miles north of New York City. The Dobbs Ferry campus offers athletic programs and residence halls for students with ample lots
for safe parking. Full hot and cold meals are available on campus. The College’s athletic facilities are located at the Dobbs Ferry Campus, including five outdoor tennis courts, a swimming pool, a soccer/baseball field and a running track. The library at the main cam-
pus serves as the nucleus of the Mercy College network. Students at all locations have access to the main library, which houses a total collection of more than 215,000 volumes as well as extensive audio-visual materials. In addition to the main cam-
Our greatest strength is helping you find yours.
Will. Power.
pus at 555 Broadway in Dobbs Ferry, Mercy has a Bronx Campus at 1200 Waters Place; a Manhattan Campus at 66 West 35th Street; and a Yorktown Campus at 2651 Strang Blvd., Yorktown Heights. Founded in 1950, Mercy College is a private, not-for-profit higher education institution that offers more than 90 undergraduate and graduate degree and certificate programs. Mercy College offers a quality liberal arts and professional education within its five schools: School of Business, School of Education, School of Health and Natural Sciences, School of Liberal Arts, and School of Social and Behavioral Sciences. Student Body Mercy College has a full-time undergraduate enrollment of 5,289 students. The total enrollment, including full-time and part-time undergraduates and graduates is approximately 11,272 of which 27 percent are male, and 73 percent are female. Students come from 36 states and 37 countries. The current undergraduate demographics for all campuses are: NonResident Alien 0.4 percent; Hispanic/Latino 33.1 percent; Ameri can Indian/Alaskan Native 0.1percent; Asian 3.5 percent; Black / African American 24.3 percent; Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander 0.3 percent; White, Non-Hispanic 30.9 percent; Two or more races 5.5 percent; and Unknown Race/ Ethnicity 5.5 percent. Mercy College welcomes transfer students. The College will accept up to 75 transfer credits from another two-year institution and up to 90 transfer credits from another four-year institution. Most other
colleges only accept up to 60 transfer credits. Faculty The Mercy College faculty includes 196 full-time professors with a significant majority holding the highest degree in their respective fields. Many are Fulbright Scholars, published and national best-selling authors, and experts. Class Size Classes are small at Mercy with 93 percent of undergraduate classes having fewer than 30 students and 45 percent having fewer than 20 students. Graduates can look forward to positive career outcomes. Among the 2014 graduating class, 91 percent have experienced positive career outcomes within six months. They are either working in a full- or part- time job, have enrolled in graduate school or are performing voluntary or military service. Athletics and Student Organizations Mercy College fields 10 men’s and women’s teams in NCAA Division II. Students can don the school colors of blue and white and help Maverick (also known as “Mavie” or “Mav”), the Mercy College mascot, cheer their teams on to victory. In addition, the College offers 35 student clubs, including Mercy’s award-winning student paper, The Impact, and 17 honor societies. You Belong at Mercy College Are you ready to join the more than 53,700 Mercy College alumni? Visit Mercy College on the Web at www.mercy.edu. Call toll-free 877.MERCY.GO or email:
[email protected] for more information.
SUNY Adirondack: Experience It for Yourself
If you have the will to succeed, we have what it takes to help you get there: outstanding academic quality at an exceptional value. With our distinguished faculty faculty,, small classes, broad array of programs, and extensive hands-on learning opportunities – William Paterson will challenge and empower you to achieve remarkable things.
Visit Our Campus
For m For more ore inf information, form ormation, go g o to to wp wpunj.edu/campusvisit un nj.edu//campusvisit or ccall all 9 973.720.2125 73.720.2125
18 | School Guide’s COLLEGE CONFERENCE MANUAL | April 17, 2015
SUNY Adirondack is located in upstate New York just minutes from the cultural and tourism centers of Saratoga Springs and Lake George. The College’s main campus is north of Glens Falls in Queensbury, N.Y., while the SUNY Adirondack Wilton Center is located just three miles north of Saratoga Springs in the heart of Saratoga County. SUNY Adirondack offers one of the lowest tuition rates among community colleges in New York State with over 70 percent of its students receiving some form of financial aid. Even out-of-state students will find SUNY Adirondack tuition to be lower than many other national alternatives. The College offers small class sizes, dedicated faculty, and personalized instruction in over 30 associate degree and certificate programs. There is no shortage of challenging programs at SUNY Adirondack. They include programs in adventure sports, business, criminal justice, culinary arts, engineering, hospitality and tourism, information technology, music, nursing and more. Students receive real world experience as 86 percent of graduates of career-oriented programs participate in internships with local businesses. Students who wish to continue their education upon graduation from SUNY Adirondack may take advantage
of any of the three dozen articulation agreements the College has with public and private four-year colleges and universities. In fact, graduates are now able to continue their college careers on SUNY Adirondack’s campus and pursue their bachelor’s degrees through the Regional Higher Education Center in partnership with SUNY Plattsburgh, SUNY Empire State College, or Paul Smith’s College. SUNY Adirondack offers students a wealth of opportunities to participate in cultural, social and sporting events throughout the year. Intercollegiate athletics, international travel, student government, extra-curricular clubs, art, music and theatrical productions are among the many activities that help to provide a complete student life experience. The College is also known for its excellent accessibility, career and counseling services and was recently named to the coveted Military Friendly Schools list. Students now have the opportunity to live on-campus with the recent opening of a 400-bed student residence hall. The state-of-the-art residence hall offers suite-style living accommodations, on-site fitness facilities, integrated learning space, technology access, and interactive classrooms. SUNY Adirondack: Experience it for yourself.
www.schoolguides.com
Queens College: Find Your Place in the World Queens College (QC) students come from every possible background. Each one brings a rich set of life experiences to the campus, but they also share something important: they’re determined to find their place in the world. Queens College prepares its students to lead in our exciting global society by offering a rigorous education in the liberal arts and sciences. You’ll graduate with the qualities that top companies and the best graduate schools are looking for: problem-solving intelligence, the ability to think critically, an aptitude for learning the latest technologies, and an appreciation of different cultures. Discover a Remarkable Value Queens College has long been an institution that helps students from families of modest means achieve their dream of earning a college degree. The Washington Monthly ranks Queens College second among all U.S. colleges for giving students the most value for their money (what they call “the best bang for the buck”), and The Princeton Review’s “The Best Value Colleges” cites QC for its faculty, facilities, opportunities for growth, and eye-opening cultural experiences. Queens College offers students low tuition — made even more affordable with the help of financial aid. Over 60 percent of QC students receive such aid, including grants, scholarships, loans, and work-study opportunities. And about 80 percent of them graduate debt-free. Choose to Excel Competition is not always a contest to see who finishes first. Competition — the kind that leads to advances in medicine, the arts, education, any field — is about testing your ideas against the best ideas and seeing how you fare. Honors and special programs at Queens College are designed to push you to become the best possible version of you. QC participates in CUNY’s Macaulay Honors College, which supports gifted students with full tuition and other benefits. In addition, QC has its own multidisciplinary Freshman Honors Program, divisional honors programs in the humanities, math and natural sciences, and social sciences, and an honors program just for transfer students. Outstanding high school seniors may apply to become Queens College Scholars. Prospective math teachers may qualify for scholar-
ships and other incentives through QC’s innovative math education program, TIME 2000. Business and Liberal Arts — a QC initiative designed for top-performing students, regardless of their major — familiarizes students with basic business disciplines. Additionally, Queens College hosts a wide range of national honors societies, including Phi Beta Kappa and Kappa Delta Pi. Queens College knows that top students look for challenges beyond the classroom as part of a well-rounded education. Its Internship Center’s database tracks more than 1,200 opportunities, and interns earn academic credit and often more: the average QC internship stipend is $1,200 – $1,500. Service learning and leadership opportunities (many offering academic credit) abound: build homes with Habitat for Humanity during spring break; go on a Midnight Run to feed the homeless; visit pediatric hospitals with the Big Apple Circus. QC is also part of the new CUNY Service Corps, in which students spend 24 weeks in paid, part-time positions working on projects that address public health, education, the environment, and more. Travel transforms your perspective, and students are encouraged to take advantage of international academic programs during summer and winter breaks or for a semester or two. If travel is not in your plans, you can still explore the world on campus, as students from over 150 countries call Queens College home. A wealth of cultures and perspectives come together in an environment of respect and commitment to learning.
www.schoolguides.com
also home to the New York Mets, the U.S. Open tennis tournament, and numerous cultural attractions, including QC’s Louis Armstrong House Museum. No matter where you want to
go, Queens College will help you find your place in the world. Visit the College at www.qc.cuny.edu — or take a tour of its campus — and discover all that a Queens College education can offer you.
THE PROMISE
O OF F
NYC
Have Fun Whether you commute or live on campus, there is life outside the classroom. With more than 100 clubs and intramural sports, you have a chance to explore your interests and meet people who share them. You can also take advantage of FitzGerald Gymnasium, the Fitness Center, an Olympic-size swimming pool, indoor and outdoor tennis courts, and a newly renovated outdoor track. QC is also the only CUNY college that participates in NCAA Division II athletics. The Queens College calendar is filled with concerts, art exhibitions, readings by famous writers, inspiring speakers, and other cultural activities. QC’s Kupferberg Center for the Arts is a magnet for arts lovers who appreciate its diverse array of programs. And the
Social Media Can Enhance Your Scholarship Potential Social media platforms like Facebook can be a major asset when you are looking for ways to pay for college. With a strong online presence, you can go beyond the limitations of a typical scholarship application and make yourself stand out from the crowd. Many colleges now look to an applicant’s social media profile to gain a better understanding of that person. If you are involved in extracurricular activities that could be viewed favorably on a scholarship application, be sure to update your Facebook page to include photographs of your accomplishments and links to organizations with which you are affiliated.
Godwin-Ternbach Museum houses more than 6,000 works of art. Additionally, the QC campus is located in Flushing with its dazzling array of shops and dining spots. The borough of Queens is
Promoting a positive image on social media Web sites should be a serious consideration for students. Before updating your status or uploading an image, ask yourself if you would want a financial aid officer to see what you’re about to post. One rule of thumb about putting content on social media Web sites is that if you’re in doubt, leave it out. While removing any inappropriate content from your social media profiles can help to ensure that you are giving financial aid officers a good impression of you as a scholarship candidate, keeping your accounts on a private setting can give you additional peace of mind.
For F or more than 160 years, Manhattan College College has Catholic been delivering on the Lasallian C atholic promise of educating tomorrow's leaders in arts, business, education and health, engineering and the sciences, all on a 22-acre residential campus only a subway ride on the 1 train away from midtown Manhattan. industry,, arts Our location at the gateway of global industry and culture means that our students can find themselves both in the classroom and in the real College world, making Manhattan C ollege a top choice within the the New NewYork ork Y City C region.
Visit us at manhattan.edu to learn more about our inspiring academic offerings. School Guide’s COLLEGE CONFERENCE MANUAL | April 17, 2015 | 19
What Is The Common Application? By Scott Anderson If you will be applying to college next year, then there’s a good chance that you may already be familiar with The Common Application. In fact, for some colleges, the Common App is the only way to apply. Many students who create a Common App Online account do so as just one more step in the long process of applying to and enrolling in college. But students who want to understand the process as fully as possible ask questions. Lots of questions. Here are a few of them, along with answers that should help you understand us a little better.
sions rely on more than grades and test scores when making their decisions. Specifically, Common App member colleges require their applicants to submit at least one academic letter of recommendation, along with an untimed writing sample. Usually the writing sample takes the form of an essay, though some colleges will also permit applicants to submit a graded school assignment. Common App members also agree to abide by a non-discrimination statement. There are other pieces to the application, but the bottom line is that Common App members want to learn as much about their applicants as possible as they invite students to join their communities.
What Is The Common Application? The Common Application is not simply a college application, though it certainly is that. The name also refers to a not-for-profit membership association of over 500 colleges that agree to evaluate students using a holistic admission process. Colleges that use holistic admis-
What Are the Benefits of The Common Application? “One for All” is a tagline you may have seen on our posters in your counselor’s office, and it perfectly describes the primary benefit of The Common Application: you complete only one application for all Common App members on your college list. Many of
our members will ask you to answer a few additional questions that are unique to their institutions, but the busywork of completing multiple applications goes away, leaving you time for what’s really important: college research, campus visits, essay writing, and school work. This year we expect about 700,000 students to submit nearly three million Common Applications. Is It Treated Fairly? Yes. All colleges that accept The Common Application agree to treat it exactly the same as any other application they accept. And for one-third of our over 500 members, The Common Application is the only application they use. Why Don’t All Colleges Accept The Common Application? Only colleges that use holistic admission can be members of The Common Application. There are many excellent colleges and universities that are not Common App
members — a few by choice, and many more because they either do not use holistic admissions or they use it for only a small portion of their applicants.
many regional public universities across the country. By using the Common App, you have access to the full diversity of American higher education.
Do Public Colleges Accept The Common Application? Absolutely. While the majority of Common App members are private colleges and universities, 15 percent of our members are public institutions. The list includes nearly all the four-year SUNYs, public flagships, and
How Can I Learn More? For more information on The Common Application, or to register a Common App Online account, visit www.commonapp.org.
Scott Anderson is director of outreach at The Common Appli cation, Inc.
Computer Science Majors in High Demand The need for graduates of technology programs has never been greater. Choosing a technology major such as computer science is an excellent first step toward securing a job in a number of fields such as computing, scientific research, health care and finance.
EXPERIENCE IT FOR YOURSELF
Solving Problems Computer science is the study of how computation can be applied to solve problems. The field is broad, covering disciplines that are primarily theoretical in nature, such as information architecture and data structures, and those that are more practical, like software engineering. Students who major in computer science learn how to use programming languages such as Java, Objective-C and Python to solve problems. Other required classes include computer architecture, logic and computation and programming paradigms. Artificial intelligence, information theory, operating systems and computer networking are common elective classes in computer science degree programs. An Urgent Need According to business magazine Forbes, almost 1.5 million jobs in the technology sector will be created before 2020. However, Lisa Hook, president and chief executive officer of Neustar, a business intelligence and technology firm, claims that there will only be enough qualified graduates to fill approximately 30 percent of these positions. “While the tech industry is changing at a breakneck pace and creating new jobs in the process, workers simply aren’t graduating fast enough — or with the necessary technical skills — to keep up with the demand,” said Hook.
Adirondack A dirondack Park Park
Queensbury Campus Wilton Center
SUITE-STYLE ON-CAMPUS HOUSING
SUNYACC.EDU | 1.888.SUNY.ADK
20 | School Guide’s COLLEGE CONFERENCE MANUAL | April 17, 2015
Great Prospects The need for skilled graduates in the technology sector is so high that companies such as Microsoft are sending engineers to high schools across the country to show students how computer science can help them launch exciting and dynamic careers. Microsoft’s Technology Education and Literacy in Schools (TEALS) program is now operating in more than 70 schools in 12 states nationwide, according to Microsoft’s Web site, and “with increasing support of volunteers, the TEALS program is poised for even more growth.” For graduates of computer science degree programs, the future is bright. Data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates that demand for software developers is expected to increase by 30 percent through 2020, while the need for systems administrators is projected to rise by 28 percent. As technology is one of the fastest-growing sectors in the U.S., a major in computer science is an excellent choice for inquiring minds who want to be at the forefront of technological innovation in the years to come.
www.schoolguides.com
Financial Questions to Ask Schools Because your education is a major investment, it is advisable to find out as much information as you can before you make your decision about which school you’ll be attending. When you make appointments to visit those colleges or career schools you are most interested in, bring a list of financial aid related questions to ask school representatives. Information About the School You should ask about the school’s accreditation, licensing, student loan default rate and campus security. Find out about the school’s loan default rate — that is, the percentage of students who attended the school, took out federal student loans and later failed to repay these loans on time. This is important because you might not be able to get aid from some federal programs if a school has a high default rate. Talk to high school counselors, local employers and your state higher education agency. You can also see if any complaints about the school have been filed with the local Better Business Bureau or the consumer protection division of the state attorney general’s office. (Go to www.bbb.org to locate Better Business Bureau offices.) Find out about the school’s job placement rates — the percentage of students who are placed in jobs relevant to their course of study. This information must be available at or before the time you apply for admission to the school. You might also want to check with local employers to see whether they hired graduates from the school. Financial Aid at the School Because getting all the financial aid to which you are entitled is so important, get the following information from the school: • the location, hours and counseling procedures for the school’s financial aid office; • what financial assistance is available, including federal, state, local, private and institutional programs; • the procedures and deadlines for submitting applications for each available financial aid program; • how the school selects financial aid recipients; • how the school determines your financial need; • how the school determines each type and amount of assistance in your financial aid package; • how and when you’ll receive your aid; • how the school determines whether you’re making satisfactory academic progress — and what happens if you’re not (whether you continue to receive federal financial aid depends, in part, on whether you make satisfactory academic progress); and • if you’re offered a Federal Work-Study job, what the job is, what hours you must work, what your job responsibilities will be, what the pay will be, and how and when you’ll be paid. Refund Policy If you enroll but never begin classes, you should get most of your money back. If you begin
www.schoolguides.com
attending classes but do not finish a course, a percentage of your money is usually refunded, prorated for how far into the semester you are. Return-of-Aid Policy If you receive federal student aid from any program (except for Federal Work-Study) and you withdraw from school, some of that money might have to be returned by you or your school. Also, if you don’t finish your coursework, you’ll have to repay the loan funds you received, less any amount the school has returned to your lender.
Completion, Transfer-Out Rates If many students withdraw from a school, it might not be a good sign. A school is required to disclose to current and prospective students the percentage of its students who complete the school’s programs, as well as the percentage who transfer out of the school. In addition to the above questions, you might also want to compare your expected debt for attend ing the school with the money you expect to earn once you complete the degree or program. If
you borrow money to pay for all or a portion of your education, you’ll need to earn enough to repay your debt. Check the Web or visit the library to learn about the careers you’re interested in pursuing. The U.S. Department of Labor publishes the Occupational Outlook Handbook, which gives job descriptions including starting salaries and annual income averages. You can find the Occu pational Outlook Handbook online at www.bls.gov/oco. The Occupational Information Network (O*NET) is a new Web site
being developed under the sponsorship of the U.S. Depart ment of Labor/Employment and Training Admin istration (USDOL/ETA). Visit www.onetcenter.org for information about various careers, typical wages or salaries, and growth opportunities. By finding out as much information as possible about a prospective college and by checking out your options, you’ll be better prepared for getting an education beyond high school.
Source: U.S. Department of Education, Federal Student Aid, www.FSApubs.org.
think
Innovation
think
evolutionary thinking that goes Changing the e world rrequires requir equirres revolutionary rev yond, and at V Vaughn aughn College that’s the type of thinking above and beyond, we instill in you. fers an Vaughn offfers a array of master’s, bachelor’s and associate ate degre ee programs in the fields of engineering, technology, management and aviation.
1.866.6VAUGHN ENGINEERING
Q
TECHNOL TECHNOLOGY OGY
Q
Q
vaughn.edu MANAGEMENT MANAGEMENT
Q
AVIATION AVIA A VIA ATION
School Guide’s COLLEGE CONFERENCE MANUAL | April 17, 2015 | 21
Selecting a College Students often have preconceived notions about the college or university they want to attend. Maybe it’s the college that a parent or friend attended; perhaps it’s a school’s athletic team or locale. These are strong influences and need not be ignored. On the other hand, early impressions might make a student believe incorrectly that a college is perfect for him/her. Understanding that there is no perfect college will make the application process more exciting. The student who narrows her/his sights to only one college may spend too much time worrying about gaining admission to that particular school, and prevent him/her from considering other colleges and universities. There are over 3,500 colleges and universities in the United States. Like the students who attend them, they are all different. They are private and public,
large and small, located in small towns and large cities. Some are affiliated with a religious organization, others are not. Some offer specialized or technical programs, while others offer a sound education in the liberal arts. Students must examine their own needs in determining the importance of all factors that go into this decision. This decision should not be based on a short visit, casual comment or a great picture in a viewbook. The student who researches, compares and analyzes makes the best decision in the end. Working with their counselors, students usually start the process using a computerized search. They can enter a desired major, location, school size, athletic program, etc. Vegetarian meal plans, cars on campus, or the availability of specific religious services can be included as well. Characteristics are added until the computer has narrowed
ARCHITECTURE ART ENGINEERING
The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art
NYC cooper.edu/admissions
down the number of colleges qualifying to a manageable number. The computer then provides names, addresses, zip codes and telephone numbers so students can contact the college directly. Also available in every guidance office are college guidebooks such as School Guide, College Guide, Profiles of American Colleges, Lovejoy’s, Barron’s and Peterson’s. Although these guides provide much more detailed information about colleges than the computer and they often list colleges by specific major, it is cumbersome to cross-reference two items such as athletics and majors. Using the two — computer and guidebook — in conjunction will provide a great deal of information. All this information is still not a substitute for a college catalog. After the student narrows her/his search to a reasonable number of colleges, then it is time to acquire a catalog, usually available on the college’s Web site in pdf form or by calling the admissions office. The catalog will list all admissions requirements as well as graduation requirements. It lists all courses taught and their teaching staff. The catalog provides a “philosophy” of the school in addition to other policies and requirements. Students should read the sections of the catalog that pertain to them. Specifically they should inquire how much math, science and foreign language are required, both for acceptance and graduation requirements. Many colleges produce a thin, glossy viewbook full of wonderful pic-
tures of sunny days and smiling students. Do not confuse this viewbook with a catalog. A viewbook is merely a public relations aid that, although helpful, is not a substitute for the catalog. At this point anyone can become overwhelmed. There is so much information to read and understand, that it is usually helpful for students to make a chart, listing all the things they and their parents find important, then identify how each college still being considered meets these expectations. Guidance counselors can be very helpful in providing a sample checklist or in helping generate a specific checklist. Remember, no college is perfect, and students will have to weigh the relative strengths and weaknesses of each institution as it meets their individual needs. There are other resources students and parents can use in evaluating colleges. Following is a description of some of them and their limitations: Virtual tours. More and more colleges are offering virtual tours, either on their Web sites or via CD. The virtual tour is helpful to “see” a college that is far from home, but does not replace a visit. While the student can visit such campus highlights as the student center, residence halls, library or sports complex, the brevity of the virtual tour, usually five to 15 minutes, precludes any in-depth understanding of the school. Money Magazine’s “Best Buys.” Each year Money Magazine produces its list of the
“Best Buys in Education.” No one from Money Magazine visits any schools in preparing this annual list. Rather, it is done mathematically by dividing the money spent on “instruction” by the number of students enrolled. Therefore, publicly financed rural schools do very well versus private urban schools where costs are significantly higher. Although class size, faculty morale, dedication to teaching and faculty accessibility are all important factors, they are not considered in determining the “Best Buys.” U.S. News & World Report’s “America’s Best Colleges.” Again without visiting colleges, the magazine “ranks” schools. Their system uses current university presidents and deans who volunteer their opinions of their own and other institutions. These opinions are not based solely on facts, and again most university presidents have not set foot on the campuses they are rating. A high priority is placed on instructional expenses with little emphasis on class size or instructor accessibility. Internet. There are a number of programs that will do a college search on the Internet. The number of variables in your search will differ from site to site. As a starting point, you can try www.schoolguides.com or www.petersons.com or www .collegenet.com. Evaluating colleges and then choosing the one you will be attending is both a challenge — and an exciting opportunity.
The Place of MOOCs in Higher Education Continues to Evolve
Intensive professional and humanistic studies amid the ultimate built environment
Online education has made college more accessible to countless individuals. While many colleges and universities offer courses or even entire programs online — allowing students to learn anytime, anywhere — one of the biggest advancements in Web-based learning has been the introduction of massive open online courses (MOOCs). These open learning platforms enable anyone with an Internet connection to study a range of subjects online — from artificial intelligence to social media marketing — all for free. According to a survey conducted by The Chronicle of Higher Education , MOOCs could soon become an invaluable tool in making college more affordable and accessible. Gaining Momentum The news source recently attempted to survey every professor in the U.S. who has taught a MOOC. Of the 184 professors polled, 104 responded. Key findings of the study revealed that although many academic leaders are still uncertain of the role MOOCs will play in mainstream higher education, many participants saw the value in such initiatives. Almost 80 percent of professors polled indicated that they believe MOOCs are “worth the hype,” suggesting that overall
22 | School Guide’s COLLEGE CONFERENCE MANUAL | April 17, 2015
attitudes toward large-scale online education platforms are changing. One such professor is Robert Sedgewick of Princeton University. Prior to teaching a MOOC, Sedgewick was skeptical about the potential of this learning paradigm. However, after his first MOOC on computer algorithms attracted more than 80,000 students, he began to reassess his position. Sedgewick told the news source he was “very enthusiastic” about MOOCs, and that he believed “every person’s education will have a significant online component” in the near future. Complex Challenges MOOCs are clearly gaining ground across academia. In fact in 2013, The American Council on Education’s (ACE) College Credit Recommendation Service evaluated the academic rigor of several courses offered through Coursera, an education platform that partners with top universities and organizations worldwide to offer free online courses. ACE found that the quality and structure of the classes are closely aligned to those of traditional college courses. As such, students who complete these courses will be awarded college credit after taking an identity-verified and proctored exam. Fees range between $65 and $90 for the
exam and between $30 and $99 for the identity verification. However, there are still hurdles to overcome before MOOCs become an integral part of higher education. According to Inside Higher Ed, the high dropout rate of students who enroll in MOOCs is of particular concern to some researchers. The news source reports that approximately 90 percent of students who sign up for a MOOC drop out before the completion of their studies. While this figure may seem high, researchers claim the complex nature of why people enroll in MOOCs means traditional methods of analysis may be “largely missing the point.” The fact that MOOCs are often free, rarely award college credits and have no clearly defined prerequisites could all be reasons for the high dropout rate, according to the news source. However, it may be that many MOOC students never intended to take the final exam or procure a certificate, but may have enrolled as a way to supplement their current college courses. According to Yvonne Belanger, the head of assessment and planning for the Center for Instructional Technology at Duke University, many users may simply be looking for “a social experience that is intellectually stimulating.”
www.schoolguides.com
HOUSING: WWW.CSI.CUNY.EDU/HOUSING • 718.982.3019 ADMISSIONS: WWW.CSI.CUNY.EDU/ADMISSIONS • 718.982.2010
www.schoolguides.com
School Guide’s COLLEGE CONFERENCE MANUAL | April 17, 2015 | 23
Rockland Community College: First Choice for Honors The Honors Program at Rockland Community College (RCC) is nationally recognized for offering highly advanced academic pursuits and for preparing students to transfer successfully to Ivy League and other outstanding four-year colleges. The Sam Draper Mentor/ Talented Student (M/TS) Honors Program was selected by the federal government to serve as a model for community college honors programs in the United States. “After graduating from RCC’s Honors Program, I transferred to Harvard on full scholarship. The Honors Program helped me acquire the skills and knowledge I needed to handle the rigorous academics at Harvard, and later in the JD-MBA program at Stanford.” — Monica Ganssle, attorney and investment banker Grads Transfer to Top Colleges Ivy League and Tier One recruiters seek out Rockland Community College Honors students for transfer, thanks to the program’s reputation for producing highly qualified candidates. Students who graduate with a GPA of 3.5 or higher have a high rate of transferring to top schools such as: Cornell, Columbia, Georgetown, Harvard, NYU, Sarah Lawrence, Smith, SUNY campuses, University of Michigan, University of Pennsylvania, Yale and many more. “I enrolled at Rockland Community College to improve my chances of transferring to a top college. After graduating, I
was accepted by Georgetown, Cornell and the University of Virginia. I earned my bachelor’s from Georgetown and two master’s degrees from Yale.” — Christopher McManus
Financial aid and scholarships are available. Tuition for NYS residents is only $2,150 per semester for full-time students (12–18 credits), or $180 per credit for part-time students.
Mentoring Honors classes are taught by experienced professors who are paired with students in a personalized mentoring relationship based on students’ individual interests and talents. Mentors help arrange schedules, guide students’ progress, and help with transfer to a four-year college or university. “I wouldn’t have been able to get to where I am today without my RCC professors’ guidance and personal attention. You are unlikely to find such caring faculty at a large university.” — Elizabeth Snaider, Cornell University graduate; UBS investment banker
Wide Range of Academic Programs Rockland offers 50 degree and certificate programs. New programs include engineering science, speech/communication studies and green building maintenance and management.
Study at Cambridge University in England The rigorous and exciting nature of the Honors Program is enhanced by unique experiences such as a summer session at Cambridge University. “Studying science at Cam bridge University during my time at RCC enriched my studies.” — Wenshuo Zhang, Cornell ’04; PhD, molecular metabolism, University of Chicago Great Value Save up to $100,000 by attending RCC before transferring to a four-year school.
Rich Campus Life RCC students enjoy an active life outside the classroom. You can distinguish yourself in several areas such as the awardwinning student newspaper and literary magazine, Student Government Association, Christian Fellowship, Habitat for Humanity, Hillel and more.
There are several clubs directly related to the field of science including the Environmental Club, Organic Garden Club, Chemistry Club and the Biology Club. The RCC Hawks compete in several sports including volleyball, tennis, basketball, soccer, and baseball. Internship Opportunities Earn credit towards your degree while gaining hands-on experience in companies such as Cablevision, CBS News, Madison Square Garden, Morgan Stanley, Good Samaritan Hospital, Prudential Securities, Walt Disney and many more. Can High School Seniors Enroll? The Honors Program is open to high school seniors who wish to complete their senior year of high school by registering as full-
time Early Admit students at RCC and taking credit courses on campus. Am I Eligible? Several factors influence acceptance into the Program, including SAT scores, high school GPA, Regents course loads, and personal interview. Special talents and extenuating circumstances may play a role in your admission. Honors Program Open House Find out if RCC’s nationally acclaimed Honors Program is right for you. Attend the Open House on Monday, April 27, 2015 at 7:00 p.m. in the Technology Center, Ellipse. For information or to RSVP, call (845) 574-4796, e-mail hlowney@ sunyrockland.edu or visit www .sunyrockland.edu/go/honors.
Opt for the Most Comprehensive Campus Tour As part of the college search, the campus tour provides you with an opportunity to go beyond brochures and Web sites and to experience a school firsthand. The campus visit can play a crucial role in determining your college choice, so you may want to opt for a tour that allows you to not only view, but also to participate in the many aspects of life on campus. When you schedule your college visits, be sure to ask if there are different tour options available. Typically, a campus tour will include a brief information session
followed by a tour of the campus. This will usually take an hour to an hour and a half. On the average tour, you can expect to visit important academic, recreational, residential and dining facilities, while also learning tidbits about the school’s history and culture. More in-depth campus visit options include information days where you can attend presentations by the various offices and departments on campus including admissions, financial aid, resident life and athletics. The information day program will also include a tour and
possibly lunch in the student dining hall. For a more experiential visit, you might decide to attend a program that allows you to shadow a current college student. You will attend classes, take part in extracurricular activities, eat in the dining hall and perhaps stay overnight in a dorm. Check the “Prospective Student” link on a school’s Web site for all its campus visit options. Then be sure to follow all the contact and registration information to sign up for the visit that best suits your needs.
“With UB’s support, I landed a great internship.” –Arushi Vashishta,‘15 Computer Engineering
elong here. Build a rewarding future. tOver 125 innovative programs t4UBUFPGUIFBSUMFBSOJOHGBDJMJUJFT t*OEVTUSZFYQFSJFODFEGBDVMUZ t$BSFFSGPDVTFEDVSSJDVMVN t1FSTPOBMBUUFOUJPOJOBTNBMMDMBTTTFUUJOH
bridgeport.edu
# 3 * % ( & 1 0 3 5 t 4 5 " . ' 0 3 % t 8" 5 & 3 # 6 3 :
24 | School Guide’s COLLEGE CONFERENCE MANUAL | April 17, 2015
www.schoolguides.com
I’m meant Where I want to be. You want to make an impact. An impact on your family, your community, even your world. You want more than a career, you want a purpose. At Hofstra University, we understand what pride and purpose is all about. It’s about finding academic areas that excite, challenge, and fulfill you. It’s about studying with leading faculty in small classes where you really get to know your colleagues. It’s about amazing internship experiences and campus opportunities that give you an edge. And it’s about living and learning on a campus that never stops moving, changing, and working for you.
www.schoolguides.com
Visit hofstra.edu/schoolguides to discover what Hofstra’s pride and purpose is all about and schedule your visit, today!
School Guide’s COLLEGE CONFERENCE MANUAL | April 17, 2015 | 25
Monroe College: As Unique As You Are Almost any college can provide you with an education. But will it be the right education for you? Will the people at that college take the time to really know you so they can help you make good choices about your career and your future? One college will. Monroe College is as unique as you are. Its goal is to do more than just get you a degree, but to help you earn the
degree that’s right for you. Are you good with numbers? Do you like working with people? Are you an entrepreneur at heart? At Monroe the entire culture is based on helping you discover who you really are and understanding what you want to accomplish. Monroe will put together a plan to help you find success. Monroe is everything you want in a college: great times, good
friends, interesting professors. And at the center of it all is you. The College’s entire focus is on giving you all the guidance and support you need. So when you graduate you’ll have a plan for a successful career, and the tools to go get it. Let’s say you need help with time management. You’ll receive the strategies you need to overcome it. Maybe your issue is test anxiety. Monroe will provide
DCC: Discover. Connect. Change. Located in Poughkeepsie, halfway between Albany and New York City, Dutchess Community College (DCC) is part of the State University of New York system. It offers a quality education and low tuition ($6,400 per year for out-ofstate residents) and awards AS, AA and AAS degrees, as well as certificates in fields including human services, art, business, education, aviation, communications, health, computer information, engineering and technology. The College opened a beautiful, suite-style residence hall in fall 2012. (Students from outside Dutchess and Putnam must have at least a 70 high school average in order to be considered for housing.) In a recent SUNY Opinion Survey, DCC students gave the College top marks in several areas, including quality of education, classroom and library facili-
ties, availability of instructors outside of class and social and cultural activities. With more than 60 programs, excellent faculty, a beautiful campus and the lowest tuition in the state, DCC is the smart choice for those interested in starting a four-year degree or completing a career-track certificate program. You can save thousands of dollars by completing the first two years of a bachelor’s degree program and transferring to a fouryear school, including prestigious colleges such as Cornell, RPI, RIT, Duke, Vassar, NYU and Bard. Students also transfer to all colleges and universities within the SUNY system. DCC also is the right choice for those who want to join the workforce after earning a two-year degree or career-specific certificate. Full- and part-time study options
and on-campus and online offerings make pursuing an education at DCC convenient. The College offers an enriching, engaging, student-centered environment supported by outstanding faculty. Facilities include 10 major academic buildings, state-of-the-art library, laboratories, “smart” technology sites, art studios, theater, gymnasium, fitness center and dining hall. The student experience at DCC is further enriched by a host of activities, clubs and athletics and the College’s vast collection of artwork. Honors level courses are available. For those who require additional support in meeting the challenges of college, academic support services are available. For more information visit www.sunydutchess.edu or call (845) 431-8010.
you with tactics to help you get past that as well. Family situations? Interpersonal relationships? If it’s getting in the way of you achieving your goals, Monroe will be there to help you work it out. That’s the kind of support you can expect at Monroe. Monroe is a diverse, multi-cultural college where you’ll study with students from all over the world. You’ll also have two campuses to choose from: one in the Bronx, which puts you in the middle of all the excitement New York City has to offer; the other is in suburban New Rochelle, which has a variety of dorming options within walking distance of wonderful shops, movies, restaurants, beaches and parks. Plus, it’s only a 30-minute train ride to Grand Central Station. At Monroe, it all starts with the great degree programs that are offered. And not just any programs, but ones in industries that are growing, where you can have a rewarding career with excellent long-term prospects. Degrees include business, health services administration, information technology, criminal justice, baking and pastry, registered nurse, and more. Plus, Monroe offers a number of degree programs entirely online and a Master’s of Business Administration. The faculty at Monroe is the best. They are people at the top of their professions, so they teach based on their experience as well as from their expertise. If you have a class in business, your pro-
fessor will most likely be a leader in the business community. If you’re taking technology courses, your professors will be IT pros. It’s the same for health care, hospitality, criminal justice and more. The result? Classes that feature energetic discussions and practical, reality-based instruction. And since there will only be 20 other people in your class, your voice will be heard. But there’s more to college than classes. At Monroe, you can have a full college experience alongside people who like the same things you do. Interested in sports? From basketball and soccer to baseball and volleyball, Monroe’s men’s and women’s teams are champion caliber. Want to join a club? Take your pick. Monroe has clubs for computers, business, poetry, even cheerleading and dance. Plus, if you like to work out there’s a private gym, and if you just like to hang out, you can relax at places like the Mo Café. Monroe features small classes, affordable tuition and degree programs you can complete in as few as 16 months. It’s also a place where you can turn your potential into possibilities and your ambition into a great career. Monroe has been helping people get the real world education they’ve needed to help make their dreams come true for over 75 years. They can help you too. For more information, call 1-80055-MONROE or visit www .monroecollege.edu.
Find your place in the world
Academically rigorous. Amazingly affordable. Truly global. With more than 170 undergraduate and graduate programs, Queens College opens doors to careers in the arts & humanities, business, education, the sciences, and social sciences. • An accessible, award-winning faculty dedicated to scholarship and research
• Ranked #2 nationwide by The Washington Monthly for giving students the “Best Bang for the Buck”
Learn more about Queens College at findyourqc.info
• Placed eighth among Top Public Regional Universities in the North by U.S. News & World Report’s Best Colleges 2014
26 | School Guide’s COLLEGE CONFERENCE MANUAL | April 17, 2015
www.schoolguides.com
Concordia at a Glance Founded in 1881, Concordia College is a four-year, coeducational institution offering a Christ-centered, value-oriented, liberal arts education for lives of service to church and community. Programs of Study The Concordia Experience engages students in a comprehensive, interdisciplinary cur-
riculum combined with realworld experiential learning opportunities, encompassing dynamic programs in: biology, business, education, English, health studies, liberal studies, nursing, social sciences, and social work. Concordia also offers master’s degree programs in accounting, business leadership, and early childhood and child-
hood special education Students and Faculty Concordia’s students come from 25 states and 34 countries worldwide. More than 75 percent of faculty hold the highest degrees in their respective field of study. The student-to-professor ratio is 13:1 with an average class size of 17 students.
Financial Aid Checklist for High School Seniors Preparing for college takes time and careful planning. One of the most important aspects of the college application process is making sure that financial aid deadlines are met and documents are completed correctly. In the frenzy of your senior year, this checklist could help you to stay on top of important financial aid documents and deadlines. • Calculate your EFC: Most students are eligible for some kind of financial aid. While the amount of aid depends on a number of factors the main one is your Expected Family Contribution (EFC). This is the amount of money that you or your parents will be expected to contribute toward the cost of your education. You can calculate this figure at the student financial aid Web site FinAid.org. • Fill out the FAFSA: In January, you should fill out and submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). You can access the online application as well as detailed instruction at fafsa.ed.gov. Try to complete the FAFSA as soon as possible after January 1, as some financial aid, such as state- and college-based funding, is awarded on a first-come, firstserved basis. If any of your college applications require you to also fill out the College Scholarship Service’s (CSS) PROFILE form, complete it as soon as possible and submit it by the deadline. It is worth noting that the CSS PROFILE can be submitted prior to January 1. The fee for the initial application and one college or program report is $25. Additional reports are $16. You can access the form at www.collegeboard.org and click on the CSS/Financial Aid PROFILE link at the bottom of the page. • Review the SAR: If you choose you fill out the FAFSA online, you will receive a Student Aid Report (SAR) within three to five days after the FAFSA has been processed. The SAR is a summary of the information you provided on the FAFSA and includes your EFC. You will have the opportunity to change information in both the parent and student sections, which may be necessary if you or your parents had not filed your income taxes when you completed the FAFSA. Regardless of whether you file online or by mail, your SAR will automatically be sent to your prospective colleges. Financial aid award letters, which tell you
www.schoolguides.com
how much aid you will receive for the academic year, should begin arriving toward the end of March. • Accept an offer: The deadline for accepting an offer of admission is generally May 1.
Prior to this date you may be asked to submit additional documentation for your financial aid package. Make sure you do that in a timely fashion. You will most likely receive your first bill for tuition over the summer.
Financial Aid Awards, merit scholarships, Lutheran grants and scholarships, need-based financial aid, and more make Concordia a valuable and affordable investment. More than 90 percent of the College’s students receive financial aid.
basketball, cross country, soccer, softball, tennis, and volleyball.
Campus Life Sixty percent of students live on campus, forming an active, closely-knit community involved in all aspects of college life, student organizations, athletics, community outreach, and performance ensembles. From daily chapel to service events, spiritual life activities invite students to put faith into practice.
Accreditations Concordia College is accredited by the Commission on Higher Education of the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools.
Athletics The Concordia Clippers are members of NCAA Division II and compete in men’s baseball, basketball, cross country, golf, soccer, and tennis; and women’s
Location A smart, fun, and safe place to attend college, Concordia’s beautiful campus is set in southern Westchester County, just 30 minutes from New York City.
Visit Today Concordia is convinced that your visit to campus will be worthwhile and is willing to invest in you. Attend an Open House, Information Session, or arrange a personal campus visit, and receive a $500 Campus Visit Scholarship* upon enrollment. *Applicable to traditional undergraduate programs only.
School Guide’s COLLEGE CONFERENCE MANUAL | April 17, 2015 | 27
7 Common FAFSA Mistakes The Federal goverment provides nearly $150 billion annually in college financial aid. The U.S. Department of Education’s office of Federal Student Aid offers the following advice so you don’t miss out by making these mistakes: 1. Not Completing the FAFSA® I hear all kinds of reasons: “The FAFSA is too hard,” “It takes too long to complete,” “I never qualify anyway, so why does it matter.” It does matter. By not completing the FAFSA, you are missing out on the opportunity to qualify for what could be thousands of dollars to help you pay for college. The FAFSA takes most people 21 minutes to complete, and there is help provided throughout the application. Oh, and contrary to popular belief, there is no income cut-off when it
comes to federal student aid. 2. Not Being Prepared The online FAFSA has gotten a lot easier over the last few years. We’ve added skip logic, so you only see questions that are applicable to you. There is also an option to import your tax information from the IRS directly into the FAFSA application. But, the key to making the FAFSA simple is being prepared. You’ll save yourself a lot of time by gathering everything you need to complete the FAFSA before you start the application. 3. Not Reading Carefully You already spend more time than you want to reading — school asignments, test prep classes, college application. It’s a lot. But when it comes to completing the FAFSA, you want to read each question carefully. Too many students see delays in
their financial aid for simple mistakes that could have been easily avoided. Don’t rush through these questions: Your Number of Family Members (Household size): The FAFSA has a specific definition of how you or your parents’ household size should be determined. Read the instructions carefully. Many students incorrectly report this number. Amount of Your Income Tax: Income tax is not the same as income. It is the amount of tax that you (and if married, your spouse) paid on your income earned from work. Your income tax amount should not be the same as your adjusted gross income (AGI). Where you find the amount of your income tax depends on which IRS form you filed.
Tip: If you use the IRS Data Retrieval Tool, this number will be pulled for you, directly from your income tax return. Legal Guardianship: One question on the FAFSA asks: “As determined by a court in your state of legal residence, are you or were you in legal guardianship?” Many students incorrectly answer “yes” there. For this question, the definition of legal guardianship does not include your parents, even if they were appointed by a court to be your guardian. You are also not considered a legal guardian of yourself. 4. Inputting Incorrect Information The FAFSA is an official government form. You must enter your information as it appears on official government documents like your birth certificate and social security card. Examples:
Key Differences Between High School and College Academics For some high school students, paying attention in class and completing homework assignments is enough to get by. College, however, is way different. In fact, you’ll probably need to study for several hours each week for each course. Following are some key differences in how you deal with academics in high school and college. Syllabi This is, of course, the plural of “syllabus.” You’ve probably had them in high school, but in college they become even more important. A course syllabus will contain information such as how your final grade is determined, attendance policies, required reading, test dates, and project due dates. Successful students often take all their syllabi at the beginning of the term and put all key dates onto a master calendar.
Independence It’s not likely that you’ll have a parent/guardian or a teacher frequently reminding you to do your homework or when important tests and projects are coming up. While you’ll probably enjoy the independence, just remember that it comes with the responsibility of staying on top of things yourself. Many freshmen are amazed that they might be done with classes by noon; it’s often tempting to think you now have tons of extra time. But there’s always something you can be studying or working on. Balance College freshmen say one of the biggest challenges they face is balancing academics with other parts of their life. Sure, there’s time for pizza and a movie with friends, but not when you need to be studying. If you plan to work while attending college fulltime, note that studies show
working more than 20 hours a week negatively impacts grades. But students who work around 10 hours a week actually have better grades than those who don’t work at all. Volume and Pace of Work Many students report that college requires significantly more reading and writing than high school. You might have to read a dense book in just a few weeks, or you might cover materials in class several times faster than you are accustomed to. You may also find that you want to do additional reading to really understand a topic you are discussing in class. Helpful Tips • If one is offered, take a college student success or freshman seminar. • Ask a successful upperclassman (maybe your RA or aca demic advisor) about study tips.
• Each professor will give you a syllabus each semester to let you know details about the class, including when assignments are due. Make sure you keep a copy and review it frequently. • You are paying for your education; so don’t be hesitant about asking your professor questions. Chances are, the questions you have are the same ones your classmates have but are too afraid to ask. • Your college or university should have some type of learning lab or tutoring available to help you through tough classes. Find out where this facility is, the hours of operation and the kinds of help available. Your academic advisor or a professor may be able to recommend a peer tutor.
Source: Key Differences. Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, On Track, https://www1 .thecb.state.tx.us/ontrack/index. php/academics/key-differences.
Preparing Future Leaders to Make a W Wo World orld o off Di Difference ffeerence ff ents come to Norwich University for many reasons. Some, like members of the Corps of Cadets, chose Norwich because they want ve in our nation’s military. Others are drawn to making a difference fields of cyber security, business, engineering, health sciences or national diplomacy. With more than 30 majors, Norwich students can study tudy just about abou any topic to ready themselves foor ccareer success.
wich graduates have a 98% job placement rate and are held highest esteem by employers, whether in the public or private r. Undergraduate research, internships, study abroad opportunities, munity service, competitive athletics, exhilarating activities, and engagement programs bring out the best in all our students.
first private military college in the United States, Norwich ersity is located in the Green Mountains of central Vermont. From f two beginnings – cadet or civilian – your Norwich journey will are you to transf nsfform the world and achieve your life’s ambitions.
158 Harmon Drive, Northfield, Vermont (802) 485-2001 28 | School Guide’s COLLEGE CONFERENCE MANUAL | April 17, 2015
www.norwich.edu w ww.norwich.edu
Entering the Wrong Name (Yes, I’m serious): You wouldn’t believe how many people have issues with their FAFSA because they entered an incorrect name on the application. It doesn’t matter if you’re Madonna, or Drake, or whatever Snoop Lion is calling himself these days. You must enter your full name as it appears on official government documents. No nicknames. Entering the Wrong Social Security Number (SSN): When we process FAFSAs, we cross check your social security number with the Social Security Administration. To avoid delays in processing your application, triple check that you have entered the correct SSN. If you meet our basic eligibility criteria, but you or your parents don’t have a SSN, follow the instructions at fafsa.ed.gov. 5. Not Reporting Parent Information Even if you fully support yourself, pay your own bills, file your own taxes, you may still be considered a dependent student for federal student aid purposes, and therefore, you’ll need to provide parent information on your FAFSA. Dependency guidelines for the FAFSA are determined by Congress and are different from those of the IRS. Find out whether or not you need to provide parent information at studentaid.ed.gov. 6. Not Using the IRS Data Retrieval Tool For many, the most difficult part about filling out the FAFSA is entering in the financial information. But now, thanks to a partnership with the IRS, students and parents who are eligible can automatically transfer the necessary tax info into the FAFSA using the IRS Data Retrieval Tool. This year, the tool will launch on February 1, 2015. In most cases, your information will be available from the IRS two weeks after you file. It’s also one of the best ways to prevent errors on your FAFSA and avoid any processing delays. Tip: If you used income estimates to file your FAFSA early, you can use the IRS Data Retrieval Tool to update your FAFSA two weeks after you file your 2014 taxes. 7. Not Signing the FAFSA So many students answer every single question that is asked, but fail to actually sign the FAFSA with their PIN and submit it. This happens for many reasons, maybe they forgot their PIN, or their parent isn’t with them to sign with the parent PIN, so the FAFSA is left incomplete. Don’t let this happen to you. If you don’t have or don’t know your PIN, apply for one. If you would like confirmation that your FAFSA has been submitted, you can check your status immediately after you submit your FAFSA online. Source: www.ed.gov. U.S. Department of Education, Federal Student Aid.
www.schoolguides.com
www.schoolguides.com
School Guide’s COLLEGE CONFERENCE MANUAL | April 17, 2015 | 29
Future Nurses Have an Edge at Pace University Every day nurses make countless decisions that impact patient care and ultimately save lives. How do they know they are making the right decision? They have been taught by experts in the field and have developed crucial skills such as clinical reasoning and critical thinking, and they’ve had hands-on experience. One way they get that experience is through simulation. New labs in the College of Health Professions at Pace University allow students to take part in simulations that expose them to a range of scenarios so they know exactly what to do when faced with these situations in real life. The labs also enable students to practice skills, familiarize themselves with electronic medical
records, and prepare medications using computerized systems to reduce the chance of error. The labs have the latest generation of human patient simulators (HPS), along with a video capture and playback system that includes camera feeds from the simulation rooms. Videos are stored and viewed on computers, allowing faculty members to evaluate and debrief students on performance. Students may also review their own performance in scenarios, as self-reflection is a vital component to learning in the simulation environment. Several of Pace’s clinical partners throughout the region will also use the space to develop and reinforce critical clinical skills required of health-care workers.
The new labs include a “control room” so students will be immersed in simulations without faculty members having to be in the same room. This helps students suspend their disbelief and helps them to be fully present in the simulation experience. “Students are on their own. Without interference of faculty members, the situation becomes more real,” says Professor Elizabeth Berro, RN. She notes that faculty members are still able to cue students with phone calls, patient behaviors (controlled through computerized mannequins), and “standardized patients” (actors playing the role of patients) to meet the overall objectives of the scenario. The renovations enable multiple
Come prepared. Leave transformed.
acute scenarios to take place simultaneously, so students are exposed to situations where patients need a specific course of action to be taken; these situations may not occur in a hospital every day, but students need to learn about them so they know exactly what to do when they occur. The improvements allow for an area designated for standardized patients (actors) to get ready for their scenarios. Keeping them separated from students increases the authenticity of the scenario, aiding in the learning experience. The actors will be able to watch scenarios unfold on monitors so they know when to join the scene. The renovations also mean there is ample space for students from all programs to learn and
BANGOR BANGOR,, MAINE | 800.448.7766 PROGRAMS OF STUD STUDY Y
At Husson University University,, it’s all about you. A college education is an important investment in your future. Make sure you choose a university that’s focused on helping you get where you want to go. W With an emphasis on hands-on, experiential learning, small class sizes and caring professors, you’ll earn a degree that’ll prepare you for a rewarding, successful careerr.. uccessful career. Best of all, at Husson, you’ll get an outstanding career-focused career-focused education at an affordable price.
Tuition (31 credits) Tuition Room & Board Comprehensive F ee Fee
$ 15,717 8,579 380
U&HUSSON SON Discover more, including everything that will make U&HUS such a powerful combination at husson.edu.
A powerful combination. A smart investment. husson.edu husson.edu | EDUCA BUSINESS | COMMUNICATIONS COMMUNICATIONS – NESCom | CRIMINAL JUSTICE | EDUCATION UCA ATION | COUNSELING HEALLTH | PHARMACY | SCIENCE & HUMANITIES HEALTH
UNDERGRADUA RGRADUA ATTE/PROFESSIONAL Accounting Accounting/Computer Information Systems Biology Business Administration • Entrepreneurship/Small Business Management • Financial Management (5-yr MBA) • General • International Business Management (5-yr MBA) • Management (BS & 5-yr MBA) • Marketing (BS & 5-yr MBA) • Retail Management Chemistr y unications TTechnology echnology Communications • Audio Engineering • Live ve Sound TTechnology echnology • Video Production • WebMedia Computer Information Systems Criminal Justice Criminal Justice/Psychology (5-yr dual degree) Elementar y Education English Environmental Science Forensic Science Health Sciences Healthcare Studies Healthcare Studies/ Occupational Therapy (5-yr BS/MSOT) Hospitality Tourism Mgt. (BS & 5-yr MBA) ality & Tourism Legal Studies Pre-Law Mass Communications • Journalism • Marketing Communications • Radio Broadcasting • Spor ts Journalism Nursing Paralegal Studies Physical Education Physical Therapy/Kinesiology (6-yr BS/DPT) Psychology Secondar y Education • English (7-12) • Life Science (7-12) • Physical Science (7-12) Sof tware Development Spor t Management GRADUA UA ATE/PROFESSIONAL Business Administration/MBA Clinical Mental Health Counseling/MS Criminal Justice/MSCJA Education/M.Ed. Human Relations/MS Nursing/MSN • Family and Community Nurse Practitioner • Nurse Education Pastoral Counseling/MS Pharmacy/Pharm.D. Physical Therapy/DPT School Counseling/MS
30 | School Guide’s COLLEGE CONFERENCE MANUAL | April 17, 2015
practice basic skills. There are skills rooms for family nurse practitioner (FNP) students and physician assistant (PA) students to provide physical exams and to be evaluated by their professors. The labs will be heavily used with as many as 500 “events” during a semester. Feedback from students has been extremely positive so far. “They look forward to practicing in the labs; they are so excited, and they benefit from the safe environment we create. A mistake made and learned from in the lab today under the watchful guidance of a faculty member could help save a life tomorrow in a real clinical setting,” says Clinical Instructor Joanne Knoesel, RN. According to Dean and Professor Harriet R. Feldman, PhD, RN, FAAN, “Our students get evidence-based learning experiences that are deeply meaningful while at the same time realistic and safe. They develop confidence in their skill set before moving on to the clinical setting.” Hospitals and other healthcare organizations seek out students with simulation on their résumés, according to Associate Dean Gerrie Colombraro, PhD, RN, “Our students have a competitive advantage when they graduate because they’ve done simulation. It shows potential employers that they’ve worked in teams to solve problems and that they’ve been exposed to complicated or high risk scenarios.” About the College of Health Professions Pace’s College of Health Professions is made up of the Lienhard School of Nursing and the Pace University-Lenox Hill Hospital Physician Assistant Studies program. Students at the College learn evidence-based care, cultural competence and primary health care in an interprofessional setting in programs preparing them to be family nurse practitioners, advanced practice nurses, physician assistants, registered nurses and clinical leaders. About the CEL The Clinical Education Labs at Pace’s College of Health Professions create an active interprofessional learning environment which promotes intellectual curiosity and integration of clinical and didactic health-care knowledge utilizing current effective technology in full collaboration with Pace University, the College of Health Professions, students, faculty, staff, alumni, and community partners. About Pace University Since 1906, Pace University has educated thinking professionals by providing high-quality education for the professions on a firm base of liberal learning amid the advantages of the New York metropolitan area. A private university, Pace has campuses in New York City and Westchester County, New York, enrolling nearly 13,000 students in bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programs in its Lubin School of Business, Dyson College of Arts and Sciences, College of Health Professions, School of Education, School of Law, and Seidenberg School of Computer Science and Information Systems. Visit www.pace.edu.
www.schoolguides.com
Tipos de ayuda federal para estudiantes Existen tres tipos de ayuda federal para estudiantes. Becas: ayuda económica que no tiene que reembolsarse (a menos que, por ejemplo, deje la institución educativa y adeude algún reintegro). Programa de Estudio y Trabajo: trabajo que le ayuda a conseguir dinero para su educación. Préstamos: pide prestado dinero para su educación; debe reembolsar sus préstamos con interés. Becas Existen cuatro tipos de becas federales de ayuda para estudiantes. Casi todas las becas federales son otorgadas a estudiantes con necesidades económicas. El monto de su beca depende de su costo de estudiar, EFC, situación de la matrícula (tiempo completo o parcial) y su período de matrícula (si asiste todo el año académico o menos tiempo). Para los montos de adjudicación, visite: www .studentaid.ed.gov/es Beca Federal Pell: Las Becas Pell son la base de la ayuda económica federal para estudiantes, a la cual deberían agregarse otras fuentes federales y no federales. Las Becas Pell generalmente sólo se otorgan a estudiantes de pregrado: aquellos que no han obtenido un título universitario. Para obtener más www información, visite: .studentaid.ed.gov/es. Beca Federal Complemen taria para la Oportunidad Educativa (FSEOG): Las FSEOG se otorgan a estudiantes de pregrado con necesidades económicas excepcionales; aquellas personas con EFC más bajos. No todas las instituciones educativas participan en el Programa FSEOG, y aquellas que sí, tienen fondos disponibles limitados. Beca de Estudios Superiores para el Fomento de la Docencia (Beca TEACH): El programa le ofrece becas si cumple ciertas obligaciones de enseñanza. Si no completa esas obligaciones, los montos de las Becas TEACH que recibió se convertirán en un préstamo sin subsidio del Direct Loan Program. Para obtener información detallada sobre esta beca, visite: www.teachgrant .ed.gov. Beca por servicios prestados en Irak y Afganistán: Si no reúne los requisitos para una Beca Pell pero su padre o tutor formó parte de las Fuerzas Armadas de los EE. UU. y murió como resultado de los servicios
prestados en Irak o Afganistán después del atentado del 11 de septiembre, puede reunir los requisitos para esta beca. Debe tener menos de 24 años o estar inscripto en la universidad, al menos, a tiempo parcial, al momento de la muerte de su padre o tutor. ¿Puedo recibir una beca si me estoy matriculado menos de medio tiempo? Sí, los estudiantes de menos de medio tiempo reúnen los requisitos para las becas por servicios prestados en Irak y Afganistán, Pell, FSEOG, TEACH. Programas de Estudio y Trabajo ¿Qué es el Programa Federal de Estudio y Trabajo? En virtud del Programa de Estudio y Trabajo, puede trabajara tiempo parcial para obtener dinero para su educación. El Programa de Estudio y Trabajo está administrado por las instituciones educativas que participan en el programa. Préstamos Existen dos programas de préstamos. El Programa Federalde Préstamos Perkins y el del Direct Loan Program. El Direct Loan Program es el programa más grande de préstamos para estudiantes y tiene cuatro tipos de préstamos disponibles. Ellos son: préstamos con subsidio del Direct Loan Program, préstamos sin subsidio del Direct Loan Program, préstamos PLUS del Direct Loan Program y préstamos de consolidación del Direct Loan Program. Programa Federal de Préstamos Perkins: Este programa de préstamos basado en la institución educativa: • está disponible en las instituciones educativas participantes para estudiantes de pregrado y posgrado y con título deposgrado; • se ofrece a estudiantes que demuestren necesidad económica; • está disponible para estudiantes con inscritos a tiempo completo o parcial. Los reembolsos se realizan directamente a su institución educativa. ¿Cuánto puedo pedir prestado? El cuadro con resumen sobre la ayuda federal para estudiantes en este página muestra los fondos máximos de préstamos Perkins que pueden recibirse, según sea usted estudiante de pregrado, posgrado o d con título de posgrado. Para obtener más información, visite: www
y Trabajo
estudiante asiste a la institución educativa. No es necesario reembolsarlos.
Préstamo Federal Perkins
Préstamo: se debe reembolsar con intereses.
.studentaid.ed.gov/es. ¿Cómo recibiré mis préstamos? Su institución educativa le pagará directamente (generalmente con un cheque) o le acreditará los fondos a su cuenta. Programa federal de préstamos William D. Ford del Direct Loan Program: Debe estar matriculado, al menos, como estudiante de medio tiempo para poder recibir un préstamo. Los préstamos del Direct Loan Program incluyen: Préstamos del Direct Loan Program • Préstamos con subsidio del Direct Loan Program: debe tener necesidad económica para recibir un préstamo con subsidio. El Departamento de Educación de los EE. UU. le pagará (subsidiará) el interés que se devengue de su prés-
tamo con subsidio del Direct Loan Program durante ciertos períodos. A partir del 1.° de julio del 2012, los estudiantes graduados y con título de posgrado no pueden acceder a los préstamos sin subsidio. • Préstamos sin subsidio del Direct Loan Program: no es necesario tener necesidad económica para obtener un préstamo sin subsidio. Usted es responsable de pagar los intereses que se devenguen en todos los períodos. Préstamos PLUS del Direct Loan Program (Préstamos PLUS): Los padres de estudiantes dependientes y los estudiantes que desean obtener títulos de posgrado pueden obtener un préstamo conforme al programa de préstamos PLUS. La oficina de ayuda
económica de la institución educativa puede proporcionarle instrucciones adicionales y detalles sobre cómo solicitar un préstamo PLUS. El solicitante no debe contar con un historial crediticio negativo. La tasa de interés fijada es de 7.21 por ciento. Un préstamo PLUS realizado al padre no puede ser transferido al estudiante. El padre es responsable de reembolsar el préstamo PLUS. Hay una cuota del 4 por ciento del monto del préstamo.
Departamento de Educación de los EE. UU., Oficina de Ayuda Federal para Estudiantes, Grupo de Experiencia del Cliente, Cómo costear sus estudios superiores: Guía sobre la ayuda federal para estudiantes, Washington, D.C., 2015.
Otras fuentes de información sobre ayuda económica A continuación, presentamos otras fuentes de información sobre ayuda económica. • Oficina de ayuda económica de la institución educativa: Hable con el personal de ayuda económica de cada institución educativa en la que esté interesado para conocer los programas de ayuda económica de la institución educativa y el costo total para asistir a esa institución. • Organismo estatal de educación superior: Su organismo estatal puede brindarle información importante sobre la ayuda estatal. Vea la página: “Organismo estatal de educación superior” www.ed.gov/ Programs/bastmp/SHEA.htm (la página distingue entre letras mayúsculas y minúsculas) para obtener información de contacto. • AmeriCorps: Este programa ofrece concesiones para la educación a tiempo completo a cambio de trabajo comunitario. Para obtener más información, visite: www .nationalservice.gov o llame al 1-800942-2677 (Tele tipo para personas con problemas auditivos: 1-800-833-3722). • Organizaciones laborales o comerciales: Muchas empresas, negocios y sindicatos tienen programas para ayudar a los empleados o miembros y sus familias a pagar el costo de la educación postsecundaria. • Organizaciones, fundaciones, etc.: Fundaciones, organizaciones religiosas, fraternidades o her-
mandades de mujeres y clubes del pueblo o ciudad a menudo ofrecen ayuda económica. Incluya en su bús queda las organizaciones comunitarias y los grupos cívicos. Las organizaciones relacionadas con su campo de interés también pueden ser útiles. • Fuerzas Armadas de los EE. UU.: Las fuerzas armadas ofrecen ayuda económica a los miembros en servicio y sus familiares. Para obtener más información sobre los incentivos de reclutamiento, comuníquese con su reclutador militar local o visite el Departamento de Defensa de los EE. UU. en www.todaysmilitary. com, haga clic en “Bene f icios” y luego visite: “Tuition Support” (asistencia para pagar la matrícula). • Departamento de Asuntos de Veteranos de los EE. UU.: Si usted es veterano, o cónyuge o dependiente de un veterano, quizás tenga a su disposición beneficios para la educación. Conforme a la ley Post–9/11 Veterans Education Assistance Act of 2008 (Ley de Asistencia a la Educación de Veteranos de 2008), muchos veteranos y miembros del servicio militar posterior al 11.° de septiembre reúnen los requisitos para un paquete completo de beneficios para la educación que va más allá de la ayuda para pagar la matrícula. Muchos veteranos que sirvieron después del 11 de septiembre de 2001 , P obtendrán la matrícula y las cuotas completas, un salario mensual para
P del recinto institucional. Los estudiantes perciben, al menos, el salario mínimo federal. Los fondos varían en función de la disponibilidad en la institución educativa.
la vivienda y una asignación de $1,000 anual para libros y útiles. La ley también da a los miembros de la Reserva y Guardia Nacional que fueron activados por más de 90 días desde el 11 de septiembre para los mismos beneficios de la ley GI. Información disponible en www.gibill.va.gov o llamando al 1888-GI-BILL-1 (1-888-442-4551). • Bibliotecas públicas, servicios de becas e Internet: Muchos servicios de búsqueda de becas privados brindan fuentes de ayuda económica. El Depart a mento de Educación de los EE. UU. no evalúa esos servicios. Si decide usar un servicio de búsqueda, verifique su reputación comunicándose con la Oficina de Buenas Prácticas Comerciales o la oficina de la fiscalía general de su estado. Sea consciente de las estafas y de los servicios que buscan ayuda económica para usted por honorarios. Jamás debe pagar para obtener esta información. Para obtener más sugerencias sobre cómo buscar ayuda para estudiantes, vaya a: www. studentaid. ed.gov/es. Departamento de Educación de los EE. UU., Oficina de Ayuda Federal para Estudiantes, Grupo de Experiencia del Cliente, Cómo costear sus estudios superiores: Guía sobre la ayuda federal para estudiantes, Washington, D.C., 2013.
S Para obtener detalles y actualizaciones, visite StudentAid.gov/estudio-trabajo Estudiantes de pregrado: hasta $5,500; estudiantes de posgrado o en un programa de posgrado profesional: hasta $8,000
Para estudiantes de pregrado y posgrado con una necesidad económica excepcional. Se debe reembolsar a la institución educativa que lo otorgó, a una tasa de interés del 5%.
Para obtener detalles y actualizaciones, visite StudentAid.gov/prestamo-perkins Préstamo con subsidio del Direct Loan Program
Préstamo: se debe reembolsar con intereses.
Para estudiantes de pregrado con una necesidad económica. El Departamento de Educación de los EE. UU. paga los intereses mientras el prestatario se encuentra en la institución y durante los períodos de gracia y de aplazamiento de pago. El estudiante debe tener una dedicación de al menos medio tiempo. La tasa de interés es del 4.66% para aquellos préstamos desembolsados por primera vez entre el 1° de julio de 2014 y el 1° de julio de 2015. Visite StudentAid.gov/interes para obtener la información más reciente sobre las tasas de interés.
Hasta $5,500, dependiendo del nivel de estudio Para obtener detalles y actualizaciones, visite StudentAid.gov/subsidio
Es posible que los prestatarios nuevos no reciban este tipo de préstamo durante más del 150% de la duración de su programa de estudio. El Departamento de Educación de los EE. UU. puede dejar de pagar su interés si el estudiante que recibe los préstamos durante el período máximo continúa inscrito. Préstamo sin subsidio del Direct Loan Program
Préstamo PLUS del Direct Loan Program
Préstamo: se debe reembolsar con intereses.
Préstamo: se debe reembolsar con intereses.
Para estudiantes de pregrado y posgrado. El prestatario se hace cargo de todos los intereses. El estudiante debe cursar, al menos, a medio tiempo. No es necesario tener necesidades económicas. La tasa de interés es del 4.66% (para estudiantes de pregrado) y del 6.21% (para estudiantes de posgrado o en un programa de posgrado profesional) para aquellos préstamos desembolsados por primera vez entre el 1° de julio de 2014 y el 1° de julio de 2015. Visite StudentAid.gov/interes para obtener la información más reciente sobre las tasas de interés.
Hasta $20,500 (menos cualquier monto con subsidio recibido en el mismo período) según el nivel de estudio y de la situación de dependencia
Para padres de estudiantes de pregrado dependientes, estudiantes de posgrado o en un programa de posgrado profesional. El prestatario se hace cargo de todos los intereses. Los estudiantes deben cursar, al menos, a medio tiempo. No es necesario tener necesidades económicas. La tasa de interés es del 7.21% para aquellos préstamos desembolsados por primera vez entre el 1° de julio de 2014 y el 1° de julio de 2015.
El monto máximo equivale al costo de estudiar, menos cualquier otra ayuda económica que el estudiante reciba
www.schoolguides.com
Para obtener detalles y actualizaciones, visite StudentAid.gov/subsidio
Para obtener detalles y actualizaciones, visite StudentAid.gov/prestamo-plus
School Guide’s COLLEGE CONFERENCE MANUAL | April 17, 2015 | 31 a
o
e
v
Términos relacionados con la asistencia financiera Asistencia financiera (Financial Aid). La asistencia que se otorga a los estudiantes para ayudarles a pagar los gastos de la universidad. El monto de esa asistencia se basa en los ingresos y el número de integrantes de la familia, y lo que le cuesta al estudiante asistir a la universidad durante un año académico. La asistencia financiera consiste en subsidios (Pell, TAP, SEOG), programas de estudio y trabajo en la universidad, becas y préstamos estudiantiles. Año académico (Academic year). En año académico consiste en el semestre de otoño y el de la primavera siguiente. Por ejemplo, semestre de otoño de 2015 y el semestre de primavera de 2016 componen el Año académico 15/16. Servicio de becas universitarias/Perfil de ayuda financiera (CSS/FAF) (College Scholarship Service/Financial Aid Profile). El College Schol arship Service es un organismo privado que evalúa los méritos de los estudiantes para recibir asistencia financiera. Debido a que se trata de una agencia privada, los estudiantes deben realizar un pago por cada colegio o universidad listado en el formulario CSS/FAP al que se enviará la información sobre situación financiera del estudiante. Debido a ello, los estudiantes solo deberían llenar ese formulario cuando así lo exija un colegio o universidad. Solicitud gratuita de asistencia estudiantil federal (FAFSA) (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). Se trata de la solicitud que llena el estudiante para el subsidio Pell, con fondos del gobierno federal. La información financiera que se brinda en este formulario se utiliza para determinar cuánta asistencia financiera tiene derecho a recibir el estudiante. La información es enviada a todos los colegios y universidades que el estudiante detalla en la solicitud. Informe sobre asistencia al estudiante (SAR) (Student Aid Report). Un documento de varias páginas que se basa en la información que aparece en la solicitud
FAFSA. En la primera página del SAR aparece el monto de la contribución que se espera que aporte la familia (EFC) (expected family contribution). La información que se incluye en el informe SAR es enviada a todos los colegios y universidades que el estudiante detalla en la solicitud FAFSA y es empleada para determinar cuánta asistencia finan c iera debería otorgarse al estudiante. Subsidio federal Pell (Pell Federal Grant). El subsidio Pell es auspiciado por el gobierno federal y otorga subsidios de $400 a $5.730 por año académico. Pueden solicitar este beneficio los estudiantes de tiempo completo y de tiempo parcial (mínimo de seis créditos universitarios) que sean ciudadanos o que estén habilitados aunque no sean ciudadanos. Los estudiantes no deben devolver los fondos recibidos debido a que se trata de un subsidio. Subsidio suplementario de Oportunidades Educacionales (SEOG) (Supplemental Educa tional Opprtunity Grant). Un subsidio financiado con fondos provistos por el gobierno federal para ayudar a estudiantes no graduados con necesidades financieras. Sobre la base de la información que se provee en la solicitud FAFSA se determina quién tiene derecho a recibir el subsidio y en qué cantidades. Los subsidios varían de $100 a $4.000 por año. Programa federal o universitario de estudio y trabajo (FWS o CWS) (College or Federal Work Study). Un programa financiado con fondos provistos por el gobierno federal que brinda empleos a estudiantes graduados y no graduados para que puedan ganar dinero para hacerse cargo de los gastos de su educación. Los beneficios del programa se determinan de acuerdo con las necesidades financieras del estudiante. Programa de asistencia para el pago de la matrícula del Estado de Nueva York (TAP) (New York State Tuition Assistance Program). El programa TAP es auspiciado por el gobierno del Estado de Nueva
York y sólo pueden participar en él los residentes del Estado. El mámimo premio es de $5.165 por año académico y sólo pueden ser usadas en colegios y universidades localizados en el Estado de Nueva York. Sólo pueden solicitar los beneficios del programa TAP quienes sean ciudadanos o personas habilitadas, aunque no sean ciudadanos. Los estudiantes no deben devolver los fondos recibidos debido a que se trata de un subsidio. Personas habilitadas aunque no sean ciudadanos (Eligible Non-Citizen). Una persona habilitada aunque no sea ciudadano estadounidense es una persona nacida en otro país que cuenta con documento de residente permanente (tarjeta verde), status de refugiado, o a quien se le ha otorgado asilo. Status de Residente (Resi dency Status). La mayoría de los estados patrocina subsidios educacionales para residentes que se proponen realizar estudios universitarios. Estos subsidios deben ser empleados en instituciones localizadas en el estado. Por ejemplo, el Estado de Nueva York patrocina el Programa de asistencia para el pago de la matrícula (TAP) para residentes del estado. Quienes reciben este subsidio deben residir y cursar estudios universitarios en el Estado de Nueva York. Algunas instituciones universitarias cobran una matrícula para los residentes del estado y otra más elevada para quienes no lo son. Para poder ser considerado residente del estado y tener derecho a la matrícula más baja y los subsidios para residentes, el o la estudiante y su familia deben haber vivido en el estado por lo menos un año. Préstamo federal Perkins (Federal Perkins Loan). Este préstamo está disponible para los estudiantes de tiempo completo y tiempo parcial (seis créditos universitarios) y está garantizado por el gobierno federal. Los estudiantes deben comenzar a pagar el préstamo nueve meses después de completar o abandonar sus estudios. El plazo de nueve meses
se llama período de gracia. Préstamo Stafford (Stafford Loan). Este préstamo puede ser solicitado a la oficina de ayuda financiera del colegio. Los estudiantes deben comenzar a pagar el préstamo seis meses después de completar o abandonar sus estudios. El plazo de seis meses se llama período de gracia. Préstamo subvencionado (Subsidized Loan). El gobierno paga los intereses del préstamo mientras el estudiante asiste a clases universitarias. Cuando el estudiante termina o abandona sus estudios, debe hacerse cargo de los intereses. Los estudiantes deben comenzar a pagar el préstamo seis meses después de completar o abandonar sus estudios. El plazo de seis meses se llama período de gracia. Préstamo no subvencionado (Unsubsidized Loan). El estudiante es responsable del pago de los intereses del préstamo. El estudiante puede pagar los intereses mensuales mientras asiste a la universidad, o puede solicitar que sean sumados al capital adeudado. En este caso, seis meses después de terminar o abandonar sus estudios, el estudiante debe comenzar a devolver el préstamo, que consistirá en el capital adeudado (la suma de dinero solicitada en el préstamo) y el interés acumulado. El plazo de seis meses se llama período de gracia. Pagaré (Promissory Note). Un documento de valor legal que firma el estudiante cuando solicita un préstamo estudiantil. Al firmar la nota, el estudiante se compromete a devolver el préstamo con intereses en los plazos acordados. Préstamo impago (Default Loan). Se considera que un préstamo estudiantil es impago si el estudiante no realiza los pagos según lo acordado en el pagaré. Un préstamo impago tiene consecuencias negativas para el historial de crédito del estudiante y afecta su capacidad de solicitar asistencia financiera en el futuro. Programa de Oportuni dades de Educación (Superior) (HEOP o EOP) (Higher Educa tion Opportunity Program). Un programa de asistencia finan -
Programas de ayuda federal para es tudiantes 2015 –2016
ciera y académica que ayuda a los estudiantes residentes del Estado de Nueva York que cursan estudios universitarios, independientemente de sus antecedentes educacionales en la escuela secun d aria. El programa es exclusivamente para estudiantes de tiempo completo, quienes deben demostrar que tienen posibilidad de completar sus estudios universitarios. Los estudiantes pueden recibir en forma gratuita instrucción individual, orientación académica, educacional y personal y asesoramiento sobre sus carreras. Además de esta ayuda, los estudiantes pueden recibir asistencia financiera con sus gastos de matrícula, pensión completa, libros y necesidades personales. Requisitos para participar en el programa HEOP en el Estado de Nueva York: (1) Haber residido en el Estado de Nueva York por lo menos 12 meses antes de la fecha de inscripción. (2) Haber recibido un diploma de escuela secundaria o un GED del Estado de Nueva York. (3) No estar habilitado para lograr admisión ordinaria (debe no cumplir con los requisitos académicos de admisión ordinarios) aunque debe demostrar que tiene posibilidad de completar sus estudios universitarios. (4) Demostrar necesidad financiera según las pautas que se detallan a continuación. Las pautas de ingresos Nota: Las pautas de ingresos no se aplican si se cumplen las siguientes condiciones: (1) La familia recibe pagos de un Departamento de Servicios Sociales de un condado del Estado de Nueva York. (2) El solicitante vive con padres adoptivos que no proveen asistencia financiera para sus estudios universitarios, y sus padres naturales no le proveen dinero. (3) El solicitante está bajo la tutela del estado o el condado. Los estudiantes que satisfacen cualquiera de las tres condiciones mencionadas tienen derecho a ingresar en el Programa de Oportunidades Educacionales.
¿NECESITA DINERO PARA LA UNIVERSIDAD? Página 2 de 2
Programa
Tipo de ayuda
Detalles del programa
Monto anual
Beca Federal Pell
Beca: no es necesario reembolsarla.
Para estudiantes de pregrado con una necesidad económica excepcional que no hayan obtenido títulos universitarios o de posgrado. En algunos casos, un estudiante inscrito en un programa de certificación docente de posgrado podría recibir una Beca Federal Pell.
Hasta $5,730 Para obtener detalles y actualizaciones actualizaciones, visite StudentAid.gov/beca-pell
Un estudiante puede recibir una Beca Federal Pell durante un máximo de 12 semestres o su equivalente (aproximadamente seis años). Beca Federal Complementaria para la Oportunidad Educativa (Beca Complementaria)
Beca: no es necesario reembolsarla.
Beca de Estudios Superiores para el Fomento de la Docencia (Beca TEACH)
Beca por Servicios Prestados en Irak y Afganistán
Para estudiantes de pregrado con una necesidad económica excepcional. Se da prioridad a los becarios de una Beca Federal Pell. Se otorgan en función de la disponibilidad de fondos de la institución educativa.
Hasta $4,000
Beca: no es necesario reembolsarla, a menos que el estudiante no cumpla con la obligación de prestar los servicios acordados, en cuyo caso, deberá pagar la Beca TEACH como si fuera un Préstamo sin subsidio del Direct Loan Program con los intereses devengados (acumulados) desde el momento en el que la beca haya sido desembolsada (otorgada al estudiante).
Para estudiantes de pregrado, de licenciatura especializada y de posgrado que planean convertirse en docentes. El becario debe firmar un Acuerdo de Prestación de Servicio mediante el cual se compromete a enseñar con dedicación a tiempo completo en un área designada donde haya pocos docentes durante cuatro años académicos completos (dentro de los ocho años posteriores a haber finalizado su programa académico) en una escuela primaria, en una escuela secundaria o en una agencia de servicios educativos para niños de familias con bajos recursos.
Hasta $4,000
Beca: no es necesario reembolsarla.
Para estudiantes que no pueden acceder a la Beca Pell solo debido a que cuentan con menor necesidad económica que la requerida para recibir los fondos Pell; cuyos padres o tutores hayan fallecido tras haber prestado servicios en Irak o Afganistán después del atentado del 11 de septiembre; y para quienes al momento del fallecimiento del padre o tutor, fueran menores de 24 años o estuvieran cursando, al menos, a medio tiempo en una institución de educación superior.
Hasta $5,311.71
Para obtener detalles y actualizaciones, visite StudentAid.gov/becas-fseog
Para obtener detalles y actualizaciones, visite StudentAid.gov/becas-teach
Para las becas desembolsadas entre el 1° de octubre de 2014 y el 1° de octubre de 2015 Para obtener detalles y actualizaciones, visite StudentAid.gov/Irak-Afganistan
Un estudiante puede recibir una Beca por Servicios Prestados en Irak y Afganistán durante un máximo de 12 semestres o su equivalente (aproximadamente seis años). Programa Federal de Estudio
Fondos ganados mientras el e
Para estudiantes de pregrado y posgrado. El trabajo se puede desempeñar dentro o fuera d
32 | School Guide’s COLLEGE CONFERENCE MANUAL | April 17, 2015
Sin montos anuales mínimos o máximos P
www.schoolguides.com
Presentar la solicitud de ayuda Completar la Solicitud Gratuita de Ayuda Federal para Estudiantes (FAFSA) es fácil y gratuito. Visite: FAFSA on the Web en www.fafsa.gov para obtener la versión impresa y electrónica de la solicitud. ¿Qué necesito para completar la FAFSA? Necesitará su número de Seguro Social; su número de licencia de conducir (si la tuviera), los formularios W-2 ; las declaraciones federales de impuestos sobre los ingresos (o cálculos aproximados); los estados de cuenta bancarios; el número de registro de extranjeros (si no fuera ciudadano estadounidense); un PIN de la Oficina de Ayuda Federal para Estudiantes que puede obtenerse antes y durante el proceso de solicitud; y otros registros. Si es estudiante dependiente, necesitará también los datos de sus padres. Para obtener una lista detallada, visite: www.fafsa.gov. ¿Cuándo debo solicitar la ayuda federal para estudiantes? Para el año académico de 2015–16, el plazo para completar la solicitud comienza el 1.° de enero de 2015 y termina el 30 de junio de 2016. Para determinar si reúne los requisitos para la ayuda federal para estudiantes, debe completar la FAFSA. Puede necesitar completar una solicitud adicional para ser considerado para la ayuda económica de su estado o la institución educativa en la que esté interesado asistir. Comuníquese con la agencia de educación superior y la institución educativa para obtener más información. Si envía su solicitud antes de que haya completado su declaración de impuestos, tendrá la información estimada impositiva y de ingresos en su solicitud y podrá hacer correcciones luego si su información impositiva o de ingresos estimada no fue precisa. ¿Cómo la solicito? Complete la FAFSA. Las solicitudes impresa y electrónica están disponibles en: www .fafsa.gov. Para el año académico 2015–16, el plazo para presentar la solicitud comienza el 1.º de enero de 2015 y termina el 30 de junio de 2016. Es conveniente hacerlo cuanto antes. Para otorgar ayuda no federal, las instituciones educativas y los estados a menudo utilizan los datos consignados en la FAFSA. Los plazos fijados vencen generalmente a comienzos del año. Puede encontrar las fechas límite estatales en FAFSA on the Web. Verifique con las instituciones educativas en las que esté interesado cuáles son sus fechas límite. No se aceptará ninguna FAFSA impresa ni electrónica antes del 1.° de enero de 2015 para el año académico 2015–16. Toda FAFSA recibida antes del 1.° de enero de 2015 no será aceptada ni procesada. ¿Qué hago si necesito ayuda para completar mi FAFSA? Encontrará ayuda disponible y accesible para cada pregunta sobre la FAFSA si presenta su solicitud electrónica utilizando FAFSA on the Web. Encuentre más ayuda gratuita: • en línea, en www.studentaid .ed.gov/completarfafsa; • en el Centro de Información sobre la Ayuda Federal para Estudiantes en 1-800-4-FEDAID (1-800-433-3243) por cualquier pregunta sobre la
www.schoolguides.com
FAFSA electrónica o impresa; • del orientador de su escuela secundaria o la oficina de ayuda económica de su universidad. Puede obtener toda la ayuda que necesita en forma GRATUITA de una de estas fuentes. NUNCA pague a nadie por obtener ayuda para completar la FAFSA electrónica ni impresa. ¿Cómo firmo mi solicitud en línea? Usted utiliza su PIN de la Oficina de Ayuda Federal para Estudiantes, un código de acceso electrónico que sirve como su identificador personal y firma. Su PIN de la Oficina de Ayuda Federal para Estudiantes le permite firmar su FAFSA en forma electrónica, completar el proceso de ayuda para estudiantes completamente sin papel y acceder a sus registros en línea de la ayuda federal para estudiantes. Si es un estudiante dependiente, uno de sus padres también puede obtener un PIN para firmar su FAFSA en forma electrónica. ¿Cómo y cuándo debo obtener un PIN? Se le ofrecerá la opción de obtener uno en tiempo real cuando complete la FAFSA en línea. Además, puede solicitar un PIN por adelantado en www.pin.ed.gov. No recuerdo mi PIN. Puede solicitar un duplicado de PIN en www.pin.ed.gov . Después de recibir su duplicado de PIN, debería volver al sitio del PIN y usar la función “Change My PIN” (cambiar mi PIN) para elegir un PIN que podrá recordar. ¿Qué sucede si se me considera un alumno dependiente pero no tengo contacto con mis padres ni acceso a su información? En virtud de la ley federal, usted y su familia son los principales responsables de pagar sus gastos universitarios. Para determinar cuánto puede pagar su familia para sus gastos universitarios, el Departamento debe recopilar su información financiera y, si es un estudiante dependiente, la información financiera de sus padres. En circunstancias muy limitadas, un estudiante dependiente puede presentar la FAFSA sin información de los padres. Para obtener más información, visite: www.fafsa.gov. ¿Qué sucede si soy un alumno dependiente pero mis padres están divorciados o separados? Debería presentar información sobre el padre o la madre con quien vivió por más tiempo en los 12 meses anteriores a la fecha en que presenta su FAFSA. ¿Debo declarar la información de mis padrastros? La información financiera de su padrastro o madrastra es necesaria en la FAFSA si la madre o el padre con quien vivió más tiempo se volvió a casar. Eso no significa que su padrastro o madrastra esté obligado(a) a brindarle ayuda económica, pero sus ingresos y activos son partes importantes de la situación económica de su familia. Incluir esta información en la FAFSA nos ayuda a formar una idea exacta de la capacidad económica total de su familia. ¿Necesito completar una FAFSA por cada año que solicite la ayuda? Sí. Todos los años debe volver a enviar la solicitud para la ayuda federal para estudiantes. Si cambia de institución educa-
tiva, su ayuda no se transfiere automáticamente con usted. Verifique en su nueva institución financiera para saber qué requieran. ¿Qué sucede después de que presento mi FAFSA electrónica? Recibirá su Informe de Ayuda Estudiantil (SAR), que son los resultados de la FAFSA procesada. Cuando complete y presente su solicitud en línea, asegúrese de imprimir la página del resumen de sus datos en FAFSA on the Web e imprima su página de confirmación. Una vez que su FAFSA sea procesada, recibirá el Informe de Ayuda Estudiantil (SAR) electrónico o impreso. El SAR resume toda la información que brindó en su FAFSA y, generalmente, tendrá su aporte familiar previsto (EFC), el número empleado para determinar si su reúne los requisitos para la ayuda federal para estudiantes. Su EFC aparecerá en la parte superior derecha del SAR. Quizás no reciba el EFC si el Depart amento necesita más información suya para procesar sus datos. Esto significa que su solicitud está incompleta y que debe hacer correcciones (ver a continuación). La entrega de su SAR depende de si suministra una dirección de correo electrónico cuando solicita la ayuda: • Recibirá su SAR por correo electrónico entre los tres y cinco días posteriores a que su FAFSA se haya procesado si suministró una dirección de correo electrónico cuando envió la solicitud. Este correo electrónico tendrá un enlace seguro para que pueda acceder a su SAR en línea. • Recibirá un SAR impreso por correo dentro de los siete a diez días posteriores a que su FAFSA se haya procesado si no proporcionó una dirección de correo electrónica cuando envió la solicitud. Ya sea que presenta su solicitud de forma electrónica o impresa, nosotros automáticamente le enviamos sus datos en
forma electrónica a las instituciones educativas que detalló en su FAFSA. Su clave de autorización (DRN, por sus siglas en inglés) también estará en el SAR y, si solicitó un PIN durante el proceso de firma de FAFSA on the Web, recibirá información sobre el estado de su PIN. ¿Qué hago con mi SAR? Revíselo con atención para asegurarse de que esté correcto y completo. La(s) institución(es) educativa(s) que seleccionó para recibir su SAR usará(n) esta información para determinar si reúne los requisitos para la ayuda económica federal, y posiblemente no federal. Si la institución educativa a la que desea asistir no está enumerada en su SAR, debe agregarla a su SAR para que la institución pueda recibir sus datos. Realizar correcciones a mi información • Puede hacerlo en forma electrónica con su PIN si visita: www.fafsa.gov y selecciona: “Empezar aquí”. • Su institución educativa debería poder hacerlo en forma electrónica (verifique con su institución). • O, si recibió un SAR en papel, haga las correcciones necesarias en ese SAR y envíelo por correo a la dirección del formulario para procesarlas. Puede hacer algunos cambios en su FAFSA llamando al Centro de Información sobre la Ayuda Federal para Estudiantes, al 1800-4-FED-AID (1-800-4333243). Debe tener la DRN a mano. La DRN se encuentra en su SAR y en la página de confirmación de su FAFSA on the Web. Aquí le presentamos lo que puede cambiar en forma telefónica: • su dirección de correo postal o correo electrónico; • los nombres de las instituciones educativas que desee que reciban información de su
FAFSA; y • su respuesta a la pregunta sobre alguna condena por drogas. Para todos los otros cambios, debe corregirlos en su FAFSA, al usar una de las otras opciones mencionadas anteriormente. ¿Cuándo recibiré mi ayuda? Si reúne los requisitos para la ayuda federal para estudiantes, las instituciones educativas que enumeró en su FAFSA (que también ofrecieron su admisión) le enviarán una carta de concesión antes de que comience las clases. La carta de concesión enumera los tipos y los montos de ayuda económica que puede recibir de las fuentes federales, estatales e institucionales. Revise la carta de concesión y decida cual opción de ayuda aceptar. ¿Cuánto recibiré? La carta de concesión muestra su paquete de ayuda económica completo, el cual puede incluir una combinación de distintos tipos de ayuda. Una vez que decida cuál opción en la carta de concesión aceptar, fírmela y envíela a la institución educativa para procesarla. Según la institución, este proceso se realiza de forma impresa o electrónica. La institución luego depositará los fondos a su cuenta estudiantil o le enviará un cheque (conozca más sobre el tema en la oficina de ayuda económica). No recibirá ni cheques ni depósitos directamente del Departamento de Educación de los EE. UU; todos los fondos serán entregados a través de su institución educativa. Para obtener más información, visite: www .studentaid.ed.gov/financiar.
Departamento de Educación de los EE. UU., Oficina de Ayuda Federal para Estudiantes, Grupo de Experiencia del Cliente, Cómo costear sus estudios superiores: Guía sobre la ayuda federal para estudiantes, Washington, D.C., 2015.
Lista de cosas por hacer La elaboración de una lista de cosas por hacer le permitirá llevar un control de todo lo que necesita cumplir para solicitar la admisión a una institución postsecundaria. Fije una fecha de inicio y término para cada diligencia, y vaya marcando las tareas a medida que las realice. A continuación se ofrecen algunas sugerencias para su lista: • Durante el otoño de su último año de secundaria, reúnase con el orientador de su escuela secundaria, para examinar sus planes. • Haga una lista de las instituciones postsecundarias que le interesan. • Comuníquese con estas instituciones, para pedirles la información y formularios necesarios para solicitar la admisión. Consulte con ellas sobre los requisitos de admisión, sobre la ayuda financiera y sobre los plazos importantes que haya que cumplir. • Si aún no lo ha hecho, visite aquellas instituciones educativas que más le interesen, y hable con sus alumnos, profesores y orientadores. • Inscríbase para presentar el ACT (Examen Norteamericano de Admisión Postsecundaria); el SAT y los Exámenes de Materias
Especiales del SAT, así como cualquier otro examen que pidan las universidades o institutos a los que usted solicita la admisión. Si tiene dificultades para pagar la cuota de inscripción, consulte con su orientador sobre la posibilidad de obtener una exención de pago. (Si desea más información sobre estos exámenes, visite los sitios web www.act.org y www.collegeboard.org.) • Lea detenidamente las instrucciones de cualquier solicitud de admisión y preste atención especial a los plazos correspondientes. Por lo menos quince días antes de que cierre el plazo de solicitud, pídales a su orientador y a sus profesores que le envíen los documentos necesarios a la institución postsecundaria (como por ejemplo, copias del expediente académico o las cartas de recomendación). • Averigüe que ha recibido sus materiales de solicitud y demás información necesaria la oficina de admisiones de cada institución a la que solicita la admisión. • Tan pronto como sea posible a partir del 1 de enero de su último año de secundaria, llene los formularios que sean necesarios para solicitar ayuda económica, tal como la Solicitud Gratuita de Ayuda Federal para
Estudiantes, o FAFSA, por sus siglas en inglés. Antes de iniciar el trámite de solicitud de ayuda económica, conviene que usted y sus padres hayan llenado las pertinentes declaraciones de impuesto sobre los ingresos. • La información de sus solicitudes debe estar correcta, y los formularios deben ser presentados dentro del plazo prescrito, para así agilitar su procesamiento. Comuníquese con la oficina de ayuda económica de las instituciones educativas a las que ha solicitado la admisión, a fin de asegurar que se haya recibido todo lo necesario para que ella gestione su solicitud de ayuda financiera. • A principios de la primavera, empezará a recibir respuestas de las instituciones a las que solicitó la admisión. Compare las cartas de aceptación y los ofrecimientos de asistencia económica. • Para el 1 de mayo, escoja la oferta que desee aceptar y, enviándole un cheque de depósito, informe a la institución educativa de su compromiso de asistir a la misma. • Conserve para futura referencia copia de cada documento que presente.
Source: studentaid.ed.gov
School Guide’s COLLEGE CONFERENCE MANUAL | April 17, 2015 | 33
Manhattanville: A “Values-Based” Education Manhattanville College is a four-year, independent, coed, liberal arts institution with a diverse student body offering small classes and a result driven, value-based education. On its 100-acre campus 30 miles north of New York City, Manhattanville College has created a small global village. The private, coeducational college founded in 1841 draws its student body from 53 different countries and 34 states. Enrollment at the College includes 1,700 fulltime undergraduates and 1,000 graduate students. This richly diverse community embodies the College’s mission: to educate students to be ethical and sociallyresponsible leaders in a global community. Manhattanville’s proximity to New York City creates a constant flow of opportunity that brings learning to life. Manhattanville students know how to have fun, but they also have a sense of purpose. The College’s social conscience is informed by a commitment to serving the community — whether that’s defined as the surrounding geographic area, where undergraduates logged 32,290 hours of service in a year — or as the global community. Manhattanville students actively seek opportunities to serve humanitarian causes in the developing world. The Manhattanville curriculum nurtures intellectual curiosity and independent thinking. With a student–faculty ratio of 16:1, students and faculty form close collaborative relationships. Ninety percent of the
faculty hold the highest terminal degree in their field. Under the guidance of a faculty adviser, the student maps his or her academic program, establishing a major from different branches of the liberal arts. Learning is integrative and reflective. Programs Manhattanville offers the following degrees: BA, BFA, BMus, BS, MA, MAT, MP, MEd, MSEd, MS, and EdD. Programs are offered in the following subject areas:
accounting, African studies, American studies, art (studio), art history, Asian studies, biochemistry, biology, chemistry, classical civilizations, communication studies, computer science, creative writing, dance and theatre, dance therapy, digital media production, economics, education, English, environmental studies, film studies, finance, French, German, history, human resource management, international studies, Holocaust and genocide studies, international
management, Irish studies, Italian, Latin American studies, legal studies, management, marketing, mathematics, museum studies, music, music education, music management, musical theatre, music technology, neuroscience, philosophy, political science, prelaw, pre-medical, pre-physical therapy, pre-speech language pathology, psychology, self designed major, social justice, sociology, sport studies, Spanish, theatre education, women’s studies, world religions,
and world literature. Adult accelerated BS degrees are offered in behavioral studies, organizational management, and communications management. Manhattanville College is located at 2900 Purchase St., Purchase, NY 10577. For more information visit www.manhattanville .edu or www.ExploreMville.net. You can contact the College at 1-800-32VILLE; or e-mail admissions@ mville.edu.
HESC: Helping New Yorkers Go to College The programs and services administered by the New York State Higher Education Services Corporation (HESC) help hundreds of thousands of New York State students and their families plan for college and careers, learn about, and apply for, available financial aid — federal and state grants, scholarships and loans, and more. Now celebrating its 40th anniversary, New York’s flagship, need-based college grant program, the Tuition Assistance Program (TAP), helps eligible New York State residents pay tuition at approved colleges throughout New York State, with annual awards of up to $5,165. Because TAP is a grant, it does not have to be paid back. In 2013–2014, HESC helped more
than 388,000 students achieve their college dreams by providing more than $984 million in grants, scholarships and student loan forgiveness benefits. At HESC.ny.gov you’ll find resources for: College and Career Planning • Your high school plan • Exploring NY’s colleges • Choosing a college • Choosing a career and course of study. Saving For College New York’s 529 College Savings plan is a flexible, convenient low-cost way to save for college. Anyone — parents, grandparents, uncles, aunts, and friends — can open an account with New York’s 529 College Savings Program and enjoy tax
Bachelor of Fine Arts Degrees Conservatory Programs
800.367.7908 / amda.edu
Spots also now open in the 2015 High School Summer C Conservatory onservatory
34 | School Guide’s COLLEGE CONFERENCE MANUAL | April 17, 2015
Paying For College • New York’s Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) • Scholarships and awards, including New York’s STEM Scholarship Incentive Program • Calculators and tools to customize college financing, compare financial aid award letters, and more • Federal loans, private loans, and smart borrowing strategies • Guidelines for applying for financial aid. Applying for Financial Aid • Direct link to the Free Appli cation for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) • New York State Tuition
Assistance Program (TAP) Application. Ready, Set, GoCollege!NY If you’ve been thinking about going to college, but don’t know where to start and have a million questions, GoCollegeNY.org will guide you with simple steps to put you on the right path. At GoCollegeNY you’ll find the tools and encouragement to make college a reality. You’ll learn: • Why college is important for your future • The right classes and steps to take now • How to choose the right college for you • How you can afford and pay for college • And, how to succeed at college once you get there.
ACTING • MUSIC THEATRE • DANCE THEATRE
Unparalleled Performing Arts Education
advantages, flexibility, low costs and convenience while helping a child go to college.
www.schoolguides.com
95% JOB OR GRAD SCHOOL PLACEMENT for 4-year students within six months of graduation
90% of students receive FINANCIAL AID AND SCHOLARSHIPS
98%
1,100
associate degree transfer ACCEPTANCE RATE
student body size with a 16:1 student-tofaculty ratio
What Degree of Difference Will You Find at Dean? Celebrating 150 years, Dean is a small New England college awarding both four-year baccalaureate and two-year associate degrees. Dean features programs in our School of the Arts, School of Business, Palladino School of Dance and School of Liberal Arts and Sciences. You’ll receive support and caring from professional advisors, a dedicated teaching faculty and an option for one-on-one academic coaching. With 10 NJCAA Athletic Teams, Study Away programs, numerous Clubs and Organizations and just a train ride away from Boston — the possibilities for learning and fun are endless. Dean also offers The Arch Learning Community, a comprehensive program for students with learning differences. • Professional Advisors • Dedicated Teaching Faculty • One-on-One Academic Coaching
Discover The Dean Difference To request additional information, call or visit 877-TRY-DEAN |
[email protected] Franklin, MA
www.schoolguides.com
School Guide’s COLLEGE CONFERENCE MANUAL | April 17, 2015 | 35
Why Get a College Degree? If you go to college, you’ll gain information and skills that you’ll use for the rest of your life, no matter what career you chose. College will enable you to: • Expand your knowledge and skills • Express your thoughts clearly in speech and in writing • Grasp abstract concepts and theories • Increase your understanding of the world and your community. What This Means for You The benefits above may sound great on their own, but college also has some very practical benefits: More Job Opportunities . The world is changing rapidly. More and more jobs require education beyond high school. College graduates have more jobs to choose from than those who don’t pursue education beyond high school. Earn More Money. A person who goes to college usually earns more than a person who doesn’t. Based on information from the U.S.
Department of Education’s National Center for Educational Statistics 2014, in 2012, the median of earnings for young adults with a bachelor’s degree was $46,900, while the median was $22,910 for those without a high school diploma or its equivalent, $29,960 for those with a high school diploma or its equivalent, and $35,720 for those with an associate’s degree. Why Not Go to College? Many students are unsure about going to college, for many reasons. Below are five you’ve heard before, and why they don’t hold water. 1. “I Can’t Afford It.” Most students get financial aid to help pay for college, and most aid is based on need. This means that the less money you have, the more aid you might get. 2. “Nobody in My Family Has Ever Gone.” Being first can be hard. For instance, you may have to explain to the family why college is important to you. On the other hand, being
first is likely to be a source of pride, for you and for your family. 3. “I Don’t Know What I Want to Do with My Life.” Join the crowd. Thousands of college freshmen haven’t decided on a major or on a career. College gives you the opportunity to learn more about what’s out there. You’ll be exposed to a variety of academic subjects, people, and new perspectives. 4. “College Is Too Hard for Me.” Most students think college will
be too hard for them. Keep in mind, all colleges offer tutoring and student support. As confident as some students seem, no one goes to college knowing everything — if they did, why would they go? 5. “I Just Won’t Fit In.” Most colleges have students from many backgrounds. To get an idea of what to expect, explore colleges online or better yet, visit in person. Be sure to ask about the make-up of the student body, and if they have clubs and activities that you’re
interested in joining. It Doesn’t Have to Be a Four-Year College If you’re not sure about college, or which college, consider attending a community college. Community colleges are public, two-year schools that provide an excellent education, whether you’re considering an associate degree, a certificate program, technical training, or plan to continue your studies at a four-year college.
Air Force ROTC College Scholarships High school students who want to serve their country in the military after graduating from college can benefit from a number of scholarships offered by the Air Force ROTC. As a cadet in the Air Force ROTC not only will you serve your country, you’ll also be making a valuable investment in
your future. Multiple Choices There are three types of scholarships offered through the Air Force ROTC High School Scholarship Program: Type 1, Type 2 and Type 7. Air Force ROTC offers scholarships in all
You’re smart and motivated, you want to make a difference, you want college to be inspiring, you tour our 122-acre Miami campus, you like the vibe, you like the legendary South Beach nearby, you like the field experience, internships, and how a Barry degree is so marketable, you like the amazing social scene, you like winning 13 NCAA Championships, you’re not afraid of being stretched, you know that’s what life is about, and this is where it can happen.
Visit us at barry.edu Follow us
36 | School Guide’s COLLEGE CONFERENCE MANUAL | April 17, 2015
academic majors necessary to meet Air Force needs. Type 1 scholarships are typically awarded to students who wish to enter technical fields, such as chemistry, engineering and meteorology. These scholarships cover full college tuition costs at four-year universities, the majority of associated fees, and up to $900 per year for textbooks and related materials. According to the official Air Force ROTC Web site ( www .afrotc.com), Type 2 scholarships are awarded to approximately 15 percent of scholarship candidates, and preference is given to individuals enrolling in technical programs that can benefit the Air Force. The maximum award is $18,000, after which students are responsible for the remainder of their fees. As with Type 1 scholarships, Type 2 recipients will be awarded up to $900 per year for books and course materials. Type 7 scholarships pay for tuition equivalent to the in-state rate at public universities, with an additional $900 yearly award for materials. Students who apply for Type 7 scholarships, but whose college of choice does not qualify under the eligibility criteria, can opt to change their application from a Type 7 to a Type 2. All four-year Air Force scholarships activate at the beginning of the student’s freshman year, while three-year scholarships commence at the start of the sophomore year. Extra Help In addition to the assistance with tuition and course materials, Air Force scholarship programs also provide recipients with a monthly stipend to help pay for living expenses. Freshman cadets receive $300, sophomores are given $350, juniors will receive $450 and seniors will be awarded $500. These stipends are non-taxable, so the entirety of the funds can go toward living expenses while students complete their qualifications. High school scholarship recipients are also eligible for travel expenses, which cover the cost of getting from their home to their Air Force ROTC detachment. These awards are paid to students approximately one month after the commencement of their studies. Scholarship recipients at any of the levels described above incur a four-year active duty commitment upon graduation from college. They enter the Air Force with a commission as a second lieutenant.
www.schoolguides.com
$# ( $ # &$#( # )'( +$&! /' "$'( , ( # $!! ($+#
" ! ' #$&( $
$'($# (
# "# '
" " !" !
'
# "
!#
" "
"$
#" ! ' # "
"
Discover...
#"
!
$
'! !
# "
!#
"# ! " ' # " ' # "
!# !#
"$ " ' "# ! ' # "
… one of the most spectacular campuses in the United States, on the oceanfront and just 20 miles north of Boston, the world’s most exciting college town.
!#
'
# "
!#
'
# "
!#
!
. $)& '() #(' + !! # ( &$) #( &#' %' … you''will ! the &# career # ( &$)edge %&$ $# gain ! +$&through ,% &internships, # ' -learning &. # through $'($# professional ( &$) $)( (work #experiences ( ( ( ' each $& # year…in '$" 'Boston, ' &$)# throughout ( +$&! the United States, or in some cases, around the world.
$ "! " "
" ! " "' # "'
" "
Endicott students distinguish themselves by graduating with a . $!! ( +' # $&! %$&( & # ' "$# degree AND a( resume.
$
Regional Universities
…a college that U.S. News and World Report ranks among . ( top tier of Best Regional " #Universities -$) + !! # $( $!! “The (North).”
% '
'( & at anda college Doctoral & ' $ the& #freedom ")!( %!and $%(flexibility $#' $& you!$&, … will enjoy offering
# "
!#
multiple options for Bachelor, Master, and Doctoral degrees.
. $)&
!- ')
!
'' )!
…our nationally ranked NCAA Division III intercollegiate athletic program.
"
. * !$% # " "$& ' $& +( …the memories forged * &'friendships &$)% $ developed 350 '() #('and &$" ( &$) $)( ( #with ( a diverse of 2,500 students and 2,700 graduate ( ( ' group # &$)# ( undergraduate +$&! students from throughout the United States and around the world.
! $#
(& (
* &!-
+++ # www.schoolguides.com
'' $& $((
# "
!# "
% # "#
! "
"
" !" &
"
(& " && ! " &'% ' #" ( ' #" #! " (% '* '( & " #%! ' #" "# # * "' % #% % ' '(% (%& "
)' ((' )
$$ ( ' #" (%& "
) #% " *& & %& $
School Guide’s COLLEGE CONFERENCE MANUAL | April 17, 2015 | 37
Senior Year a Busy One for the College Bound A high school student’s senior year is typically the most memorable...and often the most traumatic. Aside from the agony of finding a date for the prom and the horror of contemplating the future, college-bound high school seniors are confronted with a slew of deadlines to meet and forms to fill out. It’s smart to plan ahead, of course, so that none of these important deadlines slips past unnoticed. Most schools try to keep students aware of what needs to be taken care of, but in these difficult economic times, many schools have been forced to cut corners. High school guidance offices are often the hardest hit. The only way to play it safe with senior year deadlines is to make sure you take a personal responsibility for meeting all the necessary requirements. Schedule meetings with guidance counselors, ask lots of questions and double-check deadlines
because every high school and university has its own set of schedules. Further, parents should be warned that the education community is always in flux, so the approach that worked 20 years ago — or even two years ago — may already be outdated. For instance, the SAT is still the most important test most high school students will ever take, but more colleges are now accepting the ACT. There are even a growing number of colleges that are “test optional.” Despite all these changes, college-bound students should have already taken the SAT or the ACT before their senior year begins. Most colleges and universities insist upon having test scores before they will consider an application. Intimidated by all this? You don’t have to be. Just make sure to keep the lines of communication open with your high school’s
guidance office and mark down these important senior year deadlines. September: Check in with the guidance counselor to make sure you have all the necessary requirements for high school graduation. Nobody gets into college without a high school diploma or its equivalent. November: Early admission application deadlines are typically scheduled during this month. For students who want to clear their minds of college entrance worries, early admission is often a good way to go. Be warned, however, early admission applicants must have all their test scores ready to mail by the early application deadline. In addition to the early admission deadline, many state supported universities require all admission applications to be delivered by the end of November. Double-check for any and all schools to which you may be
applying. January–February: Most private universities set admission application deadlines between January 1 and February 28. Late applications often are dismissed. Some universities offer a March deadline, but the bulk are in January and February. Again, check with the individual institution. March: If you have not already done so, you should complete and submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), the primary financial aid application form. This application is used by virtually every American university and college that awards federal monies. If you are considering the possibility of applying for any form of financial aid, this form must be completed. The FAFSA requires tax information from parents of prospective college students, so that the year’s tax returns are necessary
before the FAFSA can be completed. If your family’s taxes are complicated and require a great deal of time to process, ask them to get started early so that the FAFSA can be completed on schedule. Note: Most universities have their own financial aid forms and deadlines that need to be addressed in addition to the FAFSA—just because you filled out one aid form doesn’t mean your job is done. May: May 1 is known as “Declaration Day,” the day when most universities and colleges need confirmation that an applicant is or isn’t going to be attending the following fall. Most students will come to a decision long before May 1, but don’t assume your university of choice knows that it is your first choice. Once the May 1 deadline is past, institutions immediately begin filling open slots with waiting-list applicants. The main set of deadlines not addressed in the above list are the various student housing appli cation deadlines. Most schools follow their own guidelines and time lines for housing applications. Some require students to apply for housing when they first apply for admission; others wait until a student is admitted before the housing application process begins. Some schools require students to live on campus the first year; others warn you that space is scarce and discourage incoming students from trying to live on campus. In fact, every university and college is unique in terms of the paperwork it needs to process the multitude of applications and forms required of all incoming students. Your best bet will always be picking up the phone and calling each university’s student outreach office and confirming the precise information it needs and the date these forms are needed.
Senior Year – No Time to Slump TOP RANKED
100 % COMPLETE A M A JOR + A MINOR
Br yant ’s business program is ranked among the top 10 in the U.S., by College Fac tual, and Br yant is 2nd on the U.S . News & World Repor t list of “up-and-coming” universities in the region.
Br yant ’s nationally recognized curriculum allows student s to create their path by integratting business and liberal ar t s while developing real-world credentials that provide competitive advantage.
Bloomberrg Businessweek ranks Br yant ’s International Business program 16th in the countr y and places the Universit y’s business program in the top 50 overall.
TITLETOWN
98 % OF THE CLASS OF 2014
In only the second year of full Division I eligibilit y, Br yant student-athletes shat tered records while earning high academic marks. Br yant became the first school in NEC histor y to win six spring championships.
wa s employed or enrolled in graduate school within six months of graduation.
151-YEAR TR ADITION
$ 53,000 FIRST-YEAR SALARY
Since it s founding, Br yant ha s earned a distinguished reputation for preparing student s with the knowledge,
median for 2014 graduates of the College of Business and College of Ar t s and Sciences.
s k i l l s , a n d q u a l i t i e s of c h a r a c t e r t o s u c c e e d i n a n
interconnec ted world of unlimited global oppor tunit y.
www.bryant.edu
38 | School Guide’s COLLEGE CONFERENCE MANUAL | April 17, 2015
Once you have a college offer in hand, you may get the urge to coast through the rest of the school year. Maybe you’ve already decided to slack off. It’s your senior year and you deserve it, right? Before you give in to senior slump, you should know that the college may be watching you. Colleges, especially selective universities, have been known to withdraw offers of admission to students who drop college prep classes or begin earning uncharacteristically low grades. If you haven’t slumped too far, colleges might send you a warning letter and add certain stipulations to your admission, such as requiring a 2.0 grade point average during the first year of college. Taking an extended breather during your senior year can make your freshman year in college difficult. So have fun your senior year, but don’t give up on your college preparation.
www.schoolguides.com
The Perfect 10 Study Habits Whether you are a senior in high school or a freshman in college, you need to establish and practice good study habits. Here are some ways to help you improve your study time and your grades. 1. Find the best place to study. You need a place with good lighting, which will reduce eyestrain and keep you from getting tired too fast. Some students need absolute quiet when they study; some need music in the background. The key is to have an area that allows you to see well, concentrate and spread out your books and papers so you can get organized. Find a desk, kitchen table or bed, and keep away from distractions like food, TV, cellphones or pets. 2. Don’t wait until the last minute. Study a little every night instead of cramming late the night before a test. 3. Study more frequently, for shorter time periods. Four halfhour study sessions are much better than a single two-hour session. 4. Begin study time with your most challenging subject. Start with your most difficult assignment since this is when you have the most mental energy. It may also require the most effort from you.
5. Take a break. If you find you’re losing concentration, get up and move around. Stretch or get a drink. You’ll be more alert when you start studying again. 6. Organize every class. Use a separate binder, folder or notebook for each of your classes. You need a place for notes, handouts and homework assignments for each class. Stuffing all of your papers together into one folder or inside your book bag is a sure way to misplace an important homework assignment. 7. Get organized each night for the next day. Put all of your papers in their correct place and review your weekly calendar and goals. 8. Make the most out of your classroom time . A lot of new information is introduced in your classes, so don’t expect to learn everything later on your own. •Listen carefully to the teacher and ask questions when you don’t understand. •Avoid talking to friends or texting during class time. •Write down assignments and due dates carefully. •When taking notes, drawing pictures/diagrams may help you memorize certain facts. •Use free time in class to study or begin another assignment.
9. Study with your friends . Talking with each other or with a group can help you grasp new information. Studying together can be helpful as long as everyone involved is focused on the right subject. Quiz each other by using flashcards or asking questions.
Working together, you can help fill in the gaps for each other and understand the subject more fully. 10. Ask for help. If you need help in a subject, don’t wait to ask for it! Sometimes getting one question answered can make everything else fall into place.
Start by talking to your teacher. If you need ongoing help, your teacher, school counselor or academic advisor may also know of tutors you can work with.
Source: UCanGo2.org. Oklahoma College Assistance Program.
Students Have Mixed Feelings About the New SAT The SAT, one of two standardized tests used to evaluate college readiness, is scheduled to undergo a major revision. While the College Board does not plan to launch the redesigned test until 2016, feedback about the changes is already coming in. Students Have Measured Excitement for the New Format Overall, the majority of students approve of the changes to the SAT, according to a survey from Kaplan Test Prep. However, some of the proposed changes are eliciting concern rather than relief. Approximately 56 percent of the survey respondents said they are unsure about the shift to a digital format. Though it may be easier to submit and score a computer-based test, it will also require students to sit and stare at a bright screen for more than three hours. Additionally, the potential for technical glitches and the elimination of scratch paper for side work has some students worried. “Students generally support the changes to the SAT, though in our surveys they’ve expressed concerns about its move to a computer-based format,” said Seppy Basili, the vice president of Kaplan Test Prep, in a press release. “The good news is that because many key changes to the test make it more like the ACT, it lessens the uncertainty that can breed anxiety, and we know that confidence is the key to test success.”
www.schoolguides.com
Content Changes Get a Seal of Approval There is greater support for some of the other changes made to the content of the test. A whopping 85 percent of students said they approve of the removal of fill-in-the-blank vocabulary sections, while another 74 percent like the elimination of the penalty for wrong answers across the test. Within the reading comprehension section, students also approve of the new historical passage. Each test will feature excerpts from important historical documents, such as the U.S. Constitution, a revision that was supported by about 70 percent of students. However, responses are a bit more mixed for the other revamped sections. Less than half of students think it’s a good idea to include calculator-free sections, for example. Respondents were also split with regard to the essay, a section that is currently required but will be optional beginning in 2016. Students who choose to take the writing portion may find themselves struggling to complete it, as the essay will be written after the initial exam and requires an additional 50 minutes of testing. While students may be justified in their concerns regarding the test, according to the College Board’s literature, the revised SAT is meant to be “an excellent assessment that will deeply reflect the work that students need to do to be ready for and successful in college and in career paths.”
School Guide’s COLLEGE CONFERENCE MANUAL | April 17, 2015 | 39
Westchester CC Provides a Quality Education By Dr. Rose Cooper Westchester Community Col lege is a community college affiliated with the State University of New York. It is located on a beautiful, picturesque, 218-acre campus in Valhalla. Westchester County Govern ment sponsors West chester Community College’s unit of SUNY. The College is foremost a teaching institution. The faculty at the College love to teach and they take the responsibility to make the learning experience enjoyable for the students, and for creating the kind of climate in which students feel comfortable, secure, motivated, inspired, and able to achieve their goals. Westchester Community Col lege is dedicated to the belief that growth and adaptation through educational experience are possible for individuals and organi zations at all stages of development. Our demographic heritage mandates that we provide educational opportunity for all who might benefit from it. For today’s
dynamic and diverse society, the College provides opportunities for enrichment, career changes, upgrading and retraining, in addition to the traditional role of education for “first” jobs and college transfers. The College exists primarily to serve the needs of the West chester County constituencies, from individuals to businesses and other organizations. Looking upon educational expenditures as an investment rather than merely a cost, the College strives to achieve and maintain excellence in providing educational opportunities. The mission of Westchester Community College is to provide high quality, low-cost education to meet career, transfer, remedial, avocational and recreational needs of the Westchester community. The College is accessible, affordable, adaptable, dedicated to lifelong learning, and sensitive to the individual needs of its diverse population.
Programs Westchester Community College programs are designed to meet community and employment needs. Three hundred twenty five representatives of local employers sit on 31 advisory committees to keep the College’s curricula current. Business and industry often ask the College to design seminars or short courses to meet their needs. Recent corporate programs include Computer Assisted Drawing & De sign, Microsoft Office Suite, Busi ness Writing, ESL, and Manage ment and Leadership Training. Numerous employers as well as transfer colleges have expressed satisfaction with the education Westchester Community College students receive. The College offers more than 50 programs, grouped into five general areas: Engineering Tech nol ogies, Business Programs, Health Sciences, Public Service Occu pations, Liberal Arts and Sciences. Hundreds of non-credit continuing education courses are also offered at
the College, as well as distance learning via the Internet. Faculty and Instruction Westchester Community College faculty are among the most capable teachers in the nation. Many publish and conduct research, although they are not required to do so. Instruction at Westchester Community College is innovative, ranging from auto-tutorial, modular and interactive multi-media approaches to student marketing laboratory studies used by local businesses. The College sponsors a number of appearances by prominent individuals to enrich instruction (usually available free-of-charge to the public). Among these speakers have been Margaret Atwood, Gwen dolyn Brooks, E. L. Doctorow, John Cheever, Nien Cheng, Jill Ker Con way, Alistair Cooke, James Dickey, Jules Feiffer, Buckminster Fuller, Brendan Gill, Katherine Graham, Robert Kennedy, Jr., Gish Jen, Dr. Henry Kissinger, Robert Mac Neil, Joyce Carol Oates, Arthur Schles -
E A S T S T R O U D S B U R G U N I V E R S I T Y O F P E N N S Y LVA N I A
o t y d a e R Get aces! l P Go
Undergraduate Admission 570-422-3542 or 877-230-5547
Degree Completion 610-419-0316 or 877-422-1378
esu.edu
Graduate College 570-422-3536 or 866-837-6130
A MEMBER OF THE PENNSYLVANIA STATE SYSTEM OF HIGHER EDUCATION
40 | School Guide’s COLLEGE CONFERENCE MANUAL | April 17, 2015
singer, Jr., Gay Tal e se, Stuart Udall, Judith Viorst, and Ben J. Wattenberg. Westchester Community College offers its students and the community an array of culturally entertaining, enriching and affordable programs. Unique series, such as Legends and Legacies, and Dance Days, feature the finest of today’s professional artists/performers. Free daytime lecture series, such as Poets and Writers, treat the public and the College community to appearances by such luminaries as Nobel Prize–winning poet Seamus Heaney. The College’s student drama troupe, Theater Con nection, and modern dance company, Dance works, present stun ning annual performances. Facilities In addition to 21 buildings on a bucolic, 218-acre campus, Westchester Community College also has extension sites throughout the county in Mahopac, Mount Vernon, Ossining, Peekskill, Port Chester and Yonkers, and has offered classes at 202 locations around the county since 1971. The main campus in Valhalla is centrally located and accessible by public transportation. The College facilities include a swimming pool, tennis courts, athletic fields, a 400-seat theater, a 48-station auto-tutorial center, 18 science laboratories, and more than 1,800 computer stations. Through out the main campus, 800 personal computers are located in various labs for student use. An additional 400 personal computers are located on our extension sites also for student use. Most are Pentium III computers running Windows NT. The new magnificent, modern library and other facilities at the College are open to the West chester public as well as to its students. Childcare is provided by the Virginia Marx Children’s Center for children of students, faculty, staff, Westchester County employees and community members. A Final Thought We live in a world of discovery in which what we can conceive, we can achieve. At Westchester Com munity College, your local community college, we strive to position ourselves on the cutting edge of technology, curricular offerings, opportunities for retraining, respond i ng to the needs of local businesses, offering education to high school graduates, academic, honor, remedial, and vocational education to disadvantaged adults who are 18 years and older, to seniors, to displaced homemakers, and, actually, to anyone who wants to learn. The College responds to all of these needs, these dreams and aspirations with vitality, vision and vigor. After all, education is the most important tool for anyone who wants to realize ambitions and dreams. West chester Com munity College has made it happen in the past, and continues to do so in the 21st Century. Dr. Rose Cooper, Dean of Evening Studies at Westchester Community College.
www.schoolguides.com
The Financial Aid Process When it comes to financial aid, the first question most students and parents ask is “Where do I begin?” The best place to begin your search is the high school guidance office. Many guidance offices have access to computerized college search programs that provide comprehensive information about colleges nationwide, including the availability of financial aid programs, the number of students who receive financial aid, the average amount awarded, and the total annual amount available for the entire student body. If your school uses one of these online programs, be sure to attend any orientation sessions or tutorials to ensure that you get the most out of your search. Your guidance office will also have many reference books listing various scholarships, grants, and financial aid programs at the national, state, and local levels. Your local public library also has these publications, usually in a special “Education and Careers” section or in the “Young Adult” section. Many high schools host a Financial Aid Night featuring financial aid advisors from colleges, lending institutions or the guidance department of the high school. Be sure to attend this event with your parents and to read through the materials you will receive. Next, you might contact the colleges to which you expect to apply. In addition to providing information about their own financial aid programs, they may be able to help you with other sources of aid and perhaps help you to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). In many cases, smaller colleges are in a better position to help you with this than many larger universities. Throughout this preliminary search process you should be asking yourself the following questions: l) What are the specific programs that might help me? 2) How do I apply to these programs? 3) What are my chances of qualifying for assistance? Be Thorough and Careful The financial aid process requires hard work and persistence. The applications can be complex and confusing. They may be returned to you for clarification or additional information. Often times, follow-up on your aid application may be necessary. For this reason, be sure to make copies of all of the applications and documents you submit, including the date submitted, as you may need them for reference. Don’t be afraid to call the college financial aid office or state scholarship or grant office to find out the status of your application. Millions of financial aid applications are filed each year, increasing the possibility that mistakes will be made and items will be overlooked. It is your responsibility to make sure this does not happen to you. Finally, be sure to file your application as soon as possible (usually January 1 of the senior
www.schoolguides.com
year). Students and parents with questions about federal financial aid programs, application procedures, eligibility formulas or any other concerns about financing higher education can call the information hotline, 1-800-4-FEDAID (1-800-433-3243) or visit the Web site StudentAid.ed.gov. A Word of Warning The official FAFSA is at www.fafsa.ed.gov – not at a .com Web site. There is no fee to submit the FAFSA. Any site with a .com address will probably charge you a fee to complete and submit the application. You are advised not to use those sites. You can get live help completing the FAFSA at www.fafsa.ed.gov or by calling 1800-4-FED-AID (1-800-433-3243) or (319) 337-5665. Also, there is no Department of Education (ED) program that replaces loans with grants, nor is there a fee to obtain ED administered grants. Do not provide personal or financial information to unsolicited callers. To report suspected fraud, contact the Federal Trade Commission, (222) 3262222 or visit www.consumer .ftc.gov. Sources of Financial Aid The vast majority of students attending college with the help of financial aid receive this aid from one or more of these three sources: 1) Colleges, universities and other postsecondary institutions. Most have scholarships, grants, loans and work-study opportunities to help their students pay for their education. 2) The Federal Government . The U.S. Department of Education (www.ed.gov), administers programs that provide more than $150 billion annually in grants, loans and work-study assistance. 3) State Governments. All 50 states and the District of Columbia fund or administer student aid programs including scholarships, grants or loans. Beyond these primary sources, various groups such as the Elks, the Knights of Columbus, other service organizations, local governments, and private companies often award scholarships to college-bound students. How to Apply The FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) is the application that must be used to apply for any type of federal financial aid. It is also used by most colleges and states to determine student eligibility for state or institutional aid. The form is available in high schools and colleges across the country and online at www.fafsa.ed.gov. In order to file the FAFSA online, the student and parents must all have a personal identification number (PIN), as the PIN serves as an electronic signature on the FAFSA. The PIN is easily obtained at www.pin.ed.gov . Please note that the PIN provides access to personal information, including your Social Security number and financial information, and should not be shared with anyone. The FAFSA may not be filed
before January 1 of the student’s senior year in high school, but should be filed as soon after January 1 as possible. Although there are questions about income as well as taxes paid, etc., you should not wait until after you and your parents have completed your income tax forms to complete the FAFSA. Waiting to file jeopardizes your chances of getting all the aid you are entitled to receive. You should file the FAFSA as early as possible using estimates of your income taxes as outlined on the form itself. Simply check the box that indicates that you will file an income tax form, but have not done so as of the date you are filing the FAFSA. If you have done your taxes, be sure to consider the option in FAFSA on the Web to use the IRS Data Retrieval Tool. This option is available whether you filed your taxes electronically or by mail. The IRS Data Retrieval Tool takes you to the IRS Web site, where you will need to log in by providing your name and other information exactly as you provided it on your tax return. At the IRS site, you can preview your information before agreeing to have it transferred to your FAFSA. You can also use the tool if you submitted estimated tax information and want to update the numbers after completing your taxes. Once you have completed the personal information on the FAFSA, follow the instructions for listing the colleges you wish to have the information sent to. If you are applying online, the code number will automatically be inserted according to a prompt. If you are filing a paper application, you can get the code from www.fafsa.ed.gov, the high school guidance office, or from the specific college. The application will also ask you what state you live in and based on this, will send the information to your state’s financial aid agency so you will be considered for state scholarship and grant programs. Finally, the information will automatically be sent to the Pell Grant program. Expected Family Contribution The ED provides all of these agencies and institutions with an analysis of the information you have provided on the FAFSA according to a Congressional formula. The formula is used to determine how much a family might be expected to pay toward the applicant’s education (family contribution). This amount, called the Expected Family Contribution (EFC), will be used to determine whether or not the student has “financial need,” which is what defines eligibility for most financial aid programs. The formula takes into consideration such things as family income, assets, number of people in the family, federal and state taxes paid, the number of children in college, and a number of other factors. The calculation does not factor in equity in your home or funds in a 401K or other retirement accounts. Families should be aware that an asset reported in the parents’ name is assessed at a lower rate
than if that same asset were reported in the student’s name. This figure can make a considerable difference in the EFC. The applicant will receive a Student Aid Report (SAR), which includes the EFC. The figure usually appears right under the date the report was sent. The student, colleges, and all federal and state agencies receive the same EFC. The SAR also summarizes the information you have provided on the FAFSA. Check it for accuracy and make any necessary corrections. (If you had previously estimated your income taxes, this is your opportunity to replace those estimates with the actual figures.) The report will also indicate whether or not you are eligible for a Pell Grant. The FAFSA does not provide space to explain any unusual circumstances (unemployment, large medical bills, tuition for other children in elementary or secondary school). These circumstances should be carefully explained and documented wherever possible and sent directly to the financial aid office of the college to which you are applying. The college financial aid officer will determine whether or not the unusual circumstances will be taken into consideration. When the financial aid officer receives the analysis, the information is reviewed and any necessary adjustments are made to the evaluation. The adjusted EFC is matched against the college’s cost of attendance (COA) to determine if the student demonstrates financial need. At this point the financial aid officer would notify the student of his or her award or indicate that the student is not eligible for aid. Some colleges may require additional applications (either the CSS/Financial Aid PROFILE, available at student.collegeboard .org, or a separate financial aid application specifically for that college) for use in awarding their own aid money. Be sure to check with the colleges to which you are applying to see what applications are required. Whether you apply for federal, state, or institutional aid, you should be sure to complete all forms accurately and honestly and be sure to submit them before the established deadlines. Financial Need Since most financial aid programs require applicants to demonstrate financial need, it is
important to examine that concept more closely. Simply defined, financial need is the difference between what it will cost a student to attend a particular school (COA) and the amount that the family can contribute toward the student’s education (EFC). The college’s COA includes tuition, room, board, all fees, and reasonable estimates for books, supplies, travel, clothing and recreational expenses. Students and parents can calculate what their Expected Family Contribution would be by using an online calculator like the FAFSA4Caster available at www.fafsa.ed.gov. Take into consideration that financial need is a relative figure and will vary depending on each college’s overall costs. Normally, the FAFSA will ask for income for the student and the student’s parents. In cases where the student’s parents are divorced or separated, or the student is filing as an independent student, meaning that only his or her income is reported, special care should be taken in completing the application to be sure that accurate income information is supplied. Instructions for these and other unusual circumstances are available at www.fafsa.ed.gov. Financial Aid “Packaging” Most colleges combine various types of awards into a “package” in an attempt to meet a student’s financial need. Thus a student with a financial need of $5,000 might be awarded a $3,000 college grant, a $1,000 Perkins Loan, and a $1,000 College Work-Study job. The college also takes into consideration aid that a student has received from other sources. For example, if a student receives a Pell Grant or a state scholarship, the college would take these resources into consideration when determining the student’s financial need. All of these funds would be outlined in the student’s financial aid package. Appeals If the family is not satisfied with a student’s financial aid package, they should appeal to the financial aid office at the college. Simply indicate the student’s strong interest in the particular college and ask if the award can be reviewed, or if there are other sources of aid that might be pursued.
The following is an example of how the financial need of a student with an Expected Family Contribution (EFC) of $6,000 might be calculated at three different colleges having different costs.
College Type
Private
Typical Costs $ 34,000 Family Contribution $ 6,000 Financial Need $ 28,000
Public
Community
$ 15,000 $ 6,000 $ 9,000
$ 6,000 $ 6,000 $ 0
From the examples above, one can see that a student applying to different colleges might get a larger financial aid award from a more expensive college and a smaller award from a less expensive one. In fact, because of different costs, a student could qualify for, and get, financial aid from one college, and at the same time be ineligible for aid from another college.
School Guide’s COLLEGE CONFERENCE MANUAL | April 17, 2015 | 41
More Money for College Finding money for college is an ongoing, hands-on process. Consider the following sources and activities when looking for ways to lower you tuition bill. College Scholarships Some of the greatest sources of financial aid are the nation’s colleges and universities, which distribute money in the form of scholarships and grants. These awards are made directly to the student by the college and are outright “gifts,” which the student does not need to repay. While the amount of most awards is determined by a student’s financial need, there are usually other criteria that an applicant must meet. The most commonly used criterion is “academic potential” as measured by high school records and college entrance tests (e.g. SAT or ACT tests). In recent years, more colleges are offering “academic merit scholarships,” which are based
completely on a student’s aca demic record without regard for the financial circumstances of the family. Students who cannot demonstrate financial need but have proven themselves to be strong academically should inquire about such awards at all colleges in which they have an interest. As the availability of financial aid varies from college to college, families should be sure to ask about the percentage of students at each college who are receiving aid, as well as the amount of the average aid package. High numbers in these two categories usually indicate that a student will have a better chance of getting adequate financial aid. The more selective the college, the higher the applicant’s grades and scores must be to get a merit scholarship. Thus, at a very selective college, a student might need to rank in the top 5 percent of the
class while at another, less selective college, merit scholarships might go to students who rank in the top 30 percent. The key to merit scholarships is matching the student’s credentials to the requirements at specific colleges. Other scholarships, often called activity awards, may be given to applicants who are active in such things as debate, band, dramatics, newspaper or yearbook, or athletics. College-awarded scholarships oftentimes will cover tuition or more, and are renewable for four years, provided that the student meets the stated requirements of the award. Private Scholarships A number of scholarships are made available each year by many local groups, such as labor unions, veterans groups, businesses, professional organizations, fraternal societies, benevolent organi zations, high schools, and church
groups. A good Web site to consult for all types of scholarships is www.fastweb.com. You can also start your search at www .finaid.org or www.collegeboard .com, or consult your high school counselor. Regular Student Employment In addition to the Federal College Work-Study Program, many colleges employ students directly. Students work in all phases of the college, often working at the same type of jobs as students in the WorkStudy Program. In many instances, however, there is no financial need requirement, and jobs are open to any student who wishes employment, regardless of his or her financial circumstances. Students should also consider part-time work in local business and industry. Often the Director of Financial Aid or the Placement Office will help students to find such off-campus employment.
Cooperative Education Under this program, the student alternates periods of study with periods of work directly related to his or her academic interest. The salary earned during work periods enables the student to pay a major part of college expenses. More colleges each year are participating in this program. WACE (World Council and Assembly on Cooperative Education) is a resource of information and assistance to schools, employers and governments that want to initiate or strengthen Cooperative & Work-Integrated Education programs. This organization also offers scholarships to students who attend partner schools. For more information visit www .waceinc.org, E-mail Marty_Ford@ uml.edu or write to WACE, 600 Suffolk Street, Lowell, MA 01854. AmeriCorps AmeriCorps is a national service project that works with nonprofit organizations/agencies and educational institutions to operate local community service programs. AmeriCorps volunteers have served across the country to address the most pressing education, public safety, human and environmental challenges facing our communities. Volunteers who have completed a term of service (generally 10 months to one year) are eligible for a Segal AmeriCorps Education Award. The award amount is tied to the maximum amount of the U.S. Department of Education’s Pell Grant, which is currently $5,730. The award may be used to repay educational loans for those who have attended college or may be used for future educational costs by volunteers who have not yet attended college. AmeriCorps participants may also qualify for the new Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program and the Income-Based Repayment Plan. As an added benefit, there are currently more than 100 colleges and universities nationwide that offer matching grant programs to students who are Segal AmeriCorps Education Award recipients. For information about volunteer opportunities and benefits and a list of schools participating in the matching grant program visit www .nationalservice.gov or questions .nationalservice.gov or call 800942-2677. You can also contact the state or local project office. Work for a Company that Pays College Costs Many large corporations have tuition payment plans for their employees. Plans vary from company to company. Some firms will advance monies needed for tuition, others will reimburse costs after the student completes each course or semester. Reimbursements vary from 100 percent to a portion of the total tuition, with some reimbursements contingent on the employee/student’s final grade. In some cases, a company will pay only for courses directly related to the job. When interviewing for a job, be sure to ask about the firm’s education funding plan. Handicapped Students Handicapped students who are eligible for routine help from the rehabilitation agency within their state are usually eligible for substantial financial assistance to pursue higher education. Such students should contact their rehabilitation counselor for more detailed information.
42 | School Guide’s COLLEGE CONFERENCE MANUAL | April 17, 2015
www.schoolguides.com
Easing the Cost of a College Education Individuals and families who pay college tuition, fees, and other related expenses may be eligible for a tax break on their federal income tax. This section describes various programs and tax benefits that may make higher education more affordable for many families. This information is meant as a guide only. For more detailed information on all the tax benefits outlined below, consult your tax professional or refer to IRS Publication 970, Tax Benefits for Higher Education , available online at www.irs.gov or by calling the IRS at 1-800-829-1040. Copies of the publication may also be available in your local library, guidance office, or post office. American Opportunity Tax Credit (modifies Hope Scholarship) The American Opportunity Tax Credit (AOTC) which was to expire at the end of 2012, was
extended through December 2017 by the American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012. As a modification of the Hope Credit, the AOTC makes education tax credits available to a broader range of taxpayers, including many with higher incomes and those who owe no tax. In addition to tuition paid it also adds required course materials, such as books and supplies, to the list of qualifying expenses and allows the credit to be claimed for four postsecondary years instead of two. Under the AOTC a taxpayer will be able to reduce his/her tax liability one dollar for each dollar of eligible credit. If the amount of the American Opportunity Tax Credit for which the taxpayer is eligible is more than the tax liability, the balance of the credit is refundable, up to a maximum refund of 40 percent (up to $1,000) of the amount of the credit for
Financial Survival Skills for College Students If you’re a high school senior heading off to college soon, consider the following tips to help you manage your money. Budgeting Is Vital The first step in taking charge of your finances is to prepare a budget before the start of the semester. A well-prepared budget provides a realistic plan to help you control your college living expenses. Begin by identifying your total income and total expenses. If you’re responsible for paying the tuition, room and board costs, be sure to set aside enough money for these expenses. Then estimate the amounts you need to cover your day-to-day expenses. For the average college student living on campus, typical budget categories might include food, transportation costs, school-related expenses, personal expenses, and entertainment. Once you have identified all your expenses, it is time to total your income. Whether your income comes from your parents, your savings, a part-time job, or from grants or student loans, be realistic about the amount of money at your disposal. Now compare your total income with your total expenses. If you’re lucky, your income will cover your expenses, or at least come close. If you find you have more expenses than income, you will have to make some adjustments. A careful review of your financial situation will help you identify areas where you can cut expenses or perhaps increase income. Banking on Your Own If you have not already done so, now is the time to take on some banking responsibilities. As a general rule, it makes more sense to open an account in your college community rather than in your home town. Be prepared to shop around for a bank that offers you what you need in terms of convenience and services. Most banks offer similar products, but there can be important differences in features and in costs. A checking account is an efficient and safe way to keep and spend
www.schoolguides.com
money. To maintain your checking account in good standing, record each deposit, check, and ATM transaction as soon as you make it. Be careful, too, about writing checks against uncollected funds (deposits you have made that have not been credited to your account yet). Bank charges for bounced checks can be costly — anywhere from $20 to $35 each. On the back of your monthly checking account statement, you will find a worksheet for reconciling your account. Taking the time to balance your bank statement each month can help avert problems. Credit Cards A major credit card can be a valuable financial tool for the student who knows how to handle debt. Before applying for a card, compare the amount of interest you will be paying for outstanding balances. This amount can vary significantly from issuer to issuer so you will want to see which issuer offers the best deal. In addition to looking at rates, compare annual fees, how interest is computed, and fees charged for special circumstances, such as late payments. But a word of warning — do not rely on using credit when your cash runs out. You will only find yourself mired in debt at the end of the school year. Filing Taxes If you have a part-time job or receive any earnings from investments, you may have to file an income tax return. Most single students can use Form 1040EZ, a shorter, simpler version of the standard 1040. IRS Publication No. 4, “The Student’s Guide to Federal Income Tax,” provides helpful information. In addition, start now to learn to keep any tax-related papers in a separate folder. Basic money management skills are critical to your financial well being. Maintaining a realistic budget, developing banking relationships, getting and using credit, and preparing a tax return can prepare you for your post-graduate wealth-building years.
which the taxpayer is eligible. The maximum annual credit will be $2,500 per student. The full credit is available to individuals whose modified adjusted gross income is $80,000 or less, or $160,000 or less for married couples filing a joint return. The credit is phased out for taxpayers with incomes above these levels. Lifetime Learning Credit For families of students in junior and senior year, or graduate school (as well as adults returning to school) a tuition tax credit is allowed, equal to 20 percent of the first $10,000 paid in tuition and fees, or $2,000. Benefits are phased out for individuals with adjusted gross income (AGI) of more than $60,000 for single filers and for joint filers with AGI of more than $120,000. Student Loan Interest Deduction Interest paid on student loans will now be considered a tax deduction. This benefit comes in the form of an adjustment to income, meaning you do not need to itemize on your tax return in order to be eligible. The deduction can reduce taxable income by up to $2,500. The deduction is phased out for single tax filers with adjusted gross incomes of more than $75,000; $150,000 for
joint filers. Tuition and Fees Deduction Taxpayers can deduct up to $4,000 in tuition expenses as an exclusion from income. This means itemizing deductions on Schedule A of the 1040 is not necessary. The deduction is phased out for taxpayers with adjusted gross incomes of more than $80,000 (single filers) and $160,000 (married filing jointly). The Limited Deduction can be used in conjunction with tax-free distributions from Coverdell Education Savings Accounts, qualified tuition programs, and education savings bonds, provided that different education expenses form the basis for each benefit. The deduction cannot be used if the AOTC or Lifetime Learning tax credit is applied for the same student in the same year. Qualified Tuition Programs and 529 Plans A qualified tuition program (QTP) is one in which the contributor (a student’s parent, grandparent or other individual) prepays college tuition to an eligible educational institution or contributes to an account established for the purpose of paying qualified educational expenses. Earnings accrued on the QTP that are used to pay qualified educational
expenses including tuition, fees, books, supplies, equipment, and room and board (student must attend at least half-time) are free from federal tax and in some cases from state taxes as well. Contributions to a QTP cannot be more than the amount necessary to provide for the qualified education expenses of the beneficiary. There are no income restrictions for this program. Coverdell Educational Savings Accounts Coverdell Accounts are funds established exclusively for higher education expenses (including tuition and fees, books, supplies and some room and board expenses) for individual children under the age of 18. Contributions must be made “after taxes.” However, earnings accumulate tax free and no taxes are paid on withdrawals provided they are used for higher education expenses. The maximum contribution is $2,000 per year. (Families of military personnel killed in action may contribute 100 percent of survivor benefits.) The benefit is phased out for single filers with adjusted gross incomes greater than $110,000, and for joint filers with adjusted gross incomes greater than $220,000.
Financial Aid from the Military The programs outlined below are available to those who enroll in or are veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces. Some programs may also be available to a veteran’s spouse or dependent children. The Yellow Ribbon Program The Yellow Ribbon GI Education Enhancement Program, also known simply as the Yellow Ribbon Program, is a provision of the Post–9/11 Veterans Education Assistance Act of 2008. This program is designed to help veterans afford tuition at a college or university whose tuition and fee expenses exceed the highest in-state undergraduate tuition rate (the normal amount paid under the Post–9/11 GI Bill). By entering into an agreement with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) a participating institution can contribute a specified dollar amount of those additional expenses and the VA will contribute a matching amount not to exceed 50 percent of the difference. To be eligible for benefits under the Yellow Ribbon Program an individual must have served an aggregate period of active duty, after September 11, 2001, of at least 36 months. Benefits are payable for training/enrollment pursued on or after August 1, 2009. Eligible veterans should note that participating colleges and universities choose the amount of tuition and fees that they will contribute as well as the number of slots available. Funds are awarded on a first-come, firstserved basis. Interested military personnel should visit www.benefits.va .gov/gibill or the school in which they are interested for more information.
Post–9/11 GI Bill This is an education benefit for individuals who served on active duty on or after September 11, 2001. Personnel who wish to take advantage of this program must have served at least 90 aggregate days of active duty after September 11, 2001, still be on active duty, or honorably discharged or released. Personnel currently receiving benefits under another military education assistance program may elect to enroll in the Post–9/11 GI Bill but will no longer be eligible for the benefits offered by the previous program. Under the Post–9/11 GI Bill the individual would be eligible to receive the cost of tuition and fees not to exceed the most expensive in-state undergraduate tuition at a public institution of higher education, a monthly housing allowance, and a maximum books and supplies allowance of $1,000. Some individuals may be eligible for a $500 relocation payment. Recipients may receive up to 36 months of entitlement. Eligible individuals should also be aware that if you are a member of the Armed Forces on August 1, 2009 you may be able to transfer your benefits to a spouse or dependent child. Interested military personnel should visit www.benefits.va .gov/gibill for more information. Military Loan Repayment Some students who borrow from one or more of the Federal Loan Programs (Perkins, Stafford, etc.) may have some or all of their loans repaid by the Department of Defense, depending on the specialty enlisted in, and the length of the enlistment. Full-time military personnel can qualify to have their loans repaid by the military at the rate of one-third of the loan for each
year of full-time duty served (maximum loan repayment is $65,000). Each branch of the military sets its own maximum amount. Individuals interested in the various Military College Loan Repayment Programs are advised to check with their recruiter or visit www.todaysmilitary.com for more information. ROTC The Air Force, Army, and Navy all have scholarship programs to help students who are interested in becoming officers in the service after graduation. Scholarships are awarded to entering college freshmen based on their high school grades, SAT scores, activities, etc. Scholarships are also awarded to college sophomores and juniors based on their performance in the ROTC program and grades in college. These scholarships pay for tuition, fees, books and laboratory expenses. In addition, scholarship holders receive $300–$500 per month during the 10 months of the school year depending on the recipient’s level in the ROTC curriculum. Members of ROTC units who are not scholarship holders receive a monthly allowance for the last two years of college. Of course, all students who are commissioned through ROTC programs must agree to spend a stipulated length of time in the service. For more detailed information, students should contact the recruiting office of the service in which they are interested. Persons enlisting in the Air Force can take advantage of the educational opportunities offered by The Community College of the Air Force, as well as the Air Force’s 100 percent tuition assistance programs.
School Guide’s COLLEGE CONFERENCE MANUAL | April 17, 2015 | 43
New York Financial Aid For information on grants, scholarships, work-study opportunities, loans, and loan forgiveness programs contact: New York State Higher Education Services Corporation (HESC) 99 Washington Avenue Albany, NY 12255 888-697-4372; 518-473-1574 www.hesc.ny.gov Following are the financial aid programs available to New York State students. Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) Eligibility – legal residents of one year who plan to enroll full- or part-time in an approved undergraduate program at a degreegranting two- or four-year postsecondary institution in New York State; a trade, business or technical school; or a hospital school of nursing at an approved New York State school. TAP awards are made to all applicants who meet the requirements. Awards – maximum of $5,165 per year depending upon financial need, as determined by the New York State net taxable income of the family, type of school the student is attending, and enrollment status. Award cannot exceed tuition. For an application and additional information contact HESC. Aid for Part-Time Study Eligibility – legal residents attending a New York State college for less than 12 semester hours per semester or less than 8 credit hours per trimester. Awards – up to $2,000 depending on family’s New York State net taxable income and availability of funds. For application and additional information, contact the college financial aid office. Application should be completed and submitted as soon as possible as funding is limited. Programs for Disadvantaged Students Eligibility – legal residents who are economically or educationally disadvantaged may receive financial as well as academic assistance through the following programs: Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) is available to students attending the State University of New York. Search for Education, Ele vation and Knowledge (SEEK) and College Discovery (CD) programs are available to students attending the City University of New York.
Higher Education Oppor tunity Program (HEOP) is available to students attending private institutions in New York State. For application and additional information contact the financial aid officer at the institution to which you are applying. NYS Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Incentive Scholarship Eligibility – NYS resident who will enroll full-time at a SUNY or CUNY college beginning with the fall term following his or her high school graduation. Applicant must be ranked in the top 10 percent of his/her high school graduating class of a NYS high school and be matriculated in an undergraduate program leading to a degree in Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics at a SUNY or CUNY college. Awards – annual award for full-time study equal to the annual tuition charged to NYS resident students attending an undergraduate program at the State University of New York, or actual tuition charged, whichever is less. The STEM award will be reduced by the amount of any other tuition-only assistance award received. Recipient must enter into a service contract agreeing to reside and work in NYS for five years in the field of Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics. For an application and additional information, including a complete list of eligible programs of study and occupations, visit www.hesc.com. Scholarship for Academic Excellence Eligibility – high school graduates who plan to attend an eligible institution of higher education in the State of New York and who have performed well on certain New York State Regents examinations. Awards – 8,000 scholarships per year are divided into two award categories: up to 2,000 scholarships of $1,500 and 6,000 scholarships of $500 to top scholars from registered New York State high schools. Information is available from the student’s high school guidance counselor. State Aid to Native Americans Eligibility – Native American students who are residents of New York State and are on an official tribal roll of a New York
Education Pays In 2012, the median of earnings for young adults with a bachelor’s degree was $46,900, while the median was $22,910 for those without a high school diploma or its equivalent, $29,960 for those with a high school diploma or its equivalent, and $35,720 for those with an associate’s degree. In other words, young adults with a bachelor’s degree earned more than twice as much as those without a high school diploma or its equivalent, 57 percent more than young adult high school
completers, and 23 percent more than young adults with an associate’s degree. Additionally, in 2012 the median of earnings for young adults with a master’s degree or higher was $59,960, some 27 percent more than the median for young adults with a bachelor’s degree.
Source: U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics. (2014). The Condition of Education 2014 (NCES 2014-083), Annual Earnings of Young Adults.
State tribe, or the child of an enrolled member of a New York State tribe. Awards – up to $2,000 per year for four years. For applications and additional information contact: Native American Education Unit State Education Department 89 Washington Avenue Room 461 EBA Albany, New York 12234 518-474-0537 NYS Math and Science Teaching Incentive Program Eligibility – a matriculated student (either resident and nonresident) enrolled in an approved undergraduate or graduate program at a degree-granting institution in New York State leading to a career as a math or science teacher at the secondary level. Applicant must have a cumulative college GPA of 2.5 or higher. Awards – currently, the maximum annual award is $6,195. In return for monies received, the recipient is required to complete a service agreement promising to teach full-time for five years in the field of math or science in a New York State secondary school (grades 7–12) recognized by the Board of Regents or the State University of New York; or repay the amounts disbursed plus interest. For additional information contact the Scholarship Unit, 888-697-4372. Senator Patricia K. McGee Nursing Faculty Scholarship Eligibility – legal resident of New York State who is a licensed registered nurse in the state and who has been accepted in a graduate program for nursing at an approved institution in the state. Awards – up to $20,000 annually or the average SUNY cost of attendance. Recipient must remain in good academic standing. In return for monies received, recipient must agree to provide at least 12 academic credit hours or the equivalent as nursing faculty or as adjunct clinical faculty for four years, upon completion of the degree. Failure to honor the agreement will require that all monies be repaid with interest. For application and additional information contact HESC. Military Service Recognition Scholarship Eligibility – children, spouses and financial dependents of members of the armed forces of the United States or state organized militia who, at any time on or after August 2, 1990, while a New York State resident, died or became severely and permanently disabled while engaged in hostilities or training for hostilities. The Military Service Recognition Scholarship is also available to members of the armed forces of the United States or state organized militia who, while a New York resident, at any time on or after August 2, 1990 became severely and permanently disabled as a result of injury or illness suffered or incurred in active service or training. Awards – maximum total annual award for students living on campus for the 2014–15
44 | School Guide’s COLLEGE CONFERENCE MANUAL | April 17, 2015
academic year is $21,892; the maximum total annual award for commuter students for the 2014–15 academic year is $14,602. For application and information contact HESC. New York State World Trade Center Memorial Scholarship Eligibility – children, spouses and financial dependents of deceased or severely and permanently disabled victims of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on the United States or of the subsequent rescue and recovery operations. This includes victims at the World Trade Center site, Pentagon or on Flights 11, 77, 9, or 175. Also eligible are survivors of the terrorist attacks who are severely and permanently disabled as a result of injuries sustained in the attacks or in the course of rescue and recovery operations. Awards – same as for the Military Service Recognition Scholarship (see above). For an application and information contact HESC. Flight 587 and Flight 3407 Memorial Scholarships Eligibility – children, spouses and financial dependents of those who died as a direct result of the American Airlines Flight 587 crash on November 12, 2001 in Belle Harbor, Queens, New York, or Continental Airlines Flight 3407 crash in Clarence, New York on February 12, 2009, who are enrolled or plan to enroll as full-time, matriculated undergraduate students in an approved program in New York State. Awards – same as for the Military Service Recognition Scholarship (see above). For an application and information contact HESC. New York State Memorial Scholarships Eligibility – children, spouses and financial dependents of deceased firefighters, volunteer firefighters, police officers, peace officers, and emergency medical service workers who have died as the result of injuries sustained in the line of duty in service to the State of New York. Awards are for full-time study in a degree program at an approved postsecondary institution. Awards – same as for the Military Service Recognition Scholarship (see above). For an application and information contact HESC. NYS Young Farmers Loan Forgiveness Incentive Program This program is offered to encourage recent college graduates to pursue careers in farming in New York State. The program provides loan forgiveness awards to individuals who obtain an undergraduate degree from an approved New York State college or university and agree to operate a farm in New York State, on a full-time basis, for five years. Eligibility – Eligible student loan debt includes New York State or federal government loans, or loans made by commercial entities subject to governmental examination. Individual must apply for the program within two
years after graduation. Awards – maximum lifetime award is $50,000 or the applicant’s eligible student loan indebtedness at the time he or she applies, whichever is less. Awards will be paid in annual disbursements in the amount of $10,000 or the remaining loan indebtedness. Payments are available for up to five years. Contact the HESC Schol arship Unit at 1-888-697-4372 for additional information. Other Loan Forgiveness Programs New York State offers or oversees loan forgiveness programs for recipients of federal loans who promise to work in New York State in specific occupations for a designated length of time. Loan Forgiveness Programs are currently available to loan recipients in the following areas: attorneys employed in district attorney offices throughout the state or as a public defender; licensed social workers who work in critical human service areas; and licensed registered nurses who hold a master’s or doctoral degree and are employed as nursing faculty. Contact HESC for additional information or applications. Regents Awards for Children of Deceased or Disabled Veterans Eligibility – New York resident whose parent was killed or declared 40 percent or more disabled or classified MIA or POW as a result of armed conflicts in the Persian Gulf, Afghanistan, Vietnam, Korea, World War I or World War II; or whose parent was a recipient of the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, the Navy Expeditionary Medal, or the Marine Corps Expeditionary Medal for service in operations in Lebanon, Granada, or Panama; or who served as a Merchant Marine between 1941 and 1945. Awards – $450 per year. For an application and additional information visit the HESC Web site. Veterans’ Tuition Award Eligibility – New York State residents who served in the military during hostilities in Vietnam, the Persian Gulf, or Afghanistan and who are enrolled or plan to enroll as a matriculated student at a New York State institution for undergraduate or graduate work. Awards – currently, the maximum award is $6,195, available for up to eight semesters. For an application and additional information visit the HESC Web site. NYS College Tuition Tax Deductions/Credits A refundable credit or an itemized deduction is permitted for allowable college tuition expenses paid by resident taxpayers on behalf of a dependent student to attend a qualifying in- or out-ofstate institution of higher education. The credit and deduction are available only for undergraduate study. The maximum amount of allowable college tuition expenses is $10,000. Consult your tax professional or NYSHESC for additional information.
www.schoolguides.com
Myths and Realities About Paying for College Are you overwhelmed when you hear such news headlines as, “College Costs Keep on Rising?” or “Your Parents Better Be Rich If You Want to Go to College?” Issues surrounding college costs are often slanted in some way, not seen in perspective, or looked at in short-sighted ways. You can disarm the power of these myths by looking at the reality of the situation. Myth: College tuition costs more than $25,000 a year. Reality: In 2014–15, average published tuition and fees for instate students at public four-year colleges range from $8,363 in the South to $11,436 in New England. Average published tuition and fees for public two-year colleges range from $2,350 in the West to $4,801 in New England. While average published tuition and fees at private nonprofit four-year institutions is currently $31,231, after all forms of financial aid, including scholarships, grants, and federal loans are taken into consideration, the net price the average undergraduate pays for a college education is significantly lower than the published tuition and fees. Refer to the Net Price Calculator on the college’s Web site for an estimate of your actual costs.
Myth: Private colleges are always more expensive than public colleges. Reality: On average, private colleges usually cost more than public institutions, even after aid is deducted; however, there are instances in which a private college is less expensive, after student aid, than a public institution. For example, the cost of a private institution, less student aid, often is less than a public institution outside one’s home state. Myth: Only the very rich can afford college. Reality: College is undeniably a major expense, however, students from all socio-economic backgrounds can benefit from the numerous financial aid programs offered by federal and state governments and educational institutions. While federal grant aid is targeted at students from lowand moderate-income backgrounds, state grants reach students from a wider range of family incomes. Myth: It actually hurts you to save for college because you get less financial aid. Reality: Those who save will be expected to contribute more toward their children’s education than those who don’t save. However, the formulas for determin-
College Financial Awareness Should Start Early While it is impossible to predict every college expense, you should be aware that tuition and fees coupled with room and board are only part of your overall bill for college. Mapping Your Future, a public service college and career resource, suggests you consider these main expenditures as well as many other expenses not directly related to education when compiling your college budget. For example, textbooks and supplies including a computer, laptop or tablet could add serveral thousand dollars to the bill. Plus you will be paying for a number of services and activities that were “free” to you as a high school student living at home. For example, it costs money to do laundry and have health insurance. If you plan on attending college far from home, you need to think about how often you will be going home and factor in the cost of transportation. If you decide to live off campus, you need to think about the cost of commuting, including gas and car insurance, as well as the monthly utility bills you will have to pay. Once you and your parents add up all your potential college costs, your first reaction may be panic. However, there are a number of ways to make earning a degree more affordable. In fact, the U.S. Department of Education’s Federal Stu dent Aid Web site, www .studentaid.ed.gov, provides detailed checklists for each of the four years of high school so students and parents can start exploring savings and financial aid options as early as their freshman year. Freshman Year The checklist for freshmen recommends that students learn about managing their money, while par-
www.schoolguides.com
ents should begin adding to their child’s college savings account on a regular basis. Sophomore Year
ing the expected family contribution count income far more heavily than savings, so the difference is usually not substantial. Furthermore, a family that saves will have the funds necessary to meet their expected contribution, while a family that does not save may have to borrow — with interest charges more than making up for the smaller expected contribution. Myth: You really don’t need college to be a success — look at Bill Gates. Reality: Bill Gates’ story is excep tional. According to the College Board study Trends in College Pricing 2012, in 2011, the $100,096 median income for families headed by a four-year college graduate was more than twice the median income for families headed by a high school graduate. Today, some postsecondary education or training is necessary for almost every good job. Myth: Only minorities get extra help. Reality: The majority of student aid is awarded on the basis of financial need. Very little aid is awarded solely on the basis of students’ race or ethnicity. According to a recent survey of financial aid officers, less than 10 percent of institutions’ budgets for non-need-based scholarships go toward scholarships for members of specific minority groups. Generally, students from racial or ethnic minority groups are more likely to receive scholarships because they are more likely to have financial need. Myth: Only upper-income families know how to pull the
class schedules, and low tuition prices make community colleges readily accessible to everyone. Myth: Colleges charge whatever they want — they’ve got a monopoly. Reality: Public and private colleges set their tuition in very different ways. Generally, state policy makers set tuition for public institutions. Tuition decisions are driven by the funding colleges receive from the state. When states cut their appropriations for colleges and universities, they have to raise tuition to make up at least part of the resulting budget shortfall. Private colleges set their own tuition, but they operate in a very competitive environment. They have to construct tuition and aid policies that allow them to fill their classes and offer the programs and facilities that will keep them competitive. Myth: There is no basis for the soaring increase in college prices. Reality: Many factors influence college cost increases — technology and facility costs, faculty salaries, student aid expenditures, and cuts in state appropriations to name just a few. Despite cutbacks in state appropriations and decreasing endowment values colleges are trying to do even better, searching for new and innovative ways to cut costs and minimize tuition increases.
strings to get to college. Reality: Previous experience with higher education rather than socio-economic status is more important in determining who goes to college. The admissions and financial aid process is daunting for many families, but especially for those with no previous college experience. Families can get help from a number of sources. Libraries and high school guidance offices offer resources and assistance. In addition, many communities have a federally funded Edu cational Opportunity Center with trained counselors to help students and parents through the admissions and financial aid process. Myth: It’s not what you know when it comes to college and financial aid — it’s who you know. Reality: It is most important to forge relationships with people who can provide solid information and advice, such as high school guidance counselors and college admissions or financial aid personnel. Myth: Community colleges offer only vocational education. Reality: Community colleges provide a wide range of educational options, all at a low cost to students. In addition to career and technical education, community colleges offer the first two years of academic course work to transfer to a four-year institution. They also help workers upgrade their skills and provide courses for lifelong learning and personal enrichment. Open admissions, nearby locations, a wide array of courses, flexible
Sources: American Council on Education, www.acenet.edu, College Board, Trends in Edu cation Series, www.collegeboard .com/trends
During their second year of high school, students are advised to learn about the various forms of financial assistance, including scholarships, grants, loans and work-study programs. Parents should attend any college or financial aid nights the high school may be hosting. Junior Year In the fall of their junior year, the Web site advises students to take the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test so they can become eligible for the National Merit Scholarship Program. Come spring, they should begin searching for scholarship opportunities. At the same time, parents need to be on top of their family’s financial situation so they can better guage how much of the family income can be earmarked for college expenses. Senior year Once January 1 has passed, students should complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as soon as they can. During this time period, they should complete any remaining scholarship applications. It is also important for students to keep their grades up until the end of the school year as a poor final semester performance can sometimes mean the loss of a scholarship or even an college acceptance.
WANTED: ENGINEERS, ARCHITECTS, SCIENTISTS, AND HOT SHOTS. Lawrence Technological University isn’t for just anyone. We want the future designers, engineers, scientists, and entrepreneurs who will create the innovations of tomorrow. Our alumni salaries rank in the top 100 of all U.S. universities. So, if you believe that everything is possible, and that possible is everything, we want you at LTU. Check out our video at www.ltu.edu/svv. Ready to apply now? Visit ltu.edu/applyfree. 2015 AMERICA’S BEST
UNIVERSITIES
POSSIBLE IS EVERYTHING.
®
U.S. News & World Report®
2015
TOP 100
2015
UNIVERSITY
MILITARY FRIENDLY SCHOO L
PayScale
G.I. Jobs®
Highest Alumni Salaries
Architecture and Design | Arts and Sciences | Engineering | Management
Lawrence Technological University | 21000 West Ten Mile Road, Southfield, MI 48075-1058 800.225.5588 |
[email protected] | www.LTU.edu
School Guide’s COLLEGE CONFERENCE MANUAL | April 17, 2015 | 45
Essays Are Not Cause for Panic Of all the steps in the college application process, the one that seems to be put off the longest is the essay, or to be more accurate, the ESSAY. Dotted lines asking for vital statistics, even blanks asking for financial aid figures, do not strike fear in the hearts of first-semester high school seniors in comparison to the completely empty page asking for the same information in essay form. Panic doesn’t have to set in, however, if the following points are kept in mind. The essay is a plus, not a minus. Colleges ask for essays so that they can get to know you better. The better they know you, the better they can determine whether or not you fit into their academic setting. The college visit and interview are a necessity in 99 percent of the cases, and the essay does not replace this visit; it does, however, give a chance to have one more word on your application. Questions commonly asked in the application essay include: “Why do you want to attend this college?” or “If you were marooned on a desert isle and could bring along one book, what would it be and why?” or “If you could choose one person, from your generation or preceding ones, to take to dinner, who would it be?” The first question, why do you want to attend, needs to be approached seriously. Read the catalog and viewbook once more and review what the college says it is trying to do; then outline how you fit into its statement of purpose or description. Think back on your visit or interview. Did something especially significant firm up your choice that the college you’re applying to was the place you would like to be? Sometimes the student tour guides or admissions counselors go out of their way to make you feel at home and this is the place to mention their friendliness, their knowledge of critical information, their openness, their encouragement. A question on favorite books or people you look up to is a
chance for you to show your creativity and personal interests. A quickie warning, though: be honest. Do not choose The Odyssey if you did not read it or if you did your physics homework during the lecture and discussion. If your favorite book is To Kill A Mockingbird, share your enthusiasm for it. Choose a title for your essay that seems to represent your thinking on the topic or theme covered in the book. Sometimes the essay question is simply to tell the college about yourself. Given this opportunity, try to capitalize on your good humor and remember the poor admissions counselor on his 20th essay of the evening. One top senior, who humorously wrote about almost flunking kindergarten
because she could not learn to skip, got a nice note from an admissions counselor thanking her for making a nice interruption in an otherwise very monotonous evening. Another senior, whose father ran a delivery service, woefully admitted that his excellence in following directions and easily finding locations had not rubbed off on her — she got thoroughly lost, even in her own neighborhood. Given the optional essay — the one where you decide whether or not to write one at all — use the opportunity to show you care enough to want to use every opening available to you to convince the admissions office of your interest in the school. Finally, remember the three
Bs: Be neat, Be resourceful, Be yourself. Be neat. Remember the halo effect. Always write at least one rough draft that you can mark up. When you finally transfer your essay to the application, it is simply copy work. Carefully proofread your essay for spelling, punctuation and grammar. Do not rely on spell check to catch all your typos. If you must hand write the essay, use a blue or black pen. Be resourceful. Ask your English teacher to be your first reader. Is it clear? Is it interesting? Is it correct? Of course your English teacher cannot write your essay for you, but he/she can be very helpful in listening to what you have to say and giving
Hints for Your College Interview Although many colleges do not require a personal interview for admission, almost all colleges recommend one. The purpose of an interview is to give the college an opportunity to get to know you better, as well as to give you an opportunity to get to know the college better. Interviews are usually held in the college’s admissions office, either with the director of admissions or a member of the admissions staff. An interview will commonly take about a half hour. If your parents accompany you to the interview, they will be asked to wait for you in the reception area during your interview, and will be invited to join you and your interviewer afterwards to ask any questions they may have. After an interview, many colleges will provide a student guide to give you a tour of the campus. This gives you an opportunity to get information about the college from a student’s point of view. Sometimes, interviews are conducted off campus, at a student’s home or the home of a
graduate who conducts interviews for his or her college. Try to establish a schedule of when you will be able to visit the schools you want to see. It is best to visit colleges with your parents, so be sure to consult them about their availability. During your senior year or in the spring of your junior year, contact the admissions office in advance of your visit to make an appointment for an interview. If you are visiting more than one school in the same general area, try to make your appointments back-to-back, if possible. It would be preferable to have your interview with an admissions officer as he or she will probably be one of the committee members reviewing your application. Preparation An interview is one of the first steps at the beginning of a very important time of your life. Treat it as such. Prepare a personal résumé which you can present to the interviewer. Your résumé should be typed and clean. Make a separate copy for each inter-
view. Read the campus catalog and literature so you are familiar beforehand with the basic facts. Carry a notebook in which you can note the questions you want to ask — prepare the questions in advance. At this stage in your selection, you want to know as much about the school as they want to know about you. Questions You Might Ask Some of the questions you might want to ask are: Which departments are strong and why are they strong? If I am still undecided concerning my major, what help will I be able to get? How up-to-date is your instructional equipment? How would you evaluate my school record? Do your graduates find jobs? Would I be acceptable? Should I apply? Don’t ask questions that are already answered in the school catalog. Questions They Might Ask Listed here is a sampling of the questions you might be asked: What are your career plans? Why
#&$0.&5)&-&"%&3:06*."(*/&"/%$)"/(&5)&803-% #&$0.& &5)&-&"%&3:0 06*."(*/&"/% %$)"/(&5)&803-% 8
L E A D
you guidance on how effective your statement is. Be yourself. Colleges and universities have mixed populations. They are not looking for carbon copies; they are seeking capable and motivated young people. Once you have done your homework in terms of understanding the qualifications for admission and you fit them, being yourself in your essay helps the college see what you have to contribute in terms of the student body. With all of this in mind, why not do the essay first, not last? Think of how good you will feel when everyone else is just beginning their rough drafts and you are filling in your address and social security number!
Norwich wich Univ University Future Leader eader Camp C (FLC) attendees aree changing chang the world ld ev every day through their efforts in athletics thletics, extra-curricular activities, volun olunteerism and ontinue their good deeds throughout their educa education. Many of our FLC alumni con oughout their ccollege years ears and well w into their careers.
If you ou’re considering attending ending a federal feder academy or senior militaryy ccollege, applying ffor ROTC in college, or just trying ying tto be the best you can be, Norwich wich University’s Univ FLC program am will shar sharpen your leadership skills ills in a challenging, challeng rewarding camp exper xperience.
t"EWWFOUVSF5SBJOJOH t5F 5FBN N$IBMMFOHFT
t8JMEFSOFTT4VSWJWBM5SBJOJOH H t-FBEFSTIJQJO"DUJPO
5 TFTTJPOT 5XP 5X J JJO ++VOF +VMZ + M BOE E+VMZ + M "VHV " TUU Tuition: uition: $1975 includes dorm dor accommodations tions, meals, uniforms and activities
'PSN NPSFJOGPSNBUJPOBOEBOBBQQMJDBUJPO call: (802) 485-2531, email:
[email protected] wich.edu or visit www.bit.ly/FLC2015 w
'6563&-&"%&3$".1 '65 563&-&"%&3$".1Northfield, Vermont
tøD!OPSXJDIFEVtXXXCJUMZ'-$ tøD!OPSXJDIFEVtXXXCJUMZ'-$
46 | School Guide’s COLLEGE CONFERENCE MANUAL | April 17, 2015
do you want to go to this college? How have you prepared for college? What have been the most important events in your life? How would people describe you? Why is a college education important to you? Practice Armed with this partial listing of questions you might be asked, enlist the aid of your parents, friends, teachers or counselor in interviewing you. Have them ask you these questions and any they might come up with. Practice listening to each question, take time to think and answer each question completely without rambling. Don’t forget the value of your mirror. Sit down in front of it and ask yourself the questions. Practice may not be perfect, but it does prepare you to be at ease when your interview takes place. The Interview Be on time. Dress neatly and formally, as if you were interviewing for a job. This is your interview — leave parents and friends outside. Relax and be yourself. During your interview, if the occasion arises, explain any drawbacks that may appear on your application. It is also an opportunity to point out any circumstances, such as an illness in the family, that kept you from making higher grades. After the Interview When you return home, send a follow-up note to the person who interviewed you thanking them for their time. You may also include any additional information about yourself that you think they should be aware of — facts you were not able to cover during the interview or forgot to mention. Also, remember to send thank you notes to anyone who assisted you in preparing for the interview, e.g., your counselor or your teachers. Verbally thank your parents and all your friends who coached you. With their encouragement and your hard work, your interview should be a professional and informative experience.
www.schoolguides.com
Your Guide to the COLLEGE ADMISSIONS Process
SchoolGuides.com has the info you need: College Profiles Financial Aid Info Admissions Info Testing Prep Scholarship Tips College Fairs College News Helpful Hints
FOLLOW US
TAKE THE FIRST STEP IN YOUR COLLEGE JOURNEY
Visit www.schoolguides.com today! www.schoolguides.com
School Guide’s COLLEGE CONFERENCE MANUAL | April 17, 2015 | 47
Dolphin Cove Residence Hall Opens at the College of Staten Island College of Staten Island (CSI) English major Dakota Dawkins cut the ribbon on the College’s new residential village, in honor of winning the naming competition for the College’s first new construction project since the opening of the Willowbrook campus in 1993. Dawkins, a transfer student from SUNY, submitted the firstplace entry “Dolphin Cove” in the College’s naming competition and not only earned a place in CSI history but also a $750 gift certificate to the Staten Island Mall. Dolphin Cove, whose buildings are designed to achieve LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Silver Certification, is CSI’s first residential complex in the College’s history. The first two buildings, which opened for occupancy in August 2013, feature housing for 446 students in 133 fully-furnished apartments. The four- and five-story buildings contain single- and double-occupancy units, eight Resident Assistant units, and two professional staff residents. All private and semi-private units feature apartment-style amenities, making these luxury apartments a bargain for local, out-of-state and international students alike. The newly-opened Dolphin Cove luxury student apartments are available in a variety of floor plans: 3 bedrooms/2 bathrooms; 4 bedrooms/2 bathrooms; and 2 bedrooms/1 bathroom. In addition to the variety of floor plans, all apartments are fully furnished with full beds and include cable and Internet access. Amenities feature full kitchens with a four-burner ceramic range top, stainless appliances, composite countertops and garbage
disposal. For added security, each individual unit within the apartments can be locked with a key to ensure privacy. Dolphin Cove even features its own Macintosh computer lab and on-site laundry facility for students’ convenience. Dolphin Cove is easily accessible from the Campus Center, Sports and Recreation Center, and academic buildings, and students attending any institution within The City University of New York system are eligible to reside at Dolphin Cove. In addition to offering a state-of-the-art fitness center, study lounges, and social spaces including flat screen TV and pool table, residents enjoy CSI’s free round-trip shuttle service to the St. George Ferry Terminal for one-stop access to the ferry into Manhattan. “Residence halls are an important component of the College’s Master Plan, and are part of our sustainable and responsible patterns of development on campus,” commented Dr. William J. Fritz, President at CSI. He added, “Dolphin Cove will be transformational for the College, and I look forward to the many new opportunities the residence halls will provide for enhancing the student experience through our award-winning athletics teams, cultural events, faculty engagement, and proximity to New York City.” Dolphin Cove is located on the CSI campus at 2800 Victory Boulevard in the Willowbrook section of Staten Island, conveniently located immediately off the Staten Island Expressway with College shuttle buses and MTA buses minutes away. Visit www.csi.cuny.edu/housing or call the (718) 982-3019 for more
information. About the College of Staten Island The College of Staten Island (CSI) is a senior college of The City University of New York (CUNY) serving 14,400 students. It boasts a park-like 204-acre campus, the largest single campus in NYC, that joins serene and beautiful surroundings with facilities that are among the most advanced of any college. A sophisticated network links more than 2,500 computers on campus, enabling students and faculty to transmit voice, data, and multimedia communications. All facilities are access-compliant. The combination
Dr. Robert Franzblau So you’re thinking about majoring in music in college? If you do, you’ll have lots of company — each year, more than 90,000 students are enrolled in Bachelor’s degree music programs in American colleges, universities, and conservatories. They take classes in music theory, ear training, and music history; they practice their instrument or voice every day and attend weekly private lessons; and they perform in small and large ensembles. The common core of “general education” courses in math, science, history, and literature occupies a significant portion of their classwork, too. The path to a music degree is not easy, despite what you may have heard — but just like an athlete who’s in great physical
ƫ č ƫ Accounting Accounting (5-yr. BS + International Business MS)
%+(+#5 1/%*!//ƫ * #!)!*0 ƫ $!)%/0.5 ƫ $%.+,. 0% ƫ,.+#. ) (7-yr. BS + DC) %!0!0% /ƫƫ(5-yr. BS/MS) 1 0%+*ƫ,.+#. ) (5-yr. BA + MS) ƫ • Childhood • Adolescence • Special • TESOL
(5-yr. BS + MS)
$ .) 5 $%(+/+,$5 $5/% (ƫ$!. ,5ƫ,.+#. )ƫ ƫ ƫ ƫ(6-yr. BS + DPT) $5/% % *ƫ//%/0 *0 (5-yr. BS/MS) ƫ /5 $+(+#5 PLUS 1 (% ƫ! (0$ ƫ + %+(+#5 .!ġ.+"!//%+* (č • Dental • Law • Medical • Veterinary
the first and second years of study; the Verrazano School offers students a unique undergraduate education through academically-motivated learning communities; and the Teacher Education Honors Academy at CSI is designed for select students who are passionate about mathematics and science who want to inspire enthusiasm for those subject areas in middle and high school students. These and other competitive programs challenge highly motivated students to reach new academic heights. Visit www.csi.cuny.edu for more information.
Training to Be a Music Major
333ċ 5 ċ! 1ƫƫƫĉĀĀċĈĈĈċăĊĂāƫƫƫĈāćċĉĂĊċĈćĀĀ ƫƫƫ ƫƫƫ
*#(%/$ 4!. %/!ƫ * ƫ ƫ,+.0/ƫ01 ƫ ƫ %!/ (+ (ƫ01 ƫ %!/ ! (0$ƫ* (50% / ƫ ! (0$ƫ!.2% !/ƫ * #!)!*0 ƫ ƫ %/0+.5 *0!.* 0%+* (ƫ1/%*!// ƫ (5-yr. BS/MS) % !. (ƫ01 %!/ƫ"+.ƫ ƫ ƫ 1 0%+* ƫ
0$!) 0% / 1./%*#ƫƫBSN 1./%*#ƫƫRN to BSN (online) 1, 0%+* (ƫ$!. ,5ƫ,.+#. ) ƫ ƫ
of modern equipment with CSI’s highly-credentialed faculty and hands-on experience prepares students for both professional careers and graduate school admission. The College offers more than 80 undergraduate and 24 graduate programs leading to associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees in collaboration with a number of selective academic programs, learning communities and undergraduate and graduate research opportunities. The Macaulay Honors College at CSI provides highachieving students with a special honors curriculum of innovative and challenging courses during
(JHKLTPJZJOVSHYZOPWZJHU L_JLLK VM[\P[PVU -HZ[[YHJRJVTIPULKIHJOLSVY»Z WS\ZNYHK\H[LKLNYLLZ +PYLJ[LU[Y`WYVNYHTZ
ăĂĀƫ+.0!.ƫ2!*1!ƫđƫ1û (+ƫƫāąĂĀā ƫ ƫ ƫ ƫ ƫ ƫ
48 | School Guide’s COLLEGE CONFERENCE MANUAL | April 17, 2015
shape before attempting a marathon, if you’re prepared with strong fundamental knowledge, skills, and attitudes, you’re much more likely to cross the finish line. As the great Vince Lombardi said, “The dictionary is the only place where success comes before work.” Your Instrument Study privately with the best teacher available, and follow their advice and instruction with as much dedication as possible. Set aside a regular time each day for practice; if that time is busy on a given day, practice when you can. Practice somewhere that’s free of distractions like other people, the TV, and the computer, and leave your cell phone in another room. And don’t practice what you already are good at, practice what you’re not; be willing to sound pretty awful for at least thirty minutes a day. Total practice time should be an hour or more a day. Music Theory Most college music programs require at least two years of theory, and most students find them to be fast-paced, difficult, and at times extremely frustrating. Music majors who have mastered theory fundamentals BEFORE the start of their freshman year are usually successful in these make-or-break courses. Be able to quickly identify and spell all major and minor scales and key signatures, intervals up to an octave, and all triads (major, minor, diminished, and augmented). There are literally dozens of Web sites to help you drill yourself on these. Ear Training Be able to sing all of the above music theory fundamentals (scales, intervals, and triads). Be able to sight sing unfamiliar yet simple melodies. And the best tool to help you with this skill is... The Piano Play all of your theory fundamentals at the piano, and let it help you with your ear training, too. Be able to read simple melodies in both treble and bass clef, and don’t look at the piano keys as you read — keep your eyes on the music and learn the layout of the notes on the keyboard by feel.
Rhythm A rock-solid sense of rhythm comes from the body, not your head, and it separates the good from the average musician. Most of your practice time each day should be with a metronome, to help you develop a steady internal pulse. Subdivide every beat in either twos or threes, depending on the meter. Pay special attention to long notes and rests — inexperienced musicians always tend to rush these. Listening Everybody has his or her favorite recording artist or genre, but if your iPod only has one kind of music, you’re going to have to expand your tastes. So start now! If you’re going to major in music, chances are you’ll be studying Western classical art music. You know, music by dead white guys. You should listen to LOTS of classical music to prepare for college music study, because the more you know coming into your classes, the more you’ll learn once you’re there. Web sites like YouTube makes this SO available. Attitude The most basic preparation for college music study is in your attitude, and in the realization that you can choose it. Things won’t always go your way — you may not get in to your first-choice college, auditions might go poorly, you might not like some of your professors, your roommate might snore loudly, and a hundred different challenges may present themselves. In fact, count on it. You can’t always control life’s circumstances, but when you realize that you’re able to choose how to respond to them, you become responsible — spelled “response- able,” or “able to choose your response.” Becoming responsible is what going to college and growing into adulthood are all about, and studying music at the college level is one of the most challenging and fulfilling ways to discover who you are. Start your training now.
Dr. Franzblau is Professor of music and Director of Bands at Rhode Island College. His book, S o Yo u Wa n t t o b e a M u s i c Major: A Guide for High School S t u d e n t s, T h e i r Pa r e n t s, Guidance Counselors, and Music Te a c h e r s, i s p u b l i s h e d b y Meredith Music Publications.
www.schoolguides.com
