Are Online Classes Right for You?

One out of every three college students will take at least one online class in completing their education. Surprised? So were we!

There are many reasons for this growing trend: colleges looking to slash costs, students preferring the online format, and an increased push for accessibility and inclusion. At some colleges they are required and at others they are optional. 

According to a recent article in the Chronicle of Higher Education, "Online classes, she said, can bring together students from more diverse backgrounds — and allow them more chances to connect with each other — than many traditional classrooms do."

So while online classes may not be all bad, it is up to each student to discern if they are the correct format for their learning style. And if your preference is to avoid them, make sure you add a question about online requirements to your list! 

Entering High School? Plan Ahead!

Are you about to enter high school?  There are a few things to think about as you consider your course selection and look ahead.  One of the top factors that admissions people use to gauge a student’s competitiveness for acceptance is the rigor of the courses that the student took in high school.  Receiving all As in level 2 or college prep classes is not considered as competitive as earning As and Bs in level 1, honors, AP or IB courses.  You should aim high and challenge yourself to the best of your ability in high school.  

It’s never too early to map out your high school courses thoughtfully. 

Colleges want students who work hard, who participate and engage in their academics and broader school community.  They especially want students who demonstrate drive and a good work ethic.  So, when you’re debating between that easier class and one that may challenge you, think about how you want to position yourself for your future.  It may seem far off now, but the years will fly by, and you’ll be considering your options for after high school sooner than you think.  Be sure you plan well.

An Unexpected Reason to Take Standardized Tests Multiple Times

Another reason to take standardized tests multiple times...

When student scores were released for the June SAT, the internet lit up with reactions of frustration and confusion.  Students who expected the June test to be their final try but who saw their score fall were dismayed. Something very unexpected had happened:  the test itself was an anomaly.  It turns out, the June test was much easier than most SATs and therefore had a far steeper grading curve.  Because of this, students could miss fewer problems to receive the same score as previous tests.  Experts warn that variability on standardized tests such as the SAT and ACT is not uncommon and that the variance on the June SAT is not as unusual as it may seem.  Test creation is a complicated endeavor as the writers have to estimate the difficulty of content for the cohort of students taking the exam.  If they miscalculate, it affects the curve proportionally.  The takeaway:  plan to take standardized tests 2 or 3 times, if possible.  That way, if you happen to get caught up in a test like the June SAT, you will still have a fallback option or two. 

Is A College Honors Program Right for You?

Honors Programs and Honors Colleges Can Be A Great Option for Some Students 

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Students striving to get more out their undergraduate education might consider applying to schools with Honors Programs or Honors Colleges.  Although admission requirements vary, be aware that acceptance into any Honors Program usually requires test scores that are at the very top end of the college’s accepted students’ academic profile with similar overall strengths in high school course rigor and GPA.  You will find Honors Programs or Honors Colleges at both public and private institutions.  There are many variations among Honors Programs.  Most have honors level classes and often thesis and research requirements. Enrollment may come with perks such as dedicated Honors dorms (or sections of dorms allotted to Honors students), study abroad stipends, and mentors and/or special advising.  Often Honors students have priority registration for courses and Honors scholarships may be offered, some more generous than others.  Some of the larger public universities with Honors programs describe them as “a liberal arts college within a larger research institution with the advantages of both” or similar descriptor.  It pays to do some research to determine the institutional priority given and resources dedicated to support any particular Honors program and to fully understand if the school delivers on that promise.  In some cases, it can be a great way to get value-added academic and extracurricular experience with a more reasonable price tag.

On the Road Again

One of the greatest assets of the University of North Carolina is its location. The research triangle is hot! Duke, UNC Chapel Hill, and NC State make up the research triangle, and companies are coming in droves. The basketball isn't too bad either!

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At College Matters, visiting colleges, meeting with admissions professionals and talking with students and faculty are very important aspects of what we do. 

These visits allow us to give our students insight about colleges… before they go themselves.

Top Ten Things to Pack for College

1. Carrying case for toiletries.  You will probably have to share a shower, and it may be far down the hall.  You will need something to carry your shampoo, soap, toothpaste, etc. And make sure it has holes for drainage. 

2. Earplugs. Even if your roommate says that they only snore “on occasion,” earplugs are a good idea to have on hand. 

3. Extension cords, flash drive and surge protector.  College dorm rooms are notorious for having only one outlet in the most inconvenient place possible. 

4. Over the door hangers, adhesive hooks, and poster putty.  There never seem to be enough places to hang things, so be creative.  And don’t forget the poster putty to cover those cinder block walls.

5. Crates, under the bed boxes and other storage containers.  A well-organized dorm room can be the key to success – and to a happy roommate.  

6. Air fresheners.  Don’t be “The Stinky Room.”

7. Lamps.  One single ceiling light will not be enough.  Make sure you have a good desk lamp (but not halogen since most colleges now ban them) as well as a lamp for your bedside.

8. Foul weather gear.  The weather may be unpredictable – don’t forget an umbrella and a rain jacket; snow boots; and a fan! 

9. First aid kit.  Band-aids, cold medicine, tweezers, antiseptic, antibiotic ointment, aloe vera gel, etc. 

10. Coat hangers.  The most commonly forgotten item!!

Congratulations Class of 2018… and get packing! 

On the Road Again

Looking for a four-year adventure? Consider LIU Global

LIU Global allows students to earn a degree while exploring the world.

The unique program gives students a truly global perspective, combining classroom instruction, fieldwork, and internships through immersion experiences in eight or more countries. 

All LIU Global students earn a BA in Global Studies -- an education that is hands-on and experiential. Home base for year one is Costa Rica. The second two semesters are spent in Europe. During the third year, students choose between Australia or China. Finally, the four-year experience culminates in the final year when students put their education into practice with an international research project and capstone semester at the Long Island University Brooklyn campus. 

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At College Matters, visiting colleges, meeting with admissions professionals and talking with students and faculty are very important aspects of what we do. 

These visits allow us to give our students insight about colleges… before they go themselves.

On the Road Again

Stony Brook University

At College Matters, visiting colleges, meeting with admissions professionals and talking with students and faculty are very important aspects of what we do. 

These visits allow us to give our students insight about colleges… before they go themselves.

On our recent visit to Stony Brook University, we learned about the WISE (Women in Science and Engineering) program. WISE students have a plethora of opportunities and advantages: from small first-year study groups led by a mentor to priority registration, generous merit scholarships, specific WISE evening seminars, and additional faculty advising. You must be admitted to WISE as an incoming freshman, so check it out in advance! You'll be happy you did.

Ask the Consultant

Q: What are the difference between AP exams and SAT Subject Tests? Which should I take?

A: We get this question a lot! They are both tests administered by ETS that assess your knowledge in a single subject. But beyond that, they are very different.

Some colleges require SAT subject tests as an admission requirement (although the number that do is dwindling). That being said, even if they don't require them, most colleges will consider them as a part of your application if you submit them. And while SAT subject tests are given in particular areas of study such as Chemistry, US History or Latin, they do not directly correspond to one specific course curriculum. Our advice: good test scores never hurt a student. Take a practice exam and see how you do. If you do well, take the test, even if the colleges to which you will be applying do not require them. Having two solid SAT subject test scores in your testing portfolio gives the student the most options! 

AP exams are also subject specific, but they are tied to a specific curriculum. AP exams scores are never required for college admission because there are many high schools that either offer the International Baccalaureate curriculum or have decided to sidestep the AP curriculum altogether. That being said, one does not need to be enrolled in an AP class to take an AP exam. We have had many students earn college credit via their AP scores, even in courses that were not classified as AP. The main purpose of taking AP exams is to earn college credit, which usually requires that a student score a 4 or 5 out of the maximum score of 5. 

So which should you take? If qualified, take both. The subject tests to show readiness for college-level work and AP exams to exhibit mastery of a subject.