Are You Joking?

What kind of murderer has a moral fiber?

A cereal killer.

It's a simple joke... but put me in front of an audience and I'll botch it. I'm a realist. I know that I'm not a good joke teller. 

So would it make sense for me to try to joke in my college essay? Nope!! It's not my voice. 

The takeaway? Be true to who you are! Your essay will reflect you, and that is what college admission officers really want to hear. 

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.