college
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college
COLLEGE AND FINANCIAL AID GUIDE Your college search and college experience begin here. WEST EDITION 2008 CFAW/08 www.CollegeView.com A Letter from Our Sponsor Dear College-Bound Student: This is an exciting time for you and your family. Selecting the college or university that is best for you and determining how you will cover the costs can be stressful, but it can also be fun and challenging. This will be one of the most important decisions you make, so be sure that you understand what you are looking for in the next step on your educational journey. Sit down and make a list of the institutional characteristics that are important to you and then research the answers. Keep a running tally of pros and cons for each institution. Make sure that you understand the total cost of attending any institution on your final list. This should include not only tuition and fees, but also the cost of housing and meals, books, incidentals, and transportation. Understand fully what type and amount of financial assistance the institution is offering This will be one of the most important decisions you make, so be sure that you understand what you are looking for in the next step on your educational journey. you and what amount you will still be responsible for paying. Finally, be sure you visit any institution you are considering. We all have a personality and you want to feel at home. It’s all about fit! I hope that you already love learning and appreciate the value of a college education. It is all about choice and it is within your grasp. There are many different career tracks and all of them have positive and negative aspects, but you want to be able to choose your career, not have it chosen for you because of a lack of education. In today’s complex world you will find that you must frequently upgrade your knowledge. Set the foundation during your college years so that gaining new information is something you look forward to. This booklet will help you with the first couple of steps—gathering some basic information about each institution and understanding the possibilities for financial assistance. Use it to help you plan and to develop that list of questions you will need to get answered by each institution. This information can help you develop each step of the college search process and introduce you briefly to a variety of institutions. I wish you the very best as you make your college choice and take the first step to a wonderful future. Regards, Jackie Freeze Vice President, Student Success Services Western Wyoming Community College COLLEGE AND FINANCIAL AID GUIDE WEST EDITION 2008 3 16 Admissions 8 College Planning Calendar Use our timeline to plan your high school career and make sure you stay on track. 10 Admissions Accomplished Find everything you need to know about the admissions process—from the details of the application to suggested activities for your senior year. 14 Tips for the Application Process Completing the application process can be overwhelming; use these tips to help you complete your college application, write your essay, and ask for recommendation letters. 15 Interview with a Campus Tour Guide As a senior, trying to decide which college to attend can be a challenge. However, taking a campus tour can help to make this decision an easier one. This article defines the importance of taking a campus tour as described by one tour guide from The University of Alabama. Financial Aid 16 What to Expect When You Attend Parent Orientation Parents have changed over the years, and so has parent orientation. Read about the typical activities of a modern orientation event in this article. 15 24 Students’ Top Three Misconceptions About Financial Aid Do you know if you qualify for financial aid? What does financial aid exactly cover? Are there stipulations to financial aid? Read about the details of financial aid and the facts surrounding funding in this article. 25 Expected Family Contribution As a parent, do you understand the financial aid lingo, do you know the details of the FAFSA, or even how to apply for aid for your student? Read this article to learn how to get your piece of the college funding pie. 28 Academics 27 Help Your Child Suceed in College How can you make the transition to college and letting go of the ties to home easier for both you and your student? Read this article for tips on how to help your child succeed in college. 28 Help Your Student Select a College Major Choosing a major can be daunting for both you and your student. However, it doesn’t have to be. This article outlines the resources available to help students select a major as well as how you can encourage your student in the decision process. 29 Occupations on the Rise in the West 30 31 An Off-Campus Guide to Studying in the West Want to know what occupations will be most in-demand when you graduate from college? The chart in this article details the top three hottest occupations on the rise in the West. Want to know what to do off campus in the West? How about checking out what there is to do out and about in the cities of the West; or exploring all that the nightlife has to offer; or investigating the educational offerings of a museum. FAFSA, EFC, and COA making you C-R-A-Z-Y? This article breaks down the financial aid “needto-know” info into understandable terms. Student Life 32 The Essentials: What You’ll Need for Your College Dorm 22 Finding Financial Aid in the West 30 Exploring Your Students’ Housing Options What do you really need to bring to furnish your dorm room? Are you forgetting something? Use this list to help pack for college and prepare for the items you need to buy once you arrive on campus. 18 The Secret of Your Financial Aid Success There’s no doubt about it, college is expensive. But there are many federal and state-specific financial aid resources available in your state to help make paying for college less of a burden. 6 COLLEGE AND FINANCIAL AID GUIDE WEST EDITION 2008 There are a variety of housing options to choose from in college. Maybe your student wants to live in a dorm? How about allowing them to live alone in an apartment? Mayeb your student wants to explore Greek life? Learn which one would suit your student best and the pros and cons of each in this article. School and Student Profiles 34The American Musical and Dramatic Academy COLLEGE AND FINANCIAL AID GUIDE 36Barstow Community College 37Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo 38College of Santa Fe 41Columbia College Chicago 43Holy Names University Your college search and college experience begin here. 44Immaculata University 47Southern Oregon University 50Southern Utah University 53University of Central Missouri 54The University of Alabama WEST EDITION 2008 www.CollegeView.com 56University of San Diego 58Western State College of Colorado CFAW/08 59Wentworth Institute of Technology 62Western Wyoming Community College 1 2 3 4 5 6 Front Cover Sponsors 64Westminster College 65Woodbury University 1. Columbia College Chicago 2. Barstow Community College 3. Southern Oregon University 4. Southern Utah University 5. University of San Diego 6. Western Wyoming Community College Product Development Director of Product Management Brooke Mitchell Product Manager Krista Hamilton Editorial Editorial Manager Trisha Webb Associate Editor Melissa Borowski Senior Copy Editor Sarah Spears Design Design Manager STACY KOENIG Designer Cindy Stoeppel CLIENT DEVELOPMENT Client Development Manager Jen Macy Client Development Manager Mark Morman Senior Client Development Account Manager Teri Haynes Client Development Account Manager Wendy Curtis Client Development Account Manager Alicia Grote Client Development Account Manager Lauren Shaffer ONLINE CONTENT Development Product Support Specialist KIM STUDER Management President Craig Heldman Executive Vice President of Strategic Business Development Christine C. Sapita Vice President of Domestic Enrollment Solutions Clay Bond Director of Client Development Karen Gunnels Sales National Sales Director Chris Zahumensky Senior Account Manager Liz Lonsbrough Account Manager Marlene Petrucci Sales Representative Heather Fairweather Sales Representative David Isljamovski Sales Representative Audra Payne Sales Representative Kristina Sukup Printing and Delivery Printing CJK, Cincinnati, OH, USA Distribution LFS, Loveland, OH, USA References Photos Getty Images Photos.com Shutterstock CFAS/25k/Ww/H/Y03 68 Financial Aid Glossary 70 West Directory 78 Next Steps ©Copyright 2007. Unauthorized duplication prohibited by law. While care has been taken to ensure the quality and accuracy of information, the publishers cannot accept responsibility for changes since going to press or other inaccuracies, or for consequential loss arising from such changes or inaccuracies, or for any other loss arising from such changes or inaccuracies, or for any loss direct or consequential arising in connection with information in this publication. Editorial and Sales Offices 50 E-Business Way, Suite 300 Cincinnati, OH 45241 If you would like to advertise in the next edition, please contact Chris Zahumensky at (800) 927-8439, ext. 6055. COLLEGE AND FINANCIAL AID GUIDE WEST EDITION 2008 7 Exploring Your Students’ Housing Options STUDENT LIFE Exploring Your Students’ Housing Options By Marjorie Signer The transition from high school student to college student is difficult for many children and their parents. The college years bring new experiences, new freedoms, and new responsibilities, and it often takes everyone a little time to adjust. Choosing the right living situation for your student is one of the biggest decisions you’ll face after their high school graduation. It’s a decision that will affect both you and your student and should be made as a family. Living at Home Allowing your college student to continue living at home is an option many families elect when the child is attending a nearby school. Of all the college living arrangements, it is certainly the most cost effective and many times provides the family with a greater sense of security. However, having a college student living in the house can cause some conflict. Struggles over freedom, curfews, and visitors are not uncommon, and communication between family members is sometimes frustrating. The Dorm Most colleges require freshmen whose parents live more than 50 miles away from the school to live in the college dormitories, and some schools continue the requirement until the student’s junior year. Living in the dorm can be a great way for your student to meet new people, make friends, participate in school-organized events, and experience what it’s like to live with a roommate. Many students have said that living in the dorm helped them gain a feeling of connection or belonging to their university. The environment is relatively structured, and building security is provided by the school. Many dorms have curfews, and all visitors must be checked in by residents before entering. Students can elect to live in all-male, all-female, or coed dorms and generally can specify how many roommates they are willing to live with. Many dorms have special floors for athletes, honor students, or other specific groups such as engineering or music majors. A Place of Their Own Living in an apartment is a big responsibility and can be very costly. Depending on the geographic location, one-bedroom apartments can cost anywhere from $400 a month to $1,000 a month just 30 COLLEGE AND FINANCIAL AID GUIDE WEST EDITION 2008 for rent. In addition, there’s the cost of furniture, food, utilities, and insurance. Many parents aren’t comfortable with the idea of their student having complete and total freedom their first year of school. However, the flip side of the argument is that living in an apartment is a great learning experience, and how they manage the responsibility and the freedom can tell you a lot about the young adult you’ve raised. Going Greek Many colleges and universities have established Greek communities. Students enjoy the camaraderie of being part of a sorority or fraternity and learn a lot from the organization. Fraternity and sorority houses generally have a “house mother” who helps keep the house in order and prepares part of the meals, and each house is governed by a set of rules handed down by the national organization. These rules often dictate mandatory study times, cleaning schedules, meal times, and visitations. The cost of living in a Greek house varies by school and by organization and often runs in excess of $2,000 per quarter or semester. Freelance writer Marjorie Signer lives in Covington, Kentucky, with her dogs Hope, Sidney, and Bonnaroo. She graduated from the University of Cincinnati in 2005 with bachelor’s degrees in business economics, journalism, and international affairs. An Off-Campus Guide to Studying in the West STUDENT LIFE An Off-Campus Guide to Studying in the West Why the long face? Exhausted from months of planning, studying, testing, and tackling the uncertainty of choosing just the right school? Well, that’s over now and congratulations are in order! You chose to begin your college experience in the western United States, one of the most exciting regions in the entire world. Diversity is the key to the West’s appeal, from the wide-open spaces of Montana to misty, mountainous Washington State and beyond. Surrounded by myriad cultures and boundless opportunity, you’ll find that the hardest decision to make is what to see first. Out and About Though often overlooked for more popular vacation spots, Boise, Idaho, has garnered recent attention for its multitude of attractions including first-rate snow and water sports, a remarkable artistic and cultural core, and scenery that rivals its neighboring destinations. www.boise.org In San Francisco—the home of sourdough bread and the Golden Gate Bridge—there’s never a shortage of interesting things to see and do. Autumn, however, brings yet another reason to love this magnificently lovable city. The San Francisco Jazz Festival, a fourweek celebration of jazz with more than 30 performances in some of the city’s most cherished venues, takes place throughout the month of November. www.sfjazz.org Seattle Center Festival In the big state of Montana, the summer’s end signals the beginning of big fun with a bevy of rodeos, concerts, fairs, and other festivals dotting the massive horizon. Hit up the Autumn Arts & Crafts Festival in Helena, or soak it all in from one of the state’s more than two dozen hot springs resorts. Fishing, golfing, hiking, or horseback riding may very well be your thing, and fear not—there’s space enough to accommodate. www.visitmt.com The Nightlife The Emerald City (better known as Seattle) summons your wild side with a cornucopia of vibrant venues in the heart of the city. Paramount Theatre, a repurposed 19th century cinema, hosts acts as diverse as Boyz II Men and David Bowie, while Century Ballroom presents an opportunity to take in salsa performances—or even lessons if you’re so inclined. www.visitseattle.org Guadalupe Mountains Field Study Carlsbad Caverns National Park, located in the Guadalupe Mountains of southeastern New Mexico, hosts year-round visitors who come to marvel at the natural beauty of the interior labyrinth of rocky passages. Once you’ve traversed caves with such interesting names as “Balloon Ballroom” and “Hall of the White Giant,” you might just switch your major to geology. www.carlsbad.caverns. national-park.com Heard Museum in Phoenix, Arizona, takes a delightfully different approach to cultural and fine art with annual events such as the World Championship Hoop Dance Contest in February and the Heard Museum Guild Indian Fair & Market held each March. The museum’s permanent exhibits include Barry Goldwater’s famous Kachina Dolls, and special exhibits are displayed throughout the year. www.heard.org COLLEGE AND FINANCIAL AID GUIDE WEST EDITION 2008 31 The University of Alabama www.gobama.ua.edu KeyFacts ™ Contact Information Costs and Aid Admission 801 University Boulevard Tuscaloosa, AL 35487 Admissions office phone #: (205) 348-5666 or (800) 933-BAMA Financial aid office phone #: (205) 348-6756 Undergraduate in-state tuition (academic year): $5,278 Undergraduate out-of-state tuition (academic year): $15,294 Room and board (academic year): $5,400 Scholarships offered: Yes Grants offered: Yes Loans offered: Yes Work-study programs offered: Yes Co-ops/internships offered: Yes Average GPA: 3.4 Average ACT score: 24 Average SAT score: 1127 Essay: Not required Interview: Not required Application deadline: February 1 Application fee: $25 Quick Facts Institutional control: Public School type: Four-year Academic calendar: Semesters Religious affiliation: None Campus size: Large (15,000+ students) Average class size: 19 Number of registered organizations: 263 Overview Student Life •The University of Alabama, founded in 1831, was the first public university in Alabama. •The National Civic League has recognized Tuscaloosa, the home of UA, as an “All-America City.” •Student-athletes compete on 16 NCAA Division I athletic teams ranging from football to gymnastics. •UA has 263 student organizations including honoraries, fraternities and sororities, religious groups, and political groups. •UA’s homecoming festivities last the full week leading to the game, drawing students, alumni, friends, and fans to campus. Accreditation/Recognition •U.S.News & World Report has ranked UA among the top 50 public universities in the nation for the sixth consecutive year. •UA leads the nation in students chosen for USA Today’s All-USA College Academic Team with a five-year total of 24 students. Academics •The University of Alabama offers 83 undergraduate and 140 graduate degree programs. •The New College depth studies program allows students to create a major designed to a particular career or field of study. •All of UA’s eight degree-granting colleges have opportunities for professional internships, cooperative education, and study abroad. 54 COLLEGE AND FINANCIAL AID GUIDE WEST EDITION 2008 Financial Aid •Approximately 66 percent of UA’s undergraduates receive some type of financial aid. •The deadline for priority consideration for scholarships is December 1; the priority date for financial aid is March 1. Student Body •UA’s enrollment reached a record high of 23,878 in fall 2006. •The entering freshman class in 2006 numbered 4,378—the largest in UA history. •For more than a decade, UA has been one of the top public universities in the Southeast in enrollment of African American students, who account for 11 percent of UA’s student body. What were the most helpful things you did in high school to prepare for college? Being involved in a variety of activities in high school prepared me for the fast-paced world of college by establishing a strong work ethic and time management skills. Anna The University of Alabama student, StudentStats Hometown: Tuscaloosa, Alabama Major: Accounting Year: Senior What had the biggest impact on your decision to attend your school? Do you participate in any activities or organizations? I feel that the vast amount of scholarship opportunities offered to me most impacted my decision to attend The University of Alabama. Yes, I am currently involved in Capstone Men and Women, Cardinal Key, The Other Club, Chi Omega Sorority, Beta Alpha Psi accounting honorary, and intramural athletics. What were the most helpful things you did in high school to prepare for college? Being involved in a variety of activities in high school prepared me for the fast-paced world of college by establishing a strong work ethic and time management skills. What has been the best thing about college so far? Having the opportunity to be involved in a wide variety of student organizations, I have been exposed to a diverse group of individuals and have been able to form lasting friendships. What is your favorite campus-wide event? Since I was a little girl, I have been attending the homecoming festivities at The University of Alabama. From floats and house decorations to riding in the parade, every event during homecoming sparks fun and excitement! What are your plans after graduation? I plan to attend the master of accountancy program at The University of Alabama. Do you have any advice for future students? The University of Alabama gives you many opportunities to excel in academics as well as a social life. Be sure to always create a balance between studies and fun. Who is your favorite faculty member and why? I have had the pleasure of being advised by Dr. Dave Heggem, director of undergraduate programs in the College of Commerce and Business Administration. He is an extremely engaging and warm faculty member who truly puts the best interests of the student first. COLLEGE AND FINANCIAL AID GUIDE WEST EDITION 2008 55 WEST DIRECTORY Two-Year Colleges and PROGRAMS ALASKA (AK) Ilisagvik College Barrow, AK http://ilisagvik.cc Prince William Sound Community College Valdez, AK www.pwscc.edu ARIZONA (AZ) Arizona Automotive Institute Glendale, AZ www.aai.edu Arizona Western College Yuma, AZ www.azwestern.edu The Bryman School Phoenix, AZ www.thebrymanschool.edu Central Arizona College Coolidge, AZ www.centralaz.edu Chandler/Gilbert Community College Chandler, AZ www.cgc.maricopa.edu Cochise College Douglas, AZ www.cochise.edu Dine College Tsaile, AZ http://dinecollege.edu Eastern Arizona College Thatcher, AZ www.eac.edu Estrella Mountain Community College Avondale, AZ www.emc.maricopa.edu Gateway Community College Phoenix, AZ www.gwc.maricopa.edu Glendale Community College Glendale, AZ www.gc.maricopa.edu Golf Academy of Arizona Chandler, AZ www.sdgagolf.com Maricopa County Community College Avondale, AZ Mesa Community College Mesa, AZ www.mc.maricopa.edu Mohave Community College Kingman, AZ www.mohave.edu Northland Pioneer College Holbrook, AZ www.npc.edu Paradise Valley Community College Phoenix, AZ www.pvc.maricopa.edu Phoenix College Phoenix, AZ www.pc.maricopa.edu Phoenix First Pastors College Phoenix, AZ www.phoenixfirst.org 70 Pima Community College Citrus College Empire College School of Business Remington College-Mesa City College of San Francisco Evergreen Valley College Rio Salado College Coastline Community College Feather River Community College District Scottsdale Community College College of Alameda South Mountain Community College College of the Canyons Tucson, AZ www.pima.edu Mesa, AZ www.remingtoncollege.edu Tempe, AZ www.rio.maricopa.edu/international Scottsdale, AZ www.sc.maricopa.edu Phoenix, AZ www.smc.maricopa.edu University of Arizona, Main Library Tucson, AZ www.library.arizona.edu/users/ntrejo/ psychpt.htm Yavapai College Prescott, AZ www.yc.edu CALIFORNIA (CA) Allan Hancock College Santa Maria, CA www.hancock.cc.ca.us Glendora, CA www.citruscollege.edu San Francisco, CA www.ccsf.edu Fountain Valley, CA http://coastline.cccd.edu Alameda, CA www.peralta.edu Santa Clarita, CA www.canyons.edu College of the Desert Palm Desert, CA www.collegeofthedesert.edu/international College of Marin Kentfield, CA www.marin.cc.ca.us College of Oceaneering Wilmington, CA www.natpoly.edu College of the Redwoods Eureka, CA www.redwoods.edu College of San Mateo San Mateo, CA www.collegeofsanmateo.edu American Academy of Dramatic Arts-West College of the Sequoias Los Angeles, CA www.aada.org Visalia, CA http://cos.edu American Film Institute College of the Siskiyous Los Angeles, CA www.afi.com/education/conservatory 34 The American Musical and Dramatic Academy Los Angeles, CA www.amda.edu American River College Sacramento, CA www.arc.losrios.edu/ Antelope Valley College Lancaster, CA www.avc.edu Bakersfield College Bakersfield, CA www.bakersfieldcollege.edu 36 Barstow Community College Barstow, CA www.barstow.edu Brooks College Long Beach, CA www.brookscollege.edu Butte College Oroville, CA www.butte.edu Cabrillo College Aptos, CA www.cabrillo.edu California College of Technology Sacramento, CA www.mariccollege.edu California Recording Institute San Francisco, CA www.californiarecording.com Canada College Redwood City, CA http://canadacollege.edu CEI College Anaheim, CA Cerritos College Norwalk, CA www.cerritos.edu Cerro Coso Community College Ridgecrest, CA www.cerrocoso.edu Chabot College Hayward, CA www.chabotcollege.edu Chaffey College Rancho Cucamonga, CA www.chaffey.edu COLLEGE AND FINANCIAL AID GUIDE WEST EDITION 2008 Weed, CA www.siskiyous.edu Columbia College-Columbia Sonora, CA http://columbia.yosemite.cc.ca.us Compton Community College Compton, CA www.compton.ca.us Computer Learning Center San Francisco, CA Contra Costa College San Pablo, CA www.contracosta.cc.ca.us Cosumnes River College Sacramento, CA www.crc.losrios.ed/ Crafton Hills College Yucaipa, CA www.craftonhills.edu Cuesta College San Luis Obispo, CA www.cuesta.cc.ca.us Cuyamaca College El Cajon, CA www.cuyamaca.net/ Cypress College Cypress, CA www.cypresscollege.edu Defense Language Institute Monterey, CA www.dli.army.mil Diablo Valley College Pleasant Hill, CA www.dvc.edu Don Bosco Technical Institute Rosemead, CA www.boscotech.edu D-Q University Davis, CA www.dqu.cc.ca.us East Los Angeles College Monterey Park, CA www.elac.edu Educational Cultural Complex San Diego, CA www.sdcity.edu/ecc/default.asp El Camino College Torrance, CA www.elcamino.edu Santa Rosa, CA www.empcol.edu San Jose, CA www.evc.edu Quincy, CA www.frc.edu Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising (FIDM)-Los Angeles Los Angeles, CA www.fidm.edu FIDM-Orange County Irvine, CA www.fidm.edu FIDM-San Diego San Diego, CA www.fidm.edu FIDM-San Francisco San Francisco, CA www.fidm.edu Foothill and DeAnza Colleges Los Altos Hills, CA www.foothill.edu Foundation College San Diego, CA www.foundationcollege.edu Fresno City College Fresno, CA www.fresnocitycollege.edu Fullerton College Fullerton, CA www.fullcoll.edu Gavilan College Gilroy, CA www.gavilan.edu Glendale Community College Glendale, CA www.glendale.edu Golden West College Huntington Beach, CA www.gwc.cccd.edu Grossmont College El Cajon, CA www.grossmont.edu/ Hartnell College Salinas, CA www.hartnell.edu Heald College-Concord Concord, CA www.heald.edu Heald College-Fresno Fresno, CA www.heald.edu Heald College-Hayward Hayward, CA www.heald.edu Heald College-Milpitas Milpitas, CA www.heald.edu Heald College-Rancho Cordova Rancho Cordova, CA www.heald.edu Heald College-Roseville Roseville, CA www.heald.edu Heald College-Salinas Salinas, CA www.heald.edu Heald College-San Francisco San Francisco, CA www.heald.edu Heald College-Stockton Stockton, CA www.heald.edu Humphreys College-Sacramento Sacramento, CA Imperial Valley College Imperial, CA www.imperial.cc.ca.us Irvine Valley College Irvine, CA www.ivc.edu