College Guide The

The
College
Guide
How to Find
The Right School
Maximize Your
Chance of Admission
How to Find
Financial Aid
Packing for
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Your First Year
And More
A SUPPLEMENT OF:
®
The College Guide
contents
CG4 How to Choose Your School by Anastasia Quinn
CG5 The Timeline You’ve been thinking about college since you started
high school. Here’s a schedule for applying. by Anastasia Quinn
CG6 Know Your Tests Which admission exam is best for you?
Herein, the SAT and ACT demystified. by Katie Anderson
CG8 How to Write a Winning Admissions Essay Advice from the people
who decide who makes the cut and who doesn’t. by Dan Ciccala
CG12 Test Prep or No Test Prep? Scoring well on your admissions exam is
one of the most important steps to getting the school of your choice.
Various services can help. Do you need them? by Rebecca Kasman
CG16 Will I Ever Be Able to Afford College? Yes, you will. Here’s how.
by Katherine DiMaggio
CG18 Your Guide to Packing Don’t take the kitchen sink to your new
dorm. Start with the essentials. Here’s how. by Katie Anderson
CG20 Making the Switch Adjusting from the shelter of home to college
life is a big change. Here’s how to make it easily. by Dan Ciccala
A Division of Today Media
DELAWARE TODAY January 2011, Volume L, No. 1 DELAWARE TODAY (ISSN:
1086-8380) is published monthly, with one additional issue (May), by Today Media,
3301 Lancaster Pike, Suite 5C, Wilmington, DE 19805. Periodicals postage paid at
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Publisher Robert F. Martinelli Editor Mark Nardone Creative Director Kelly M. Carter Senior Editor
Maria Hess Managing Editor Drew Ostroski Assistant Editor Matt Amis Assistant Creative Director
Louise Bolin Copy Editor John F. Manser Associate Publisher/Director of Advertising Charles W.
Tomlinson Jr. Business Development & Special Projects Manager Christina Kelley Senior Account
Executive Lisa Sanderson Account Executives Kirsten Bradley, Megan Davis; Becky Galante,
Stephany Kochie, Jessica Rice Sales Coordinator Dan Bilodeau
MAIN LINE TODAY Volume 16, Issue number 1, January 2011 (ISSN: 1086-6078;
USPS: 15826) is published monthly, by Today Media, 3301 Lancaster Pike, Suite
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LINE TODAY, PO Box 30109, Wilmington, DE 19805. Address changes should be
accompanied by a mailing label from a recent issue.
Associate Publisher James Bauer Editor Hobart Rowland Creative Director Ingrid Hansen-Lynch
Senior Editor Tara Behan Associate Editor and Web Editor Shannon Hallamyer Assistant Editor
Emily Riley Senior Account Executive Nan Mangine Account Executives Bentley Alberts, Mike Bridges
Kristina Evans, Patti Griffin, Christine Holsopple, Larry Singer Operations Manager Jean Boyer
Today Media: Publisher Robert F. Martinelli Web Content Development Administrator Katie McCabe Internet Advertising Manager Cindi Viviano Event Marketing Director Regina Dodds
Director of Publications and Web Marketing Kate Handling Marketing Assistant Anastasia Quinn Operations Manager Jean Boyer Production Director Deana J. Yokimcus Graphic Designers
C. Belinda Cimo, Stephen T. McElwee Jr., Marissa Simeone Staff Photographer Jared Castaldi Chief Technology Officer Ethan Fox New Media Development Director Mike Martinelli Technologies Manager
Rena Watson Controller John King Staff Accountant Kathryn Stuart Financial Analyst Casey Ossman Human Resources Leighona Curry Collections Supervisor Paulette Tolbert Collections Coordinator
Joan Lopatin Account Receivable Supervisor Deborah Cabassa Accounts Payable Sandy Magness Billing Jennifer Schuele Executive Assistant to the President Linda McDonald Logistics Ken James
Circulation Director Jack Morris Circulation Marketing Manager Mike Dubb Audience Development Manager Chris Calloway Circulation Coordinator Deanna Garrett Customer Service Maureen Dunford
President Robert F. Martinelli Vice President Ralph A. Martinelli Secretary/Treasurer Richard Martinelli Chairman Angelo Martinelli
j AN u ARy 2011 To d ay M e d i a C o lle g e g u i de
CG3
The College Guide
College 101: Start Here
College should be one of the most gratifying experiences of your life,
so it’s important to find the right place for you. What makes it right?
It offers the academic program you’re looking for in an environment
that makes you feel safe as well as challenged. It offers opportunities
to learn outside the classroom and exposes you to a wide range of
experience. And it’s a place you can afford. Many schools may fill the
bill. So how do you choose? Your friends at Today Media, publisher
of Delaware Today and Main Line Today magazines, have asked local experts to provide their best advice for you. In these pages you’ll
learn everything from how to maximize your chances of admission
to the school of your dreams to what to expect once you get there.
We’re sure it will help. And we wish you all the best.
How to Choose Your School
by Anastasia Quinn
Decisions, decisions, decisions. With so many choices in colleges,
there are just as many questions. How can you pick just one
school from a list of thousands?
It’s a process—a lengthy one at that—and with it comes
some excitement.
Steve Merritt, dean of enrollment management at Villanova
University, suggests you start by identifying the characteristics
that are important to you in a school, not by identifying
schools themselves—not yet. As Kevin McIntyre, director
of enrollment at Immaculata University, says, “Do a selfinventory.” Think about things like:
size
Do you prefer a big school or a small one? What about a
big school with small classes? Or an undergraduate-only school?
Size affects everything from the classroom experience to
extracurricular events to athletic affairs. Think about what you
like to do or how you learn best, for instance, then picture how
size fits into that equation. That narrows your choices a bit.
location With schools across the country, one
will be located right where you want to go. Have
you always dreamed of leaving the East Coast for a
time, maybe trying out the West Coast? This could
be your chance. Would you prefer an urban campus
or a rural area? Or perhaps you like the best of both
worlds, such as a suburban school. And don’t forget
one of the most important questions of all: How far
from home is too far? Or, for those of you itching
to get out, how close is too close? These are not
all of the questions you should think about when
mulling over locations, but you get the idea.
academic interests This is sometimes the
easiest characteristic to identify, sometimes the
hardest. For those of you with a sharp focus, look
for schools with strong programs in your area of
interest. The smaller the field, the better—only a
handful of colleges may offer your intended major.
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Today Me dia C ollege guid e january 2011
But for someone who hasn’t selected a major, it’s a different
ball game. Thinking about what you like to do and what you
are good at helps.
McIntyre suggests that you remain open to all schools in
order to find the place that offers the most options for your
academic interests and strengths. It doesn’t hurt to research
the school’s amenities, such as freshmen programs, career
development offices, counseling and the like.
the miscellany Is religious affiliation important? Do you
want an active Greek life? Do you aspire to play a varsity sport?
How important is the campus safety, the housing policy or
the quality of food?
See how your options are narrowing? By the end of the
process, your list will eventually be about six to eight schools—
both safe choices and a few “reach” schools.
Once you find your candidates, start your tours. The campus
visit is an important part of the process, perhaps the most
important. “It boils down to the gut reaction,” McIntyre says.
“You can’t replace it with anything else.”
Students often first encounter a college during the summer,
but it feels different when school is in session. So make several
visits. Go back in the fall. Stay overnight. Stop by the open houses.
“There is nothing like getting on the campus and meeting the
people,” Merritt says. “If you don’t believe me, ask a random student at the next campus you visit about how they chose a school.”
one last thing: “Think about where you will be really
happy as a freshman,” Merritt says, “because college should
be a great experience right from the beginning.”
The Timeline
You’ve been thinking about
college since you started high school. Here’s
a schedule for applying. by Anastasia Quinn
Applying for grade school was easy. Mom and Dad decided
the best school for you and, hopefully, you stayed there. Deciding
which high school to attend may have been a bit more involved.
There may have been more choices and admissions exams to
take. And that was good practice, because now it’s time to
apply to college.
With visits, interviews, overnight stays and, of course, all the
deadlines, the process can be daunting. Have no fear. Just keep a
few, basic steps in mind. Here’s a timeline, starting in high school.
sophomore year Though institutions such as College Board
suggest students begin thinking about college as early as freshman year of high school, most admissions personnel agree you
should start thinking seriously about college during the spring
of your sophomore year. Steve Merritt, dean of enrollment
management at Villanova University, suggests sitting down
with your family and making a list of criteria that is important
to you. Not only does this create a list of schools that interest
you, but it also narrows your list so that you can start visiting
each in the months to come.
junior year and the preceding summer
Make campus
visits. It can be casual—a school every Sunday—or an über-intense college tour. It really doesn’t matter how you decide to visit,
as long as you see the campus. Visit as many types of schools as
you can—big and small, public and private, urban and rural.
j an u ary 2011 To d ay M e d i a C o lle g e g u i de
CG5
The College Guide
summer You’re in! While waiting for movein day to arrive, storm the local Bed Bath &
Beyond for dorm supplies, contact your new
roommate, and find a summer job to earn
extra spending money. Keep in mind that some
colleges host summer orientations, and most
require volumes of paperwork be filled out
by the last days of August.
Before you know it, you’ll be moved in and
the college application process will have become
a distant memory—at least until you start
thinking about graduate school.
Know Your Tests
Which
admission exam is best for you?
Herein, the SAT and ACT
demystified. by Katie Anderson
In the midst of all the visiting, juniors will also take the SAT
or ACT. You could also start working on that admissions essay.
summer & fall senior year Continue with campus visits.
Many colleges offer additional methods of getting to know a
school, such as overnight stays and open houses. Admissions
counselors generally recommend attending them. Christina
Cerenzia, director of admissions at Neumann University,
recommends that students visit in the summer, then again in fall,
when classes are in session and the campus is full of students.
If schools require or suggest interviews, now is the time.
fall senior year
Start applying. By now, you’ve generated
a list of schools you could see yourself attending. Admissions
counselors tend to agree that you should keep your list of
candidates small. Though that may be hard, it helps come May 1.
Anywhere from six to eight schools suffice. Always include both
safeties and reaches.
As you apply, pay attention to each school’s
application guidelines. Note the differences
between rolling, early action, and regular
decision, for instance, and always follow up
with your high school counselors to make
sure all recommendations and transcripts
are submitted on time. Kevin McIntyre, dean
of enrollment management at Immaculata
University, suggests completing everything
before Thanksgiving.
spring of senior year
Depending on your
chosen method of application, you should start
hearing back from schools. Cerenzia suggests
keeping in touch with your college admissions
counselors during this time. By May 1, you will
need to decide and notify the college you’ve
chosen. (Don’t forget to enjoy senior festivities.)
CG6
Today Me dia C ollege guid e january 2011
As the college admissions process becomes
more competitive, students (and their concerned
parents) are seeking more ways to give their
application a competitive edge. At the heart of the effort is a
focus on standardized testing.
Each year, colleges across the country use standard tests
to measure academic ability and to predict the success of their
applicants. Consequently, for good or ill, test scores have come
to play a major role in the admissions process (along with high
school transcripts and recommendation letters). In the past,
students chose mainly between the SAT and the ACT, depending on where in the country they lived. But with most four-year
colleges and universities now accepting both tests, today’s
applicant has more choices than ever.
This, in turn, poses a serious question: Should collegebound students seeking the best possible score take the SAT
or the ACT? Should they take both? Before committing to
either option, college applicants should consider their personal
strengths and review the format of each test. After all, students
are most likely to do well on a test that is both familiar and
comfortable to them.
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The College Guide
the SAT The SAT Reasoning Test (once called the Scholastic
Aptitude Test and Scholastic Assessment Test) is the most used
exam. It is designed to measure general thinking and problemsolving abilities. As a result, it may be a good fit for successful
test-takers and students with strong deductive reasoning ability.
The examination itself is divided into 10 sections that test
students’ skills in the areas of math, writing and reading.
Students planning to take the SAT should be prepared to
sit for almost four hours in order to complete a series of 140
questions. Though the exam is mostly multiple-choice, students
will also encounter a free-response math section and an essay
portion. In each section, questions will gradually increase in
difficulty. Students should also know that the SAT penalizes
guessing by subtracting a quarter of a point for every incorrect
answer. Unanswered questions neither subtract from the
overall score, nor add to it.
Each of the three subject areas is scored from 200 to 800
points. All points are then added for a cumulative score between
600 and 2,400 points. The essay portion of the exam is graded
somewhat differently. Two readers independently score each
essay from one to six. These numbers are used to produce a
combined score ranging from two to 12.
The SAT is offered seven times throughout the year: in October,
November, December, January, March, May and June. There is
a registration fee of $47, which includes score reports for the
student, his or her family and up to four colleges. Additional reports can be sent for a fee. Unless otherwise specified, colleges
will receive the entire score history of a student.
in class. The test can be broken down into four main sections:
English, mathematics, reading and science. Moreover, students
have the option of taking an additional writing section. College
applicants should review the admission requirements of their
selected schools when deciding to include this section or not.
The test takes nearly three hours (plus 30 minutes for the
optional writing section) to complete and is composed entirely
of 215 multiple-choice questions. Though somewhat shorter than
the SAT, students have less time for each individual question.
However, questions do not progress in difficulty in any section.
And students are not penalized for guessing. They are, in fact,
advised to do so rather than leave a response blank.
For each section, students can earn a maximum of 36 points.
At the end of the test, all sections are averaged into a composite
score, ranging from one to 36. If a student opts to take the
additional writing section, two independent readers will score
the essay from one to six, for a cumulative score of 2 to 12.
Students interested in taking the ACT can do so on one of six
official testing dates during the months of September, October,
December, February, April and June. The registration fee for the
basic exam is $33. Students who wish to take the ACT Plus Writing
will pay $48. The price includes reports for the student, his or
her high school and up to four colleges. Additional reports can be
sent for a fee. If the ACT is taken multiple times, students have
the advantage of selecting which test scores to report to colleges.
the ACT Unlike its counterpart, the ACT (developed by
American College Testing) is a curriculum-based test that
measures many of the skills students learn in high school.
Consequently, it may be a good fit for students who perform well
makes the cut and who doesn’t. by Dan Ciccala
How to Write a Winning Admissions
Essay Advice from the people who decide who
The essay portion of a college application is the one place where
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The College Guide
where a spectacular essay can make up for a lackluster academic
record. With months to work on just a few pages of writing,
there’s no reason for not putting your best foot forward. Here
is advice from administrators for writing a winning essay.
“
”
Doing [an essay] can only help.
—Christina Cerenzia, director of admissions, Neumann University
If you come across an application that lists submitting an
essay as optional, the advice is simple: Just do it. “If you have
the grades and the scores, you will be accepted,” says Cerenzia,
whose school has an optional essay. “Even if you write a bad
essay, it’ll be tied with your application, but it won’t affect your
acceptance.”
On the other hand, she says, “If an applicant’s scores or
grades just don’t make the cut, a good essay, especially one
that lets us know why they want to go to school at Neumann
or that lets us get to know their personality, can get you in.
Nobody ever wants to reject an applicant.”
“
There is no virtue in writing an essay
that is longer.
”
—Lou Hirsch, director of admissions, University of Delaware
Admissions representatives unanimously agree: Essay length is
not going to impress them. “I would prefer to read a well-written
short essay, as compared to one that might be longer that is also
meandering,” says Mike Dziedziak, director of admissions for
Eastern University.
Becky Bowlby, director of admissions for Immaculata
University, points out that “the key to the length of the essay is,
quite frankly, following the guidelines that each college-university
sets up.” Some schools specify word range—Eastern University
sets it at 500 to 700 words—but many schools only offer a
minimum, like Immaculata’s 250 words. Still others don’t specify
a length at all. “At most, admissions committees are not likely
to read beyond the first few pages,” Hirsch says.
“
”
Proof read.
—Peter Schauster, assistant director of admissions, Cabrini College
When it comes to typos, misspellings, grammatical errors
and other careless mistakes, Hirsch puts it bluntly: “One typo
won’t necessarily keep you out of the college of your choice, but
a succession of them might.” Carolyn Doyle, director of guidance
and college counseling at Archmere Academy, goes even further
to say, “Grammatical errors have to be avoided. One is too many.”
It may sound as though admissions committees are harsh on
careless mistakes, but as Dziedziak points out, “Your professors
in college won’t stand for them, either.”
“
It is easy to spot when a student isn’t
being genuine.
”
—Carolyn Doyle, director of guidance and college counseling at Archmere Academy
Don’t count on slipping much past the admissions office.
“[The admissions representatives and I] know each other well,
see each other often, and proceed together through the
application process,” Doyle says. “In many cases, if there is
content that is questionable, the admissions representative
will call the high school counselor and ask some questions.”
Inaccuracies and lying aren’t the only forms of insincerity. One
needs to keep a genuine tone by writing in an “authentic voice.”
CG10
Today Me dia College guid e january 2011
“’Authentic voice,’” Hirsch says, “is what we use when we are not
posturing or pretending to be someone else.” In other words, be
yourself, even when you’re trying to impress a college. “Be cautious
about using big words, fancy sentence structures and flowery metaphors unless it is typically how you communicate,” says Doyle.
How do you make sure you’re writing in an authentic voice?
“Read your essay aloud, Hirsch says. “If it feels awkward and
unnatural to speak the words that you have written, then that
is a pretty sure sign that you lost your authentic voice.” Bowlby
says it can be difficult to proof your own work, so have a friend,
teacher or family member read your essay and point out spots
where they couldn’t imagine you saying the things you wrote.
Finally, don’t cheat. “It is especially easy to identify those essays
that have been written not by the student, but by the parent,”
says Hirsch. Doyle even warns, “While it is recommended to
have the essay critiqued by an English teacher and-or parent,
an essay over-edited by an adult is readily apparent.”
“
“
”
Humor is tough.
—Mike Dziedziak, director of admissions for Eastern University
Hirsch says that “if humor comes naturally to you, then by
all means use it.” However, Bowlby warns, “I have been in the
business of admission and guidance for 33 years. I can count
on one hand the number of essays that are truly funny.”
Most essays are average.
They blend together. —Carolyn Doyle
”
There are two keys to keeping your essay from being bland and
disappearing in the rest of the application pool. The first is a
good opening. “Start off with something that is specific and
descriptive, an opening sentence or two that grabs the reader,”
Doyle says. “Remember, the admissions folks get tired of reading
essays. Wake them up so they sit up and take notice and say,
‘Wow, that’s a good start.’”
The second key is to pick a topic that demonstrates how you
are different from the rest of the crowd. “We love to read an essay
where the student has clearly taken their time to speak creatively
about who they are,” Schauster says. The common themes among
each of the admissions staffs are those buzzwords “creatively”
and “about who [you] are,” as colleges want to find out what is
unique about you.
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The College Guide
other resources Of course, teachers, loved ones
and even yourself are the best for revising, improving
and proofing an essay, but there are plenty of other
resources.
“High school guidance counselors are great,”
Cerenzia says, “but the numbers make it tough now
with how many students there are and how many
guidance counselors.” Lesser known is that “admissions
counselors are available as resources once an applicant submits their application,” says Cerenzia.
Finally, “College Board (collegeboard.com) is very
good,” she says. “Admissions reps at Neumann as well
as at other schools contribute the material for their site.”
What advice could be trusted more than the ones
who actually read and judge the essays?
Test Prep or No Test Prep?
Scoring well on your admissions exam is one
of the most important steps to getting the
school of your choice. Various services can
help. Do you need them? by Rebecca Kasman
Applying to college is a bit like applying for a job. The prospective employer or university weighs its requirements against a
variety of characteristics of the applicant. While those entering
the professional world have their resume and skills under
their belt, high school students have the dreaded SAT.
CG12
Today Me dia College guid e january 2011
Feared and prepared for every year by millions of students
across the nation, the SAT is one of the most crucial factors in
deciding a student’s admission to college. If a college admissions
office holds two student files in front of them, both with 4.0 GPAs,
a long list of extracurricular activities, and a charming personal statement, they will look to the SAT score to settle the matter.
“While students themselves want to reach their highest scores
to get into their desired school, colleges want their students to
have the highest scores as well so their test average goes up,”
says Ed Carroll, executive director of research and development
for high school programs at Princeton Review. So it benefits both
the student and the college to have the highest score achievable.
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The College Guide
When preparing for the SAT or ACT, Kristen Campbell,
executive director of college preparation at Kaplan Test Prep
and Admission, recommends taking the PSAT. “College Board
has found that students who take the PSAT score higher than
those who don’t,” Campbell says. “What some people may not
realize is that it also gives opportunity for students to qualify
for the National Merit Scholarship.”
Both Kaplan Test Prep and Princeton Review agree that
though practice tests familiarize students with the format and
content of the exam, learning what you did wrong will
contribute to a higher score on subsequent tests.
“If you open a practice book or go to a class, you need to
dedicate a few hours per week to learning what is on the test and
how they ask you what is covered,” Carroll says. “It’s like having a
part-time job that you are expected to go to. You need motivation.”
One-on-one tutoring is offered by both Kaplan and Princeton
Review, but for the cost, they recommend the classroom option.
“The classroom option for review and practice is definitely
the most popular for us,” Campbell says. “We think many
students like the familiar setting that imitates school, and
therefore it helps motivate them to do well in a group setting.”
While going to Kaplan or Princeton Review will help students
learn the format, concepts and strategies of the SAT and ACT,
high scores don’t just come from a practice class or book.
“Many students do just fine on the SAT or ACT without any
help beyond taking the practice tests that the SAT and ACT
provide,” says Lou Hirsch, director of admissions for the University of Delaware. “If you take a hard curriculum in high school
with four years of mathematics and at least one of those being
pre-calculus, and you read quite often, then you might find that,
with little to no practice, you are almost near your score goal.”
When it comes to cost, parents should consider their child’s
goal score, their score after taking the PSAT or a few practice
exams (which you can access through Kaplan and Princeton
Review online or in prep books), and how much time the
student is willing to dedicate to learning the test.
Larry Eby, admissions director at Goldey-Beacom College,
says that though a prep course may seem like a good route,
Earn your AFA in one of six majors
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Schedule a campus visit
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CG14
Today Me dia C o llege guid e january 2011
The College Guide
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The College Guide
“Most students’ score improves just by taking the test over
and over. That practice in itself helps raise scores, so I would
recommend taking a few for practice and seeing where you
are before making the investment.”
Once you have established how large the margin is between
practice and goal scores, you can determine just what is the
most reasonable way to get there. Usually, if a student wants
to increase their score by 50 to 100 points, they easily might be
able to do so on their own. Those seeking higher increases should
consider a class or one-on-one tutoring. The one-on-one tutoring
is usually beneficial to those aiming for a top tier school, and
to those who can dedicate steady time each week.
Greg Pike of Wesley University explains that while every
method of test prep will probably help you increase your scores
from a PSAT or a second-time SAT, motivation is the key.
“A group, book or tutor will only help you learn the material
if you are willing to do it yourself first.”
Will I Ever Be Able to Afford College?
Yes, you will. Here’s how. by Katherine DiMaggio
Like a house or car, a college education is one of the largest
expenditures you will ever make. Does the potential cost make
you wonder how you’ll swing it? There is help available to almost
everyone, either as a scholarship, grant or loan, so never fear.
scholarships
You probably know scholarships are available.
What you may not know is that they are awarded not only by
colleges for academic performance or sports, but also by other
groups for reasons such as your record of community service or a
special skill you may possess. How can you find what’s out there?
Nicholas Flocco, director of student financial services at
Chestnut Hill College in Philadelphia, and other financial aid
representatives agree that a thorough scholarship search, using
a website such as fastweb.com, is a must.
“Use free scholarship searches,” says Flocco. “You should
never be charged to search for scholarships.”
Various organizations, such as churches and labor unions,
offer scholarships. “If mom or dad is a union member, there may
be benefits or scholarships available, and it’s worth looking into,”
says Chris Pesotski, director of student financial services at
University of the Arts in Philadelphia.
Barri Zimmerman, director of financial aid at Salisbury
University, says it’s a mistake to neglect applying for certain
scholarships with the notion they will not receive a reward.
“Students need to be aggressive in their scholarship searches,”
Zimmerman says. “So many scholarships go unclaimed because
no students apply.”
“Look for priority dates to get your application in,” Flocco
says. “Sometimes, the earlier you apply, the schools are more
likely to award you money.”
grants
You should also take full advantage of state and
federal grants and loans. A grant, unlike a loan, does not need
to be repaid. The Pell Grant, a federal program that provides
assistance to low-income undergraduate students, frequently
goes under-used. While this money can be of great assistance
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TODAY ME DIA C O LLEGE GUID E JANUARY 2011
• on-site Financial aid available to
those who qualify
• Job placement assistance
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that offer only federal and-or state aid.”
Unlike a Pell Grant, a private school’s
grant programs may meet all of a student’s
financial needs.
loans If possible, use a loan only as a last
resort. The most forgiving for students are
those made by the federal government, such
as the Stafford Loan, which offers subsidized
and unsubsidized options. Loans through
private organizations or banks often have
higher interest rates and less flexibility.
“You have to be careful with those loans,”
Zimmerman says. “Students should try to
get the most credit-worthy cosigner to get
the best interest rate.”
to families struggling financially, it is critical to understand
the details of federal grants.
“The Pell Grant has a cap on it right now,” Zimmerman says,
so it won’t pay for your entire education, but it will help you
with up to $5,550 a year.
According to Bill Schilling and Michelle Brown-Nevers,
director of financial aid and associate vice president for student
services at the University of Pennsylvania, a college’s own grants
may be the best source of financial assistance for students.
“Be open to the more expensive private schools,” Schilling
says. “These institutions generally have their own funds
available for financial aid, as opposed to public institutions
a bit of advice…
Families who are exploring their financial
options often seek firms that search for scholarships and help fill
out applications, but representatives from local colleges suggest
that you be wary of such services.
“Some of them charge as much as $2,000, though most financial
aid offices have people to help fill out forms,” Flocco says.
Pesotski suggests students contact the financial aid offices
of colleges where they’ve applied even before receiving an
admissions decision.
“Find out who is working on your application,” he says.
“That way they’ll know who you are instead of being just a file
on a computer screen.” Financial aid employees are looking out
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The College Guide
personal possessions is often stressful. Fortunately,
the tips below can help to ensure the transition from
home to college is as easy and painless as possible.
make a list Before you start packing, make sure that
you know what to bring. Many college websites provide
a packing checklist for incoming students. These lists
include the essentials, such as weather-appropriate
clothing, toiletries, correct bedding and linen sizes, and
miscellaneous school supplies. Students frequently find
this information to be a great help when deciding what
items to bring and what items to leave behind. Similarly,
students should avoid lists distributed by retailers.
They often contain fluff items—blenders, sleep masks,
cotton swab holders—that are not necessary.
take inventory
for your best interests. They want to make tuition as affordable
as possible.
Zimmerman stresses that families talk openly about
affordable college options when they begin applying.
“We see a lot of situations where students are at schools the
family honestly can’t afford,” she says. “In that case the student
is digging themself into a hole for graduation. It’s important
to make a wise decision about what’s best for the family and
what’s best for the student in the long run.”
For some, a viable option may be to attend community college
before attending a four-year university. “Starting here versus
going directly to a university saves students about 50 percent to
75 percent of total tuition money,” says Sam Hirsch, vice president of student affairs at Community College of Philadelphia.
“There is a stigma sometimes attached to attending community
college, but it’s necessary to explore all options and be open.”
new parents, start saving now All financial aid representatives agree: Parents should begin planning for their children’s
college education as early as possible. The ideal time to start
is when the future student is a young child. A popular tuition
savings plan, the 529 Plan, allows parents to put money away
without being taxed.
“Most people are utilizing the 529 savings plan,” Zimmerman
said. “They’re putting money away each month and it’s tax-free
assuming the money is going to be used for higher education.”
Early planning saves you and your parents the trouble of
scrambling to find financial aid as you approach college. With
good planning and research, college can be affordable for anyone.
In most cases, you already have
most of the items you’ll need for college. Take a
moment to sort through personal possessions,
determining what to bring, replace and buy along
the way. This is also a terrific opportunity to donate
old and unwanted items to local charities.
avoid snags
Each college has a list of restricted items.
These restrictions can vary widely among schools—even among
dormitories on the same campus. Be sure to do some research
before packing or making major purchases. Campus housing
might not appreciate your new flat-screen television and matching pressure cooker as much as your future roommate might.
pack light
As a general rule, if you haven’t used something in
the past three months, it can probably be left behind. Consider
swapping out seasonal items over breaks rather than packing
all of your items at once. A few tough decisions at home can
save both effort and space on moving day.
be green Colleges have started asking students to pack green.
When making purchases, think about selecting environmentally
friendly products and energy efficient appliances. Local thrift
stores can also be an excellent place to find gently used items.
save cash
Many schools provide students with facilities
and services designed to make life easier. Before purchasing
high-end items, check to see if the dormitory includes a
communal kitchen or a computing lab. Students can often
take advantage of these services rather than purchasing
appliances for personal use.
communicate
Your Guide to Packing
If possible, talk to your roommate before
moving in and coordinate shared items. Most dorm rooms
do not have the space to accommodate several refrigerators,
microwaves and televisions. Moreover, good communication
can help students avoid having to haul heavy and expensive
purchases back home.
So you’ve decided to live on campus. For those who have never
left home, the idea of sorting through a lifetime’s worth of
scope it out Before making the big move, check to see if
floor plans are available online. Dormitory rooms often vary in
size and shape. A little planning can help students to anticipate
some of the challenges of their future home.
Don’t take
the kitchen sink to your new dorm. Start with
the essentials. Here’s how. by Katie Anderson
CG18
Today Me dia College guid e january 2011
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The College Guide
think about containers Determining what to bring is only
half the battle. You and your family should also consider the most
effective way to transport belongings. Cardboard boxes are inexpensive, environmentally friendly and easily disassembled for
storage after moving in. Students might also consider investing
in plastic storage containers, which can be used year after year.
move smarter, not harder Keep in mind that move-in day
is one of the busiest days of the semester. Students who chose to
move in during peak hours can expect to do their fair share of
waiting. Consider checking in early or, if time permits, moving in
during the off-hours, when many students have already finished.
think ahead Many students and families get caught up in
the packing process. However, unpacking can be an equally
daunting task for the inexperienced student. Consider packing
a separate bag of essential items for the first few days on
campus, rather than attempting to find all of the necessary
items in their separate boxes.
don’t panic Despite the most thorough preparation, most
students end up forgetting a few odds and ends. Not to worry.
Most items can be easily shipped from home or replaced at
a nearby store.
Making the Switch Adjusting from the
shelter of home to college life is a big change.
Here’s how to make it easily. by Dan Ciccala
At college, a world of novelty and uncertainty awaits, so
preparing for your first year guarantees a mix of excitement and
anxiety. Try to relax. “College should be a great experience right
from the beginning,” says Steve Merritt, dean of enrollment
management at Villanova University.
So when you get there, find a niche. “Students who are
involved in their campus early, they’re going to be successful
and happy” says Dr. Patricia Joseph, director of the first-year
experience at Lincoln University.
That means branching out, according to Marc Guzman, who
mentors freshman honors students at the University of Delaware.
“A lot of students tend to latch onto high school too much and
CG20
Today Me dia College guid e january 2011
end up spending most of their time on the Internet or on the
phone with high school friends,” Guzman says. That’s not ideal.
“People who are passive and waiting for things to happen
to them tend to be disappointed,” says Dr. John D. Lewis,
senior psychologist at the Center for Counseling and Student
Development at UD.
A proactive approach is especially important for those who
live off campus. “They have a particular dilemma of making
college a different experience from high school,” Lewis says.
“You can’t just go on auto-pilot. It’s an issue of intentionality.”
Harrison Stigler, a resident adviser at UD, recommends
student clubs and organizations as easy ways to plug in.
“There’s a niche for you, whether you like hockey or anime
or anything. There’s probably a club for it, and if there isn’t,
you can start one,” Stigler says.
Getting involved can even be as simple as working a job
on campus. Bettie Ann Brigham, vice president of student
development at Eastern University, says, “Small office jobs
are a great way for people who are shy or worried about
meeting people in large group settings to meet people.”
Of course, living on campus has its own set of challenges.
For those, Brigham says, “The biggest adjustment is meeting
the roommate and how nerve-racking that is.”
Stigler, having had roommate issues his freshman year, offers
this: Communication is key. In the likely scenario that a roommate situation isn’t perfect, try to talk to the roommate about
it. If communication is a problem, Stigler says, ask a residence
assistant to mediate a meeting between you and your roommate.
And if all else fails, “You can have a friend base and be out of the
You can now have
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The College Guide
room as much as possible and have your own life outside of the
room, where things might be stressful.”
While feeling connected and at home in the university setting
is important, academics are what you’re there for. For Brigham,
the best advice is the simplest: “Know the dates. The secret to
success—well, it isn’t really a secret at all—is checking your
CG22
Today Me dia College guid e january 2011
school e-mail and keeping important dates.”
With less time spent in class, and with teachers and parents
being less involved in keeping you focused on studies, time
management can be the most important skill to have.
“So long as you keep up with everything and don’t fall behind,
college can be a lot easier,” says Stigler. “And keeping a routine
keeps you on track.”
“The key is routine,” Guzman says. “Plan and dedicate two
hours or more a day to just study. And it helps to have a group
of friends that you can go to the library with at set times.”
If you do fall behind, “I suggest meeting up with students
in the class who aren’t behind and have them catch them up,”
Guzman says. “More importantly, meet with professors during
office hours. You can catch up on a month’s worth of material
very, very fast.” Guzman says that, though office hours are one
of the best resources, few students take advantage of them.
Lewis says making time for school work is going to be
easier and more pleasant if you’re not fighting the material.
“So find a way to make it engaging to you,” he says. “Have an
honest self-dialogue of, ‘Why am I here?’” If you stay in touch
with the value of education and understand how the classes—
even classes outside your major—help make you a better
citizen, a better father or mother, or better employee, schoolwork won’t be so difficult.
Joseph emphasizes the importance of the psyche in staying
focused. “Leaving home, being in a new environment where
you’re with new friends and in an environment of independence
where you have to manage everything on your own—the key is
to free your mind from all those stresses,” Joseph says. She says
that, by finding helpful resources—resident assistants, student
life offices, teachers you feel comfortable talking with, etc.—
class will suddenly become easy to deal with.
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