>This varies only slightly from school to school. The basic parts of the application include the submission of a general application, written essay(s), transcripts (official grades), teacher recommendations, application fee, and SAT (or ACT) scores. The most important thing is to watch for deadlines. Also, remember to turn in your housing deposit if you are going to live in a dormitory. Take a look at an application now by checking out the admissions page of your favorite college or university. If you don't know the home page of your favorite school, search for it on Google!
>Scholarships generally fall into two catagories: merit-based and need-based. Merit based awards will focus on your grades and academic achievements and the need based awards will focus on your financial status. Just keep those focal points in minde as you apply.
>The most powerful way to search for scholarships is by checking with the high school councelor, your school clubs and organizations, and then by doing searches on the net to learn about what else is available.
Clubs and Organizations
>Clubs and organizations are a great way to show your full potential to a college or university. It definitely adds to your application and shows your ability to work with people and even be a leader if you take an officer position. There are many great clubs and activities that you can participate in.
Athletics
Music: Band or Orchestra
Art
Foreign Language
Theater/Drama
Academic: Science, Math, Engineering, Computers
Health/Medical
Volunteering
Student Council
and much more.......
Examples (National Honor Society, UIL, Key Club, Health Occupations Students of America, Odessey of the Mind, Future Problem Solvers)
Grades and Skills
>You cannot give advice about education and ignore the topic of grades. There are some interesting things that you will learn over time. The earlier you understand, the better!
>Grades are the simplest way to rank or label people. If people ask you for your g.p.a. (grade point average), then it is easy for them to form an opinion of what type of student you are. It is one of the deciding factors for admission to a school, awarding a scholarship, and getting a job. Usually, it is the first hurdle. If your grades are good enough, then you have a shot. You will be placed in the good pile instead of the trash bin. Then, you will be compared based on other factors like admissions test scores, course selection (Advanced Placement, honors, specialized classes in computers, health, literature, math, and science), extracurricular activities (clubs and organizations), essays, teacher recommendations, and awards.
>SO! If you want a shot at free money, special awards, opportunities, and a taste of the good life.....GET GOOD GRADES! ...if something goes wrong, don't give up. The other lesson is that it is all about who you know. Learn how to present yourself posititvely to people from industry (in jobs and visiting the school to recruit). Maintain a good personality and work on your people skills (the ability to make people feel comfortable and enjoy being around you).
SAT, SAT II's, and ACT
>You will have a chance at the PSAT during the 11th grade to practice for the real SAT (and a chance to get a scholarship or an award). The SAT is the admissions test for colleges and univeristies. Another test that some schools use is the ACT. The SAT II's are placement tests that help you get into the appropriate level classes when you start your freshman year in college. The key is to be completely familiar with the format of the test and to practice with some sample tests. There are many books that will help you practice and teach you the tricks of how to take the test. The easiest way is to get a practice book from a public library. If this test is the most important thing in your life, then look into taking prep courses from Kaplan or the Princeton Review...just keep in mind that it costs a lot of money $$$.
>Here's a good way to show that you are responsible and know how to get a job done right! Try working over the summer. It can be for a local grocery store, fast-food chain, or even something in your line of interest (ex. bank, pharmacy, computer programming). This will help again on an applicaiton and it just might help you save up a little money for your pocket or towards school!
Look through this page to find educational links for high school, college/university, and graduate students. If you know of any other links or advice that would help others, please e-mail me to have the information included here!!
Undergraduate Zone
College Program Ranking
>There is one thing I want to set straight with you. No matter what school you go to, you will be able to learn so much and become extremely successful in life if only you give it your best and pay attention to your priorities in life. You may have somethings easier in life if you are in a top school in the nation, but there is definitely nothing that will restrict you from achieving your dreams if you have focus and discipline in your life. Always talk to professors and councelors about your goals and ambitions. Take advantage of resouces at your school to help you learn more about your field of study. Stick with people that seem to always find success in their efforts. Having the right people around you will place the keys of success right in your pocket.
>Ok...so you want to get into the best school in the land? Just keep these deciding factors in mind before you go!
~weather & climate: do you like snow, rain, heat, wind, etc...
~family & friends: how long can you go without being near family? do you have the guts to go to a school where you don't know anybody?
~size of the school: do you want to get lost on campus or do you want everything within reaching distance?
~programs: will the school be able to teach you what you want to learn? are they good at it?
>The scariest part of college is picking the major. It is a step that feels like you are making a serious committment. The key is focusing on what area/topics you are interested in. There is nothing to fear because the first year of college is usually just standard freshman year classes like English, history, or government. So just pick something that you will probably like and go for it. You can switch (if necessary) after the first year and possibly use all the same classes for the new major. Use this link to help you figure out what major is best for you.
>I am going to ask the experts to help me on this one. Sorry for the delay on the info.
Co-ops/Internships
>Co-op vs. Internship: A co-op will usually consist of three (3) or more work terms alternating with semesters/quarters at school. The advantage is a better relationship with the company and more money to pay for school. An internship is usually a single work term during the summer or one (1) semester/quarter away from school. The advantage here is you may not need to postpone your graduation date. Either way, the great thing about co-ops and internships is that they can give you a good look at what you are going to be one day.....or they can save you and let you know if you don't really like what you thought you wanted to be!!! Remember, to get a position, you usually have to interview for it.
>This is the best way to get a chance to work for the company of your dreams when you complete college. To get an opportunity like this, work with your school's career assistance or career development center. If there is no such center, then you have to be even stronger and work through the Human Resources Department of the company you are intersted in! The trick is to have a resume ready! Your career assistance/development center should be able to help, but if you don't have one.....click on these links.
>Summer Programs provide experiences that can totally energize you whether it is an academic or extracurricular program. These programs also look good on the resume while connecting you to positive people with much of the same goals that you have. Here is an example of a summer program that I have personally participated in and fully recommend to anyone who has strong goals in life.
On the academic front, there are many research opportunities that may interest you in your field of study. I personally have not been involved in any summer research programs but I have friends who have and loved it. Try doing a search for summer research programs in your field of study.
>Note Taking: Some people like to take notes while others like to sit back and listen. What ever your method, you still want to capture important points that the instructor presents in lecture so that you don't forget to go over them when it's exam time! Here are some examples of note taking techniques that may help you capture information more efficiently
Study Routine: A very valuable method of improving your study skills is having a routine. This makes studying much easier because you know that you are going to sit down and do it! Of course, if you are not able to focus, you should just stop and clear your mind or reschedule your study time. Study groups can help keep you committed and it is good to use tutorial services when available.
Timing: I touched on this lightly in study routines. The point is this....if you aren't concentrating on your studying, then go party or have some fun! When you are going to study, make sure that you are in the right mind frame and have decided that you only want to concentrate on your classes for the next couple of hours. The idea is to spend 20% of your time to get 80% of the work done. If you are focused during study time, you will have time to spare for focusing on the social life...enjoy!
Study Groups: I also mentioned this up above in study routines. The other advantage of a study group is that you have that many more people taking notes and listening to the professor. This means that it will be a lot harder for information to get passed you. Your group will be able to remind you about important due dates and comments about test questions and test format.
Resources: Always remember the best resource you have is the library when you are doing any kind of research. When it comes to tests, check and see if the academic professional societies in your field of study have a test bank. A good test bank has old copies of tests from professors teaching the classes you are taking. Even if the professor changes the questions each year, you get a good sense of the types of questions that will be asked and what material will be covered and focused on most.
Going to Class: In case you didn't know, it helps to go to class. Unlike high school, many college classes DO NOT REQUIRE ATTENDANCE. Well, I REQUIRE YOUR ATTENDANCE....so there!! If you won't just trust me, then trust this....it always helps for a professor to remember your face from the first two rows of the lecture hall during class when you are going to their office at the end of the semester/quarter and asking for a boost on your grades.
Course Selection
>Course Requirements: One thing that will help you pick which classes to take is degree requirements which specify the courses needed to obtain the degree in your field of study. Classes also list prerequisites (classes you have to take before you can take this class itself). Some classes are only offered during certain semesters/quarters, so it pays to watch over the requirements.
Course Equivalency: If you are away from your school but still want to make progress towards your degree, you can take classes from a local community college. The key is to verify course equivalency so that you know for sure that the class will be worth credit for one of your degree requirements.
Supporting Courses/Electives: These classes are totally free for you to learn whatever you want. The best thing to do is to make a list of all your interests and see if you can learn about the ones from outside of your field of study by taking electives. Another way to use your electives is to raise your grades.
Housing
>Dorms: It has been a very long time since I have lived in a dorm, but the experience is really great and you meet so many new friends quickly. This is really a must for frist year students
Co-ops: These are special arrangements where everybody that lives in the house chips in for house chores and meals.
Apartments: This is my current living arrangement, but I love it. For those of you who will be far from campus, make sure the school shuttle can pick you up easily.
Houses: I never lived in a student house, so I don't have much to say. For what it's worth, I believe that this may be a cheeper solution
>Keep in mind that statistics have shown that students residing on campus have better outcomes on grades than those that live off campus.
Student Organizations
>The big message here is... Don't bite off more than you can chew!!!!
There are hundreds of organizations on many larger universities, but there is just one you. Plus, you have the priority of getting your degree when you are in school, so don't let something like this stop you.....it should only strengthen your experience and skills
Academic - these are groups that deal with your major or the professional career that follows
Social - these groups are around just to have a good time and lift up school spirit
Fraternities and Sororities
>These organizations can be fun and really be a big source of memories during your collegiate career. HOWEVER, there are a lot of untold secrets in the world of Greek Life (a term that refers to fraternal and sororal organizations). A Greek organization will require a whole lot of commitment and self-sacrifice....and in some cases...self-humiliation. The posititve side to Greek orgnizations involves commuity building events and community service opportunities. These opportunities are also available in many other organizations. The other half of the equation is loyalty to your organization & its members and a pledging or orientation process (most likely with initiation practices) to prove your worthiness to be in the organization.
>One more thing!!!
You will have to pay membership dues!
(Dues = $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$)
You probably won't have a lot of that sitting around in college.
Graduate Zone
Graduate Program Ranking
>Well, choosing a graduate school has all the same decision factors as choosing an undergraduate program did...
~weather & climate: do you like snow, rain, heat, wind, etc...
~family & friends: how long can you go without being near family? do you have the guts to go to a school where you don't know anybody?
~size of the school: do you want to get lost on campus or do you want everything within reaching distance?
~programs: will the school be able to teach you what you want to learn? are they good at it?
>However, the programs concern is even more important now!! Do you know what type of research the faculty are doing at your graduate school of choice? If so, is it what you want to do when you get there....or more importantly, will you have the opportunity to work in that research group if you get there!! This is a crucial aspect of graduate school. Contact the key faculty persons that you are interested in and see what they have to say to you about their research. It is even easier to ask current graduate students...they can tell you if a professor is cool or not!
>Again two types: Intramural and Extramural (or from the university and from sources outside the university). Fellowships usually refer to absolutely free money or an internship with a company that will fund your education. Assistantships will be for Teaching Assistants (TA's), Research Assistants (RA's), or Course Assistants (CA's). The common perception for engineering, is that graduate school should be free!!
>You need to look out for if the award covers full tuition or tuition up to a certain limit. Also, it is important to find out what limits there are on units/credits to take per semester/quarter. In addition, there is usually a period of time for coverage by the award (ex. 2-yrs. or 5-yrs). Keep in mind that you can usually apply for Intramural awards when filling out the graduate application, but the extramural awards have separate application processes!!!! (plan accordingly!)
Graduate Application Process
>Well, let me go over all the parts of the beast. You will have your application, test scores, personal statement, teacher recommendations, and deadlines. To get to this point, you had to go through college applications, so I will spare you the full lecture.
I still want ot point out the importance of the personal statement. This is still your opportunity to really stand out amongst the rest and let the admissions council know why you need to be at thier school. You need to let them know why you need them and also let them know why you are perfect for them.
Teacher recommendations are also important because a good one can hold a door open for you, while a bad one or even just an ok one may help the door close in your face.
Follow-up is key to make sure that the appropriate persons have recieved all your documents and that your application process is going along smoothly.
GRE/LSAT/GMAT/MCAT
>These are some of the required examinations to get into graduate programs. The rules of the GRE have been changing continuously, so you must keep on top of the latest rules.
Also, give yourself time to prepare and focus on one or just a few books to help you know what to expect during the test. Here are some links to help you get familiar.
>It is a little tricky explaining why you should go for a masters or a PhD. Some will reason with their industry as a justification for which path to take. Another factor is the money you expect to make when you begin an occupation. Again, you should also consider the opportunities available to you when you have a masters as compared to the opportunities you have as a PhD. Lastly, i think your decision relies partly on the time & environment of the job market when you are in graduate school. Whatever the reason may be, here is a site that can hopefully explain things a little better than I can.
