What Does a College Dean Really Do?

A special thanks to Dean Barbara Beckman for participating in our Admissions Spotlight Series. Dean Beckman is currently serving as the Associate Dean of Admissions at Tulane University School of Medicine.  Joseph Fernandez from Parliament Tutors conducted the interview.

As the Associate Dean for Admissions, what are your day-to-day responsibilities?

Reviewing applications, meeting with prospective students and advising them, interviewing on Mondays and Wednesday and helping out with Student Affairs events such as White Coat, Student Appreciation Days, Graduation etc.

What do you consider the most significant parts of an application, the parts which applicants should prepare the most carefully?
Letters of recommendation, Secondary application questions and responses, experiences

Is there anything you frequently see on an application that you hope to never see again?
A pattern of incidents such as drinking

What common pitfalls should applicants be careful to avoid?
Using verbatim words from websites

Are there any myths about the application process which you would like to dispel?
The application deadline may be January 15th but rolling admissions suggests that the earlier the applicant can submit their application the better chance they have of securing an interview.

What advice would you give to an applicant with below-average test scores but significant work experience?
Find a way to do better on the tests.  Medical school is a series of standardized tests.

Do you frequently have to turn away applicants whom you wish you could admit?  If so, what could those applicants do to be admitted?
There are so many great applicants and not enough slots.  Keep trying.

How much faith do you have in the ability of the MCAT to predict success at Tulane’s Medical School?
Yes, but there are exceptions.  Typically those students with acceptable MCAT’s who do not do well are not working hard enough.

What do you look for in a recommendation letter?
Detailed descriptions of the individual’s character and examples of their work ethic

Suppose an applicant has little or no experience relevant to your program, but has significant experience in other fields.  What can that applicant do to distinguish himself or herself in your eyes as a good candidate for your program?
Lots and lots of service, Peace Corps, Americorps, Teach for America

Joseph Fernandez is an MCAT Tutor with Parliament Tutors, a New York Tutoring service.

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Region and Interest College Matcher

Welcome to the TeenCollegeEducation College Matcher! We have worked tirelessly to bring you this list of colleges that will help find the right fit for you. This is by no means a comprehensive guide, but a starting point with what we considered to be the most striking colleges and universities in each field.

We divided the country into 4 regions: Northeast (NE), South (S), Midwest (MW), and West (W). We then categorized many schools into one of nine sub categories. These categories are Strictness, Artist Friendly, Urban, Math and Science, Late Bloomers, Super Diverse, Plush, Jock, and Philosophical/Intellectual. We tried to stay away from many of the obvious colleges for each category, but in some areas there was no avoiding it. Take a look and make sure to share with your friends!

If you have any suggestions or would like to see a particular college on the list, just let us know!

Strictness

NE

Manhattan College

Manhattan College is strict, but one of the safest colleges around. There is a zero tolerance policy regarding alcohol and drug use, but only drug use will get a student expelled. Alcohol will force an RA to write up a student, but the administration is not out to “catch” students.

Bucknell University

Bucknell University has a point system for students. If a student accumulates a certain number of points, the punishments range from losing privileges to expulsion. Drinking accumulates a point or two, and Bucknell is very strict with alcohol overall.

Grove City College

Grove City College is a liberal arts school with a zero tolerance policy on campus. Students who leave campus to drink must come back sober, or face consequences which could include expulsion. Despite this, campus security is friendly and also not necessarily looking to catch students.

S

Bob Jones University

 
Some students at Bob Jones University feel trapped by all the rules and regulations. The school has a demerit system where more than 150 demerits will could get a student expelled. Students earn demerits for actions such as being late to class, or most commonly, failing the daily room check.

West Point

It is no surprise that West Point is among the strictest campuses, it is the army after all. The school requires order and promotes discipline in all students. Everyone adheres to their honor code: “A cadet will not lie, cheat, steal, or tolerate those who do. “ Not doing so is grounds for punishment and possible expulsion.

Claflin University

Claflin University is a religious school. Besides curfews for underclassmen, the school has some other interesting rules, such as no walking on the grass. However, punishments are usually not too severe.

Hampton University

Hampton University is a strict school, especially with visitors. Anyone entering campus from the outside, including students, is stopped and questioned upon entry. There is also a dress code that students must adhere to, although it has become a bit more lax over the years.

MW

Notre Dame

One would expect Notre Dame, a religious school, to be more strict. Although there is no prohibition of alcohol on campus, drug use and sex on campus will get a student expelled. Drinking too much could also result in fines.

Wheaton College

Wheaton College is a religious school, so their rules are also pretty strict. All students sign a Community Covenant and agree to live by the rules and regulations. Every rule is supported by the Bible, so there is little arguing about them. The school is not afraid to fine students for infractions

St. Olaf College

St. Olaf College is a dry campus, meaning that no alcohol is allowed even for students who are 21. Students found with alcohol will be punished. If students have an event, it is usually small and quiet.

W

Brigham Young

You might remember the basketball player who was punished at Brigham Young earlier in the year for violating the honor code; this school takes its values seriously. Students have been expelled for alcohol and drug use, and curfew violations could get a student suspended. The honor code also covers areas such as dress and grooming.

Pepperdine University

Pepperdine is notoriously strict with all of its students. The campus is completely dry, meaning that alcohol is prohibited. Students caught with alcohol, drinking, or returning to campus drunk face punishment and possible expulsion. Additionally, between 10 pm and 10 am, the campus observes “quiet hours,” meaning that a student who causes too much noise will be written up.

University of San Diego

University of San Diego is a religious school so it has rules and policies like all other religious schools. Additionally, parking is difficult at USD, and illegally parked cars are almost always fined.

For Artist Friendly and Urban Colleges Click HERE and Continue Reading

For Math, Science, and Late Bloomer Colleges Click HERE and Continue Reading

For Super Diverse and Plush Colleges Click HERE and Continue Reading
 

For Jock and Philosophical and Intellectual Colleges Click HERE and Continue Reading

All Images are from Google Images.

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Avoiding Scholarship Scams

As one college counselor put it, “I actually hate this question because I want to believe that good people are doing good work…” However, the sad reality is that college scholarship scams are real. This week, our experts weigh in on the most common types of scholarship scams and the best ways for you to avoid them.

“What are the most common scholarship scams? How do I avoid them?” — Samantha Davis, Queens, NY

See all 21 answers to this week’s question

 A: The One Thing Never to Do to Acquire a College Scholarship

What is the one thing, to pay an organization to ‘be considered’ to win a college scholarship. Acquiring scholarship money takes time, not invested money. Thanks to two terrific web sites, FinAid – The Guide to Financial Aid and Fastweb - Largest Free scholarship search site every family has an easy place to go locate most (not all) available scholarship options.  In addition, always compete the FAFSA application and if any of the colleges the student is applying to uses the CSS Form, then complete that as well.

Ellen Fisher — Founder & Independent College Advisor - College4U

See all of Ellen’s answers

 A: Don't Pay for Any Scholarship Search Service

The most common scam is a service (online or in person) that offers to conduct a scholarship search for a fee.  There are plenty of places that offer free scholarship searches (collegenet.com, your local high school guidance office, meritaid.com, etc.) that contain a complete inventory of posted scholarships. Lots of students don't take the time to do a scholarship search or apply for small scholarships - take the time to apply for appropriate scholarships (ones for which you're qualified based on your interests or background), and you will likely be awarded.

Ken Huus - Dean of Admissions - Sweet Briar College

See all of Ken’s answers

 A: The Most Common Scholarship Scams - A List

The scams: “Pay $x to get a list of scholarships.” “Come to a presentation.” "Give us personal information for a chance to apply for a scholarship." “You have been nominated” for an award and you have a chance to purchase a book with your name. “You are guaranteed to get a scholarship.” How to Avoid Them: *Never, Ever pay to apply for a scholarship. *Never attend a seminar that is for the purpose of receiving scholarships. *Do not apply for any scholarships that involve a purchase of any kind. *Google the name of the scholarship followed by the word “scam”. *Look up the scholarship on the Better Business Office web site, the Federal Trade Commission or consumer affairs office from the state of affiliation. *Be wary of awards where you are notified that you have been selected or nominated to participate. *Check with your counselor. *”If it sounds too good to be true, it is.” Use fastweb.com, collegeboard.com and scholarships.com before researching other sites.

Scott White - Director of Guidance - Montclair High School

See all of Scott’s answers

 A: Beware of "Pay to Play!"

The most common scholarship scam is one where the "expert" says pay me now and I guarantee you will receive financial aid. Most often all they can guarantee are the federal loans that any student who fills out a FAFSA is eligible for. So you are paying for something that is available for free. My advice, ask for references from any financial consultant and call the references. Also check them out on the web--Google them and see if online reviews come up.

Chris Hooker-Haring - Dean of Admission & Financial Aid - Muhlenberg College

See all 21 answers to this week’s question

 A: Look Before You Leap at Scholarships!

Know that the best scholarship leads come from guidance counselors and qualified educational consultants. Generally any company claiming scholarship information asking for money should not be trusted. Legitimate scholarships can be found through private corporations, community organizations, non-profits and the colleges. There are excellent free scholarship databases available on the web. Call the source before you apply to check on credentials. Good Luck!

Jeannie Borin - Founder & President - College Connections

See all of Jeannie’s answers

The Unigo Expert Network is a group of top education experts from across the US answering questions submitted by students and parents about college admissions and succeeding after high school.

Find Unigo on Twitter at @Unigo & Facebook at Facebook.com/MyUnigo

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Retaking the SAT: Should You Take the SAT Again?

“1,597,329 million college-bound seniors in the class of 2010 took the SAT.”

Resource:  2010 College-Bound Seniors Profile Report issued by the College Board.

Despite the impressive number of participants, the standardized college testing experience is very personal. Results are commonly used in higher education admissions decision-making processes, as well as determining eligibility and awarding of scholarships.  Each student who takes the SAT is directly impacted by the scores achieved on the test. That said, the statistics of who takes the test and the variance in scores are significant and a good place to start when considering your decision to retake the SAT.

If you’ve taken the SAT and didn’t get a perfect score or the score you wanted, you may be thinking about taking the test again.

This graphic uses data from the 2010 College-Bound Seniors Profile Report issued by the College Board and illustrates the score distribution of the college-bound seniors in the class of 2010 who took the SAT. If you didn’t get a perfect score on your SAT, you clearly are not alone. 

Data from the Effects of Repeating the SAT®, Percentage of Students with Senior-Year Score Gain or Loss (2010 Cohort) by College Board indicates that in all parts of the test, the lower your score, the better your chances are of improving your scores by taking the test again. This may seem obvious, but is worth remembering when making the decision to take the SAT again.

If you are still considering taking the SAT again, answer these questions before you sign up:

Have you gained more experience and/or have more applicable coursework “under your belt” since the last time you took the SAT?

If you have since taken additional coursework or gained experience that has increased your knowledge in areas covered in the SAT, you should consider taking the SAT again.

Are you in a “better place” mentally and/or physically than you were the last time you took the SAT?

If your circumstances, either physically or mentally, were not ideal for your best performance the last time, you should consider taking the SAT again.

Are you, or will you be, better prepared to take the SAT than the last time you took it?

If you are willing to study, take practice tests, and/or take advantage of tutoring resources in order to set the stage for the best possible testing outcome, you should definitely consider taking the SAT again.

What is your ultimate goal for taking the SAT? Does this goal require a higher score?

Once you determine your goal for taking the SAT, if you find that your previous score does not meet the standards needed to achieve that goal, you should consider taking the SAT again.

Answering “yes” to one or more of these questions is justification and motivation for taking the SAT test again. 

One more thing…

If you make the decision to take the SAT again, set the stage for success by consciously making a personal commitment to prepare yourself so you can perform to the best of your abilities. Like an athlete, you must “train” for this challenge.  Take advantage of preparatory resources and practice, practice, practice!  If you make this commitment and follow through, you increase the odds that your score will improve and will find that the decision to take the SAT again was a good choice.

Good luck and have a great testing experience!

Anne N. is a SAT Tutor for Parliament Tutors in Des Moines, IA.

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How to Avoid Overbearing Parents

“How can parents help students with the college search and application process?”—Vanessa K., Boise, ID.

A: Five things parents can do to help with college admissions

It’s not easy for parents to know if they are doing too much or too little regarding their child’s college admissions. A little advice about testing is a good start. 1) Become educated about the various tests. 2) Remind your student about test registration deadlines and test dates; put them on a visible family calendar. 3) Help him/her complete the test registration forms. 4) If it fits your budget, pay for test prep books or tutoring. 5) Provide your child with chauffeur services on the day of a test so he/she doesn’t have to locate the test center and find a parking space.

• Marjorie Shaevitz—Author, Founder - adMISSION POSSIBLE

A: The three C's of parent college coaching

The hardest part of parenting a teen is coaching them to do things themselves and attain increased levels of independence. As far as the college process goes, you have three roles as a parent. I call them the 3 C’s. Chart the course by helping them plan for the future. Catalog the journey by keeping track of the details. Cheer them on by encouraging them to study hard, volunteer and get involved in extracurricular activities. Be a coach, not a taskmaster, by following the three C’s: Chart, Catalog and Cheer. Your teen will be happy, well-rounded and prepared for college.

• Suzanne Shaffer—Founder - Parents Countdown to College Coach

A: Parents should serve as mentors in the college search process

It’s been said that the relationship between the parent and child changes when the child goes to college.  As children begin to assert their independence and their ability to make decisions without parental involvement; parents must take on the role of mentor/supporter.  The college application process is a great time for parents to lay the foundation for this type of relationship.  The primary role for parents throughout the college admissions process is to encourage their child by consistently reminding them of their confidence in his/her ability to complete the application process and to choose the college with the best fit.

Dorothy Styles–Director for College Readiness Programs & Initiatives - Project GRAD Atlanta

The Unigo Expert Network is a group of top education experts from across the US answering questions submitted by students and parents about college admissions and succeeding after high school.
Don’t miss answers by the Dean of Admissions at Sweet Briar College, Associate Dean of Admissions at University of Delaware, and more – at www.unigo.com/expertnetwork.

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College Success Stories

The Unigo Expert Network is a group of top education experts from across the US answering questions submitted by students and parents about college admissions and succeeding after high school.

“In all of your years working with students, what were some of the most unexpected successes you witnessed – I could use a little pick me up?”—Jamie S., Rutland, VT.

A: Parent's thanks

I have been pleasantly surprised in my career with some of the "thank you’s I have received from parents who initially totally disagreed with advice I had given them and their children.  Many of the parents I have dealt with are as young as my own children and, perhaps, my "generational" perspective was not always welcomed.  I strongly believe that as children move toward college choices and decisions they must also move toward finding their own path.  Parents can be loving and all concerned, but this can also be overwhelming for kids who truly must start to make their own way. 

• Marie Bullock— Independent Counselor - Washington Lee High School

A: Enhanced study skills = better grades and more college choices

“Anna” came to us during sophomore year with dreams of attending medical school. Yet she had a B- average and test anxiety. Over the summer we helped analyze her study habits and come up with a concrete plan for the next school year. One of Anna’s strengths was her leadership in extracurricular involvement. We encouraged her to apply her enthusiasm to her medical interests—and she landed a paid summer position in a top tier medical research lab. When junior year rolled around, she put her new study plan in place and earned much stronger grades and improved SAT scores. This upward trend combined with her compelling activities helped her gain admission to her top college choice.

• Joan Casey—President - Educational Advocates College Consulting Corp.

A: Persistent, post-graduate, and Division I dreams come true

Persistence is the common denominator among students who have taken a gap year in order to gain acceptance to their dream colleges. These students had an interest in playing sports at the collegiate level. While each played sports competitively during high school, each needed the additional time and demonstrated academic rigor to advance to the Division 1 levels. Each student attended a selective boarding school post-graduate and is now playing basketball at Dartmouth, and the other is playing lacrosse at Davidson.

• Pamela Ellis– Founder - Compass Education Strategies LLC

Don’t miss answers by the Associate Dean of Undergraduate Studies at Seton Hall, and more – at www.unigo.com/expertnetwork.  To send your question to our experts, visit www.unigo.com/expertquestions

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College Myths: Are they Real or Fake?

The Unigo Expert Network is a group of top education experts from across the US answering questions submitted by students and parents about college admissions and succeeding after high school.

“In your experience, what are three of the most accepted or exaggerated myths in the college admissions process?”—Donald J., Park City, UT

A: Community college is a great option for many high-schooler graduates

Myth: Community college is a consolation prize for students who aren’t academically ready for a four-year college. Truth: Community colleges can help students learn important academic and organizational skills that will prepare them to succeed in upper division courses at four-year colleges. Myth: Community colleges deprive students of the rich social experiences that a four-year college can provide. Truth: Community College students can take advantage of theater, athletics, clubs or student government, in many cases with no prior experience. Myth: Community Colleges are a dead-end. Truth: The best way to ensure a successful transfer to a four-year college is to enter community college with clearly defined goals and a well-crafted transfer plan.

• Joanne Levy-Prewitt— Creator & Founder - CollegeMapp

A: Admissions myths debunked

Myths: (1) a Pulitzer Prize essay, (2) killer teacher recommendations, and (3) superhero extracurricular activities. This myth distracts families from the essential ingredient in a winning college candidacy: academics. 87 percent of colleges attribute “considerable importance” to the impact of “college prep grades” on the admission decision, 71 percent to “strength of curriculum”, and 58 percent to “admissions test scores”. By contrast, only 26 percent of institutions attribute “considerable importance” to essays, 17 percent to teacher recommendations, and a measly 9 percent to extracurricular activities. (NACAC, 2010) Do your best on these three elements of the application, but throughout high school, focus on academic performance.

• Kris Hintz—Founder - Position U 4 College LLC

A: No need for essays, standardized tests, or stress

While the most competitive colleges have extremely rigorous admission standards that include earning high grades, completing several essays, taking a number of challenging standardized tests, and pursuing a variety of extracurricular activities, the vast majority of America’s four-year colleges have far more modest admissions requirements. In fact, despite what you may have heard, many colleges require no admission essays, and a growing number of colleges are easing their admission requirements, as evidenced by the number of schools becoming ACT- and SAT-optional. If you want to attend a four-year college, stay calm and you will find one that will admit you.

• Craig Meister– President - Tactical College Consulting

Don’t miss answers by the Director of Admissions at University of Washington, and more – at www.unigo.com/expertnetwork.  To send your question to our experts, visit www.unigo.com/expertquestions  

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3 Admissions Mistakes You Can Avoid

The Unigo Expert Network is a group of top education experts from across the US answering questions submitted by students and parents about college admissions and succeeding after high school.

“In your experience, what are three of the most significant and avoidable mistakes students make throughout the admissions process?”—Elizabeth R., Omaha, NE.

A: Fit, follow-up and folly

FIT: Students must do the self-analysis necessary to determine what kind of school will be the best match for them.  Too often, they are swayed by the opinions of others – parents, friends, rankings, etc.  FOLLOW UP: Many students assume that their documents have arrived at admissions offices. If they have not received confirmation that their file is complete, they should contact the school to verify. FOLLY: Too many students believe that “senioritis” is a privilege/right.  It is not.  Schools will be reviewing final senior grades and reserve the right to revoke admission if there are significant declines in performance.

Alison Almasian— Director of Admissions - St. Lawrence University

A: Proofread, proofread, and proofread again

Much like the rules for hair care in the movie Legally Blonde, there are three simple and finite rules that will keep you from making the most egregious application mistakes:  Proofread, proofread and proofread again!  You do not want your essay to stand out because of an outrageous spelling error or a naïve double entendre. Before any item is matched with an envelope, email address or upload site, double and triple check that you are sending the right item to the right college. Nothing makes you look more disorganized and silly than sending an essay about why you love Carol Stack’s College to Faber College. Deadlines do matter! 

Carol Stack—Principal - Hardwick Day Inc.

A: 3 significant and avoidable mistakes

1) Shopping by "brand name." Some students (and their parents) are way too focused on the prestige of the college name, rather than whether the college is a suitable intellectual and social match. 2) Under-utilizing the opportunity offered by the "personal statement." Admissions officers would rather hear about a typical day in an applicant's life or how a quirky relative affected the student, than about the applicant's plans to stop global warming. 3) Resume-building instead of enjoying a healthy balance of activities. If the fulfilling activities also look impressive, that’s great, but simply piling up activities with college in mind cheats many students out of enjoying high school.

Jane Gabin– College Counselor - New York City

Don’t miss answers by the Director of Admissions at St. Lawrence University, and more – at www.unigo.com/expertnetwork.  To send your question to our experts, visit www.unigo.com/expertquestions

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