A rigorous course schedule through high school is important. Good grades are key. High SAT/ACT test scores certainly don't hurt. But what else are colleges looking for in students? Genuine interest in the school Colleges want students who show genuine and well-researched interest in their school. "A student who has gone beyond name recognition and reputation and has decided that the ...

Like most misconceptions, community college myths are based on elements of truth. But like most misconceptions, these myths lead to mistaken beliefs that could warp your ability to choose the right post-high school educational path. “There are many wrong assumptions about community colleges, but the top students at community colleges are among our country’s greatest assets,” says Joshua Wyner, vice president ...

Quit worrying. You’ll find a major that works for you—even if it takes a while. Undergraduate degrees can be specific and hard to select. Brown University in Rhode Island has more than 100 majors. The University of Iowa-Iowa City offers about 105, and undergrads at the University of Florida-Gainesville can choose among 110 majors. Undecided is OK So many choices can ...

You’ve put the finishing touches on your essays and resumes and you’ve sent your transcripts and test scores. So you think the application process is over, right? Maybe not. Should you send additional materials (e.g. essays, letters of recommendation, photographs, etc.) to make your admissions folder heavier? In most cases, this will work to your disadvantage. As some say in admissions, ...

Participating in a summer program is a great way to spend your summer. Not only do you experience life on a college campus, you get to explore new fields, earn college credit and make friendships that last a lifetime. But if you're planning on a summer program, you need to act now! Application deadlines come early in the year. To get ...

You've written the college essay, signed the application and sealed the envelope, all before the deadline. Now, you'll spend the next four months wondering if you'll be accepted to the college you love, or if you'll need to rely on your safety school. Fortunately, many schools permit students to apply for "early decision" or "early action." Both options allow students to ...

Although Halloween usually marks the start of the holiday season for America’s retailers, if you are a Senior applying to college, the day signals the unofficial start of the college application season. Regardless of your grades or test scores, you will likely struggle writing your personal statement, commonly known as “the college essay.” Here are six tips that will help you ...

When I first started working in the Brown Admissions Office, I assumed my primary responsibility was to select the strongest students. Instead, I soon discovered that my job was a combination of both gatekeeper and counselor. Even with a highly talented pool of students, my admissions colleagues and I spent many hours discussing how a student would make an impact in ...

Love taking pictures? Then listen up! Students who are interested in photography and possibly making it a part of their career may be interested in learning a bit more about photography scholarships. Photography is more than just taking a great picture, great photographers study for years to learn the ins and outs of creating the perfect shot. A photography scholarship can ...

With most of the country covered in snow, your college search may have taken a turn. If you’re a fair-weather kind of student, you should consider some of the hottest college campuses in the country…literally. These colleges aren’t just a draw for their warm weather either. Some are hot spots for brainiacs and others bring in a big crowd because of ...

"What do you want to be when you grow up?" This was easy to answer when we were kids: "I want to be a ballerina. An astronaut. A racecar driver. A doctor. A teacher. Superman." As we get closer to becoming adults, people expect our answers to that question to be more realistic. We are supposed to be practical rather than ...

Not all scholarships are based on academic performance. Rather, many seek to reward talent—whether it’s athletic, mechanical or art based. As a result, students are working hard to develop passions outside of the classroom as well. To help connect creative students with increasing scholarship opportunities, the Fastweb database contains an array of art scholarships. Whether your talent is something you hope ...

Graduate school requires a lot of hard work, a lot of time and a lot more money. So it's important to consider these issues when deciding whether or not to pursue a graduate degree, and just what level of degree you want to attain. General Definitions A general master's degree can either be a Master of Arts (MA) or Master of ...

Take a strong course schedule. Your class record is a big part of your college application. Don't take courses that simply pad your GPA. Challenge yourself. Take AP, IB or honors courses. If your school doesn't offer them, see if your local community college or university does. Do volunteer work. Make a difference and volunteer for activities that reflect your personality ...

It's your final year of high school, which is not only the time to celebrate your achievements but bulk up your resume and course schedule to show colleges and universities that you're a worthy candidate. Senior year is easily the most overwhelming for high school students but staying organized will guarantee a solid finish, a good chance at your top choice ...

Warren Buffet. Meredith Vieira. Ted Turner. Tom Brokaw. Besides being very successful, these famous business moguls and television personalities have something else in common. They were rejected from their first choice colleges. While you may think your rejection letter is signaling the end of the world, it’s not. Just consider it a speed bump in the admissions process and look forward ...

As Apple continues to revolutionize the way we work and play, their products become not only more appealing but practical as well. Whether your child is in high school or enrolling in college, the Apple iPad works to educate, organize, and entertain during those much-needed study breaks. Prices for the iPad begin at $499 with free shipping for students. Need an ...

The staples of packing well are comfortable shoes. I know that most students want to look good, but comfort needs to come before style when studying abroad. You are going to walk a whole lot more than you think, and you need to be prepared. It’s also important to pack light. While it is a scary thought to have to pack ...

Insects and people. Crop sciences. Cinema studies. What do these things have in common? All are classes taught in liberal arts and sciences colleges. Many students aren’t clear about the liberal arts and sciences—and why majoring in liberal arts may be advantageous to their careers. Most universities have a college of liberal arts and sciences that offer a wide range of ...

A huge advantage of living in a major metropolitan area is the opportunity to attend a community college (also called a junior or two-year college). There are a variety of reasons why someone decides to become a student at a two-year college: With comparatively low tuition rates and flexible class schedules, community colleges can suit people in a variety of different ...