Archive for the ‘College’ Category
The cost of private college has capped $40,000 annually for most schools. This expense is too large for many families to handle alone, and student loans are becoming a more common issue for young college students. When considering whether it is best to attend a public college or a private college, there are factors other than college rank to keep in mind. The advice, “go to the best school possible,” may be outdated in today’s complicated environment. When filling out college applications, ask these questions:
Will I Go to Graduate School?
If you intend to go to graduate school, your choice of an undergraduate university becomes less important. A degree matters most in the first few years after graduating from college. When you do not yet have work experience for your resume, you will have to show your academic prowess indicates your ability to succeed. For this reason, a more prestigious degree and high GPA are important when you apply for your first job. However, if you are not applying for a job until after graduate school, then you can wait a little longer to go to a prestigious school. Top graduate schools will accept students from nearly any college if they have good grades and test scores.
Where do I Want to Work?
The school you graduate from will set you up with connections and internships in the area where the school is located. This is particularly true of public schools located in large markets. For example, attending a school like the University of Florida will present you with a number of connections with jobs in Florida. Since the school is so large, there are graduates form the school in most large companies. If you want to work in Los Angeles, you would be better off attending a University of California public school. Public schools have a greater connection to the local job market than most private schools.
What Will my Major Be?
If you already know the major you will pursue, you can elect a school that focuses on that particular major regardless of whether it is public or private. For example, the University of Missouri is a large public school known for its journalism program. Virginia Tech is known for its veterinary program. Some public schools are well-advanced in vocational majors while private schools tend to offer a more well-rounded liberal arts education.
What Connections Do I Currently Have?
One key advantage to attending a specific school is gaining contacts in your industry. For example, the Wharton School at University of Pennsylvania is known for excellent connections in the business world. If you do not have connections in business and would like a job with a major financial institution, this pricey education may be worth the cost. On the other hand, if you intend to work for your family business and are well-connected, it may be worth your while to attend a less costly university. Look at reviews on placement in careers to determine how well-connected a school is in a particular industry.
Tags: cost of private college, private college, public college, public vs. private college
Posted in: College | No Comments »
With college acceptance expected to reach record levels of difficulty this year, many students are turning to private tutors for application assistance to really stand out from the pack. Some students, however, are hesitant to request assistance with applications as they see this as a form of cheating or plagiarism. There are very direct and definable lines to determine when assistance becomes cheating. There are also many forms of assistance that offer little beyond what a very qualified college counselor could provide.
Editing and Proofreading
Students have routinely turned to English teachers and academic advisors for help editing and proofreading applications and essays. It is not uncommon for students to use an existing high school paper as the basis for a college essay, and this paper has often been edited by peers and teachers alike. This type of assistance is encouraged in college as well, where writing centers and writing advisors can help students improve their papers and essays. The main difference comes when the student has not generated the material; this is either plagiarism or copying. Both are against the honor code at most universities and should not be tolerated. If it is against the honor code of the school you are looking to attend, it is not something you should do on your application.
Impartial Critique
Getting another set of eyes on a paper or application is always important, whether it is a college application or a loan application. Searching for impartial critique is a sound practice inside and outside of academia, and it is generally encouraged by all universities. A private tutor or an after school center is a great place to start looking for impartial critiques and advice. Again, this practice is offered through many resources at most universities, and is an integral part of the learning process.
Insider Information
Sources like the Princeton Review and U.S. News & World Report have been offering insider tips on college application processes for decades. Even disengaged counselors can typically provide lists of the most important criteria each individual school is looking for. Private tutors can take this a step further, helping you discover the important criteria and showing you how to highlight that on your application. If a school claims it is very focused on leadership, for example, a private tutor can help you bring your leadership qualities to the forefront of both your essay and application. While no tutor will write your application for you, they can assist you with organization in order to truly emphasize your best qualities. Without this organization, you may have everything it takes to get into the school, but the admissions board can miss the essential points.
The Golden Rule
The golden rule with all cheating questions is: if you have to ask whether or not its cheating, it probably is. If a friend or associate offers to write your essay for you, this should raise a red flag. Follow your instincts to ensure you can attend your first class with pride, knowing you got in to college on your own merits.
Tags: college acceptance, college admission, college application, college preparation
Posted in: College | No Comments »
If you have a student who will be a high school junior or senior next year, your summer will likely involve visits to many different college campuses. It is natural to ask questions about the Greek system, teacher-student ratios and school athletics. Students will anticipate seeing the campus and student centers to get a feel for the social life at the school. As a parent, though, it is important to ask about terms of acceptance when you get the chance. You only have a short period of time before applications are due. If you have considered seeking a private tutor for help with applications, this information will be useful.
Average Class Rank
Colleges rarely use GPA alone as an indicator of academic performance. High schools may or may not “weight” GPA based on the types of classes taken. Class rank is a better test for how your student compares to peers. A college advisor will be able to state most applicants are from a certain percentage in the class rank; for example, the most selective schools will seek students from the top 5-10% of their class. Ask your private tutor about how to improve class rank if you are aiming for a specific goal.
Which Test is Preferred
Most colleges and universities accept both the SAT and the ACT commonly. Some may have a preference, though. This used to be based on geography. Today, geography is not as much of a factor. Ask the advisor or tour guide which test is most commonly accepted and used at the school. It will help if your student is being compared on an “apples to apples” base against other students.
Average Test Scores
You should be able to locate the average test score of either the SAT, ACT or both for students admitted to the school. This must be your student’s base goal. If he or she has taken the SAT or ACT practice exam, see how much the score must improve for him or her to gain acceptance. If you have an SAT score point increase goal of 100 points, for example, you should share this with your SAT tutor. Your SAT tutor should be able to determine if the goal is feasible and what it will take to attain it.
Factors of Importance
All schools will weigh factors differently. Some may rely on scores and class rank before they look at community involvement. Others may look at the number of advanced classes your son or daughter took before they view class rank. In many athletically-inclined schools, sports and extra curricular activities will weigh in as heavily important. Know what factors come into play to help determine your son or daughter’s chance of acceptance.
The Common Application
In recent years, the common application has grown in popularity. If the school accepts the common application, your son or daughter will save time. You should have a list of all schools who accept this application prior to starting the application process. A private tutor can help prepare the application so it shines on every level. Even if a number of the schools do not accept the common application, if the same application will be used even three admissions offices, your son or daughter will save time and stress.
Tags: Colle applications, College GPA, Test scores
Posted in: ACT, College, SAT | 3 Comments »
If you or someone you know is heading off to college within the next few years, you will need every edge you can get. College acceptance has become increasingly hard over the last decade. With the recent financial crisis, the process is more arduous and difficult than ever before. College admissions boards will require a well-rounded student with good grades, test scores and a solid resume of extra-curricular activities. At the same time, as the cost of education continues to rise, public schools are seeing more students apply for admission who may have previously opted for a private education. The result is a challenging market for the freshman class. JD Tutors offers test prep and college application assistance in a time when it is more necessary than ever.
High Number of Applications
College and graduate applications are flooding into admissions offices. As the job market shrinks, more previously employed individuals are heading out to build their resumes with continuing education. Less employers are offering internships and mentorships, sending young, entry-level employees back to school. Where many students may have sought vocational training, there are not options to receive this training as companies cut costs. It’s a simple numbers game: as the number of jobs decreases, the number of individuals with “student” status increases. If you are applying for university or graduate school acceptance this year, you will likely be one of thousands competing for a single place at the school.
Pressure of the Job Market
A high school education used to require a person for any number of general business and service jobs. Today, even vocational degrees do not carry as much weight on the market. Entry-level positions are given to college graduates. The better a school’s record, the more the applicant will shine in an interview. Many students feel they can position themselves well for the market’s recovery if they achieve higher levels of education during the recession. Five years from now, employers will be receiving applications for the surplus of MBA and graduate students who are now heading back to school. To be competitive in that market in the long-term, a college education will be a necessary accolade.
Lower University Budgets
Most universities operate an endowment fund. This fund is heavily invested in the market. Just as the private wealth of many retirement funds have taken a hit this year, so have college endowments. With fewer donations from alumni, there is no quick fix to rebuild the endowment. Scholarships and work-study opportunities are decreasing across the board. Professors may be forced to take a pay cut or laid off all together. Universities have already seen huge reductions in administrative staff. The result may be smaller freshman classes. Without the infrastructure to support a large class, colleges may have to opt for these smaller classes despite their desire to continue raising funds through tuition. Even public or state sponsored universities will not be handing out opportunities for education. Every student will get one change – his or her application – to prove he or she is worthy of the opportunity.
Tags: college acceptance, college admission, college application, university budgets
Posted in: College | No Comments »
In entry-level higher education classes, one of the primary complaints by professors is that many students who are newly enrolled aren’t properly prepared for college. Some professors claim that they fail to meet the demands and criteria for college work and college courses. Literacy and English professors sometimes believe that freshman or new students do not read or write at a college level. The two primary remedial subjects that incoming college students struggle with are English and Mathematics.
It is essential for students to receive the proper education earlier on so that their learning deficiencies doesn’t negatively impact or hinder their future education. If a student is struggling with a subject, he or she should seek help right away and correct their problem. A learning problem uncorrected will carry on with the students as they advance through grade school. Even if a student manages to get by with meeting the minimal demands to pass a class, it can have a bigger impact on him or her down the line.
Many students discover that they need help with their studying skills or that they may need additional help when it seems to be too late. It is never too late to correct a learning disability, but it is highly effective to take care of it earlier on before the student graduates from high school.
It is highly recommended that a student who has problems with a particular subject, and who has always struggled with that subject, to consult an experienced private tutor as soon as possible. Private tutoring can give a student the necessary one-on-one attention that is needed that he or she can not get in class from the teacher. If a student is able to challenge him/herself and face the problems that he or she is having with their academics earlier on it could help catch them up with their other peers. Elementary students who are prepared and equipped with the necessary knowledge will excel in middle school. Middle school students who are prepared and equipped with the necessary knowledge will excel in high school. Thus, high school students who are graduating should be prepared to tackle college material and classes once they enter a higher learning institution.
Educational preparation is important for higher learning progression. Frustrated students may want to drop out of college. Tutoring options are available for college students, but if a student becomes sufficient with a subject earlier on there should be no reason for academic delays later on. The earlier-on poor academic habits are corrected, the easier it will be on the student later on. As for students struggling with math and English, correcting their problems earlier on can help them in other aspects and areas in life. Basic math is essential when it comes to good budgeting and managing finances. Proficient English skills are needed for almost all areas of the professional work-field. The tools of knowledge and information that students attain from a tutor could have a profound impact on their future. In a way, tutoring is an investment that benefits an individual for a lifetime.
Tags: college preparation, college tutor, english tutor, literacy, math tutor, private tutor
Posted in: College | No Comments »
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