Violence in school campuses is not a relatively new concept. There have been documented cases wherein a lax security system in schools has led to school shootings and violent student outbursts. In the US, the more recent cases that gained wide media coverage were the Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech) massacre and Northern Illinois University shooting, which caused the deaths of numerous students and school personnel. When such events occur, US colleges observe maximum tolerance in their security systems and safety measures, but often fall into a relapse as time progresses.
Guns are strictly prohibited in all US college campuses, but as we learned through the Virginia Tech and Northern Illinois University massacres, students still manage to smuggle handguns and machine guns into college campuses. This says a lot about the need for US colleges to devise and employ stricter safety measures and security checks.
Safety measures employed in US colleges
Most US colleges have guards who roam around the university, including the grounds where on-campus dormitories are located. University guards are, more often than not, effective in controlling student activities such as frat parties, student protests, and keg parties, activities which can potentially lead to dangerous situations. Some US colleges have scanners installed in entry doors as a form of safety measure that prevents smuggling of firearms and dangerous weapons into the campus.
Some US colleges have also implemented a form of PA system for students and school personnel which allows them to receive school announcements and/or messages and warnings. This PA system works by having all the students’ mobile numbers, and dorm phone numbers registered in the school database, allowing fast communication between college authorities and their students. Some universities have also considered using a software that would allow college authorities to locate their students in case of emergencies. This, however, is still being discussed because some students feel that this system will mean a breach in their privacy. In the end, students and parents have to realize that the safety measures in US colleges can only attain maximum effectivity if they are employed and observed in participation with the students themselves, as well as with all campus personnel.
Photo Credit : tiseb
Tons of movies have been made about the typical college experience; some are serious and insightful, while some show the more fun and crazy side of college life. To give you a better idea of what we’re talking about, below are five college-themed Hollywood comedy and “dramedy” movies you can watch before going off to college:
1. Old School (2003)
The movie’s tagline, “All the fun of college. None of the education,” basically sums up what the movie is all about. Old School stars Luke Wilson, Will Ferrell, and Vince Vaughn as three 30-something men who aim to relive the fun and craziness of college minus the school work. They start an off-campus fraternity and recruit misfit college students, losers, middle-aged, and elderly retirees as members.
2. Good Will Hunting (1997)
Good Will Hunting stars Matt Damon as Will Hunting, a mathematically gifted janitor working at MIT, and Robin Williams as a psychologist who helps Will believe in himself and realize his potentials. Although Will is technically not a college student in this movie, his efforts are recognized by people in the academe.
3. Animal House (1978)
Starring John Belushi, Tim Matheson, and John Vernon as college misfits, Animal House is a crude and hilarious parody of college life in the 1960s. Dubbed as THE college comedy movie that inspired movies like Old School and Van Wilder, Animal House is considered as a classic in the college comedy genre.
4. PCU (1994)
Also known as PCU Pit Party, the movie follows the hilarious misadventures of Droz, Tom, Katy, and Gutter as they make fun of socio-political groups including feminists, vegetarians, and everything in between. True to the movie’s tagline, “Flunk ‘em if they can’t take a joke,” PCU ranks high on comedy charts because of its merciless parodies on political correctness and propriety.
5. With Honors (1994)
With Honors stars Brendan Fraser as a stuck-up Harvard student who finds the last remaining copy of his thesis in the hands of a homeless man, played by Joe Pesci. Along with Moira Kelly, and Patrick Dempsey as Fraser’s fellow Harvard friends, the three realize that they’re learning more from the homeless bum than from their classes inside the walls of Harvard.
Photo Credit : hellochris
Apart from studying hard and meeting new people, you will also get to encounter different types of guys in college. Some are worth your time, while others are not. You can act nice initially, but if you have no idea how to handle them, you might end up being the object of their idiosyncrasies in the long run. So, read about some of the general types of college guys below and know how to deal with them.
The jock
Other than being involved in a sports team, the athlete is often serious about his class standing. After all, he is required to maintain a set of grades, otherwise, he will be taken out of his team (or have his athletic scholarship revoked). So, you might want to hang out with an athlete who can even influence you to live a healthy lifestyle. And when it comes to dating a jock, be ready to be invited to his games or to lend support even when he’s in training.
The frat boy
Fraternities are common in some colleges and universities in the US. Some are the healthy type while others are simply about the wrong sense of brotherhood. So, before you lend your most-treasured lecture notes or date any frat boy, learn more about how he commits to his fraternity. Avoid frat boys who are laid back in doing school work and who practice an irrational kind of brotherhood. Also, avoid a frat boy who is required by his “brothers” to share almost anything with them.
The smart one
You might like to be friends with or even date a guy if you think he is cool enough to balance seriousness and fun. A smart guy can serve as a role model, as long as he also knows how to deal with everything outside of his books. But if he is known for being detached from reality, is dominating and is intimidating, avoid him and just deal with other smart guys in class.
The parasite
At first he is very friendly and nice and you’ll consider dating or hanging out with him. But eventually, he sticks to you when he forgets to do his paper or to study for an exam. He even asks you to write notes about a lecture so he can photocopy later on. When you see signs like these in a guy, stay away from him next time. He is only using you for his benefit and comfort.
Photo Credit : thetorpedodog
You can decrease the impact of housing on your college budget. Housing, aside from tuition, is a major college expense. So, finding cheaper housing can really help get you through college. Anyway, you are not really in college to experience living within the comforts of a posh pad. You are attending university to get a degree, and you need to save money to make sure that happens.
Live in the dorm.
Dorms are cheaper than most apartments for rent. They also place you near your university so that you won’t stress about transportation. So, living in a dorm not only saves you money, it also reduces transportation costs.
Split costs with a friend.
If you want a little more privacy or if you do not really like the dorm environment, rent an apartment and invite a friend or two to share the lease with you. You and your friends can split the costs of rent and other household expenses. This way, you enjoy a smaller bill and a more homey place to come home to. Also, living off-campus gives you more freedom.
Look for good deals on off-campus accommodations. You never know, the apartment of your dreams may need just a little bit more searching. If your heart is set on renting an apartment, make sure that you view several options first. Prices and amenities offered may vary from house to house. Find one that costs the least, but is comfortable enough for student living.
Stay in with a relative.
Speaking of homey, you can stay in with a relative. If your aunt happens to live near the university of your choice, you can live with her instead of renting a place. Of course, you have to make do with what she can offer. Help out around the house, or contribute some money for groceries.
Choose a convenient location.
Find a conveniently located dorm or a nearby apartment. This way, you will save money meant for transportation and have more time for studying. If you’re a part-time student, make sure that you do not have to make a long commute to go to work and to school.
Stay at home.
Some college graduates are heading home to save money. So, if you are attending a university nearby, you can do the same while still at college. Staying at home is not something to be ashamed of; you save money and you stay in a comfortable place where you can study well.
Photo Credit : redjar
There are a lot of materials out there that will teach students how to be highly effective. Managing one’s time wisely, having the right attitude, and setting goals are just some of the things that these self-help articles or books would teach a student. Although these tips can be quite effective, there is another approach that could help students in their academic endeavors.
Knowing what NOT to do can be just as effective as knowing what to do, and can sometimes work a lot better. This way, you eliminate the things that hinder you from being a successful student. These are some of the habits or attitudes that a student must get rid of to become a successful student.
Putting off things until the last minute
Procrastination is one of the bad habits that a lot of students have. They would not do their work until the deadline looms over them. There are so many reasons this can be bad for a student. One of them is that the student would only realize then that the work is actually a bit more difficult than they thought. This in turn could result in a lot of stress. What happens is that instead of maximizing the time and to create an A-grade work or fully understand a given reading, the student is forced to submit a “not-so-good” work. This eventually results in another bad attitude: being content with mediocrity.
Complacency with mediocrity
Companies nowadays can get very competitive with one another and would like to hire topnotch employees. Students that have reveled in mediocrity for most of their academic life would have a hard time getting hired as opposed to those that have shown exemplary marks. If you have the capacity to get grades that are higher than the passing mark, then why not work on it?
Not seeing the bigger picture
Everything you do at school can have an impact on future studies. Doing things just because you have to do them to graduate or get a passing grade is never a good idea. In school, you’re given plenty of opportunities to hone your skills and reach your potentials so take advantage of them.
Acting on impulse
Students that act on impulse may create situations that they would not have wanted to happen in the first place. Acting on impulse usually means making decisions without really thinking about possible consequences. As a student, you should be able to think more rationally. Before making a decision, take a step back and consider all the variables that would be affected by your decision. This way, you have carefully studied the positive things that would come out of your decision, and, at the same time, be ready for any negative repercussions.
Being pessimistic
In school, getting low grades is part of the learning process. But you shouldn’t dwell much on your weaknesses. Instead, consider failures and mistakes as opportunities for you to improve yourself.
Photo Credit : austinevan
Need special services for your college education? Apply for college disabilities accommodations.
Before, students with disabilities needed to attend special colleges or get personal tutors to learn courses. But through the American Disabilities Act of 1990, students with disabilities may enroll in regular schools and enjoy the same privileges given to students without disabilities.
What are the college disabilities accommodations?
The college disabilities accommodations are a service offered by many colleges in the country. The
service was designed following the American Disabilities Act of 1990 that prohibited public entities
from denying services, accommodations or benefits to persons with disabilities. The American
Disabilities Act of 1990 also prohibited discrimination of disabled individuals and called for provisions that catered to their needs. Through the college disabilities accommodations, students with disabilities may learn college courses normally and without hassles.
Who are qualified for the college disabilities accommodations?
The general rule for colleges is to accept all applicants with physical or mental impairment and who
cannot perform as normally as other students. But because the degrees of impairment vary from
one person with disability to another, colleges have a specific criteria to analyze if an applicant is disabled. It is best to find out what the criteria of the different colleges are.
How do the college disabilities accommodations work?
While applicants with disabilities are applying to study in a college, they must also prepare the
documents required for the college disabilities accommodations. When the required documents are completed and submitted, the committee on college disabilities accommodations will review the documents and will interview the applicant. Based on the college’s criteria, the committee will decide if the applicants are, indeed, disabled.
If the applications are approved, the committee will arrange for the services and accommodations
for the applicants. Services and accommodations may include adjustments in lecturers’ teaching
techniques and approaches, assignment of some school staff to assist students to move from one
classroom to another, or reservation of special dorm rooms for the students.
How do you apply for college disabilities accommodations?
Applying for college disabilities accommodations should be done when you are also applying to enter a college. You must visit the website of the school and download the forms needed for applying for college disabilities accommodations. On the other hand, you may inquire personally at the offices of admissions. There, you’ll be given a checklist of what you need to prepare to be granted a college disability accommodation. You’ll also be given a checklist of what you need to be accepted in the college of your choice.
To get into a college whether you are disabled or not, you’ll be asked to write a personal statement. When written well, personal statements help boost grades and make applicants better candidates. For guidance on writing personal statements, review sample college admission essays online.
Photo Credit : Daquella manera
Once you’re hooked to playing sports, you’ll carry it all the way to college and beyond. But while there are athletic scholarships and financial aid programs offered by different colleges and universities to their students, getting a grant also requires some hard work. So here’s what you need to be a well-prepped and a better candidate for athletic scholarships.
1. Research about the school.
Because you’ll also be focused on the academic requirements, you need to research about the schools you want to play for. Make sure that the school offers the major and the sport you want so that you’ll enjoy both studying and playing. On top of that, research about the GPA requirements and the sports standards of the schools you’re applying to. That way, you can prepare to be qualified for both the courses and the sport of your choice.
Striking a balance between the sport you excel in and the major you want to study is an important consideration. Most scholarship grants have a clause stating that the person awarded the grant should maintain a specified GPA. Because you will be juggling both academics and sports (practice sessions and competitions), you may find it difficult to stay on top for both. Getting a major that you are really interested in helps you meet the required GPA, as you will be motivated to study for subjects because you find them enjoyable.
2. Prepare the admission requirements.
Many colleges require applicants of athletic scholarships to apply like the other regular incoming students. So, you may need to answer application forms, include transcripts of records, submit standardized test scores, and write personal statements.
Because writing personal statements should be taken seriously, it is advisable to read sample college admission essays online. Sample college admission essays serve as a guide to help you write compelling and satisfactory personal statements.
3. Prepare your sport achievement resume.
Of course, you’ll have to market your sport capabilities and skills through a sports resume. Included in this resume are information about your strength training history, seminars you’ve attended, your sports achievements and some community activities you’ve participated in. You may also need to indicate your future athletic goals and provide a video showing how you play your sport.
If you prefer, however, to get some assistance in preparing your sport achievement resume, contact a sports recruiting service. Representatives will help you organize your resume and market your athletic skills to coaches all over the country for a fee.
4. Send your sport achievement resume to various coaches.
Just like when people apply for jobs, the more resumes they send, the more chances they have of getting accepted. Do the same when you apply for an athletic scholarship and send as much resumes as you can. After sending, make follow-up calls to the recipient coaches after a week. It may even be better if you get your past coaches to help you make phone calls. They can help further market your skills.
5. Keep physically and mentally fit.
It’s always better to stay in shape while waiting for your school and athletic scholarship applications to be processed. Staying in shape allows you to be prepared whenever coaches suddenly call for you for interviews or for training. Preparing yourself mentally for school is also advisable so that you’ll be in top condition to study when classes begin.
Photo Credit : thetorpedodog
Thinking about one’s future is very important and should be practiced as early as possible. Doing so
saves time and allows a person to prepare for what is to come. So, while you’re considering which college to apply to, here is a guide to why an all-women’s college is advisable or is not a good option. As you read, consider the goals you value most. This will help you make a wise decision.
Advantages in attending an all-women’s college
1. All-women’s colleges allow female students to foster self-confidence.
Because there are often more female students and teachers in all-women’s colleges, female students feel secure that their teachers know and understand their personal and educational needs. Plus, because they are expected to do well in their lessons, female students recognize that academic excellence is as possible as anything and is not just for the gifted.
2. All-women’s colleges allow female students to make great achievements in their academics.
One reason behind this is that the lessons are taught in ways that cater to the female students’ learning styles. Such styles allow women to learn easily and confidently.
Another reason is that the presence and encouragement of other women in all-women’s colleges boost the interests of female students in learning. There are also no distractions like competition with men in academics. Because of the same-sex environment in these institutions of higher learning, healthy competition is fostered in academics and in other areas such as sports.
Finally, a seemingly cold learning environment experienced in co-educational schools is absent in all-women’s colleges. The absence of the cold learning environment encourages female students to delve deeper into intellectual pursuits.
3. All-women’s colleges enable women to be recognized for leadership positions.
Through the education and extra-curricular activities that they excelled in, female students may be seen in the workforce as people able to lead both women and men.
Disadvantages in attending an all-women’s college
1. All-women’s colleges can be an inadequate avenue for true-to-life leadership training.
Because of the absence of male students in all-women’s colleges, female students learn how to lead only co-females. There is also minimal interaction with males, making female students less knowledgeable on the behavior and thinking processes of men.
2. Some all-women’s colleges provide limited social or cultural diversity.
While this does not apply to all, some all-women’s colleges are specific to a social class or a race. This exclusivity provides female students with minimal experience in dealing with other people from different social ranks and cultures.
After knowing more about why you should or shouldn’t attend an all-women’s college, you should remember to do very well in accomplishing the college admission requirements for the schools of your choice. The college admission essays are particularly challenging; so, you must consult sample college admission essays. Sample college admission essays are excellent guides to writing admission essays.
Photo Credit : D3 San Francisco
