College admissions committees look for more than just high GPAs and academic excellence in their applicants. Committee members also look for demonstrated dedication, passion, and sense of community in their future students. This is the reason that when you check out sample college admission essays, you’ll see that the well-crafted ones are those that are able to describe how the applicant manages to effectively balance academics and extracurricular activities. One question commonly asked by college applicants is which extracurricular activities would score the most points with admissions committees.
Truth be told, committee members do not look for specific extracurricular activities in applicants’ admissions essays. What they do look for is a certain focus, or field of interest, reflected in the applicant’s chosen organizations and clubs. Contrary to what most students think, simply joining tons of clubs and getting involved in numerous activities will not make them, or their admissions essay, stand out. Being a member in one too many organizations may even have the opposite effect. Because you’re dipping your toes on so many things, this may show lack of dedication and focus. To avoid this, join organizations and engage in school activities that you’re really interested in – whether it be music, sports, writing, theatre, etc.
Aim for leadership, don’t settle for membership
Between an editor-in-chief and columnist for a high school newspaper, the former will obviously score more points with committee members. This is because admissions committees want their students to not only have a sense of community, but also to have the ability to lead when the situation calls for it. As you’ll also see in sample college admission essays, the extracurricular activities you engaged in high school can serve as effective proof of your leadership and organizing skills. Use your admissions essay as a venue to describe in detail how you managed to organize an important event, and get the respect and commitment of your peers.
If you want to get a more concrete idea on how you can write about your extracurricular activities, you can scan the sample college admission essays available online.
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Cons and downsides
Living in off-campus apartments grants you the freedom to do whatever you want, unrestricted by campus rules and regulations. However, because you’re outside the jurisdiction of campus rules, this also means you are not afforded with the security and safety that the college provides. Remember that in off-campus accommodations, there are no roaming guards to check for intruders in the wee hours of the night, and no residence assistance staff to run to. Students who go for off-campus living may also find that they feel detached from the school community, because they’re less updated on campus events and activities.
Aside from security and safety, another significant downside to living in off-campus college dorms and apartments is financial costs. Off-campus accommodations tend to be more expensive than campus dorms, especially if the apartment is a bit far from campus. If this is the case, you might not be able to avail of student discounts from the landlord. Factoring in your expenses for books, handouts, food, house bills, and transportation (parking or commute costs), your overall monthly expenses can total to huge amounts.
Pros and perks
Off-campus apartments and accommodations do not impose curfews on student tenants. This means that you’re free to stay out late at the library or coffee shops when cramming for a paper or report. Another perk you get with off-campus housing is that you get to choose your roommate, and that’s if you even want one at all. Off-campus apartments are usually quieter, and you get more privacy by not being forced to share a room with someone. This also means that you get more space (physically, emotionally, and mentally).
So before deciding whether to live on or off-campus, collect and compare the rent rates of on-campus dorms and off-campus apartments found in nearby areas. Also try to weigh which, for you, are the more important elements of the college experience – whether peace and privacy are more important, or the sense of community living in on-campus dorms affords.
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When looking for a college dorm, there are some essential things to be considered. Remember that your college dorm will serve as your second home for the next four or five years, so you should at least feel comfortable in the place where you’re going to spend the rest of your college days. In addition to comfort, other important things to consider for on-campus housing are the following: location, financial costs, amenities, and privacy.
Ask or get recommendations from other students and upper classmen
There are good reasons why many people recommend living on-campus for the first year or two during college. One of these is that living in college dorms allows them to get a sense of community and make it easier for them to make the transition to college life. You can get information on on-campus accommodations from your university’s website, but it would be more helpful and effective if you get the opinions and recommendations of students and upper classmen who have experienced living in those campus quarters. When doing so, ask them about the following:
Amenities and privacy
Most students complain about having to share a bathroom with half of the students on the same floor. If you’re particularly picky about sharing a bathroom or bedroom with someone else, you can consider getting a “singles” room. This, however, may cost more as you’ll have to shoulder all the costs. Is the dorm building known for its spontaneous parties and late night ruckus? If you’re the private type and you want to concentrate on studying, go for dorms that are more low-key in popularity. There are lesser chances of frat boys and keg party people living there.
Location and financial costs
Even though these are on-campus dorms, not all are located near the buildings where classes are held. Especially for universities with huge campus grounds, some schools may even have shuttles or some form of transport service for students to go from one building to another. Depending on your preference, you can choose a dorm that’s close to where most of your classes are held or go for one that’ll give you a few minutes of walking time. More importantly, compare the prices of the available on-campus dorms to see if they’re within your budget.
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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.
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Bible colleges are institutions that specialize in, but are not limited to, Biblical studies. Some Bible colleges do not offer liberal arts courses, while some offer such disciplines but are framed within religious perspectives. Some Bible colleges also offer Christian and church music courses, as well as athletic programs. The curricula of programs offered in Bible colleges are Bible-centered and are aimed toward orienting students on Christian ministry and lay education.
Application requirements for Bible colleges
Similar to the procedures in regular colleges and universities, the application requirements and procedures in Bible colleges also include submitting your transcript of records, SAT and ACT results, and recommendation letters in the form of spiritual reference letters. In the absence of high school transcripts, a General Education Development or GED certificate may be submitted. Bible colleges also charge an admissions fee that can range from $25 to $80. The minimum required SAT and ACT scores vary depending on the Bible college, but these may be negotiable depending on the admissions committee.
Whereas other colleges and universities require admissions essays, Bible colleges require applicants to submit a a personal testimony or statement of faith. Those planning on applying to Bible colleges would do well to check out sample college admission essays found online to get a general idea of how admissions essays and personal testimonies are structured.
Sample college admission essays found online are useful resources for anyone applying to any kind of college. For Bible colleges however, simply add spiritual and religious slants to the elements found in sample college admission essays. For example, when writing the part about your personal background, discuss how you came to know the Lord, and why you think your chosen Bible college will help strengthen your faith and give direction to how you live your life in accordance with your spiritual and religious beliefs.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Moving on to college or simply transferring? Here is a list of the country’s top 5 women’s colleges. Get acquainted with the college offerings, values, and requirements for the applications.
Bryn Mawr College
Known today for its liberal arts and sciences curriculum, Bryn Mawr College espouses the values of freedom of conscience, intellectual development, and commitment to contributing to the world. The college has offerings of 36 major and 38 minor courses but students may also cross-apply with the University of Pennsylvania, Swarthmore, and Haverford College should they choose to.
Admission requirements: $50 application fee, The Common Application and its supplement, two teacher evaluations, school report, personal statement, mid-year report, TOEFL, SAT and ACT results, and final report.
Barnard College
Barnard College was founded in 1889 in New York City through the efforts of Frederick A.P. Barnard. Barnard was Columbia College’s tenth president and believed that women should be educated and trained with as much intensity as men. Today, the college is popular for its diverse student body, its liberal arts education, and its intent to instill a strong intellectual environment.
Admission requirements: Downloadable Common Application and supplement that contain a checklist of all needed forms, reports and essays.
Mount Holyoke
Mount Holyoke College also offers an indispensable liberal arts curriculum that helps students be trained in proper writing, speaking and critical thinking skills. The college makes available 49 major courses through which students may learn more about the world and humanity. Mount Holyoke College also has the goals of accommodating and excellently educating an international student body and of preparing women for globalization.
Admission requirements: Downloadable Common Application and supplement that lists down the forms, reports, and essays needed.
Wellesley College
Wellesley College is not just known for a liberal arts curriculum but also for being one of the pioneering colleges to offer a distinguished computer science major and computer science department. Wellesley College also promotes the values of intellectual excellence and cultural understanding and interaction to name a few.
Admission requirements: Application form and checklist that may be requested from the Wellesley Office of Admissions or downloaded from the College’s website.
Smith College
Smith College is grounded on a humanities, arts, and sciences curriculum, and it fosters a sense of leadership among the students. Academic excellence and global readiness are also goals of the school for women who are believed to be as talented and as capable as men.
Admission requirements: Downloadable Common Application and supplement, secondary school and midyear report, teacher evaluation forms, essays, SAT and ACT scores.
Note: For assistance and guide to writing college admission essays, use sample college admission essays as a guide. Sample college admission essays are available online.
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