The Common Application opened August 1, and millions of students across the globe will apply to college via the Common App this year. With so many students applying to college every year, most applicants have the same question on their minds: what can I do to increase my chances of standing out?
Have you ever dreamed of going to a certain college or university based on how much you love its sports team? If so, you’re definitely not alone. Research shows a connection between the success of a college football or basketball team and a spike in admissions to the school. This is known as the Flutie Effect.
Experiential learning opportunities are an important part of your college education because they give you practical experience outside of the classroom. These opportunities often take the form of externship and internship experiences. Internships provide opportunities to expand your skill set — which can enhance your resume — and give you a taste of your desired career field, but their longer duration can sometimes conflict with a busy college schedule. Or, you may just want to get an idea of a potential career without committing an entire summer to exploring it. This is where externships come in.
When most people think of college students, the image of young adults — recent high school grads — engaging in all aspects of campus life may come to mind. However, a growing number of college students are older. Known as adult learners or nontraditional students, they don’t fit the mold of the conventional college student. In fact, 37% of college students are 25 and older, according to recent data from the Lumina Foundation. Adult students face many challenges when they go back to school, but they also have many advantages.
Founded in 1873, Vanderbilt University is a private research institution known globally for its strong academic programs and research opportunities. This close-knit campus community is located in the heart of Nashville, Tennessee, and offers a college experience unlike anything else. While not an Ivy League school, Vanderbilt is known as a “Southern Ivy” because of its highly selective admissions process and stellar academic reputation.
In addition to navigating the college admissions cycle, students and families need to prepare for the cost of college and understand the financial aid process. Applying for financial aid is a multi-step process, and the financial aspect of college life can be significant. So, it’s worth learning as much as you can about different financial aid programs.
Students who are starting to research undergraduate programs can easily be overwhelmed by information. It’s not just a matter of which schools to apply to, but which type. Different types of colleges and universities offer different campus environments, class sizes, and program offerings, among other things.
Let’s examine the different types of U.S. colleges you may come across.
For most students, financial aid is an important part of the college admissions process. You will likely complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which is useful for receiving need-based financial aid, but that isn’t your only option. There are countless merit scholarships available if you take the time to seek them out.
Let’s look at how to find and apply for merit scholarships.
While students often think of their junior year of high school as one of the most overwhelming periods of their academic career, the first year of college can also be a particularly stressful time. College freshmen must adjust to advanced-level courses, in addition to navigating new living situations and increased independence. This transition marks an important milestone in a student’s growth and development, but it also comes with a handful of challenges that should be considered well before college begins.
Figuring out the college admissions and financial aid processes can be stressful and complicated for both students and parents. It can be especially difficult if you’re afraid your financial situation puts a college education out of reach. After all, some schools take financial aid needs into consideration when evaluating applicants.
However, many colleges offer “need-blind” admissions that give students from all economic backgrounds a chance to further their education. In this article, we’ll explore what need-blind admissions means and how it may impact your chances of admission.
