We all are familiar with the adage that “actions speak louder than words.” In my experience, this has proven true when I am trying to figure out how committed people are to a relationship with me or to their job. However, when it comes to your college essays, your choice of words, the way you narrate your story and engage the reader will trump all the actions or ideas you are describing. As someone who has previously served on various admissions selection committees, I consider both the general and supplemental essays the most powerful tools in your application. They show your introspection; your writing abilities; your potential for inquiry; and your interest in the discovery of new concepts.
Read MoreWhy It Is Okay to Major and Minor in Two Unrelated Areas
By Amanda Harbrecht, Social Media Intern
Students making the “major” decision often worry about how their declared field of study will impact their job prospects. The focus becomes strictly on the coursework that will clearly and directly push them in the direction of what they think they want to do. All too often this leads to students ruling out classes that might hold unexpected value for them both personally and professionally.
Read MoreFinding Balance Between Academics and Student Life
By Amanda Harbrecht, Social Media Intern
“Grades, a social life, or sleep. Pick two because you can’t have all three.” I first heard this quip as a freshman entering high school, but I have also heard it many times since entering college. A balanced life is the Holy Grail for many ambitious students. We have this idea that balance means being able to do all the things we want while getting all the results we want.
Read MoreGetting Your Ducks in a Row
Ever since the middle of May, I have been attending several Commencement ceremonies. One of my favorite parts of these events is having the opportunity to congratulate all those students I have worked with for the past several years and celebrate all of their accomplishments. A Commencement ceremony also reminds us of the opportunities that lie ahead.
Read MoreThe Importance of Curiosity at University
By Bong Miquiabas, Freelance Contributor, Forbes
It’s the summer before you set off for college, and if you’re anything like most people, a mix of excitement and nerves has settled into your system. It’s natural, people say, and a part of you knows that the feeling won’t leave until you set foot on campus and finally discover what college is like in person.
Read MoreMaking Choices
Spring is one of the most exciting times of the year. This year, in New England, we are leaving the snow behind and begin facing the prospects of new life in Mother Nature. Yet, for most of high school seniors it is a time filled with mixed emotions. On the one hand, you are eager to learn where you have been accepted to college. On the other hand, how do you make the right choice?
Read More5 main factors to record on a campus visit
By Adela Penagos, PhD
I have spent the past month visiting various college campuses across the nation. It has been a great experience because, as someone who has been educated in the liberal arts tradition, I love learning for the sake of learning. My campus tours have provided me with the opportunity to learn about the students who might be a good fit for a certain college or university, the academics, the campus community (or lack thereof), the kind of students they have, and the faculty.
Read More3 Keys to Successfully Navigating Student Activities as a First-Year Student
The frenzy is still in the air. After a week or weekend of orientation activities, a week of classes or class shopping, the newly arrived first-year student or freshman is getting ready to explore all the clubs and organizations his/her college or university has to offer.
Read MoreChanging Paths
It was 7:15pm and we were ready for dinner. Anna and I had planned to meet at a neighborhood restaurant that does not take reservations. Upon arrival, we realized that the gorgeous summer night had encouraged many to come out. The line was very long. Thus, we asked ourselves, “Should we wait for a while or change our plans and go elsewhere?”
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