By Sam Coren
StudentAdvisor.com Staff
Between touring campuses, test prep books, standardized testing and application fees that money spent toward helping your child get into college can really add up! That's why StudentAdvisor and Kaplan Test Prep's Getting Into College Today team have joined forces to give parents a much needed helping hand.
Every week we'll be awarding $250 to a lucky parent or guardian of a high school student to go toward those college preparation expenses. What would you spend $250 on? Enter before March 6th for your chance to win!
By Taylor Cotter
StudentAdvisor.com Staff
Are you a high school junior, starting to put together your college list? Or are you a senior, waiting to hear from your top choice schools? Either way, it's important to think about being a good fit at the university you choose to attend. Check out our college reviews section on StudentAdvisor to see if these are the schools for you!
Here's a sampling of some of our most recent college reviews posted by students and alumni:
University of Virginia - Main Campus
The Good:
Living in Charlottesville offers a lot to a twenty-something student. There's hiking and camping 15-20 minutes outside of city limits; the nightlife varies from wild, rambunctious undergrads on The Corner to more staid, upscale wine bars and restaurants on The Mall; concerts are plentiful and affordable downtown at The Jefferson; homes and apartments are generally affordable and within walking distance to the university and downtown.
The Bad:
The fraternity/sorority can be a bit much sometimes - bowties to football games? - but they're easily ignored.
Would I do it again?
Yes, While I would gladly repeat my experience at Brandeis, I definitely missed out on living in a great college town and attending a school with Division I sports. Coupling the Charlottesville experience with a top-tier, inexpensive grad program makes for a fantastic graduate school experience!
Read more University of Virginia reviews.
Post your own University of Virginia review.
University of Florida
The Good:
The best thing about about the University of Florida is the whole package. You get a great education, you feel like you are part of The Gator Nation, and at the end of a great experience, you have a better chance of getting a great job. I received 3 different great offers upon graduation.
The Bad:
It is a very large university and some of the undergraduate classes had hundreds of students attending in a large auditorium.
Would I do it again?
Yes, I loved my time at the University of Florida and it was not the "Party School" reason. I felt like I had accomplished something great and had a fun time doing it. I could get as involved as I wanted. From being on the front of a Homecoming float, attending Football games and Gator Growl in The Swamp, watching the Gators win the National Championship in 1996, to walking in my cap and gown in the O'Connell Center, my time at UF continues to be one of the highlights of my life. My life would not have been the same without it!
Read more University of Florida reviews.
Post your own University of Florida review.
Shoreline Community College Review
The Good:
I loved the strengths, diversity and approach-ability of the faculty, and the diversity and approach-ability of the students. Another huge plus was the success rate of students transferring to the University of Washington and other 4-year schools.
The Bad:
Every student has a bad professor or two somewhere along the way. Just be sure to trust your gut and drop that course asap!
Would I do it again?
Yes, lots of memorable courses with great professors.
Read more Shoreline Community College reviews.
Post your own Shoreline Community College review.
Want to earn a living helping people recover their mobility through physical therapy? Then you might want to look into becoming a physical therapist assistant! Physical therapist assistants provide care, exercise, instruction, and various other forms of stimulation with the direction and supervision of a physical therapist.
So what kind of person makes for a good physical therapist assistant? People who:
- Have a desire to work in direct contact with a variety of different patients
- Are physically fit
- Possess good interpersonal communication skills
While physical therapist assistants have to endure a physically demanding job, the rewarding nature of their work and good outlook for job prospects more than pays off. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the demand for physical therapist assistants is experiencing rapid growth as the bulk of America's population ages. Read more...
Do you see alphabet soup whenever you read A.A., B.F.A., M.S., or Ph.D? Whether you're going back to school or not sure what to do after high school, you may be a bit confused about the differences among the types of degrees you can earn in college.
Don't know a B.A. from a B.S.? Or what makes a Bachelor's degree different from an Associate degree? Well have no fear! StudentAdvisor has created a types of degrees resource page to help you understand!
On our degree resource page you'll find:
- The characteristics of each degree program
- The most popular degrees earned
- The average length of time it takes to complete each program
Ready to start learning about the types of degrees that can advance your education? Read more..
Even though it's only February, now is the time to start thinking about landing an internship.
Getting an internship during college is a crucial part to securing a job after graduation and finding the best internship is more competitive than ever. Because of the current economy, college students are looking to get a leg-up on the application and interview process.
Lauren Berger, “Intern Queen” and author of “All Work, No Pay,” recently talked to StudentAdvisor and shares her best tips for nabbing your first internship, answering your questions about resumes, social media, and networking for college students. Read more...
Have an itch to become the next big thing in the business world after you graduate? Effective leadership is one of the most important components of any successful business. Why not hone your leadership skills in college? Especially for those of you considering a business degree, stepping up to the plate and learning how to effectively lead and manage people before you enter the workforce is critical.
College isn't just a place to soak up a bunch of knowledge like a sponge. It's an excellent environment to learn how to build relationships and motivate others. Whether it's taking the lead on a group project for class or starting a new campus club, students should always be on the look out for opportunities to build those leadership skills!
Every student, regardless of degree program, can benefit from improving their leadership skills...
Photo: Mays Business School
What do Michelle Obama, Robin Williams, Alonzo Morning, and Martin Luther King Jr. all have in common? They all studied sociology!
We get a lot of questions on StudentAdvisor about what you can do with certain college degrees. A lot of students want to study sociology because they're drawn to the subject matter. After all, wouldn't we all like to have a better grasp on how our complex society functions? But when it comes to figuring out what to do after college, many are at a loss figuring out what careers in sociology make sense for them.
Good news though! We've created a Careers in Sociology resource page to help you examine the many career paths you can pursue after studying sociology. From criminal justice to education, from government to academic research, even social advocacy - the possibilities are really endless!
So for you sociologists-to-be: don't be discouraged! There is very much a need for every organization to have employees who possess a thorough understanding of society's issues and how to address them….
Photo: soundfromwayout
With a growing healthcare system and a growing Hispanic population in the United States and Puerto Rico, there has never been a bigger need for Hispanic nurses. Help close this cultural gap!
Out of the 16 percent of the population in the United States and Puerto Rico that is Hispanic, only 6 percent are in the nursing field. In order to provide sensitive and quality care to Hispanic patients, Chamberlain is looking to close this gap by offering tuition discounts and admissions assistance to members of the National Association of Hispanic Nurses.
If you're a Hispanic RN and a member of the National Association of Hispanic Nurses, Chamberlain College of Nursing has designed a program help working nurses advance their careers with an online RN-to-BSN program, online RN-BSN-MSN program, and an online Master’s in Nursing Program....
Photo: christianacare
For those of you looking to quickly start a career after high school or begin a new one, an Associate degree program may be a better option than attending a traditional 4-year college. Want the lowdown on one of the fastest growing careers you could start with an Associate degree? Then check out medical billing and coding!
Medical billing and coding is one of the hottest careers in the healthcare industry. And best of all? Medical billing and coding is one of the few healthcare careers that doesn't require you to stick people with needles or clean up puke!
As the healthcare industry grows the demand for medical coders grows along with it. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment medical records and health information technicians such as medical coders, is expected to increase by 20% through 2018. Not too shabby for students who want to graduate with decent job prospects...
By Taylor Cotter
StudentAdvisor.com Staff
Are you one of the many college students spending Valentine's Day single this year? Valentine’s Day can be a bummer if you don’t have a boyfriend, girlfriend or date with whom to share it. But never fear – there are so many ways in college to celebrate the ones you love without having to go on a romantic date!
Here are 5 heartwarming suggestions for how to spend your V-Day solo:
1. Galentine’s Day
Coined by the always-wise Leslie Knope, Galentine’s Day is “is about celebrating lady friends. It’s wonderful, and it should be a national holiday.” It’s important to spend time with your closest friends (gals and guys), but it’s extra-important around Valentine’s Day. Chances are, you’re not the only one of your girls (or bros) that will be alone on February 14th. Hook up Netflix Instant Stream to a TV, order take-out food and remember that celebrating love with your friends is just as important (or even more important!) than having a date.
2. Treat Yourself
The best thing about being single on Valentine’s Day? Not having to split a check, buy a present, or even a dig through the racks for a singing card. Take the money you would have spent on a date and spend it on something for you – new clothes, new books, new electronics, or even an extravagant dinner for one. There won’t be any time for moping around when you’re loading up a new iPod or engaged in a great book.
3. Singles Events
If you’d rather spend your Valentine’s Day searching for love, many colleges and local restaurants host speed dating and singles mixers. Grab a single friend and check out what your neighborhood has to offer! If you don’t meet anybody, you’ll be sure to have an entertaining night with your friend that you can laugh about later.
4. Spend Time With Your Family
If your college is close to your family, it might be a great time to take a short trip home for a nice dinner. After all, Valentine’s Day isn’t just about celebrating your boyfriend or girlfriend, but about celebrating love. If you don’t live close enough to go home, schedule a time to video-chat or send them handmade cards. Spending some time with your parents and siblings, especially if you don’t see them often, is an incredibly special way to spend the 14th.
5. Do What You Love
Not having a date isn’t an excuse to not spend time with something else you love. Go to a yoga class, re-read your favorite book, or spend the night watching bad TV. There are plenty of great things in your life – carve out a few hours to spend some time with them!
Are you doing something fun that we missed? Let us know in the comments!
By Taylor Cotter
StudentAdvisor.com Staff
Let's be honest: we can't all shoot our acceptance letters into space - what would our moms hang on the fridge? StudentAdvisor found 10 students who won't be letting go of their admission letters anytime soon. These students made some funny and touching YouTube videos to share their joy of their college acceptance with the world.
10. "Acceptance Letter to College" - Central Michigan
Why did this mom put her daughter's acceptance letter in the hands of a creepy mannequin? We're not sure, but we can only assume that she wanted it to stand out from the rest of the mail. The new Central Michigan student seems quite pleased, but mostly shocked by the way her message was delivered.
Are you a student at Central Michigan? Review your college!
We're so excited for Fisher! He received his MIT admissions letter! Fisher's family's excitement is coupled with his incredibly emotional reaction - shedding tears of happiness. We're sure that MIT is as happy to have Fisher has he is to be joining them.
Already go to MIT? Tell future students about it!
8. "Parents reaction to opening my college acceptance letter to Commercial Voice @ Belmont University!"
These parents are absolutely overjoyed that their daughter was accepted to Belmont University - even more excited than their daughter is!
Did you go to college at Belmont? Help future students decide and write a review!
Lauren's reaction to her Lewis and Clark College acceptance might be the most dramatic, but it's not totally her fault. Her parents' ultra-serious approach to handing her the letter turns out to be incredibly comical.
Are you an LCC Pioneer? Rate and review Lewis and Clark College on StudentAdvisor.
6. "Elmira College Acceptance Letter with 88k Scholarship"
Alex's acceptance to Elmira College is emotional for her and her parents! She seems proud of herself and absolutely shocked when she discovers her scholarship. Congratulations Alex!
Chelsea's shrieks and scaring her parents makes this one of my favorite videos. Everyone is clearly thrilled for her acceptance to George Mason, but nobody is as excited as Chelsea - as evidenced by her great dance moves.
Are you a GMU student? Let future students know what George Mason is like!
4. Carolyn's Reaction to Getting Into Syracuse University
I'm not sure why Carolyn gets her mail in the middle of the mall, but her high-pitched shrieks make it quite clear that she's thrilled to be going to Syracuse.
Bleed Orange? Tell future students about Syracuse University!
3. "Capturing the Moment of Victoria opening her Creighton Acceptance Letter"
Victoria is one of our most excited students. Receiving her letter to Creighton University might have been the happiest moment in Tori's life, but it's great to see how excited her friends are too!
Attending Creighton? Review Creighton University on StudentAdvsor!
2. "Watching your son get his college acceptance letter!" - University of Richmond
These parents secretly taped their son as he found his acceptance letter in the mailbox. The son's acceptance to University of Richmond was met with total joy and many "boo-yahs".
Go to University of Richmond? Review UR and help future students!
1. Caitlin's Acceptance Reaction to UCLA - Fall 2011
The best produced video of our list, Caitlin's parents made this video to capture her reaction to her UCLA acceptance, telling her grandmother, calling her friends and updating her Facebook status. The video is very emotional - in part from Caitlin's tears of joy, as well as the somber soundtrack!
Got Bruin pride? Share what you love about UCLA on StudentAdvisor.
Photo: confidence, comely.
By Taylor Cotter
StudentAdvisor.com Staff
Every week StudentAdvisor compiles the top stories in college news. Here are some of the biggest stories that made the headlines this week:
UC Students Develop Alternative College Payment Method
Students at University of California – Riverside are beginning to develop a payment plan for students attending any of the UC schools, who have been facing a budget crisis for the last several years. Instead of paying a tuition bill, in-state students would face no upfront cost to attend college, and instead commit to paying five percent of their income for 20 years to the UC system. The system would require out-of-state graduates to pay 6 percent, graduates working in public service to pay 3.5 percent, and unemployed students to pay nothing. The proposal, which would eliminate financial aid and student loans, is a response to the $650 million cut from the State of California to the UC system.
Chris LoCascio, president of FixUC and curator of the “Student Investment Plan” says, “The UC is broken, and we have found a way to fix it.”
Stanford Raises $6.2 billion in Fundraising Campaign
Stanford University’s latest fundraising campaign yielded $6.2 billion – more than any other higher education fundraising campaign in history. The money will go to 160 endowed faculty positions, 360 graduate student fellowships, the renovation of 38 campus buildings, seed grants for innovative research and and need-based undergraduate scholarships. More than 166,000 students, parents, alumni, faculty and staff donated money to the “Stanford Challenge,” including famous alumni Jerry Yang, Yahoo Inc. co-founder, and Phil Knight, Nike Inc. co-founder.
Seventy-one Full Sail Grads Nominated for GRAMMY® Awards
This March, 71 graduates from Florida’s Full Sail University will be competing for 71 GRAMMY® awards for 52 projects spanning 38 categories Individual graduates are nominated for Best Engineered Album-Non Classical, Best Rap Song, Album of the Year, Best Engineered Album-Classical, and Record of the Year, while dozens of other graduates are nominated for collaborative efforts.
“We are astonished by the incredible success of our alumni who have contributed to projects being recognized for GRAMMY® Awards this year," said Full Sail Director of Alumni, Jay Noble. "It is with great pride that we celebrate our graduates for continuing to inspire our current students, while following their life-long career ambitions.”
Obama Administration to Accommodate Catholic Universities in Providing Birth Control to Students
Last month, President Obama issued a mandate that all employers must cover birth control options for employees. The mandate caused a controversy with Catholic institutions, particularly Catholic colleges and universities, who typically did not provide birth control options through their health centers or health plans. Schools like Georgetown University, Catholic University of America and Boston College have been outspoken about the legislation, citing both concerns for the historical religion of their college, as well as for women's health. The President is expected to make an announcement today about accomodating of Catholic school students in need of birth control options.
Photo: neontommy
Have a college news story that you think should be featured on This Week in College News? Send suggestions to content[at]studentadvisor.com.
By Taylor Cotter
StudentAdvisor Staff
Valentine’s Day can be rough in college. I learned this the hard way – forgetting to make reservations, having to order off expensive prix-fixe menus, and dealing with the freezing cold! Now, I try to make Valentine’s run as smoothly – and cheaply – as possible. Whether this is your first date, long-term relationship, or just a weekend out with friends, here are some tips to have a Valentine’s Day that’s cheap, romantic – and actually fun.
1. Go out on the 13th.
Just by pushing your Valentine’s date up one day, you avoid massive crowding at restaurants, expensive menus, and the unspoken pressure of having a date on February 14th. You can steer clear of ordering the non-optional appetizers, desserts and drinks and share a meal at your favorite restaurant, ordering off the regular menu.
2. Find a free event.
All cities and college campuses have regular events put on by students or community groups; this might be something that you and your significant other rarely make time to check out. Even if it’s just an A Capella concert, improv show, or a local high school is putting on a musical, finding time to do something free and entertaining can be a fun date, and something special.
3. Go out for dessert.
You might not want to shell out fifty dollars or more for a nice restaurant and expensive dinner, but you can still have the romantic experience of a Valentine’s date. Check out the dessert menu at a normally expensive restaurant. Even the fanciest and most expensive restaurants don’t often have desserts that cost more than $10 – and there’s always something romantic about eating a really great dessert.
4. Explore your city.
I’ve lived in Boston for four years now and haven’t even seen half of the city’s attractions. Chances are, wherever your college is, there are tourist attractions, museums or landmarks that you have yet to see. Use Valentine’s Day to take an adventure across your town and cross a couple items off your college bucket list. Your college ID might also give you free admission to some museums.
5. Play with dogs!
You might live in a college residence hall, but that’s no excuse to not want puppies in your life. Most animal shelters allow people to come in and play with the dogs (and cats!) for a little while. It’s a great way to give the animals a little exercise, as well as a great way to spend a few hours getting to know your date. You’re guaranteed to have fun picking out and giving names to your future dogs.
6. Find a free class.
Many gyms, dance studios and karate studios offer one free (or discounted) class to those who are interested in learning. These free passes can let you and your date try out a new skill or hobby, or just the opportunity to spend some time fooling around! The best part of this date is that you might discover something you’re great at, or want to continue learning.
Any ideas that we missed? Let us know in the comments or tweet at @StudentAdvisor!
By Dr. Elizabeth Tice, Ph.D.
For StudentAdvisor.com
The continued growth of online and distance learning has been driven by student demand, technology, a troubled economy and demographic changes. Its rapid expansion is closely tied to the growth of technology, the Internet and other new ways of delivering knowledge to more students beyond the previous boundaries of place, time and expense.
In recent years, traditional schools have begun to add online curriculum. Community colleges are adding online courses both to meet student demand and to control education costs. Students are driving demand everywhere, starting in middle school.
Earlier Adoption of Online Learning
Online universities have begun collaborating with school districts to accelerate the adoption of online education in middle schools and high schools. For instance, in San Diego County, Ashford University worked with the Office of Education to launch a new online algebra course in early 2011. Hundreds of students are now benefiting from the pilot program.
Online College Enrollment Growing at a Faster Rate
The 2011 Sloan Consortium study from Babson Survey Research Group, “Going the Distance: Online Education in the United States 2011,” reported that higher education enrollment grew by 0.6 percent in 2010. In contrast, online college classes grew by 10.1 percent. More than 6.1 million students were enrolled in at least one web-based class in the fall 2010 semester, with online enrollment now representing 31.3 percent of total enrollment. From 2002 to 2010, online learning has grown at a compounded annual rate of 18.3 percent, versus just over 2 percent for overall higher education.
The Perception of Quality in Online Higher Ed
Perceptions of quality are on the increase as well. According to the Sloan study, 67 percent of respondents said online college classes were “the same or superior” to face-to-face classes, up from 57 percent in 2003.
Continued advances in technology will enable universities, high schools, and middle schools to better connect with students in new ways. Course materials can be updated 24/7 and delivered via smart phones, computers and tablets rather than waiting for expensive updates to be printed and stocked in the traditional bookstores. New devices and free applications help students access classes from almost anywhere (recent Ashford graduates include members of the armed forces completing degrees while deployed in Afghanistan). Social media platforms encourage group participation and networking at all hours, creating a sense of community and connection with the faculty.
What the Future Holds for Online Education
In summary, online education will continue to grow because of its many advantages: in technology; rapid development of innovative curriculum; a broad array of accessible faculty; and an increasing variety of choices for students to advance their careers through college education under circumstances of their choosing.
This continued growth and increased sophistication of online education at all levels will provide major benefits to students, the economy, traditional and online schools, and society in general.
Dr. Elizabeth Tice is president of Ashford University, offering undergraduate and graduate degree programs online and on-campus in Clinton, Iowa. With an annual enrollment of more than 90,000 students, Ashford University is defining the modern college experience by combining the heritage of a traditional campus with the flexibility and effectiveness of online learning.
Considering Ashford? Read Ashford University reviews.
By Veronica Garcia
StudentAdvisor.com Staff
When it comes to paying for college, many of us are drawn away from the daunting task of having to fill out the FAFSA. We want to get some money for college, but the thought of having to sit at your computer for hours upon hours looking through your parents tax forms does not sound like a fun way to spend an afternoon.
But don't put it off for too long! Colleges have a limited amount of grant and scholarship money to distribute to students. The longer you wait to get your FAFSA in, the more you risk missing out on crucial financial aid options.
Some of you might be wondering if filling out the FAFSA takes a long time. In fact in the StudentAdvisor Q&A section students ask about this a lot!
“The first time you fill out a FAFSA it will probably take between one and two hours to complete. They ask for a lot of information and it takes awhile to get through. One way to get through it faster is to have all the information you need ready before you sit down to do it. You can take a look at their website for requirements ahead of time, but you'll need things like your tax records and or your parents' tax records if you are a dependent. The good thing is that in later years you can complete it really quickly, probably in 15 minutes, because they save your information and most of it will be the same from year to year.”
“Filling out the FAFSA online is a breeze. If you have everything you need to complete the entire form in front of you when you begin, it should take you no more than 30 to 45 minutes to complete. And, you also have the option of saving your progress when filling out the form and coming back to it later with all the previous information saved. Once you complete the form online, you will receive confirmation via email when your form has been processed.”
See? It's not too bad! So what are you waiting for? Go do that FAFSA!
By Sam Coren
StudentAdvisor.com Staff
Trying to decide on a college? Reading college reviews from students and alumni can be a huge help! Find out what you can't learn from admissions websites or a glossy viewbooks and brochures. Want to know where you can get the latest insider info on the schools you're researching? StudentAdvisor has reviews on thousands of 4 year colleges, community colleges, and vocational schools throughout the US.
Here's a sampling of some of our most recent college reviews posted by students and alumni:
UC Davis Review
The Good:
Rigorous courses, friendly staff for the most part, good sports stuff, lots of nature and large campus.
The Bad:
Not easy to get an internship, not as much financial aid as lower ranked UCs, crowded classes without seats, walking down the street is like playing Frogger on Hard with the bicycles, some of the buildings are very worn-down and creepy at night or in winter, not diverse student body, rampant bicycle thefts and ancient lab equipment.
Would I do it again?
No, As a STEM transfer student I would avoid this school due to difficulty acquiring internships or volunteer work mandatory for grad school. Also there is not enough support for transfer students or acknowledgement of their existence by staff.
Read more UC Davis reviews.
Post your own UC Davis review.
Columbia University Review
The Good:
The core curriculum is challenging but worth it. Beautiful campus. Students are extremely intelligent. The history faculty is excellent.
The Bad:
Course load can be overwhelming. It's easy to get lost in a sea of students. The computer science department is too theoretical.
Would I do it again?
Yes, The core curriculum taught me so much. The campus is self-contained even though it's in the middle of the city. I received two Bachelor's degrees from Columbia: History and Computer Science. I think that the quality of the history faculty is much higher than that of the CS department.
Read more Columbia University reviews.
Post your own Columbia University review.
Fairfield University Review
The Good:
Excellent teachers who were very engaged with the students. I also enjoyed living on the beach my Senior year and the close proximity of FU to NYC holds many benefits.
The Bad:
Being from San Diego, Connecticut winters are cold. I also sometimes had a feeling the administration (not the teachers) were out of touch with the student population. Another dislike was the administrations obsession with keeping students away from beach housing, which has been an integral part of student life since the schools founding.
Would I do it again?
Yes, I met great people and got a valuable education. Fairfield also has a great party scene.
Read more Fairfield University reviews.
Post your own Fairfield University review.
Photo: TaÃs Moraes
By Taylor Cotter
StudentAdvisor.com Staff
Claremont McKenna College Admits to Exaggerating SAT Scores of Admitted Students
A senior administrator at Claremont McKenna College admitted to falsifying records of SAT scores of their admitted students. The administrator, allegedly Richard Vos, vice president and dean of admissions, had been falsifying these records since 2005. According to the New York Times, the SAT scores reported to U.S. News Report and other college ranking websites were inflated by 10-20 points. The school had been ranked as the ninth best liberal arts college this year. Though Claremont McKenna is the most prestigious school to be discovered falsifying records, they join Iona College, Villanova Law School and University of Illinois Law School as universities that have deliberately skewed their statistics to to inflate their rankings.
(Thanks to Jeremy L. for contributing this story.)
Vassar College accidentally accepts students
Last Friday, 76 students received acceptance letters in error from Vassar College. The students, who saw a test letter sent out accidentally from Vassar admissions, was sent to 122 early decision applicants. After retracting the mistake, only 46 of the 122 applicants were actually accepted. Vassar is refunding the $65 application fee for these students, though some students, parents and families are considering legal action against the college.
Maryland plans to cut swimming and diving teams, six other sports
The University of Maryland plans to cut men's and women's swimming and diving, unless the teams can raise $11.6 million by June 30 - 59 percent more than the entire fundraising sector of Maryland Athletics has raised. The "Save Maryland Swimming and Diving" booster club has raised over $1 million and has plans to raise as much as $4 million, but does not project coming close to raising the eight years of funds needed. Parents, students and supporters are meeting with legislators to begin talking about the complex legalities of the issue. After cutting swimming and diving, Maryland's plans include cutting men’s tennis; men’s cross-country, men’s indoor and outdoor track, women’s water polo, and acrobatics and tumbling.
Former Law Students Sue Law Schools Over Misleading Job Statistics
Fifty-one law school graduates from around the country have sued their alma maters for being misleading with their statistics about job placement. The graduates claimed that, though these schools touted high employment statistics, they didn't report that most of these graduates are employed in jobs that do not require a law degree. The graduates further allege that the school's data, some which claim over 90 percent of their graduates have jobs, does not correlate with the national data that claims 60 percent of lawyers that are employed. The twelve schools being sued are Albany Law School, Hofstra Law School, California Western, Golden Gate University, Southwestern Law School,; University of San Francisco School of Law, IIT Chicago-Kent College of Law, DePaul University College of Law, The John Marshall Law School, Florida Coastal School of Law, and Widener University School of Law.
By Dean Tsouvalas
StudentAdvisor.com Editor-in-Chief
More than ever, it’s crucial that college grads know that they will not only be competing with their fellow classmates for jobs - they’re also competing with graduates all over the world. Understanding the global market and economy is imperative for students looking to start their job search.
Here are three ways students can be prepare for a global marketplace and become well-rounded global citizens:
1. Utilize opportunities that are available.
Most universities make it easy for students to study or intern abroad. “Students should investigate the offerings of their college or university. What are the study abroad options? Are there short-term international travel opportunities available? Certainly study abroad is a great way for students to help develop their global mindset, but it is not the only way,” said Sarah Fatherly, dean of university programs and interim associate vice president for academic affairs at Otterbein University in Westerville, OH.
Students that can’t fit a study abroad into their schedule should consider summer or winter break abroad opportunities – these are usually less demanding and allows students to experience the best parts of an abroad trip in a short period of time.
2. Go deeper than tourism!
“To be a liberally educated person means that you have to open yourself up to new cultures, new languages, new ways of interpreting reality and seeing the world,” said Dr. William Felice, professor of political science at Eckerd College in St. Petersburg, Florida, who teaches a summer course on the United Nations in Geneva, Switzerland. To be globally prepared means you’ve dug deeper into a new culture than simple tourism, he said. It’s crucial to remember that studying abroad is more than a vacation – it’s an experiment in cross-cultural understanding and developing relationships.
Make sure to spend time cultivating knowledge and skills related to the culture, as well as making friends and keeping in touch with students from the country.
3. Make time for reflection.
It’s not enough to just experience new cultures, says Scott Manning, director of cross-cultural programs at Susquehanna University in Selinsgrove, Pa. “It’s necessary to think about what effects those experiences create.”
Students should think about how they can extend the learning experience after they return from abroad. “Consider how to keep in touch with the new culture, such as learning a language, reading online media from that country, or starting a service project to strength connections between the two cultures,” he says.
He suggests students also offer to share their adventures with other members of the campus community. “Talking about it is the best way to learn more from it,” Manning explains. “Students who give presentations on campus or in the community do a great service, but it also helps themselves to process their experiences.”
