Thursday, May 31, 2012

8 of the Best Colleges




The day after meeting with  The Sister Colleges I went to have breakfast with a group of schools that go by the title:  8 of the Best Colleges.  
                                                                                                                                                       

classroom @ Colorado College
It was a great meeting, I learned
so much and..........a wonderful
bonus was that all of the
Deans and Directors who spoke
had a great sense of humor.
I will share a little of what
I learned, but I urge you to
check out the college websites.





Colorado College http://www.coloradocollege.edu 
is one of the colleges that I didn't really
know much about,  but by the
time Roberto Garcia had finished
speaking I wanted to go back in time and
be a student there!



Cutler Hall @ Colorado College

A cool fact:  At this college
students take one class at a time.
The college course lasts 3 1/2 weeks,
then students have a 4 day break
(which is jam-packed with activities)
before beginning the next course.
The idea is that each class will
have the students' full attention.
By having one class at a time
students are free to attend special
events or even overnight trips
to support the class.
What a great idea!  So simple
and yet so smart.
Just think....no more heavy backpacks!!!

And I will add that Colorado College looks incredibly
beautiful.



Admission Office @ Connecticut College
Connecticut College http://www.conncoll.edu 
is located in New London, Connecticut.  If you
want to go away but still be within the reach
of NYC, then this an amazing college
may be your answer.   The college is about
2 1/2 hours on Amtrak, and stepping onto
the campus.....well, it is another world---
a gorgeous campus.

Connecticut College is a place where students
go beyond their comfort zones and challenge
themselves in a variety interdisciplinary courses,
for instance linking dance and neuroscience.

Connecticut College


The campus is friendly and collaborative.  Students at Connecticut College say that they
are not competitive with each other, only with themselves.  If you are a strong student
with global interests, then travel up to New London and check out Connecticut College.
Interviews and tours for the incoming Class of 2013 begin June 4th!
Make your reservation soon!

Look for my next installment of 8 of the Best Colleges, as we count them down.

Jennifer
  

Tuesday, May 29, 2012

The Sisters Breakfast

Bryn Mawr College
Commencement Barnard College


Smith College
  THE SISTERS

Last week I went to a breakfast
meeting hosted by
The Sister Colleges:
Barnard, Bryn Mawr,
Mount Holyoke, Smith,
and Wellesley.  By the time
I had finished my coffee
and juice I was not only
sold on a woman's college,
but very excited by
the opportunities available
to students.

If you are a young woman that
likes an academic challenge combined
with small classroom size and
plenty of opportunities in
research, internships, and
study abroad then a woman's college
may truly be your answer.
Before saying no, take a look
at what these particular colleges
have to offer and you
just might change reconsider.
Perhaps you will add one to your
list!

And FYI there are plenty of
opportunities to take classes in a
coed setting.  Bryn Mawr students
are able to take classes at
Haverford, Swarthmore, and Penn.
Wellesley students can be found in
classes at M.I.T.
As part of the 5 College
Consortium students at Mount
Holyoke and Smith take classes
at University of Massachusetts,
Hampshire College, and Amherst
College.  As New Yorkers, we
Wellesley College
know that Barnard students are
welcome in classes at
Columbia University.

Each of the Sister Colleges comes
with a big price tag, about $51,000
a year......however these particular
colleges will meet full demonstrated
need.  Applicants will have to
fill out the FAFSA and the
CSS Profile.

Check out these amazing colleges
by going to their websites and then
planning a trip this summer or
upcoming fall.

Jennifer

Mt Holyoke College
         



                                                                                                          







Tuesday, May 15, 2012

The Soaring Cost of College

View from bridge at Hunter College
On Sunday, May 13, 2012 The New York Times published a front page article about A Generation Hobbled by the Soaring Cost of College http://www.nytimes.com/2012/05/13/business/student-loans-weighing-down-a-generation-with-heavy-debt.html?_r=1
College Debt has reached gigantic proportions and is now larger than credit card debt.  Many students are finding themselves in debt upwards of $25,000.  One of the featured students in the article owes an amazing $70,000!  This is crushing news, especially in terms of the economy and the difficulty that some students are having in finding work.

Buffalo State College
What does this mean in terms of being a student in search of a college?  

It is important that as you go into the summer you think critically about the colleges you will
be applying to.

First of all, you, the I.C.E. student, have to make sure that you have selected at least 2 public schools where you are likely to be admitted.  Chose colleges you like, that will put you on track.  Be clear it is not simply choosing a public college, but choosing one in which your profile easily fits the Admitted Student Profile.  It goes without saying that there are many excellent colleges and universities to chose from in the public sector, and many of these schools may in fact be reach schools.

You will also be applying to private schools.   You want a diversity in the schools that you apply to....cast your net.   In some instances a private school may offer a generous scholarship that will make attending a private school more affordable than even a public college! 

Criminal Justice class at Herkimer County Community College

After you have applied to your colleges, keep an open mind and be prepared to closely read over Financial Aid Award letters with your parents/guardian.  Do not make a choice on your college until you and your family understand the costs of that particular college.   The price tag of your college education is a big factor that should definitely be part of the decision in choosing which college you will attend.



     
Purchase College


Work on your List of Colleges, and have fun exploring!  
Jennifer

Friday, May 11, 2012

Rachel at Fairleigh Dickinson University

Rachel Garcia recently visited Fairleigh Dickinson University for the 
Accepted Students Dayand agreed to share her experience on the 
ICE College Blog......




I visited the Fairleigh Dickinson campus and I really liked it. Everyone was so friendly and helpful. 






I attended a special Information Session regarding my intended major,  my mother and I met with a financial aid advisor and found out ways to get loans that will cover some of the costs, I got a chance to eat in one of the dining halls, saw the way the dorms are set up, and walked around the campus. A river runs through the middle of the campus! 


It sucked that it was a rainy day but I think I'm really going to like it at FDU! 




Fairleigh Dickinson University is located in New Jersey;  offering a rich college experience not far from New York City.  


Thanks Rachel and keep us posted at I.C.E. next year!  We wish you a wonderful college experience!
JW