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
  

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
         



                                                                                                          

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

Rachel at Fairleigh Dickinson University

Rachel Garcia recently visited Fairleigh Dickinson University for the 
Accepted Students Day, and 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  

Unique NYC Public High Schools College Fair

Dear Juniors,

Muhlenberg College

The Unique NYC Public High Schools College Fair is just a week away!!  I can't wait for you to meet the Admission Representatives from the awesome colleges that will be attending.  It's a fantastic event and I am sure each of you will have a great time, as well as learn so much about what these colleges have to offer.  My prediction is that you will return to ICE full of ideas about where you will want to spend your college years.

Residence Hall,  Wellesley College

 You will be walking over to the fair right after school next Thursday, April 25th.  The fair lasts until 5:30, plan to stay for the entire time.  When you arrive it will be quite crowded, but the crowd will thin and it will be easier for you to approach a variety of tables and speak with the Admissions Representatives.

Visit the Unique NYC High Schools College Fair website http://www.uniquenyccollegefair.org to help you prepare. Which of the colleges listed would you like to know more about?  Take some time and research on your own.  Then your questions can be specific and lead you to a college that is a good fit.  Bring a small notebook so you can record helpful information.   

Pick up business cards from 4 colleges that you find interesting, and that you may consider applying to next year.  Having this college contact information can be quite helpful over the summer and during the application process.

Some things you might want to find out when you are speaking with the Admissions Representatives--  do their colleges conduct interviews?   require the  SAT/ACT?
what about the SAT II's?  can you travel to the college via public transportation?  what is the average financial aid package?

Babson College residence hall

Don't forget to smile and have a good time!
Jennifer

The Evergreen State College

Professor & Students

Last week I was invited to a brunch and luncheon, hosted by The Evergreen State College http://www.evergreen.edu/.  The food was amazing (we ate at Carmine's on the Upper West Side!)  But even better was learning more about the Evergreen experience.

Evergreeen is located in the Pacific Northwest and just like the name of the college indicates, Evergreen has been a leader in the environmental movement since the beginning of the college 40 years ago.

Here are a few of things that make Evergreen unique:

Evergreen Men's Soccer

Students enroll in a single comprehensive program rather than a series of separate courses. This program includes a grouping of courses that are taken for a semester, and sometimes for a year.

At Evergreen students explore many aspects of a theme or topic through different but related academic subjects.
By studying topics in an interdisciplinary way, students learn not only about a broad range of subjects and issues; but also become a critical thinkers and a skilled communicators.

The professors teach their programs in teams of two, three or four.  They plan activities like labs, workshops, seminars and field trips to create an atmosphere of shared learning with groups of 25 students.  Each professor is responsible for 25 students!.....talk about getting to know your teachers!

Students are evaluated in detailed narratives!!! (sound familiar?)

Speedy visits I.C.E.

Last fall Julian Genette, the NYC Admissions Counselor from Evergreen, visited I.C.E.  While he was here he took a picture of Speedy, a Geoduck and the Evergreen mascot, sitting on the I.C.E. steps.  Julian will be attending the NYC Unique High School College Fair on April 25th, you'll get a chance to meet him and Speedy there. http://www.uniquenyccollegefair.org/


Jennifer

Hello Juniors!

Carnegie Mellon University

Now we begin the college process together!  I am looking forward to meeting and
working with each of you in this upcoming year and a half.  Just think 8 months from now you will be applying to college!  A year from now and you may be holding some college acceptance letters!!!

In our class we will be preparing for your applications to college.  What you will be looking forward to: 

 
Everybody will register  for and take the SAT I/ or the ACT, in May and students applying to competitive schools will take 1 to 3 SAT IIs, in June.

Museum @ SUNY New Paltz

All juniors will write a personal essay so that you and I have a chance to go over it before summer.

Come up with a list of 10 to 15 colleges that you may be interested in applying to in the Fall of 2012.

Begin to put together a resume that you will use both for college and for your internship.

Make arrangements to visit a college.  Before going--sign up for a tour and an information session.  You may do this online, or by calling the college. 
Conclude your visit before May 1, 2012.

SAVE THE DATE!!!    Wednesday, April 25th NYC Unique College Fair, until 5:30 pm.

Brandeis University

Come to your College Bound Class on time and with paper and pencil.  Start a folder to keep all of the handouts......you will reference them again and again.

See you in class!

Jennifer