Guest Blogger - Maya

Freshman Year Here I Come

By Maya Ana Callender

Maya at Utica College

Hey class of 2013! 

While you all are preparing to go into your last year at ICE I just got back home from taking my first steps as a college freshman on the UC campus. In the fall I will be going to Utica College which is upstate about 4 hours away.  I will be majoring in business management. After spending an overnight freshman orientation at the college, there are some things I wanted to share with you. 

Economic Crime, Justice Studies, and Cybersecurity Building
@ Utica College

First off, don’t be nervous! It’s human to be scared going into a new environment without knowing anyone, but everyone is in the same position as you, so just be yourself! Within minutes, freshman’s started to introduce ourselves which always started with “What’s your name? What’s your major? Where are you from?” It was the perfect starter for a conversation! I meet people from Pennsylvania, New Hampshire, Upstate New York and even Texas! We even exchanged our numbers! After the amazing party they threw for us, a group of us went back to the dorms to just talk and hangout like we have been in college for years. It felt great! 

The upperclassmen told us some personal college events which they could take back and events that they will look back on years from now laughing. One of the cheers they taught us were “U, C, Moose” And while you say it you have to make a U with your arms, C with your arms then a moose’s ears with your hands on your head. Try it!

"U, C, Moose!"

Second of all, stay safe! No one is controlling you in college do to the right things. It is up to you to know when to say no, go to class and take a break. For example, have emergency money in your wallet, let a couple of friends know where you are going and have the campus police number in your phone. If you’re going to drink, know your limit and make sure you see the drink being poured in the cup! Or just don’t drink! You don’t     need a glass of beer to have fun. 

Third thing is everyone knows they have to learn how to do laundry, but also learn how to cook! Even though most of your meals will be coming from the dining hall and other restaurants on campus, there may be a moment you want to heat up some food in the kitchen. So some advice the upperclassmen gave were, don’t put pizza in the oven with it still in the pizza box and don’t leave your popcorn in the microwave for an hour. Apparently last year freshman’s set off 12 fire alarms for cooking mistakes. 

Also, college is all about TIME MANAGEMENT. You guys definitely need to find some type of studying method before you go to college because no one wants to be that person who drops out because you were partying too hard. You get to pick your schedule, when to study, what to study and when to have fun. For example I picked all of my classes between 10:30am – 3:20pm. Depending on the day I have 2 or 3 classes and around 4 maybe 5 hours to study, then get some dinner and even go to a party or sporting event if I want. If I need to study more, I will give myself more time to study and if you need extra help, ask for it before you even start classes, it will help out when you are in need of a tutor! 

Last but not least, everything actually works out in the end! Trust me! I was so nervous during this whole college process that I wish I could go back and relax a little bit. ICE Seniors, try to read up about as many colleges as possible because you may never know what you like. Also, it is perfectly ok if you don’t know what you want to study in. College is all about self discovery and no one will judge, so have fun this last year and I hope you guys find your dream college like I did! 

Utica College

Thanks for sharing your experience with us Maya.  We look forward to hearing from you next year.  Wishing you a great college experience!!!


                                                 Jennifer

8 of the Best Colleges - Part 2

Recitation Hall @Grinnell College

GRINNELL COLLEGE

Grinnell is a private liberal arts 

and  sciences college located 

in Grinnell, Iowa, on the prairie!  

There are currently about 

1,600 students attending Grinnell. 

Class size is small, usually less
than 20 students.

Focus at Grinnell is on social and political awareness.

Students at Grinnell College have a sense of mission, many are dedicated to improving the lives of others.  It makes sense that one of Grinnell’s Distinguished Programs is the Peace Studies Program.  The mission of the Peace Studies Program is to promote understanding of the causes of conflict and creative strategies for its peaceful resolution in our community, our nation, and our world.

Grinnell is a Division 3 school that boasts state of the art athletic facilities.

A full 1/3 of the students play varsity athletics!  This is a school where you study hard,
and if you want, you join the team.....The Pioneers!......and bring home the victories.

The Cyclone, Grinnell’s unconventional yearbook is composed entirely of photos,  taken by
student photographers who avidly document a year in the life at Grinnell through photos (not
a word included).  FYI the yearbook got the name Cyclone because in 1882 Grinnell was
badly struck by a tornado (back then called cyclone).

Admissions is need blind and Grinnell will meet a students' demonstrated need.


HAVERFORD COLLEGE

Cherry Blossoms @ Haverford College

Haverford is located 8 miles from
Philadelphia, 

and is situated on a 

beautiful 200 acre campus--

known for its elegant architecture 

and lush landscaping.

It is not unusual for classes
at Haverford to have 

fewer than 5 students!  

Nearly 40% of the classes
have fewer than 10 students.
And more than half the faculty
live on the Haverford campus.

It makes sense that Haverford is recognized for its rich and rigorous academic programs,
and being known as a close-knit intellectual community.

Some Highlights about Haverford College:

Haverford College dorm rooms

Haverford students may also take
classes at Swarthmore College
and Bryn Mawr.
                

Haverford expects all seniors to
present a senior thesis.  Students
“produce a substantial scholarly 

work that reflects their interests
and academic accomplishments

 at Haverford.”

Each summer Haverford funds various social justice programs.  

Majors include: 
Peace, Justice, & Human Rights;
Creative Writing; Russian; 

International Economic Relations;
Anthropology; Biochemistry &

Biophysics

Haverford has an Honor Code that is completely administered by the student
body.

About interviews---If you live within 150 miles
of the Haverford campus
(which includes NYC),
it is strongly recommended to
have an on campus interview.

Middle Path @ Kenyon College

Kenyon College

The Kokosing Gap Trail is 14 miles long
and a great way to enjoy the country

Would you like to design your own 

  major?           

Is writing your forte?

Are you a science buff?

Does having your food grown or 

  raised locally appeal to you?

Do you want to get out of state?

And is your ultimate desire to attend 

  college on a beautiful campus?

If you answered “yes!”  to these 

questions then Kenyon College 

may be the place of your dreams.  

Kenyon is located in Gambier, Ohio 

and has a population of 1,600 

students.   All of the Kenyon 

students live on campus in a 

variety of housing options.  

Most of the students actually 

come from urban areas, but once on

the Kenyon campus they say the pastoral 

setting inspires them.

Kenyon has a strong literary tradition…

Science Quad @ Kenyon College

a place where poets and writers 

have come together.   

Maybe you’ve heard

of the Kenyon Review?

Don’t be fooled by the Ohio 

address, even New Yorkers 

say there is a lot to do at 

Kenyon---for instance 

a movie theater

resides on campus, as well as a 30 lane pool!....

and lots more places to discover in and 

around Kenyon College.

Look for post 3 of  8 of the Best Colleges

coming up:  Macalester College, Claremont McKenna College, Sarah Lawrence College.

Jennifer

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