The Bonner Service Leader Program at Siena College

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The holidays are upon us and a lot of times I know I find myself thinking about me, me, and all I have to do. It is however a great time to remember those around us who are far less fortunate and therefore a great time to discuss a program that is available to students at Siena that integrates Service Learning into their four year experience.

The Bonner Service Leader Program, a partner with AmeriCorps, was established in 1989. It focuses on the development of college students as they engage in solid commitment to community service.

The Bonner Leader Program focuses and works to strengthen the student’s:

Personal Skills

Leadership Skills

Professional Skills

The Program will provide students the opportunity to:

• Have a unique “family” within the larger Siena community
• Attend National Conferences (Washington, DC, Florida, West Virginia)
• Engage in short term exchanges and service projects
• Establish a connection with a community partner
• Engage in internships
• Reflect on their work in a senior year capstone project/presentation

There are also some financial benefits including work-study funds and the possibility of term awards.

Have I peeked your interest?!? Check out the Bonner Service Leader website. And if you’d like to learn more about this exciting opportunity please contact me at theffernan@siena.edu or the Asst. Director and Coordinator of the Bonner Program, Gretchen Mielke at gmielke@siena.edu.

Senioritis: How to Avoid the Outbreak

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“Senioritis” can be the leading cause of disappointment for high school seniors (and their parents). It is defined by symptoms such as laziness, forgetfulness, or lack of motivation for academics. It can be as contagious as H1N1 and affect the college admissions process. These symptoms can show early warning signs in the junior year. Just like the flu, senioritis can be avoided by following some easy and important guidelines.

1. Take a strong senior year course load. (Load up on your fruits and veggies.)
English, history, pre-calc, physics and a foreign language – these classes are typically considered a complete senior schedule by colleges. Adding some honors or IBs/APs to your course load would only strengthen your application. A person with a strong course load in the senior year has a better chance of being accepted. Every case is different and colleges will look at you individually, but the stronger the curriculum, the better - don't take only what is required.

2. Add leadership opportunities to your resume. (Drink plenty of fluids.)
We see students join lots of clubs in their senior year and check off that they do not plan to continue these activities in college. This is not impressive. Impressive is when a student who loves soccer decides to spend his/her Saturday mornings teaching soccer to six-year olds in the recreation league. Or a student who dances 4-5 hours a day (wow) finds time to help her parent with their grandmother on Mondays. Or the student who attends the National Youth Conference on Law and Justice and when he returns gets friends to join the tutoring program at the elementary school . … the list goes on. Think "Quality over Quantity".

3. Be a senior in high school. (Exercise.)

Have fun but know your priorities and your schedule. Stick with your sports, music and extra-cirricular activities. Just don’t take the SAT the day after prom or homecoming. :)

4. Stay organized. (Wash your hands.)

Planning for college can be an overwhelming or an enjoyable time. It’s a time of family car trips, self-exploration, and good diners. Make sure you take time as a family to meet about the planning process, schedule trips avoiding stressful weeks at school, and do research on the web. The more informed you are, the better the search is.

5. SLEEP! (SLEEP!)

We handle stress better when we have a good night’s rest. This is the golden rule.

Follow these guidelines and you'll be well on your way to a successful senior year and college application process. Often, a lack of motivation is the result of being unfamiliar with the process or feeling overwhelmed with too much information. Don't forget to utilize your school counselor, parents, or admissions contacts if you need clarity or motivation.

What is HEOP - and is it for me?

There are three different types of “opportunity” programs in New York State:

1. Higher Education Opportunity Program (HEOP): found at private colleges (examples: Siena, Union, NYU, Columbia, Syracuse, Skidmore, St. Lawrence, and Fordham). There are approximately 60 private colleges in New York State that have HEOP.

2. Educational Opportunity Program (EOP): found at public colleges (State University of New York system (SUNY) and various local community colleges).

3. SEEK (Search for Education, Elevation and Knowledge Program, some colleges may also have a College Discovery program): these are programs found within the City University of New York system colleges (CUNY).

PURPOSE: Opportunity programs are co-sponsored by the State Education Department and colleges and universities across New York State. These programs provide access to college for students who may otherwise not pursue a college education due to academic and/or financial challenges. These programs provide academic support services, including a pre-college summer preparation program, counseling, tutoring and a very generous financial aid package.

Is HEOP for me?

ELIGIBILITY: A student must qualify both academically and financially for a HEOP program and must also be a resident of New York State.

Academic Eligibility: Each institution determines the academic profile for their opportunity program. For example, Siena has enrolled students in our program with high school averages ranging from 72-85 and SAT composite scores between 720-1060 (Critical Reading and Math scores only). All programs are looking for students who are motivated, have potential and are willing to utilize their support services.

Financial Eligibility: The income scale is set by the State Education Department annually. It is based on the number in a family, and the total family income (example: for a family of 4 the income range is $32,790 – $38,360 for students entering college in the Fall of 2010 depending on the family situation). Documentation is required before admission decisions are made.

Opportunity Programs provide access to college, academic support systems and a generous financial aid package for students who live and want to study in New York State.

Still have questions? We are here to help! To learn more about Siena College’s Higher Education Opportunity Program, please visit: HEOP at Siena College or call us at 1-888-AT-SIENA.

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What are you going to be when you grow up?

Applying to Pre-Professional Programs

Over the years, I 'm sure you've been asked that question many times by family and friends. Well, with the college admissions process in full swing, that question surfaces again.

Maybe you still can't provide a specific answer...and that's OK. You should research and visit Liberal Arts colleges, like Siena, where the Liberal Arts are blended with preparation for the professions. These schools will give you the opportunity to explore and learn, developing the potential to be successful at whatever you choose to do.

However, you may know that a career in healthcare, law, business or education is what you want. If you fall into this category, many colleges, including Siena, have pre-professional programs that can guide you on the path to success.

Remember that colleges may not have a specific pre-med or pre-law major, but that doesn’t mean their students aren't graduating to go on to med school or law school. Often, a “less specialized” major combined with a minor can open you up to more opportunitie - making you more diverse and marketable.

At Siena, you can investigate a range of cooperative programs that lead you to the following:

MD, JD, PA, DO, DMD, OD, PT, OT, MBA...just to name a few.

Applying to most of these programs takes place in the sophomore or junior year of college. Consideration is given to academic program (major), requirements (did you take the right classes?), and performance. Some programs require specific testing, such as the MCAT, GRE, DAT, LSAT, etc. It is important to consult the college catalog for specific requirements and other information. Faculty advisors are also extremely helpful as you develop your plans for the future. Siena's close faculty-student relationships often lead to internship and networking opportunities. Of course, you may always contact an admissions counselors for guidance as well!

The important thing to remember is this: a solid liberal arts education is going to get you wherever you want to go, so don't be turned-off by "non-specific" majors and don't think you have to plan out your whole career right now. There's time and we're here to help!

R U Siena?

AM I TOO LATE? Early Action vs. Early Decision

Everyone's talking about applying early, getting early decisions, making early decisions; did I miss something?

No, not yet but if you have a good idea of where you want attend college there are two options you may want to consider before December 1st.

The first is Early Action. Early Action is an option offered by many colleges and universities that lets you apply a little early (usually by December 1st!) and receive a decision a little earlier as well, usually between January 1st and 15th. The good news about Early Action is that by applying earlier, you find out whether you've been accepted earlier, but you are not committing yourself to that school by applying that way. You still have until the national decision date of May 1st to make your choice. Also remember, the earlier you apply, the greater interest you express in that school. And we love interest!

The second option is Early Decision. Like Early Action, Early Decision applications must be filed earlier (at Siena the deadline is December 1st). Also like Early Action, Early Decision gets you an admissions decision earlier, usually early January. The difference between Early Action and Early Decision is that you are only allowed to apply to one college using Early Decision and you have less time to make your final decision. At Siena if you are accepted Early Decision you must accept the offer of admission by March 1st.

Early Decision is the best choice for those students who already know where they want to attend college and want to finalize that decision now so they can focus on the end of their senior year in high school. Early Decision is also a good choice for that student who's worried about being accepted to the college of their dreams. Experience has taught us that students who are really committed to their college do better in the classroom!

Are you too late? No, but if your situation sounds similar to those I've described above, Early Action or Early Decision may be an opportunity that you don't want to miss.

Click here for a complete list of Siena's application deadlines.

Taking the SAT or ACT

Nervous about those dreaded college tests?!

Biting your nails because you have been studying so much you think your heads going to pop off?!! Don’t be afraid!! Those infamous SAT and ACT tests are not as scary as they seem. They are also not the only thing that colleges review to accept a student. So don’t stress!

The ACT and SAT are very different tests: Each having their own style and layout. How do you know which test you’ll do better on?! Both of the tests are standardized college admissions tests and the majority of colleges will accept either test grade. Some schools are now making the test optional so make sure to pay attention to each school’s requirements!

Here is a link about both tests from College Prep:
http://college-preparation.suite101.com/article.cfm/college_admissions_sat_vs_act

Some similarities in the tests are that they are both designed to test a student’s readiness for college.

What is the difference between the SAT and ACT?

SAT:
- A test that examines your reasoning skills
- Has three parts: Critical verbal, math, & writing (each scored out of 800)
- Evaluates thinking and problem-solving skills
- Writing section is mandatory
- Focuses on the use of vocabulary
- Average test length: 3 hours 45 minutes

ACT:
- A Curriculum- based test
- Has four parts: reading, math, science, and English (each scored out of 36)
- Examines topics that have are taught in school (ex. Science)
- Writing section is optional*
- Focuses on grammar and punctuation
- Average test length: 2 hours 55 minutes

How does Siena fit into these scores?
Siena's average SAT score for accepted students is 1160. The average ACT score is 24.

What are Siena College’s school codes?
The SAT Siena code is 2814
The ACT Siena code is 2878

So, when it comes to studying, take advantage of the help! It never hurts to take a prep class!

Here are a few link s which show the different prep options that will help you study.
SAT: http://www.collegeboard.com/student/testing/sat/prep_one/test_tips.html
ACT: http://www.actstudent.org/testprep/index.html

Don’t stress, get plenty of sleep before the tests, and go in as prepared as possible and you will do great!

Have you joined us on Facebook yet??

Friend our mascot, Bernie St. Bernard for the lastest updates, photos, information and more.

http://www.facebook.com/siena.admissions

Plus, connect with other students considering Siena just like you!

Finding the Perfect Fit

In “The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants” four best friends discover that one pair of jeans magically fits all of them - perfectly. While most young women are willing to suspend their disbelief for the sake of a good chick flick, we all know that it’s hard enough to find one pair of jeans that fits you perfectly, never mind your whole posse.

It would be great if you and all of your best friends from high school could just find that perfect school that fits comfortably for each of you, no matter how different you are from one another. Unfortunately, searching for the perfect college is a lot like searching for that perfect pair of jeans, without the magic.

But don’t let the stress of choosing a college cloud your shopper’s sky just yet - there’s hope for girls and guys of all shapes and sizes.

First things first, answer these 3 basic questions:

1. I want to attend a college that is…

a) Tiny
b) Small
c) Medium
d) Large
e) Ginormous

2. I want my college to be in…

a) a city
b) a suburb
c) the middle of nowhere

3. I want to be this many hours from home…

a) Hours? How about minutes?
b) 1-2
c) 3-4
d) 5-6
e) I want to have to fly there.

If you found yourself saying “I don’t know” to one or all of these… it’s okay! Finding the perfect fit doesn’t happen if you don’t suck it up and get yourself into the dressing room… in college lingo? Visit!

College visits come in as many varieties as jeans do; dark rinse, white wash, skinny, boot cut, low rise, and super flare all equal simple, fun and educational experiences like campus tours, group information sessions, interviews, open houses, lunches with faculty, and overnight host programs. Try a few on! If you’re totally clueless when it comes to what kind of school you want, go crazy and pick up a few you’d never wear – you never know how a small private suburban college (like Siena!) or a giant public university may fit. And trust us, we WANT you to visit! So don’t be shy!!

But which ones do you visit?? Well, a little online shopping never hurt anyone. Try College Board’s College MatchMaker where you can create searches based on your own criteria or start going straight to web addresses that end in “.edu”. I recommend starting with siena.edu, of course. ;o)

Here’s another idea – watch your mail. Colleges work very hard and spend a lot of money to end up in your mailbox (and inbox). While we can’t send you buy one get one coupons, we can send you invites to our events or informational brochures (we even call them catalogs!). So park it on the couch and peruse some of that mail. Chances are you can place an order right over the phone to attend an event or ask a question. At Siena we make it easy to reach us:

Call: 1-888-AT-SIENA
E-mail: admissions@siena.edu
IM: SienaAdmissions (every Wednesday from 7-10 p.m.)
Facebook Message: Bernie St. Bernard (our very social and informative mascot)

The most important thing to remember when shopping for colleges (or jeans) is not to stress! Think of us (your friendly admissions counselors) as personal shoppers – ask us to get you a different size, find a matching top, or recommend care instructions. You get the point… we’re here to help you find the perfect fit!

Need a little Financial Aid 101?

Get it here in three minutes.

It ain't over 'till it's over...

Junior year is the hardest one, right? And senior year is… vacation! Well, maybe not…

The truth is, when it comes to applying to college, senior year counts.

Think of it this way:

Senior year = the last two minutes of the NCAA Tournament game!

Here are some tips for making your senior year and your college search a win-win.

1. Choose challenging courses: College’s wants to see consistent improvement over four years and a challenging curriculum. Siena requires four years of English and History and three-four years of Math, Science, and a Foreign Language, depending on your intended major (Business majors – this means four years of math!). In addition, AP or honors level classes are great preparation for college and proof that you’ve challenged yourself academically throughout high school.

2. Keep your grades up: Most colleges are going to request your first quarter grades (at least) so it’s very important to work as hard as possible and finish out the year strong. Don’t forget, we see your final grades too – so don’t slack off, even after your acceptances.

Final minutes of the game, don’t let up.

3. SAT/ACT: Feel free to take either test more than once but no later than October 1st.

Fouled on jump shot, a second chance to score some points!

4. Stay involved: Continue to participate in clubs and activities; but don’t try to join too many senior just to fill your resume. Think “quality over quantity”.

As the clock winds down be as active as possible.

5. See your counselor: Meet with your school counselor regularly to make sure your information is organized and arrives to colleges on time.

Final timeout of the game make sure everything is in order - no mistakes!

6. Maintain college contact: Schedule visits/interviews for September-November. Get the business cards of admissions counselors you meet and follow up with a call or e-mail should you have any questions (we love thank you notes too!).

Get involved in the game as many ways as you can.

7. Have fun!

Win the game in crunch time, when it matters most!

Checking In

Hello Readers!

We hope you've been enjoying our blog and learning from our insider tips and tricks.

Thank you for all of the positive comments! Please feel free to ask us to blog about a particular topic of interest as well - we are happy to give you the information you need most.

Recently, there have been some great news articles about college education. Some have mentioned Siena and some haven't, but we thought you may be interested to read the few below.

Enjoy! And as always, let us know what you think!

Rah, Rah, Resume! Like the schools mentioned in this New York Times article, Siena's Career Center offers lifetime services to alumni. So if you lose your job in twenty years? We've got your back. Click here to visit Siena's Career Center online.

Prospective students are concerned over the cost of tuition. And so are current students! With a depressed economy, even students who are already in college are worrying about making tuition payments and many are forced to consider transferring to schools with lower tuition. In Albany's Times Union, Siena gets a shout out for helping even our current students find the aid they need.

As a Met's fan, this one stings a little. But there is a little sweet in this bitter loss - because this winning Major League Baseball Star is a Siena grad!

Pictured above - Kelly Patterson '12, Alex Evanciew '10, and Neila Lachhander '12, on the patio of Siena's Sarazen Student Union on a beautifully sunny day in Loudonville!

Applying to College with a Learning Disability

The first question for many parents and students alike is, “Do I, or don’t I reveal my LD to the college admissions office?”

The answer: YES!

Now, let me tell you how….

THE DISCUSSION

Your K-12 LD accommodations are governed by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (I.D.E.A. - for full text click here). This is legislation focused on the successful completion of high school graduation requirements. Your districts’ responsibility to meet the recommendations of your I.E.P. (Individualized Education Program) is regulated by this document.

While colleges do offer a wide array of accommodations for students with LDs, I.D.E.A. does not extend to higher education. College offices for learning disabled students are focused on students understanding and utilizing the entire scope of resources available to them. However, they are powerless to aid students unless students self-advocate for their needs first.

Therefore, a serious discussion must take place between you, your parents, and your school counselor concerning your progress through high school. Review your accommodations; which resources have you consistently used resulting in positive and successful work? Furthermore, which resources do you believe you need to continue that success at the next level, college? After having this conversation you are ready to speak in more detail to admissions counselors in regards to their college’s resources.

THE SEARCH

Notifying admissions of your LD provides those who review your application with a clearer picture of your academic experiences. After being accepted, some families release the students 504 Plan and achievement tests for review. After confirming with an institution, it is left to the college students to contact the LD office and requested accommodations. Examples of accommodations offered at many colleges are extended time, note takers, and read instructions/questions, to name a few.
Although resource rooms may not be an option, understanding your need for access to faculty members and other academic support services can be intricate to your search.

For example, at Siena where the average class size is 21, professors are readily accessible in class or during office hours. Siena offers students support at our Counseling Office, Tutoring Services, and our student-run Writing Center. These are universal services available to all students, but can be particularly helpful to students needing an encouraging mentor or extra help.

Public versus Private

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No, I’m not talking about displays of affection. I’m talking about college options!




As you conduct your search, you realize you have a lot to figure out. Small vs. big, liberal arts vs. technical, suburban vs. urban vs. rural, your list of options looks like the March Madness NCAA bracket. Where is the ESPN commentary of college admissions?

Mary Buckheit, a 2002 Siena grad and writer for ESPN Page 2, breaks down public versus private in her comparison of Ohio State and Siena before their first round match-up in March of 2009. Choosing a college could be simple if you only had two choices; double overtime or your point guard shooting to win at the buzzer.

We know there are more choices when searching for the college that best fits you. While compiling your list, look at both public and private institutions. Read the mission statement of the college and underline the words that are important to you. Then ask the college officials how those words in the mission are put into action for the undergraduate student.

If reading mission statements for all of the colleges you plan on applying to seems daunting, then try this route:

Since private and public colleges offer many similar experiences, asking these basic questions will help you discover their differences:

What is your student/faculty ratio and average class size for my major and for core classes? How many of your faculty members teach full-time?

Why? Smaller faculty/student ratios and smaller classes lead to an engaged undergraduate experience. Faculty members know your name and recognize your potential. Full-time teachers at institutions are ready for your questions and are eager to push you; their student. There are endless stories of undergraduates publishing work, taking classes abroad and presenting at conferences with faculty mentors. These relationships and experiences add depth to your resume and increase networking opportunities.

Siena’s answers:
Student/Faculty ratio: 14:1
Average class size for all: 21
Full-time faculty: 178 with 93% holding the highest degree in their field

What is your freshmen retention rate? What is your four-year graduation rate? What is your job/professional school placement after graduation?

Why? Freshmen retention essentially means the percentage of first-year students who enjoyed their experience and are psyched to come back for year two. Graduation rates offer a way to measure students’ success. The students enjoyed their four years and the classes offered and they graduated on time. You don’t want to be a super senior. Lastly, what they are doing after graduation tell us they were prepared for success.

Siena’s answers:
Freshmen retention rate: 87%
Four-year graduation rate: 73%
Job/Graduate school placement: 98%

What is the most active club on campus? What is the second most active? Do you find the students living on campus for their four years?

Why? College is about developing the whole person – academically, socially, spiritually and professionally. You are in the classroom about 15 hours a week. If college is a 40-hour work week, you have 25 hours of unfilled time, not to mention the nights and weekends. That’s a lot of time that needs to be filled with studying, writing papers, listening to speakers, volunteering, joining clubs, planning and attending school events and just hanging out. It’s also a lot of time to learn life lessons outside of the classroom, to figure out what is important to you, and to push yourself to exceed your potential. If you’re at a place that does not challenge you academically or socially, or a place you just don’t like, it’s a lot of wasted time and money.

Siena’s answers:
Most active: Dog Pound – our student cheering section for the basketball games
Second most active: Habitat for Humanity
On-campus residents: 78%

The point is, you don’t have to just rely on the NCAA brackets for your college search. Remember, whether public or private, the only right college is the college that best fits your ability and personality. These questions allow you to navigate the college search and find out if the character of the college best matches your own.

Writing Your College Essay: tips from the people who read them

It’s time to sit down and write your college essay. Hopefully, you are not in a state of last minute panic, but you are probably a bit nervous and wondering how you can make your essay different from all the rest. Don’t be nervous! The college essay is a great way to show the admissions committee who you are and what you can bring to their school.

College essay questions come in many forms, but they can generally be broken down into 3 categories:

1. The Why You Essay
2. The Why Us Essay
3. The Creative Essay

The Why You essay is exactly what it sounds like, why would you be a great asset to the college? An example of a Why You essay question, taken from the Common Application, is: “Evaluate a significant experience, achievement, risk you have taken, or ethical dilemma you have faced and its impact on you.” Think about what you would like us to know that can’t be found on your transcript or resume.

The Why Us essay is about the college to which you are applying. Make sure to research the college before writing this type of essay. An essay about your desire to study at a major research university in the heart of a metropolitan city will make an admissions counselor from a small, rural, liberal arts college wonder why you are applying to their school.

The Creative essay allows you to show yourself off in a unique way. An example of a creative essay question, taken from the Common Application, is: “Describe a character in fiction, a historical figure, or a creative work (as in art, music, science, etc.) that has had an influence on you, and explain that influence.” A writer can have a lot of fun with this type of question.

As you are writing and editing your essay, please keep the following in mind:

1. Answer the question. Applicants tend to write what they think the colleges want to read or may use one essay for several applications. Make sure the essay you are submitting reflects the essay question of the college to which you are applying.

2. Make it interesting. Admissions counselors can read 30 to 50 applications a day. Make your essay the one we pass around the office.

3. The admissions committee can learn a lot about you in 1-2 pages. We know you want to share a lot, but a 10 page autobiography isn’t necessary.

4. Have your essay read by a few people whose opinions you value. Your school counselor, English teacher, parents or even an older sibling are great choices. This also requires having plenty of time for editing, so don't wait until the last minute!

5. Remember that spell check does not catch everything. Keep your eyes open for typos and grammatical errors.

6. If referring to the college to which you are applying, make sure to send the right essay to the right college! We understand that you are applying to many schools, but we never like to see a competitor's name in one of our essays.

Most importantly, have fun! Writing your college essay is not as daunting as it seems. Just remember to start early, write thoughtfully, and never hesitate to ask for help.

Happy Writing!

We All Scream for Ice Cream

- surviving (and enjoying) the college admissions process -

Completing the college admissions process is a lot like making an ice cream sundae... yes, it can be fun!

The Ice Cream:

For your base, you have numerous resources (or flavors) to choose from:

Your School Counselor: Be sure to talk about…

1. what you’re looking for in a college (How far from home do you wish to be? Do you prefer urban, suburban, or rural? Do you want a big school? Or small? What do you want to study?)
2. your senior courses
3. who will write your recommendations
4. important deadlines

College Guides & Websites:

U.S. News and World Report: Best Colleges
Princeton Review: 368 Best Colleges
College Board
http://www.siena.edu/
http://www.rusiena.com/

The Hot Fudge:

College Visits: Just like hot fudge visits should be fun!
1. Make appointments with different schools. We recommend that you start during the spring of your junior year. Remember, in the summer, college students are on break. So plan spring and fall visits for an accurate impression of the school.
2. Set aside three hours per visit: One hour for an interview with an admissions counselor, one hour for a tour of campus, and one hour to visit the bookstore, have lunch in the cafeteria or visit something further.
3. Pick up materials and take notes of things you want to remember.

For more tips, see Nikki’s last blog, “The College Visit”.

The Whipped Cream:

1. Keep gathering information, like whipped cream, the more you have the better.
2. Start working on your college essay.
3. Attend college fairs and make contacts with admissions counselors (always ask for their business card).
4. E-mail or call the colleges if you have questions.
5. Keep an eye on all application, financial aid, and scholarship deadlines.

The Sprinkles:

1. Start filling out applications and requesting letters of recommendation. Give them plenty of notice along with your resume or activity sheet.
2. In November/December, request your high school transcript and your SAT or ACT scores from the respective testing sites to be sent to all of the college you are applying to.
3. Make sure to fill out any additional components required by that college to complete your application. If you use the Common Application, you may have to fill out a school-specific Supplement.

At the end of the sprinkle process your applications are completed and submitted!

The Candy Toppings:

1. Follow-up with the colleges you applied to. Make sure your application is complete.
2. Continue to still work hard in school. Senior year counts!!

And finally… The Cherry!

1. Your acceptance letters arrive as early as November and through March. Congratulations!
2. Re- visit the schools you’ve been accepted to.
3. Complete the FAFSA and any other financial aid paperwork. The FAFSA should be filed between January 1 and February 15 of your senior year.
4. Take advantage of online chats, accepted student web pages and read your mail.
5. Keep working hard – your grades still count!

6. Prepare for a great four years ahead!

Need help staying organized? Print our College Planning Calendar & Checklist:

Conducting a College Search: Timing is Everything.

The College Interview: It's a Breeze!

You’re in the car, listening to your iPod, daydreaming about the day on the beach you were suppose to have with your friends. Instead, you are on your way to visit a college where you will be interviewing with an admissions counselor.

A college interview has the potential to be a dreaded experience. That’s why we’ve created this guide to ease your fears and excite you for the journey ahead.

Why Interview?
The college interview is a great avenue to show that you are more than your test scores and grades. It is an opportunity to:

· To show your personality
· To explain any glitches
· To get the answers to your specific questions
· To show interest in the college

Types of Interviews:
Interviews vary depending on the school. You may be interviewed by an admissions counselor, alumnus or current student. The interview may take place on or off campus. If you plan to pursue a specific area of study such as art, medicine or theatre, an interview may be mandatory. When you schedule an interview, take the opportunity to ask questions about how the interview works so you’ll know what to expect and how to prepare.

Good Things to Share in an Interview:
Admissions committees will learn about you through a variety of papers: your transcript, test scores, recommendations and essays, but an interview lets us meet the person behind all the paper. Some things we would love to know about you:

· Leadership positions within your activities
· Community service projects
· Awards or honors that you've received

It is also a good time to explain any glitches in your transcript or discuss any personal circumstances that may have occurred during your high school years. For example:

· You are not the best math student, but you chose to take an honors or AP course. Explain why you chose to challenge yourself.

· Unfortunate circumstances: divorce, illness, or a death during high school. Notifying us of these circumstances allows us to take them into consideration when reviewing your application.

· You have a learning disability. Let us know how you work with it. How has it made you a better student?

Prepare for the interview:
Research the college before the interview. Make sure it offers the majors you are interested in, and its size, location, and other characteristics are in line with what you are looking for in a college. Write down notes about why you want to attend the school. Bring along your transcript and resume for the counselor to reference during the interview.

Prepare Questions! Asking questions shows interest in the college as well as specific programs and opportunities it may offer. Take time prior to the interview to think about what you would really like to know about the school. For example: study aboard programs, internship opportunities, athletics, science facilities, etc.

Some Insider Tips:
Now that you are ready to interview, here are some tips from the interviewers themselves:

· Be on time. If you're late, call the admissions office to let them know.

· Wear neat, comfortable clothing. No need for a business suit, but avoid wrinkled clothes, clothes with holes or anything that might be considered inappropriate.

· Stay away from using slang, swear words, or expressing strong political/religious beliefs. You do not want to offend the interviewer.

· Do not respond to questions with only "yes" or "no". Have thoughtful responses prepared, and don't stretch the truth. If you apply to the college, it will come back to haunt you.

· After the interview ask for the counselor's business card and follow up with a thank you note.

The interview is a great way to gain an advocate on the admissions committee. Remember, it's a conversation; relax, smile, be prepared, and you will be on your way to a successful application process!

Choosing Your Major

Pop Quiz!

True or False? Your major dictates exactly what your career will be when you graduate.
Answer: False

True or False? Majors must be declared freshman year and may never change.
Answer: False

Did you know…?

· Before entering the NBA, Michael Jordan majored in geography.
· Jay Leno majored in speech therapy.
· Before being a Pretty Woman, Julia Roberts focused on pre- veterinarian studies.
· Golf professional Tiger Woods majored in economics.

The truth is, approximately 80% of college graduates have a job unrelated to their major. Majors are meant to be fun and interesting. They are not meant to narrow down your career path or keep you from exploring your passions. In fact, at Siena, 43% of last year’s freshman class came in undeclared. To help students find their interests, all students are required to take core courses as part of Siena’s core curriculum. These courses develop a well-rounded individual, competent in many disciplines and skills. Examples of core courses include:

· Literary Perspectives
· The Shaping of the Contemporary World
· Philosophy and the Human Being
· Religion in Western Culture
· Introduction to Theatre
· Issues in Contemporary American Education
· The Sociological Perspective
· Environmental Science
· Introduction to Programming

In addition to the core courses, below are some tips and guidelines to help you navigate ways to choose a major:

· Look at your high school transcript. What classes did you enjoy and what classes did you struggle with? This is a good starting point to help you determine which areas of study you can excel in.

· Talk to your school counselor, family and friends. It is often the thoughts and conversations with others that will help spark an idea.

· Check out liberal arts schools. A liberal arts school will give you the opportunity to take courses in different fields of study, broaden your view, and help develop you as a person. Explore the options and keep an open mind!

· Are there any majors that directly relate to the clubs and activities you enjoy?

· Utilize your faculty advisor. At Siena, all students are given a faculty advisor within their school of study. The experienced mentors offer you advice, help you navigate the curriculum and discover your course of study.

It is not your major that will determine if you will be successful. It is the knowledge, skills and experiences you obtain from college that matter most. Individuals with strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work as a team player and possess a strong work ethic are highly sought after by employers.

Here are some examples of successful Siena graduates who came in with undeclared majors or majors unrelated to their eventual career:

· Ed Henry ’96, English major, CNN’s senior White House correspondent
· Jim Barba ’66, History major, CEO of Albany Medical Center
· James Scully ’87, English major, CFO of J. Crew
· Jim Nolan ’75, Physics major, Dean of the School of Business at Siena College

Through your experiences inside and outside the classroom, your interactions with others, and patience, you will discover the major for you. Remember, it’s the journey that matters most!

The Value of a Siena Education:

Siena College is committed to providing access to our undergraduate liberal arts education. Siena’s tuition, on average, is $7,000 less per year than our top 10 private college competitors. In addition, at Siena, 91% of students receive financial aid.

Keeping it Simple:

Applying for aid is the first step. At Siena, we try to keep it simple – you only need to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). I recommend that you complete this application on-line for two reasons:

1. Timing – electronic applications are processed faster and your information will be sent to the colleges sooner

2. Edit Checks – there are built in edits that review your application for illogical responses, which dramatically reduce the number of errors on applications.

You can complete the FAFSA after January 1 of your senior year in high school. You should try to file as close to February 15 as you can. This will allow us to put together your aid package and send it to you by the first week in April.

Find the FAFSA here: http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/

Considering the Bottom Line:

Once we receive your FAFSA, we will determine your eligibility for federal and state aid as well as aid from Siena College. These sources in combination will make up your financial aid package. A few things to keep in mind when reviewing your aid offers – pay careful attention to what you are going to have to pay – after your aid – to attend your college. This is often called the “net cost”. It is also important to be aware of what each of the sources of aid in the package are – grants and scholarships vs. loans and work options.

Staying in Contact:

If you have circumstances that cannot be reflected on the FAFSA, make sure you let us know. We will take into account changes in your family’s financial circumstances that may impact your ability to attend Siena. It’s best to notify us in writing; an e-mail or letter to the financial aid office describing the circumstances is the best place to start.

Keep up the good work:

As your approach the next academic year – keep up the good work! The classes you take and the grades you receive in those classes can increase the options available to you.

Other Resources for Financial Aid:

· Use your guidance office as a resource for local scholarship
opportunities.
· Use the Internet to search for private scholarships to apply for.
Try the links below:

http://www.finaid.org/
http://www.fastweb.com/
http://www.hesc.com/ (for New York State residents)

Finally, stay in touch with us – we are here to help throughout the process!

To contact Financial Aid at Siena:
Call 1-888-AT-SIENA
or email aid@siena.edu

For another look at Financial Aid at Siena, meet our Associate Director, Priscilla Armsby, and learn just how easy the financial aid process can be.

The Mini Marathon: Taking the right strides now, for a strong finish later.

.
The college search and selection process is like a "mini marathon"; a concentrated effort to reach the finish line - enrolling in the college that fits you best. You should begin to prepare now, because the choices you make now will matter in the "long run".


We encourage you to engage and be active in this process. By doing so, you will not only learn about yourself, but you will inevitably find the college that meets your needs - both academically and socially. The quality of your academic and personal experience is dependent on an organized, thorough and committed college search.

Here are good choices to make early in the race:

· Meet with your school counselor / college advisor to discuss your curriculum, strengths and activities. Be active in this process and select challenging classes which will show colleges you are ready to take the next step. Keep your options open, ask: where are you now and where do you need to be?

· Discuss your standardized testing plan early with your school counselor/college advisor. College requirements vary; some want SAT's and/or some will want ACT's and, in addition, some will expect SAT II subject tests.

· Meet with admissions representatives when they visit your high school, attend college fairs, and above all, ask questions. Admissions representatives want to help. Follow up with emails or call the admissions office if you have questions.

· Start college visits early - this will help you discover what type of college fits your needs. Tour, interview, and attend open house programs. You will be amazed at what you learn!

· Balance your extracurricular activities/community service with academics. Keep in mind that your high school transcript will be the most important document that will be reviewed by the Admissions Committee. Therefore, don't let one activity get in the way of your academic achievement.

· Demonstrated interest in the college you wish to attend is important. By taking the time to tour, interview, and attend programs will let the college know - "I want to be here."

So – want to set a great pace in the race to college? Follow these suggestions for a steady ready… set… go!

Junior Jump-Start

Did you attend Siena's Junior Jump-Start Program on April 5? If you left wishing you could have attended all of the information sessions, you can view the presentations from each session below.

Did you miss the program? Below are the presentations our admissions and financial aid experts presented on the college search and application process.

Still have questions? Email us at admit@siena.edu or call 1-888-AT-SIENA.

Making Your Application a WOW!

Publish at Scribd or explore others: web development

Admissions Committees: What are they looking for?

Publish at Scribd or explore others: School Work Business & Law tax foundation

Financial Aid 101

Publish at Scribd or explore others: School Work Non-fiction review financial

Does Major Really Matter?

Publish at Scribd or explore others: Books Science Literature-Literatur Religion-Islam

The College Interview: Putting Your Best Foot Forward.

Publish at Scribd or explore others:

Finding the Right College and Athletic Program

Publish at Scribd or explore others: School Work How-to-Guides & Manu programming college

Conducting a College Search: Timing is Everything.

Publish at Scribd or explore others: Education Other time information

The College Visit

Facts: India

· the most populous democracy in the world
· four major religions: Hinduism, Buddhism, Janism and Sikhism
· The capital city: New Delhi
· The most populous city: Mumbai

and….

* setting for a really good movie: Slumdog Millionaire

Question: Did you learn more about India from the facts or by watching Slumdog Millionaire?

Answer: Slumdog Millionaire, absolutely! (If you haven’t seen it, don’t wait any longer.)

That’s the same reason you should visit a college; the facts are interesting, the buildings are nice, but what really matters are the people, the students, the faculty and in our case, the Friars! You can’t read that in a brochure and so far neither Hollywood nor Bollywood have accepted our screenplay for a full length feature film about Siena!

So, why is your visit important to an admissions committee?

Because finding the right fit and being comfortable with your decision are the keys to your success in college.

Did you know that when students are active in their college search and visit the college they ultimately attend, they are 10 percent more likely to graduate in four years than a student who didn’t visit?

Here are some tips for a successful college visit:

1. Ask questions: Utilize the admissions counselors, faculty and administrators you meet on campus and don’t forget to ask for their business cards!

2. Talk to the students: It doesn’t get any better than being a college student, but why trust us when you can chat with one and find out for yourself?

3. Stock up on information: Grab those college catalogs, major brochures, literary magazines, and student newspapers.

4. Go to a class: Take the opportunity to sit in on a class or two in topics you hope to major in. Watch the professors bring their years of training and expertise to life for you.

5. Try the food: It's not mom’s, but you may like it!

Want to try these tips at Siena?
Check out the many ways to visit us!