Friday, March 27, 2009

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!

Saturday, March 21, 2009

Did you watch?

We won! Get the recap here: Siena Wins Over Ohio and stay tuned for our next admissions blog: The College Visit.

Learn how important your visit is to an admissions committee - from an admissions committee!

We'll have all the tips you need for a successful (and fun!) campus visit.

Friday, March 20, 2009

If you're a college basketball fan, you've probably noticed that Siena is playing in the NCAA tournament with it's highest ranking ever at #9.

Our first game? Tonight at 9:40 p.m. on CBS! Be sure to watch and give a us a good S-I-E-N-A!

Even if you don't follow basketball, check out this link to get a sense of what it really means to be a Siena College Saint... Saints Pride

Monday, March 16, 2009

Mail Time

You’ve just started your college search and your mailbox (or inbox) is overflowing with collegiate clutter. Don’t panic, below are some tips to sort through the mountains of mail and find the perfect fit.

#1 Know what you’re looking for

Until you have a set of general criteria, put the mail aside (don’t shred or delete it just yet). Here’s a helpful link from College Board to help you sort through those first basic questions: College Match Maker

#2 Pay attention to detail

It’s easy to let one scenic view blend into the next, but those pretty postcards don’t want you to make a decision just yet. In fact, they just want you to take a closer look. Put aside the schools that meet your criteria. Not looking to move to Guam? You can toss that one out. But if a picture catches your eye or a phrase appeals to you, read on! You’re in charge, go with your gut.

#3 Embrace your organized side

Once you have a slightly smaller selection, keep it organized. Use a calendar to mark important visit dates and deadlines. Folders are great to separate schools you want to visit from those at the bottom of your list. Keep lists of pros and cons or contact information. Whatever your preference, having a system in place will keep the ever-growing mail pile from becoming an ever-growing source of stress.

#4 If you’re interested, show it

Most mailings are simply tools to gain your interest. If a mailing in your “like” pile has a reply form for more information, send it back. Most schools will send you information based on your specific interests, so filling out those reply cards can be a step in the right direction when it comes to making your mail more manageable. It’s also important to know that colleges track your interest. The more contact you make, the more interest you show, and the more likely a school is to consider you a candidate for admission.

Ready to really take the plunge? Schedule a visit!