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!