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Plus, connect with other students considering Siena just like you!
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Saturday, September 12, 2009
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…
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!
Friday, August 14, 2009
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
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!
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
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!
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
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!
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.
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Public versus Private
.
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.
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.
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