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College Life

Campus Safety

At every college campus, there’s a harrowing tale that could have been prevented.

Just in the past year, there have been national stories at several campuses where a string of women were brutally attacked. One in four women and one in 16 men are assaulted during their college life, according to the United States Department of Education.

“When I went to college life was different. Students received whistles to blow when they were in trouble, or there were blue light phones spaced out pretty far apart around school. But since a lot of violence happens at parties or events outside the main campus, phones aren’t always around where students need them,” said Tom Rissman, CEO of StreetSafe, a new subscription-based mobile security system.

The device can pick up a student’s location within three meters using GPS technology and connects them to help before a situation turns into an emergency. With the slide of a green button, a student can be connected with a live safety advisor who can talk with them as they walk alone to their destination. The advisor offers campus safety tips to keep the caller focused and aware of their surroundings.

A second level of technology for the StreetSafe device is a silent alarm where, with a touch of a red button, a 9-1-1 dispatcher would immediately send information to area police including a person’s name, picture, blood type, weight and any identifying mark. All the information is kept private in the system until the silent alarm goes off. “We want to keep students safe by keeping them focused and alert,” said Rissman. “This allows people to take control of their own personal safety.”

Marcia Peot, a seven-year police officer, has handled cases first hand that could have been avoided. She said when common sense meets technology, college life can be a safer experience.

“90 percent of women carry a phone to call a friend or family member in case of an emergency, but not a lot of friends or family can really help you out in a precarious situation when they don’t know where you are,” said Peot, who works in the Chicago Police Department. “Nobody plans on being a victim, but you never know when something can happen so a device like this is a huge way of being proactive.”

Many students view college life as their first true independence, which can make safety an afterthought. “The best thing a police officer can have is your location as quickly as possible,” said Peot. “The GPS device helps because if you are being moved from one place to another, we can track you instead of waiting for a police report 24 hours later after the incident.”

StreetSafe officials are already working on the next phase of campus safety. They have talked with various university safety departments to agree to link their information so they can act instantly when a student is harmed. An agreement with several universities is expected by summer.

Another innovation in campus safety involves using students to become the eyes and ears of public safety. Campus safety departments are often small, averaging one security officer for every 524 students. Through text messaging technology, companies like Massachusetts-based EyeWitness give students an opportunity to submit their crime tips anonymously and public safety is immediately notified. EyeWitness users receive confirmation that their text has been submitted and will remain confidential.

The Boston Police Department is one of the first nationwide to set up an anonymous texting tip line, which has not only helped them solve campus crimes, but murder, domestic violence and drug cases. The area police department is home to many nearby universities such as Boston College, Boston University, Berklee College of Music, Harvard Business School and Suffolk University Law School, among other universities.

While officials aren’t telling people to stop carrying pepper spray, they have lauded the way in which technology is bringing campus safety into the 21st century.

More campus safety departments are connecting with national organizations to teach them the new trends in security. These organizations are creating blueprints on the most efficient use of resources, regardless of safety/police force size or geographic location. The Campus Security Accreditation Program (headquartered in Virginia), helps safety departments develop a preparation plan for cases of critical incidents, and means to improve campus safety’s relationship with the campus community.

“There have been many areas where there have been problems on college campuses that can be improved,” said Craig Hartley, deputy director for the Campus Security Accreditation Program. “With new trends and challenges always popping up, campus safety can make sure the campus is secure for everyone.”

Hartley says the key is more organizations sharing incident and safety information. “We must at least share our best practices and what works and doesn’t work to keep everyone safe.”

Ernst Lamothe Jr. has been a journalist for the past 11 years working in Rochester and Champaign, IL. A Chicago native, he has covered business, government and higher education issues in his career.

Tips for safe college life

• Be aware of your surrounding, recognize suspicious people and look for exit locations for emergency situations.

• Avoid walking alone after dark.

• Don’t accept drinks from a stranger because you never know if they could be tainted with drugs.

• Trust your instinct and your intuition. If something doesn’t feel quite right, it probably isn’t.

• Be careful of what you post online regarding your whereabouts, especially if you are alone.

• Always know campus emergency numbers and have them readily accessible.

Teen Board Sound Off

Q: What advice do you have for staying safe?

“Always carry your phone and let someone know where you are going at all times. Even when I am just stopping to run an errand, I make sure to call a parent or someone I trust.  You can never be too safe.” —Morissa Schwartz, senior at The Middlesex Academy for Allied Health and Biomedical Sciences, Colonia, N.J.

“Trust your instincts; if you feel uncomfortable in a situation, get out of there! Walk in a group if it’s dark, or call security to walk you to your dorm.” —Jordan Rosenburg, senior at Troy High School, Fullerton, Calif.

“Always travel with a friend,never place yourself in a dangerous environment without an escape route and stay alert by getting enough sleep! It will help you stay safe.”  —Arianne Wunder, senior at Howard High School, Howard, S.D.

Campus Housing vs Off Campus Housing

You shouldn’t pick a college just because you like the dorms. But, if you’ve decided not to live in off campus housing, a school’s residence halls should be one of the things you consider when making your choice. After all, you’ll spend a lot of time in your new home!

As you visit schools you’ll see a variety of residence halls. Some will be in the same building as a cafeteria, classroom or game room. Some have one bathroom for a few dozen students and some have suites where just a few people share a bathroom.

If you find a college that’s right for you, you’ll also find campus housing that's a great match for what you want out of your college experience. As long as the residence halls are clean and well maintained, it all comes down to your personality and preferences.

"They’re not just places where you sleep and study,” says Christina Spearman, interim director of student life at Loyola University Maryland (www.loyola.edu).

When you’re thinking about where to live at college, whether in a dorm or in off campus housing, she suggests thinking about how you envision your life at college: How many people will you share space with? Do you imagine yourself being close friends with everyone on the floor of your building? Will you have a roommate who’s a close friend or someone who keeps a schedule like yours?

Types of campus housing

You may have heard about colleges building student apartments and off campus housing with extras like fireplaces, flat-screen TVs and tanning beds. You might be able to live in one of these places at some point — but probably not in your first year.

Emily Glenn, corporate librarian for the Association of College and University Housing Officers International, says upperclassmen usually get first dibs on the residences with the most luxuries. Colleges often reserve those buildings for older students. Plus, students who already live on campus probably get to decide in the spring where they’ll live the next year. They’re more likely to pick a place where they share a bathroom, living room or even a kitchen with a few roommates.

In your first year at college, chances are you’ll live in a traditional dorm – that is, a room around the size of your bedroom at home with a bathroom down the hall. There might even be laundry facilities and a kitchen on your floor.

Colleges don’t put new students in traditional dorms to be mean. When you have to share a kitchen and bathroom with lots of other students, it’s easier to meet classmates who will become close friends.  “Freshmen need to meet new people, and it's harder to meet people if you have your own little space,” Glenn says. “When you’re an upperclassman you already know a bunch of people.”

You’ll have at least one roommate when you get to college, but most colleges don’t assign freshmen more than two. Spearman says that if you’re like a lot of first-year students, college will be the first time you’ve shared a room. It can be overwhelming to go from having your own space at home to having five new roommates!

Themed housing

Glenn says many colleges are designing their campus housing options so freshmen have an easier time meeting other students. Some schools are doing this by setting aside whole floors in a residence hall for students who share the same interest. Your college might let you request to live on the same floor as other freshmen who share your passion for community service or healthy living.

Some colleges have designated “living-learning communities” that combine academics and residential life. Glenn says this might mean a chance to live with other students in your major. Some living-learning communities offer special seminars or activities for students to take part in. Other living-learning communities are focused on foreign languages, politics or a college’s honors program.

Fellow students might not be the only people living in your dorm. At Loyola, a Catholic college, Jesuit priests live in some of the residence halls. Even faculty members at some schools live in the same buildings as their students!

The right fit

So what’s the bottom line when you’re checking out college housing? “Look for a place you feel comfortable at,” Glenn says. Your dorm isn't just the place where you’ll sleep. It's a place where you'll make a lot of lifelong memories.

“And don’t worry if empty rooms look drab on a tour,” Spearman says. Your room will probably come with a few pieces of furniture, but the rest is up to you. Just a few pictures and knick knacks of your own can make the room feel like your own space.

“Think about this as your new home,” she says.

Consider this!

• How does the college keep its residence halls secure?

• Do you need a dorm with quiet study rooms?

• If you attend a large university, can you live in a residence hall near the academic building for your major?

• Do any special programs take place in the dorms?

• Do you like to cook? Do you have dietary needs that will mean you’ll have to make some of your own meals?

Teen Board Sound Off

Q: Are you planning on living in college dorms or in off campus housing?

“I am absolutely planning on living in college dorms, and am most excited about meeting new people. However, I am worried about missing my family! I would also consider off campus housing, depending on where I go.” —Jordan Rosenburg, senior, Troy High School, Fullerton, Calif.

“Living in college dorms is a ritual that one should experience. I am excited about living with someone that I have never met before and learning to compromise, but I am also very anxious about moving far away from my family and living on my own.” —Stephanie Wu, junior at Academy of Our Lady of Guam, Barrigada, Guam

“I do plan on living in college dorms my first year. The exciting part is that I will have access to an unlimited social network right outside my door. After my first year, I plan on living off campus sorority house! Hello, social networking! And, I hope to make helpful, lasting connections down the road!” —Arianne Wunder, senior at Howard High School, Howard, S.D.

Rebecca VanderMeulen has a degree in journalism from American University (www.american.edu).

Theatre Program?

Maybe it’s the popularity of Glee, American Idol, Smash, The Voice, Duets, So You Think You Can Dance, or our fascination with celebrity. There is a massive title wave of jazz hands and belt-your-face-off mania rolling through the U.S. Whatever the cause, a phenomenon is occurring that has resulted in record numbers of performing arts colleges applicants to college theatre programs. And you young artists have passion!

Some universities recently reported a 20 percent increase in theatre program applicants in a single year. This means more degreed graduates than ever before are pursuing careers at performing arts colleges. Just look at a Broadway playbill and you will see the college training credited in actors’ bios.

Performing Arts Colleges

Being able to pursue conservatory style performance training in a liberal arts setting is a relatively new concept. Back when I went to college, I had to leave my 4-year liberal arts education as a theatre program major at Trinity University (www.trinity.edu) in favor of the American Conservatory Theatre in San Francisco, in order to get the intense actor training I was craving. But the good news is that there are now over 100 audition-based performing arts colleges with degree programs for acting and/or musical theatre in the U.S. So, you can get both your academic education and your performing arts training simultaneously. Pretty cool!

But the life of an actor isn’t as glamorous as it might seem. It’s a tough business. Because actors enter a profession with a very high unemployment rate, most parents are apprehensive about paying for a college education at a performing arts college. Making a living in the theatre is a challenge, to say the least. There are many more actors looking for work than there are jobs available. And every new job opportunity requires a new audition, so you never have job security.

How can you increase your chances for success in this highly competitive profession and calm your parents’ fears? Excellent training can prepare you to be the most competitive when you graduate, as well as teach you what it means to be “audition ready.” Passion and talent aren’t enough; you need the skills to be able to sustain a career. It is a craft that must be learned.

Receiving excellent training during college requires you to study at one of the many fine arts university theatre programs available today. Most of these selective programs require an audition for admission and it is a very competitive process. Some of the most competitive college programs accept only 1 - 4 percent of those who audition. Some of the slightly less selective accept 15 percent of those who audition.

To give you an idea of the numbers at a highly selective school, Carnegie Mellon School of Drama and Music Theatre (www.cmu.edu) auditioned over 1,200 students last year and accepted only 7 boys and 5 girls for musical theatre.

In an audition-based college theatre program, the audition itself counts for as much as 80 percent in the admission process. This means that you can have the highest test scores and grades, but if the auditors are not impressed by your audition, you will not get an offer for admission into the program. Being completely prepared to present yourself at your best will give you an edge over the competition.

Most students are now using a private college audition coach to help do just that. A coach will help select appropriate audition material, advise you on your audition package, help you compile a list of performing arts colleges that will meet your goals, oversee your applications and auditions to schools (often 10 or more), and guide you and your family through the complex audition process.

If you are in the market for a coach, look for one with a good track record of successful students, plus five or more years of coaching (specifically for college auditions). Be sure to get references from their previous students and families, and expect to spend $75 to $200 per hour for private coaching services.

If you do decide to pursue a college degree in theatre, you will discover exciting avenues for employment beyond just performing. For example, from my training I learned skills that have allowed me to make a living as a talent agent, casting director and acting coach in addition to my career as an actress. Many of my former students work as choreographers, piano accompanists, theatre educators, film editors, directors, costume designers, theatre managers, producers, television writers and recording artists. But one thing they all have in common is that they received excellent preparation for their auditions for these highly competitive college theatre training programs. And that’s where an experienced college audition coach can benefit you.

So, if you think you can be on Broadway, go ahead and pursue your dream, but have realistic expectations. Be thoroughly prepared for your college auditions and enjoy the journey. You are following your passion, and for that, I applaud you!  Now get out there and “break a leg!”

Mary Anna Denard is an audition coach (collegeauditioincoach.com), author of “I GOT IN! The Ultimate College Audition Guide For Acting And Musical Theatre”

So you're ready to start filling out your college applications. Easy stuff first name, address, extracurricular activities. Kind of fun, right? Then you flip the page and see an entire blank piece of paper with a couple of lines typed at the top, titled "personal statement" or something equally vague. What are you supposed to write?

The other stuff in the application process was easy, cut and dried. They tell you in college admission books what the minimum SAT scores and GPAs are, so you at least have an idea of what they're looking for. But the personal statement, no one ever tells you how to crack that code. Until now.

We sat down with Alfred University's Admissions Director Kitty McCarthy to get the straight scoop on what she wants to see in your personal statement. "I would characterize the essay as being secondary to some of the academic information, but still very important," she says. "It's a good way for us to get to know potential students, especially those who don't visit the campus."

She explains personal statements often play an important role if a student falls into what she refers to as a "grey area." If an applicant is on the border with respect to grades, activities or test scores, a strong essay can really work in his or her favor. McCarthy says not to panic if you've never excelled in English and don't aspire to being the next John Grisham or Sylvia Plath. Today's college application essays leave a lot of room for creative interpretation.

This year Alfred gave applicants the option to create their own web page and send the admissions staff the URL, or to use a single sheet of paper to express themselves. In fact, she says sometimes she gets so caught up in the stories applicants tell in their essays that she doesn't even realize they've made typos or spelled words wrong. This isn't a license to ignore basic writing rules, however, and McCarthy strongly recommends having someone else-a parent, friend, or teacher-read your essay for just these types of mistakes. If what you've written is private and you'd prefer not to show it to anyone, at least put it away for a couple of hours and then go back over it slowly to check for mistakes. One old trick is to try reading it backwards, one word at a time to eliminate careless errors such as omitting or duplicating words.

Carelessness is the one thing McCarthy says is a red flag for the admissions staff. "Sometimes it's clear the student didn't spend much time on the essay, and we perceive this as a lack of interest on his or her part," she explains. She characterizes carelessness as repeated errors in spelling, grammar, and syntax. Some common mistakes McCarthy sees include reiterating information that can be found elsewhere on the application, and not answering the question presented.

The personal statement is a great opportunity to be creative, but McCarthy recommends double-checking with your prospective school if you're considering doing something really unusual. She says often students want to submit writing samples, such as poetry or papers they've previously written for an English class. This is fine, and they can enhance your application, but McCarthy says they work better in addition to the personal statement, rather than instead of.

As far as length goes, McCarthy says Alfred does not give guidelines on its application form. Some schools do, and she says it's a pretty good idea to stick to them-if nothing else, it shows that you can follow directions. If you're left without word length specifics, she suggests you let the topic dictate the length. Sound ambiguous? She says a page and half is usually the minimum space required for students to express themselves, and others take longer which is okay, too.

McCarthy says there used to be a perception that writing samples were more important for students in certain areas of study than others. For example, engineering and business were fields in which students wouldn't have to write well. This concept is as outdated as last year's prom dress. It's important that all potential students demonstrate basic writing skills, she says.

A good rule of thumb is to read the question or premise of the personal statement, then walk away, says McCarthy. Thinking about it for a few hours, or even having it hang around in the back of your mind, can give you a different perspective. "I tell students they'll be surprised at what will come to them if they don't just try to start writing right away," she says. McCarthy's final words of advice are have fun with your personal statement. "Many students see it as a hurdle," she says, "but I tell them to approach it like they're having a personal conversation with a friend, it's an opportunity for them to go beyond their transcript."

She adds it's her favorite part of an application review. "We have fun with it and we hope students do too." Oh yeah, and don't leave the personal statement until the last possible minute.

Online College Classes

You’ve seen the commercials; “My name is John and I am a Phoenix.”

The University of Phoenix has taken the world of higher learning by storm. But if you’re looking to visit the campus, go no further than the comfort of your own home. Sure, they have locations across the United States, but their niche? Earn your degree online.

Taking courses online has advantages:

• You can work at your own pace.

• You don’t have to brave extreme weather.

• You don’t have to worry about getting to class on time.

• You can work in your pajamas.

And best of all? Online learning can be quite affordable. But is it really as good as it sounds?

Why Online College Classes Work

“I loved taking courses online,” says Peter Colombo, a graduate of the University of Phoenix. “For me, it was all about the quality of university learning from the comfort of your own home through an accredited institution.” Colombo earned his bachelor’s degree in business administration with a minor in business technologies. Today he is a chief information security officer for an IT company in Rochester, New York.

Education trends

Just like Colombo, more and more people are taking online college classes. From single classes to certification programs and complete college degrees delivered via the internet, education is being transformed thanks to the technology of today.

In fact, online college classes seem to be the way of the future. And it’s not just because textbooks are being transferred to web pages.  “Students are looking for more, and we are giving it to them,” says David Mammano, CEO and founder of NextStepU (NextStepU.com) and Next Step Academy (NextStepAcademy.com). “We wanted to fuse gaming with learning to make our courses interactive and fun.”

Online College Classes-The new way to learn

Next Step Academy is an online school for life skills. Courses include everything from financial literacy and entrepreneurship to distracted driving, bullying and fitness. High schools across America are implementing the program as a way to offer quality, supplemental courses during a time when money is tight and budgets are being cut.

“Our schools are being forced to scale back and ultimately that means students have to go without many electives they used to enjoy,” says Mammano. “Our goal with Next Step Academy is to minimize those cuts and bring the fun (and the learning) back to our schools in a cost-effective and innovative way.”

Local businesses, colleges and universities and even individuals are encouraged to sponsor high schools, student bodies or entire school districts as a way to bring these important life skills courses to students in areas of their choice. But students can also sign up for Next Step Academy on an individual basis (for a minimal annual fee) to access the complete suite of courses, earn digital badges and more.

Is online learning for you?

If taking online college classes sounds exciting, you may want to consider giving it a try. Keep in mind that it takes a lot of discipline to work at your own pace. The responsibility far surpasses that of the traditional classroom in that you will have to be committed, organized and a strong-problem solver on your own.

“It can be challenging, but it’s more than worth it in the end,” says Colombo.

Whether you are looking to expand your skill set when it comes to life, or hoping to earn your bachelor’s degree, online learning is a great way to further your education in the comfort of your own home.

Katie Barry is the editor of NextStepU Magazine.

College Planning

Have you ever wished for a simple to-do list that laid out exactly what you needed to do to make applying and getting in to college easier? Well, wish no more: Here’s your season-by-season college planning guide, starting with the summer before senior year.

Summer

Lay the groundwork for your college applications.

• Choose colleges: Talk to your counselor, get college guides, research schools and finalize your choices.

• Get organized: Get each school’s application, become familiar with deadlines and requirements and make a master checklist. Minimize the maze by drawing yourself a map.

• Take tests: Chances are pretty good your schools will require the SAT or ACT. Study for it, and take it in the early fall (or late summer).

Fall

College looms on the horizon.

• Keep up your senior year grades: Avoid senioritis by mapping out which classes you’ll take.

• Get all the elements of your applications in order (this includes your application essays!): Teacher evaluations, résumés, secondary school reports, essays, transcript – the list is daunting! Pick out teachers to write your evaluations. Work on your résumé. Then, brainstorm, draft and finalize your application essays.

• Think about financial aid: How are you and your parents paying for college? Talk to them and plan your financial future together. Don’t wait for college to cover your tuition with loans and institutional grants. Your college planning should include other avenues fo financial aid.  Look for outside scholarships and grants on your own, too!

Winter

Time to start getting those applications finalized.

• Follow up on everything: Now’s the time to break out that college planning checklist you did back in the summer and double-check that everything’s been done.

• Finalize your applications: Months of hard work get tied up neatly into one nice application package. Don’t forget to request your transcripts and ACT/SAT scores.

• Get your financial aid in order:  Complete the FAFSA, and follow up on all scholarships you’ve applied for.

Spring

It’s the home stretch!

• Submit your applications (if you haven’t already): If you’re mailing it in, make sure you have a way of tracking it so that you can see when each college received it. If you’re applying online, keep all confirmation emails so that you can reference them if any problems come up. Don’t forget to thank everyone who helped you with your applications!

• Keep your grades up: Schools will want to see your final grades, and it won’t look good if you traded in you’re A’s and B’s for C’s and D’s.

• Make the big decision: Start looking carefully at where you got in, and how much money you got. If you can, set some time during your spring semester to visit schools. After you’ve analyzed your financial aid package, make your final choice.

Make your decision, send in any required paperwork, submit your deposit and breathe a sigh of relief: You did it! Enjoy your last few weeks of high school, finish your grades off with a bang and make your last summer before college a blast!

Anne Chaconas is the Director of Admissions Counseling for PowerScore Test Preparation (www.powerscore.com). Every year, she answers countless questions about college planning and helps many students get into their top choice schools.

Hey, juniors — it’s finally here…you’re (almost) a senior!

We’ve put together a helpful checklist for you to follow as you begin your college search and application process. We’ll take you through what you should do during the summer months preceding your senior year, through your last year of high school, right up to the day you arrive at your dorm. Because, believe it or not, the time to start preparing for college is NOW!

In the Fall
September – December 2013

o Don’t take your classes lightly. Senior year can be a lot of fun, but you will need to maintain your grades if you want to get into college.

o Narrow down which schools you plan to apply to and start putting all requirements together. 

o Discuss financial aid with your parents and prepare to fill out the FAFSA (which you will need to complete in January).

o Begin to apply for scholarships. (This is where that previous research and calendar organization will start to come in handy!)

o Take/retake the SAT or ACT.

o Request recommendation letters from teachers, employers, mentors or any other adults who might be willing to sing your praises (and help your chances of getting in to the college of your choice!).

o Pay special attention to admission deadlines. You might consider an early decision (binding) or early action (non-binding) program to lock in your college admission before the spring.

This Summer
May – August 2013

o Take the SAT or ACT as soon as possible. This will give you enough time to retake the exams in the fall if need be.

o Make a list of the college campuses you would most like to visit.

o Schedule 4 to 5 college visits over the summer. Be sure to discuss travel arrangements and scheduling with your parents to coordinate each trip.

o Organize all application deadlines and requirements. It is best to keep a calendar with all of these important dates to be sure that you don’t miss a single deadline.

o If you don’t have one already, get a part-time job. Try to save some money so that you won’t have to work as hard (if at all) once you go away to school.

o Consider taking a summer course at a local college or university. You’ll likely be able to gain some college credit and build up your resumé at the same time!

o Research college scholarships. The schools you apply to will likely offer some scholarship opportunities, but there are thousands of other options if you are willing to do a little research to find them.

Tip: Check out the NextStepU Scholarships Galore section for more information (NextStepU.com/Scholarships). You can also enter to win up to $10,000 for college through our Win Free Tuition contest! Register online at NextStepU.com/WinFreeTuition by July 2, 2013.

Winter Months
January – March 2014

o FAFSA! Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid online at www.fafsa.ed.gov

o Once your FAFSA is processed, you’ll receive a Student Aid Report (SAR). Correct any inaccuracies to ensure you qualify for as much financial aid as possible.

o Finalize all applications. Now’s the time to make sure every single piece is in place, like  essays, recommendation letters, transcripts, etc.

o Continue to search and apply for scholarships. Many are year-round.

Senior Spring
April – June 2014

o Choose your college! If the answer isn’t glaringly obvious, compare financial aid packages. If you still can’t decide where to go, consider a final visit before you send in your deposit.

o Seal the deal. Send in any required paperwork and submit your deposit.

o Enjoy the last few months of your senior year!

o Look for a summer job or internship to help cover some college expenses like books, dorm room essentials, etc.

o Take lots of pictures on graduation day. It’s a day you will never forget. (And one to be proud of!)

The Last Summer
June – August 2014

o Keep a lookout for mail/emails from your new school. You will receive a lot of information over the next few weeks, so be sure to stay on top of it.

o If you plan to take out any student loans, now’s the time to apply. But only borrow what is absolutely necessary. Loans will have to be paid back in full, with interest, so they should be your last resort when it comes to paying for school.  

o Request your final high school transcript and send it to the admissions office. 

o Spend lots of time with your high school friends. You are about to embark on a new journey that won’t include spending as much time with them, if any at all.

o Reach out to your new roommate(s) and coordinate what you plan to bring. This is a great way to make a connection before ever meeting face to face. After all, you’ll be spending a lot of time together; you might as well start now!

o Go shopping for all of the college and dorm room essentials (clothing, bedding, books, supplies, snacks and more!). This is a fun way to both prepare for your transition into independent living and spend some quality time with your parents before you leave.

o Discuss how often you plan to visit home while at school. Setting up a plan now will help manage your time (and combat homesickness) once you are away.

Enjoy your summer!

While there is much to be done over the next year as you prepare for college, remember one thing: enjoy every minute! Don’t get too caught up in the stress of it all. Sure, it’s important to be organized, stay on top of deadlines and meet all of the requirements being thrown at you — but that’s why we put together this checklist for you! Take advantage of it and have some piece of mind that it will all get done, everything will work out and you’ll be living the college life in the blink of an eye.

Katie Barry is the editor of NextStepU Magazine.

College can be difficult for some students, especially during those first few weeks of freshman year. However, for those attending a faith-based college, students have a leg up by having at least one thing in common with most of their peers – their faith.

“As you can imagine, it is wonderful to be surrounded by spiritually-minded faculty, staff and students while you’re making critical decisions in life. Putting your faith in a God who has your best interests in mind is sometimes easier when you’re reminded of the shared faith of those alongside of you,” explains Charles Webb, director of admissions at Lubbock Christian University (www.lcu.edu) in Lubbock, Texas.

There are a number of faith-based colleges across the United States, and while not all of the students necessarily subscribe to the faith of the school, it is often a foundational principle that you will find throughout the college campus and culture. So, if you are considering a faith-based college, be aware that faith will likely play a major role in your education.

“Some schools really embrace their Christian heritage and expect students to learn, grow and thrive in a Christian environment…Whereas other schools might simply carry the title with an expectation that [they’re] just friendlier than other schools. Know what you want out of a school and find what you need,” advises Webb. “[At LCU] we are a Christian university and there are expectations for our student body because [of that]. With that in mind, our students embrace a Christian education as a primary consideration,” he adds.

Kaleigh Jones, a freshman at Gordon College (www.gordon.edu) in Wenham, Mass., knew exactly what she was looking for in a school. She was raised in the Christian faith and attended Christian elementary and middle schools. “It wasn’t until I went to a public school in the eighth grade that I realized how much I missed the Christian influences from day to day. From [that point on] I knew that I wanted to go to a Christian college,” says Jones.

But for others, faith may not be the priority; and that’s okay. Faith-based colleges are not all “Bible” schools. In fact, while many are based on a foundation of faith, not all require any particular religious affiliation or religious studies for their students.

“You’ll find most Christian universities fall into the liberal arts college category, offering numerous choices for undergraduate degrees,” says Webb. Depending on the school you select as well as its history and tradition, you may find that the faith element is secondary to excellent academics, or vice versa.

Jones is majoring in chemistry and pre-med with a long-term goal of becoming a pathologist. For her, “The foundation of faith definitely was top priority while looking for colleges. I would not even consider a school if it wasn’t faith-based. However, after finding a few schools that fit my faith-based criteria, major and location did effect my final decision.”

Webb notes that courses at LCU are “academically rigorous.” He adds, “There’s no way around working hard for a passing score. However, we will give you every opportunity to succeed.”

Jones adds, “College is going to be difficult, but because I am attending a Christian college, I am excited to rely on my faith and God when times get rough, as opposed to other materialistic things.”

Put your faith in your ability to make the right decision when it comes to choosing that perfect college for you…and if faith is your priority, you just might find a great option in a school that values the same.

Katie Barry is the editor of NextStepU Magazine.

What’s in a brand? More importantly, what is your brand? If you’ve never thought of yourself as a marketing campaign, think again – especially when it comes to how you present yourself online.

From Facebook and Twitter to LinkedIn, YouTube, Google Plus and more, social media is this generation’s biggest blessing and greatest curse. Sure social media has its advantages, but when it is misused (as it so often is) it can become more of a headache than a help.

Imperfect privacy protection
You must understand that whatever you put on the internet is out there for the world to see. Like it or not, all eyes are on you! Even when you think you have taken every privacy precaution possible, others may still be able to see your information, photos, comments or updates. The internet can be a dangerous and very revealing place to be, so beware that no social network privacy option is iron clad.

Photo faux pas
Think your Facebook photos are harmless? They may very well be, but keep in mind that just because you may not be displaying inappropriate or unacceptable behavior in the captured moment does not mean others will be viewed in quite the same light.

Michael P. Grace, founder of Virallock, a social media monitoring and management service, advises, “When posting or tagging photos, watch for what people are doing in the background.” He also cautions to beware of objects in the foreground. Ever hear of being guilty by association? You don’t want to take that chance.

Words to live by
Your brand far exceeds imagery. Your words are powerful as well, especially when they appear in print. Don’t use social media as an outlet for angry messages toward others, personal or otherwise. Having a fight with a friend or disagreeing with a recent news story is bound to happen; however, posting your feelings for the world to see is never a good idea.

Remember, social media is meant for networking — to connect with others, both personally and professionally — and keeping it as positive and light as possible will always be in your best interest.

Careful character
In addition, Grace offers the following advice to social media users: “Don’t express pride in speeding tickets, criminal behavior, detention or truancy.” Posting about such socially irresponsible topics will reflect poorly on your character and may potentially tarnish your reputation -— or “brand.”

Dangerous “friends”
“Watch for obnoxious comments in photo posts,” warns Grace. Just as in photos, you can never be too careful when it comes to your friends. The things they say on your posts will reflect on you as well, so be sure you are comfortable (and in agreement) with what they say and do. They are a reflection of you – both good and bad — so keep that in mind with everything they do online as well. If what your “friends” do online is questionable or unacceptable to you in any way, delete them immediately. Your brand is on the line.

Forever filed
Be prepared for your posts to last forever. It is safe to assume that anything and everything you post on a social media site will remain long after you put it up, so with every click of “submit,” “post,” “comment, “tweet” or “share,” know that you are releasing your words into the world wide web forever. There is no taking it back, and in some unfortunate cases, it may come back to haunt you.

Social (media) good
Had enough of the warnings? Social media can be used for good, too! In fact, it can be a great tool for “selling” yourself to colleges and potential employers. With a strong profile full of interesting tidbits about yourself — including accomplishments, special awards, achievements, volunteer work and interests — you can share your most positive characteristics with those you want (and need) to impress the most.

“Be transparent and authentic,” says Grace. In a recent study conducted by Virallock, companies that are using social media sites to actively search potential job candidates is up 91 percent. That means that employers are increasingly relying on social media to help make hiring decisions.

Of those companies who admit to using social media in their hiring decisions, 68 percent said that they hired a potential employee because of what they found via social media. Just as interesting, 69 percent rejected potential employees due to social media findings. Even if you disagree with this tactic, it’s real, it’s happening and is gaining momentum. Keep in mind that employers have every right to use social media as a tool to see their potential employees, and they can only find what you put out there. So, here’s a great tip: Google yourself.

Clean house
Yep, that’s right. Find out what the internet has to say about you before someone else does. Scared of what you might see? Then it’s time to clean up your profiles online. Take an inventory of what you have posted, including all status updates, tweets, photos, comments and anything else you have uploaded that may be questionable. And the best rule of thumb? When in doubt, don’t.

“Social media is here [to stay]. It has changed the fabric of our society,” says Grace.

So, before you upload those photos from your senior ball, make a comment about an ex-boyfriend or girlfriend, or post a link to a controversial article or blog post, consider your brand.

In the end, your reputation is all you have and your brand is your one chance to make a lasting impression. Make it a great one!

College Admissions

As you prepare your application for your first-choice college or university, you can’t help wondering what the college admissions officials are really looking for in potential students.

Well, they look at all the things that you’d expect (test scores, grades, letters of recommendation and your activities), and some things you wouldn’t. Mostly, they’re searching for responses that will tell them a lot about you.

“We want the student to come alive in that application,” says James Knight, an assistant director of college admissions. “Sometimes the applications are just too thin, or they are full of things that aren’t relevant. We want to know the real student, and we can often tell if that’s what we are getting in their application.”

Admission Requirement

“We’d love to see straight A’s, but that’s not what is going to determine whether we think a student is a good fit here,” says Alida Tallman, an assistant director of admissions at Rice University (www.rice.edu). “We want to know about the person. That’s what colleges are looking for.” Tallman explained that admissions counselors at Rice look at grades, standardized test scores and letters of recommendation. There simply isn’t any single admission requirement.

Rice also seeks students who show “intellectual curiosity” in their schoolwork and who are involved in activities outside of class. That involvement should be more than just symbolic, says Colleen Hillmeyer, director of admissions at the University of Denver (www.du.edu). “We want to see some depth when it comes to their participation in activities. It’s fine to have a long list of items in which you’ve been involved, but we want to see if you have stuck with them and taken them seriously. Have you been thoroughly involved and been a leader, and can you show us why the activity interested you?”

Hillmeyer and other counselors say that, too often, applicants try to impress the college admissions reps rather than just describe their interests clearly and accurately. Knight says your application should be a portrait of you. “Include activities that tell your story,” he suggests. “Tell us truthfully about you.”

At the University of Pennsylvania (www.upenn.edu), counselors also look for students who do a good job of describing themselves and making a case for why they are a good fit at Penn. “They are often trying to guess what they think we want to hear,” says Gwynne Lynch, a regional admissions director for the Philadelphia-based school. “They are better off telling us about themselves and why they think Penn would be a good place for them.”

Lynch says she was concerned by a published report she read about a student whose mother spent hours helping her daughter with a college-entrance essay about choosing a favorite word. The two carefully researched options, and the mother was deeply involved in helping the student write the essay in a way she thought would impress admissions personnel. “That essay would not say much about the student,” Lynch says, “and we can sense that.”

You should provide details about your life and interests, she says. Rather than just listing music as an interest and activity, for instance, spell out that you played violin for five years and performed a solo for the entire school. Details about an important part of your life are sometimes more important than a laundry list of every activity and interest.

Lynch and others also say that the presentation of your application is also important. Do it neatly and carefully. “It’s a real red flag for us if there are a lot of errors in the application. We especially want to see that a student can write clearly without a lot of mistakes,” says Knight. “Writing is a critical skill to have.” He suggests that you consider including additional proof of your writing skills—perhaps a copy of a paper on which you did well.

It is also critical to get a sense of what each school thinks is important. At Purdue University (www.purdue.edu), for instance, Jerry Ripke, assistant director of admissions, says his staff doesn’t consider essays. They’re mostly concerned about academics—particularly if your record is headed in the right direction. “We look closely at trends in achievement, or lack thereof. A downward trend can hurt an applicant, whereas a strong upward trend can help, even if that applicant’s overall GPA is not as high,” he says.

Think you’ve already met the admission requirement?

Other admissions officials agree and note that students with strong academic records and other qualifications should not rest on their laurels. Sometimes a decision can be made based on your senior-year record, after you’ve already applied. “They need to hit the ground running their senior year—and not just in the application process,” says University of Denver’s Hillmeyer. “They need to keep up the pace with their work in school, too.”

She also notes that admissions officials are impressed by people who have overcome obstacles. If you’ve worked through a personal or academic problem, tell about it on your application. But don’t make excuses for bad grades or test scores. “I can tell you one thing that turns us off immediately: a student who doesn’t take responsibility for a bad grade and blames it on the teacher or their workload,” Hillmeyer says. “That’s not going to help your chances.”

Now that you know what colleges are looking for, here are five things you can do to make your application catch an admissions officer’s eye:

1. Know their school. Using specifics, tell them why you chose their school.

2. Quality, not quantity, is important when describing your activities. Having lots of activities is good, but showing that you thoroughly pursued an interest is even better. Tell the admissions people about the activities you stuck with. Provide details about your interests.

3. Focus on your writing. You don’t have to dazzle them with big words or a sophisticated style that isn’t you, but clear, thoughtful, honest writing is something most schools look for.

4. Be honest. They want to find out about you, and they will be frustrated if the application doesn’t show them that. It doesn’t mean you shouldn’t put your best foot forward; just make sure it’s your foot.

5. Don’t make excuses. Everyone has had a teacher they felt wasn’t fair. Unless it was a major roadblock that seriously affected your performance, don’t bother spelling out problems. Showing how you prevailed over a serious problem is a good thing, but complaining is not.