https://www.collegexpress.com/articles-and-advice/admission/blog/CollegeXpress: College Admission Blog2024-03-28T09:45:48.612027+00:00python-feedgenhttp://www.CollegeXpress.com/articles-and-advice/admission/blog/5-examples-of-real-passion-projects-that-admission-officers-love/5 Examples of Real Passion Projects That Admission Officers Love2024-03-28T05:45:48.644416-04:00Lindsey Conger<p><span lang="EN">What’s the secret to getting a college acceptance letter versus a rejection? Ultimately, it comes down to your résumé. Accepted students have more than just strong academics on their applications; they’re also heavily involved in school clubs, volunteer work, and other extracurricular activities. At Moon Prep, we've interviewed dozens of admission officers from top colleges, medical schools, and summer programs to learn what they’re looking for in applicants. One recurring theme emerged: passion. Admission officers want students who are passionate about a particular thing and using that interest to impact their community. A passion project can be anything involving research, nonprofit work, inventions, or causes close to your heart. Here are five real passion project examples from students who were accepted at some of the most competitive colleges, BS/MD programs, and summer camps in the world, as explained by themselves and the admission representatives who accepted them. </span></p>
<h2><span lang="EN">1. Environmental inventions </span></h2>
<p><span lang="EN">Michael San Francisco is currently Interim Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at <a href="https://www.collegexpress.com/college/texas-tech-university/1100585/details/">Texas Tech University</a>. When he was Dean of the Honors College Clark Scholars Program—a competitive summer research program for high school juniors and seniors—he worked with top students who went on to study at <a href="https://www.collegexpress.com/college/harvard-university/2100353/details/">Harvard University</a>, <a href="https://www.collegexpress.com/college/stanford-university/1100510/details/">Stanford University</a>, <a href="https://www.collegexpress.com/college/princeton-university/1100160/details/">Princeton University</a>, and more. In <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wSxPsqgdmUk&t=3s&ab_channel=MoonPrep">an interview with Moon Prep</a>, San Francisco shared one passion project that stood out to him. Through the Clark Scholars Program, the student worked to refine a water-purifying device from an environmental perspective. After the program ended, she entered it into national science fairs and won multiple awards. Her project was eventually recognized by former President Barack Obama, and Popular Mechanics endorsed her water-purifying device as one of the top 10 inventions of the year. </span></p>
<p><span lang="EN"><strong>Related:</strong> </span><span lang="EN"><a href="https://www.collegexpress.com/articles-and-advice/student-life/blog/5-ways-young-people-and-everyone-else-can-fight-environment/">5 Ways Everyone Can Fight for the Environment</a></span></p>
<h2><span lang="EN">2. Development and improvement programs</span></h2>
<p><span lang="EN"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rSu2UmdoDE0&ab_channel=MoonPrep">Moon Prep also interviewed Nidhi Bhaskar</a>, a first-year medical student at <a href="https://www.collegexpress.com/college/brown-university/1100217/details/">Brown University</a>’s Warren Alpert Medical School in the Liberal Medical Education program. One activity she dedicated a lot of time to in high school was a nonprofit called New Boundaries for Youth. Through the organization, Bhaskar created an annual competition for middle school students across South India, where she helped them research and build action plans related to environmental sanitation and sustainability. She also trained as a first responder through the Community Emergency Response Team of the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Bhaskar leveraged this experience to create a similar program at her high school and five other schools to train fellow students about first aid and emergency preparedness. </span></p>
<h2><span lang="EN">3. STEM research and summer programs</span></h2>
<p><span lang="EN">Maite Ballestero</span><span lang="EN">, Executive Vice President of Programs and Administration for the Research Science Institute (RSI) summer program, shared that <a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/kristenmoon/2019/01/02/what-does-it-take-to-get-into-the-ultra-competitive-research-science-institute-rsi/?sh=58432226a933">RSI's competitive program</a> prefers to see students with fewer activities where they can expand more heavily on specific passions. "We want students to find out what they are passionate about and explore it deeply," she says. She also wants students to "exploit their surroundings in the most positive way." Some examples she gave were getting research published, earning a gold medal in a Science Olympiad, or attending summer programs within your field of passion. </span><span lang="EN"> </span></p>
<p><span lang="EN"><strong>Related:</strong> </span><span lang="EN"><a href="https://www.collegexpress.com/articles-and-advice/majors-and-academics/blog/why-and-how-you-can-get-into-research-in-high-school/">Why and How You Can Get Into Research in High School</a></span></p>
<h2><span lang="EN">4. Endeavors that serve your community</span></h2>
<p><span lang="EN">Professor Lewis Hamilton, Dean of the Albert Dorman Honors College at the <a href="https://www.collegexpress.com/college/new-jersey-institute-of-technology/2800141/details/">New Jersey Institute of Technology</a>, is especially interested in <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vgeZD9iUBOQ&ab_channel=MoonPrep">seeing how students serve their communities</a>. In an interview with Moon Prep, he spoke about various students who had started nonprofits, including ones focused on tutoring underprivileged students, distributing menstrual products, or empowering women in South Asia to become entrepreneurs. He even spoke about a beekeeping enthusiast who started his own business selling honey. "What we are interested in is how you are serving your community,” Professor Hamilton says. “The advice we give students is to find what ignites their passion and then do it at the highest level possible, at whatever level they are capable of." </span></p>
<h2><span lang="EN">5. Any project that helps others</span></h2>
<p><span lang="EN">Dr. Carlie Phipps, PhD—Interim Dean of the College of Arts + Sciences at <a href="https://www.collegexpress.com/college/suny-polytechnic-institute/1100163/details/">Suny Polytechnic Institute</a>—says they’re looking for students with an "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mJE2_8uRCJ8&ab_channel=MoonPrep">others-oriented perspective</a>." In other words, they’re looking for students who are volunteering not because it’s a requirement for the National Honors Society but because they genuinely want to help others. Some of the passion projects she highlighted included a student who produced a set of braille blocks and a game patterned after Scrabble called "Brabble” for children who are visually impaired or blind. Other projects include making artificial arms and hands for children born without them. One student developed golf clubs for veterans who had lost fingers. “All these activities are unique because it's a multidisciplinary team working together,” Dr. Phipps says.</span></p>
<p><span lang="EN"><strong>Related:</strong> </span><span lang="EN"><a href="https://www.collegexpress.com/articles-and-advice/student-life/blog/how-start-volunteering-student/">An Easy How-to Guide to Start Volunteering as a Student</a></span></p>
<h3><span lang="EN">Building on your passions</span></h3>
<p><span lang="EN">While this list highlights passion projects that impressed admission officers for specific programs, it is by no means a blueprint to getting accepted. Instead of following the passions of others, explore what makes you excited! By turning your interests into impact, you can create a standout résumé and college application that can compete with other top applicants to even the most competitive programs, including medical schools, Engineering programs, summer camps, and more. </span><span lang="EN"> </span></p>
<p><strong><span lang="EN">Looking for more advice on a project to pick up that will impress admission representatives? Check out these </span><span lang="EN"><a href="https://www.collegexpress.com/articles-and-advice/admission/blog/6-creative-passion-projects-that-stand-out-on-college-applications/">6 Creative Passion Projects That Stand Out on College Applications</a>.</span> </strong></p>http://www.CollegeXpress.com/articles-and-advice/admission/blog/5-recent-and-interesting-college-admission-trends-students-should-know-about/5 Recent and Interesting College Admission Trends Students Should Know About2024-03-28T05:45:48.641781-04:00Lindsey Conger<p>It’s no secret that college admission has gotten more competitive. As summer approaches, rising seniors should use their free time wisely to start preparing their applications, including going on college visits, drafting admission essays, and continuing to build their résumé. Here are a few other things and interesting trends you should keep in mind about this past admission cycle as you begin the process.</p>
<h2>1. Test-optional policy changes continue</h2>
<p>In March 2023, <a href="https://www.collegexpress.com/college/columbia-university/3000453/details/">Columbia University</a> was the first Ivy League school to announce that they were going permanently test-optional. The University, along with 1,800 other schools across the nation, has made submitting SAT or ACT scores with an application the student’s choice. Schools like those in the <a href="https://www.collegexpress.com/college/university-of-california-irvine/1100454/details/">University of California</a> system, <a href="https://www.collegexpress.com/college/california-institute-of-technology/1100422/details/">California Institute of Technology</a>, and <a href="https://www.collegexpress.com/college/reed-college/1100491/details/#overview">Reed College</a> have gone to the extreme and are test-blind instead, meaning that even if students submit standardized test scores, they will <em>not</em> be considered or even viewed in the review process. Luckily, students who didn’t submit test scores don’t seem to be at a disadvantage. <a href="https://www.collegexpress.com/college/colgate-university/1100298/details/">Colgate University</a> reported that 56% of its admitted students to the Class of 2027 included test scores with their applications.</p>
<p>As you solidify your college list, be sure to look at test-optional policies and how long they’ve been extended. For instance, <a href="https://www.collegexpress.com/college/johns-hopkins-university/2400120/details/#overview">Johns Hopkins University</a> will stay test-optional until the 2025–2026 application cycle, whereas the <a href="https://www.collegexpress.com/college/university-of-michigan-flint/1100715/details/#overview">University of Michigan</a> announced that its policies will only remain in place for the 2023–2024 admission cycle. On the other hand, <a href="https://www.collegexpress.com/college/massachusetts-institute-of-technology/1100243/details/">Massachusetts Institute of Technology</a> has already reinstated its SAT/ACT requirement for all applicants after suspending it during the COVID-19 pandemic.</p>
<p><strong>Related: </strong><a href="https://www.collegexpress.com/articles-and-advice/test-prep/articles/sat-act/how-test-optional-schools-are-changing-college-admission/">What Are Test-Optional Colleges All About?</a></p>
<h2>2. Application volume increases</h2>
<p>Application volume to colleges and universities continues to increase in general. <a href="https://s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/ca.research.publish/Deadline+Updates/DeadlineUpdate_030223.pdf">According to the Common Application</a>, total application volume increased by 30% from 2019–2020 to 2022–2023. More students are applying to college—and they’re applying to more schools on average. For example, <a href="https://www.collegexpress.com/college/new-york-university/2100345/details/#overview">New York University</a> had <a href="https://www.nyu.edu/about/news-publications/news/2023/march/admissions-class-of-2027.html#:~:text=Offers%20of%20admission%20to%20NYU%27s,fewer%20than%205%25%20of%20applicants.">nearly 120,000 applications</a> this year for first-year admission, a 13% increase from the previous cycle; whereas, the <a href="https://www.collegexpress.com/college/university-of-georgia/1100722/details/#overview">University of Georgia</a> had <a href="https://www.admissions.uga.edu/blog/2023-freshman-admits/">more than 43,700 applicants</a>, a 10% increase from the last cycle. As for who made it in: NYU admitted just 8% of those 120,000 applicants, while UGA admitted around 35%.</p>
<h2>3. Early applications remain popular</h2>
<p>Applying to college early through Restrictive Early Action, Early Decision, and Early Action programs remains a popular admission choice. These various early deadlines tend to give students a boost in acceptance rates, with Early Decision usually providing the biggest advantage. However, <a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/kristenmoon/2023/01/19/early-decision-acceptance-rate-trends-what-changed-in-2022-23/?sh=18783b6211b0">early applications skyrocketed in popularity</a> this year. NYU received 22,000 Early Decision applicants, an increase of 14% from the previous cycle, while the <a href="https://www.collegexpress.com/college/university-of-north-carolina-at-chapel-hill/2600068/details/">University of North Carolina</a>’s Early Action applications increased by 10% to nearly 38,650.</p>
<p>While students usually experience higher acceptance rates when applying early, the advantage starts to decrease with the increasing interest in these options. That’s why it’s important to have realistic expectations; just because the acceptance rates might be higher for Early Decision, it doesn’t necessarily mean you have a better chance of being accepted. If a student isn’t a competitive applicant, they likely won’t see a significant bump in their odds.</p>
<p><strong>Related:</strong> <a href="https://www.collegexpress.com/articles-and-advice/admission/blog/how-be-competitive-college-applicant/">How to Be a Competitive College Applicant</a></p>
<h2>4. Legacy preference is decreasing</h2>
<p>In college admission, a “legacy” student is someone whose parents attended the same university. According to an article from <em>The Guardian</em>, these policies tend to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2019/jan/23/elite-schools-ivy-league-legacy-admissions-harvard-wealthier-whiter">favor White, affluent students</a>, with many of the nation’s highly competitive colleges and universities still considering legacy in their admission process as recently as 2020. However, legacy policies have become less of a factor in admission decisions after the <a href="https://www.collegexpress.com/articles-and-advice/admission/blog/3-hidden-takeaways-operation-varsity-blues/">Varsity Blues Scandal</a> of 2019 and litigation brought against top schools like <a href="https://www.collegexpress.com/college/harvard-university/2100353/details/">Harvard University</a> and UNC. <a href="https://www.collegexpress.com/college/cornell-university/1100516/details/">Cornell University</a> and <a href="https://www.collegexpress.com/college/amherst-college/1100038/details/">Amherst College</a> are examples of schools where legacy students won’t get a preference over non-legacy students when applying.</p>
<h2>5. BS/MD programs are even more competitive</h2>
<p>BS/MD programs, also known as <a href="https://www.collegexpress.com/interests/health-medicine/blog/fast-track-medicine-6-year-direct-entry-medical-programs/">direct medical programs</a>, allow students interested in medicine to apply to undergraduate and medical school simultaneously. Once accepted to the program, they have a guaranteed spot at the partnered medical school. These programs have always been competitive but have gotten even more so in the last few years. <a href="https://www.collegexpress.com/college/brown-university/1100217/details/">Brown University</a>'s program in Liberal Medical Education had 4,192 applicants this admission cycle compared to 3,827 in 2021–2022; <a href="https://www.collegexpress.com/college/profile/2004580/#2004580">Drexel </a><a href="https://www.collegexpress.com/college/drexel-university/2100315/details/">University</a>'s Early Assurance program saw a similar increase, going from 2,298 applications in 2020–2021 to 2,705 for the next application cycle. If you’re interested in this type of program, take extra time to build your résumé to help you stand out among other BS/MD applicants.</p>
<p><strong>Related: </strong><a href="https://www.collegexpress.com/interests/health-medicine/blog/how-get-accepted-direct-medical-program/">How to Get Accepted to a Direct Medical Program</a></p>
<p>College admission is more competitive than ever, and you should spend your summer wisely researching to ensure you find colleges that are a good fit—including policies and admission competitiveness that will benefit you. By looking at trends from previous cycles, you can arm yourself with information to enter the application cycle prepared.</p>
<p><strong>Start building a list of schools with admission trends that fit your needs using our <a href="https://www.collegexpress.com/college/search/">College Search tool</a>, or try exploring colleges by state using our new <a href="https://www.collegexpress.com/college/map/">College Search Map</a>!</strong></p>
<h3>Connect with featured schools mentioned in this blog!</h3>
<p style="text-align: left;"><a class="inquiry_btn btn go sm mb-0 tracked" href="#" data-event-category="More Info" data-event-action="Inquiry" data-event-label="Content" data-edition="" data-scid="3000453" data-profile="2017569">Connect me with Columbia!</a></p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><a class="inquiry_btn btn go sm mb-0 tracked" href="#" data-event-category="More Info" data-event-action="Inquiry" data-event-label="Content" data-edition="" data-scid="1100491" data-profile="1488">Connect me with Reed!</a></p>
<p style="text-align: left;"> <a class="inquiry_btn btn go sm mb-0 tracked" href="#" data-event-category="More Info" data-event-action="Inquiry" data-event-label="Content" data-edition="" data-scid="2400120" data-profile="2004031">Connect me with Johns Hopkins!</a> </p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><a class="inquiry_btn btn go sm mb-0 tracked" href="#" data-event-category="More Info" data-event-action="Inquiry" data-event-label="”Content"" data-edition="" data-scid="2400120" data-profile="2004031">Connect me with UM–Flint!</a></p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><a class="inquiry_btn btn go sm mb-0 tracked" href="#" data-event-category="More Info" data-event-action="Inquiry" data-event-label="Content" data-edition="" data-scid="2100345" data-profile="797">Connect me with NYU!</a></p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><a class="inquiry_btn btn go sm mb-0 tracked" href="#" data-event-category="More Info" data-event-action="Inquiry" data-event-label="Content" data-edition="" data-scid="1100722" data-profile="2003966">Connect me with UGA!</a></p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><a class="inquiry_btn btn go sm mb-0 tracked" href="#" data-event-category="More Info" data-event-action="Inquiry" data-event-label="Content" data-edition="" data-scid="1100217" data-profile="2004580">Connect me with Brown!</a></p>http://www.CollegeXpress.com/articles-and-advice/admission/blog/important-things-you-need-to-know-about-for-profit-colleges/Important Things You Need to Know About For-Profit Colleges2024-03-28T05:45:48.639107-04:00Sara Karnish<p class="MsoNormal">There are many factors that go into choosing a college. Sometimes a school feels right the moment a student sets foot on campus. But sometimes it’s the practical considerations that win out—things like tuition, scheduling, and credit transferability. For-profit colleges—the institutions advertised heavily on TV and social media feeds—promise students they can deliver on many of the practical aspects of going to college. Time is a major selling point for these schools, which assure students they can earn their degree and start working in less time than if they went to a traditional nonprofit college. But what should you know before pursuing a for-profit school? Let’s discuss.</p>
<h2>A brief history of for-profit colleges</h2>
<p class="MsoNormal">For-profit institutions were founded to make higher education more accessible to low-income students. Originally <a href="https://www.collegexpress.com/articles-and-advice/career-search/articles/career-success-after-college/importance-career-prep/">focused on career training</a>, their purpose has been to give students the tools they need to find a job in a few months rather than several years at a traditional higher education institution. Nationwide, student success and satisfaction rates for these colleges have been mixed. Some for-profit schools have been criticized for misleading students about cost, among other factors. It’s important to conduct thorough research and ask a <em>lot</em> of questions if you’re considering a for-profit college.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><strong>Related: </strong><a href="https://www.collegexpress.com/lists/list/popular-for-profit-universities/264/"><strong>List: Popular For-Profit Universities</strong></a></p>
<h2>For-profit vs. nonprofit colleges</h2>
<p class="MsoNormal">So how does a for-profit school compare to a traditional college that operates as a nonprofit? Both for-profit and nonprofit colleges offer post-secondary instruction and grant degrees. The main difference is in how each makes and spends their money. A for-profit college is exactly that—a higher education institution that operates as a business. Student tuition is used toward operating costs, and their primary goal is to make money. For-profit colleges are privately owned and operated by shareholders rather than an elected board of trustees.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Whether public or private, a traditional college or university is considered a nonprofit. An elected board of trustees oversees the school’s fiscal and operational functions. Almost all traditional colleges are evaluated by a federal accreditation agency every few years, meaning the institution must meet certain standards of academic quality, improvement, and accountability set forth by the <a href="https://www.chea.org/">Council for Higher Education Accreditation</a> (CHEA), a federal agency overseeing regional accreditation organizations. Not all for-profit colleges are accredited, however. This is important to keep this in mind since federal financial aid is often only awarded to students attending accredited higher education institutions.</p>
<h2>Pros and cons of for-profit colleges</h2>
<p class="MsoNormal">As with any school you research, it’s helpful to list the benefits and drawbacks so you can make an informed decision. Here are some pros and cons of earning your degree at a for-profit college.</p>
<h3>Potential pros</h3>
<ul>
<li><strong>Earning a degree takes less time: </strong>Unlike traditional colleges, where students spend anywhere from two to six years earning a degree, part of the draw of for-profit colleges is the opportunity to earn a degree and get a job in much less time. Programs vary among schools, but most students at for-profit schools earn their diplomas in approximately 18 months.</li>
<li><strong>Degrees offered for in-demand occupations: </strong>Tech, IT, cybersecurity, and health care are among the <a href="https://www.collegexpress.com/articles-and-advice/career-search/articles/explore-careers/5-popular-fields-to-pursue-for-lucrative-entry-level-jobs-after-college/">most-needed fields right now</a>. For-profit colleges know this and develop programs to meet the demand. A for-profit college might be a good option if you’re looking for a job in any of these fields.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Potential cons</h3>
<ul>
<li><strong>Higher tuition rates: </strong>A for-profit college does award degrees, but its primary focus is making money; therefore, tuition is generally higher than that of a traditional college.</li>
<li><strong>Harder to receive financial aid: </strong>Don’t count on a substantial financial aid package to help with tuition costs. Many for-profit colleges do not meet this accreditation criteria for federal aid.</li>
<li><strong>Fewer resources: </strong>Students at traditional colleges usually have resources like tutoring, career development, student activities, and counseling available to them. For-profit colleges are largely online, so many don’t offer these campus services.</li>
<li><strong>Low rate of credit transfer: </strong>Many courses offered at for-profit colleges are highly specialized. It’s great to have specific knowledge in a certain industry, but it can be difficult to transfer credits should you choose to continue your education elsewhere.</li>
<li><strong>High unemployment in many fields: </strong>For-profit colleges are aware of employment trends, and many of their programs lead to jobs in sought-after fields. However, not all for-profit programs are in marketable fields. Combine this with little to no job placement assistance, and a student might be looking at a long and frustrating job search.</li>
</ul>
<p class="MsoNormal"><strong>Related: </strong><a href="https://www.collegexpress.com/articles-and-advice/financial-aid/blog/why-private-not-profit-colleges-cost-less-you-think/"><strong>Why Private Nonprofit Colleges Cost Less Than You Think</strong></a></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">If you’re looking for short-term education to build specific job-related skills, a for-profit school might fit your needs. But if you’re looking for a holistic college experience—complete with living on campus, getting involved in activities, conducting research, studying abroad, and having countless resources for life postgrad—a traditional nonprofit college might be a better fit. As always, research every school you’re considering and weigh the pros and cons before deciding.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><strong>Start exploring and comparing for-profit and nonprofit institutions using our <a href="https://www.collegexpress.com/college/search/">College Search tool</a>!</strong></p>http://www.CollegeXpress.com/articles-and-advice/admission/blog/3-wild-and-unique-experiences-in-south-africa-for-gap-year-students/3 Wild and Unique Experiences in South Africa for Gap Year Students2024-03-28T05:45:48.636850-04:00Annie DuPre<p class="MsoNormal">Are you someone who loves wildlife and nature and wants to experience conservation work firsthand? Have you ever considered taking your gap year abroad and learning about wildlife in South Africa? Gap years are becoming increasingly popular all over the world. There’s a good chance you’ve heard of someone taking time after high school or college graduation to travel, do an internship, volunteer, or learn new skills. Sometimes people take their gap year right at home, but many use the opportunity to travel and see a unique part of the world. If you’re the adventurous type, here’s a location you should consider to pursue one of these amazing opportunities. </p>
<h2>Why do a gap year in South Africa?</h2>
<p class="MsoNormal">South Africa is a popular travel destination for many reasons, from safaris to adventure tourism to Cape Town’s wine country. It’s an incredibly diverse and beautiful area, with 11 national languages (including English) and nine unique ecosystems. The country is ranked as the third-most biodiverse country in the world—with over 95,000 different species having been recorded! If this sounds like a place you’d like to experience, here are three ways you can spend a wildlife-focused gap year in South Africa.</p>
<h3>1. Wildlife research and monitoring</h3>
<p class="MsoNormal">Established conservation organizations often need help monitoring species for research purposes. In South Africa, you could connect with a protected nature reserve that has wildlife like lions, cheetahs, rhinos, rare birds, or other endangered species. It’s quite typical for conservation organizations to collect data on different species within their landscape. Examples of activities include counting the number of individuals in a group, tracking animals through the bush, recording sightings and animal behavior, and other specific topics depending on the organization.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">By joining a wildlife research and monitoring program, you can contribute to real, on-the-ground conservation work. You’ll also gain new skills, like using a telemetry device to track a collared elephant, inputting data into a GIS system for mapping movement, or estimating population growth and change. This is a great option for someone who wants to study the fields of science, biology, or conservation.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><strong>Related: </strong><a href="https://www.collegexpress.com/interests/science-and-engineering/articles/outside-lab/4-easy-ways-students-can-help-save-endangered-species/"><strong>4 Easy Ways Students Can Help Save Endangered Species</strong></a></p>
<h3>2. Conservation-focused internships</h3>
<p class="MsoNormal">Gaining some real work experience is important if you’re looking to start a career in conservation. Internships provide the ideal setting to gain valuable skills, earn <a href="https://www.collegexpress.com/articles-and-advice/career-search/blog/infographic-what-skills-should-you-put-resume-land-job/">new accolades for your résumé</a>, and see what real conservation work entails. As an intern, you might oversee volunteers, plan data collection, conduct invasive species removal, manage databases for wildlife research, or assist with wildlife rehabilitation. It really depends on the needs of the organization. Many conservation organizations in South Africa have set internship programs where you can join them for a few weeks or even a year. These programs are often more structured than volunteer programs and give you the benefit of real work experience.</p>
<h3>3. Safari or tour guide qualifications</h3>
<p class="MsoNormal">This one might be a surprise, but did you know you can become a qualified safari guide? Just about anyone can study to become a safari or tour guide. Especially near Greater Kruger National Park, there are a number of programs where you’ll live on a game reserve and learn how to conduct a guided experience around the Big Five (lions, leopards, rhinos, elephants, and buffalo), plus other wildlife. Imagine waking up every day listening to the sounds of lions roaring in the distance, watching antelope herds graze in the open savannah, enjoying vibrant African sunsets, and sitting by a campfire with friends under the stars.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://bushwise.guide/wildlife-courses">Safari guide courses</a> are typically 60 days to a full year and include textbook studying, practical experience like driving a 4x4 safari vehicle, tracking and interpreting animal behavior, and much more. The skills you learn from these programs also translate well into other tourism, wildlife, or conservation roles.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><strong>Related</strong>: <a href="https://www.collegexpress.com/lists/list/great-gap-year-programs/699/"><strong>List of Great Gap Year Programs</strong></a></p>
<h2>How to pursue a wildlife gap year in South Africa</h2>
<p class="MsoNormal">There are many ways to find the ideal organization in South Africa for a gap year experience. From wildlife rehabilitation centers to safari tour groups, there’s an ideal program for your education, career, and self-development goals. Of course, it’s important to support an organization that studies wildlife in an ethical, respectful, and non-invasive manner, so be diligent in your research before applying for a program.</p>
<h3>Questions to ask when choosing a program</h3>
<ul>
<li><strong>Does the organization allow or encourage photos or interactions with captive or wild animals, such as cub petting or riding elephants?</strong> This may insinuate that they care more for monetary gain than animal safety.</li>
<li><strong>If it’s labeled as a wildlife rehabilitation center or orphanage, is this really an accurate declaration? </strong>Some organizations take these labels but have unethical practices, so do some extra research before taking it at face value.</li>
<li><strong>Can you contribute to research, assist with species monitoring, or learn more about wildlife in a hands-on way?</strong> Ask questions and seek answers about their real impact on conservation efforts.</li>
<li><strong>Are they involved with local communities in a positive way? </strong>Find out if they work with communities to support improved human-wildlife coexistence without exploiting local populations.</li>
</ul>
<p>The best way to get answers to these questions is to speak with past participants to hear about their experiences. Join an open day or webinar to hear firsthand from people who have completed the program.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><strong>Related: </strong><a href="https://www.collegexpress.com/articles-and-advice/admission/blog/3-adventurous-gap-year-programs-consider/"><strong>3 Adventurous Gap Year Programs to Consider</strong></a></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Taking a gap year can be an incredibly unique and life-changing opportunity, and there are so many more programs than you may be aware of. We hope this has helped shine light on some of the possibilities for spending a wildlife-focused gap year in South Africa. Whatever you choose to do, it will be an amazing experience you’ll never forget!</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><strong>Still not sure about your plans after high school or college? Learn more about </strong><a href="https://www.collegexpress.com/articles-and-advice/admission/articles/improve-your-chances/your-goals-your-life-your-gap-year/"><strong>why it’s a good idea to take a gap year</strong></a><strong> on CollegeXpress.</strong></p>http://www.CollegeXpress.com/articles-and-advice/admission/blog/you-belong-in-college-how-to-find-your-best-fit-and-thrive-post-affirmative-action/You Belong in College: How to Find Your Best Fit and Thrive Post–Affirmative Action2024-03-28T05:45:48.634683-04:00Michael LeeYow<p>The Supreme Court decision banning affirmative action based on race in college admission is a setback to educational equity but <em>not</em> a roadblock that will stop your success. If you’re a student of color, the first in your family to go to college, or from a lower-income family, you have just as much a right as anyone to the higher education you need for a fulfilling and successful career. You belong in college—and with a few strategic moves, you will still have a wide range of opportunities.</p>
<p>Despite the Supreme Court’s decision, most colleges and universities are committed to building a diverse student body. You just need to pay attention to which ones are more proactive in recruiting and connecting with minority students while asking themselves the hard questions about whether their institutions foster belonging and inspire success.</p>
<h2>Take advantage of the holistic admission model</h2>
<p>Most colleges practice “holistic” admission, meaning each student is evaluated as an individual on a case-by-case basis. Standardized test scores and grade point averages are factors that still matter but don’t define you—just pay attention to opportunities to <a href="https://www.collegexpress.com/articles-and-advice/majors-and-academics/blog/infographic-find-your-learning-style-and-study-smarter/">become the best student you can be</a>. Show admission officers how you excel through an unusual interest, volunteer work, sports, or creative talents as well as persistence, overcoming adversity, or other qualities. Give some consideration to how you will keep expanding how you see the world and how you think. Be bold, original, and expansive in your thinking—the world wants to hear from you.</p>
<p>A good fit is not just academic—it’s also cultural and social. Ultimately, a good college is one where you’ll do well. Don’t pick schools based solely on impressive names, great sports teams, or popular locations. Think about the kinds of spaces where you are most successful and where you are going to thrive.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 10.0pt; line-height: normal; border: none; mso-padding-alt: 31.0pt 31.0pt 31.0pt 31.0pt; mso-border-shadow: yes;"><strong>Related:</strong> <a href="https://www.collegexpress.com/articles-and-advice/admission/articles/improve-your-chances/insider-look-holistic-applications/"><strong>Seeing the Big Picture: An Insider Look at Holistic College Admission</strong></a></p>
<h2>Become a higher education “smart customer”</h2>
<p>While it might seem as if you’re making a big ask of admission officers when you’re applying to college, in reality, you are the customer. This includes being a smart shopper and looking for a good fit at the best price. You should not be burdened by paying for a bachelor’s degree long after graduation—or maybe at all. Primarily seek out financial <a href="https://www.collegexpress.com/scholarships/collegexpress-scholarship-for-students-of-color/2037626/">aid that doesn’t have to be paid back</a>, whether it’s from the federal government, the state, a college/university, or an independent organization. Also be aware that, in some cases, a private institution can be just as affordable as a state school; it all depends on the need-based financial aid available at the institution. If your family income meets financial aid requirements, you can get a bachelor’s degree at minimal cost.</p>
<h2>Express your assets through strong essays</h2>
<p>When writing your admission essays, create an engaging narrative to tell your own story. Remember to speak to colleges as the radiant, thriving student you are and will be on campus. Approach your college essays by highlighting the qualities and unique perspective you will bring to the school and get specific for each institution you’re applying to. <a href="https://www.collegexpress.com/articles-and-advice/admission/articles/application-essay-clinic/how-write-effective-powerful-personal-statement/">Focus on how you excel</a> and have become stronger even amid difficulties and roadblocks. Focusing on assets and aspirations will make your essays stand out to admission officers and potentially play a major factor in their decisions.</p>
<h2>Connect with a partner and find allies</h2>
<p>College admission is inequitable by design—the process is flawed. But you can connect with an organization that sees you for your whole self and helps you show that to schools! Find an organization you can trust to help you go for that college degree. College admission support organizations can help you navigate the changing landscape of higher education before you submit your applications.</p>
<p>At Bottom Line, we partner with degree-aspiring students of color to get into college, graduate, and go far in life by providing individual support to earn a degree and launch their careers. We offer collaborative relationships with admission offices to build strong pipelines to admission, notice trends, and advocate for students. If you’re interested in our free programs, please visit <em><a href="http://www.bottomline.org/">bottomline.org</a></em>. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 10.0pt; line-height: normal; border: none; mso-padding-alt: 31.0pt 31.0pt 31.0pt 31.0pt; mso-border-shadow: yes;"><strong>Related: </strong><a href="https://www.collegexpress.com/interests/multicultural/articles/define-campus-diversity/q-promoting-college-success-students-color/"><strong>Q&A: Promoting College Success for Students of Color</strong></a></p>
<p>The end of affirmative action is frustrating for many students, but it isn’t the end to your college dreams. You’re an incredible student and can still gain admission to college based on all your academic and personal merit. And remember, while the college admission process is challenging, you do not have to go it alone!</p>
<p><strong>We’ve got all the college admission support you could possibly need with <a href="https://www.collegexpress.com/articles-and-advice/admission/articles/college-applications/our-best-advice-tackling-your-college-applications/">Our Best Advice for Tackling Your College Applications</a>. Check it out!</strong></p>http://www.CollegeXpress.com/articles-and-advice/admission/blog/5-important-things-to-look-for-in-a-college-or-university/5 Important Things to Look for in a College or University2024-03-28T05:45:48.632618-04:00Maddy A-C<p style="margin: 0in;">Many students are dumbfounded when it comes to searching for the “perfect” college. I personally know the heartache and uncertainty that comes with researching colleges. You don’t know how to go about all the emails you’re getting and the mail you’re receiving from potential schools. It’s crucial for students to find a college they’re comfortable with and excited to attend. Through my own experience, here are five things to look for in a college that will be most helpful in your search when deciding where to attend in the future. Buckle up—you are in for a ride!</p>
<h2>1. Academics and career services</h2>
<p style="margin: 0in;">The main reason you’re going to college is to learn more about yourself and what you want for your future. If the college you want to attend doesn't have exceptional academic offerings and career services, then what’s the point? Academic services consist of classes and majors available, tutoring, and opportunities for hands-on experience. When learning about something you’re interested in, you’ll want to take a bunch of classes that will help you learn more about it. You’ll also want an academic counselor who is involved and helpful, because let's face it—you may know what you want to do (or not!), but you’ll need someone to help guide you. Some colleges don’t have much help when it comes to finding the classes you want and registering for them, so you should make sure the school you attend has exceptional academic services. You can find out by calling them and seeing just how helpful they are! </p>
<p style="margin: 0in;"> </p>
<p style="margin: 0in;">You should also make sure your school has a great <a href="https://www.collegexpress.com/articles-and-advice/career-search/articles/explore-careers/9-reasons-use-career-center-senior-year/">career services office</a>. After college, you’ll either pursue graduate school or enter the workforce. A school that offers job fairs, internships, and a career center that helps with résumés, interviews, and networking will ensure you get a good return on your investment. Just be sure to take advantage of all the services your school offers, starting as soon as you step foot on campus!</p>
<p style="margin: 0in;"> </p>
<p style="margin: 0in;"><strong>Related: </strong><a href="https://www.collegexpress.com/articles-and-advice/student-life/articles/living-campus/5-campus-resources-every-student-should-know-about/"><strong>5 Great Campus Resources Students Should Know About</strong></a></p>
<h2>2. Class size</h2>
<p style="margin: 0in;">When looking at the academics of a school, class size should be a huge part of your research. Class sizes can range from a dozen to a couple hundred students at some colleges and universities. Do you want your classes to feel personal, or do you want to feel like a small fish in a big sea? You must <a href="https://www.collegexpress.com/articles-and-advice/majors-and-academics/blog/infographic-find-your-learning-style-and-study-smarter/">think about how you learn best</a>. Do you prefer big lecture halls with many students beside you, in front of you, and behind you? Or would you like to have a personal connection with your professors and be in a close-knit classroom environment? Be sure to look at the average class size, and even try to attend a class while you’re on a campus visit to see if you could see yourself there. Do whatever is most beneficial to you and your learning! Everyone is different, and some students might like the feeling of being with 100 other students. However, people like me want small classes where they can pay attention more easily. Take your time to decide and find how you learn best.</p>
<h2>3. Living style </h2>
<p style="margin: 0in;">Living style consists of your campus life and perspective. Do you want to live in a dorm? An apartment? Do you mind communal bathrooms? How many roommates would you prefer to have, if any? You want to make sure you’re going to be comfortable with your living style. Of course, it will take some time to get used to, and it will be hard at first—but getting used to college life will come with time. Many students get homesick, but it's all about being independent and having your own adventures. Also think about campus events and student involvement. Are on-campus events important to you? How is the school spirit and the atmosphere? To avoid homesickness, it’s important to feel involved and at home on your campus. Living style is an important part of your final college decision because it will be your home for the next four or more years!</p>
<p style="margin: 0in;"> </p>
<p style="margin: 0in;"><strong>Related: </strong><a href="https://www.collegexpress.com/articles-and-advice/student-life/blog/life-your-new-roommate-how-prepare/"><strong>Top Ways to Prepare for Life With Your New Roommate</strong></a></p>
<h2>4. Safety and comfort</h2>
<p style="margin: 0in;">When you're on the hunt for the right college for you, it's important to choose <a href="https://www.collegexpress.com/lists/list/some-of-the-safest-college-campuses-in-the-country/2985/">a place that makes you feel safe and comfortable</a>. To make sure you have a worry-free experience, it's a good idea to look for easy access points in case of emergencies and check that the school has proper safety measures in place. It's also worth visiting in person and taking a stroll around the area to get a feel for the surrounding neighborhoods and see if you feel at ease there. Remember, your safety is crucial, so take your time to make sure you're making the right decision.</p>
<h2>5. Cost to attend </h2>
<p>Don’t let <a href="https://www.collegexpress.com/articles-and-advice/financial-aid/blog/get-past-sticker-price-shock-and-bring-down-your-college-costs/">the sticker price of a college</a> affect your decision. This amount is hardly ever what students and families actually pay. Be sure to talk to admission counselors and get in touch with each school’s scholarship and financial aid department. There are so many opportunities to cut your college costs— you just have to look. CollegeXpress is a great resource to <a href="https://www.collegexpress.com/scholarships/search" target="_blank" rel="noopener">look for scholarships</a>. <a href="https://www.raise.me" target="_blank" rel="noopener">RaiseMe</a> is also great if you're looking to attend a specific college and want to see if you can benefit from what you’re doing now to save money.</p>
<p><strong>Related:</strong> <a href="https://www.collegexpress.com/counselors-and-parents/parents/blog/hidden-colleges-costs-what-you-have-to-pay-and-how-to-cut-down/">Hidden College Costs: What You Have to Pay and How to Cut Down</a></p>
<p>What you want in a college or university is ultimately up to you. No one can tell you what the right decision is. While all these search criteria are important, the main thing is how <em>you</em> feel. Trust your gut and your research, and believe in your own adventure.</p>
<p><strong>Ready to begin this exciting search process? Learn everything you need to know and plan for with <a href="https://www.collegexpress.com/articles-and-advice/admission/articles/find-college/finding-right-college-match/">The CollegeXpress Ultimate Guide to the College Search</a>.</strong></p>http://www.CollegeXpress.com/articles-and-advice/admission/blog/the-top-2-questions-you-need-answered-about-recommendation-letters/2 Important Questions About College Recommendation Letters You Need Answered2024-03-28T05:45:48.630454-04:00Lindsey Conger<p class="MsoNormal">Early Action and Early Decision college application deadlines are right around the corner. As you gather your application materials—including personal statements, supplemental essays, transcripts, standardized test scores, and more—you may wonder how everything gets evaluated. After all, it’s easy to compare SAT scores or GPAs. But how do admission officers review more subjective aspects of the college application, like letters of recommendation? As with everything else you submit, it’s important to be strategic about who you ask for letters of recommendation and how many you send. Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about this important part of your applications.</p>
<h2>1. How do colleges consider letters of recommendation?</h2>
<p class="MsoNormal">The purpose of a college recommendation letter is to see if a student is portraying themselves authentically through their essays, activities, and interviews. According to <a href="https://www.collegexpress.com/college/harvard-university/2100353/details/">Harvard University’s</a> Dean of Admissions and Financial Aid, William Fitzsimmons, "Recommendations can help us see well beyond test scores and grades and other credentials and can illuminate intellectual curiosity, creativity, and a love of learning." Submitting letters of recommendation from someone who knows you well gives a college an outsider's perspective and holistic view of your overall personality, goals, and application, which will hopefully increase your chances of getting into your dream school.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><strong>Related: </strong><a href="https://www.collegexpress.com/articles-and-advice/admission/blog/a-helpful-guide-to-planning-and-asking-for-letters-of-recommendation/"><strong>A Helpful Guide to Planning and Asking for Letters of Recommendation</strong></a></p>
<h3>Ask the right people</h3>
<p class="MsoNormal">At Moon Prep, we typically recommend students ask for letters from two junior year teachers with whom you have good relationships. Your teachers from 11<sup>th</sup> grade will know you best and have seen you tackle higher-level material. It might also be a good idea to ask someone related to the academic path you want to pursue in college. <a href="https://www.collegexpress.com/articles-and-advice/admission/articles/college-applications/seniors-get-your-recommendations-lined/">Think about who you’re asking</a>, your relationship with them, and what unique aspects they can add to your recommendations. Some students think asking an influential person—perhaps from a well-known university, business, or organization—will help them get into a particular school. However, if that person doesn’t know you well, the letter will <em>not</em> improve your candidacy and could even hurt you. It's better to have recommendations from people who know you well and can speak personally about your accomplishments and positive traits.</p>
<h3>Ask at the right time</h3>
<p class="MsoNormal">Students should connect with their preferred teachers at the end of their junior year to ask if they’d be willing to write a letter. Some schools limit the number of letters a particular teacher can write, so ask early to ensure you aren't disappointed to find they already have too many requests. This way, it also gives them plenty of time to write a thoughtful letter detailing your accomplishments and qualities. They’ll have the summer to ruminate on it, but be sure to reach out via email or visit and remind them as your deadlines draw closer.</p>
<h2>2. Is sending more letters of recommendation better?</h2>
<p class="MsoNormal">Many selective colleges will require students to submit up to three letters of recommendation. Who these letters are from can vary, but schools <a href="https://www.collegexpress.com/articles-and-advice/admission/blog/5-important-questions-to-ask-your-counselor-about-the-college-search/">typically want one from your counselor</a> and two teachers. Depending on the college, you could also submit letters from people outside of school, like research mentors, job managers, coaches, etc. As you create your college list, see what each school requires. Some schools will let you send upwards of five letters, and sending the maximum is always better—as long as the writers know you well and can speak to your character and goals. If a school says no more than three letters, do <em>not</em> try to submit more than three; admission officers will take note of whether you follow directions or not.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><strong>Related: </strong><a href="https://www.collegexpress.com/articles-and-advice/admission/ask-experts/how-many-recommendation-letters-should-students-submit/"><strong>How Many Recommendation Letters Should Students Submit?</strong></a></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">In the world of college admission, a great letter of recommendation can be the secret weapon to getting accepted to your school of choice. Like an outstanding essay, they help colleges see what makes you special and why you’d be a great addition to campus. When asking for recommendation letters, remember that it’s better to have a few great letters from people who know you well than a bunch from near strangers. Just give them enough time to write a great recommendation—the rest is up to them.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><strong>While your counselors and teachers are working on your letters, make sure the rest of your materials are in order with this advice on </strong><a href="https://www.collegexpress.com/articles-and-advice/admission/articles/college-applications/build-perfect-college-application/"><strong>How to Build the Perfect College Application</strong></a>.</p>http://www.CollegeXpress.com/articles-and-advice/admission/blog/top-6-college-prep-steps-for-first-generation-students/Top 6 College Prep Steps for First-Generation Students2024-03-28T05:45:48.628569-04:00Dr. Ciera Graham<p class="MsoNormal">For many students, preparing for college means grappling with a new set of academic, personal, social, and psychological challenges. For first-generation students—those who are the first in their family to pursue a post-secondary degree—the college preparation process can be extremely lonely. Many students rely on knowledge or resources from their college-educated parents, but that simply isn’t an option for first-gen learners.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">According to the Center for First-Generation Student Success, first-generation undergraduates account for one-third of current US college students, bringing a wealth of diversity and talents to the college environment such as resourcefulness, self-reliance, persistence, and resilience. These strengths can help first-gen students navigate the unfamiliar terrain of higher education. Are you or do you know a first-generation student looking for advice on how to prep for college? Check out these six helpful steps to take now.</p>
<h2>1. Identify counselors who can guide you through the process</h2>
<p class="MsoNormal">College applications can be extremely intimidating for first-gen students, and trying to remember all the different deadlines can be confusing for anyone. There are several steps involved in the college admission process, from completing applications, writing your personal statements, and obtaining letters of recommendation to applying for financial aid and taking standardized tests.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Whether you’re a freshman or a senior, visit your school’s career center or <a href="https://www.collegexpress.com/articles-and-advice/admission/blog/7-questions-ask-your-guidance-counselor-and-when-ask-them/">talk to your high school counselor</a> about your interest in applying to college—it’s never too early or late. They can help you solidify your college list, plan application deadlines during senior year, and gather all your application materials. It’s helpful to start talking with them early in your junior year of high school in case you’d like to apply for Early Decision as a senior; students who apply through these programs hear back from colleges sooner than their peers who turn in applications with Regular Decision deadlines.</p>
<h2>2. Find a mentor who can help you understand college culture</h2>
<p class="MsoNormal">There are some college topics that can be extremely foreign for first-generation students; Terms like <a href="https://www.collegexpress.com/articles-and-advice/majors-and-academics/blog/video-all-things-office-hours/">“office hours”</a> or <a href="https://www.collegexpress.com/articles-and-advice/majors-and-academics/blog/what-is-a-syllabus-everything-to-know-about-this-important-document/">“class syllabus”</a> may not be readily understood. A mentor can help you understand college culture and teach you how to navigate your syllabus, rigorous coursework, and time management skills. You can ask a high school counselor or teacher, but you can also find a mentor outside school. Mentors can be friends, supervisors, coworkers, or coaches.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Try scheduling an informational interview with someone you know who has graduated from college. Then pick their brain about what college was like for them and any advice they have for new college students. Some colleges also have first-year or first-generation student mentoring programs. Inquire about these opportunities as you’re researching colleges, and take advantage when you get there to connect with older students and learn strategies for success.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><strong>Related: </strong><strong><u><a href="https://www.collegexpress.com/articles-and-advice/student-life/blog/5-ways-prepare-freshman-year-college/">5 Ways to Prepare for Freshman Year of College</a></u></strong></p>
<h2>3. Find colleges that value first-generation students</h2>
<p class="MsoNormal">Getting into college is only half the battle—it’s also important to find schools that value and support first-generation college students and ensure they get to graduation. The best colleges have dedicated resources like mentorship programs, welcome and networking events, mental health counselors, clubs for first-gen students, and additional support services. A good place to start your search is with this <a href="https://firstgen.naspa.org/files/dmfile/2022_23_Announcement_Institutions.pdf">list of 53 institutions recognized by the Center for First-Generation Student Success</a> for their demonstrated first-gen commitment. The <a href="https://www.collegexpress.com/college/university-at-buffalo/1100132/details/">University at Buffalo</a>, for example, has the <a href="https://www.buffalo.edu/studentsuccess/succeed/firstgen.html">Proud To Be First</a> initiative, which provides a peer mentoring program connecting first-generation students with experienced peers and staff. Many institutions also have <a href="https://www.collegexpress.com/interests/multicultural/articles/multicultural-center-activities/why-trio-programs-are-important-for-student-growth-and-success/">Federal TRIO programs</a> that provide orientation, networking, and support services.</p>
<h2>4. Connect with people who can provide recommendations</h2>
<p class="MsoNormal">Most colleges request recommendation letters from people who can speak to your academic and personal skills and accomplishments—so it’s important to identify these people early in the college search process. Finding a teacher who can speak to your academic talents and success in the classroom—or perhaps a counselor, coach, or boss who can speak about your personal traits—is extremely valuable. Identify three or four people in your life who can serve as a reference for you, and ask them if they wouldn’t mind writing you a letter of recommendation. Make sure your writers are aware of deadlines, and send a copy of your résumé and some potential traits or achievements you’d like them to highlight.</p>
<h2>5. Complete financial aid forms and apply for scholarships</h2>
<p class="MsoNormal">The <a href="https://www.collegexpress.com/articles-and-advice/financial-aid/articles/applying-financial-aid/our-favorite-fafsa-help-and-resources/">FAFSA can be challenging</a> for anyone completing it for the first time, and even more so for first-gen students. But submitting this form is the key to accessing need-based aid like federal grants, scholarships, work-study, and student loans. Give yourself plenty of time to complete it, and have documentation related to tax returns, bank account balances, and untaxed income records readily available. Check with your counselor to see if your school offers FAFSA workshops or if they provide support for students and families completing the application for the first time. Once you’ve identified schools of interest, contact each financial aid office and make sure they know you’re a first-gen student. In addition to completing the FAFSA or other financial aid forms, they may have college-specific scholarships you can apply for.</p>
<h2>6. Take care of your mental and emotional health</h2>
<p class="MsoNormal">Coping with the demands of the college search and application process can be difficult. Consider joining a new club or reaching out to members of one you’re already in so you can connect with others outside of class. Even during the application process, it’s important to give yourself breaks and social time with friends and family. College preparation is challenging—but it should <em>not</em> be all-consuming. Make sure you’re finding time for stress-reducing activities you enjoy like exercising, meditation, or journaling.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><strong>Related: </strong><a href="https://www.collegexpress.com/articles-and-advice/student-life/blog/how-make-your-semester-more-mindful/"><strong>7 Easy Ways to Make Your Semester More Mindful</strong></a></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Preparing for college is a lot of work, and it can feel overwhelming when it seems like you’re doing it all by yourself—but it doesn’t have to be lonely or defeating. Start early and remember there is a community of people ready to support you!</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><strong>Ready to take the next steps in the admission process? Check out our article <a href="https://www.collegexpress.com/articles-and-advice/admission/blog/first-gen-students-how-navigate-college-search/">First-Gen Students: How to Navigate the College Search</a>.</strong></p>http://www.CollegeXpress.com/articles-and-advice/admission/blog/how-to-navigate-college-admission-as-a-student-with-learning-differences/How to Navigate College Admission as a Student With Learning Differences2024-03-28T05:45:48.626272-04:00Jennifer Belcher<p style="margin: 0in; line-height: 20.4pt; background: white; vertical-align: baseline;"><em><strong>This blog was originally posted on </strong></em><strong><em>ParallelLearning.com</em></strong><strong><em>.</em></strong></p>
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<p style="margin: 0in;">While, exciting, the college admission process is extremely stressful and laborious for any high school student—but especially for students with learning disabilities and differences. We spoke with Dr. Megan Hallam, a school psychologist and Director of Student Support Services with a doctorate in Educational Leadership, to learn more about how this process uniquely affects these students. Here are six important steps in the college admission process for high schoolers with disabilities.</p>
<h2>Don’t underestimate your value</h2>
<p style="margin: 0in;">Students and families often get so wrapped up in the competitive nature of getting into college and trying to showcase their best selves that they often downplay their learning disabilities. "They try to prove they’re the best person for a limited spot on campus and can fall into the trap of viewing their neurodivergence as a weakness and something to hide," says Dr. Hallam. Instead of shying away from disclosing learning differences, use your admission essays, interviews, and other parts of your applications to showcase your hard work, perseverance, and ability to overcome challenges.</p>
<h2>The college must prove its worth too</h2>
<p style="margin: 0in;">It’s important to not worry <em>so</em> much about selling yourself that you fail to assess if the school is a good fit for <em>you</em>. It’s crucial that students look at the overall picture of the campus and academic environment to determine if it’s the best place to pursue a degree. Dr. Hallam suggests paying close attention to colleges’ websites and looking for a school that’s open about their <a href="https://www.collegexpress.com/interests/multicultural/ask-experts/how-can-i-measure-college-support-ld-students/">availability of student support services</a>. Services should be easy to locate on campus and frequently mentioned on websites and in campus marketing materials.</p>
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<p style="margin: 0in;">Look for colleges that actively seek and embrace diverse learners. You should feel as if you’re welcome, and you should see visible references to this inclusion in syllabi and other resources. If language and resources are not referenced and it’s difficult to find information about support services and accommodations, this might be a red flag that this community may not celebrate diversity.</p>
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<p style="margin: 0in;"><strong>Related: </strong><a href="https://www.collegexpress.com/articles-and-advice/majors-and-academics/blog/infographic-college-accommodations-learning-disabilities/"><strong>Infographic: College Accommodations for Learning Disabilities</strong></a></p>
<h2>Understand who you are and what you’re looking for</h2>
<p style="margin: 0in;">Students need to understand who they are as learners and evaluate what they need to be successful. Understanding oneself can assist in selecting the right schools to apply to. For example, would you benefit from or be hindered in online classes? Should you be avoiding large, seminar-style classes? You’ll also <a href="https://www.collegexpress.com/counselors-and-parents/parents/articles/high-school-journey/success-with-learning-differences-important-services-offered-in-college/">find a range of services available to students</a>. "Some schools have robust and in-depth support systems, specialized support, resource centers, and strong awareness on campus," Dr. Hallam explains, so consider what specific services you’ll need, like talk-to-text, audiobooks, counseling centers, etc. Then do the research to see if your schools of interest have these resources available. In addition to academic services, Dr. Hallam suggests looking for schools with a strong wellness program. Many students, especially those with multiple diagnoses, benefit from campus counseling services to manage the transition to college and the stress it can bring.</p>
<h2>Utilize campus tours</h2>
<p style="margin: 0in;">College tours allow you and your family to see campus support centers and meet staff and students in person. When <a href="https://www.collegexpress.com/interests/multicultural/ask-experts/what-questions-should-i-ask-student-disabilities-office/">meeting with campus representatives</a>, ask about classroom accommodations and assistive technology, how the university support center will work with you in the context of your courses, how the center is staffed, and if tutoring services are provided. Oftentimes, schools will link a prospective student to a current student, so ask to connect with someone who’s using similar accommodations to learn how they’re utilizing these resources and how their experience has been.</p>
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<p style="margin: 0in;"><strong>Related:</strong> <a href="https://www.collegexpress.com/articles-and-advice/campus-visits/blog/campus-tours-what-expect-and-how-prepare/"><strong>Campus Tours: What to Expect and How to Prepare Ahead of Time</strong></a></p>
<h2>Accept your unique struggles</h2>
<p style="margin: 0in;">The application process itself demands a lot from students: essays, deadlines, organization, time management, planning, and more. This can be especially challenging for students who might be facing difficulties with their normal school load—and in different ways. Students with ADHD can have trouble organizing their materials and keeping track of deadlines, whereas a student with dyslexia can find reading through application materials difficult. Recognize that this is a challenging time by acknowledging your specific struggles and advocating for the help you need from counselors, teachers, family members, friends, or other members of your support system.</p>
<h2>Have a solid transition plan in place</h2>
<p style="margin: 0in;">Schools and counselors can work closely with students and families to ensure that all necessary paperwork and documentation to apply for services for the upcoming year is organized and ready. You don't want to be scrambling at the beginning of the semester to find your IEPs and evaluations, slowing down the application process for services. Dr. Hallam highly recommends having a closing conversation with your high school learning specialist or case manager about your strengths and areas of growth. For example, if your learning specialist was always advocating for you, you’ll need to make that a priority in the upcoming transition.</p>
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<p style="margin: 0in;"><strong>Related: </strong><a href="https://www.collegexpress.com/interests/multicultural/blog/learning-disabilities-college-7-things-know-and-do/"><strong>Learning Disabilities in College: 7 Things to Know and Do</strong></a></p>
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<p style="margin: 0in;">Once you’ve been accepted and chosen which school is the best fit for you, it’s important to get connected to campus resources and current students as soon as possible. The earlier you can facilitate these conversations, the better. Once on campus, quickly seek out what’s available for you to be most successful and get any necessary paperwork started.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><strong><a href="https://www.parallellearning.com/post/college-admissions-process">Head over to Parallel Learning</a> to see the original post and explore their services, and check out our <a href="https://www.collegexpress.com/tags/ld-students/">“LD students” tag</a> for more helpful advice from CX!</strong></p>http://www.CollegeXpress.com/articles-and-advice/admission/blog/valuable-tips-you-should-know-before-graduating-high-school-early/Valuable Tips You Should Know Before Graduating High School Early2024-03-28T05:45:48.623878-04:00Kaitlyn Gress<p>Last year, I finally finished something that I’d been working toward almost my entire life: graduating from high school. However, my graduation wasn’t exactly a typical one since it occurred in December instead of the spring. A combination of advanced middle school classes, summer courses, and extracurricular credits put me ahead of my high school graduation requirements, so by the time my senior year rolled around, I only needed one more semester to complete them. Luckily, my school allowed me to graduate after that one semester!</p>
<p>While I’m grateful I was able to do this, the process didn’t go nearly as smoothly as I wanted it to. Despite having to go through both my counselor and principal to fill out all the necessary papers and forms, there were still difficulties. I know I would have appreciated a bit more insight before I started the process. So in case you might also want to graduate high school earlier, I’m sharing some of my own mistakes and challenges that will hopefully make the process easier for you. And if you’re not sure yet, maybe this can help you decide!</p>
<h2>Double-check what you need</h2>
<p>Believe me, there were plenty of bumps in the road before and after graduating high school early. This May, I had to go back to my high school no less than five separate times to collect various things I needed, like my transcript and diploma. Without these, I couldn’t finish registering for college. It would’ve been much easier to <a href="https://www.collegexpress.com/articles-and-advice/admission/blog/7-questions-ask-your-guidance-counselor-and-when-ask-them/">discuss this with my counselor</a> while I was still in school versus in the future when I was no longer registered in their system, but my graduation process didn’t cover these issues. If you’re also intending to graduate early, make sure your school knows what your plans are for after graduation and what you’ll need before you leave. If you can’t get everything at the time of your graduation, plan how you’re going to get them when they’re available, whether that’s in person or by mail. If I had asked these questions while I was still attending my high school, it would have saved me a <em>lot</em> of trouble in the spring. </p>
<p><strong>Related: </strong><a href="https://www.collegexpress.com/articles-and-advice/admission/blog/how-im-graduating-high-school-as-a-junior-and-you-can-too/">How I’m Graduating High School as a Junior (and You Can Too!)</a></p>
<h2>Have a plan in mind after graduation</h2>
<p>Another problem I faced was the loss of a routine that high school provided. For almost 12 years of my life, I was used to waking up in the morning, going to school, and coming home to do homework. I was used to the structure it provided and doing specific things at specific times. Eventually, I figured out what I wanted to do, but it was much harder to do once I was already outside of school and that routine. Making a plan for my free time before I actually graduated could have helped me, and it might help you too, no matter when you’re graduating. It doesn’t have to be something serious like a job or an internship—although it can be. It could be traveling, volunteering, learning a new skill, or anything else that you’ve always wanted to do.</p>
<p>Not having a set routine anymore isn’t necessarily a bad thing since it allows you to make your own routine. You can use the time to make a plan that supports your life and goals—plus, it’s good practice for <a href="https://www.collegexpress.com/articles-and-advice/student-life/articles/living-campus/how-know-if-youre-ready-college/">the independence college life brings</a>. I discovered my free semester after high school was a good time to do all the things I was never able to do during the school year and to start living my life to the fullest. </p>
<h2>Reach out to friends and family</h2>
<p>One way to live your life more fully is to spend more time with the people you care about. For the first few months after I graduated, I barely saw my friends at all. I was used to seeing them every day, at lunch or in class, but I didn’t have that anymore. And I missed them. I had to make an effort to reach out if I wanted to see them. Once I did that, I had some incredible and unforgettable experiences with my friends. And even if they weren’t free, I made an effort to go out and do other things. I explored new parts of my hometown, went to local events, and met new people. It was rewarding, but I had to put in the effort to push myself out of my comfort zone. It was hard at first, as most things are, but it was an important lesson for me to learn. Even if you haven’t graduated yet or are going through something totally different, I still recommend reaching out to those you care about. </p>
<h2>Make the best decision for you</h2>
<p>Our lives and the choices we make look different for all of us. Graduating early was the best decision for me, but that’s not going to be the same for everyone. While there are many good reasons to graduate early, there are just as many good reasons to graduate on time. Some students might value getting the complete senior year experience; some may want to take <a href="https://www.collegexpress.com/articles-and-advice/majors-and-academics/blog/5-reasons-to-consider-dual-enrollment-in-high-school/">dual-enrollment college classes</a> since they’re usually cheaper when done through a high school.</p>
<p>Even if you decide to graduate early, there are still many possibilities of what that’s going to look like. For instance, graduating a year early will differ from graduating a semester early. The right decision depends on your own personal and academic goals. Just like picking what college to go to, your own priorities are the most important thing to consider. Do you want the full high school experience and opportunities, or are there more possibilities for you if you leave earlier? Personally, graduating early gave me the <a href="https://www.collegexpress.com/articles-and-advice/admission/articles/improve-your-chances/your-goals-your-life-your-gap-year/">opportunity to travel and work</a> for a bit before starting college on time with my peers. And that’s what was important to me, so that’s what worked for me. </p>
<p><strong>Related: </strong><a href="https://www.collegexpress.com/articles-and-advice/admission/blog/common-concerns-about-taking-gap-year-and-why-theyre-unfounded/">Common (Unfounded) Concerns About Taking a Gap Year</a></p>
<p>While I wish I had known these things before I graduated high school, figuring them out along the way was almost as beneficial. Overall, I’m glad that I graduated early. I got the experience of a gap year while still starting college at the time I wanted to. I got to travel and see schools. Yes, there were challenges—but they made me grow as a person, and for that, I’m grateful. Because of this growth, I entered college more prepared than I would have been if I hadn’t graduated early. For all these reasons and more, I don’t regret it at all. If you think this is something you might want to do, I’d recommend just going for it. Despite its difficulties, it helped me. And if I could do it, you can too!</p>
<p><strong>Ready to make a plan for your high school and college education? Take a look at our <a href="https://www.collegexpress.com/hschecklist/">College Planning Checklist</a> to see what you need to do and when.</strong></p>