Students’ Perspectives

Tips from the Class of 2012

Choosing Schools

It’s not about the name

RESEARCH, RESEARCH, RESEARCH

– Location, size, academics, student life

Choose colleges that personally fit YOU, not anyone else

Liberal Arts Colleges (LACs)

People• Typically politically liberal• “Quality of Life” is generally very

high• Predominantly Caucasian• Well Rounded

Stunning Campus• Usually has beautiful

infrastructure with extensive nature reserves

Delicious Food• LACs have great vegetarian,

organic, kosher, etc. options

Small• Discussion oriented classes

(usually less than 20 students per class)

• The school itself is small• Leadership

Undergrad Oriented• Research opportunities• Professors are there to help

you• Flexible curriculum

Cons-Myths… Busted!

LACs are easier to get in to than big universities?

FALSE!

Cons-Myths… Busted!

LACs will get you nowhere.

FALSE!

• 20 of 50 “Top Feeder Schools” that send students to the most elite business schools, medical schools, and law schools are LACs.

There are no famous alumni from LACs: False!

Hilary Clinton: Wellesley

US Supreme Court Justice Samuel Johnson: Middlebury

Flickr founder, Caterina Fake: Vassar

20th President of the USA James A. Garfield: Williams

Former Prime Minister of Singapore Goh Chok Tong: Williams

Author of The Da Vinci Code, Dan Brown: Amherst

Steve Jobs: Reed

Cons-Myths… Busted!

Choosing a Major

Be mindful about the programs that your school offers, as well as the area that your school is located in

Choose wisely – know what you want to pursue as a career

Undecided? Choose a school that lets you switch easily

EA/ED vs RD

EA – Motivates you to start essays early

ED – Only if you’re 100% sure

How to make the right decision

Financial Aid

Be aware of your financial situation

Be dreamy, yet realistic

Stick to schools that offer you aid, disregard those that don’t

Stand out from the crowd – What can you offer this school?

Extracurriculars

Quality always > Quantity

PASSION + do what you love

Initiative + Leadership

Essays

VOICE

Be yourself & know yourself

Be passionate

Write what you want to write, not what you think admissions officers want to hear

Start early & ask for feedback

Interviews

Live Interview VS. Skype Interview

Confident, but not cocky

Show what your resume hasn’t already!

Prepare questions & know the school

Talking To Your Parents

What happens when you and your parents don’t see eye to eye about your college/career selection?

Final Words

Be mindful of deadlines

Depth > Breadth

BE PASSIONATE

Your counselors are your in-school mommies and daddies

ENJOY HIGH SCHOOL!!!

Questions?