Why college visits & campus tours are like buying your first car

By Joe Koss

Imagine you’re 16 years old and buying your first car.  As a teenager, for you, it’s about a new adventure filled with excitement for the freedom of the open road and a cool set of new wheels.  On the flip side, for your parents, it’s probably about letting go and giving you the responsibility of ownership, your safety, their higher insurance rates and finding a car that’s going to fit both their budget and your dreams.

Before parent and child come to an agreement on the right car, they need to do the research.  They ask around, they look cars up online and check out their safety ratings. They visit a dealership or a used car lot, ask lots of questions and test drive a few cars to make sure their investment will result in the best quality car for their budget.  A month later, neither of you want to be unhappy with your decision, wish you’d bought something else, or worse, discover you’ve bought a lemon.

The same philosophy can be useful when applying to college.  A college can have everything you want.  It can have the name, the U.S. News Ranking as the best school for business, and so on.  However, visiting the campus is one of the most vital steps in the college application process.  You want to make sure the ranking, name, and college town meets your needs and looks as good for you in real life as it does on paper.  You need to check it out, give it a test drive and ask all the right questions.

It is important that parents and potential students get a good feeling about the campus and experience all that it has to offer in order to make a sound decision.  You should do your homework before you purchase a “cool set of wheels” or a college education.

Here are some best practices when visiting a college campus:

1. Plan to take a campus tour with the admissions office
2. Spend time at the student union
3. Ask if you can visit a typical dormitory for new incoming students
4. Eat in one of the dining halls so you can check out which students eat in these halls, as well as the quality of the food you get
5. Ask current students what they like and dislike about the college
6. Visit the bookstore
7. Sit in on a class and get a feel for the classroom atmosphere
8. Go during non-peak times to visit.  This can be a surprise visit to the college so they are not putting their best foot forward.  You will get a better sense of the college
9. Spend time around the surrounding area.  Get a feel for the college town by doing some fun activities.  Remember that campus life is only part of the experience.
10. Have fun and enjoy your visit!

Unlike buying a car, which one typically does right before they can drive it, the timeline for college visits is slightly longer! Most high school students do a college visit during their junior year. Some will wait until the last minute, and that’s okay if they have a full plate of classes and college entrance exams during their junior year. However, getting a sense of the college campus and surrounding area before filling out the application can save you some money in the long run. You might fall in love with the campus or might not, so why pay a non-refundable application fee beforehand on a college that is not a good fit for you?

If you don’t have the time or the money to visit all the colleges you apply to, visit only those you’ve been accepted to in your senior year.  Whatever you decide, don’t let your schedule or circumstances prevent you from completing this crucial step in the process. You wouldn’t buy a car sight-unseen — and buying a car is a far less costly investment!

Joe Koss is an adjunct faculty in the area of accounting and finance and the owner of College Voyage LLC.  College Voyage arranges customized trips for student groups to college campuses across the country.  Quotes are always free, and information on pre-arranged day visits to college campuses in California, Illinois, Massachusetts, Michigan, New York, Washington DC and others may be found at www.collegevoyage.com.

Congratulations to Meredith G., one of the winners of StudyPoint’s Summer 2009 Writing Contest!  Our judges thoroughly enjoyed reading Meredith’s story, The Gift of the Siblings, and we’re very excited to share it with you.  Here are a few of the judges’ comments:

“I love that this writer describes everyone in the story and especially creates a vivid picture very quickly of the main character – and I love it when someone deserving is rewarded with a happy ending!”

“A witty piece of work, and I loved the twist in the end.  The writer gives vivid sensory images, and the story moves along nicely.  Well done!”

“This is a wonderful story.  The writer creates a strong sense of mood from the first paragraph.  The story is engaging and fun to read.”

In addition to having her story featured on our blog, Meredith also receives $1,000 to apply toward a future StudyPoint program.  Congratulations, Meredith!

Check out Meredith’s Student Spotlight and winning writing piece below!

Student Spotlight: Meredith G.

Hometown: Riverdale, NY

Favorite Book: City of Ember

Favorite Movie: Kicking and Screaming

Hobbies/Interests: Flute, Basketball, and Tennis

How do you feel about winning the contest?: “Super!!  Motivated!!”

To read Meredith’s winning writing piece (in a pdf document), please click on this link: The Gift of the Siblings

Congratulations to Jacob S., one of the winners of StudyPoint’s Summer 2009 Writing Contest!  Though we received a variety of unique story submissions, Jacob’s writing piece, The 11th Crusade…For a Fee, really caught the judges’ attention.  Here are a few of their comments:

“This essay is thoughtful and insightful.  The writer clearly has spent time learning the issues and has done a terrific job of writing from multiple points of view.”

“The voice is intense, well-informed, and demanding of our attention.  This writer is not afraid to have an opinion, and even less afraid to back it up.  I truly enjoyed the pace of the piece and would love to see it in an Op-Ed column.”

“This writer does a great job of exploring the topic through relevant, thought-provoking questions that make the reader really think about our government’s logic and motivations for the Iraq War.”

In addition to having his story featured on our blog, Jacob also receives $1,000 to apply toward a future StudyPoint program.  Congratulations, Jacob! 

Check out Jacob’s Student Spotlight and winning writing piece below!

Student Spotlight: Jacob S.

Hometown: Fairfield, CT

Favorite Book: The Firm by John Grisham

Favorite Movie: Anchorman and The Dark Knight 

Hobbies/Interests: Tennis, Ultimate Frisbee, Reading

How do you feel about winning the contest?:  “Great!  While I was reluctant to submit to this contest I did so not assuming I would have any chance of winning.  I am very proud that I won and that my writing was recognized by the judges.  And I especially thank Mr. Scheid for all his patience and interesting discussions.”

To read Jacob’s winning writing piece (in a pdf document), please click on this link: The 11th Crusade…For a Fee

Congratulations to Jacob S. of Fairfield, CT, and Meredith G. of Riverdale, NY!  They are the winners of StudyPoint’s Summer 2009 Writing Contest.  In addition to having their winning writing pieces featured on our blog, they each receive $1,000 to apply toward a future StudyPoint tutoring program. 

Check back here soon to read their winning stories!

Our own Jennifer Oddo, Community Outreach Director, has published her first novel!  Jenn holds a Bachelor’s degree in Classical Archaeology and a Master’s Degree in Education – these, along with her love of history and mythology, lend themselves to writing historical fiction meant to educate as well as entertain young readers.  Check out the press release for her book, available in stores now!

2009 – A YOUNG, BEAUTIFUL AND HAUGHTY PRINCESS LEARNS HUMILITY AND COMPASSION IN THIS MAGICAL ADVENTURE STORY FOR YOUNG READERS

Mandolyn’s Masquerade is released by author J. M. Oddo

Princess Mandolyn has everything a girl could want: she is beautiful, rich and heir to the throne of her father’s kingdom.  However when the prince she wants to marry does not return her affection, because he is in love with a servant girl, Princess Mandolyn becomes desparate.  After seeking the advice of a mysterious sorcerer, she wakes up to find herself in the body of that same servant girl!

Now trapped in a new body, Princess Mandolyn must turn her royal hands to labor in the hot kitchen and among the horses in the stables of the palace. But not all is folly as Princess Mandoyn discovers the value of hard work and the beauty of friendship in her new role.  As she realizes how cruel she has been until now, the princess is profoundly affected and feels a burning shame for her actions.  Somehow she must find a way to correct all her past wrongs and reclaim her royal place in the kingdom.  With a little help from her friends, it just might work!

Mandolyn’s Masquerade by author J. M. Oddo is a charming and exciting story that will capture the interest of readers of all ages.

 ———-

For further information contact: Ray Robinson at 317-228-3656, via email at RayR@DogEarPublishing.net, or through the website at: www.dogearpublishing.net 

Mandolyn’s Massquerade

J. M. Oddo

Dog Ear Publishing

ISBN:  978-159858-812-5    160 Pages

Available at Ingram, Baker&Taylor, Amazon.com, Barnes&Noble, Borders and fine bookstores everywhere. 

Are you a high school senior?  Do you love to write?  Are you wondering how you can use your writing skills to help pay for college? 

If you answered YES to these questions, then you’re in luck!  The LEAGUE, which is a school and web-based system for service learning that empowers young people to make a difference in their communities, is offering a national scholarship competition (called the Knight scholarship) for high school seniors through funding provided by the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation.

The Knight scholarship competition will award 3 students with $5,000 college scholarships for their writings and reflections on their civic experiences in one of three categories: Persuasive Essay (building awareness and inviting action for change in your school, community or the world), Personal Narrative (experiences with service and volunteerism), or News Story (creating newspaper articles that report acts of service and volunteerism by young people).  The scholarship is open to high school seniors from all over the country, even students who are not part of a LEAGUE classroom can apply.  The application deadline is Friday, March 6, 2009.

For scholarship applications and additional information, please click on the following link: Knight/LEAGUE Scholarship.

The John S. and James L. Knight Foundation promotes excellence in journalism worldwide and invests in the vitality of 26 U.S. communities.  Since 1954, the foundation has given more than $300 million in journalism grants.

Good luck and happy writing!

Congratulations to 7th grader Jeremy C. of Northbrook, IL, one of the winners of StudyPoint’s Summer Writing Contest!  In addition to having his story featured on our blog, Jeremy also receives $1,000 to apply toward a future StudyPoint program!  Congrats and great work, Jeremy!

You’ll find the first couple paragraphs of Jeremy’s story, The Resurrection of the Dragon, below.  To read the entire story in a PDF document, click here: The Resurrection of the Dragon.

———————————————————–

The Resurrection of the Dragon

For years, dragons like this one mostly fed on other prehistoric beasts. Soon, the monstrous dragons ruled the entire planet. However, when the Ice Age arrived, these serpents died out. Legend has it that the first humans saw the last one burying its nest underground. For decades, scientists have been searching for the monsters’ fossils. To their great disappointment, scientists haven’t found any proof of the dragons’ existence… until now.       

Congratulations to Carianne L. of Plano, Texas, one of the winners of StudyPoint’s Summer Writing Contest!  Our judges loved her story, and we’re very excited to share it with all of you.  In addition to having her story featured on our blog, Carianne also receives $1,000 to apply toward a future StudyPoint program!  Congrats and great work, Carianne!  Check out Carianne’s Student Spotlight and story below!

Student Spotlight: Carianne L.

Favorite book: The Twilight Series by Stephenie Meyer – Twilight, New Moon, Eclipse, Breaking Dawn.  I cannot decide which one is my favorite!

Favorite movie: Pride and Prejudice

Hobbies/Interests: Reading, drawing, writing, horseback riding, and hanging out with my friends

How do you feel about winning StudyPoint’s Summer Writing Contest? In a word: honored.  It was great working with Mr. Bosworth.  We both enjoy the Wicked books, A Series of Unfortunate Events AND he got in trouble in school for reading when he should have been doing his math or science—just like me!

Carianne’s Story

“Something’s going to go wrong and I’ll mess up,” I thought to myself as I was battling my boiling stomach. I tried grabbing the edge of the seat as the bus took another lurch but ended up on the floor. My best friend Lily pulled me off the floor and dusted my arm off.

            “Look if you’re nervous, you have no reason to be. Jess is the easiest horse there, which means you’ll have no problem,” she told me, but I ignored my model-perfect friend.

            Lily glared at my other friend Morgan, wanting her to offer some encouragement but I interrupted, “Look, guys, thanks for coming to support me, but I may as well get off the bus now before I kill myself out there.”

            Morgan rolled her eyes at me. “Cari, you’re gonna win.”

            The bus screeched to a stop outside the barn and arena, but I couldn’t stand…my legs were weights holding me to the floor. Lily and Morgan sighed and pulled me off the bus. Smitty, the camp leader/president, walked towards me with a grave expression on her face, and I felt my stomach give another lurch. “She’s coming over to tell me I can’t compete…or something like that.”

            “Carianne, I’m afraid I have bad news…Jess twisted his ankle during the flag ceremony, so you can’t ride him. We’ll have to find you another horse.”

            My head suddenly felt like a sledgehammer beat against it…how could something like this happen before I even got here? My mouth felt dry and I couldn’t speak. Jess and I had been preparing for the trot and gallop event for weeks and now he had to stay off his ankle. “Who’s she going to riding, Smitty?” Lily asked for me.

            Smitty turned and looked at the (almost) empty barn. “It looks like Callie’s the only other Intermediate horse we have out.”

            My bubbling stomach dropped to my ankles…Callie?! The anger/hatred horse who bucked people off ever chance she got?

            Morgan gasped, “Callie?! Smitty, that horse isn’t Intermediate…she’s IMPOSSIBLE!”

            Smitty turned to me, “She’s the only horse not being ridden but if you’re not comfortable about riding her you can drop out.” Lily and Morgan turned, expecting me to say I would drop out…“I’ll ride her.”

            Morgan muttered, “It’s your death wish.”

———————————————–

            “Next up we have the Intermediate group performing their trots and gallops,” the announcer rang 10 minutes later over the speaker. Callie was restless under me, but I held onto the reins tightly. Lily was giving me an encouraging smile while Morgan was on her right, flirting with a boy. My mouth felt like the Arizona desert as we slowly began trotting.

            At first Callie did the routine fine, but now 20 minutes later things were getting out of hand.

            What was going on? Why was Callie tensing up? It was only the third time around, and we just started to gallop…so why was she—

            All of the sudden I was holding onto the reins and saddle for dear life as Callie lifted her front legs in the air and then her back legs. I pulled the reins tighter and tighter till my hands felt numb. My forehead was sweating and my palms were too; it was almost impossible keeping a good grip on the reins without slipping. I heard Lily screaming for me to squeeze Callie in the sides while Smitty shouted for me to hold on.

            My frustration mounted. I wasn’t going to let this stubborn horse put me in last place, not when Jess was in his stable with a twisted ankle, and not when I worked hard for 3 weeks and missed other classes to practice. I slammed my body forward as Callie started to lift herself up for another buck. She came down with a loud thud, shocked that I forced her down. The counselors took advantage of this and swarmed her, putting a muzzle over her mouth and tying her front and hind legs (there were pegs around the edge of the arena for emergences like this). I got down, almost falling because my legs were as weak as jell-o.

            I stepped out of the arena and Lily and Morgan ran over. “Oh…my…GOD are you ok?!” they shouted in unison.

            Then Smitty ran over. “Carianne, is anything broken, sore, or aching?” I shook my head no…I couldn’t feel anything at the moment.

            “I think she’s just stunned…” Morgan murmured.

———————————————–

            I couldn’t remember what happened after that, but the next thing I knew Lily and Morgan were running into the infirmary, screaming that I got 3rd place out of 5. I couldn’t believe it, but Lily told me the judges awarded me extra points for staying on Callie and not giving up. I didn’t want to tell them I came close to jumping off; I was just so happy the judges thought I deserved 3rd, and I guess I did. If I had jumped off, that would have been quitting. And no one likes a quitter.

            Now, two years later, I still love riding and have the utmost respect for horses. I won’t forget what almost happened with Callie, but I would give her another chance, even if it meant going through another rough ride.

Congratulations to Jeremy C. of Northbrook, IL and Carianne L. of Plano, TX – the winners of StudyPoint’s Annual Summer Writing Contest!  In addition to having their winning writing pieces featured on our blog, they will each receive $1,000 to apply toward a future StudyPoint program.

Check back here soon to see their winning stories, which will be featured over the next month!

Several test centers in Texas will not hold an ACT this Saturday due to Hurricane Ike.  You have been working hard towards your preparation for a successful experience on test day and not all hope is lost!  According to a representative at the ACT company, once the storm has past, they will be rescheduling your test day for an alternate Saturday sometime soon.  Notifications will be sent by email or postal mail with the new test date and site.  Keep yourself fresh and in the right mindset for the rescheduled date.  It would be a great idea to complete an ACT practice test this Saturday to stay fresh on your materials.  You won’t want to lose any ground on all of your efforts thus far.  Your local bookstore carries several books that offer you the chance to conduct a practice ACT in your home. Don’t forget to time yourself! 

For more information from the ACT, click here.