More Than a Test Score

Welcome aboard Mauricio Pinilla, our newest Student Ambassador hailing from Brown University!

Hi everyone! My name is Mauricio Pinilla and I’m a rising sophomore at Brown University. When I first started the college application process, I had no idea where I was going to end up. Now I know that I made the right choice when I decided to move three hours away from Hopewell Junction, NY to Providence, RI. (It’s funny because even when I went to visit another college, I told a tour guide that I had been accepted to Brown, and she said “I won’t blame you if you decide to go to Brown.” That pretty much sealed the deal for me!)

I haven’t decided my major yet, but I’m going between Biology, Neuroscience, Math, and Psych. As you can probably tell, I’m definitely a science person, and I’m actually on a pre-med track. It’s definitely challenging, but that makes learning all the more rewarding. I’m also really into studying Italian and Studio Art, and I wish I could just concentrate in everything, but unfortunately that’d be a little difficult.

I know what it’s like to have to stress about colleges and not feel like you know what you’re doing half the time. Hopefully I can convince some people to apply to Brown even though the acceptance rates are so low (I got in, so anything’s possible!), and I want to put at least one student at ease with the incredibly confusing college process—that’s what I’m hoping to get out of being a Student Ambassador.

Congratulations to our latest Double Your Money winner Ruth Vassilas! Ruth successfully applied for and won a $3,000 scholarship on Zinch, and as promised we’re matching her award with another three grand. We had a few questions for Ruth about her win and here’s what she had to say.

What is your strategy behind applying for scholarships?

My strategy behind applying for scholarships was really just using Zinch to see which scholarships best matched me and which I thought I had a good chance of winning. I used a few other scholarship sites, too, but Zinch always had the same and better selection. Then, I would read more about the scholarships, and I would make my goals to finish the applications in a timely manner (so not rushing) for my best chance of winning.

After school what kind of career path would you like to follow?

Well, at this point it’s all just a vague string of speculations, as I am likely to change a great amount during school. However, if I had to choose now, after undergraduate I would go to law school, and then I would try to do something in international law (as I speak Greek, Danish, and Spanish).

If you could be a contestant on any game show, which one would it be and why?

If I could choose to be on any game show it would be Who Wants to Be a Millionaire because…who doesn’t want to be a millionaire? Plus, I’ve got some great lifelines I could call, and I’m generally good at process of elimination. That money would certainly be helpful when it came to paying for my college education. :)

How are you more than a test score?

I pride myself on being a well-rounded student. I played volleyball and softball for three years of high school, I participated in countless school organizations, I was the President of Students Against Destructive Decisions and National Spanish Honors Society, and more. This year I was selected for the Montgomery County Superintendent’s Leadership Program and through that had an internship at the American Bar Association. I also have volunteered over 500 hours in my community, and am very tight-knit with my family. I really think that there is so much behind the test scores that colleges are missing out on when they choose their students. I don’t think a test score can measure a student’s ability to achieve.

Be sure to check out the official rules on our Double Your Money Program to see if one of your scholarships is eligible for a match, cause the only better than free money is EVEN MORE free money!

Congratulations to Amber Farmer, our Weekly “Three Sentence Essay” Scholarship winner for this week! Mt. Rushmore is one of the most famous landmarks in the United States, and across the globe it’s well known as an iconic tribute to our founding fathers. While it will always stand as a testament to our country, we wanted to know if you were given the chance to redesign the monument for the 20th century, who’s faces would you choose to feature? While your responses ranged from Martin Luther King, Jr., to Bill Gates, to even Justin Beiber, Amber gave us a line-up we felt covered a wide array of 20th century notables.

Here is her winning essay:
The Mt. Rushmore I would design would have four historic figures who have impacted the world in different yet revolutionary ways. They would be Albert Einstein, scientific pioneer; Elvis Presley, rock legend; Mother Teresa, religious saint; and Babe Ruth, sports star.

Here is a little bit more about our winner:
I enjoy every single day I am given. I love martial arts and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. My life would be so bland without it. I serve in children’s ministry at my church as a worship leader and the bible story teller for K-5th grade. I also volunteer in the nursery. I am currently learning sign language so I can teach kids with hearing impairments and I want to help teach kids with other special needs. Life is the greatest gift and I plan on not wasting it.

While you may not get a chance to be featured on Mt. Rushmore, you could still be featured on our blog! Apply for our our Weekly “Three Sentence Essay” Scholarship today for your chance at a $1,000 towards your college tuition.

Michael Muska is one of the co-authors behind Getting In!, and is currently completing his first decade as Dean of College Relations at Poly Prep Country Day School in Brooklyn, New York. He previously spent six years at Brown University in Admissions and Athletics and in a similar capacity at Oberlin College in Ohio. We took a few minutes to chat with him about the current college process many students are facing and how some of these issues are discussed in Getting In!

How have you seen the college admissions and/or financial aid process change in the last decade?

It’s initially a bit frightening to see how competitive it has become to gain admission to the most elite colleges in America. That being said, there is a college space for every student in America who wants one. After you get beyond the Top 100 colleges or so, most schools are accepting more students than they deny. And the state and community college systems across the country open the door for any student who wants to attend college. Many top colleges have increased recruiting and marketing, particularly in the international sector, and this has increased their application numbers. Colleges still want to look at transcripts, read essays and recommendations and learn about your passions. We talk about this in detail in our book and try to give you insight into understanding what colleges look for today.

As we also discuss in the book, there are ways to finance your education. Many colleges are committed to meeting your financial need, and socio-economic background is as important to many colleges as diversity. Many top schools are reducing loans and increasing grants to help aid lower income and even middle class families gain access to top schools. Even with shrinking state funding, Pell Grant and federal loan programs are there for those families who need them. If anything, colleges have become more sensitive to financial need in the past decade.

You lift the curtain on a lot mysteries surround the world of higher education. What’s one of the biggest misconceptions students have about the college process that you’ve addressed in the book?

The greatest misconception I believe is that colleges are no longer looking for the well-rounded individual, but the well-rounded class. What that means is that at the more competitive schools, someone who is outstanding at one thing (academics, athletics, leadership, arts etc.) will be at an advantage over the generalist who does many things. I say find your passion – early in high school, try many things, but start to focus on one or two that early catch your interest and that you’re good at. The days of the three sport athlete have evolved to the year round specialist in one sport that colleges will recruit. Find a leadership role at your school, or care about making a difference and a college will take another look at your file. A well-rounded class simply means a community of people who are really passionate about what they do.

Many high school juniors and seniors become overwhelmed with the numerous intricacies of applying to a college. What are some of the basic resources in Getting In! students can reference as a starting point?

I think we are very thoughtful about getting started and reducing stress. The first piece we focus on is being honest and realistic with yourself. A transcript full of C’s and SAT scores in the 500’s will not get you into an Ivy League school. That self-assessment is critical in the way the college process will evolve for you. There are schools for everyone – find the ones that make sense for you.

We also talk about the concept of fit – finding a school that “fits” you. That can be academic, location, size or a combination of variables. Take the time to find realistic choices that fit you. They are out there.

What messages in Getting In! are you hoping students will take away after they’re done reading it?

As I said earlier, there is a school for everyone. Step back and evaluate your strengths and weaknesses and utilize what we say in the book to best package and present yourself in the college process. As the Zinch people say, you are more than a number – think about the message you want to share about who you are with the college and why you might be a good match for them.

For more info on Getting In! and to download Chapter 1 for free, become a fan of the Getting In! Facebook Page. If you’re looking to pick up a copy head over to Amazon where the book is currently available and in stock today!

While many are eager to continue their educational journey at a four-year university, a rising number of students are turning to community colleges as their next step. Matthew Forrest, Zinch’s Student Ambassador at Massasoit Community College, dropped in to give us his perspective on attending a community college, and how students from all walks of life can take advantage of the services they offer.

“Community college classes are a joke. Community college provides a lower quality education than a four-year institution. Community college students are not successful in their future endeavors.”

I assure you that all of these statements are all too common misconceptions. Not only are community colleges for everyone, but their classes are often of the same exact quality that the same or comparable classes would be anywhere else, and they offer many latent benefits, such as their professors, small class sizes, free tutoring services, and an international honor society for two year colleges, Phi Theta Kappa.

Without a doubt, community colleges’ professors are unsung heroes. Because of the small class sizes (usually less than 20 students) that many community colleges offer, the professors are able to get to know each and every student on a personal level. Many professors even have a significant amount of office hours a week (often 5 or more hours) in which any of their students can drop on by and ask questions. As a result of this, professors grow to develop professional relationships with their students, and genuinely care about their success. In turn, students are often more comfortable reaching out to and approaching their professors, resulting in greater success.

At the same time, many community colleges offer FREE tutoring services. Who doesn’t love free stuff? For instance, my college offers free tutoring in math, science, accounting, writing, computers, and foreign languages. These services have been a LIFESAVER for me. My tutors have all been very knowledgeable and truly care about my success as well as the success of their other students. In fact, many of my tutors have been fellow students, making it easier for me to interact with them and discuss any difficulties that I’ve had. If these resources had not been available to me I would have surely given up and taken another path down the road of life.

Another phenomenal benefit of community colleges is Phi Theta Kappa (PTK). PTK is an international honor society geared towards students attending two-year colleges. Although I have not been a member for long it has already started to play a significant role in my continued success. PTK not only encourages excellence in academics, but also provides many other benefits including leadership training, opportunities, and alumni networks. The fact that they have over $36 million in scholarships available to their members doesn’t hurt either.

Everyone knows that community college is a cheaper option than the traditional four-year college, but that is the only fact that most are actually aware of. Whether it is the amazing professors, small class sizes free tutoring, or the opportunity to join an amazing international honor society, community college is a viable option in the world today. Ever hear of Nolan Ryan? Ross Perot? Tom Hanks? Yeah, they graduated from community college and they aren’t doing too bad.

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