More Than a Test Score

As many students find themselves transitioning out of high school, whether on a pathway towards higher education or to the workforce, email will become a more and more prominent tool of communication. Unlike Facebook, Twitter, or text messaging, email is usually reserved for more professional matters. Whether it’s coordinating projects with classmates, reaching out to professors, or even sending your resume to potential employers, email will be your primary means of contact, and by extension, will often be the first impression people have of you. In order to keep from being passed by for a job or having others question your writing proficiency, here are some best practice
tips for keeping your emails organized, concise, and professional:

-Have an Appropriate Address: You could get away with “pizzamonkey25″ when you were a kid, but as you get older having a silly email address will make others wonder how serious you take yourself and your work. Instead, keep it simple by using your first initial and last name as your email address, such as “jsmith@gmail.com.”

-Title Your Emails: Nobody wants to click on an email titled “No Subject;” similarly, typing “Hey” as an email’s subject line is far from appropriate. Make sure when you title your emails you choose something that is brief and to the point. If need be, include phrases such as “Please Review” or “Urgent” to emphasize the needed action from the recipient.

-Greet Those You Meet: In the same way you wouldn’t just go up to a stranger and start talking to them, you should never jump directly into an email message without some sort of greeting or introduction of yourself. It shouldn’t be drawn out, but simply saying “Hello” and “My name is…” is a much better way to begin communicating with somebody than thrusting them into the thick of your message.

-Keep It Clean: We’re not talking about avoiding inappropriate language or subject matter (though you should be already)—we’re talking about avoiding texting lingo and abbreviations. Email isn’t limited to 140 characters and should be fully utilized; there’s no need to use LOL or OMG in an email, and typing sentences like, “wut r u up 2″ will only reflect poorly upon your writing abilities.

-Create a Signature: Instead of simply ending all your emails with your name, create an automated signature with additional contact information. Do you have a blog? Leave a link with the URL. Active on Twitter? Include your username so people can find you. Have a Zinch profile? Add it on there too! This is a great way to share a little bit more about yourself and expand your network.

By keeping these points in mind you’ll be prepared for any online correspondence. Remember, email is a valuable tool and should be considered part of your online identity. So be sure to follow these tips and check your inbox on a regular basis…you never know who you’ll hear from next.

Picking a major can be a tough decision for incoming freshmen. With so many options to choose from, many students are left uncertain as to which concentration they should pursue. Alexis Montgomery, our Student Ambassador at the University of Southern California, shares her perspective on entering college as an Undecided student.

To be Undecided or not to be Undecided, that is the question—and it can be a question that high school seniors have nightmares about as they venture into the unknown.

But here is the reason that being a non-major isn’t so bad: you’ll undoubtedly hear how many college students change their majors at least once, and if you think about it, this mindset is prevalent in the real world where adults change careers several times in their lifetime. So not committing to one study right off the bat won’t be the end of the world.

For example, I was fairly sure I wanted to be an engineer. However, in my last year of high school I noticed that I was enjoying classes like History more so than math or science-based courses. This made me re-think why I wanted to pursue engineering in the first place, and made me realize the versatility of engineering was what initially caught my interest. So even if I didn’t want to be an actual engineer per se, I could still gain a skill set through the major to help pursue my eventual “true calling.” The takeaway here is that I wouldn’t suggest going to college with a single-track mind, but neither would I say be completely aimless. There can be a middle ground and all it requires is to be open-minded.

The first great thing about being Undecided is the option to try a subject you would have never thought of taking. Had I not let an advisor guide me toward Microeconomics, I would’ve never taken the course, and I am more than glad I tried it. So be brave and tackle a subject you wouldn’t expect yourself to try, because when will be the next time you can? Plus if it doesn’t work out, you can always withdraw early without penalty.

Being Undecided also means not worrying if a class is related to your major. In fact, all students should have the freedom to choose something totally opposite of what they are required to study. My friend who is thinking about law school took a piano class last semester; likewise, taking something so different could actually lead you to new interests. In my case, I have fallen in love with Economics as well as International Relations. Or even better: you may feel that the combination of different disciplines is a better fit than deciding one over another. This could be in the form of major-minor, double majors, dual majors, or even interdisciplinary. The options are boundless!

There will be certain disciplines that you must express your intent in early, but for the rest of us, comparing the value of different subjects should be embraced rather than ridiculed. It’d be much worse to declare a major you don’t care for! So keep this in mind—it can be rewarding to explore interests that tickle your curiosity, but sometimes experimentation is needed to find just what they are.

Today’s post was written by guest blogger Patrick O’Connor. Patrick is the director of college counseling at Roeper School in Birmingham, Michigan, and author of ‘College is Yours in 600 Words or Less’. You can follow Patrick’s weekly column and subscribe to it at collegeisyours.com.

Now that you’ve solved the “going to college” puzzle, you have lots of free time on your hands. To make sure you are college ready, here are some recommendations on how to spend some of your summertime. Consider these as practice on how to expand your world—that’s the whole idea behind college, so give these a spin, and you’ll hit the campus more flexible that Gumby after a yoga class:

Movie You Must See Before You Go To College

The Shawshank Redemption had the misfortune of being released the same year as Forrest Gump, so it was widely ignored for several years. Now it’s on TNT every month, and rightfully so. A story about redemption, second chances, mistakes, forgiveness and negotiating with the world, this isn’t an easy movie to watch, but it tells a great deal about hope, determination, and always knowing what’s right. It will give you the skills to handle Intro to Econ, eccentric roommates, and more, with ease.

Movie Clip You Must See Before You Go to College

I won’t make you sit through the entire film, but the first scene in The Sound of Music is worth the five minutes and 46 seconds it will occupy in your life. A good reminder that less is almost always more, all you see are the mountains of Austria, and all you hear is the remarkable voice of a young Julie Andrews that will make you wonder why she can sing more effortlessly than you can walk.

Success in college demands an ability to stop and appreciate that which is simple and beautiful. Watching this clip will also help you understand why your father’s adolescence was complicated by having an intense crush on a nun. (And as long as the DVD is in the machine, peek at the puppet scene about a third of the way through.)

Song You Must Listen to Before You Go To College

The second movement of Mozart’s Concerto for Flute and Harp is the finest piece he ever wrote, and all of its potential was realized when it was performed by Jean Pierre Rampal and Lily Laskine. Rampal started life as a pre-med major, but his heart had other designs, and he went on to become the premiere flutist of his time, and all time. This performance reminds you that anyone who believes all works of Mozart are the same has no idea what it means to truly listen to music or to people, and that God made the flute to be played by the French. This should be on iTunes—if it isn’t, cancel your subscription. (Their album of Japanese Melodies is mighty good as well.)

Song Clip You Must Watch Before You Go To College

It took less than two minutes for Ella Fitzgerald and the Manhattan Transfer to find their place in Grammy history in 1983 with a rendition of “How High the Moon” that sounds like they practiced for years, but looks like they met each other behind stage and decided to see what happens. Your goal in college is to work this hard to make everything look this easy—and if you leave college without an appreciation for good jazz, your parents have wasted their money.

Phrase You Must Add to Your Vocabulary

“Ma’am.” Like high schools, colleges are run by secretaries—veteran, organized, unionized secretaries who have a way of doing things that is older than Stonehenge. This level of organization almost always works to your advantage, except at peak times during the year when every student needs help, and their system of order is on the brink of collapse. That’s where you come in.

You: “I need to process this drop and add slip.”

Secretary, peering over her half glasses: “Have you seen your adviser?”

You: “Yes ma’am.”

At this point, you will see her shoulders drop, her pen write faster, and a small smile cross her face. You have made her day, and she will never, ever, forget you.

This is good. Trust me.

Phrase You Must Delete from Your Vocabulary

“No problem.” There will probably be a point where one of these secretaries may actually thank you for doing something. The only way you can get off their good side is to respond with anything but “You’re Welcome.” Practice now.

Book You Must Read Before You Go To College

Realizing I run the risk of raising the ire of every AP English and History teacher, I will none the less offer How the Irish Saved Civilization by Thomas Cahill. Neither fiction nor a scholarly work, it’s more like your Irish neighbor telling you the enriched but true story of the vital role Irish monks held in restoring education to Europe during the time of St. Patrick. You won’t read anything this easy or biased in college, but its story of how modest people can engage in diligent efforts that change history will, I hope, stay with you forever.

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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