Sure, you know that the best schools enroll students with the best grades and the highest test scores. You also know that there are some college names that impress more on a sweatshirt. But how can you figure out which colleges is right for you? There are some important things to consider when you decide where to apply for and enroll in college. Many people don't spend much time thinking about them, though, and sometimes end up unhappy as a result, even at so-called "great" colleges. By taking the time to think about these things now, you'll be able to home on in what really matters to you and find the fit that's right.
1. Size
Colleges come in all sizes, from a college that enrolls only 26 students to colleges which can enroll 30,000 or more. Which one is better? Well, that depends on you and what you're comfortable with. Did you go to a small high school or a large one? Did you like the size of your high school? Did you grow up in a city or a rural area? Do you like being places where everybody knows you, or do you like the anonymity of a crowd?
2. Type
All colleges are not the same. Some have large graduate programs and devote much of their time and resources to research. Others enroll only undergraduates and focus their attention on teaching and learning. Some colleges have a specialty in one specific area, like engineering or writing, while others are best known for giving their students a broad education. Other differences include whether colleges are single sex or coed, if they have a religious affiliation, and whether they are public or private. The options really are almost limitless.
3. Location
There are colleges in every living environment you can imagine, from tiny towns to metropolitan cities. If you have always lived in the suburbs, choosing an urban campus can be an adventure. But after a week of urban noise, dirt, and rude people, will you long for a grassy campus and open space? On the other hand, if you are used to the suburbs and mall life and choose a college in a rural area, will you run screaming into the Student Center some night looking for noise, lights, and people? Think about where you grew up and how much of a change you want from that when you go to college.
4. Distance from Home
Closely tied to location is the issue of how far from home you want to be. For some people, going to college is a chance to explore a totally different part of the country. For others, they want to make sure they can have dinner with their family once a week, or go home to do their laundry. When you decide how far you want to be from home, think about how likely you are to get homesick, and how much money you can afford to spend in travel. The farther you are from home, the less often you'll be able to visit. On the other hand, with email and cell phones, you can still feel close to home even if you're in Rajasthan and your sister is in Trichy.
5. Cost/Scholarships & Financial Aid
Cost is one thing that most parents think about when the topic of college comes up, but did you know that not all colleges cost the same amount? Or that there are different types of financial aid at different colleges? Or that if your grades - or musical talent or athletic ability - are good enough you could earn a scholarship? Public universities often offer much lower tuition rates to in-state students, but their fees to out-of-state residents are usually pretty similar to private schools. Private institutions charge everyone the same high tuition, but they often have privately-funded scholarship monies available, so it's worth applying to them even if the price tag seems too high.
6. Student Population
All college students are not the same. Some colleges, particularly large colleges and those in big cities, tend to have students from a wide range of ethnic, socioeconomic, and religious backgrounds. Other colleges, especially small schools and those in very rural locations, tend to have a fairly homogeneous student body. Other things to think about in student population is whether most students live at the college or commute and how old the average student is.
7. Majors and Requirements
If you know what field you want to go into after college, it's important to make sure you go to college somewhere that will prepare you for your chosen profession. Some schools are particularly well-known for a specific major, like pre-med or architecture. Going to one of these schools will put you in a great position to get a job in that area when you graduate. If, however, like many entering freshman, you're not so sure what you want to do, you should choose a school that will give you plenty of options. Some colleges require students to take classes in a wide range of areas during their first year or two. These colleges are great for students who either want a well-rounded education or are trying to figure out what area to focus on. Other colleges let students just dive in to their chosen majors without a lot of other requirements. These colleges are great for focused students who know what they want to do and don't want to spend their time in classes that won't help them in their major.
8. Athletics and Events
Are you a sports nut, or does the sound of a marching band and the sight of a cricket uniform make you cringe? At some colleges, sports are the order of the day, the main social activity on most students' calendars. Other colleges may not have a cricket team at all, or may not pay much attention to it if they do. Maybe you're really into going to live concerts, or you love nothing better than to go hiking in the woods. If you like to spend your free time going to shows at movies, you probably won't be happy at a small college in the countryside where few musical acts stop on tour. However, if you love to be outdoors, a campus in a natural setting can give you just the kind of balance you need to feel your best.
9. Activities and Special Programs
Have you always wanted to try living in another country? Some colleges have special programs to help you do just that, for a semester or even a whole school year. You'll usually get full credit for your work overseas, plus have the chance to learn a new language, make some new friends, and try some new food. Or maybe you're a dancer or a journalist. You'll want to make sure you go to a school that not only fulfills your academic goals, but your personal ones, too. Some schools have great arts and theater programs, or excellent newspapers, giving students a chance to be involved in extra-curricular activities outside their majors. Other schools focus all their attention on great classes, but not much else.
10. Your Gut Feeling
Trust your instincts. If a place feels right, that's important. Similarly, if it just feels wrong, no matter who wants you to go there or how good it looks on paper, it probably is. College is a very personal choice, and after considering all the other objective factors, the fact of the matter is that it comes down to you. Visit colleges you're interested in, and see how you feel walking around their campuses. Could you imagine yourself going to college there? Once you find a few places that you like, you'll be well on your way to finding the college that's right for you.
By 2nd year student - Seshadri studying at Annamalai University
So here is my guide, a little list of things which everyone should know when they come to college. (Seniors, pay attention. You are never too old to learn).
In logical time, an 8 a.m. college class should feel like an 8 a.m. high school class. Well, college doesn't operate on logical time. College operates on I-only-got-two-hours-of-sleep-last-night-because-the-guys next door- plays that Kuruvi Song--over-and-over time. In this new time frame, an 8 a.m. college class seems to occur somewhere around 12:15 lunch time.
In logical time, an 8 a.m. college class should feel like an 8 a.m. high school class. Well, college doesn't operate on logical time. College operates on I-only-got-two-hours-of-sleep-last-night-because-the-guys next door- plays that Kuruvi Song--over-and-over time. In this new time frame, an 8 a.m. college class seems to occur somewhere around 12:15 lunch time.
# Along those same lines, the floor does not clean up itself. At home you have this thing that sweeps in and eliminates all messes automatically. We called it Mom. They forgot to put one of those in your room.
# Senior girls really don't go for freshman guys. Sad but true.
# If there was something you were good at in high school, at least 1,000 people are majoring in it and are much better at it than you.
# Being six to nine hours from home does not seem that bad until you watch your parents leave to make the trip home without you.
# A Rs.1,000/- food budget lasts only about a week.
# On weekends the campus empties out leaving anyone stuck there without a bike.
Every year, many college freshmen fall victim to poor study habits, an overabundance of socializing or other poor choices that derail their higher education. SIVAJI TV has identified the 10 most common of these mistakes, and offers advice for staying on course:
10 Mistakes Freshmen Make
1. Assuming College Is an Extension of High School. Many students aren't prepared for the quantity and complexity of college work, and rely on their high school study habits to get by. A good rule of thumb: spend the same amount of time studying for a course each day as you spend in that class. If you need help with study skills, seek help from your university's academic support office right away. Don't wait until you're mired in midterms.
2. Saving Money by Not Buying the Books. Don't be penny wise and pound foolish; get the books right away and stay on top of your reading and related assignments. There are many bargains to be had, either in your own bookstore, from classmates who've had the class before, or over the Internet.
3. Being Overly Ambitious. A heavy course load in high school may have been manageable, but it could overwhelm you in college. Set yourself up for success by taking 12 to 14 hours your first semester, and giving yourself time to acclimate.
4. Ignoring E-mails. As technology-connected as students are, the truth is that too many don't read their E-mail regularly. They miss important messages from professors and other announcements that could make their life easier. Remember that parking ticket you got? Chances are you didn't see the message about the temporary parking ban.
5. Working Too Hard. We're talking about part time jobs few students prefer to take upon here. As important as they are, if they demand too much time away from your studies, you need to reevaluate. For undergraduates, especially first-year students, working more than 20 hours a week while maintaining a full course load is a recipe for D-saster.
6. Looking for Help in all the Wrong Places. Universities offer a wealth of resources for the struggling student-from the professor who keeps office hours (as they all do) to math and writing labs, tutors, and workshops on a variety of topics such as study skills. You won't be the first student who needs help; that's why these supports are in place.
7. Thinking the Professor is either a God or doesn't know anything. Their teaching may be divine, but professors really are quite down-to-earth and generally reasonable in dealing with students. But it's a two-way street. They expect you to let them know when you have to miss a session (be sure it's unavoidable), come to class prepared, and participate in discussions - in short, go the extra mile for maximum return on your education.
8. Over-socializing. If you're thinking about parties more than your assignments, your new-found independence may be getting out of hand. Remember: With independence comes responsibility. Don't jeopardize your long-term goals for short-lived pleasures.
9. Under-socializing. Just as there's such as thing as too much social time, the other extreme is not wise, either. You're missing out on the complete college experience if you are isolating yourself from campus life. There's an activity for everyone, so get out there and get involved in something. Clubs and volunteer service projects are a great way to connect with others who have similar interests.
10. Choosing the wrong career. Many students don't know what they want to do when they enter college, and there's nothing wrong with figuring that out once you get there. However, many declare a major with nary a thought to whether it's the proper fit for them in terms of their academic preparation or strengths, and proceed to waste considerable time and money before discovering the mismatch. Your campus career office is a good place to start. It should have resources and tests that can help you narrow the options.
As students you bring many things with you: books, computers, spending money, hopes and dreams. Yet, as with any other major life change, what most will not bring is experience.
The campus is a new world, and here, it is not the strong but the teachable who survive. Institutions for post-secondary education are not just about classrooms and laboratories; there is more to learn at college or university than what is covered in class.
These are Life Skills. Most will probably remember less about Introductory Psychology than they will about how that professor changed their attitude. So to this new crop of freshman, and to those who have already begun their academic career, we offer some tips for student survival based on the experiences of those who have already survived. Seize The Day! Be brave, be bold, be ready to learn and be prepared:
1. Prioritize: There are so many new things to do at a new college or university, social and academic. Give yourself time to make new friends and become familiar with the campus, but don't forget why you are there. Set parameters for social activities and manage your time wisely.
If you don't have a "system" for planning your time now (like a diary, Organizer, day timer, a computer date book, a selection of Post-It notes on your wall), get one. Learn not to operate on the "tyranny of the urgent," and don't rely on your memory.
2. Learn the rules: Every campus has its own set of rules and regulations, and they are usually pretty good at letting you know what they are. Guidelines, restrictions, rules and regulations of all kinds can usually be found in your student handbook (student guide, joining instructions, and calendar). READ THEM. It may seem like reading stereo instructions, but if you know how to play the game, you have a better chance of winning (or at least playing well). What dates are important? What pieces of paper need to be handed in when? What can or can't you do in class? What can/can't you do in your student hostel? Who has authority for what? What do you need to complete to graduate?
Knowing how the system works will help you to be a more effective student, a better room mate and tenant, a more organized graduate and a better job candidate. Don't be surprised. Remember - ignorance of the law is no excuse!
3. Study: This point cannot be overemphasized. You have heard it before and you will hear it again, so take heed. Consider this - Most of the college students in India pay between Rs10,000/- and Rs30,000/- per year for their education, and that's just tuition fees. Think about the money you will be spending and consider how much of it you are wasting for every course you have to repeat or replace.
You are a student now - studying is your job. Prepare your daily twenty-four hour budget with this in mind: 1 hour of classroom or laboratory time = 2-3 study hours (average)
A course that requires 3 hours in class per week will require at least 6 hours of study per week. You know what you have to do; don't underestimate the time it takes to be prepared for classes, papers and exams. Don't procrastinate and say you'll read something later. Later never comes.
4. Be thoughtful: You will learn a lot about who you are while you are at college or university, but there will always be more to learn. Explore new ideas and how they relate to you, but don't make hasty decisions. Some decisions are better when spontaneous - and have few residual effects - but they are very few. The choices you make in college could continue to affect you for the rest of your life. And that may not be a good thing.
Consider your options, and what is sparking your interest. Take some time and think about it.
5. Monitor your money: Getting a post-secondary education is expensive. Whether you are paying with scholarships, student loans or parental aid - Remember:
Avoid the ATM - it's too easy to forget how much you've spent.
Be prepared for expensive textbooks - they can run as much as Rs.1000 /- for one book, for one class. It's a commitment. Try to get an used text book from your seniors.
Estimate your costs before you go - begin with what you have (your allotted funds for the year) and subtract fixed costs (tuition fee, rent/housing costs, petrol), factor in food, books, other supplies and spending money. Be generous, and put it on paper.
Don't eat out - Cooking may take a bit longer or Hostel food is not all that great, but it's far less expensive. If you don't know how, learn.
NO CREDIT - ignore the credit card company advertisements about your "arrival to adulthood." This is not the time in your life to explore the pitfalls of credit. If you don't have the money in your account, don't buy it.
6. Find resources: Attending College may have unique implications for women. Most colleges and universities now recognize this fact and offer services for female students.
Check to see if your college or university offers a handbook for female students. See if there is a listing of female faculty and staff, particularly those who are interested in tutoring and personal support of female students. Look up women's study groups, fellowships, sororities and discussion groups.
Be aware of situations that can interfere with your education - sexual harassment is no longer a surprise to anyone and most post-secondary institutions have policies in place to deal with it. Don't allow fear to ruin your academic experience, but know that you do not have to accept situations that make you feel uncomfortable or which threaten to jeopardize your education. Get help.
7. Network: This is something many did not learn until it was almost too late. Getting to know your instructors and fellow students is invaluable to learning and to your future plans.
A good working relationship with your instructor will make your course work a lot less confusing. Don't be afraid to ask questions. Take advantage of their office hours. Make yourself known to them, so that they are in a better position to help you. Be aware that as a first year student, this will present challenges. Most first-year courses are over-registered and the instructors will be pressed to remember their own name, let alone anyone else's. Be persistent, but not obnoxious.
Good habits developed now will come in handy in your final years - courses will be smaller, specialized and instructors will be looking for the brightest and the best in each discipline. This will be invaluable if you decide to continue your education. If he or she is aware of your work, attitude, personality and skills, they are in a much better position to offer references.
And don't forget your fellow students. Though some disciplines thrive on competition, students can still work together. Study together and form study groups, share resources and edit each other's work. These may be friends or career boosters you are building up for a lifetime - don't neglect them.
8. Communicate: A large part of the learning process at this level is learning to be a better communicator.
There's an old saying that says you have two ears and one mouth for a reason - listen more and talk less. Pay attention to those who have spent years in the field you are interested in and learn from the experiences of senior students.
But good listening skills are not enough. Express yourself clearly. Think about what you are going to say before you say it; make sure that what you are trying to get across is clear and thoughtfully presented. This is a skill you will develop through various projects and presentations, but you will also learn a lot if you are living with a room mate. Make sure they know what you are feeling - never assume that they will be able to tell what is bothering you. Being a good communicator is a vital life skill, one that will serve you well in whatever career path you choose.
9. Stay healthy: Your mind will be very active while you are in college - make sure that your body is up to the challenge.
Exercise helps to increase the flow of oxygenated blood to every part of the body. All of your muscles and organs - including the brain - require oxygen, so make sure you spend time every day (or every second day) raising your heart rate through some kind of aerobic activity.
To exercise and study effectively, your body also needs fuel. Make sure you are eating a well-balanced diet. Finances and lack of time force many students to adopt unhealthy eating habits - a lot of fast-food, eating out or canned/frozen/boxed food at home. Don't eat out, if you can avoid it. Eat fresh food whenever possible (vegetables are usually a lot cheaper than what you get in fast food). Drink water. Pay attention to your physical health. Your life needs balance.
10. Find meaning: Education is important; it helps give you the tools for significance in this life. But this life ends-what happens then?
If you have ever asked, "Is this all there is?", you'll be happy to discover that the answer is "no." There is more to life than what most of us are living. Who and what you are - all of your talents, skills, habits, tastes, and intellect-are a gift given to you.
The beginning of college is exciting. New ideas to explore, new challenges to be met and many decisions to be made. Your future begins here. SEIZE IT!!!
You control your career destiny! Just going to class and picking up your Bachelor's degree after three to four years doesn't cut it. You need to become active on and off campus. Becoming marketable to employers or graduate schools is a four-year job! Here are the top 10 things you can do during college to make yourself marketable at job-search time. In fact, if you do all 10, you'll be unstoppable!
1.Keep your grades up - Employers and graduate schools want candidates with good grades. That will probably never change. Doing well academically not only proves that you have a good knowledge base, but indicates a strong work ethic-a value that employers value, but that that seems to be less common every year.
2.Identify your interests, skills, values, and personal characteristics.
The first step to clarifying your career goals is to go through a process of self-assessment. Visit your career center and take advantage of the self-assessment instruments that they have to offer.
3. Actively explore career options - This is something that very few college students do: actively explore career options. In fact, a study has shown that most freshmen and sophomores spend more time deciding on a video to rent than on what they might want for a career, even though a video only lasts three hours while your career can last a lifetime. Isn't your life after college worth exploring? You owe it to yourself to find a career that enriches your life, not one that brings you down. Actively exploring careers means talking with professionals in occupations of interest (called Information Interviewing) and observing professionals on the job (called Work Shadowing). Your career center / placement office probably has alumni and other volunteers who are willing to talk to you about their careers. Also, attend any career expos, career fairs, and career speaker panels that are offered. You can learn a lot about various career fields by attending these events. Finally, it doesn't hurt to begin the process by reading about careers of interest.
4.Become active in extracurricular activities - Active involvement in extra curricular activities on and off campus is highly valued by employers and graduate schools. Joining a committee/community is fine, but becoming active within that committee/community is what matters most. Become a leader, hold an office, or coordinate an event/symposium. You will develop your skills in leadership and teamwork-skills that are on the top of every recruiter's list!
5. Get involved in community service - It's important that you begin to understand and appreciate the importance of giving back to your community, and that you live in a larger community than your college or hometown. Typically, students look at community service as a chore. After they've served, however, it's usually one of the most rewarding experiences they've had! Recruiters love to see that you've volunteered to help in your community.
6.Develop your computer skills - Computers are changing the world of work in a big way! The days of secretaries typing your letters are over. Every worker must know how to type business letters using a word processor. That's a given. To demonstrate strong computer skills, you must learn how to use spreadsheets, design data bases, and produce automated presentations. Take advantage of the computer courses and workshops your college offers. But you can also learn a lot by just experimenting with different software packages on your own. For example, you could make yourself a mini data base that maintains mailing addresses and phone numbers of all your friends and family. Finally, you should learn how to develop your own web page or web-based portfolio. There are many web-design editor software packages that make it real easy to develop your own web page! Contact your college's information technology office to see how to get started.
7.Develop your writing skills - Over and over, company and graduate school recruiters complain about the lack of writing skills among college graduates. Don't avoid classes that are writing intensive. Work at developing your writing skills. If there is a writing center on campus, have them take a look at your papers from time to time. Remember, the first impression you give to recruiters is typically your cover letter or personal statement.
8.Complete at least one internship in your chosen career field - More and more, internships are the springboards to employment and getting into graduate programs. Many recruiters say that when they need to fill entry-level jobs, they will only hire previous interns. In addition to making yourself more marketable, internships also are a great way to explore careers and determine whether or not certain careers are for you. When you work for a company as an intern for three to four months, you get a really good feel for whether the field (and company) is one in which you want to work day in and day out!
9.Gain an appreciation of diversity through study abroad, foreign languages, and courses - For you to be successful at work and in your life, you must stretch yourself and learn about people and cultures different than yours. Because of civil rights laws, people today are forced to tolerate diversity. Winners in life and work are ones who appreciate diversity! The only way you can appreciate diversity is to open your mind and become more familiar with and knowledgeable about different cultures. Take advantage of the wonderful study-abroad opportunities and the courses relating to diversity. This is your time to travel! Most people find it harder to take time to travel as they begin their careers and start families. While it may be a little scary at first, traveling to foreign countries is the most life-changing experience you'll have in college!
10. Use your career center all four years - Your college career center can help you throughout your entire college career. Here is just a sampling of what your career center can help you do:
* choose your major and career direction,
* explore career options,
* obtain an internship,
* write a resume and cover letter,
* develop your interviewing skills,
* identify your skills, interests, and values,
* develop a job search or graduate school plan,
* connect you with prospective employers (career fairs, on-campus recruiting, etc.), and Connect you with alumni mentors.
Remember, you control your career destiny. Don't wait until your senior year to start realizing your goals. Your career train is on the move. Jump on board now so you can reach your destination!
Top 10 things I learned in my Bachelors!
By Ram Prasad - Alumni of Anna University
#10: Internships/Jobs are your responsibility.
Every college has a Placement Cell or a Career Management Center (CMC) which works with students to help them find jobs. Some Placement cells are more hands on than others. At Anna University, a good portion of my classmates got internships independent of our Placement cell. Some students used their personal network, some used Google, some applied directly on company web sites. Irrespective, by hook or by crook almost everyone in our class had a job at the end of their Bachelors.
Our Placement Cell is more laid back than at other colleges; if you don't go to them requesting help looking for an internship or job, they're not going to come to you. Sure they setup company visits and the students have an opportunity to work in Chennai, Mumbai or Bangalore, but the bottom line is you have to get your own job. This isn't kindergarten, or even high school. YOU made the decision to do your Bachelors, YOU now have the onus of getting a job. If you want to involve the Placement cell, great, do so. If not, that's OK too. But don't whine at the end of the final year that you don't have an internship or job and it's someone else's fault. Some students started looking for jobs even before they entered their final year!
#9: Computers / Laptops are key.
Internet is a BIG ASSET and it is up to you to make the most of it.
#8: There are good classes and bad classes.
A Bachelors is a general degree. Sure, Anna University offers concentrations in IT, Computers, Electrical, Mechanical & others, but for the most part the core classes are pretty general. Which means you're going to like/hate some more than others. Fact of life. In the real world, you're gonna have good and bad bosses. You have to learn how to work with both kinds or your employability is going to suffer.
#7: Pay attention (even in the bad classes) -
You pay Rs.10,000 + to listen to some academic drone on, you might as well pay attention and try to glean at least a small amount out of the class. YOU wanted to be here, YOU showed up to class, don't mitigate that by messaging your friends.
#6: You will love your group.
Group Work - Learning to work in a group, to collaborate, share ideas and generally get stuff done is an integral part of Bachelors.
People learn how to work with people they normally wouldn't choose by default, just like in the real world. The group develops trust, understanding, responsibility, even-keeled ness and a greater understanding of your own strengths and weaknesses. It's like a varsity team that everyone has to play and do well at, and we all help each other succeed.
#5: Your classmates are your network.
I know of at least two of my classmates who got jobs because of other classmates. After we graduate, I don't expect this to change too much. It's not what you know, but who. Use your class. Get to know everyone. You never know who's going to be in a position to help you in the future.
A brother may not be a friend, but a friend will always be a brother - Ben Franklin.
#4: Grades don't matter
Grade inflation/deflation is so rampant at bschools that no matter how hard you try (or don't), you're going to get anywhere from a 65% to 90%, rarely less than 60%. All that matters is, how much you learnt.
A recruiter isn't going to care much about that, rather he/she will be more interested in how you can apply the knowledge you've picked up over three to four years.
#3: Speak out in class.
Question the Professor. Raise your hand. Lot of times you may be wrong and look like an idiot. Hey, you should be OK with that. This is college; you can rather screw up here than in the real world. Have enough self-confidence in yourself to ask questions regardless of how people perceive you, and you will earn the respect of your peers and professors.
#2: I have a lot more learning to do, and only a little time to do it in.
Man the first three years went by SO FAST! I learned a ton, but more importantly learned that I have a lot more to learn and only one more year to do it in.
Take advantage of all the things that a 4 year hiatus from the working world offers you. Load up on courses that aren't in your field, go aboard, get an internship, participate in a Inter College competitions, go to Dance Floors, start a blog (yay!), do an independent study with a favorite professor or just hang out at the bschool on your days off - you never know what you might learn.
The #1 Thing I Learned At My First Year Of Bachelors is Have Fun!
That's right, enjoy yourself. This is the last time till you're 65 that you're going to have this much freedom. Don't stress if your group "only" got a B on a project, grades don't matter remember? Don't go get an internship in the field you previously worked in - try something new! Argue with your professor, maybe you can teach them something. Don't eat lunch by yourself, insert yourself into the life of a classmate who's totally different than you are. Take a Professor to lunch. Heck, Anna University is small enough, take the Dean to lunch! He'll even pay!
And let's not forget you're going to college in TN - go out and party! There are no rules against dating an undergrad (ok, no freshman), and you're probably hundreds of miles away from your close friends who will make fun of you for drinking something called "Sarbarth". (or Mango Slice)
Time and again I read that employers these days aren't looking for candidates who are qualified just to do the work. They're looking for people who can mesh with the rest of your team. Don't spend your life at Bachelors with your head in your books. Work hard, apply yourself, and the grades will come, and the jobs will follow. I am not the smartest person in my class. I am not the hardest worker in my class. I am not the hardest partier in my class.
Have as much fun as you can possibly have, and have no regrets about the experience. I am confident I will do just fine come graduation and for the rest of my life.
Whew! 10! Done! I truly believe in each and every one of these Top 10 things that I've learned over the past year. It's been an amazing experience so far & I believe it continues till the rest of my life.
You have received your envelopes, and it's time to make that final decision about where you will enroll in college. How do you decide? Here are some ways not to choose your college.
Don't Choose a College or University Because:
1. Your boyfriend or girlfriend is going there.
2. Your friends are going there.
3. The tuition is low.
4. Because of its party-hearty reputation.
5. The college brochure or university guidebook showed all these fun students sitting under trees.
6. A computer college matching program said this was your best choice. (Although these can be very helpful in narrowing your choices, you need to make the final decision.)
7. You visited just that campus and didn't want to look elsewhere.
8. It's located in your city or state and you didn't consider other locations, even though you could have.
9. It's the one college you and your parents have heard of.
10. You know you'll be accepted there.
11. Because of its prestige.
12. It has the academic program you're looking for, so the campus atmosphere doesn't really matter.
Choosing where you want to go to college is an extremely personal -- and frequently stressful -- decision that teens and their families have to make. So, how can this article help you? This article's intent is to give you a framework that will help you choose the college that is right for you.
One piece of advice before we begin: It's best to start this process as early as possible.
Step 1: Determine what you might like to study or major in at college. Yes, many students enter college as "undecided," and that's fine, but if you have some idea of a career or a major, that information can help in finding colleges that offer (and even specialize) in that field. You might like to try some of these career assessment tests to help you with this step.
Step 2: Develop a list of criteria you want to use to evaluate and weed out colleges. Do you want to live close to home, or far away? Do you want a large university or a small college? What about costs? Here's a list of common criteria:
* Degrees offered
* Majors/minors
* Location (rural or urban setting)/distance from home
* Size of the student population (from small at 1,000 to large at 35,000+)
* Faculty contact/classes taught by full-time doctorally qualified faculty
* Quality/reputation/ranking
* Degree of pressure to excel
* Safety (campus, community)
* Student body (diversity, gender, etc.)
* Social life (Greek organizations, sports, school spirit, etc.)
* Religious affiliation/independent
* Housing options (dorms, apartments, living at home)
* Realistic entry expectations (based on typical student admitted)
Step 3: Compile a list of possible colleges and universities. With at least some idea of the criteria that are important to you, begin the gathering phase. You can find college information in books (you can get that in Anna University). Another resource are college-related Websites, such as www.sivajitv.com and others. You will surely also get suggestions from family, friends, and high school teachers and guidance counselors. You should also consider attending college fairs, where you can actually meet representatives from the colleges, as well as gather important literature.
Step 4: Gather all your resources and information about each school you're considering. If you don't have all the information you need on a particular college, you should consider visiting the college's website to get an early taste of the look and feel of a college from your PC.
Step 5: Use the criteria from Step 2 to narrow your list of colleges to a manageable number. This number will vary widely among teens and their families, depending in part on how many you and your family can realistically visit. Most experts suggest narrowing the list to 10 or fewer, but we have known some students who had close to 20 colleges after completing this step.
Step 6: Visit the colleges on your list from Step 5. The best way to really get a feel for a college is by visiting the campus, taking a tour, meeting with students, attending a class, eating in the cafeteria, and spending the night in a hostel (if possible). You have to feel "at home" at the place where you will spend the next three to four years of your life, so visiting is important. If some colleges on your list are just too far away to make a trip, then at least take a virtual tour of the campus and try to talk to people who have attended the school to get a feel for it.
Step 7: Consider / Apply to the colleges that made the cut after the first six steps. How many colleges should you apply to? Of course, this decision partly depends on your financial situation (since most colleges have application fees), but most teens generally apply to one or two dream or "reach" schools (where they have a small chance of getting admitted based on a realistic appraisal of admissions criteria), two to four colleges where they want to go (and can expect to be accepted), and at least one "safety" college (where they are a shoo-in for admission). But you need to choose the number and type that are right for you; some people don't apply to safety colleges, and others apply to only the best colleges that have made the cut from the first six steps.
Step 8: While you're waiting to hear back from the colleges you applied to, start hitting the books or the Web to find scholarships (if you need them).
Step 9: Make a final choice among the colleges that accepted you. If you applied for scholarship, take a close look at the offers. If the college you really want to attend gave you a low aid offer, you should consider contacting the college and making a counter offer and see what happens; many colleges have become more willing to negotiate in this area.
1. A high school curriculum that challenges the student.
Academically successful students should include several Honors and Advanced Placement classes.
2. Grades that represent strong effort and an upward trend.
Grades should show an upward trend over the years. However, slightly lower grades in a rigorous program are preferred to all A's in less challenging coursework.
3. Solid scores on standardized tests (SAT, ACT).
These should be consistent with high school performance.
4. Passionate involvement in a few activities, demonstrating leadership and initiative.
Depth, not breadth, of experience is most important.
5. Community service showing evidence of being a "contributor."
Activities should demonstrate concern for other people and a global view.
6. Work or out-of-school experiences (including summer activities) that illustrate responsibility, dedication, and development of areas of interest.
A job or other meaningful use of free time can demonstrate maturity.
7. A well-written essay that provides insight into the student's unique personality, values, and goals.
The application essay should be thoughtful and highly personal. It should demonstrate careful and well-constructed writing.
8. Letters of recommendation from teachers and guidance counselors that give evidence of integrity, special skill, and positive character traits.
Students should request recommendations from teachers who respect their work in an academic discipline.
9. Supplementary recommendations by adults who have had significant direct contact with the student.
Letters from coaches or supervisors in long-term work or volunteer activities are valuable; however, recommendations from casual acquaintances or family friends, even if they're well known, are rarely given much weight.
10. Anything special that makes the student stand out from the rest of the applicants!
Include honors, awards, evidence of unusual talent or experience, or anything else that makes the student unique. Overall, colleges are seeking students who will be active contributing members of the student body.
It is good news for those fresh out of college or for those who are keen for a job change, as a leading HR consultancy firm has predicted one million new jobs in India this year.
Ma Foi Employment Trends Survey (METS), conducted by Ma Foi, one of India's largest HR consultancy firm has predicted a three per cent increase in employment in 2008.
The largest chunk of the new jobs according to the survey would be generated by hospitality sector which is riding high with the tourism boom in the country.
"The Hospitality sector will generate the maximum number of employment in 2008. 426,668 jobs are going to be generated by the Hospitality sector. This sector is closely followed by Health at 295,829 and Education Training & Consultancy at 166,005," says the survey.
It adds that an estimated USD 11.41 billion is expected to be seen in the Hospitality sector in the next two years and that India is likely to have around 40 international hotel brands by 2011.
"The boom in the tourism industry has had a cascading effect on the hospitality sector, which was a result of the increase in the occupancy ratios and average room rates. With the demand continuing to surge, many global hospitality majors have evinced a keen interest in the Indian hospitality sector," says K. Pandia Rajan, Managing Director, Ma Foi Management Consultants Ltd.
While, IT and ITES sector continues with high growth in recruitment at 7.3 and 7.2 per cent, the survey says that it is the Health sector which shows the highest growth in recruitment at 8.9 per cent.
