Here a just a few common interview questions and some suggestions on how to answer them. Remember that most of your college interviews will be conducted by alumni or students. Some do not hold much weight while others are comparable to a good letter of reccomendation.
What’s your greatest weakness?
It’s an interview cliche, but it still gets asked. The key is to come up with something that is truthful, yet doesn’t impact your ability to do the job, according to career coach and blogger, Miriam Salpeter. More important than what you identify as a weakness is the part about how you’ve overcome it. Salpeter offers this example: A computer programmer might say, “Speaking in front of very large crowds really scares me, but I’ve been working on becoming a better public speaker. I’ve joined Toastmasters, and I stand up in front of my mirrror, pretending there is a crowd.” It's a good one because public speaking is something most people are afraid of, and it is also not likely to be essential to a job as a programmer. One thing you should never say, says Salpeter, is that you are a perfectionist because no one wants to work with a perfectionist.
So tell me about yourself? (Also posed as “Why do you think you’re the person for this school?” “Why should we accept you?” “What distinguishes you from other applicants?”)
This is not an invitation to recite your biography. It is an opportunity to draw out the parts of your story that best sell you for the position. So if you were born and raised in Boston and are passionate about the city, that might a good topic for conversation in an interview at Boston University. But it wouldn’t necessarily be worth mentioning if you were interviewing for William and Mary. If you’re fluent in three languages, have worked overseas, and have parents who hail from outside the U.S., then those facts would be good ones to highlight in the interview for a school with an awesome international business or relations program.
Talk about a time you failed and how you recovered.
Since we all mess up from time to time, the important thing is that you choose something where you can demonstrate what you’ve learned from the experience. A classic example here would be a time that you took on too much responsibility or agreed to do something on an unreasonable timetable, according to career coach and resume writer,Chandlee Bryan. Your recovery could be as simple as the fact that you now feel comfortable raising concerns about what you can deliver on a given schedule.
I recently read this article in the LA Times and realized that students and parents need to be on the ball with academic counseling at the Community College level. No matter if yoe are a full time student or a concurrently enrolled high school student, make sure you are taking the right courses.
Community college student Kristen Grand dreams of transferring to Cal State Long Beach so she can earn a bachelor's degree in social work and become an adoption caseworker. But the process of accumulating the right course work and filling all the requirements is overwhelming, the 26-year-old says.
"It's kind of stressful," Grand said after class at Long Beach City College one afternoon this week. "Finances, for one, and whether I'm going to get the right amount of counseling to figure out what I need to do."
Grand is not alone. More than 2.7 million Californians are students in the state's sprawling network of community colleges. Some are enrolled in vocational classes or pursuing two-year degrees, while others seek a path into a four-year institution. But relatively few make the jump -- in the 2007-08 school year, 106,666 students successfully transferred to a University of California or California State University campus, or to private or out-of-state colleges.
Now, a new study finds that the obstacles California community college students face in transferring are endemic and require an overhaul of the transfer process.
Fixing the pipeline to baccalaureate degrees is vital to the state's economic future, according to the study by the Institute for Higher Education Leadership & Policy at Cal State Sacramento. The report, which is scheduled to be released today, notes that by 2025, there will be 1 million more jobs for college graduates in California than there are degree-holders.
"The issue is not new, but the problem is taking on increasingly large dimensions," said Nancy Shulock, the institute's executive director. "It's a pretty straight line -- you can connect the dots between the number of educated people we have and the economic future of the state."
The problem, she said, is exacerbated by the fact that community colleges often serve students who are unprepared, including those who are the first in a family to attend college, and lack enough counselors to meet their needs.
The report also found that the state's higher education system, which includes 110 community colleges, suffers from a hodgepodge of transfer policies that result in students taking too many courses or the wrong courses -- a frustrating waste of time and money that leads some to drop out.
"Yes, I've been there," said Amanda Sosa, 24, who is in her second year at Long Beach City College and spent four years at another community college. By the time she is eligible to transfer next year, the Hacienda Heights resident said she will have completed 78 transferable credits -- 23% more than required -- because of confusion about the process.
Transfer requirements vary from campus to campus, according to the study.
For example, if a Bay Area student enters community college and hopes to seek a bachelor's degree in psychology, the six nearest public four-year institutions, including San Jose State and UC Davis, each has a different set of course requirements for transfer.
"That is very frustrating and confusing to students," Shulock said. "They may not know what major they are going to choose, or what university they want to transfer into. They may not get into their first-choice university."
Another problem, the report says, is that transfer requirements are different from the requirements to get an associate's degree. So if students do not transfer, or if they transfer and do not complete their bachelor's degrees, they have nothing to show for their work.
There have been previous efforts to address the problem, including legislation, campus-based initiatives and task forces. But the study, which also examines policies in states that are more successful in transferring students, says comprehensive, statewide reform is essential.
The report's authors advocate creating associate degrees specifically for transfer students that would fulfill the basic requirements for all California colleges and universities, and guarantee transfer of all credits earned in certain courses.
Other recommendations include creating a standardized general-education checklist of courses that would allow transfer to all of the state's public four-year institutions, and creating a degree-audit system so students and counselors could easily check whether they are meeting the requirements.
Eloy Ortiz Oakley, president of Long Beach City College, said such efforts are vital.
"We tinker around the edges, we maybe increase transfers by 1% or 2% -- that's not going to get us where we need to be," Oakley said. "We've got to scale up our efforts a hundredfold."
A link to the study can be found at www.csus.edu/ihe.
You insure your car, your home, your health, your life. Why not your child's expensive schooling?
Like travel insurance or earthquake insurance, tuition refund insurance -- a means of getting your money back if a student doesn't make it through the school year due to an emergency -- isn't for everyone. The cost could be significant over four years, and it typically covers only withdrawals for medical reasons at the college level.
But it can be a safeguard to make sure you don't lose thousands if your child has to drop out of college because of an unanticipated ailment or accident. It's also an option for parents paying for private K-12 schools who may be concerned about their jobs being relocated or cut.
Tuition insurance is not generally recommended for college students unless the student has a serious illness that could force withdrawal from school.
''Most people don't need it,'' said Mark Kantrowitz, an expert on student loans who publishes the Web site Finaid.org. ''What it's primarily providing is peace of mind.''
That doesn't mean there aren't instances where it's appropriate to at least consider it. The comfort factor alone may be enough for some to deem it a worthwhile investment.
Diane and Larry Honda of Fresno, Calif., bought tuition refund insurance when their daughter headed off to the University of Southern Californiatwo years ago. Marissa didn't have any health issues. But with the Hondas on the hook for the full tuition without any financial aid, the thought of potentially losing $19,000 a semester was ''just too daunting'' without the extra insurance which cost roughly $150 a year, her mom said.
''Now that she is a junior and we all know the routine of school, we canceled it,'' said Diane, 55, a high school journalism teacher. ''It was not based on any kind of sound financial judgment but rather the decision that we would just go ahead and take the hit if something happened to her.''
Here are some questions and answers about tuition insurance:
Q: What does it cover?
A: Refunds for college tuition normally are available only when a student withdraws for documented medical reasons or due to the death of the student, parent or guardian. Some policies may allow the purchase of a rider that includes a parent being laid off.
The coverage is generally broader at the private elementary and secondary school level, where fewer regulations apply and there is generally no federal financial aid. Conditions for reimbursement there might also include a parent's job loss or even a student's dismissal or suspension from school.
Q: Who offers it?
A: Policies generally are sold to families by participating colleges or universities through one of two providers.
A.W.G. Dewar Inc. of Quincy, Mass., provides customized tuition refund plans to about 200 U.S. colleges and universities -- primarily those with the highest costs -- and 1,000 private elementary and secondary schools. Its plans are underwritten by OneBeacon Insurance Group of Canton, Mass.
Education Insurance Plans of Newport, R.I., provides tuition protection through schools via underwriter Markel Insurance Co., including for college students for the last three years. And its TuitionProtect.com, administered by Tampa, Fla.-based Coordinated Benefits Plans LLC, is the only individual or non school-sponsored plan available directly to families.
No college yet offers its own coverage despite some talk that that might be appropriate, according to Barmak Nassirian, associate executive director of the American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers.
Q: How much does it cost?
A: Typically 1 percent to 3 percent of the face value of the coverage per year, ranging from $50 to $500 per semester depending on the college's costs and claim history. But it can vary widely by school and by insurance plan.
Dewar says its base cost is 1 percent of the annual cost of tuition, or tuition plus room and board -- the customer's option.
Q: How established is this type of insurance?
A: Dewar brought the concept to the United States from England in the 1930s, applying it at independent schools from kindergartenthrough 12th grade. It began offering it at about a dozen colleges in 1986 to meet demand from parents who wanted the same protection that their children had in prep school.
Some experts say it's becoming more accepted amid soaring tuition costs and increased anxiety about financial and job circumstances. But tuition insurance remains little-known and there's no evidence of a boom in the business.
The privately held insurers don't disclose a lot of sales or other numbers publicly. Dewar's president Dana Tufts says Dewar has seen its tuition insurance numbers decline slightly in the last couple of years as consumers cut optional expenditures during the recession. David Galvin, principal of Education Insurance Plans, says interest in college tuition insurance is picking up a little and he is getting calls from parents of students who are studying abroad, particularly amid the risk for H1N1, also known as swine flu.
Q: Don't schools refund tuition anyway in the case of serious illness?
A: It depends on the school. Most colleges will refund all or part of the tuition if the student withdraws by a specified deadline within a few weeks into the semester. But it varies. Numerous colleges return only part of your tuition if your child withdraws for mental health or emotional reasons, for example.
Q: Who should get it?
A: You may want to think about it if you are paying all the costs at an expensive school without financial aid, which tends to be the case with boarding schools and other private K-12 institutions. In fact, some schools require it if you don't pay the full year's tuition up front.
At the college level, you might consider it if your child has a serious medical condition and you fear it will worsen under the added academic and social stress.
It's also something to look at if one parent works for an employer that is likely to make layoffs. But even then you may not need it in some situations. Talk to the school's financial aid office about whether it would take that into consideration.
''We can't object if someone wants to be very conservative and wants to have this additional coverage,'' said Nassirian. ''But we don't think that (for college) it's usually necessary.''
Q: What's the best way to determine whether a policy is appropriate?
A: First, check with your child's college and look into its refund policies. Then examine its tuition insurance plan and ask about exclusions, such as injuries from student protests and demonstrations and withdrawals due to the use of controlled substances or alcohol abuse. Also find out if it gives partial or full reimbursements.
New York Times
This time of year, parents are busy buying binders, notebook paper, highlighters, pens, pencils, etc. for their elementary, junior high and high school students. Don' overlook these same costs when putting together your older child's college budget! School supplies are still needed and you might not be thinking about all of the things your kids use at home and you will now have to buy for the dorm room. According to the National Retail Federation, here are the average amounts spent on the top items:
Electronics: $266 - Did you know you will need to buy a laptop lock, Ethernet cable, power strips, etc.?
Clothing and Accessories: $119 - This does not include all of the college t-shirts, sweatshirts, etc.
Dorm Furnishings: $80 - Does not take into account those dorms equipt with kitchens
School Supplies: $61 - This is a low estimate in my opinion!
Some other things to add to the budget; laudry card refills, Greek Week festivities, football games, late night pizza runs, lab fees, and equipment fees. Don't forget about food when you are sick of eating in the DC!
This is a hectic time of year and if you have younger children getting ready to apply to college it can be overwhleming. Let the experts help. Come to a FREE College Planning Workshop in your area. Visit www.collegeplanningexperts.com to reserve a seat today!
High School Students take note: Colleges want dedicated students, not those who are just doing community service to get into college. Explore a range of groups, causes and hobbies. Select the ones you like and stick with them. The longer you are with a group, the better. If there is a group or club you enoy, get more involved. If you are shy and want to start small, be a project leader; if you are adventurous, run for office! Either way, you will be displaying your ability to lead and take on more responsibility.
Don't join every club, don't join any infact. The easiest thing to do if you are involved in sports, band, ASB, yearbook, etc. is to apply for a leadership role. many students are too scared to apply for a leadership role as a freshman or sohpomore so go for it! Write articles for the school paper, take pictures for the yearbook, get out there and be happy!
For more helpful tips and information, visit www.collegeplanningexperts.com today and sign up for a free College Planning Workshop in your area. Seats are limited so do it today!
Here in California, most high school kids are getting ready to register for classes. If your child is hoping to attend a UC school in the future, there are specific classes required for UC admission, these are called, "A-G" courses. Keep in mind that when a college says a course is recommened, you should take that to mean, "required". Admissions are competitive, so take all recommended courses! Keep the door open even if you think you might want to start out at a Community College. If you change your mind later, you will still be eligible!
Required "A-G" Courses:
a. History/Social Science - 2 years required
b. English - 4 years required
c. Math - 3 years required, 4 years recommended
d. Lab Science - 2 years required, 3 years recommended
e. Foreign Language - 2 years required, 3 years recommended
f. Visual and Performing Arts - 1 year required
g. College Prep Electives - 1 year required
To see a complete list of UC approved courses at your high school campus, click on the following link.
Having trouble decifering all the college stuff? Don;t know what classes to take or what major to pick when you apply for college? How will you pay for college? Get answers to these questions and more ar our FREE College Planning Workshop. Visit www.collegeplanningexperts.com today to reserve a seat!
It is almost time to pack up and head off to college for the Fall 09 quarter/semester! There are many things to consider, plan for and buy. Here is a handy checklist to keep you on track.
Is your housing taken care of?
Have you checked your student portal for new information?
Will you take your car? Where will you park?
Are there special computer requirements?
What phone options are available?
Have you discussed allowance with your parents?
Set up banking arrangements. Is your account linked to your parents account so they can transfer money to you quickly?
Do you need to obtain a work-study job or follow up on any of your aid?
What will you do for medical insurance? Is there a pharmacy on campus?
Do you need a school health insurance plan? (SHIP)
Will you need or want a bike on campus/ Do you need a campus permit? Do you have a lock?
What items are restricted? Check your paperwork!
Do you need a fridge or microwave? Can you rent one for the year?
Do you need any extra furniture for your room or apartment?
Is there air conditioning? Do you need a fan?
When do you register for classes? Will you need to take any placement tests?
Do you need to take a picture for your student id card? if you already have, do you need to pick up the id card?
Do you have a lock for your laptop?
Find the computer support office for your dorm!
Keep a list of all equipment serial id numbers, tech support, other PINS and passwords.
Discuss how often you will come home.
Don't miss out on any of the move in week activities!
This a a small sampling of helpful tips and useful information that we sahre at our workshops and with our clients. Come to a FREE college planning workshop in your area! Visit www.collegeplanningexperts.com
The summer is a great time to take your student on college campus visits. When you are on a tour, be sure to make it your priority to get a sense of the school’s academic environment. Here are some great questions to ask (or have your student ask) on a campus visit:
**Do students interact with their professors outside of the classroom?
**Do many guest lecturers come to the campus?
**Do professors within your student’s department of interest offer open lectures on their research and newest discoveries?
**How active are academic societies on campus?
**Do students ask questions at the end of lectures or in smaller breakaway sessions?
Get more great tips for your student and tons of financial aid help when you come to a FREE College Planning Workshop! Visit www.collegeplanningexperts.com for more information!