Broadening Options for US University Applications

Presenter: Emmanuel Reed, M.S.Ed.

Mr. Reed’s Background

Mr. Reed is a veteran educator from New York City. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Fordham University, Master of Science in Education degree from Touro College and a diploma in Human Resource Management from New York University (NYU). Mr. Reed has been working high school students in the area of U.S. university admissions since 1995. He has helped students get into public, private and Ivy League universities throughout the United States.

Presentation Agenda

* Things to consider when applying to an American university• Cost, cost savings & ROI (return on investment)

* The admissions process• Personal statement• What Admissions Counselors look for• Univ. of California Berekely case study

* Web Resources

* Q & A session

Cost of Attendance discounts & ROI

• Did you know that you can potentially save thousand’s dollars because of IB classes your child has taken?

• Which majors offers the greatest return on investment?

Annual undergraduate tuition fees at the world’s top universities in 2013

University Tuition fees (US$)

Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) $36,000

Harvard University $38,891

University of Cambridge $14,000

University College London (UCL) $14,000

Imperial College London $14,000

University of Oxford $14,000

Stanford University $42,690

Yale University $43,100

University of Chicago $45,324

California Institute of Technology (Caltech) $39,990

Princeton University $40,170

Private Schools COA SamplesHarvard University Cost of Attendance

2014-2015 2013-2014 Tuition and Fees $43,938 $42,292 Room and Board $14,669 $14,115 Subtotal - billed costs $58,607 $56,407 Estimated personal expenses (including $800-$1,200 for books)

$3,643 $3,543

Estimated travel costs $0 - $5,800 $0 - $5,200 Total billed and unbilled costs

$62,250 - $68,050 $59,950 - $65,150

Private Schools COA SamplesNew York University COA 2014-2015

School Tuition & Fees

Living Expenses

Health Insurance

Total

College of Arts and Science

US$ 45,138 US$ 24,000 US$ 3,439 US$ 72,577

Steinhardt School of Education

US$ 45,028 US$ 24,000 US$ 3,439 US$ 72,467

Stern School of Business

US$ 46,516 US$ 24,000 US$ 3,439 US$ 73,955

Polytechnic School of Engineering

US$ 45,028 US$ 24,000 US$ 3,439 US$ 72,467

Tisch School of the Arts

US$ 49,422 US$ 24,000 US$ 3,439 US$ 76,861

Public Schools COA Samples

UCLA COA 2014-2015

Notes

1. International applicants please note: UCLA does not award

scholarships or financial aid to undergraduate students who are not

citizens or permanent residents of the United States.

UCLA COA 2014-2015

Nonresidents

UCLA Residence

Halls

Off Campus

Apartments

Living with

Relatives

University Tuition and Student Service Fees

$12,862 $12,862 $12,862

Nonresident Supplemental Tuition

22,878 22,878 22,878

Health Insurance [3] 1,938 1,938 1,938

Books and Supplies 1,599 1,599 1,599

Room and Board 14,571 10,137 4,644

Transportation 585 1,092 1,641

Personal 1,638 1,821 2,013

Total Nonresident Budget 56,071 52,327 47,575

Notes

1. International applicants please note: UCLA does not award

scholarships or financial aid to undergraduate students who are not

citizens or permanent residents of the United States.

Public Schools COA Samples

Public Schools COA Samples

‘Need-blind’ admission at US universities

• Need-blind admission means that students are admitted regardless of their ability to pay, and that universities will only charge what they think students can reasonably afford to pay based on their parental income.

• Even so, there’s no denying that for most people studying at a leading institution in the US is a massive financial commitment.

• There are currently six US universities that offer ‘need-blind’ admission for both domestic and international applicants, and offer to meet full need for all admitted students: Amherst College Dartmouth College Harvard University MIT Princeton University Yale University

Top 10 Highest Paying College Majors10. Mechanical Engineering (ME)

Starting Salary: $60,900Mid-Career Salary: $99,700

9. Physics

Starting Salary: $53,100 Mid-Career Salary: $101,000

8. Computer Science (CS)

Starting Salary: $59,800 Mid-Career Salary: $102,000

6.  TIE – Computer Engineering (CE)

Starting Salary: $65,300Mid-Career

Salary: $106,000

6.  TIE – Electrical Engineering (EE)

Starting Salary: $64,300 Mid-Career Salary: $106,000

5. Aerospace Engineering

Starting Salary: $62,800 Mid-Career Salary: $109,000

4. Chemical Engineering

Starting Salary: $68,200 Mid-Career Salary: $115,000

3. Nuclear Engineering

Starting Salary: $67,600 Mid-Career Salary: $117,000

2. Actuarial Mathematics

Starting Salary: $58,700 Mid-Career Salary: $120,000

1. Petroleum Engineering

Starting Salary: $103,000 Mid-Career Salary: $160,000

Bottom 10 Lowest Paying College Majors

10. Culinary Arts

Actual List Rank: 120 out of 129 Starting Salary: $34,800 Mid-Career Salary: $51,100

9. Exercise Science

Actual List Rank: 121 out of 129 Starting Salary: $32,600 Mid-Career Salary: $51,000

8. Horticulture

Actual List Rank: 122 out of 129 Starting Salary: $35,2007. Biblical Studies

Actual List Rank: 123 out of 129 Starting Salary: $35,400 Mid-Career Salary: $50,800

6. Special Education

Actual List Rank: 124 out of 129 Starting Salary: $33,800 Mid-Career Salary: $49,600

5. Human Development

Actual List Rank: 125 out of 129 Starting Salary: $35,900 Mid-Career Salary: $48,000

4. Athletic Training

Actual List Rank: 126 out of 129 Starting Salary: $34,800 Mid-Career Salary: $46,900

3. Social Work (SW)

Actual List Rank: 127 out of 129 Starting Salary: $33,000 Mid-Career Salary: $46,600

2. Elementary Education

Actual List Rank: 128 out of 129 Starting Salary: $32,200 Mid-Career Salary: $45,300

1. Child & Family Studies

Actual List Rank: 129 out of 129 Starting Salary: $30,300 Mid-Career Salary: $37,200

Applications

• Visit the University website for info you need to have on: 1. International students (non US Citizens and non-Residents)

2. Financial Aid3. TOEFL Information4. University / College code (to submit with SAT)

• Make yourself a List of paper work required for each University Transcripts Standardized tests Recommendations Quality of writing / essays Achievements, extra-curricular involvement

Those that accept Common Application, some require Supplemental Application (each is different)

Admissions Counselors look at

• Academic Record• Rigor of School record• Test Scores / Essay ( talent /

ability )• Geographic Residence• Racial / Ethnic status (optional)• Volunteer work• Work experience• Overall rounding (Math,

Science, Humanities, Language)• Institutional Need

Sample of What Colleges Ask For:

“We give the greatest weight to your academic transcript. The rigor of thecourses you’ve taken, the quality of your grades and the consistency withwhich you’ve worked over four years give us the clearest indication of how wellyou will do...

Standardized tests also play an important role in helping us evaluate you in comparison to students taught in very different secondary schools. Recommendations, the quality of your writing, and extra-and co-curricular talents also help the Admission Committee draw distinctions among very Talented applicants.

• Standardized Tests – Sat reasoning test ,with essay Plus two Sat subject exams; or – Act (with essay recommended)

Timing• Identify the Criteria important to you• Browse and Select several (10, 15, 20 or more) possible Colleges /

Universities and quantify those criteria• Visit Websites and Shortlist those that fit• Discuss criteria with Parents, Counselor, Teachers, Alumni• Revisit your Priorities – Shortlist again• Build a Profile on each of your Top choices• If time and opportunity allow – Visit the Campus• Download and fill in applications before Sept 1

– (during summer; earlier is better)• Somewhere within above process start the Personal Statement /

Essay• Target Completion of Essay (give yourself a deadline)

– You may want to show draft or final to Counselor or Teacher– Give “Recommending” Teacher an idea of how you are

presenting yourself

Tips – Things For You to Consider In Short-Listing

• Academic rating of College• Enrollment (Size of school community - Undergraduate)• Teacher / Student ratio • Is Teacher Interesting / Accessible• Percent of classes taught by a Professor (versus graduate

student)• School Environment (village, town, city, metro)• Previous year’s SAT score “Median” (50%) – Reasoning, Math,

Writing• International Student population (% of total enrollment)• Quality of Life rating (some college books rate out of 100, or give

student testimonials)• Is a Major offered that interests you? (see website)• Number of requirements for that Major? (# of courses to take to

get in)• Can you get into Required classes? (competition to register)• Flexibility of Requirements – Can you substitute courses?

Identify Some Specific Goals• Academic Goals:

Areas of interest – Asia, Europe, Africa– Sciences, Literature, Computers, Languages– Drama, Music, Sports

• Activities of Interest:You’d see yourself being involved in

– Campus Clubs or Societies, Campus Newspaper, – Sports Teams, Singing Groups, Drama,

– Research Assistant, Office Assistant• Some Admissions Counselors will be most impressed by

– a purposeful vision of your life or goals– intellectual commitment – desire to make a meaningful contribution

• If you plan to participate in a sport – See website, some colleges suggest

register/contact with coach.

Essay

• The word limit is usually a guideline; consult the application. If not specified, use good judgment and stay close to suggested limit

• Essay is not only a writing test. It’s the place in the application where they look for your ‘voice’ – who you are, what drives you, what’s important to you, what makes you tick.

EssayIn addition to the essay you’re asked to write as part of the Common Application, colleges often require a second essay (250-500 words).

Some Colleges do not offer interviews as part of the application process. However, your essays provide you with an opportunity to speak to them.

One Example: Respond to the Following Quotations. Please keep this in mind when responding to one of the following quotations. It is not necessary to research, read, or refer to the texts from which these quotations are taken; we are looking for original, personal responses to these short excerpts. Remember that your essay should be personal in nature and not simply an argumentative essay.

Personal Statement / Essay

• Be Informative• Be Accurate• Focus on your:

– Study goals– Future goals– Expectations of University (List them for yourself)

• Focus on your uniqueness and specific contributions or achievements

• Not all U.S. Universities require a Personal Statement – some have other essay questions in lieu of. e.g. “ How do you feel about Wednesday?” (real question)

• Good idea to tailor your Personal Statement / Essay to relate to the Specific University / College you are applying to. Include a line or two about something ‘that’ University that shows them that you know about their program.

Personal Statement – cont’d

THIS is the PICTURE you give about – Your “achievements-to-date”– Your potential to benefit to the College’s program– Ability to succeed in a “Rigorous” and “Broad – Based”

program– Your “Leadership” qualities – (this can mean many things)

Team Leadership Individual initiative to start and complete a project Creativity and action

– Demonstrated social involvement – Collective action– Your Ability to write and articulate (powerfully & persuasively,

with honesty, clarity (and wit – if you can pull it off! BE CAREFUL !!)

– Your Intellectual Curiosity

Give a picture of your Engagement in School or Community.

Personal Statement(helpful hints)

MAKE LISTS TO CHOOSE FROM• Things you

– Love– Are good at– Hate – Have done

• People who impacted your life and why?• Events that have impacted your life and how?• Your unique attributes• Examples of leadership

Choose the points/parts that, when woven together, paints the picture of you!

University of California at BerkeleyCase Study

(adapted from the New York Times)

Student A

A HIGHLY qualified student, with a 3.95 un-weighted grade point average and 2300 on the SAT. He had perfect 800s on his subject tests in math and chemistry, a score of 5 on five Advanced Placement exams, musical talent and, in one of two personal statements, had written a loving tribute to his parents, who had emigrated from India.

Student B

A second engineering applicant, a Mexican-American student with a moving, well-written essay but a 3.4 G.P.A. and SATs below 1800. His school offered no A.P. He competed in track when not at his after-school job, working the fields with his parents. 

Things to Consider…

• Both students were among “typical” applicants used as norms to train application readers like myself. And their different credentials yet remarkably close rankings illustrate the challenges, the ambiguities and the agenda of admissions at a major public research university in a post-affirmative-action world.

• “To better understand stressors, I was trained to look for the “helpful” personal statement that elevates a candidate. Here I encountered through-the-looking-glass moments: an inspiring account of achievements may be less “helpful” than a report of the hardships that prevented the student from achieving better grades, test scores and honors.

• IN personal statements, we had been told to read for the “authentic” voice over students whose writing bragged of volunteer trips to exotic places or anything that “smacks of privilege.”

• Fortunately, that authentic voice articulated itself abundantly. Many essays lucidly expressed a sense of self and character — no small task in a sea of applicants. The assistant director’s words — look for “evidence a student can succeed at Berkeley” — echoed in my ears when I wanted to give a disadvantaged applicant a leg up in the world. I wanted to help. Surely, if these students got to Berkeley they would be exposed to all sorts of test-taking and studying techniques.

• But would they be able to compete with the engineering applicant with the 3.95 G.P.A. and 2300 SATs? Does Berkeley have sufficient support services to bridge gaps and ensure success? Could this student with a story full of stressors and remedial-level writing skills survive in a college writing course?” Ruth A. Starkman

End Result of Case StudyStudent A• Student A was not among the top-ranked engineering applicants to

the University of California, Berkeley. The reason our budding engineer was a 2 on a 1-to-5 scale (1 being highest) has to do with Berkeley’s holistic, or comprehensive, review, an admissions policy adopted by most selective colleges and universities. In holistic review, institutions look beyond grades and scores to determine academic potential, drive and leadership abilities. Apparently, our Indian-American student needed more extracurricular activities and engineering awards to be ranked a 1.

Student B• Accepted

Web Resourceshttp://www.nytimes.com/2013/08/04/education/edlife/lifting-the-veil-on-the-holistic-process-at-the-university-of-california-berkeley.html?pagewanted=all

http://college.usatoday.com/2014/05/01/4-signs-of-a-scholarship-scam/

http://college.usatoday.com/2014/05/28/students-take-advantage-of-degree-in-three-concept/

Colleges and Universities That Do Not Use SAT/ACT Scores for Admitting Substantial Numbers of Students Into Bachelor Degree Programs

http://www.fairtest.org/university/optional

www.fastweb.com

http://www.fastweb.com/college-search/articles/4267-10-highest-lowest-paying-college-majors

http://www.fastweb.com/college-search/articles/3162-mastering-summer-college-visits

http://www.america.edu/top_20_catholic_colleges_and_universities_in_america.html

http://www.hercampus.com/high-school/applying-college/should-you-go-college-close-home-or-far-away

http://colleges.usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/best-colleges/rankings/national-universities/best-value