GETTING STARTED 4 Understanding College Application
The San Antonio Express-News is committed to providing information to further enhance the knowledge of educational opportunities for our community’s students. The College Guide provides insight on select colleges, universities and continuing education institutions as students research their options.
FINANCE 7 How to Finance your College Education COLLEGE LIFE 8 New Technology CHOOSING A SCHOOL 10 Our Lady of the Lake Universiy 12 University of the Incarnate Word
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ENRICHING EXPERIENCES ENRICHING EXPERIENCES Game Changers Game Changers
Mauricio Sanchez, a first-generation college student from San Antonio, was recruited by other universities in Texas, but he knew that being part of the first UTSA Football team in Mauricio Sanchez, a first-generation college student from San Antonio, was recruited by his hometown could, in his words, “be something special.” other universities in Texas, but he knew that being part of the first UTSA Football team in his hometown could, his me words, special.” “This community has in given big “be timesomething support,” he says. “Receiving a scholarship allows me to go to a top school without worrying my family with how to help me afford tuition,” says gettime to play a sporthe I love focus on agetting a good “This community hasMauricio. given me“Ibig support,” says.and “Receiving scholarship education. It go hastochanged my life and I am blessed have this allows me to a top school without worrying mytofamily withsupport.” how to help me
afford tuition,” says Mauricio. “I get to play a sport I love and focus on getting a good Mauricio is It one 30,000 students who areblessed creatingtotheir education. hasofchanged my life and I am haveown thisexperiences support.” here. Be one of them and apply at utsa.edu/admissions. Mauricio is one of 30,000 students who are creating their own experiences here. Be one We are opportunity. are progress. We Are UTSA. of them and apply atWe utsa.edu/admissions. We are opportunity. We are progress. We Are UTSA.
Mauricio Sanchez San Antonio Business Major Mauricio Sanchez Future Coach San Antonio Business Major Future Coach
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College Guide | Fall 2013
North American Precis Syndicate
Whether starting the college application process early or jumping in late, free online planning tools, tips and resources are invaluable to students looking for ways to successfully complete their college applications. Among the options available to students, BigFuture (bigfuture.org) was created with the advice of real students and educators, and offers tips on common concerns such as how to get started if you are overwhelmed or are a procrastinator, how to finalize your application list, how to get a great letter of recommendation, and how to craft your application essays. “The key to minimizing the stress of the college application process, whether you are starting as early as middle school or are a senior just beginning now, is to get and stay organized,” said April Bell, director of counseling at The College Board. “A step-by-step action plan will allow you to keep track of deadlines and various elements of a strong colleage application.” BigFuture lets students create a personalized action plan that gives them expert advice on all the steps they
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Fall 2013 |College Guide 5C
need to take to apply to college. By answering up to five simple questions, students can create a plan that serves as a road map to guide them through school to college, advise them on what to do and when, and track their progress. Parents can also find action plans on the website to help guide their children as well as information on how to help pay for their child’s education. BigFuture provides four key starter steps for students who are overwhelmed by the college application process or are starting late. They include a breakdown of the anatomy of the college application, an application checklist and important truths about applying to college, such as the fact that college admission isn’t as competitive as many students think. Fewer than 100 colleges in the U.S. are highly selective (i.e., they accept less than 25 percent of applicants) and close to 500 four-year colleges accept more than 75 percent of applicants. Open-admission colleges accept all or most high school graduates. BigFuture’s college search feature provides comparative information on almost 4,000 college options. Research shows that applying to at least three colleges improves your chances of successfully enrolling in college. “Also critical is the ability to narrow your list once you’ve explored all your options,” Bell said.
uiw.edu
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I encourage all students considering college to know the power of a degree. Not only does it give you a fulfilling sense of accomplishment, but it prepares you to be successful in your next phase of life.
DAVID ROBINSON UIW Alumnus ’11 MAA
Fall 2013 |College Guide 7C
North American Precis Syndicate
To attend college, most students must pass a very rigorous test – finding the money to pay for education. Finding that money is harder every year. With college costs rising more quickly than medical care, The Wall Street Journal recently reported that 88 percent of families are having difficulty paying for college. In the past, college tuition was paid for with savings, supplemented by government or bank loans. Today, it’s usually savings, spending from current income and borrowing,” said Justin Draeger, National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators. Because it costs so much to go to college, the majority of students leave with more than $23,000 in debt. Although fewer grants and loans will be given to students this year, there are still financial resources available if you know where to look for them. “There are billions of higher education dollars that annually go unused because people just do not know about the money, where it is and how to get it,” said Idalah D. Womack, MSW, LCSW, author of “1 TRUECollege Money Since 1978,” sixth edition (Infinity Publishing). Womack was the first person in her family to go to college. She was inspired to write the book because of her own experiences trying to get financial aid, and the current sixth edition contains more than 30 years of her research combined with college students’ experiences. Womack offers a few of her tips to get started: • Take a pen, paper and quarters to a library. Be prepared to gather/copy a large amount of information. • Go to the reference desk of your local public, high school, college or college departmental libraries. Ask for books about scholarships, fellowships and internships that pay for higher education. • Grants originate from business, government, private and/or foundation sources. Successful and wealthy graduates often donate money in an effort to give back and help other students. Many of these grants can be found in college catalogs. • While you are awaiting applications for financial help, start looking for a college. • Contact the Continuing Education Department at colleges and request information about their services, work-study grants and cooperative education programs.
10C College Guide | Fall 2013
Leadership and service are hallmarks of an Our Lady of the Lake University (OLLU) education. Through innovative academic and extracurricular programs OLLU provides students the opportunity to earn leadership certification and develop the knowledge, skills and values to lead in their careers and communities. Community service is incorporated into academic programs offering students real-world experience in their major while serving the community. Leadership and service are part of the heritage of the Sisters of Divine Providence, founders and sponsors of the university. RECOGNIZED QUALITY OLLU was elevated to the “National University” category in U.S. News & World Report’s annual college rankings. Previously it was in the 1st Tier of Regional Universities (West). OLLU is recognized among the top 25 universities for educating Hispanic students in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. OLLU works with community partners to provide paid internships at such companies as Capital One, Citibank, State Farm and Rackspace. Internships benefit students by offering real-world experience, paid stipends and networking opportunities. Keeping private higher education affordable OLLU works closely with each student and family to keep private education affordable. The University offers scholarships, grants and assistance with the financial aid process. LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT All undergraduate students can earn leadership certification through our new HALO (Higher Achievement through Leadership Opportunities) program. OUTSTANDING FACILITIES The completely renovated Main Building offers students access to the latest in educational technology, a state-of-the-art multimedia broadcast center and exciting new dining and social spaces. In addition, OLLU science labs have undergone a $2.4 million upgrade.
(210) 695-8872 San Antonio College • St. Philips College • Palo Alto College Northwest Vista College • Northeast Lakeview College (210) 222-1323 UTSA Downtown Campus • Texas A&M San Antonio
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12C College Guide | Fall 2013
Founded in 1881 by the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word, UIW is the largest Catholic university in the state and the fourth largest private university in Texas. The University of the Incarnate Word’s (UIW) main campus is located in the prestigious Alamo Heights area with satellite campus locations throughout San Antonio, a presence in Corpus Christi and campuses in both China and MÊxico and a new European Study Center located in Heidelberg, Germany. With more than 130 years of tradition, Incarnate Word is known not only for its academic excellence but for its diversity and personal attention to the more than 9,000 students who call UIW home. At UIW, students can choose from a variety of interesting and challenging majors including biology, business administration, nursing, rehabilitative science, vision science, education and computer graphic arts. Also known for its esteemed music program, UIW boasts six musical ensembles including the very popular Cardinal Marching Band. In all, UIW offers nearly 80 undergraduate, graduate, Ph.D. and professional programs including pharmacy, optometry and physical theravpy. With small classes, students receive one-on-one attention and build relationships that extend beyond the classroom. UIW admits qualified applicants on a continual or rolling basis, throughout the year. Complete your application in a timely fashion to allow sufficient time to process financial aid awards. Approximately 92 percent of UIW students receive financial assistance with more than $120 million spent annually in scholarships, work study, grants and loans. You can access the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) forms along with the academic scholarship estimator online at www. uiw.edu/finaid.
Committed to the full development of UIW students, the Division of Student Success welcomes new students and guides them through their educational experience to graduation. Services include peer mentors, first-year engagement and emerging leaders. Programs are free and work to help incoming students make a successful transition to the university. To find out how we can guide you to success, visit www.uiw.edu/studentsuccess. UIW sponsors more sports than any other NCAA Division II school in the state of Texas with a total of 21 teams in men’s and women’s sports. Since 2007-08, more than 20 Cardinals’ squads have claimed league titles and advanced to national postseason play. UIW is a member of the NCAA Division II, and a member of the Lone Star Conference. In 2013, UIW will make the move to the NCAA Division I Southland Conference. UIW has a very active campus life. Our students participate in academic, social and professional organizations including Greek life, service, special interests, intramurals and inter-collegiate athletics. UIW is a close community where you are encouraged to get involved! Ten student dormitories feature single, double and triple living accommodations. A professional staff of
administrators, graduate-hall advisors and resident assistants are available to students 24 hours a day. All campus residences are wired for the internet and provide basic cable and telephone service. Campus police are available 24/7, with emergency phones located throughout campus to ensure your living experience is a safe one. Our goal is to provide our students the most enjoyable and comfortable living experience possible. UIW is committed to offering students a global experience with a diverse student body representing 63 countries. We are a leader in international education with over 115 “sister schools” in 39 countries including Italy, China, France and Germany. Find out more at www.uiw. edu/studyabroad. Come tour our campus, schedule a visit, meet our students and faculty, ask questions, and see why at UIW, you’ll earn a “Degree of Difference.” Find out more information on the admissions process including an online application at www.uiw.edu/ admissions. For additional information or to arrange a campus visit, call 1-800-749-WORD or (210) 829-6005 or visit www.uiw.edu.
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COLLEGE GUIDE is published in the spring and fall by the San Antonio Express-News, a division of the Hearst Newspapers Partnership, L.P. Copyright Š 2013. For advertising information, call (210) 250-2601. For more news on education visit mySA.com/HigherEducation
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