College Guide 2012 by The Wilkes-Barre Publishing Company

PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID WILKES-BARRE, PA PERMIT NO. 90

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With 7 campus locations, McCann School of Business makes aﬀordable and practical educational opportunities easier for students

hether preparing to enter the professional world or expanding your skills, education should be available wherever, whenever. With the McCann School of Business and Technology, you can rely on challenging programs, interesting curriculum, and a friendly educational environment to achieve your goals. Rich in history, the McCann School of Business was founded by Louis C. McCann in 1897. After his death in 1956, Mrs. Dorothy Houser, who later purchased the school, began serving as director. A change of ownership occurred in 1981, when the school was purchased by James and Elizabeth Noone. They brought a strong, practical business training approach to the school. This approach was reinforced with the new acquisition of McCann by Delta Educational Systems, Inc. in August of 2002. Delta is headquartered in Virginia Beach, Virginia, and owns schools in Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Louisiana, and Georgia.

Under the newest ownership, McCann has extended its span of education throughout Pennsylvania, looking to expand its aﬀordable and practical educational opportunities to more students. After already maintaining campuses in Pottsville and Sunbury, McCann relocated the original school to Humboldt Industrial Park in Hazleton, just over the Schuylkill County border. In April of 2008, the Scranton campus of McCann relocated to Dickson City, Lackawanna County, and in April of 2009, the school opened a new campus in Allentown, Lehigh County. Later that year, another new campus opened in Carlisle, Pennsylvania. In the winter of 2011, McCann opened yet another new campus in Wilkes-Barre. McCann continues its intent to expand and provide a wide array of degree training programs that can help ﬁnd and start the right career for you. McCann’s accredited

campuses oﬀer day, evening, and online classes to help you choose a course schedule

that best suits your busy life. Their seven school locations also make it convenient for Pennsylvania students to earn their education. From your classes to your education to your employment, you are becoming

part of a team that will be there every step of the way. At McCann, you can count on innovative technology, experienced instructors, engaging classes, and pioneering techniques. With the McCann family, you can attend classes at a campus not far from you. From the moment you enroll, you will see that McCann’s focus is on you. All campuses, including Allentown, Carlisle, Dickson City, Hazleton, Pottsville, Sunbury, and Wilkes-Barre are accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools. Find a career that’s right for you at the McCann School of Business & Technology.

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– c a r e e r

e d u c a t i o n –

If four years sounds like a long time, it’s because it is. AT McCANN, YOU CAN GRADUATE IN AS LITTLE AS 18 MONTHS OR EVEN LESS. TO PUT YOUR EDUCATION ON THE FAST TRACK, VISIT McCANN.EDU TODAY.

ALLENTOWN 2200 N. Irving Street (By the airport) Allentown, PA 18109

EXCELLENCE

EDUCATION

SINCE

1897

CARLISLE 346 York Road Carlisle, PA 17013 717-218-3400

HAZLETON 370 Maplewood Drive (Humboldt Industrial Park) Hazle Township, PA 18202 POTTSVILLE 2650 Woodglen Road Pottsville, PA 17901 SUNBURY 1147 N. Fourth Street Sunbury, PA 17801

888-513-5877 www.McCann.edu

Day and evening classes. Career placement assistance for graduates. Financial aid is available for those who qualify.

Career training programs may vary by campus. For more information about our graduation rates, the median debt of students who completed the programs,and other important information, please visit our website at: http://disclosure.mccann.edu McC.GEN.01117.C.101_ 4YRS.TL.EG

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WILKES-BARRE 264 Highland Park Boulevard Wilkes-Barre, PA 18702

Changing Futures. Changing Lives.®

773884

DICKSON CITY 2227 Scranton-Carbondale Hwy. Scranton, PA 18508

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TRADITION. OPPORTUNITY. TRANSFORMATION.®

Utica College’s nearly 20,000 alumni have founded enterprises, built communities, and distinguished themselves in health care, government, education, and many other fields, all over the world. Wherever their dreams may lead them, UC graduates make remarkable contributions using the tools they develop at Utica; tools that include an essential knowledge about the world and how it works and the confidence to lead.

2 MBA programs and 2 doctoral programs in physical therapy. UC’s academic programs offer internships and other real-world opportunities that put students where they can learn career skills from experienced professionals who use them every day. Through the Office of International Education, students can also follow their academic interests to destinations on 5 continents and take advantage

and journalism programs -- one of only a handful of HD learning facilities in the northeastern U.S. The college’s newest academic building is the recently dedicated Economic Crime and Justice Studies building, a highly sophisticated research and learning center that features cutting-edge forensic technologies, secure evidence rooms, and more.

From the moment students arrive on campus, they can find everything they need to achieve their goals. They find remarkably accomplished faculty whom they come to regard not only as mentors and partners in discovery but as friends. They find learning opportunities that lead from classrooms and advanced research facilities to the workplace and beyond. They find a vibrant community of fellow students to engage with on a variety of levels. But most importantly, UC students find themselves. They discover strengths they never knew they possessed. They build self-confidence through continual intellectual challenge and enriching extracurricular opportunities. They take on leadership roles and make their mark on the college in any number of different ways.

The UC campus features a variety of new, cutting-edge facilities. F. Eugene Romano Hall offers stateof-the-art laboratory and learning facilities in the health sciences, including an innovative nursing lab that has become a model for nursing schools nationwide. UC’s Raymond Simon Convergence Media Center is a fully functional high-definition (HD) production, editing, and broadcast facility dedicated to the emeritus professor who founded Utica’s highly regarded public relations

When students come to Utica College, they become part of a vibrant, diverse community of learners representing every region of America and 40 countries worldwide. Every room in UC’s residence halls is equipped with cable TV hookups and high-speed Internet (not to mention nice, comfortable beds), and every hall offers coinless laundry facilities and common spaces for hanging out with friends. The campus offers a first-rate fitness facility and several options for dining. UC’s student-run programming board sponsors concerts and other performances throughout the term, bringing to campus wellknown writers, poets, and artists, as well as prominent politicians and

There is a lot to do at Utica, and many ways to connect with other students. People who never joined a club in high school may find themselves leading one at UC. Students may be surprised at how far they can go, if they’ve got the passion to get there. UC offers a great many opportunities to celebrate the spirit of competition with 25 Division III intercollegiate sports programs affiliated with the NCAA, Empire 8 Conference, and the ECAC, plus a full roster of intramural athletics. Determined competitors throughout the year, the Pioneers are well supported by members of the college community and the greater Utica area alike. Utica College is located in a residential neighborhood of Utica, NY, a small city near the center of New York state. UC students are in on a little secret: Utica is a great place to live. Students can go shopping, catch a movie, get an amazing meal (any cuisine one can name), see a Broadway production, visit a first-class art museum, and even do some downhill skiing, all within a few minutes’ ride of campus. If students go a little further, they’re in the Adirondacks -- a storied paradise of forested mountains, crystal-clear lakes and streams, ski resorts, and other attractions. When students head south, there’s Cooperstown, the birthplace of baseball. Syracuse is less than an hour away; New York City and Boston about five hours. For more information about Utica College, call the Office of Admissions at (315) 792-3006 or 1-800782-8884 or visit our Web site at www.utica.edu.

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Utica College offers 37 bachelor’s degree programs in more than 60 areas of study. Pre-professional programs are also available, including pre-law, pre-dentistry, pre-medicine, and more. UC also offers a broad range of graduate programs, including master’s options in criminal justice administration, economic crime management, education, liberal studies, health care administration, and occupational therapy. In addition, there are

of exchange programs with colleges and universities in the United Kingdom, Finland, Peru, Japan, and elsewhere.

opinion-makers.

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UTICA COLLEGE

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CO L L EG E G U I D E 2012

Competition can get keen

By JESSICA MEYERS The Dallas Morning News

Scoring perfect SATs, landing class valedictorian and mastering the violin don’t cut it anymore. Now it’s about priming resumes in middle school, turning science projects into patented inventions and dissecting your life’s achievements in 500 words or fewer. In the battle to entice big-time universities, good is no longer good enough. The college admissions process has morphed into a focused fight to prove individual exceptionalism and convey unparalleled drive. And it may only get more intense. Colleges nationwide have seen swelling numbers of early applicants this year, fueled by an industry pushing college readiness and the growing influence of online marketing. This could breed a generation that works harder and achieves more in its early ages, but it also threatens to promote those who can afford a competitive advantage and punish those who can’t. “Sorry, I’m an average middleclass American and I’ve never done anything life-saving,” said Rachel Brooks, a senior at Frisco, Texas’s Liberty High who shoulders five advanced placement classes, plays in the marching band, and edits the school newspaper. She also skipped her junior year. The 16-year-old was denied early admission to Northwestern University. “It seems unfair,” she said, “that you have to have all these superhero requirements to get into an Ivy League.” Admissions officers blame the aggressive mentality on the HYP -Harvard, Yale, Princeton -- effect. Spots continue to dwindle in the nation’s most renowned universities, yet the majority of schools still accept about half their applicants. But as the college-bound pool broadens, the stakes rise for everyone. The charged atmosphere stems partly from demand. High school graduates topped 3.3 million in 2009, bolstered by kids of baby boomers -- who themselves came from more educated backgrounds than their parents -- and today’s pressing need for a college degree. The University of Texas at Aus-

The climb to higher ed Although the application procedure hasn’t changed greatly at local schools, some facets of the process have. ANDREW M. SEDER aseder@timesleader.com

lass rank, SAT score, personal essay and letters of recommendation. All were of the utmost importance when applying for college for decades. Officials from local institutions of higher learning say while some of those are still taken into consideration, much more goes into deciding whether a student should be offered admission into their school. Extra-curricular activities, community involvement, and a personal interview also come into play at many places in today’s competitive world of college admissions. Glenn Bozinski, the director of admissions at Misericordia University in Dallas Township, said while there are a lot more things involved today, there’s one thing that’s diminished: paper. “Ninety percent of our applications are done electronically,” Bozinski said, noting that a decade ago that percentage was closer to 20. He said in a few more years, paper applications will be a thing of the past.

“It would not shock me if five years from now if we went to a totally paperless application.” Even though many schools are seeing record number of applicants and the acceptance process has become much more difficult for officials who must factor in the size of certain programs with the available student pool, they said essentially the core admissions and acceptance process is much like it was a decade ago. “We’ve probably changed less than some other schools. We ask for really the same things we asked for 10 years ago,” Bozinski said. But some schools have expanded their application and admissions process and have put less stock into some parts of the application process. At Keystone College, in La Plume, Sarah Keating, Keystone’s vice president for enrollment and marketing, said while standardized test scores are still one evaluating tool, they’re not given the same credence they used to. See CLIMB, Page 36

MCT PHOTO

See KEEN, Page 36

COLLEGE C COACHING

ollege is an altogether larger world than high school. There are bigger classes, a larger and more diverse group of peers and new opportunities to fill a student’s day. Navigating this new and strange terrain can be daunting for the incoming high school graduate. We asked students at Wilkes-Barre’s downtown colleges how high school students can prepare themselves to ease the transition to campus life and make the most of a college experience. By Matt Hughes

“Be prepared for the roommate situation. When I was in high school I had a room to myself, and living with someone else takes some getting used to. There’s so many different people here ... and you just have to remember to be open-minded about things.” Nicole Moyer Kings College sophomore, 19 Quakertown Pa.

Definitely get involved in as many campus activities as you can. You make new friends and you get to have new experiences under your belt.

Lam Tran Kings College sophomore, 19 San Jose, Calif.

“In high school get involved in clubs and committees to help you be prepared for multitasking in college. It will help you manage your time better.” Trey Tietz Wilkes University fifth year pharmacy student, 22 Southington, Ohio

“I found that the more math and science you take in high school the more you’ll be prepared for your introductory college classes. I’ve found I’m more prepared coming in, so I definitely recommend math and science in high school.

“You’ve got to be prepared and organize your time in college. You seem to have a lot of free time, but not really; it’s a lot of work and a lot of responsibility.” Donachatch Kiangsiri Wilkes University freshman, 19 Bangkok, Thailand

Carrie Talamo Wilkes University freshman, 18, Selinsgrove Pa.

“When you’re looking into college you can never start too early, and take as many AP and honors classes as you can because it prepares you the best.” Dan Hackford Wilkes-University freshman, 18 Binghamton N.Y.

“College is what you put into it. The more you put into it, the more you’re going to get out of it, both socially and academically.” Kevin McMahon Kings College sophomore, 22 Akron Ohio

By LEE BIERER McClatchy Newspapers

Decoding decision deadlines for college admissions is a little like walking into an advanced Zumba class for the first time. It feels like everybody else knows the steps and you’re the only one who’s lost. Here is a primer on deciphering the abbreviations and the restrictions of admissions deadlines: Applying for early admission has its benefits; students who apply early, beginning as soon as Oct. 15, are notified earlier, in December, January and early February. That perk may not seem so important right now,but as friends receive their acceptance letters and some even make decisions in December and January, April will seem very far away. Students applying for early decision are making a definitive choice. They are committing that if they are accepted to the school (not all colleges offer ED), they will attend. Colleges love students who apply for ED because they can count on them attending, and they help frame the composition of their class. Deadlines for ED are typically Nov.1 and students are notified before Christmas. Students can complete applications for other colleges, but if they are accepted to the ED school they must withdraw them. Early Decision II: A few colleges that offer an Early Decision II plan. ED II is the same as ED but with later deadlines, usually around Jan. 1, the same as most regular decision deadlines. However, students applying for ED II are notified in early February and don’t have to wait until April. Many students use ED II if they are rejected from their first choice, where they applied for ED. Early Action: This is a nonbinding commitment with November deadlines and a December or January notification, but students aren’t required to make a commitment until May 1. Except for the few colleges with special programs, students can submit an Early Action application to as many schools as they like. Not all colleges offer this program. Single Choice Early Action or Restrictive Early Action: If it weren’t confusing enough, some colleges (Georgetown, Yale, Harvard, Princeton, Stanford, Boston College and Tulane) now offer another Early Action option. Read the admissions material carefully because some of the programs are very restrictive about where else applicants can apply.

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Becky Morrison Kings College sophomore, 19 Boyerstown, Pa.

“Use this time for social networking. Get to know your professors; they can help you in the future. You build new friendships that can help you in the future, and hopefully they can help you get a good job as well.”

Countdown: Early admission deadlines near

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CO L L EG E G U I D E 2012

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CO L L EG E G U I D E 2012

COMMENTARY PAMELA YIP

Borrowing? Knowledge is power

How to ease the pain? As thousands of college students nationUniversity in Chicago, start buying his own essentials at the grocery store, just to get a feel for what things will cost once he’s on his own. “I wanted him to have a stake in it. There are so many basic things -- toothpaste, Tylenol, laundry detergent -- that a student will need to buy on their own.” For the Wongs, it’s a little dose of financial tough love. Beyond paying for two tuitions, housing and meal plans, “I have no intention of putting more money into their accounts. If they suck it dry, they’re in trouble,” said Ellen Wong, coordinator of the honors humanities program at C.K. McClatchy High School in Sacramento. The Wong siblings -- Nolan, 19, a University of California-Berkeley sophomore, and Delaney, 17, a University of California-Santa Cruz freshman -- are expected to pay for their extracurricular expenses, whether it’s joining a fraternity or buying concert tickets. They’re also buying their own

ALL THE RECENT talk about the heft of student loan debt leads me to sound a warning to students and parents alike: Be careful in applying for a loan, and understand all aspects before signing. The U.S. Department of Education and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau in July unveiled a one-page “shopping sheet” that’s aimed at helping students and their families clearly see how much they need in loans to attend a school, and how much in grants and scholarships they would receive. “Students should know before they owe,” said consumer bureau Director Richard Cordray. “But unfortunately, we have heard from so many student loan borrowers who say that they simply did not understand what they signed up for. The Financial Aid Shopping Sheet gives students real numbers and a clear format that makes sense of a huge financial undertaking that too often is complex and confusing.” The stakes couldn’t be higher. Outstanding student loan debt has crossed the $1 trillion mark and now eclipses credit cards as the leading source of U.S. household debt outside of mortgages. “The bottom line is that no consumer should take on a large amount of debt without understanding the costs and the risks,” Cordray said. “Too often, students receive financial aid award letters that are laden with jargon, use inconsistent terms and calculations, and make it unnecessarily difficult to compare different financial aid awards side-by-side.” The Financial Aid Shopping Sheet, which the secretary of education has asked

See FINANCES, Page 11

See BORROWING, Page 11

MCT PHOTO

Nolan Wong, left, packs his clothes for his sophomore year at UC Berkeley with help from his sister, Delaney, who is a freshman at UC Santa Cruz. By CLAUDIA BUCK The Sacramento Bee

ACRAMENTO, Calif. -- Two kids, two college tuitions. Add it up: One very big college bill. For families like John and Ellen Wong of Sacramento, paying for college is no trivial expense. With two teenagers who headed to campus this fall, their total annual tab is about $66,000. That’s roughly Ellen Wong’s entire annual salary as a public high school instructor. “We’ve been saving since they were babies,” said Ellen Wong, who said the couple are determined to get their kids through college without relying on student loans. That’s no easy feat at a time when college tuition is soaring and student debt loads are crushing. Not surprisingly, the financial burden is hitting even affluent families. According to a recent Wall Street Journal report, the largest growth in student debt between 2007 and 2010 was in upper-middle-income families, those earning $94,500 to $205,000 a year.

It’s time to bone up on

FINANCES

CO L L EG E- B O U N D?

Here are some helpful sites: • CashCourse.org has free financial tips and budgeting help, even how to “eat cheap” in college. • NerdWallet.com, a San Francisco-based personal finance site, has a new “Education” blog geared to college students and 20-somethings. • WhatsMyScore.org has hip tips on college finances, including apartment hunting, car buying and budgets. • “Be Debt Savvy,” at http://www.salliemae.com/bedebtsavvy/, has budget calculators, tips on managing credit and loan repayment advice. SOURCE: Sacramento Bee research

wide head to campus this fall, here are some Finance 101 notes: HAVE THE TALK: Sit down and talk clearly as a family about who will pay for what. What you want to avoid is a tearful phone call home that your freshman has drained the bank account or overdrafted the debit card. In some families, Mom and Dad pay for basics (tuition, food,

monthly allowance) while students cover the rest (off-campus meals, clothes, entertainment). “Each family needs to have those discussions, depending on their finances and what they can afford. You need to be clear,” said Donna Bland, CEO of Golden 1 Credit Union in Sacramento. This summer, Bland had her son, now a freshman at DePaul

11 things you DON’T need

FINANCES Continued from Page 10

textbooks. To do that, both got summer jobs. Nolan earned $10 to $15 an hour as a dog washer for a local pet groomer; Delaney took home $8 an hour --after taxes -- as a birthday party host and snack bar attendant at a children’s park. DO A BUDGET: Creating a college budget doesn’t have to be a tedious, laborious process, said Joseph Audette, 29, vice president of financial literacy for San Francisco-based NerdWallet.com. It can be as simple as “writing it on the back of an envelope with pen and paper,” he notes, or more sophisticated, using budgeting sites like Mint.com, where you can visually track your spending. DEBIT OR CREDIT? It’s one of the big debates, especially for freshmen new to money management. One side says a credit card _ paid off monthly _ is a great way for students to start building a healthy credit score. Others say credit cards can lead to freestyle spending, missed payments and a pileup of penalties, late fees and rocketing interest rates. Not to mention a beat-up credit history. “A debit card allows them to spend what they have, not what they don’t,” said Golden 1’s Bland. She advises college students to set up mobile texts or email alerts that let them know when their account balance is running low, thus avoiding overdraft

BORROWING Continued from Page 10

fees. As for credit cards, recent federal law aimed at protecting college students does not allow anyone under 21 to be issued a card unless they can show proof of repayment (i.e., a job) or have a parent co-sign. “There’s value in having a credit card, but only for emergencies,” Bland said, such as a medical emergency or a lastminute flight home. MISTAKES HAPPEN: As any veteran parent of a college student knows, there’ll be some financial hiccups. The lost laptop, the overdrawn bank account, the late tuition payment, perhaps an off-campus speeding ticket that busts a budget. Audette recalls one of his freshman

financial bloopers: buying expensive speakers -- in cash -- that turned out to be shoddy but nearly broke his firstquarter budget. “I learned to be very careful about ’deals,’ “ he said, as well as to think twice before making impulse purchases. DON’T DESPAIR: “There are valuable lessons to be learned from mistakes and this is the time to learn them, while in high school and early in college,” said Golden 1’s Bland. “(Students) don’t have mortgages; they aren’t paying big auto loans. ... It’s not Mom or Dad telling (them) how to manage (their) finances; it’s (them) learning in a controlled environment, with a limited budget.”

the Student Money Management Center at the University of Texas-Arlington. “When they complete their FAFSA (the Free Application for Federal Student Aid), what they’re most worried about is, is it enough to cover the tuition and the fees,” she said. “They’re not so concerned about the loan repayment or the amount of debt they’re accruing until graduation, and it’s time to pay the loan back, and then they realize, ’Wow, I took out this much money.’ “ The key to taking out a student loan is to borrow only what you need. “Your total education debt at graduation should be less than your expected starting salary, and ideally less than half your starting salary,” said Mark Kantrowitz, publisher of Fastweb.com and FinAid.org. “If you borrow more than your expected starting salary, you will need to use a longer-term repayment plan to afford your monthly loan payments,” he said. “This means you will still be repaying your own student loans by the time your children enroll in college.”

Extending the repayment term also will double or even triple the total interest paid over the life of the loan, Kantrowitz said. And, he said, “if you borrow more than twice your expected starting salary, you will be at high risk of default.” If you need to borrow for school, seek out federal student loans before considering private student loans. “Federal student loans are cheaper, more available and have better repayment terms than private student loans,” Kantrowitz said. “The interest rates on federal education loans are fixed, while the interest rates on most private student loans are variable and will probably increase over the life of the loan.” Getting a college education can be valuable. Sound planning will protect you from being saddled with student loan debt long after you’ve graduated. Pamela Yip is a personal finance columnist for the Dallas Morning News. Readers may send her email at pyip@dallasnews.com; she cannot give individual replies.

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colleges to voluntarily adopt starting in 2013, lists what is a loan and what is a scholarship. It also lays out the total cost of attendance, including tuition, fees and other expenses, and details options for federal aid. “The form can help students understand how much debt they may have after graduation and what their monthly payment could look like,” Cordray said. “In doing all of this, it enables prospective students to compare one college offer to another.” While the form isn’t mandatory for colleges, I encourage schools to adopt it because it gives families a standard format to compare costs across different colleges. “Students aren’t aware of, or understanding how much loan they’re taking out,” said Shakeela Hunter, director of

THE SACRAMENTO BEE

A care package from an aunt will accompanied Nolan Wong to his sophomore year at UC Berkeley.

Packing for college is all about what you can cram into a dorm room for life away from home. Here’s what Kiplinger’s financial magazine suggests students can live without: 1. New textbooks: Most campuses sell or rent used textbooks. Check local Craigslist or campus bulletin boards, or online sites like BigWords.com or CampusBooks.com. If you have an e-reader, buying digital textbooks can be far cheaper than a new hardback. 2. A high-end computer: An inexpensive laptop or desktop computer should suffice. Netbooks are cheap, but their small keyboards and slow speed aren’t ideal for college. 3. A printer: Buying a printer, ink cartridges and paper can add up. Instead, buy a $10 flash drive to save those 20-page assignments, then print from the campus computer lab (which you may already be paying for as a "technology fee.") Ask about page limits and extra fees. 4. Costly smartphone plans: Cellphone data contracts can run as high as $200 a month. Instead, look at no-contract alternatives, such as Virgin Mobile’s Beyond Talk Plan, which starts at $35 a month for unlimited Web, data, messaging and email. 5. Cable TV: Eliminate cable costs by accessing news and favorite shows online, either streaming from your computer or a Webenabled device, such as a gaming console. 6. A car: Gas, maintenance and parking permits add up, not to mention traffic tickets and repairs. Note to parents: If your student won’t be driving, ask your auto insurer about temporarily taking your son or daughter off your plan to save on premiums. 7. A credit card: The average freshman racks up nearly $700 in card debt, according to a recent study by Sallie Mae. Instead, start with a debit card until students have a track record of managing personal expenses. 8. High bank fees: Be aware so you don’t get hit by out-of-network ATM charges or fees for online transfers, overdrafts, etc. 9. Big meal plan: Don’t load up your student’s meal account. Often, it’s use it or lose it. Better to start low and see how much he or she eats, then replenish the plan midyear. 10. Campus health plans: If you have family health coverage, your child may be covered at college. If your plan does not cover out-ofnetwork costs (say emergency hospitalizations away from home), campus health insurance may be cost-effective, but be aware of low coverage limits. 1 1. Private loans: Steer clear of private student loans, which typically carry variable rates (as opposed to fixed-rate federal loans) and fewer repayment options. SOURCE: Kiplinger.com

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Colleges embrace the virtual tour By RYAN FAUGHNDER Los Angeles Times

hosted about 2 million visitors so far. Mandelbaum said some schools that adopted his company’s service saw a 30 percent increase in physical visits the next year. Orange Coast College adopted the virtual tour as a supplement to its in-person tour service. When budget cuts hit, the school couldn’t afford as many student workers, so it started using the virtual tour as the main way for prospective students to check out the campus. “We started to say, ‘Well, jeez, this seems more effective anyway,’” said Jeff Hobbs, a spokesman for Orange Coast College. “We’re getting inquiries from people from New York, Arizona and New Mexico. And now we’re doing thousands of tours a month instead of just a few.” With the vast majority of students physically visiting four or fewer schools in their search, according to Mandelbaum’s estimates, schools need online tours to stand out and attract more visitors and applicants, Mandelbaum said. “It is important for them to put themselves in prospective students’ shoes, and offer this stuff in detail so they can feel more confident in applying to their university,” he said. College counselors and families said virtual tours are no replacement for the real thing. Virtual tours don’t let prospective students sit in on actual classes or approach current students to ask questions. But experts said the tours can be a good first step in narrowing down choices.

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OS ANGELES _ Kendra Kirchgessner, a high school junior, has been touring prospective college campuses in Southern California without leaving her Sellersburg, Ind., home. Using a personal computer, Kendra recently explored Orange Coast College in Costa Mesa, “strolling” past Watson Hall and getting a 360-degree view of the Student Center. “I liked what the tour guides were saying about the teachers and how they helped students,” said Kendra, 17, who wants to study elementary education. “The layout was really nice, and I liked how everything was close by. The buildings are all pretty much within walking distance from one another.” Schools have long made their own online campus maps and slick videos, but the demand for sophisticated online experiences has given rise to companies that partner with schools to create virtual tours. YouVisit Inc. uses 360-degree images to guide visitors from place to place at universities such as Yale, Columbia and UC Riverside. A virtual student gives information on the lecture halls, gyms and dormitories, as well as the surrounding area. It’s like a souped-up Google Street View with an undergraduate narrator. “Students now are applying to more colleges, there’s more competition for admission and they want to compare financial aid packages,” said Audrey Kahane, a college admissions counselor in the Los Angeles area. “But when you’re applying to so many schools, it’s just not practical to go out and visit every one, especially when they’re all across the country.” “Virtual tours can give them a sense of the school,” Kahane said. Schools pay a minimum of $3,000 a year for the YouVisit service, and the client base has been doubling every year and growing even faster in recent months, said Ab Mandelbaum, who launched YouVisit in 2008. The Aventura, Fla., company has worked with 150 universities and its tours have

... more and more schools are bringing the experience of visiting a campus online. With students applying to more schools and colleges competing for lucrative out-of-state students, universities are upping the virtual ante.

SPECIAL SECTION, SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 201

PAGE 14

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Kutztown University (KU) is a four-year public university located in Berks County, Pennsylvania. One of the 14 Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education schools, KU is a vibrant, modern institution with more than 10,000 undergraduate and graduate students. The university oﬀers more than 100 areas of study, opportunities to study abroad, 160 student organizations and 21 NCAA Division II athletic programs. The campus is located 20 miles from Allentown and Reading, 90 minutes from Philadelphia and two hours from New York City.

Counseling, Instructional Technology, Library Science, Reading Specialist and Student Aﬀairs in Higher Education, and for those seeking a new career in education, the M.Ed. with Specialization in Teaching.

programs in Computer Science, Professional Science (PSM), English, Public Administration (MPA) and Social Work (MSW). • KU Electronic Media earned two Emmy nominations for productions in 2012.

• KU has one of the few Library Science and Visual Impairment programs for • A KU Math and Physics student was present undergraduates in the

• Business students have the opportunity to participate in an international student exchange program. • KU students took honors in the inaugural PASSHE Business Plan Competition. Education

• Department of Music chairperson is the most published living percussionist in the world.

country. It also boasts one of the few clinicallybased Reading programs. • All education programs are oﬃcially recognized by their national accrediting organizations. Liberal Arts and Sciences Academic Programs: Anthropology, Biological Sciences, Chemistry, Computer Science, Criminal Justice, Electronic Media, English, Environmental Science, Geography, Geology, German, History, Marine Science, Mathematics, Philosophy, Physics, Political Science, Public Administration, Professional Writing, Spanish, Sociology and Social Work. Master’s

at CERN in Geneva, Switzerland this past summer during the announcement of the discovery of the Higgs boson “God particle”. • KU’s Environmental and Marine Science programs received a $600,000 National Science Foundation grant for student scholarships and programming. Visual and Performing Arts Academic Programs: Art Education, Communication Design, Communication Studies, Crafts, Music and Studio Art, as well as a Master of Education in Art Education. • KU Art Education

Kutztown University’s close-knit community and beautiful campus provides the perfect backdrop for academic success, offering an array of living, dining, recreation, clubs, organizations, athletics and volunteer options. Involvement on campus is the key to having a fulfilling experience at KU. • KU has a beautiful, award-winning 289-acre campus. • Dixon Hall is the largest residence hall of the PASSHE schools. • Schaeffer Auditorium will re-open in August 2013 following a $20 million renovation. • KU boasts a 6,000-squarefoot student recreation center. • 145 KU student-athletes were named PSAC Scholar-Athletes for 201112.

PAGE 15

Academic Programs: Elementary and Secondary Education, Special Education with focus areas in Physically/Mentally Handicapped and Visual Impairment, Library Science and Instructional Technology. Masters programs in Counseling, Elementary and Secondary Education, School

• Students beneﬁt from close proximity to vibrant arts communities in Philadelphia, New York City and Baltimore/ Washington DC.

Student Life and Facilities

Business Academic Programs: Accounting, Finance, Leisure and Sport Studies, Management and Marketing, and Master of Business Administration (MBA).

graduates can be found in every school district in Pennsylvania.

SPECIAL SECTION, SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2012

Get to know Kutztown University

PAGE 16

SPECIAL SECTION, SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 201

SPECIAL SECTION, SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2012

Johnson College is one of the premier providers of technology education in Northeastern Pennsylvania. Located in Scranton, it was founded in 1912 and offers 12 associate degree programs and two certiﬁcate programs. As the only technology-driven college in the region, it enjoys a strong relationship with area employers and offers customized job training to meet the unique needs of various kinds of industries and professions. Johnson College has taken a lead role in regional economic development and community partnerships by offering programs that complement business trends as well as developing programs that target education for high-demand occupations. Johnson College offers 14 exciting, high-demand careers which can be completed in just 2 years. Majors include:

Johnson College at a Glance: •Over the last three years, Johnson College has an employment rate of almost 90%, according to the ACCSC report. •More than ½ of Johnson College students’ instruction time is spent working hands-on with equipment in their ﬁeld of study. •92% of Students enrolled during 2011-2012 received ﬁnancial aid, which is available to those who qualify. •Johnson College is affordable. A two-year degree is only about $31,000 total, compared to $119,000 for a degree from a private, four-year college. •Johnson College enrollment for the fall 2011 semester was approximately 450 students. •Johnson College’s 44-acre campus is ideally located at exit 190 off Interstate 81, just minutes from shopping, restaurants, recreation and both sporting and entertainment venues. •In addition to numerous clubs and student groups on campus, Johnson College offers three intercollegiate sports – basketball, cross country and bowling, as well as cheerleading. •You can visit Johnson College any time by calling 570-7028900. Open Houses are scheduled for: Saturday, October 13, 2012, Saturday, March 2, 2013 and Wednesday, July 17, 2013. Please visit our website at www.johnson.edu for more information.

PAGE 17

Business Division Logistics & Supply Chain Management Technology Construction & Design Division Architectural Drafting & Design Technology Carpentry & Cabinetmaking Technology Electrical Construction & Maintenance Technology Heating, Ventilation & Air Conditioning Technology Health Sciences Division Radiologic Technology Veterinary Technology Electronic & Industrial Division Biomedical Equipment Technology Computer Information Technology Electronic Technology Welding Technology (Certiﬁcate)

Transportation Division Automotive Technology Diesel Truck Technology Diesel Preventative Maintenance Technology (Certiﬁcate)

PAGE 18

SPECIAL SECTION, SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 201

SPECIAL SECTION, SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2012

PAGE 19

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SPECIAL SECTION, SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 201

SPECIAL SECTION, SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2012

PAGE 23

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SPECIAL SECTION, SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 201

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SPECIAL SECTION, SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2012

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SPECIAL SECTION, SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 201

SPECIAL SECTION, SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2012

Exciting Changes Taking Shape At East Stroudsburg University

Photo: ESU’s Thirteenth President, Marcia G. Welsh, Ph.D., (center) surrounds herself with ESU student volunteers during Move-In Day activities. chemistry, computer science and security, mathematics, and physics. The Center’s McMunn Planetarium, rooftop observatory and stunning 200-seat auditorium are among its attractions for everyone within both the campus and local communities. Plans are also in motion to include a museum of natural history in the near future. ESU’s Mattioli Recreation Center attracts over 1,500 students daily with access to exercise equipment that rivals high end, nationally-known health and fitness clubs/spas, and offers an elevated running track, 16 basketball courts, racquetball courts and much more. In addition to these features, ESU boasts an Innovation Center, which benefits students as well as the business community – posing many opportunities for entrepreneurial growth and development. As a partner in the economic development efforts in northeastern Pennsylvania, ESU is

committed to providing high quality academic programs in emerging ﬁelds that are providing a skilled workforce for our region. For example, ESU’s expertise in computer security and designation by the National Security Agency (NSA) as a Center for Academic Excellence in Information Assurance has established ESU as a regional authority in the area of computer security. Additionally ESU’s Business Accelerator program is creating a robust entrepreneurial culture that is attracting a pipeline of inspiring entrepreneurs and early stage companies to northeastern Pennsylvania. These programs and others provide strategic opportunities for regional research and collaboration throughout northeast Pennsylvania. ESU is also expanding to the Lehigh Valley; recently opening its new center at 60 West Broad Street in Bethlehem, Pa., to provide educational opportunities for individuals

seeking to complete undergraduate degree programs or pursue graduate education for professional or personal advancement. ESU’s Lehigh Valley Center will offer undergraduate degree completion programs in computer security and public health starting in October 2012. In January 2013, an undergraduate degree program in hotel, restaurant and tourism management, and a graduate degree program in reading with reading specialist certification will launch. Courses will be offered at convenient times for working adults and additional program offerings will be announced in the coming months. For more information about any of these exciting opportunities or to make an appointment to visit ESU during an upcoming Open House event, visit www.esu.edu, or call the office of admission today at 877-230-5547 or 570-422-3542 today.

PAGE 27

Under the leadership of its new president, Marcia G. Welsh, Ph.D., East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania (ESU) continues its long tradition of providing students with exceptional living and learning resources, making the institution a great choice for higher education. Students today can choose from among ESU’s nearly 60 undergraduate degree programs and more than 30 graduate degree and certification programs, many of which also offer resumé enhancing internship programs and on-site field study clinical experiences. Students at ESU now enjoy campus amenities including new apartment-style student residence hall suites for nearly 1,000 students (which opened earlier this year) as well as a science and technology center and the Mattioli Recreation Center, to name just a few. Geothermal technology and other “green” features have been incorporated into the new Hemlock and Hawthorn Suites at ESU. Also, in keeping with the newest trends nationally, the buildings have state-ofthe-art security features, are surrounded by attractive outdoor green spaces, and include a fitness facility. There is also room in the suites for headquarters for campus police and the university’s residence life department. ESU’s Warren E. ’55 and Sandra Hoeffner Science and Technology Center is designed to benefit virtually every ESU student – not just those in the science-related programs. The facility is the home of five academic departments – biology,

SPECIAL SECTION, SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 201

PAGE 28

Mount Aloysius College

Location

Mount Aloysius College is a private, accommodating and affordable Catholic liberal arts college sponsored by the Religious Sisters of Mercy. The College welcomes people of all faith traditions. Established in 1853, Mount Aloysius College offers both undergraduate and graduate education. Since the founding of the College, nearly 14,000 students have become proud Mount Aloysius alumni. The College is committed to providing small class sizes, and students benefit from accessible faculty and staff. Mount Aloysius students come mostly from throughout Pennsylvania and the mid-Atlantic Region. There are over 2,500 students enrolled (unduplicated headcount).

Mount Aloysius College is located on a beautiful 193-acre campus in Cresson, Pa. The College is nestled in the scenic Southern Allegheny Mountains of west-central Pennsylvania. Convenient and accessible from U.S. Route 22, the College’s setting is rural but mere

studies (3-2), prelaw, psychology, sign language/interpreter education, and undecided/exploratory. Associate degrees are oﬀered in applied technology, business administration, criminology, early childhood studies, general studies, legal studies, liberal arts, medical assistant studies, nursing, nursing (LPN to RN), physical therapist assistant studies,

Student activities play a distinctive role in personal growth. At Mount Aloysius College, there are approximately 100 organized clubs, groups, honor societies, and an intramural sports program. Activities include a student newspaper, residence hall associations, student government, cheerleading, dance team, scholarship-funded theater and choir programs, and a student activities planning board. Mount Aloysius fun includes social events, intramural sports, athletic events, comedians, live music, theater, educational events, campus forums, and awesome guest lectures.

The College is 100 percent wireless, and smart classrooms are located throughout the campus. Mount Aloysius is accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools and approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Education. All nursing and health studies programs are fully accredited by their professional accrediting bodies, including the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission, the Commission on Accreditation for Programs of Diagnostic Medical Sonography, the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education, the American Association of Medical Assistants, and the Joint Commission on Accreditation for Programs of Surgical Technology.

Faculty The Mount Aloysius faculty consists of approximately 175 members, whose primary responsibility is teaching and advising students. Many faculty members hold advanced or terminal degrees and are expected to maintain close instructional ties with students. Many professors hold national professional certiﬁcates in such disciplines as criminology, education, law, and nursing. The Mount Aloysius student-faculty ratio of 14:1 allows close contact between students and faculty members, providing personal attention in a highly structured environment—a key ingredient in the College’s academic philosophy.

Mount Aloysius College is one of 16 Mercy Colleges nationwide.

Mount Aloysius College is a member of NCAA Division III. Athletic programs involve both women and men and include basketball, cross-country, golf, soccer, and tennis. Men’s baseball and women’s softball and volleyball are also oﬀered.

to $10,000 per year. Mount Aloysius College participates in all federal and state programs; fully 94 percent of Mount Aloysius College students receive some form of ﬁnancial aid. U.S. News & World Report has ranked Mount Aloysius College as one of the best-priced private liberal arts colleges in the United States.

Admission Requirements

minutes from State College, Altoona, and Johnstown and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

pre-nursing, radiography/medical imaging, sign language/deaf studies, and surgical technology.

Academics

Graduate degrees include the MBA and Masters of Science in both Community Counseling and General Psychology.

Mount Aloysius College offers undergraduate and graduate degree programs. MAC awards bachelor’s and associate degrees in the arts, sciences, and health studies fields in both career-oriented and traditional liberal arts programs. Baccalaureate degrees are available in accounting, behavioral and social science, biology and general science, business administration, which includes a fifthyear M.B.A. option, computer science, criminology, elementary/early childhood education and secondary education (with certifications), English, general science, history/ political science, humanities, information technology, math/ science, medical imaging, nursing (RN-B.S.N. program), nursing (2+2), occupational therapy (3-2), physical therapy (4-2), physician assistant

Financial Aid Mount Aloysius prides itself on affordability. Many MAC students hail from proud families of modest means and many are first-generation students. The College understands the expense involved in acquiring a quality education and encourages all students to apply for all available aid. Through the Office of Financial Aid, the College assists students in applying for state and federal grants, loans, work-study awards, merit scholarships and more. The College awards academic monies based on GPA and SAT or ACT scores. These awards are renewable over a fouryear period and range from $1000

The College enrolls a freshman class of approximately 350 students. The total class of 550 includes transfer students. Admission is selective and based on academic promise, as indicated by a student’s secondary school performance and activities, standardized test scores, and special experience and talents. Applicants are required to have, or expect to earn, a diploma from an approved secondary school or a GED diploma. Submission of official transcripts and SAT or ACT scores is required. In addition to the general admission requirements, specific admission requirements exist for the health programs. For further information, students should visit the College’s Web site at http://www.mtaloy.edu. Prospective students are encouraged to visit the scenic 193-acre campus. The College is open Monday to Friday from 8:30 to 5 and on select Saturdays. For further information, students should contact: Office of Undergraduate and Graduate Admissions Mount Aloysius College 7373 Admiral Peary Highway Cresson, Pennsylvania 16630 Phone: 814-886-6383 888-823-2220 (toll-free) Fax: 814-886-6441 E-mail: admissions@mtaloy.edu Web site: http://www.mtaloy.edu

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CO L L EG E G U I D E 2012

MCT PHOTO

Shepard High School’s Shea Schaaf, right, prepares for a Mathletes competition at Oak Lawn Community High School in Oak Lawn, Ill.

The new admission essay: It’s short and tweet(ish)

By BONNIE MILLER RUBIN Chicago Tribune

school seniors also are grappling with:a Imagine you have to wear a costume for a year of your life. What would you pick and why? -Brandeis University in Massachusetts. What is your favorite ride at the amusement park? How does this reflect your approach to life? -- Emory University in Atlanta. “Colleges have really thrown us a curveball,” said Eric Apgar, director of guidance at Sandburg High School in Orland Park. “In years past, we would tell students not to veer too far from the

middle, to not be too strange...but it seems like that’s exactly what post-secondary institutions want.” It’s not just content that has undergone a makeover, but the format, as well. Along with the usual essay, many campuses have added short takes of 20 to 25 words, such as: The best movie of all time -Columbia University in New York City. It’s not just about appealing to the text/Twitter/YouTube genSee ESSAY, Page 42

Sample short answer questions from 2012 applications: Examples of essay questions on 2012 college applications that ask for short answers: University of Notre Dame You have 150 words. Take a risk. Brown University (25 words or fewer) If I could do something with no risk of failing, I would ... I felt like I truly belonged when ... University of North Carolina (20 words) Most overrated superhero: Most underrated superhero: Former kindergarten fear: Gadget that needs inventing: Yale University (25 words or less) Recall a compliment you received that you especially value. Elon University (Two sentences) It would surprise my friends to know that I ...

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et’s say you are confronting one of the most important decisions of your life. But first, you must answer this: My favorite thing about last Tuesday? And do it in 25 words or less. The query may seem like it’s taken from Twitter or an online dating survey, but it is designed for a match of a different sort: Getting into college. The essay question is new for 2012 applications to the University of Maryland and is just one

example of a wave of quirkiness and brevity that has swept the usually staid world of college admissions essays in recent years. Some colleges have added questions that might elicit answers more suitable for a text or Tweet, and others have introduced video to the process. With deadlines looming at numerous top-tier schools, many high school seniors who have struggled with writer’s block are now in official panic mode. The traditional “Why this school?” treatise is still a fixture on most applications, but today’s high

FEW WORDS CAN MEAN A LOT

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Credit Unions, financial institutions that really are all about YOU! A Credit Union, like Tobyhanna Federal Credit Union (TobyFCU), is a place where your membership makes a difference. If you are a member of a Credit Union, you belong to an institution that is unique in the financial world. Perhaps you thought that because Credit Unions often provide many of the same services as a bank, such as savings and loans, the only difference was in the name. While it’s true that there are similarities among financial institutions, Credit Unions are driven by a philosophy that sets them apart. No one person or organization can own a Credit Union. It is owned and governed by its member-owners, it’s only customers. As a result, it exists solely to provide you and other members with a safe, convenient place to save and to obtain loans at reasonable rates, and to provide other needed services. Since all Credit Unions are owned by the people who save and borrow there, there are no outside shareholders and no profits. Earnings are returned to the members in the form of LOWER rates on loans, HIGHER returns on savings, and overall BETTER service. A Credit Union is volunteer driven. The active involvement of volunteers is the cornerstone of the Credit Union philosophy. A Credit Union’s policy-making Board of Directors, and some of its committees, are made up of individuals elected by the members. Virtually all of these volunteers are unpaid. In other words, as a shareholder in your Credit Union you have a say in how it is run. You are a member, not a depositor. Because of this, your Credit Union’s sole commitment is to serving you and other members. It’s that SIMPLE. Unfortunately, there are those in business and in government who say that those principles do not make a difference. They say that Credit Unions aren’t truly an alternative to profit making institutions. But, nothing could be further from the truth. Today, nearly one in every four Americans is a member of a Credit Union. That amounts to over 60 million people, and the number grows every year. These people continue to support their Credit Union, like TobyFCU, because they know from first-hand experience that such a financial institution offers a full range of services at affordable rates. And that it provides something that is often missing in other aspects of the business world today – friendly, professional, “for-you” service. If you want a financial institution where you can save for the future, easily obtain loans for today, or turn for your everyday financial needs, think of Tobyhanna Federal Credit Union first. As a member, You own it. As a member, You have a share in its future. And as a member, its safety and soundness is insured. Tobyhanna Federal Credit Union has branch locations in East Stroudsburg, Scranton, Tobyhanna (limited to Depot employee access), and Wilkes-Barre. You can also call 1-866-TobyFCU (862-9328) or visit online at www.tobyhannafcu.org.

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tin received 35,000 applications for the coming school year, its highest yet. About three-quarters of colleges have seen application increases each year for the past decade, according to the National Association for College Admission Counseling. Even the time when students apply has crept up. Rice University, Texas’s most prestigious college, had an 18 percent increase in early decision applications for the coming year. Baylor University received 2,000 more early applications than last fall. In the past two years, Texas Christian University’s early applications have gone up by half. “It’s a good news, bad news kind of thing,” said Ray Brown,

Texas Christian University’s dean of admission. “I’m delighted people are taking this more seriously, but the flip side is they are taking it way too seriously.” College advisers attribute the spike to myriad factors, among them the enhanced accessibility provided by technology, a more streamlined application process and a belief that early interest will grant students an edge. “Colleges are recruiting more people from all over the world,” said Katherine Cohen, famed for her college consulting business that primes students for topnotch universities. “Schools are trying to attract a more diverse student body, and they are going to great lengths to do so.” Cohen’s company, IvyWise, charges an average of $6,775 for consultations. The industry that sprouted to support interest in college preparation has also helped drive the

demand. But at what cost, said David Hawkins, director of policy and research at the National Association for College Admission Counseling. “In an environment where students without resources are already disadvantaged, the expenditure of money, which amounts to influence peddling in worst cases and preparation and coaching in the best, exacerbates the access problem we have,” he said. “Someone may have extraordinary test scores and academic performance, but maybe not recognize how what they accomplished has distinguished them,” said Chris Munoz, vice president for enrollment at Rice University, which accepted 21 percent of applicants last year. “So don’t always assume that the student who is able to travel abroad and do these other things necessarily gives them a reasonable advantage over another student.”

CLIMB

student accepted into King’s has remained true to the school’s core mission.

Continued from Page 6

Personal interviews Wade said that standardized test scores, class rank and high school transcripts still matter the most but for some students who do not meet the guaranteed acceptance standards, hope is not lost. She said one difference from a decade ago is that students are brought in for interviews that could help them still get an acceptance letter even if their grades or test score aren’t top of the line. “We didn’t really feel that we could come to a good conclusion about a student’s ability to be successful by just looking at transcripts and test scores in every case,” Wade said. The sit-down interview gave students a chance to explain perhaps why their grades suffered for a year or why their SAT score wasn’t as high and Wade said in some cases what comes out in the interview is enough to get that student an offer of admission. “Because of Keystone’s size we strongly encourage personal interviews with an admissions counselor. This gives us first-hand ability to get to know a prospective applicant, and that is much more accurate than paper,” Keating said. Though the application procedure itself hasn’t changed greatly, some facets of the process have. Students are looking into colleges

much earlier in their high school careers and seem to be applying to more schools than they used to, some admissions officials said. Many would apply to two or three in the past, Bozinski said. “It’s pretty routine now that kids apply to 8, 9, or 10 schools,” Bozinski said. He said the online application process makes it much easier. Without having to handwrite a half a dozen application forms with essays, students can apply with the same basic application and essay to multiple schools with ease.

KEEN Continued from Page 6

“We have focused more in recent years on actual courses taken in high school, giving more weight to honors level, AP courses, and dual enrollment courses,” Keating noted. Another measure that’s been given less weight in the acceptance process is where a student ranks in his class. “Class rank is not very important at this point, unless the student is in the top five of his or her class. Class ranks are formulated so differently from high school to high school, they are not very accurate indicators of a student’s ability to be successful,” Keating said. Other schools still use the tried and true measuring sticks of SAT, class rank and grade point average. “We’ve always looked at stuff holistically,” said Melanie Wade, vice president for enrollment services at Wilkes University in Wilkes-Barre. “We’re still looking at stuff holistically.” Jim Anderson, the director of admissions at King’s College in Wilkes-Barre, said very little has changed when it comes to what his school looks for in an application. And he doesn’t believe that will change anytime soon. He said other that the way technology has impacted the process, the standards for what will get a

The common application Making matters even more streamlined is the advent of “The Common Application.” The online company has contracted with hundreds of schools nationwide that now accept its template application. The Common Application allows students applying for college to fill out one application that is accepted by its nearly 500 member colleges and universities. Among the local schools that have signed on are King’s College in Wilkes-Barr, Keystone College in La Plume and The University of Scranton. This program means that students can apply to all of those schools as well as other member institutions across the state and nation by filing out only one application. “As Keystone continues to grow as a four-year baccalaureate institution, it is a natural progres-

MCT PHOTO

Rachel Brooks, a senior at Liberty High School in Frisco, Texas, is going to the University of Missouri, majoring in journalism.

sion for us to expand our reach outside of Northeastern Pennsylvania. The Common Application is one way we can do that. In addition, it allows for ease in applying for a broader segment of students,” said Keating. Anderson, at King’s, said since the school has enrolled with The Common Application program three years ago, applications filed through that method are up 93 percent. Letters of recommendation Though they’re often included in application packets, not all schools require them or consider them. At Misericordia University, Bozinski said he’s seen thousands of letters of recommendation and they’re all pretty much the same. He said “I’ve always deemphasized letters of recommendation.” Instead, essays and a look at a students volunteer and community service projects, work and extracurriculars gives him and his staff a better look inside who that student truly is and whether he or she will be a good fit with the Sisters of Mercy-sponsored school’s mission of service learning. Parent involvement Perhaps nothing has changed more over the past 10 years than the involvement of parents in the school application and selection process, said Wilkes’ Wade. She said previously, parents asked about dorms, safety and campus life. Now they’re very in-

volved in the decision making process and schools have learned that “when you recruit a student, you are recruiting a parent, too.” “It’s very clear to me the choice (of whether or not a student will attend a college or not) has to be made with mom and dad on board,” Wade said. Joseph Roback, associate vice president for admissions and enrollment at The University of Scranton, said while many things about the college selection process have changed and evolved, the impact a campus visit can have on the decision has not. “One aspect that has not changed is the significant role the campus visit continues to play in the college search process. The campus visit continues to be the most important way students find their home for the next four years of their lives,” Roback said. Thanks to the Internet, colleges around the country are easily accessible to students from the comfort of their own home or smartphone. Students are able to begin researching college campuses, courses, costs and more with a few clicks of the mouse. And schools have noticed the difference as applications are rolling in earlier, students seem to know a lot about the schools they’re looking into and are able to rule out certain schools without wasting a trip or application. Anderson said “to a lot of students, the website is the most critical part to whether they initiate a visit or not.”

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Beware your social-media history By GRACIE BONDS STAPLES The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

MCT PHOTO

UGA basketball player Connor Nolte, pictured at Stegeman Coliseum in Athens, Ga., has a website, www.ConnorNolte.com, a blog, a YouTube channel and he&apos;s on Twitter, LinkedIn and Facebook. Social media can be a boon for high school students and young adults like Nolte seeking a coveted internship, employment in the tight job market or a slot in this fall&apos;s freshman class. But college admissions officers and employment experts say it also can have the opposite effect.

Done the right way, social media can be a boon for high school students and young adults seeking a coveted internship, employment in the tight job market or a slot in this fall’s freshman class. But college admissions officers and employment experts say it also can have the opposite effect. them.” Her advice to students? “Google themselves,” Choe said. “The Internet has a really long memory, so this isn’t just about a specific phase in your life. This goes beyond college admission. It could impact your reputation, your job choices.” That impact doesn’t have to be negative. Connor Nolte has used social media to brand himself in the same way corporations do, playing up the positive. His website, www.connornolte.com, pictures him on the University of Georgia basketball court, with this simple message: “My name is Connor. I play basketball at the University of Georgia. I graduated with

a degree in marketing and am currently working on my master’s degree in sport management. I hope to combine both degrees to work in sports marketing in the near future.” The graduate student credits the site, Twitter and his blog with helping him land two internships _ one in 2010 with ESPN and another this summer with the U.S. Olympics. “Without social media, I am fairly certain I wouldn’t have gotten either internship. I wouldn’t have been able to differentiate myself as well.” Kurt Nolte said that he and his wife, Julie, drilled into their three children the need to be socially responsible at all times. “We tell them whatever they put out there, it better be something their grand-

mother can look at,” he said. “I’m not saying I’m perfect, but ... I’ve found that the best way to guard against posting negative photos is to not engage in an activity that might be frowned upon by a future employer,” son Connor said. In 1999, when Boys & Girls Clubs of America released its first Internet safety program, Rauzi said people went online mostly to pull information off the Internet. But today we push information onto the Internet. “Now I’m posting my life online,” he said. “That’s why Boys & Girls Clubs takes this seriously, and I think it’s really important that everyone who comes into contact with kids and teens, particularly parents, are talking to them about this _ not in a way that is accusatory, but in a way that educates them and reminds them that this is important stuff. “Just like Nike guards their brand, teens need to guard their personal brand,” he said.

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ATLANTA _ He has a website, a blog, a YouTube channel and he’s on Twitter, LinkedIn and Facebook. If you want to know University of Georgia student Connor Nolte, 23, of Milton, Ga., take your pick. It’s all there for the world to see. Done the right way, social media can be a boon for high school students and young adults like Nolte seeking a coveted internship, employment in the tight job market or a slot in this fall’s freshman class. But college admissions officers and employment experts say it also can have the opposite effect. Dan Rauzi, senior director of technology programs for the Atlanta-based Boys & Girls Clubs of America, said he has seen it happen. Rauzi recalled a cautionary tale delivered by a Holland, Mich., senior at a recent youth conference. After a run-in with a school official, the student went home and, in frustration, posted a note on his Facebook page asking, “do we now have permission to brutally murder” the principal. Although the student was accepted into college, Rauzi said, he faced felony charges that were later dropped and was given inschool suspension, fines and community service. The student told his audience it was “11 words that changed my whole life.” “As a parent, especially of two Division I athletes, there’s a lot of fear about that in my household,” said Kurt Nolte, Connor’s father. And for good reason. In addition to playing an ever-increasing role in people’s personal and professional lives, social media use also is playing a role in job and college application decisions. It has become increasingly common for employers to scour social media profiles to learn more about job candidates. Almost one in five people surveyed in the United States are going online to find jobs, but many are nervous about potential fallout from personal content on social networking sites, according to a 2011 survey by global work force solutions leader Kelly Services. And according to Jieun Choe, executive director of college admissions for Kaplan Test Prep, a 2011 Kaplan survey found that 24 percent of admissions officers checked applicants’ Facebook or other social media pages _ up from just 10 percent in 2008. Of those, 12 percent said they found something that negatively impacted an applicant. Also, Choe said, “Students should be mindful of their digital trail. That includes knowing what people are posting about

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The Warriors Student Run Credit Union Branch provides students with hands-on experience by helping create a new generation of savers in a financial setting.The financial literacy classes we offer each week expand upon the school’s current curriculum, i.e. math and business classes, while giving your student an opportunity to learn about the credit union philosophy. Following the credit union motto,“Not for profit, not for charity, but for service,” UFCW is currently establishing a mutual partnership between two community organizations: the credit union and the school district. We will continue to contribute to the educational system while establishing innovative financial products and services for you and your student. Remember, UFCW FCU works for YOU!

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SPECIAL SECTION, SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2012

you take a look at what we have to offer ﬁrst. Unlike other institutions, UFCW Federal Credit Union is dedicated to making money for you and with you - not because of you. All of our ﬁnancial services are designed with this sole purpose in mind. As an employee of one of our many Select Employee Groups or as a relative of a current member, a $10.00 deposit in a Savings Account is all that is required to become a member. As a member, you can take full advantage of the wide range of quality services UFCW Federal Credit Union offers: Financial services that are competitively priced and convenience oriented. Services designed with YOU in mind.

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like UFCW Federal Credit Union, because they know from first-hand experience that such a financial institution offers a full range of services at affordable rates. It provides something that is often missing in other aspects of the business world today - friendly, professional, “for-you” service. UFCW Federal Credit Union has four branch locations throughout the area that are ready to serve you, your co-workers, employees, and immediate family members. The locations are on Wyoming Avenue in Wyoming, Market Street in Kingston, Sans Souci Parkway in Hanover Township, and on Kennedy Boulevard in Pittston inside Quinn’s Supermarket. We realize there are many financial institutions to choose from, but we ask that

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It’s that SIMPLE. Unfortunately, there are those in business and in here is no better time than now to join a Credit government who say that Union such as UFCW Federal Credit Union. Credit Unions are not-for-profit financial institutions that oper- those principles do not make a difference. ate with their members’ best interests in mind. They say that Credit In fact, Credit Union members are the shareholders Unions aren’t truly an alterand part owners. Credit Unions exist solely to provide native to profit making instimembers with a safe, convenient place to save and to tutions. But nothing could be obtain loans at reasonable rates, and to provide other further from the truth. needed services. At UFCW Federal Credit Since all Credit Unions phy. A Credit Union’s Union, we believe that you, policy-making Board of are owned by the people your employees, coworkwho save and borrow Directors, and some of its ers, and immediate family there, there are no outside committees, are made up members deserve a financial shareholders and no profof individuals elected by institution that operates with its. Earnings are returned the members. Virtually your best interests in mind, to the members in the all of these volunteers are not one that is in business form of LOWER rates on unpaid. to pays it shareholders and loans, HIGHER returns on In other words, as a Board of Directors. savings, and overall BET- shareholder in your Credit Today, nearly one in every TER service. Union, you have a say four Americans is a member A Credit Union is also in how it is run. You are of a Credit Union. volunteer driven. a member, not a deposiThat amounts to over 60 The active involvetor. Because of this, your million people, and the numment of volunteers is Credit Union’s sole comber grows every year. the cornerstone of the mitment is to serving you These people continue to Credit Union philosoand other members. support their Credit Union,

SPECIAL SECTION, SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 201

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CO L L EG E G U I D E 2012

ESSAY Continued from Page 31

eration, but about taking another opportunity to get acquainted with the applicant, said college consultant Katherine Cohen and founder of IvyWise.com. “You really get a totally different feel for who that person is, especially with the short takes. It allows colleges to learn things they may not get from a transcript and a resume,” she said. “That’s why they’re fun.” Such questions irk Barmak Nassirian of the American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers. “It just reinforces that there’s some secret code that needs to be cracked to gain admission,” he said. “How angry would an adult be if we had to answer these kind of bizarre questions on a job application?” While other schools may just be retooling, the University of Chicago has long taken great pride in its provocative essays. Over the years, the application has asked students to reflect on

everything from “How do you feel about Wednesday?” to the massive jars of mustard at warehouse stores. “There’s no right or wrong answer ... we’re looking for students unafraid to talk in their own voice,” said Evan Cudworth, assistant director of admissions. The eccentric prompts have become such a hallmark of the U. of C. application that the admissions office annually solicits suggestions from incoming students and alumni. The condiment question, for example, was submitted about six years ago and elicited a wide range of responses, from rants on consumerism to a physics equation, with one student calculating how fast a swimmer could travel in a pool of mustard. “What it says is, ’I am a physicist who sees the world through a math lens,’” Cudworth explained. The most popular selection on this year’s form: What does PlayDoh have to do with Plato? Colleges are entering the offbeat realm for a variety of reasons, say experts. As more have signed on to the Common Appli-

cation -- the online admissions form that can be sent to multiple schools and was meant to streamline the process -- they’ve added supplemental questions as a way to get beyond the generic and stand out from the crowd. “It’s put great stress on kids, who now have a lot more questions to answer,” said Marybeth Kravets, a long-time college counselor who retired from Deerfield High School. That sentiment is echoed by Susan Van Horn, whose twin daughters are seniors at New

Trier High School. The queries have been markedly different compared to when her son went through the process just four years ago. “Some schools are asking for 250 words, but then others are asking for 250 characters, so you find yourself counting characters and editing ‘do not’ down to ‘don’t.’ It gets that silly.” In yet another nod to social media, this is the first year that the University of Dayton prospects have the option of submitting a video essay in lieu of a

written one, joining Tufts and George Mason Universities. Dayton applicants will answer the question “What does it mean to be a servant leader?” and then share their videos through Facebook, Twitter and other sites. Students who garner the most votes will receive a $40,000 scholarship over four years. “We can’t just do things the same old ways,” said Sundar Kumarasamy, a vice president at the Catholic school, adding that applications are already running 30 percent ahead of last year. WITH MOBILE MONEY YOU CAN: • View account balances • View account transactions • Transfer funds between your checking or savings accounts • Pay your bills and more! ALL YOU NEED TO GET STARTED: • A Virtual Branch Account • A mobile device that can send and receive text messages and has access to internet.

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Parents take active role in college picks By BONNIE MILLER RUBIN Chicago Tribune

Northside College Prep in Chicago, said, “The ethos of the consumer is changing, due to economics. “Before, parents were more focused on quality of life. Now, they’ve definitely become more career-minded,” Tassoni said. Earnings potential certainly played a major role in Ally Lincoln’s decision back when she was a senior at Prospect High School and wanted to pursue equestrian therapy -- reflecting her passion for horses. “My mother told me not to confuse a hobby with an occupation,” she said. “I was upset.” During a college trip to Bradley University in Peoria, her mom “made” her look at the nursing school, where a tour guide rattled off a barrage of statistics, including that the median salary for a nurse is $60,000 and unemployment rate is 2 percent. Lincoln remembers begrudgingly thinking to herself: “Maybe my mother is right.” Now, the 24-year-old is hitting her stride -along with certain traditional markers of adulthood that have eluded many of her peers: She’s engaged, has a 401(k) and health insurance. This summer, she’s been busy house-hunting, a task made easier with her four-day weekends. (She works three 12hour days a week.) “My friends are so jealous,” she said. When it comes to post-college employment potential, majors matter. Of the top 10 occupations for hiring, half are engineeringrelated, according to the U.S. Labor Department. For every art history, psychology and sociology major tending bar or painting houses, there’s another in astrophysics, pharmacology and actuarial science being hotly recruited. Institutions are responding to the market by tweaking admissions materials, emphasizing not just new dorms and football Saturdays, but their internships, graduate school partnerships, well-connected alumni and newly expanded curricula with an eye to the real world. Augustana College in Rock Island, for example, has recently added international business, graphic design and pre-engineering. Knox College in Galesburg has teamed with Chicago Medical School for a smooth bridge into the health field. Luther College in Decorah, Iowa, has launched a nursing school. W. Kent Barnds, a vice president at Augustana College, concedes that it’s getting tougher to make the sale. “It used to be that parents would take your word for it when

you talked about a liberal arts education as fostering success in work and in life,” he said. “Now, they want evidence.” That’s just the kind of pragmatic talk Tom Thill wants to hear. The father of a senior at Marmion Academy in Aurora, Thill sees a college admissions process that has been hijacked by our culture’s hyper-competitive influences. He welcomes the course correction and is open to all options -- including having his son stay in state or start at nearby Waubonsee Community College -- not the usual ticket for a high-achiever at a private high school. “There are a lot of routes to get to where you want to go,” said Thill, 49, adding that he did “just fine” with his degree from Northern Illinois University. “So many kids today don’t have any idea of what they want to do ... and no one can afford to throw out money anymore.” Sheryl Solomon, a mother of two from Wilmette, sees an increasing number of neighbors steering their kids into fields where employment remains strong. When her son, a 2011 graduate of New Trier High School, wanted to study jazz vocals at the University of Miami, she also worried MCT PHOTO

Ally Lincoln, RN-BSN, at work at Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago, Ill.

about his ability to earn a living, but still supported his choice. “We decided that a lot of people would be telling him ’no’ ... and we didn’t want to be among them,” she said. On his own, though, he realized that performing would be a tough road. So, when he returns to campus later this week, it will be with a new major: music business. “I’m just glad he’ll have more opportunities,” she said. Those are the kind of teachable moments cheered by Cliff Saper, a clinical psychologist at Alexian Brothers Behavioral Health Hospital in Hoffman Estates. Saper works with many teens who are angry, sad or apathetic about parental demands on their future choices. He is not an advocate of parents taking too strong a hand in choosing their child’s major or career path. “It usually backfires. ... More often than not, kids will do the exact opposite,” Saper said. Instead of forcing an artsy kid into finance, parents should use this transition to guide good decision-making, he said. They should be feeding information, sifting through the pros and cons and above all, keeping the lines of communication open. “Where you want to be very clear is on parameters: ’Here’s what we can afford. If you want to go to a more expensive school, we can do two years, but the next two years are on you,’ “ Saper said. “But I see kids still applying to 14 or 15 very competitive schools parents can’t afford ... and everyone ending up frustrated.”

“I wouldn’t have any of this if my mom hadn’t made me go into nursing. It was one of the smartest things I ever did.” Ally Lincoln Registered nurse

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HICAGO -- At 24, Ally Lincoln is a rarity in her circle of friends. She has a college diploma along with a robust paycheck, benefits and a well-marked path for career advancement. “I wouldn’t have any of this if my mom hadn’t made me go into nursing,” said Lincoln, replacing an empty IV bag at Northwestern Memorial Hospital. “It was one of the smartest things I ever did.” During the last five years, the hiring outlook has curdled for all Americans -- including those with four-year college degrees, the demographic most likely to land a good job. With tuition costs skyrocketing, the weak employment growth weighs heavily on cashstrapped families. And while the frenzied scramble to get into an elite school still dominates senior year for many strivers, those footing the bill are taking an increasingly hard-nosed, consumer-oriented approach to their child’s higher education, education experts said. Parents are pushing their student into certain majors, vetoing others and advocating for in-state schools over more expensive status brands. They’re grilling administrators on job placement rates and alumni networks. In short, they are demanding a better return on their hefty investment than ever before, and administrators say they are getting the message. “As the price of college goes up, parents are more concerned with results, so they’re asking tough questions,” said Terry Hartle, senior vice president of the American Council on Education in Washington, D.C., “and good for them.” A college degree is no longer a guaranteed cushion from financial hardship. Only 56 percent of the class of 2010 had a job -- any job -one year after graduation compared with 90 percent in 2007, according to the Heldrich Center for Workforce Development at Rutgers University. As for law school, only about 65 percent of those in the class of 2011 are in jobs that require them to be members of the bar. And yet, since the 1980s, tuition has skyrocketed. The tab at private liberal arts institutions can easily top $50,000 annually, while in-state schools -- like the University of Illinois -- have hit the $30,000 mark. One in 10 Americans are paying off student loans. Even the most affluent parents are zeroing in on results more than ever when considering colleges for their children, said Marybeth Kravets, a longtime counselor who retired from Deerfield High School in 2010. “I’ve seen the shift ... it just kind of hits you in the face,” said Kravets, now a private college consultant on the North Shore. “On campus visits, parents are going to the career center. ... That never happened before.” Patrick Tassoni, college coordinator at

While the frenzied scramble to get into an elite school still dominates senior year for many strivers, those footing the bill are taking an increasingly hard-nosed, consumer-oriented approach to their child’s higher education.

SPECIAL SECTION, SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2012

CO L L EG E G U I D E 2012

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