College Guide Spring 2022
EMILY SHULLAW ILLUSTRATION, LEE ENTERPRISES
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COLLEGE GUIDE
Don’t skip financial aid applications LEE SHULMAN BIERER
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Tribune News Service
on’t assume the answer is no. You might be pleasantly surprised by a financial aid package. One of the biggest mistakes many families make is assuming they won’t receive any aid from colleges and universities. Parents frequently put a stranglehold on their child’s college list and tell them they can only attend an in-state institution because that’s all they believe they can afford. The myth of one price for all is simply not accurate. The reality is paying for college is more similar to paying for an airline ticket, i.e., you could be sitting next to someone who paid twice what you paid, or that person across the aisle or in the dorm room next door may have paid remarkably less than you. Financial aid is more available and abundant than a lot of families realize. This is especially true at the most selective and most expensive colleges.
“Financial aid is more available and abundant than a lot of families realize. This is especially true at the most selective and most expensive colleges. These colleges and universities have exceptionally large endowments.” These colleges and universities have exceptionally large endowments. As college tuition has soared beyond the grasp of many families, these institutions have been pressured to raise the income threshold that allows families to receive aid. Lynn O’Shaughnessy, my go-to guru for all things related to financial aid as well as a bestselling author and nationally recognized higher education expert who shares advice on her blog www.collegesolution.com, illustrated this phenomenon with this example: “The parents in my hypothetical family have a gross income of $300,000,
with $100,000 in taxable assets. (Aid calculations don’t take into account retirement assets, so a family could have millions in retirement accounts without jeopardizing aid.) My couple has one Princeton-bound student and another headed to another university. When I ran the numbers, Princeton would provide the student with a grant of nearly $26,000 for freshman year.” It does seem remarkable that a family earning $300,000 annually would qualify for $26,000 in need-based aid. It also seems counterintuitive that a pricier college might end up being cheaper than the sticker price on a less expensive school, but that is why financial advis-
ers recommend everyone complete the financial aid forms. The two basic forms are the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and the College Scholarship Service (CSS) Profile. The FAFSA is a need analysis document required by virtually all higher education institutions for students seeking any aid, including the unsubsidized Stafford loan. The product of the FAFSA is the Expected Family Contribution (EFC). Your EFC is how much money the federal government thinks you can afford. You may not necessarily agree with their calculations, but that doesn’t matter. The EFC will determine the amount of need-based aid you will receive. The CSS Profile is the customized financial aid application form required at certain colleges to determine eligibility for institutional aid. Lee Shulman Bierer is an independent college adviser based in Charlotte, N.C. Visit her website College Admissions Strategies.
COLLEGE GUIDE
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Be prepared for your
COLLEGE INTERVIEW
LEE SHULMAN BIERER
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Tribune News Service
pplications are submitted and for some, it’s now time for interviews. The first thing we need to do is to shake up your image of the stereotypical elderly, tweed-jacketed, pipesmoking, bespectacled, cranky admissions person. You might be pleasantly surprised to find that many of the staff in college admissions offices today are young, multicultural and far from cranky. For a student who loved their college experience, working in admissions is often a way to stay on at their alma mater and share their enthusiasm with high school students. Admissions entry level jobs involve lots of not-so-glamorous travel, visiting multiple
high schools each day and then returning to campus to hole up and read hundreds of applications. Seniors may have the opportunity to interview with these admissions representatives while they are traveling, or as is more frequently the case, students will interview with alumni representatives in their hometown. Additionally, many students who have applied for scholarships will find that an interview is part of the scholarship selection process. What can you expect from an interview? Colleges want you to like them, even if they don’t accept you. This means that the interview is not a test. The interviewer is not there to grill you or intimidate you. In fact, many interviewers will err on the side of being too gentle and not probing sufficiently to
thoroughly understand the applicants. A student’s job is to: Control the conversation. The more the student can make the interview into a conversation vs. an interrogation with a question-and-answer session, the more success they are likely to have. The best way to do that is for a student to make themselves accessible; be genuine, honest and share their personality. Prepare but don’t be rehearsed. You can anticipate a variety of prompts, including: “Tell us about yourself.” “What do you think has been your biggest accomplishment, achievement or contribution to your high school or your community?” “Why do you want to attend our school?” “What questions do you have for me?” Think about these questions, practice responding to them and get some critique from
someone you trust. Be respectful. Seems a little silly to even mention this, but students unknowingly eliminate themselves from contention for a variety of reasons including: not turning off their cellphones, arriving late, dressing inappropriately, behaving rudely to the administrative staff, making a lousy first impression by slouching, chewing gum, acting disinterested, etc. Follow up. It’s absolutely the right thing to do to send a handwritten thank-you note to the interviewer. Be sure to reference something discussed in the interview and make it substantive. If you are still interested in attending, communicate your enthusiasm in the note. Lee Shulman Bierer is an independent college adviser based in Charlotte, N.C. Visit her website College Admissions Strategies.
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NORTHEASTERN STATE UNIVERSITY Tahlequah-Muskogee-Broken Arrow-Online | 800-722-9614 | Go2NSU.com
Experience your education at Northeastern LOCATIONS: Tahlequah, Muskogee, State University, Oklahoma’s immersive Broken Arrow and Online learning institution. With three campuses and a robust online presence, NSU is your STUDENT POPULATION: 7,025 choice whether you’re starting or finishing HIGHEST DEGREE: Doctorate your degree. NSU is close to home and offers strong academics with a real-world MASCOT: Rowdy the RiverHawk focus on workforce readiness and handsSOCIAL MEDIA: NSURiverHawks on immersive learning experiences including research, community service, clinical experience, performances, internships and other opportunities. NSU is one of only 23 Green Country’s affordable university, Northeastern is a cost-effective way to earn a college degree. Plus, there are many scholarships and financial aid options available to make your out-of-pocket costs even lower. In 2020-2021, NSU awarded over $33 million in the form of scholarships, grants and tuition waivers. HawkCents Certified Financial Counselors will help you make informed financial decisions while you attend NSU, as well as provide the skills you need to reach your financial goals after graduation. NSU’s highly credentialed professors and team of advisors and counselors are focused on and committed to your success. You can select from 61 exceptional undergraduate and 26 graduate degree programs, along with the professional doctor of optometry degree. Classes are offered on the home campus of Tahlequah, as well as Muskogee, Broken Arrow and online. NSU Online offers a host of classes, degrees and certificates designed with the online learner in mind. NSU welcomes thousands of transfer students each year as they continue to work closely with their partner institutions to make your transition there smooth and easy.
colleges of optometry in the United States. It is a top university for American Indian baccalaureate graduates and has a long-standing history of preparing more American Indian educators than any other school in the nation. NSU is a regional leader in healthcare education and has prepared the majority of educators in Oklahoma. Tulsa’s Transfer Destination, Northeastern offers a seamless transition from a two-year to four-year degree through Smart Choice. NSU’s continuing education and workforce development opportunities can help you advance in your career. With most classes online and recently expanded offerings, NSU is your resource for continued professional and career development, including ACT and MCAT Test Prep, career training, accelerated certificates and personal enrichment opportunities. Your Success Starts Here. The Tahlequah campus offers a freshmen experience with the traditional residential college lifestyle, including specialized living-learning communities, a variety of student organizations, lots of food choices, scenic grounds, historic buildings and intercollegiate athletics.
Answer the Call. Muskogee’s modern campus serves upper-level undergraduate and graduate students, offering programs in Physician Assistant Studies, Nursing, Occupational Therapy, Nutritional Sciences, Speech-Language Pathology, Organizational Leadership and Public Health. Finish What You Started. Broken Arrow’s state-of-the-art campus serves mostly upper division and graduate students with 34 undergraduate and 16 graduate degrees, including a Professional MBA and master’s degrees in Accounting and Financial Analysis, English, Higher Education Leadership, Special Education-Autism Spectrum Disorders and Natural Science, among others. Class schedules are designed to maximize a student’s time on campus with evening, online and blended formats, as well as weekend seminar and workshop courses. You belong here! It starts with a simple request for information. Visit Go2NSU.com today.
Founded in 1851 as the Cherokee National Female Seminary, NSU is the state’s fourth largest university.
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You Belong Here! -
OKLAHOMA’S IMMERSIVE LEARNING INSTITUTION
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AFFORDABLE, WORKFORCE-READY DEGREES
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FLEXIBLE DELIVERY FORMATS
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CLOSE TO HOME
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Go2NSU.com
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the university of
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HARDING UNIVERSITY 100+ Undergraduate Majors
15 Preprofessional Programs
40+ Graduate & Professional Programs
6 Study Abroad Programs
NCAA Division II Sports
Christ-centered Education
harding.edu/visit
pursue your meaning & purpose
harding.edu
COLLEGE GUIDE
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HARDING UNIVERSITY Harding University was founded on Christian principles and a liberal arts tradition. Since 1924, Harding has challenged students to pursue scholarship, service and excellence. The largest private university in Arkansas, Harding is ranked by The Princeton Review as one of the Best Regional Colleges in the Southeast. The university attracts students from across the U.S. and more than 50 nations and territories. Students can cultivate friendships and interests with more than 120 academic and professional organizations ranging from the arts and business to diversity and the environment. Students can also participate in one of 28 social clubs with social functions, service projects and club sports throughout the school year. A member of the NCAA Division II, Harding has more than 400 student-athletes competing on 16 teams in the Great American Conference. There are also a variety of intramural and recreational activities available including spaces for racquetball, swimming, basketball, volleyball, soccer and more. The Ganus Activities Complex also houses a two-story weight room and a suspended track. Hands-on learning opportunities abound. Engineering majors develop the concept and construction of off-road vehicles. Journalism majors manage the student newspaper, and nursing majors conduct exam simulations on high-fidelity mannequins. Housed within 10 colleges, Harding’s academic offerings include more than 100 undergraduate majors, more than 15 preprofessional programs and more than 40 graduate and professional programs.
pursue your meaning & purpose
harding.edu
Searcy, Arkansas | 800-477-4407
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Your college experience doesn’t have to be like everyone else’s.
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Do you want a different college experience? The University of Science & Arts is Oklahoma’s liberal arts university and has been doing things differently since 1908. Different is in our DNA. It’s our greatest power. It’s our tradition.
You don’t have to be liberal or an artist.
We’re a liberal arts school. What’s that mean? It means you can take public policy and theatre arts classes and still go to med school with a major in biology. It means you are empowered to think, write and speak for yourself. That’s liberal arts our way.
Our faculty are better than your faculty.
Everyone’s faculty is smart. So is ours. But our faculty live by an open-door policy, serving as mentors, counselors and friends outside the classroom. And they are dedicated to ensuring all students reach their individual potential. Nah, nah, nah, nah, nah!
We love our culture - you will too.
There is a place and a voice for everyone at Science & Arts. That’s why we keep it small. And real. Simply put, our campus just feels like home - you’ll feel it too.
Have we got a deal for you.
Graduate from Science & Arts without a mountain of debt. Not only do we have the lowest tuition costs among all of the liberal arts universities in Oklahoma, but 80% of our students receive scholarship or financial aid. That means you get a private school education for a public school price.
usao.edu | 405-574-1357
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COME SEE FOR YOURSELF THERE IS NO PLACE LIKE STILLWATER, OKLAHOMA
and there are many ways for high school students to experience life on Oklahoma State Unviersity’s campus. Walking tours are offered each weekday for future students. We also offer Saturday tours and exciting admissions events throughout the year to help students find their place on campus. Schedule a campus tour to see the OSU campus through the eyes of a current student.
COLLEGE GUIDE
WHERE CAN YOU PREPARE FOR YOUR FUTURE AND BUILD MEANINGFUL RELATIONSHIPS? Don’t wait — Tour our campus and discover why OSU and its outstanding resources are so special to all of our 250,000+ alumni. Plan your family’s visit today. visit.okstate.edu
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ORANGE IS THE ANSWER.
Oklahoma State University is equipping future leaders across the state of Oklahoma and beyond. At OSU, students have the opportunity to gain a world-class education while developing relationships and connections that will last a lifetime. With five academic colleges and more than 200 degree programs, you can get started right away with an academic major that fuels your passion and prepares you for a rewarding career. Our university offers degree programs in high-demand industries such as STEM, technology, aerospace, agriculture and much more. With over 30 different housing options on campus and more than 500 different campus organizations, students are empowered to learn leadership skills and connect with other students who share similar interests on a daily basis. OSU ensures a unique and personalized education for all of its students. Over the last five years, OSU has opened cutting-edge facilities. The McKnight Center for the Performing Arts, the OSU Esports Arena in OSU’s Student Union, the ENDEAVOR labs for interdisciplinary undergraduate hands-on learning, the new Spears School of Business building, and the Michael and Anne Greenwood School of Music, just to name a few. OSU recently broke ground on the new Ferguson College of Agriculture building, which aims to revolutionize collaborative agricultural research opportunities for students when it opens in 2024. The OSU Honors College gives students the opportunity to invest in themselves with an ambitious academic program that will prepare them for graduate programs, continued professional development, or a fulfilling career. The benefits of OSU’s top-rated honors program combined with a worldwide alumni base is the perfect launchpad for a successful career. Students can participate in research alongside faculty members in any area of study beginning as early as their freshman year with OSU’s Freshman Research Scholars program, an opportunity offered at only a select number of campuses around the country. This is a unique opportunity to get firsthand experience in your industry’s research while building your resume.
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A dynamic, regional university with about 3,600 students, Rogers State University provides the complete college experience where students can live on campus, participate in a myriad of student activities, or enjoy the thrill of NCAA Division II athletics — all while earning a degree from one of RSU’s many high-quality academic programs. RSU offers bachelor’s and associate degree programs in Oklahoma’s top 10 fastest growing industries. These include traditional programs such as health care, business administration, applied technology, psychology and sociology, communications, humanities, criminal justice and nursing, as well as emerging fields such as esports, game development and environmental conservation. Many students from northeast Oklahoma who plan to attend medical school complete their undergraduate studies through RSU’s program in medical/molecular biology. RSU’s nursing program, including its online RN-to-BSN program, is among the best in Oklahoma. Students work closely with faculty members who mentor their academic progress and professional development. RSU attracts high-achieving students through its rigorous Honors Program and the President’s Leadership Class (PLC). Additionally, students can participate in international study-at-large programs that provide opportunities to see the world, learn about other cultures and enrich their educational experiences. RSU also offers graduate education through its master of business administration, now available entirely online at one of the most affordable rates in the region. Rogers State offers conveniently located campuses in Claremore, Bartlesville and Pryor (at the MidAmerica Industrial Park) alongside its nationally recognized online program that provides classes that meet any schedule. RSU is the only public four-year university in the Tulsa metro with on-campus housing. Hillcat Athletics compete as members of the NCAA Division II in baseball, basketball, cross country, golf, soccer,
LOCATIONS: Claremore, Bartlesville and Pryor STUDENT POPULATION: 3,700 HIGHEST DEGREE: Master’s MASCOT: Hillcats Follow RSU on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram @RogersStateU softball, and track and field, as well as competitive cheer and dance. RSU offers esports (competitive video gaming) as a university-sponsored activity, and RSU is one of the only schools in the nation to offer a bachelor’s degree and minor in esports. The university consistently ranks among the nation’s leaders for graduates who earn diplomas with the least amount of debt. In fact, last year, almost half of RSU’s graduating class earned their degree without student debt thanks to RSU’s affordable tuition combined with public and private student aid.
RSU is the Tulsa metro area’s only public university with on-campus housing.
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Find out more at ou.edu/tulsasooners 3474