between a college graduate with a bachelor’s degree and a high school graduate in earning potentials is more than $800,000, according to a 2007 College Board study. So, yeah, higher education is worth it. In the past 20 years, higher-education options have
A good education can set you on the path to a successful, fulfilling career. And you’ll earn more money. Over a lifetime, someone with a bachelor’s degree will earn 60 percent more than a person with a high school diploma. What’s that mean? The gap
exploded. Satellite locations, remote classrooms, web-ucation and online options are the norm in today’s higher learning landscape. And if college isn’t the right choice for you, there are technical and professional schools that can train you for specific
careers. Nontraditional students — adults returning to college after an absence, attending for the first time or working full time while carrying college courses — also are at home on college campuses or in Internet classrooms.
WHO GETS IN The number of college applicants is rising, according to college experts, and getting into the college of your choice is more competitive than ever. Students and parents are encouraged to consider a range of options,
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including community colleges, small public or private colleges and schools with specific study disciplines such as business. Some colleges are “open admissions,” accepting students on a first-
come, first-serve basis. Other colleges are very selective and admit only a small number of applicants each year. Most colleges are in between. Let your fingers do the walking — use your computer to surf the Web.
Take virtual tours and view videos about campus life at potential colleges and universities. Cruise the U.S. News & World Report Web site, www. usnews.com, and check out their Student Center and College Click TV links.
TESTING, TESTING
QUESTIONS
Most colleges accept SAT and ACT assessments. Community colleges and technical schools may require a different standardized test, such as the ASSET test. Check with each college you are considering to determine which test is preferred. The ACT is accepted by nearly all the same colleges as the SAT and has one advantage for nervous test-takers. If you don’t like your score on an ACT test, you don’t have to show it to colleges. The SAT rule is that if you send any score to a college, you have to send them all. Most colleges promise to count only your best scores, but that rule makes some students uncomfortable. You also may want to consider taking the Preliminary ACT and the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test as practice for the actual assessment. Practice tests will give you a chance to see where your academic weak spots are so you can focus on those areas. If you are unhappy with your score or feel you can do better, you may retake the test. Try to take the test for the first time by the spring of your junior year so you will have time to retake it if necessary. Check with your high school counselor or admissions counselor before you retake the test.
■ How long, on average, does it take students to graduate? Is it difficult to get the classes required for graduation? ■ What is the student/faculty ratio? Does the faculty include teaching assistants, or do professors teach the majority of classes? ■ What is the placement rate? Do most students who graduate obtain a job in their field? Do they get admitted to grad school? Do employers do on- campus job recruiting? ■ What housing options are available? ■ Are there student employment opportunities either on or off campus? ■ Do I need a car? Is there parking available, and if so, is there a charge to park? ■ Is there Internet and Wi-Fi service on campus? Does the college provide computers? ■ What types of meal plans are available? Is there a variety of food? If I have special dietary needs, can they be accommodated? What types of options are available besides the dining hall?
CONSIDER
TO
THE
ASK
COSTS
Grant aid from federal and state governments, institutional funds and private sources lowers the net price for a majority of college students, while benefits from federal education tax credits and deductions can reduce the costs students and their families incur. But many families may find that they earn too much to qualify for need-based financial aid, which is by far the most common source of all student aid. Need-based aid is most likely to be granted at a public university. Families who are unlikely to qualify for need-based aid can still lower their bills through merit aid based on academic accomplishment. While top-tier elite private schools typically don’t hand out such aid, many well-known colleges a notch or two down on the prestige ladder do. Parents: Be frank about what you can afford to pay toward your teenager’s college education. Discuss options for paying for college: you’ll pay, you’ll pay a portion and they’ll pay the rest; they’ll get a job and save their portion; what can be expected from financial aid sources, etc. Get over the guilt if you can’t afford the full ride. Teenagers may value more what they have to pay for. Schools that grant merit scholarships often outline qualifications and other details on their Web sites, and U.S. News & World Report, www. usnews.com, has a list of schools with the highest percentage of students receiving non-need based aid. Most families know it costs less to attend a state school than a private one, but private schools have financial aid packages that quickly bring the real costs down.
CAMPUS VISITS
WHAT COLLEGES WANT The College Board says the high school record gets the most emphasis: ■ Courses taken ■ Counselor/teacher recommendations ■ Ethnicity ■ Grades ■ Application questions and essays ■ Geographic location ■ Grade point average ■ Personal interview ■ Alumni relationship ■ Rank in class ■ Activities outside the classroom ■ Major/college applied to ■ Admission test results ■ Special talents and skills ■ Extracurricular activities While extracurricular activities can look good on a application, schools mainly look at them to see if a student has shown a long-term commitment to one or two activities.
Enjoy the scenery, listen to the guide and have lunch at the student union. After you know which schools have accepted you, you can make a more careful appraisal. College visits are a major time commitment and expense. Don’t waste either resource. You don’t need to visit every college on your list to develop a clear sense of what fits. Make the most out of it. 1. Pick a reasonable number. See contrasting types, some larger, smaller, urban, rural and so on, to develop perspective. 2. Before each visit, review a college’s viewbook and Web site. 3. Make a list of questions to ask of your tour guide. Don’t be afraid to talk to students on campus. 4. See schools farther from home first if you will not be able to later in the year, or start close to home and see a select group of schools farther away during senior fall. 5. Develop a timetable to be prompt for tours or appointments. Study road maps, plane schedules; get directions from the college (these are often in the back of viewbooks, or on the Web site). 6. Talk to faculty, coaches and students involved in the activities that interest you. Many students visit campuses during the summer, because this is when they can get an interview and get away from school, sports or other responsibilities. If you visit in the summer and are very interested in the college, return during the fall to see the campus when students are there.
Sunday, March 13, 2011
DECEMBER ✓ Pick up a copy of the FAFSA at your high school guidance office. ✓ Begin working on it, but don’t sign or submit it before Jan. 1. ✓ Finalize outside grant and scholarship applications. ✓ Stay focused: Grades in your senior year can affect admittance to the college of your choice. ✓ Parents: Save year-end payroll stubs if it shows earnings for the year. JANUARY ✓ Check priority dates for submitting FAFSA. ✓ Submit completed FAFSA to the processor. ✓ Keep copies of forms you submit. ✓ Ask your high school to send your first semester transcript to colleges. ✓ Parents: Get your federal income tax refunds prepared early; colleges may require copies to prove eligibility for financial aid. AUGUST ✓ Decide which kind of college best suits you: large or small, public or private. ✓ Obtain information on admission, scholarships and financial aid of schools you’re interested in. SEPTEMBER ✓ If you are in the top 15 percent of your class, check with your guidance counselor about the State of Iowa Scholarship. ✓ Register to take the SAT/ACT, if you haven’t already. ✓ Visit with admissions counselors when they come to your high school. ✓ Ask for letters of recommendation. ✓ Visit with your counselor about application deadlines for specific scholarships.
CHECKING IT TWICE Senior year is a blur — blink and it’s gone. Make sure important deadlines for applications and tests aren’t flying by while you’re wrapped up in classes, sports, extracurriculars or, you know, having a life with this helpful calendar.
Sunday, March 13, 2011
OCTOBER ✓ Take SAT/ACT again or for the first time. ✓ Begin writing essays for applications. ✓ Select at least three colleges and plan campus visits. ✓ Call admissions office for an appointment; visit with students and faculty; find out which financial aid applications are required; ask about specific application procedures. NOVEMBER ✓ Narrow college choices. ✓ Begin submitting applications to college choices. ✓ State of Iowa Scholarship applications must be submitted by Nov. 1. ✓ Obtain financial aid forms if different from the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. ✓ Attend a financial aid presentation during the next few months.
FEBRUARY ✓ Check to see if transcripts have been received. ✓ Submit FAFSA if you haven’t. ✓ Watch mail for letters of acceptance. MARCH ✓ Watch for Student Aid Report, which is the result of the FAFSA you filed. ✓ Contact financial aid office at each college listed on your FAFSA to see if they have received your SAR information. ✓ Be prepared to submit a copy of your federal tax forms. ✓ State of Iowa Scholars are notified of awards. APRIL ✓ Compare financial aid packages. ✓ Make a final decision about the college of your choice. ✓ Send required deposit and sign and return financial aid award letter if required. ✓ Note other important deadlines. ✓ Notify other colleges you will not be attending. ✓ If you are borrowing a student loan, complete necessary promissory note. MAY ✓ Ask counselor to send a final grade transcript to the college you have chosen. ✓ Graduation! JUNE ✓ Notify the college about any outside scholarships you have received. JULY ✓ Be sure to attend orientation sessions offered at your college.
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UPPER IOWA UNIVERSITY Fayette Residential Campus
- $75-million construction project focused on students Suite-style residence hall, new academic building, huge new student center‌and more on the way
- Excellent academics
- Peacock athletics Iowa’s only NCAA Division II athletics, with 12 varsity teams
- Active campus life
40 majors, and ranked in top 25% of colleges nationally for enhancing student learning
Intramurals, student clubs, Greek life, free golf, free movies, and tons of recreation opportunities
We’ve got a lot to show you! Schedule your UIU campus visit at:
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FAFSA a lynchpin in ďŹ nancial aid applications The ďŹ rst step in the ďŹ nancial aid process is to complete and submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. Students become eligible for aid from federal and state agencies and from colleges by ďŹ lling out the U.S. Department of Education’s FAFSA. The form is available at www. fafsa.ed.gov or by calling (800) 433-3243. Students can complete the form without professional assistance, but if you need help, you can go to www.studentaid. ed.gov/students/publications/ completing_fafsa/index.html The form needs to be ďŹ lled out soon after Jan. 1 of your senior year of high school and before your college’s ďŹ nancial aid priority deadline. Deadlines for your state or schools may be different from the federal deadlines and you may be required to complete additional forms. Ask your school about their definition of an application deadline, whether it is the receipt date and time or the process date and time of the application. FAFSA needs to be ďŹ lled out (by you and your parents) every year you want to be considered for ďŹ nancial aid. The information on this form is used to decide how much ďŹ nancial aid you qualify for from the federal government,
you for other expenses. likely to include funds from the Note that not all schools particithe state and colleges. Your ďŹ nancial aid package is Federal Student Aid programs. pate in all FSA programs. Check with your high school guidance counselor or a ďŹ nancial aid administrator at your school about state and school sources of student aid. Note: State forms do not replace ďŹ lling out the FAFSA. You must ďŹ ll out the FAFSA to receive federal student aid. Your school will award you a ďŹ nancial aid package to help meet your financial need. Financial need is the difference between the school’s cost of attendance (including living expenses) and your Expected Family Contribution. y /FBSMZ PG TUVEFOUT TUVEZ BCSPBE If you believe that you have y TUVEFOUT DPNQFUF JO B OBUJPOBMMZ SBOLFE unusual circumstances that /$"" %JWJTJPO *** BUIMFUJDT QSPHSBN should be taken into account, such as unusual medical or deny TUVEFOUT QBSUJDJQBUF JO JOUFSOBUJPOBMMZ tal expenses or a signiďŹ cant BDDMBJNFE NVTJD QSPHSBNT change in income from one year to the next, contact the ďŹ nany MBOE B KPC PS BUUFOE HSBEVBUF TDIPPM cial aid office at your school for XJUIJO TJY NPOUIT PG HSBEVBUJPO assistance. Federal Student Aid is paid to y /P OBUJPOBMMZ GPS QFSDFOUBHF PG TUVEFOUT students through the school. PO TFSWJDF USJQT EVSJOH CSFBLT You should receive an award letter from your school, which details your aid award types and amounts. Your aid awards likely will be disbursed each semester, quarter or other payment period. Typically, the school ďŹ rst applies your aid toward tuition, fees and room and board if you live on campus. The remainder is paid to
The Best Times of Your Life
Get a great education, prepare for a fulfilling career and enjoy extraordinary experiences at Wartburg College.
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Schedule your campus visit
Leadership. Service. Faith. Learning.
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Securing financial aid important in tight economy By TINA HINZ tina.hinz@wcfcourier.com
WATERLOO — Applying for financial aid is more important than ever in Iowa, a state that is posting some of the highest student loan debts in the nation. The good news: The process to apply is easier than you think, starting with the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. The standardized federal form is used to determine eligibility for federal, state, and in some cases, institutional aid. For the first year, a direct link to the Iowa Financial Aid Application is accessible to Iowa residents on the FAFSA confirmation page. The online state application, which covers six state programs, uses smart technology that points out eligible programs based on how a person answers the questions. All are encouraged to apply “even if they think they make too much money and they wouldn’t qualify,” said Heather Doe, associate director of marketing and communications with the Iowa College Student Aid Commission in Des Moines. During the 2007-2008 year, 66 percent of undergraduate students received some type of financial aid, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. About 52 percent received grants, 38 percent took out student loans, 7 percent earned aid through work-study jobs and 2 percent got veterans benefits. Only 4 percent of those students had parents who took out a federal-plus loan, which offers a fixed-interest rate of 7.9 percent and deferment and forbearance options to postpone payments. Parents borrow the money in their name and are responsible for paying it back. Federal parent PLUS loans are recommended over students burdening themselves with both federal and private education loans, Doe said. Many experts believe students can comfortably manage payments of no more than 8 percent of their income, she added. Page 6
Iowa’s average student loan debt upon graduation is nearing $30,000. At that amount, a newly graduated student would need to make more than $50,000. A tight economy and limited resources may be contributing to heavy student debt loads. During the 2009-10 school year, more than 35 percent of Iowa resident FAFSA filers indicated a zero for their expected family contribution, according to Doe. With tuitions on the rise, any free money helps. Jen Sassman, director of financial aid at Wartburg College in Waverly, said cuts in federal and state funding can create challenges but are something her team is accustomed to working with. Wartburg’s financial aid budget increases annually. Prospective students shouldn’t be turned off by the idea of a private college’s tuition. Wartburg annually administers more than $46 million of federal, state and institutional aid as well as outside scholarships. More than $24 million is invested by Wartburg alone. Sassman has seen an increase in the number of families with “special circumstances.” A FAFSA is based off one’s financial information the previous year, but the sudden loss of a job or pay cut can affect the financial stability and require further review to factor in the updated information. The college awarded 15 more scholarships this year than last, for a total of more than 500. Orange Opportunity is a campaign to get 100 more funded and endowed scholarships over the next several years. Some students also earn merit scholarships, like the regents, presidential and transfer scholarships. During the 2009-10 school year, 1,113 of nearly 1,800 enrolled were employed on campus. The federal government allocates $300,000 for that program. Wartburg chips in $1.5 million. Also, most Wartburg students graduate in four years or fewer. “More and more people are understanding the difference
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between sticker shock and actual cost,” Sassman said. But the affordability of community colleges seems to remain an enticing option and may be linked to soaring enrollment. Hawkeye Community College is seeing record numbers, including a 5 to 6 percent increase in terms of head count in the fall and a 2 percent increase this spring. Dave Ball, director of admissions and student life at Hawkeye, attributes much of that to nontraditional students, or people seeking a new skill. “They’d perhaps been in a job that’s been downsized, or they’re even underemployed,” he said. More and more FAFSA filers are older than 25. In 2004-05, 75 percent of college students were traditionally aged, compared to 66 percent this year, Doe said. Two-year transfer programs like those offered at Hawkeye provide a lower-cost alternative to four years at a university. Iowa’s three regent universities and 15 community colleges have created www.transferiniowa.org to ensure a seamless transfer.
Hawkeye students also are assigned to an academic adviser at Iowa State University in Ames, the University of Iowa in Iowa City or the University of Northern Iowa in Cedar Falls. About 38 percent of the student body at UNI are transfers, and Hawkeye is its largest feeder school, Ball said. Hawkeye has hosted events to assist with the financial aid process and provide scholarship information. February is Financial Aid Awareness Month, not too early to get the wheels turning, said Lois Mulbrook, Hawkeye’s director of financial aid. Staff can answer questions or help students fill out the FAFSA. In early March, a group of sophomores from Hudson High School was introduced to financial aid terminology as part of a visit to the college. “We think we’ve probably more proactive than ever before,” Ball said. “Students need to understand the process. Don’t just leave it to Mom and Dad.” Boosting awareness statewide seems to be working. During the last six years, the number of FAFSAs filed by Iowa residents
increased 47 percent, Doe said. That is significant, as Iowa’s population increased only 5 percent and enrollment at Iowa’s colleges and universities went up 13 percent during the same time period. Larger pools of applicants may toughen the competition. Depending on the state program, the award either is reduced across the board to help more students, or less of the eligible population is funded. About 14 percent of all Iowa resident FAFSA filers received some sort of state aid last year, said Todd Brown, director of state-administered aid with the Iowa College Student Aid Commission. Despite challenges of securing aid, college remains a good investment, officials say. According to Doe, data shows those without a college education are more likely to earn lower wages and experience unemployment. The unemployment rate for Iowans 25 to 64 is 2 percent for those with a bachelor’s degree and 10 percent for those with less than a high school diploma. Sunday, March 13, 2011
Emmaus Bible College Dubuque | 563.588.8000 | www.emmaus.edu t Emmaus Bible College, the mission of the new counseling psychology program is to begin equipping individuals with the understanding and basic skill of counseling with the integration of God’s Holy word and train them to serve as people-helpers within various ministry settings. Students will develop skills so that they, and those they help, can effectively engage in life and service to the glory of Lord Jesus Christ. The basic and underlying conviction of the department is the authority of God’s Word. The authority of the Bible refers to the idea that the Bible is normative for the church in all speech, thought and practice. Students will learn to be fully involved in the knowing of God’s
word, so that they can be “Berean” in their assessment and evaluation of counseling psychology. The degree offered is a bachelor of science in biblical studies and counseling psychology. One must come before the other, as the college wants students to be good counselors only by first being good theologians. The discerning Christian counselor should be distinctively Christian both in foundation and method, not just able to give a restatement of naturalistic principles with biblical jargon. The program is led by Ben Mathew, a native of Southern Ontario, Canada, who was actively involved in a number of ministries in his home assembly. He received his bachelor’s degree in biblical studies from Emmaus Bible College and continued his graduate work at Dallas Theological Semi-
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nary, earning his master’s degree in biblical counseling. Mathew worked in the Dallas area for a number of years in private practice and at the nationally known Minirth Clinic, special-
izing in adolescent rehabilitation and conflict resolution. He is a licensed mental health counselor in Iowa and works in the student services department as the director of counseling services. He and
his wife, Jenna, and their children, Elias and Zachary, stay involved with various ministries. Mathew speaks at numerous churches, camps and conferences across North America.
Tradition
Be a part of it. Be a Hawkeye. ƌ More than 100 undergraduate areas of study ƌ About 21,000 undergraduates and 30,800 students overall ƌ Students from every state and more than 100 countries ƌ 16-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio ƌ Nearly 500 student organizations ƌ 22 Big Ten varsity sports teams ƌ Online and distance learning opportunities in the Waterloo area
800-553-4692 www.uiowa.edu/admissions
Scan QR code with phone
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Sunday, March 13, 2011
Investigate regional programs that offer attractive tuition discounts to students from nearby states.
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Wartburg College Waverly | 800.772.2085 | www.wartburg.edu ov. Terry Branstad learned about the value of a Wartburg College education while president of the Des Moines University College of Osteopathic Medicine. “We had medical students from everywhere — from BYU to Boston College — but the highest achievers were the graduates of Wartburg College,” Branstad told The Courier’s editorial board. “They had the highest grade-point average in medical school of every college and university of the United States that we had. They have one of the best pre-med programs, bar none, in the United States of America. That’s a great asset.” Wartburg has a disproportionate number of students at both Iowa medical schools — 18 at the University of Iowa’s Carver College of Medicine and 23 at DMU. Iowa’s entering medical school class in 2010 had 58 regents institutions graduates (Iowa, 42, and Iowa State, 16), and 21 from all other Iowa colleges — five from Wartburg. DMU officials call Wartburg a “high-caliber feeder school.” Wartburg also gets high marks from people in the know. “Numerous doctors told me Wartburg was doing a great job preparing students for medical school,” recalled Tim McKenna of Cedar Falls about his decision to attend Wartburg. A 2009 graduate, he’s a second-year Iowa medical student. The national acceptance rate for medical school is 46 percent. It’s 96 percent for Wartburg graduates (2000-09) — similar to its other health-related programs. Wartburg has an innovative “3+1” nursing partnership with Allen College of Nursing. Students meet basic requirements at Wartburg in three years, then matriculate to Allen for 15 months, getting bachelor’s degrees at both institutions. Wartburg helps position graduates for health-related careers in other ways. More than 70 stu-
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dents annually shadow healthcare professionals and do volunteer work at the Waverly Health Center hospital. Wartburg students build a wellrounded resume. “When I went to a pre-med conference at Iowa,” said biology professor Dr. Ann Henninger, “they talked about what the admissions committee looks for — motivation, leadership potential, diversity, team member, flexibility, volunteer work in health care and research experience. “Those are things our students do, whether they’re academic allAmericans in football, in choir or in the band.” Nearly 600 Wartburg students participate in a highly ranked intercollegiate athletics program; 450 are in critically acclaimed music ensembles. Break Away, the national alternative break organization, ranked
Wartburg No. 1 for percentage of students on service trips during breaks in 2009-10. Overall, 88 percent of Wartburg students do academic or extracurricular community service projects. Wartburg pioneered a leadership certificate program, now numbering nearly 200 students. “Some of these kids have been on multiple service trips, and you ask them what have they done in terms of experiences, and they take these things for granted,” said biology professor Dr. Edward Westen. “They’ll say, ‘Well, for medical experiences, I’ve just been a certified nursing assistant for two years and an intern at the hospital, but that’s about all. Oh, yeah, I’ve done service trips for three years. We were building houses or feeding people at the shelter.’ They don’t realize that those are extraordinary experiences.” WO-031311012 031311012
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In high school, take courses you know you can get high grades in, plus a couple of harder classes that offer challenges.
Sunday, March 13, 2011
Grand View University Des Moines | 515.263.2810 | 800.444.6083 | www.admissions.grandview.edu eciding on a college can be overwhelming. But nothing is more important than a solid academic program in your area of interest, so you can get the education that will lead you to a great career. Whether you know exactly what academic path you want to follow or you’d like to explore a variety of fields Grand View has programs that will open a window onto the world. Grand View is a private university founded in 1896 and affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. We offer bachelor’s degrees in 38 majors. Grand View is home to 2,000 students, with a stu-
dent-to-faculty ratio of 14:1 and an average class size of 16. We provide a quality education at an affordable price, awarding financial aid that brings the cost for many students close to that of a public university. Among the things that make Grand View special is an emphasis on hands-on experiences that truly prepares you for your career. With a population exceeding half a million people, Des Moines is the perfect place for internships that can lead to a job and create your first career network. Life outside the classroom helps you learn and grow as a whole person. As a member of the
National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics and the Midwest Collegiate Conference, we offer 12 sports for men and 12 for women. Through more than 40 clubs, organizations and service projects, leadership opportunities abound. High academic standards, personal attention, hands-on education, leadership opportunities and a true commitment to your success are important parts of the quality Grand View offers. That translates into value. Grand View COURTESY PHOTO typically awards around $22 million each year in financial assistance, with the average assistance of approximately $21,000, with scholarships, with the remainder package for an entering freshman $13,000 of the total in grants and in work-study and loans.
Iowa Wesleyan College Mount Pleasant | 800.582.2383 | www.iwc.edu n Iowa Wesleyan College education will get you ready to explore all the possibilities for your future. For 1981 graduate Peggy Whitson, that led to the International Space Station. Whitson, a NASA astronaut, is the first female commander of the space station. Iowa Wesleyan College is in southeast Iowa. Students come from the local area, as well as throughout the Midwest and around the world. Ranked first in diversity among all Iowa colleges, the Iowa Wesleyan student body includes 20 percent U.S. minorities and nine percent international students. Students choose from five degrees with more than 40 majors and pre-professional programs. With a student-faculty ratio of just 12:1 and average class size of 14 students, Iowa Wesleyan is known for personal attention and a student-centered learning environment. More than 40 clubs and 14 NAIA intercollegiate men’s
dents who apply for financial aid lege awards more than $14 milreceive some assistance. The col- lion annually.
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and women’s athletic teams keep students active and involved. Adding to the academic experience are two programs unique to Iowa Wesleyan: Service Learning and Field Experience. Since 1968, Iowa Wesleyan has included a service-learning component in every student’s education. So far, IWC students have logged more
than 1 million hours of service. The Field Experience program is an opportunity for students to gain professional, hands-on experience in their field of study through internships. Iowa Wesleyan is dedicated to making an excellent education affordable. More than 95 percent of all Iowa Wesleyan stuWO-031311024
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Don’t fret about picking the wrong school. If you find it doesn’t suit you, you can always transfer.
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Central College Pella | 877.462.3687 | www.central.edu you want Visit campus
will take you where to go — farther than you ever dreamed. Central graduates work around the world, study at top graduates schools and team up alongside other alumni professionals across the country.
Central’s size and individual attention makes learning challenging and prepares students for life after college. Start your experience at Central College.
Looking for Direction? Look to Allen College. Associate of Science in Radiography (ASR) Bachelor of Health Sciences (BHS) X Medical Laboratory Science program X Nuclear Medicine Technology program X Diagnostic Medical Sonography program
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entral College is a fouryear, residential, liberal arts college affiliated with the Reformed Church in America. Go farther than you ever imagined in your journey at Central. Not sure of your major? Central has options for you to explore. Central offers 39 majors, including its newest majors actuarial science and biochemistry. The school also has pre-professional programs and advising. Average class size is 20, with a student to faculty ratio of 16:1. Nearly 90 percent of full-time faculty have a Ph.D. or other terminal degree in their field. Faculty at Central are your partners in learning both in and out of the classroom.
received some type of aid.
Get involved There’s something for everyone with more than 80 clubs and organizations on campus. Be a part of a team: Central offers 19 varsity athletics programs and is affiliated with the National Collegiate Athletic Association Division III athletics. Star in a theater performance or music concert. Run for student senate or join a fraternity or sorority.
See the world
only part of the curricula, it’s a part of everyday life. More than 87 percent of students sign up for either a service-learning academic experience or a community service volunteer opportunity before graduating.
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) X Upper Division BSN program X 15-month Accelerated BSN option X RN-BSN track available
Green campus Central has one of the most beautiful campuses you’ll find and one that specializes in caring for our world’s precious resources. Environmental stewardship is one of Central’s strengths, and our students embrace environmental efforts by participating in monitoring their energy usage, recycling and tending to the campus garden. A new global sustainability component has been added to the core curriculum to help connect students to their environment.
Participate in Central’s highly established study-abroad program. Go for a semester, a year or a summer to Mexico, Spain, the Netherlands, Wales, England, Austria, China or France. A new summer site in Ghana, Africa, is Affordability starting this summer. Line up an Affording Central College is a internship for a semester in either Outcomes reality. Scholarships and grants Chicago or Washington, D.C. are available, and more than When you graduate from Cen98 percent of students receive Be service-oriented tral, you’ll leave with more than financial aid. All new students Central helps develop the just a degree. Your liberal arts who sought financial assistance whole individual. Service isn’t education from Central College
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) X RN-MSN track available X Nurse Practitioner tracks in five areas X Nursing Education X Nursing Leadership
For more information call 319.226.2000 or go online at allencollege.edu. Allen College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, marital status, sex, age, national origin, qualified handicap, sexual orientation or gender identity. WO-031311018
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It is your character, not the name of your college, that is likely to bring success.
Sunday, March 13, 2011
Mount Mercy University Cedar Rapids | 319.363.8213 | www.mtmercy.edu and alumni who are professional Administration, Bachelor of leaders in their fields. Science in Nursing, Bachelor of Applied Science and Bachelor of Degrees Applied Arts degrees. A master’s Mount Mercy University offers degree is offered in business, Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of education, marriage and family Science, Bachelor of Business therapy and nursing.
at Grand View University
chart your career
on a vibrant metropolitan campus, with the personal touch and the programs you need for success. (
38 majors
(
Dynamic internships
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Nearly 100% job placement for more than a decade and a half
(
Affordable tuition
(
Average class size of 16
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Financial aid to 99% of full-time students
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Choice of on-campus living styles
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Personal attention
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t Mount Mercy University, students of all ages and interests — undergraduate, graduate and adult students — join together to create an active, welcoming campus community bound by a heartfelt commitment to doing well in the classroom, building rewarding lives and prosperous careers and truly making a difference in the world. The more than 1,600 men and women who make up our student body come from all over Iowa and the world. They choose Mount Mercy for our small, hands-on classes, meaningful faculty interaction, vibrant student life and our commitment to leadership and compassionate service.
Academic excellence Mount Mercy University combines a strong liberal arts foundation with outstanding professional preparation, including an emphasis on internships in every area of the curriculum. Mount Mercy’s dedicated faculty mem-
bers inspire students to lead and serve, made easier with small classes (average size is 15) and a student-teacher ratio of 12:1. Mount Mercy’s strong programs in biology, business, criminal justice, education, English, nursing and psychology provide undergraduates with opportunities in competitive fields. Mount Mercy also offers highquality graduate programs in nursing, business, education, and marriage and family therapy. Our programs are designed for working adults who balance graduate school with full-time employment and family.
numerous NAIA national tournament appearances. A vibrant and active campus, Mount Mercy offers more than 30 clubs and organizations to choose from, including the Biology Club, Student Government Association and Political Science Club. Mount Mercy’s recreation programs offer students the opportunity to enjoy off-campus activities. Students have access to the recreation center that includes a cardio room, weightlifting room, racquetball court, and basketball court, as well as an additional fitness room in Lundy Commons.
Athletics and student life
Mount Mercy University students are heavily engaged in a variety of hands-on service projects. Service learning and social justice work is the backbone of the Mount Mercy experience, and is encouraged through the university’s curriculum. Mount Mercy infuses service learning into all aspects of campus life, producing students who are values-driven
Mount Mercy University is a great place to be a student-athlete, succeeding in the classroom and on the field. The Mount Mercy Mustangs compete in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics as members of the Midwest Collegiate Conference. The Mustangs own more than 40 conference championships and
Service in the community
Discover who you are and what you can become at Grand View.
Des Moines, Iowa
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515-263-2810 ( 800-444-6083 www.admissions.grandview.edu
A little humor, particularly if it is self-deprecating, often works in essays. Don’t overdo it, and keep it light.
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Waldorf College Forest City | 800.292.1903 | www.waldorf.edu Affordable education the ďŹ nancial aid office is ready to Waldorf is committed to making our high-quality academic experience accessible to all qualiďŹ ed students, regardless of income levels. While the ďŹ nancial aid process may seem complex,
assist in tailoring a ďŹ nancial aid plan to meet your needs. Waldorf offers one of the most affordable educations in Iowa and also has one of the lowest debt-upongraduation rates in the state.
NEW
3 YEAR
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ig possibilities await you at Waldorf College. Founded in 1903, Waldorf is a friendly, four-year, liberal arts school located in Forest City. Several popular bachelor’s degree programs are available including business, communication, education, business, ďŹ ne arts and more. Our liberal arts curriculum challenges students to think critically by engaging in imaginative, constructive and thought-provoking classroom discussions.
Campus degree programs Small class sizes allow you to quickly become part of our intimate community. Waldorf faculty members are here because they want to teach students like you. Passionate professors and hands-on learning experiences help you choose a career as unique as you are. Residential degree programs available include biology, communications, creative writing, education, English, history, music, psychology, theater, wellness and more.
Save money and time by and volleyball. enrolling in a three-year accelerated degree in business or Fine arts programs communications. Enjoy a variety of music and/or theater performance opportuOnline degree programs nities with Waldorf. Participate Earn your bachelor’s degree in the Waldorf music program online with the added beneďŹ t of whether you are a nonmajor or attending one to four tuition-free major. Nearly 40 percent of the stuaccelerated three-day courses delivered in a classroom format. dent body participates in the Choose from degrees in busi- various choral and instrumental ness administration, ďŹ re science groups. Take center stage with the Waladministration, organizational leadership, psychology and crim- dorf Theatre Department. As both an academic and producinal justice administration. tion program, you can expect an Campus athletic programs atmosphere of creativity, respect The Waldorf Warriors athletic and collegiality. teams compete in the Midwest Collegiate Conference and are Campus activities also members of the National With more than 35 clubs and Association of Intercollegiate organizations, Waldorf offers a Athletics. Sports include men’s variety of opportunities for stubaseball, basketball, bowling, dents to get involved. cross-country, footfall, golf, Personalize your college expehockey, soccer and wrestling; rience by being involved in activand women’s basketball, bowl- ities you enjoyed in high school ing, cheerleading, cross-country, or ones you’ve always wanted to golf, soccer, softball, wrestling try.
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Most colleges will require some type of entrance exam.
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Northeast Iowa Community College Calmar | Peosta | 800.728.2256 | www.nicc.edu allied health and others give students the space to work on their studies independently and conveniently, which is especially important for students with part- or full-time job schedules. Whether you enroll in an online
program, live near one of the college’s campuses in Calmar and Peosta — or centers in Dubuque, Oelwein, New Hampton, Cresco or Waukon — NICC is the better investment to build your future career. Arrange a campus visit.
Get ready FOR YOUR FUTURE
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ave you considered earning your college degree in two years instead of four? Many careers in Northeast Iowa require additional education after high school, but not necessarily a four-year degree from a college or university. For a quality educational investment in a shorter span of time, consider enrolling in one of more than 75 academic programs at Northeast Iowa Community College. NICC has great programs and service learning opportunities on campus, off campus and online. Enrollment remains at historically high levels. More than 5,250 students are choosing the cost-effective solution to their college degree plans. NICC offers a variety of associate in arts and science transfer degree programs, career and technical degrees and programs in nursing and allied health, industrial technology, business and computer science, the humanities and agriculture. The college’s two-year degrees prepare graduates to enter careers Sunday, March 13, 2011
that offer competitive wages with great local employers. Two-year degrees from NICC offer so many opportunities to train for a career. Computer technology, computer networking and administration and other allied health fields such as dental assisting and health information technology, are rising on the state’s list of hot jobs. Skilled graduates in these fields command high wages locally, working for employers who need talented, prepared and knowledgeable professionals. A four-year degree has great value, but two years at NICC may be a faster return on your educational investment. There are also many opportunities outside of the standard classroom, such as taking coursework online or participating in service learning events. The NICC Student Life, Diversity and Leadership offices at the Calmar and Peosta campuses offer an annual spring break trip for students to expand their knowledge and learning through
service. For the past two years, students have participated in weeklong service learning programs in Chicago and Denver. This year’s destination is San Francisco. NICC students have shared that these trips outside of the campus comfort zone proved to be some of the most memorable and rewarding learning experiences that they have had. There are also new opportunities to work in green energy fields, such as the new NICC Wind Energy Turbine Technician program at the Calmar campus. This program focuses on the renewable energy field and teaches students to build, repair and manufacture one of the fastest-growing environmentally friendly sectors of the Iowa economy. As the second largest wind-energy-generating state in the U.S., this Iowa job sector needs skilled technicians. For the student who looks for flexibility, NICC offers 13 programs completely online. Online degrees in psychology, business specialist, agriculture business,
Come visit campus! Spring Visit Days • March 25 & April 15 Register online at www.iwc.edu/visit
800.582.2383 admit@iwc.edu www.iwc.edu
The money you spend now for a college education is an investment in your future.
MOUNT PLEASANT, IOWA
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William Penn University Oskaloosa | 800.779.7366 | www.wmpenn.edu world of opportunity is available at William Penn University. From excellent academic programs and a caring faculty to extracurricular activities and athletics, William Penn University challenges students to make the most of their college experience. When establishing William Penn University more than 130 years ago, members of the Society of Friends (Quakers) had a vision for the future. The Quaker values of simplicity, peace-making, integrity, community and equality continue to be the framework for the quality of education that Penn provides to students today. Penn has one of the most diverse student bodies in Iowa that includes students from more than 40 states and 12 countries. The university has experienced significant growth over the past decade. New and developing facilities on campus include a huge student recreation center, state-ofthe-art science wing and a sports complex that will be home to the football and men’s and women’s track and soccer teams. The Musco Technology Center houses one of Penn’s newest programs, Digital Broadcasting, that is led by a 23-time Emmy-winning producer. Students in this program also have an opportunity to help produce news shows through the William Penn University Communication Research Institute.
Academic programs William Penn University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association and offers two 16-week semesters and optional summer sessions. The Leadership Core, the university’s general education curriculum, has brought national recognition to the university as a character-building college. William Penn recently added a degree program in justice systems leadership, offering a relevant, quality educational expe-
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rience that prepares students for decision-making and leadership roles in the criminal justice field. Opportunities abound for students to get involved, including student government, campus ministries, departmental clubs and organizations, intramural athletics and fine arts activities. As a member of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics, William Penn University offers 17 athletic programs for men and women. Men compete in baseball, basketball, bowling, cross-country, football, golf, soccer, track and wrestling. Women compete in basketball, bowling, cross-country, golf, soccer, softball, track and volleyball. Dance, cheerleading and athletic bands add flavor to sporting events throughout the year.
rolling basis and are reviewed as soon as they are complete. For more information, and to arrange a visit to campus, call (800) 7797366 or e-mail admissions@ wmpenn.edu. More information and an online application are available at www.wmpenn.edu. William Penn University seeks to make it financially possible for qualified students to experience the advantages of a college education. Ninety-eight percent of William Penn University’s students receive financial aid such as academic scholarships, performing arts scholarships, athletic scholarships, international scholarships, work-study, federal and state grants and government loans. You may be surprised at how affordable a private college education can be. Contact us at admissions@ Application and financial aid wmpenn.edu to start your appliApplications are accepted on a cation process. WO-031311042
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High performance in the classroom generally translates into a higher percentage of grants and merit scholarships.
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University of Northern Iowa Cedar Falls | 800.772.2037 | www.uni.edu
Sunday, March 13, 2011
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Know what you want to major in? Great, if you do. You and your adviser will work together to choose the right classes. If you haven’t figured out what you want to major in, no problem. With 120 majors to choose from, you are sure to find the right fit for your interests, skills and goals. Outside the classroom, you can show your Purple Pride by getting involved in any of our 300 academic, social, pre-professional and religious organizations. Cheer on the Panthers in the UNI-Dome or McLeod Center (UNI has 17 Division I men’s and women’s athletic teams), scale the climbing wall in our stateof-the-art Wellness/Recreation Center or see a Broadway play in the Gallagher-Bluedorn Performing Arts Center. Schedule your visit. We’d love to show you our campus as well as our residence halls, dining centers, library and computer labs or introduce you to the friendly students, faculty and staff who call UNI their home away from home. We look forward to meeting you. Getting students to foot some of the bill is a good idea even if money is not an issue.
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ometimes it takes leaving home to realize how incredible life is. Josh Nanke, a senior biology/biomedical major from Cedar Falls, learned that lesson firsthand. Nanke attended the University of Northern Iowa for his freshman year, then transferred to another university for his sophomore year to major in graphic design. During his time away, Nanke found his niche — back in Cedar Falls. “After going back and forth between majors, I finally chose biology as the path I wanted to follow. UNI has a great biology program, so I transferred back,” said Nanke, who plans to enter the medical field after graduation. “All of the positive experiences I’ve had at UNI have shown me that my choice to transfer was a great one.” Nanke now cheers on Panther sports teams with his friends, has joined several clubs on campus and found an awesome study group. “It’s amazing what being in the right place at the right time can do. “UNI fits me,” said Nanke. “It’s a medium-sized school that has so much to offer. There are enough students where I won’t get lost in the masses and can gain valuable experience both inside and outside the classroom.” You’ll find a welcoming environment like Nanke did when you attend UNI. Our small class sizes (most have 40 students, max) and easy-tonavigate campus (you can make it from one side to the other in 10 minutes) means you’ll get the attention you need to succeed, when and where you need it. You and your professors will really get to know each other. “UNI is a great school in a beautiful city and it has a lot to offer,” Nanke said. “Once you get here, take every opportunity you can to get involved. You won’t regret it.”
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Allen College Waterloo | 319.226.2000 | www.allencollege.edu
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erspective. It’s not always something that can be taught in a classroom, but it’s an important concept for everyone in health care to understand. And it’s one of the biggest things Rebecca Flesburg got out of her participation in Allen College’s service honors program. Flesburg is one of the first five graduates of the new program, which began in fall 2009 and graduated its first class in December 2010. Each student of the first class completed three, one-credit-hour classes and partnered with a community agency for a service project. Flesburg worked with the Boys & Girls Club of Waterloo to implement a healthy lifestyles program to combat childhood obesity. “This project benefited me because it helped me gain perspective of the opportunities that I have had in my life,” Flesburg said. Since she’s interested in cardiac nursing care, Flesburg hopes her work with the Boys & Girls Club children will not only improve their lives, but also help her in the future. “This experience will benefit my career as I will be able to proactively help the childhood obesity epidemic within the clinical set-
ting, “she said. Other service honors students worked with the Northeast Iowa Food Bank, Allen Women’s Health and the Salvation Army, said associate professor Anna Weepie, who leads the program. Each student graduated with a better awareness of community needs and gained other valuable skills, she said. “They’ve learned a lot of leadership skills,” Weepie said. “How to resolve conflict, work with others, collaborate and how to solve problems.” The service honors program is evolving as it grows, Weepie said. Since it’s only a one-credit class, managing the scope of individual projects was a challenge for the first group of graduates. And since projects lasted for three semesters, staff turnover at partner agencies also was challenging. Now, classes are working on service projects as a group. “The groups will meet together and have that camaraderie, and I think that will allow our senior students to be better role models and leaders,” Weepie said. “They’ll have more student leadership roles and develop some of that mentoring.” WO-031311017
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Take advanced placement classes.
Sunday, March 13, 2011
Hawkeye Community College Waterloo | 319.296.4000 | 800.670.4769 | www.hawkeyecollege.edu eciding where to attend college can be a huge decision. You want to choose a college that will prepare you for the future, as well as one where you will feel comfortable. There are many good reasons why you should consider Hawkeye Community College. Katie Courtney, 2010 graduate of Decorah High School, currently is in the liberal arts program at Hawkeye Community College. When she graduates from Hawkeye, she will transfer to the University of Northern Iowa to focus on elementary education. “I really enjoy children and that is why I made the decision to become an elementary teacher.” At Hawkeye, Katie is a student ambassador, assisting with Hawkeye’s Visit Days and giving tours to potential students. She chose Hawkeye for several reasons. “For me, Hawkeye Community College was very affordable, and I like that my credits transfer easily to UNI. An added bonus is that it is close to home. I like all of my instructors. I appreciate that they are willing to answer any questions or concerns that I have. They are really good at e-mailing me back and are very understanding,” she said. Hawkeye is the college of choice to more than 6,300 students each year.
Programs/majors With more than 50 programs and majors, Hawkeye has a program that is right for you. Almost half of Hawkeye’s students will complete the first two years of their four-year degree at Hawkeye. The college has transfer agreements with both public and private four-year colleges, making transferring easy.
Fast-track programs Begin a high-demand career in two years or less at Hawkeye. More than 97 percent of our career graduates find jobs. Sunday, March 13, 2011
Personal attention Hawkeye’s average class size is 21, which allows your professors to know you by your name.
Affordable Full-time students at Hawkeye will save thousands of dollars in tuition by attending Hawkeye and transferring to a fouryear public or private college or university.
Financial aid Thousands of dollars are awarded in scholarships every year to Hawkeye students. More than 87 percent of new full-time Hawkeye students receive some financial assistance. Aid is available to all students in the form of scholarships, grants, work-study and loans. COURTESY PHOTO
Housing options Student can choose to live in apartments across from the main campus, UNI residence halls, housing in the Waterloo-Cedar Falls area or they can commute from home.
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New facilities The Health Education and Services Center opened in February and is home to Hawkeye’s new physical therapist assistant and occupational therapy assistant program. The building includes classrooms, an expanded health and wellness center with weight training and exercise rooms, weight facilities with state-ofthe art equipment, gym and classrooms. Brock Student Center opened in 2009 and is the most popular place on campus among students with a food court, meeting rooms, lounge areas and study areas.
Schedule a visit If you would like more information about Hawkeye or would like to visit the college, call (319) 2964000 or visit www.hawkeyecollege.edu. Entrance exams affect admission and financial aid.
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Iowa Lakes Community College Emmetsburg | Estherville | Algona | Spencer | Spirit Lake | 866.425.2537 | www.iowalakes.edu
By NATE HOVINGA, Iowa Lakes Student
here are different opportunities and institutions for getting your college education. At the end of my senior year, I knew where I wanted to go. Iowa Lakes Community College was the right place for me because it had a lot to offer. It included being able to live at home another two years and continue to work at EPS, saving me money. The major benefit was receiving scholarships. The scholarship application process is easy to do and understand. Another benefit of choosing Iowa Lakes is that the staff and faculty are always there to help you. After one semester at Iowa Lakes, I joined the broadcasting program and I have enjoyed it. I’m able to do what I love. Because of the many opportunities at Iowa Lakes, I’m announcing sporting events over the Internet with a talented group of individuals and meeting new people along the way. I was fortunate enough to find out what an excellent sales and marketing program Iowa Lakes offers. I also was able to tell my high school friends about how well Iowa Lakes has prepared me for a four-year college and tell them
about the scholarships I received and money I saved my staying home and working part time. I will graduate from Iowa Lakes Community College this spring with an associate degree and a broadcasting diploma. This fall, I plan to transfer to the University of Northern Iowa and major in public relations and minor in marketing. My biggest advice to future college students is to check out Iowa Lakes Community College. It has a lot to offer with a wide variety of programs, degrees, certificates, diplomas and continuing education. Be sure to schedule a campus visit and meet with an instructor of your program of interest. Research and find out information and seriously consider a college education at Iowa Lakes Community College. Think about it — live at home, work part time, earn scholarships, save money. You’ll have a better (and less expensive) start to your future. Special thanks to Bob Pritchard and Denise Reimer for showing me my future through teaching and friendship. Thank you to scholarship donors for all you do, not just for me, but for all students.
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Sail Ahead with iowa lakes community college
“My advisors made changing my major easy, every step of the way.” ~ Laura, Current Student
1-866-IA-LAKES www.iowalakes.edu
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Parents shouldn’t borrow from retirement savings to pay for a child’s college tuition.
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Get a leg up on college applications as a junior Just because graduation isn’t creeping up on you doesn’t mean you should neglect your college search. If you’re a high school junior, there are a number of things you can — and should — do to prepare for college now. There’s also a calendar for seniors on page 3 you can browse to get an idea of what’s left to do in the year ahead. AUGUST ✓ Obtain dates and locations of college fairs and parent nights in your area. ✓ Keep your grades up, review your college savings plan to see if you’re meeting your targets or start saving money if you haven’t already.
FEBRUARY ✓ Investigate careers. ✓ Become familiar with the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). ✓ Make sure your senior year includes required credits to meet college entrance requirements. ✓ Put together a resume listing activities, volunteer experiences, academic achievements and employment. ✓ Register if you plan to take the April ACT test.
SEPTEMBER ✓ Study for and register with your high school to take the Preliminary Scholastic Assessment test — scores are used to determine National Merit MARCH Scholars. ✓ Determine what factors ✓ Attend college fairs and schedule colare important to you in a college (size, lege visits if you haven’t done so. type, location, programs, costs). ✓ During college visits, be sure to meet ✓ Identify sources of college and with an admissions representative and a career information at your high school financial aid officer to find out what type (catalogs, computerized search pro- of aid is available. ✓ Talk to your counselor about AP courses and CLEP tests. grams, etc.) ✓ Write for brochures and catalogs. ✓ Talk to your parents and ✓ Consider taking honors or collegelevel courses while still in high school. high school counselor about where you want to go to college. ✓ Consider which teachers, employers or other adults you will ask to write letters of recommendation. OCTOBER ✓ Take the PSAT. ✓ Attend a college fair and talk with college representaAPRIL tives to start researching potential ✓ Consider taking the Advance Placement exams. ✓ Compare your colleges. If you’d like, apply for impressions of each college after your admission. Most colleges reserve this visits. Rank according to preference. option for exceptional students with achievement levels sufficient for early ✓ Continue to investigate scholarship entrance into college. ✓ Visit your opportunities, including church, fraternal guidance counselor to discuss ways and civic organizations to which parents belong and business groups in careers of enhancing your chances for college of interest. ✓ Register if planning to entrance. take June SAT test. NOVEMBER ✓ Review brochures and catalogs MAY from colleges that interest you. ✓ Finalize college choices and highlight important features offered at each. ✓ Make a list of 10 to 15 colleges that fit your requirements. ✓ Take AP exams. ✓ Consider taking a summer course at a local college. ✓ Obtain a summer job related to your DECEMBER ✓ Start planning to take SAT and/or career interest or do community service. ACT exams. ✓ Become familiar with ✓ Register if planning to take the June ACT test. registration and test dates. ✓ Check entrance requirements of colleges to see which tests you need to take. JUNE ✓ Attend a financial aid night, if pos✓ Schedule college visits if you have sible, to become familiar with the not done so. ✓ Be prepared to begin technical process and the different applying for outside funding during types of assistance available. ✓ Begin the summer or soon after. ✓ Write for to research scholarships. Keep an private scholarship applications. ✓ Look ongoing file. ✓ Register if you plant to out for scholarship scams. Be wary of take the January SAT tests. scholarship search and financial aid service organizations that charge a fee for service. ✓ Save summer earnings JANUARY toward college. ✓ Begin scheduling visits to 3 to 5 colleges on your list. ✓ Attend a financial aid night if you haven’t done so. JULY ✓ Organize scholarship information ✓ Obtain and begin working on college according to deadline. Keep a calendar applications. ✓ Polish your resume and of application deadlines so you will if required, assemble writing samples, not miss any. ✓ Register if planning to portfolios or audio tapes. ✓ Prepare to take February ACT test. enjoy your senior year. WO-031311022
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There is no perfect college for any given field or student.
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Ashford University he last 90 years have brought significant changes at Ashford University in Clinton, but what has never changed is Ashford’s commitment to provide affordable, innovative and high-quality learning opportunities to adult learners. Ashford is the perfect blend of tradition with 21st-century vision.
Going to college
with Ashford. They may even be eligible for financial aid to help fund their education. In addition, Ashford University’s academic scholarship program, now in its second year, offers dean’s, provost’s and president’s scholarships. Students who have achieved a GPA of 3.00 or above (on a 4.00 scale) may be eligible to receive one of these academic scholarships. Achieving top grades requires hard work; now those grades may be the ticket to a full tuition scholarship at Ashford University. For more information on academic scholarships, visit www. chooseashford.com.
designed to prepare them for success in their career by teaching them to think critically, communicate effectively and adapt creatively to change. If students are looking for graduate studies, Ashford offers several programs including the Master of Business Administration.
Outside the classroom
Clinton | 800.714.3035 | www.chooseashford.com Go Saints! their education. Ashford’s student-athletes, known as the Saints, are passionate about sports, and athletics are an important part of the campus culture. The university fields 17 men’s and women’s intercollegiate sports teams including the recently added tennis and bowling programs. The first phase of Ashford’s South Campus, located on the site of the former Clinton Country Club, includes a new artificial turf soccer field and outdoor track. Ashford is a member of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics and the Midwest Collegiate Conference.
There are many opportunities to get involved in clubs and organizations on campus. Campus organizations include service organizations, special interest groups, event planning committees, support groups, honor societies and recreation clubs. Students who choose to Online courses An affordable option Program choices live in one of Ashford’s residence In addition to classes at its With one of the lowest tuition At Ashford University, students halls have a variety of housing Clinton campus, Ashford offers costs in the Midwest, students can choose from more than 25 options, including an off-cam- online courses, providing another way for students to complete can afford to advance their life undergraduate programs, each pus location. Students choose Ashford University to provide unforgettable college experiences that they will treasure for a lifetime. Thanks to small class sizes and dedicated instructors, students get the attention they deserve.
Regional accreditation Students rely on Ashford’s commitment to academic excellence. It is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, a commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (www.ncahlc.org); the Iowa Department of Education accredits the teacher education program within the College of Education.
Mission statement The mission of Ashford University is to provide accessible, affordable, innovative, highquality learning opportunities and degree programs that meet the diverse needs of individuals pursuing integrity in their lives, professions and communities.
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Selective college admissions officers admit they reject or wait-list many students who are just as good as the ones they accept.
Sunday, March 13, 2011
Loras College Dubuque | 800.245.6727 | www.loras.edu eclared or undeclared, Loras gives you major options. More than 40 majors and minors to choose from, in fact. And if you’re undecided, no worries — an academic adviser will help you find the right blend of classes. Ours is an active-learning curriculum with a 13:1 student-tofaculty ratio. With this level of personal attention, you’re sure to find plenty of inspiration.
Loras is the sole area college that issues each student a ThinkPad laptop.
rience itself. Students are encouraged to connect with one another through our wide variety of clubs, organizations and faith groups. Each year, students involved in our College Activities Board, Catch the Duhawk spirit student government, interculWith 21 sports, ours is one of tural programs and other groups the most broad-based athletic plan and participate in enterprograms in the Iowa Confer- taining and diverse events. ence and one of the nation’s most respected and competitive Learning goes beyond NCAA Division III conferences. The Loras College Center for Within our athletic program Experiential Learning — CEL you’ll not only grow as an ath- for short — brings the commulete, but you’ll also realize per- nity, the workplace and the world sonal, academic and spiritual together into a living classroom. growth. CEL will challenge you to be By attending Loras College engaged in academic internships, students are exposed to a vari- service learning and studying ety of subjects to receive a well abroad. rounded education. Shape your own education With our active-learning cur- and bring experiential learning riculum and smaller classes that knowledge into your career. go beyond traditional lectures, you’ll learn from enlightened J-Term and laptops hands-on projects, including January Term — or J-Term — is collaborative research projects. a truly focused learning opportuYou’ll see our devotion to a nity. These J-courses are intense creative learning environment in three-week, full-credit learnevery class. ing experiences that will allow you to explore a liberal arts subYou’ve got to have faith ject in great detail. Many J-Term As a Catholic college, academic offerings include study-away and spiritual journeys are trav- opportunities. What’s more, Loras is the sole eled along the same path. Part of being more at Loras area college that issues each stumay be realized by volunteer- dent a ThinkPad laptop and use ing at local parishes and retreats, of our wireless network. and helping hometowners with repairs and the homeless with Ready to be more? basic shelter. Then you’re ready to be Loras. Loras students are pledged to But first, you’ll have to meet transform lives through student- Loras. financed missions for domestic And if you want more from your and international causes. college education, we’d really like We never lose sight of the to meet you — and the best way importance of the college expe- to do that is a campus visit. Sunday, March 13, 2011
Many colleges have a rolling admissions deadline, which means you can apply anytime throughout the year.
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Ellsworth Community College Iowa Falls | 641.648.8524 | www.eccadmissions.com ane Kramer, Ellsworth Community College fashion merchandising instructor, gave her students a taste of Iowa Valley Community College District’s mission to provide quality learning experiences. As the end of fall semester drew near, students worked on window display projects, each with a theme that demonstrated the use of design principles they had learned. The creative display had to be visually appealing to an audience just as store windows entice shoppers to come inside, browse and buy. Students received special assistance with their projects through a grant from the Iowa emphasize their theme and pre- this fashion merchandising program,” Kramer said. pare for a sales presentation. Falls Walmart. “Our students can trans“Ellsworth is the only Iowa They selected one item from Walmart for their displays to help community college that offers fer into programs at Iowa State
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University and the University of Northern Iowa, where we have articulation agreements. Our students do really well there, and
we have others who take management positions with their two-year associate degree. Fashion designers and buyers usually require a four-year degree, but those positions can be obtained through a two-year degree with work experience,” she explained. A new fashion course is being offered this spring semester, “Designing for Fashion Using Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator.” This is the first time the course has been included in the fashion merchandising program and it will provide students with excellent skills to assist them as they pursue success in the future. For more information about the Fashion Merchandising program at Ellsworth Community College, e-mail Jane.Kramer@iavalley.edu.
Ellsworth Community College is a step in the right direction!
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take yourtep next s
Hands-on Equine Science program is ranked #2 in the nation Spring class of Associate Degree Nursing (RN) graduates all scored 100% on the Iowa Board of Nursing exams! Lots of clubs, activities & athletic events ... Go Panthers! Opportunities for paid internships in many of our degree programs Support services (tutoring, counseling, advising and TRiO) that focus on meeting the needs of our students Faculty and staff who care about your success ge unity Colle m m The campus is both beautiful and o C th r nt Ellswo hest stude ig h e th f comfortable with its combination of o has one of any Iowa s e t a r s s e new and historic architecture and succ our ege! Take y ll o c y it n u t. green walkways comm check us ou nd next step a
Don't forget to enjoy high school while you can.
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Upper Iowa University Fayette | 800.553.4150 | www.uiu.edu hat makes Upper Iowa University different? It’s the way students take classes. Instead of traditional semesters, UIU offers several eight-week terms during the academic year. Most students take just two courses at a time. That means they have more time to master each subject. It also means they have more time to get involved in campus activities, student life and athletics. Most UIU students can still graduate in the same time frame as college students who follow the traditional format. UIU emphasizes academic quality with small class sizes (14:1 student/faculty ratio), personal attention and highly trained faculty members, most of whom have earned the highest degree possible in their field. UIU offers more than 40 majors. The only NCAA Divi-
sion II athletic program in Iowa, UIU has 12 varsity athletic teams that compete in the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference. The UIU campus is in Fayette, near the recreational richness of the Volga River Valley. Freshmen and sophomores can live in a traditional residential hall or a suitestyle residence hall, completed in 2010. Upper classmen may choose to live off campus. In addition to the new residence hall, the Fayette campus features a new student center with expanded dining facilities. The campus also boasts a stateof-the-art liberal arts building. Planning is under way for additional facilities as part of a $75 million capital improvement project, including more suite-style residence halls, renovations to the athletic facilities and the library,
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and a new science center. UIU has competitive tuition and an aggressive approach to financial aid. Nearly every undergraduate student on campus who is eligible, as determined by the FAFSA, receives financial assistance. UIU offers a variety of endowed, institutional and athletic schol-
arships and works to increase the amount of scholarship money available. For example, Team Peacock has raised more than $800,000 for student scholarships since 2006 and will soon reach its $1 million goal. This team of alumni, students, staff and faculty raise funds by participating in
RAGBRAI each summer. UIU students, on average, graduate with less debt from the Fayette campus than other students in Iowa. UIU isn’t just for traditional students. UIU also offers nontraditional students several affordable options for attending college — in community-based education centers, online or through independent study programs. In all, UIU provides accredited undergraduate and graduate degree programs to more than 6,600 students university-wide. UIU has 17 education centers, including six in Iowa, as well as international centers. Ranked a top military-friendly college, UIU is committed to serving the total military family with tuition discounts, education centers on military bases and programs that serve active military wherever they are deployed.
Eastern Iowa Community College Clinton | Muscatine | Scott | 888.336.3907 | www.eicc.edu upgraded computer labs, added Wi-Fi to many locations, improved student commons areas and enhanced campus landscaping and access. To get started on your journey, visit our website at www.eicc.edu. You’ll find information on programs, scholarships, financial aid and campus activities, as well as an application for admission. Plus you can check out how our tuition compares to other colleges and universities in the area. You also can follow us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/clintoncommunitycollegeia, www.facebook.com/muscatinecommunitycollege or www.facebook.com/scottcommunitycollege. Take the first step. Find out your potential — and ours. Contact us for more information about our colleges and our programs. Better yet, come visit us and spend the day learning how we can help you fuel your mind.
linton, Muscatine and Scott Community Colleges offer the best of both worlds: a great learning experience with smaller class sizes and caring faculty, state-of-theart facilities, easy transfer of credits and one of the lowest tuitions in Iowa. With on-campus student housing at Muscatine Community College and a brand new near-to-campus student apartment complex (opened August 2010) at Scott Community College, you have the option of going away to college while still staying close to home. If it’s a four year degree you’re looking for, the colleges of the Eastern Iowa Community College District offer a number of programs that prepare you for academic success and transfer seamlessly to several area universities. If you’ve got your eye on a faster career track, we have more than 200 careerbased programs that offer hands-on training and direct experience — 65 of
which you can complete in a year or less for a certificate or diploma and be ready to enter the work force with the skills you need. One of the best things about our community colleges is our ability to adapt to a changing marketplace and to respond to the unique needs of students. This means our colleges “reinvent” themselves on an ongoing basis. You also have the ability to “reinvent” yourself through education. We also are always growing to serve our students better. This past year that’s meant new science labs at all three campuses, a new Culinary Arts and Hospital Management Center and renovated Career Technical Building at Scott Community College, a new Clinton Community College learning campus in Maquoketa and a new Ag Center and University Center at Muscatine Community College. In addition, our campuses have
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Finding your niche, or not finding it, can mean the difference between loving college and hating it.
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University of Iowa Iowa City | 319.335.3500 | www.uiowa.edu he University of Iowa offers opportunities available only at a major university, but with the close-knit support of a much smaller school. Read on to learn more reasons why so many students think Iowa is the perfect fit. 1. Options. With more than 100 areas of study — including majors, minors and certificate programs — you can tailor your education to your interests and get an education that will help you stand out in the job market or at graduate school. 2. Value. Iowa is a Fiske Guide to the Colleges 2011 “best buy” — the only one in the Big Ten — and our Four-Year Graduation Plan can help you start your career sooner while keeping costs down. 3. Opportunities. Iowa undergraduates conduct groundbreaking research with faculty members, engage in creative work, study abroad in more than 60 countries each year and find competitive internships nationwide. 4. Diversity. Students come from every state and more than 100 countries to a campus that embraces differences in cultures, backgrounds and beliefs. This diverse mix enriches the Iowa experience.
5. Size. As one of the smallest Big Ten public universities (about 21,000 undergraduates and 30,800 students total), Iowa offers a comfortable learning environment. About 80 percent of classes have fewer than 30 students, and 92 percent have fewer than 50 students. 6. Career support. Iowa students get career guidance beginning their first year. Whether you want to be an entrepreneur or an entertainer — or you’re exploring all your options — advisers can help you research careers, assess your skills and practice interviewing. Job placement and graduate school acceptance rates within a year of graduation range from 80 to 100 percent, depending on program. 7. Top programs. Recognized as the 29th best public university in the nation by U.S. News & World Report, the University of Iowa is home to top-ranked programs in the sciences and humanities, one of the nation’s best academic medical centers and the esteemed Iowa Writers’ Workshop. 8. Vibrant student life. Iowa offers the excitement and school spirit of a Big Ten university, plus countless opportunities to get involved. You can choose from
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nearly 500 student groups, cheer on the Hawkeyes at one of more than 170 home games each year, join dozens of intramural or club sports or enjoy a thriving arts scene. 9. Personal connections. Livinglearning communities, the University of Iowa Honors Program,
and an assortment of student organizations will connect you to smaller communities of people who share your interests. 10. Location. Iowa City has been called one of the best places to live in the country by Outside and National Geographic Adventure magazines. Casual yet cosmopol-
itan, it’s known for recreational opportunities, shopping, restaurants and entertainment — a classic college town. Visiting campus is the best way to find out if Iowa is right for you. Call (800) 553-4692 or go to www.uiowa.edu/admissions to plan your visit.
College students with ADHD find coaches can help them focus McClatchy Newspapers
SEATTLE — Jeff Wisniowski would jump off roofs. Surf the Web. Flirt. Anything — anything — but focus on his studies at Northeastern University in Boston. “I had a cellphone, a computer, people to talk to,” he said. “Procrastination is easy these days.” It’s also a sign of attentiondeficit/hyperactivity disorder, with which Wisniowski was diagnosed at 18. His mother and brother both have it. At home in Connecticut, they helped each Page 24
other stay focused and on task. Once on his own at college, though, Wisniowski, now 21, struggled. Things that took his classmates an hour to finish would take him four, and at the eleventh hour. “It wasn’t that I wasn’t getting my work done,” he said. “It was the amount of time I wasted. I’m in the library and everyone is studying and I was goofing off, running around in circles.” He took psychostimulants to help him focus, but wanted to learn to live without them. So the school’s disability ser-
vices referred him to the Edge Foundation, a Seattle-based nonprofit that matches ADHD students with coaches who, through weekly meetings by phone or Skype, teach them the skills to make college worth the money and time. At this time, high-school seniors are determining where they will be college freshmen next year, while parents are experiencing a mix of pride and panic. But parents of children with attention-deficit issues have the added worry of sending a
kid away from the place where structure and parental prodding have been the backbone of success. Without it, everything the student and his family have built may very well go to seed. In a 2010 study by the School of Medicine at the University of California, Davis concluded that students with ADHD are twice as likely to drop out of school than the general population. In 2008, the Edge Foundation funded a two-year, $2 million study that tracked the progress of 110 university and community
college students with ADHD. Students who had coaches showed improved executive functioning and were better able to manage stress and clarify goals than they were without a coach. For those who have the means, the cost is $400 month for weekly coaching and unlimited contact through text and e-mail. The foundation is seeking corporate sponsors to provide scholarships, will ask coaches to work pro bono or on a sliding scale and also provide group coaching to lower the price for students. Sunday, March 13, 2011
La'James International College East Moline | Cedar Falls | Davenport | Des Moines | Fort Dodge | Iowa City | Fremont | 888.880.2104 | www.lajamesinternational.com hinking about a career in the health and beauty industry? Check out the Top 8 reasons why La’James International College can start you on your journey to success! 1. Credible programs: LJIC has been educating for more than 75 years and has seven NACCAS accredited schools in Cedar Falls, Davenport, Des Moines, Fort Dodge, Iowa City, East Moline, Ill., and Fremont, Neb. We offer education in cosmetology, massage therapy, esthetics and nail technology. 2. Distance education: LJIC is the first in the nation to have a fully accredited online cosmetology program. Have the flexibility you need to start your career. Practical training is held on-campus three days a week — the online portion is done on
your own time at a pace that works for you. 3. Health and beauty management degree: Earn an associate degree along with a license in one year. Take only 18 additional college credits while completing your cosmetology or massage/ esthetics training. Classes are held on campus or can be taken online. 4. Exclusive education: Receive training from industry leading professionals. Our relationships with Rusk, CND, Repechage and Wella allow students to stay current with global trends in skin, hair and nails. 5. Global learning: Only at LJIC do you have the opportunity to travel the world and earn hours. Annual trips to Chicago, New York and an international city offer you the chance to experi-
ence life outside the Midwest. Paris was the last city visited. 6. Dynamic facilities: LJIC’s facilities replicate the finest salons and spas in the nation. At LJIC you will work in a true day spa and clinic setting complete with retail center. Here, you will learn all aspects on how to be successful as an industry professional. 7. In-demand industry: The need for licensed cosmetologists, massage therapists, estheticians and nail technicians is continually growing. Have a flexible schedule, express your creativity and be in-charge of your income all while making people look and feel great. COURTESY PHOTO 8. Free Lifetime Continued Education: As a graduate of LJIC education classes offered at no rent while learning the latest you may attend any continued charge. Keep your license cur- trends.
Find Yourself @ Penn
Undergraduate
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adult learning programs
William Penn U
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Oskaloosa ▪ West Des Moines ▪ Ankeny | www.wmpenn.edu ▪ 800-779-7366 WO-031311016
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52 percent of grandparents contribute something to their grandchildren’s educational expenses.
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Six easy steps to prep for college admissions
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Earn cash, save lives at BioLife Plasma Services A fictional donor characterizes I was healthy enough to donate a typical Biolife donor experience. and that my plasma was healthy enough for someone else to get. After my physical, I “scanned I couldn’t wait to get to college. The freedom to make my in” via my fingerprint and own decisions and all the new answered a few more questions things I was about to discover. I on a computer. I have to answer these on every visit so the center just couldn’t wait. One of the things I “discovered” can see if I have any changes in was how expensive things are. my health. I was weighed and my protein Somehow my daily lattes meant no movie on Saturday night and levels were checked along with only Raman noodles for dinner other vital signs like blood pressure. Once it was determined that all month. To help out with the budget, I was healthy enough to donate, some friends of mine suggested they took me back to a donor bed that I try BioLife Plasma Servic- that looks like a cross between a es. It’s a plasma donation center recliner and a bed. They effortwhere you receive compensation lessly inserted a needle and for donating plasma. I was a little hooked me up to a machine. The machine spun my blood skeptical at first, but I decided to sending it through tubes that try it. On my first visit, I was required separate the plasma from other to have a physical — right there elements of my blood. The plasat the donation center. A nurse ma, pale yellow in color, carchecked me over and asked ries my proteins and hormones questions about my medical his- throughout my body. Since it’s tory. They had to determine if mostly water, my body replen-
ishes it very quickly so I can safely donate two times a week. That’s it — except for wiggling my fingers, which I did for an hour with my feet up, while I did my homework and listened to my favorite music. I also got a debit card on my first visit. Every time I donate, money is placed on my card. By donating two times a week, I can receive up to $200 in a month. The card is so convenient and I can keep getting my daily lattes. While I started donating for the money, I discovered something really cool. My plasma can be found in a variety of medical therapies that help thousands of people around the world each day. My plasma helps trauma patients, people with hemophilia and people with primary immune deficiency — all who need plasma-based therapies just to lead normal lives. Quite a discovery for someone just looking to not eat Raman noodles for a month.
Think of the application process as a tryout or a casting call. You already have the potential to be a student that colleges want. Now you just need to prove it to the schools you want to attend. Fortunately, you won’t need to throw a touchdown pass or sing a solo to be accepted. Get ready for your tryout by following these steps. Narrow down the list of colleges you’re interested in. (As a junior, you should have 10 to 15 good choices. If you don’t, start checking out websites and college fairs.) By November of your senior year, narrow that list to the top two to five schools. List these schools on your financial aid applications, ACT or SAT registrations, and other forms. Look at the admission requirements. Are you able to meet all of them? Apply to more than one school — even if you think one school is
perfect for you. Fill out admission applications online or on paper (most schools offer both). Visit the schools’ websites to get the forms you need. Check to see if your school accepts the Common Application. The Common Application is a standard form accepted by nearly 300 colleges across the country. Many schools that accept the Common Application also have supplemental forms you must complete. Send applications as soon as you can. It’s a good idea to send your applications no later than March if you want to attend college in the fall. Check with your chosen schools about specific admission deadlines. Many colleges have a rolling admissions deadline, which means you can apply anytime throughout the year. Source: Iowa College Access Network (icansucceed.org)
DISCOVER A GREAT COLLEGE EXPERIENCE Lowest tuition in Iowa State-of-the-art
learning facilities Small class sizes with
caring faculty Student-designed housing Easy transfer agreements
to 4-Year universities
Follow Us On Facebook www.eicc.edu/apply Toll Free 1-888-336-3907
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New name. Same values. We’ve changed our name, but our mission remains as relevant and powerful
as it was when the Sisters of Mercy founded this institution 82 years ago. We offer practical, challenging education for students seeking undergraduate and graduate degrees. Whether enrolled in professional programs such as Business, Education, Criminal Justice and Nursing or liberal arts programs such as Biology and Psychology, the Mount Mercy community remains dedicated to service, driven to leadership and grounded in the pursuit of knowledge. It’s an ethic of achievement and integrity that our graduates carry with them always.
Undergraduate
Adult Accelerated
Graduate
More than 40 majors in 8 academic departments
The program for working adults seeking a Bachelor’s degree
Master of Arts in Education Reading and Special Education
Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy Master of Business Administration Master of Science in Nursing
Cedar Rapids, Iowa
www.mtmercy.edu WO-031311008
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I am glad I transferred to
Josh biology/biomedical major Cedar Falls, Iowa
IamUNI.net “Transferring to UNI from another university was a smooth transition for me. UNI is a great school in a beautiful city and has a lot to offer any student. Students should take the opportunity to get involved in as many activities and organizations as they can—they won’t regret it.” WO-031311007
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