College Guide - Spring 2022 by Waterloo-Cedar Falls Courier

SUNDAY, MARCH 27, 2022 |

College guide Spring 2022

SUNDAY, MARCH 27

EMILY SHULLAW ILLUSTRATION, LEE ENTERPRISES

| SPRING 2022

COLLEGE GUIDE

Don’t skip financial aid applications LEE SHULMAN BIERER

Tribune News Service‌

on’t assume the answer is no. You might be pleasantly surprised by a financial aid package. One of the biggest mistakes many families make is assuming they won’t receive any aid from colleges and universities. Parents frequently put a stranglehold on their child’s college list and tell them they can only attend an instate institution because that’s all they

believe they can afford. The myth of one price for all is simply not accurate. The reality is paying for college is more similar to paying for an airline ticket, i.e., you could be sitting next to someone who paid twice what you paid, or that person across the aisle or in the dorm room next door may have paid remarkably less than you. Financial aid is more available and abundant than a lot of families realize. This is especially true at the most selec-

Spring 2022 College Guide

tive and most expensive colleges. These colleges and universities have exceptionally large endowments. As college tuition has soared beyond the grasp of many families, these institutions have been pressured to raise the income threshold that allows families to receive aid. Lynn O’Shaughnessy, my go-to guru for all things related to financial aid as well as a bestselling author and nationally recognized higher education expert who shares advice on her blog www.collegesolution.com, illustrated this phenomenon with this example: “The parents in my hypothetical family have a gross income of $300,000, with $100,000 in taxable assets. (Aid calculations don’t take into account retirement assets, so a family could have millions in retirement accounts without jeopardizing aid.) My couple has one Princetonbound student and another headed to another university. When I ran the numbers, Princeton would provide the student with a grant of nearly $26,000 for freshman year.” It does seem remarkable that a family earning $300,000 annually would qualify for $26,000 in need-based aid. It also

seems counterintuitive that a pricier college might end up being cheaper than the sticker price on a less expensive school, but that is why financial advisers recommend everyone complete the financial aid forms. The two basic forms are the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and the College Scholarship Service (CSS) Profile. The FAFSA is a need analysis document required by virtually all higher education institutions for students seeking any aid, including the unsubsidized Stafford loan. The product of the FAFSA is the Expected Family Contribution (EFC). Your EFC is how much money the federal government thinks you can afford. You may not necessarily agree with their calculations, but that doesn’t matter. The EFC will determine the amount of need-based aid you will receive. The CSS Profile is the customized financial aid application form required at certain colleges to determine eligibility for institutional aid. Lee Shulman Bierer is an independent college adviser based in Charlotte, N.C. Visit her website College Admissions Strategies.

 Ellsworth Community College 1100 College Ave. Iowa Falls, IA 50126 Admission: 641-648-4611 www.EllsworthCollege.com

 Prairie Lakes Church 5250 Nordic Drive Cedar Falls, IA 50613 Admission: 319-266-2655 x1032 www.prairielakeschurch.org/cll

 Wartburg College 100 Wartburg Blvd. Waverly, IA 50677 Admission: 800-772-2085 www.wartburg.edu

 Hawkeye Community College 1501 East Orange Rd. Waterloo, IA 50704 Admission: 319-296-4000 www.hawkeyecollege.edu

 St. Ambrose University 518 W. Locust Street Davenport, IA 52803 Admission: 563-333-6300 www.sau.edu

 Waterloo Community Schools 1516 Washington Street Waterloo, IA 50702 Admission: 319-433-2240 www.waterlooschools.org

 Northeast Iowa Community College (NICC) Calmar Campus 1625 Hwy 150 South; P.O. Box 400 Calmar, IA 52132 Admission: 833.642.2338 www.nicc.edu

 University of Northern Iowa 002 Gilchrist Hall Cedar Falls, IA 50614 Admission: 319-273-2281 www.uni.edu

 Northeast Iowa Community College (NICC) Peosta Campus 8342 NICC Drive Peosta, IA 52068 Admission: 833.642.2338 www.nicc.edu

 Waldorf University 106 S. 6th St. Forest City, IA 50436 Admission: 800-292-1903 www.waldorf.edu

Contact Sheila Kerns sheila.kerns@wcfcourier.com 319-291-1448

Check out the Spring College Guide at: http://wcfcourier.com/app/bookshelf/special/

Sunday, March 27, 2022 |

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| SPRING 2022

COLLEGE GUIDE

What not to do for the college interview LEE SHULMAN BIERER

Tribune News Service‌

tudents being interviewed either by alumni representatives, scholarship committees or an admissions office need to walk a very fine line between being prepared and being rehearsed. Good news: While acing your interview can sometimes seal the deal, flubbing the interview is rarely the reason for a rejection. Here are some basic interview don’ts: Don’t arrive late. Don’t arrive too early, either. You won’t have anything to do except get more nervous. Don’t dress inappropriately. No need for a jacket and tie, but pretend you’re go-

ing out for a nice dinner. That means no sneakers, shorts, T-shirts or jeans and no plunging necklines or ultrashort dresses or skirts. Pick out your outfit two days ahead of the interview to make sure there are no stains, buttons are all there, etc. Don’t be too cocky and assume you’ll be accepted. Whatever you do, don’t refer to the college as your “safety school.” Be honest and don’t make excuses. If you have a bad grade in a class, don’t blame the teacher. Take responsibility and discuss the lessons learned from being in a challenging class. Don’t make it a party. Ask your family or friends to wait outside the admissions office or somewhere else and regroup when it’s over.

Don’t assume you already know enough about the college. Make sure you do your homework on specific majors, interdisciplinary programs, their study abroad opportunities, etc. Not being well informed about the college comes across as being disrespectful, i.e., you didn’t allocate the appropriate time to be able to articulate why the college is a good fit for you. Don’t forget to demonstrate maturity. Don’t allow yourself to get rattled if you don’t have a great answer to a single question. Move on. Your interviewer will respect your adaptability. Don’t be rude, arrogant, blasé or boring. Ditch the cellphone; you don’t want to be interrupted or be caught checking the time. Differentiate yourself by what you choose to talk about, such as your summer experiences, your volunteer and community service involvement, your club activities, your sports commitments as well as your internships or work experience. Share your interests and passions

and let the interviewer feel like they have a sense of who you are when it’s over. Don’t rehearse so much that you sound scripted. Interviewers know this is stressful for students. They are more compassionate than you might guess. Being robotic and sounding like you’ve been prepping with a professional for three months will work against you. Don’t forget to come prepared with your own questions. These questions are often where a student has the best opportunity to set themselves apart from other applicants. Your questions should demonstrate critical thinking, i.e., what are the particulars that make a college a good academic fit and a good social fit for you? Create a list of questions you can ask that will help you evaluate if this could be the right college for you. Lee Shulman Bierer is an independent college adviser based in Charlotte, N.C. Visit her website College Admissions Strategies.

Life after high school— Explore your options

Make better financial decisions and explore options to prepare for life after graduation.

Download the FREE Toolkit at dupaco.com/ExploreYourOptions ROBERT WEST, DALLAS MORNING NEWS VIA TRIBUNE NEWS SERVICE‌

Federally Insured by NCUA

EA RN YOUR DEGREE TUITION-FREE AT NORTHEAST IOWA COMMUNITY COLLEGE Interested in going to college but not sure how you will afford it? Northeast Iowa Community College (NICC) has funding available for you. You can complete your degree tuition-free by enrolling in one of 32 programs at NICC that qualify for Iowa’s Last-Dollar Scholarship funding. The scholarship covers tuition for Iowans who earn an associate’s degree or diploma to work in one of Iowa’s high-demand careers. Graduates complete their training with no college debt and start their careers well before students who attend four-year colleges have even graduated. Programs that qualify for the funding include nearly every industry in the region, including business, agriculture, healthcare, computer science, industrial technology and auto mechanics. One recent graduate, Verrick Foust, says the scholarship allowed him to devote more of his attention to completing his degree instead of worrying about college debt.

Last-Dollar Scholarship funding is also available for shorter one-year diploma programs, such as Welding, Computer Numerical Control Machinist Technician, Heating and Air Conditioning and others. Students can also complete shortterm training certificates, usually only two to six months in length, and qualify for financial support to complete their training at no cost. Graduates of the certificate programs may either continue their training in a diploma program or enter the workforce immediately upon graduation. Employers hire NICC graduates because of their skills, knowledge and career readiness, and these positions pay well, says Jamie Scherf, general manager of Mobile Track Solutions in Elkader.

DID YOU K NOW? NICC has awarded more than $3.4 million in Last-Dollar Scholarship funding to 1,100 students in the past two years A team of College and Career Coaches works closely with every degree, diploma and short-term certificate student from enrollment, to graduation and job placement.

Train for an in-demand career and be debt free! Last-Dollar Scholarship and other financial support is available to help you achieve your career goals.

“One of the hardest things to do when trying to further your education is to cover the cost of tuition. As a result of the scholarship, I could focus on my studies and work hard in my classes. I appreciate what this scholarship has done for me and my career.”

VERRICK FOUST

Computer Analyst-Networking Graduate

“The training Northeast Iowa Community College provided our team members gave them the foundation and preparedness to succeed within our company. Each of our NICC grads, from short-term training and degree programs alike, came equipped with the skills and knowledge we look for when hiring.”

JAMIE SCHERF

Mobile Track Solutions

LEARN MORE. 833.642.2338

www.nicc.edu/lastdollar

| SPRING 2022

COLLEGE GUIDE

Advice for soon-to-be college freshmen LEE SHULMAN BIERER

Tribune News Service

The countdown to your first day as a college freshman has begun. There are advice articles galore with lists of what to pack and what not to pack. It’s almost as overwhelming as the college admissions process.

Here are a few important mantras that I like to share.

1. You are going to college in the United States and there will be a Target, CVS or Walgreens close by. There is no need to stock up on items that you can purchase locally. I have heard stories of students insisting on packing a year’s worth of shampoo and laundry detergent. 2. You will be living in a frighteningly small space, and you may be sharing it with one, two or three other students. There simply isn’t enough room for you to bring all of your clothes, all your personal mementos and everything that reminds you of home. 3. The U.S. Postal Service does a great job. If you forgot something, you can either have it sent or it can wait until you come home at Thanksgiving. 4. Nobody wants to lug everything up to your room and then realize there’s no space and then have to lug it back to the car and then back to your home. Pack lightly and intelligently. 5. Physical space and outlet capacity is at a premium. Any important item that doesn’t require being plugged in and doesn’t take up a lot space becomes more valuable. Based on conversations with students who have recently completed their freshman year, here’s what they said was unnecessary.

Don’t bring:

 Keurig: It sounds like a great idea: coffee in your room any time you want. But students preferred to make their coffee-time social and join

friends at Starbucks. A Keurig also takes up space and a valuable outlet.  Television: Most students were happy watching their favorite shows on their laptops. A subscription to Netflix or Hulu could be a great gift.  Printers and ink: Check with your school: Many colleges now provide complimentary printing. It’s a great perk.  Wall calendars/wall planners: Face it: You’re just not going to use them. There are plenty of organizational apps that are easily accessed on your phone and allow for continual modifications.  Candles/hotplates: Most colleges have strict rules against candle and hotplate usage.  Microwave or refrigerator: Unless you’ve already checked out what is allowed by the specific residence hall. Once you are aware of what is allowable, it’s a great idea for one roommate to purchase the microwave and another to purchase the refrigerator. Lee Shulman Bierer is an independent college adviser based in Charlotte, N.C. Visit her website College Admissions Strategies.

Prairie Lakes’ partnerships can lead to college degrees than the local community college she previously attended. An experiential learning opportunity in The Bridge Initiative also provided an internship with the non-profit she hopes to lead one day. Equipping coursework plus experience! Passion and practical opportunities combine! Dreams are fulfilled! Katie told her friend Chris about The Bridge Program, and she’s now planning to use her military educational plan to pursue her dream of church ministry. Supportive backend application professionals cut through the complexity of government funding to meet the unique financial needs you may face. Katie and Chris found an exciting pathway to complete

SHUTTERSTOCK

ooking for a path forward that will launch you into the pursuit of your passion, accommodate your constraints of location and budget, and uphold the excellence you seek in an equipping opportunity? This is where Katie found herself. Married with three school-aged children, she completed a few hours of general education classes at a local community college when she finished high school. Life got busy. Passions were pushed aside for practical matters like caring for her growing family and working part time at a local retail store to supplement the family’s income. As her children entered school, Katie began seeking an opportunity to fulfill her dream of leading a community non-profit. But first, she needed a degree that equipped her for the demands of executive leadership and fit her current season of life. Katie found her pathway to a bright future through The Bridge Initiative, an innovative partnership she read about on Prairie Lakes Church’s website. Through the partnership between Indiana Wesleyan University and Prairie Lakes Church’s Center for Learning and Leadership, Katie was able to take online classes at an accredited university offering a dynamic leadership degree program tailored for her. She chose to keep her part-time job, study in the evenings, and her tuition was actually less

their undergraduate degrees, but did you know Prairie Lakes Church’s Center for Learning and Leadership also partners with Wesley Seminary to provide graduate degrees? Like the undergraduate program, Wesley Seminary provides an online program for those pursuing MA, MDIV, or DMIN degrees. These seminary degrees are versatile. Leadership specializations equip graduates for the marketplace and ministry. Paul was climbing the corporate ladder as an engineer at John Deere. He knew a MA degree in leadership would give him the career boost he needed to succeed in the marketplace. Paul found that program at Wesley Seminary. His program encouraged him to find ways to make a difference in his part of the world as he contextualized his studies. Paul quickly became engaged in serving the elderly population in his church community. When Paul completed his MA degree in a little over 2 years, he found the advancement at John Deere he had aspired to achieve. Whether pursuing undergraduate or graduate degrees in the marketplace or in ministry, Prairie Lakes Church’s Center for Learning and Leadership provides the community to develop relationships with other like-minded students and onsite, local support while pursuing your life’s passion. No matter what!

Learn more about how you can find your unique path forward and create an exciting future for you at prairielakeschurch.org/cll. You belong here!

| SPRING 2022

COLLEGE GUIDE

HOW

Here are my top 10 ideas on how to demonstrate interest:

INTERESTED

Open emails

Colleges now have sophisticated technology that tracks how many of their emails you open, how many clicks you make on their websites, etc.

ARE YOU?

An easy way to demonstrate interest is to follow all of your colleges on social media. Join their Facebook and Instagram pages. Like their posts. 3

It’s a great idea to sign up for notifications from each of your colleges. You’ll learn about when admissions reps are visiting your area, and you can request access to more information. 4

Do your homework

When you’re writing your supplemental essays — specifically the often-asked “Why this college?” — be sure to include information that is specific to that institution. Use this information as it relates to your particular interests. Scour the school’s websites and see if there are any classes or professors who share your passions. 5

Take advantage of opportunities

If one of the schools on your list is visiting your high school, do your best to attend, ask a question, request a business card and send a thank-you note. 6

Visit virtually

Check out the opportunities to take a virtual tour and participate in virtual information sessions. CHARLES KRUPA, ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO‌

In this March 7, 2017, photo, rowers paddle along the Charles River past the Harvard University campus in Cambridge, Mass. Harvard University is on the list of colleges and universities where demonstration of interest is not considered in the admissions process.

Some schools want you to show your love LEE SHULMAN BIERER

Tribune News Service‌

o colleges and universities care how much you want to attend their school? A. Yes B. No C. Sometimes D. All of the above The answer is D. Some schools care a whole lot. For others, it is “considered” in the admissions decision. And for others, it doesn’t matter at all.

What does all this mean?

Remember, colleges and universities are businesses — they need to remain solvent and recruit a compelling and complete class. They want to know if you’ll really choose to attend or are simply adding their school onto your list just because. Their enrollment managers are trying to figure out just how likely you are to enroll if they admit you. To determine the likelihood of you attending, many schools factor in a relatively new concept known as “dem-

onstration of interest,” or DOI. With so many applicants who look so similar on paper — i.e., similar grades, similar test scores, similar activities — it is important to show schools you know about them and you are serious about your intentions to attend. One of the silver linings of the COVID-19 pandemic is it now easier than ever to demonstrate your interest from the comfort of your own home. If you can visit a school in person that is a bonus, but it’s certainly not necessary or expected.

Interview if given a chance

Many schools offer students alumni interviews. For some schools you’ll need to apply by an earlier deadline to qualify for these interviews, so stay on top of your deadlines. 8

Thank everyone

Be polite, be concise, but thank everyone you come into contact with at each school. Email is fine. 9

Proofread all your communications

Don’t be a “candy stripper” – that would get by spell-check. Proof your work carefully before hitting submit. 10

Go early

The best way to show a school you love them is to apply early decision or single choice early action. That is the strongest indicator of your interest. If you can set yourself apart from other applicants by demonstrating that their college is a great fit for you, you’ve done what you can do.

Why a bachelor’s degree still matters Taking that “next step” after graduating high school is exciting but it can also be one of the hardest decisions you ever make, especially since there are so many options. Getting a bachelor’s degree is one of the best moves you can make to start your career and build the life you’ve always wanted. Here’s why investing in a bachelor’s degree is an investment in your future!

It’s about a lifetime of careers, not just your first job

College is an extremely formative time, and most people change their major more than once. Even after starting a career, some people still completely change what field they’re working in. This is why having some time to figure out your options before you commit to a plan of study and gleaning as much as you can while you’re in college is so important. Earning a bachelor’s degree allows you to explore many subject areas rather than narrowing your focus with a single career path in mind. It’s the perfect way to diversify your education and acquire a broad skillset. Want to pursue a career in communications and learn about starting a business? You could take some entrepreneurship classes while you major in communications. Have dreams of becoming a social worker who can fully support Spanish-speaking clients? You might want to add a Spanish minor to your social work major. There are so many options you’ll have by pursuing a bachelor’s degree to make your education uniquely yours! Whether you’re undecided and need to find a primary area of study or you know exactly what you want to major in, completing a robust general education program will set you up to be a well-rounded

member of the workforce and a well-rounded individual. University of Northern Iowa Foundational Inquiry (UNIFI) is the general education program that was recently redesigned to help every student get the most out of their college education. The ability to earn an extra credential in the form of a multidisciplinary certificate is built right into the program to help you stand out from other job seekers upon graduation.

Be more than just a student

The campus community is a huge reason to attend a four-year university. While you can make friends anywhere, it doesn’t take as much effort at a fouryear college. A huge part of this is the ability to live on campus surrounded by peers who are right down the hall rather than a 30-minute drive away. This makes it easy to build the lifelong friendships college is known for cultivating! Because there are so many opportunities right on campus, getting involved and enriching your life outside of the classroom is a breeze. Whether you’re passionate about volunteering, you’d love to join an intramural sports team or you’re excited about taking dance classes, you should have no issue finding it all at a four-year institution like UNI. There’s a student organization for every interest, allowing you to continue exploring hobbies and values that may not be directly linked to a career but are still meaningful to you. Even outside of student organizations, there are other ways for you to grow current interests or find new ones. The student calendar is regularly filled with sporting events and fun shows that are typically free to students.

The resources that are available to students go beyond entertainment. For example, there’s a free place to work out, a student health clinic and mental health resources. Taking advantage of these options helps you be your best self physically, emotionally and academically.

Enjoy a high earning potential

The most obvious reason why you should want a bachelor’s degree is the earning potential. You’ll have strong salary opportunities when you graduate and as you advance your career. A bachelor’s degree is also crucial if you ever want to get your master’s or doctorate degree. For example, the median salary for a UNI graduate who holds a bachelor’s degree in computer science is almost $54,000 their first year after graduation, based on data from the U.S. Census Bureau. Within five years after graduation, their salary increases to almost $80,000, and within 10 years, they make over $100,000. There is a clear trend of continuous growth, which anyone wants to see when building a career. Graduates who have earned a bachelor’s degree also have ample opportunities for jobs that offer great benefits like health insurance and paid time off. This provides huge peace of mind!

Median salary for a UNI graduate who holds a bachelor’s degree in compute science $100,000 $80,000 $54,000

First year after graduation

Find it all at UNI

Within five years

Within 10 years

Although there are many job opportunities for high school graduates, earning a bachelor’s degree will prepare you for a future full of career potential. Start building your future at the University of Northern Iowa by applying today at uni.edu/apply.

| SPRING 2022

COLLEGE GUIDE

Here’s a list of colleges and their current policies on demonstration of interest — please check each college’s website to verify their information. INTEREST — VERY IMPORTANT American University Cooper Union Dickinson College

Hampshire College Ithaca College Morehouse College

Quinnipiac University Syracuse University Thomas Aquinas College

United States Air Force

Academy

United States Naval

Academy

INTEREST – IMPORTANT

Allegheny College Auburn University Bates College Bentley University Boston University Brandeis University Butler University Denison University DePaul University

Eckerd College Fairfield University Florida Institute of

Technology High Point University Kenyon College Lehigh University Loyola University Chicago Michigan State University

Oglethorpe University Reed College Rensselaer Polytechnic

Institute Roanoke College Seattle University Seton Hall University Skidmore College The College of Wooster

Trinity College United States Merchant

Marine Academy United States Military

Agnes Scott College Babson College Bard College Barnard College Baylor University Beloit College Berea College Bradley University Brigham Young University Case Western Reserve University Catholic University Clark University Colby College College of Charleston College of the Holy Cross College of William and Mary Colorado College Colorado School of Mines Connecticut College Cornell College Davidson College DePauw University Drew University Drexel University Duke University Elon University Fordham University Franklin & Marshall College Furman University George Mason University George Washington University Georgia Institute of Technology Gettysburg College

Gonzaga University Goucher College Grinnell College Hamilton College Haverford College Hobart and William Smith Colleges Hofstra University Howard University Juniata College Kalamazoo College Knox College Lafayette College Lake Forest College Lawrence University Lewis & Clark College Loyola University Maryland Marietta College Marist College Marquette University Middlebury College Mount Holyoke College Muhlenberg College New York University Northeastern University Northwestern University Oberlin College Occidental College Oregon State University Pitzer College Purdue University Rhodes College Rice University Rochester Institute of Technology Saint Joseph’s University Saint Louis University

Massachusetts Amherst Wheaton College (MA)

Saint Mary’s College,

University of North

Santa Clara University Sarah Lawrence College Sewanee: University of the

University of North

Notre Dame

South

Simmons College Southern Methodist

University Southwestern University Spelman College Olaf College Stevens Institute of Technology SUNY, Binghamton University SUNY, Stony Brook University Swarthmore College Texas A&M University Trinity University Tufts University Tulane University Union College United States Coast Guard Academy University of Central Florida University of Chicago University of Colorado Boulder University of Delaware University of Denver University of Florida University of Miami University of Michigan University of Missouri, Columbia

Academy University of Arizona University of

INTEREST – SOMEWHAT IMPORTANT

INTEREST – NOT CONSIDERED Albion College Amherst College Arizona State

Carolina at Charlotte

Carolina at Wilmington University of North Texas University of Notre Dame University of Oklahoma University of Pennsylvania University of Pittsburgh University of Portland University of Puget Sound University of Rhode Island University of Richmond University of Rochester University of San Diego University of Texas at Austin University of Vermont University of Wisconsin Ursinus College Villanova University Virginia Tech Wake Forest University Washington & Jefferson College Washington and Lee University Washington University in St. Louis Wellesley College Wentworth Institute of Technology Wheaton College (IL) Whitman College Whittier College Worcester Polytechnic Institute Xavier University Yeshiva University

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Lee Shulman Bierer is an independent college adviser based in Charlotte, N.C. Visit her website College Admissions Strategies.

Highlighted by a commitment to innovation and adaptation to the various ways we teach the next generation of students, St. Ambrose University has launched a new era under the leadership of first-year President Amy Novak. These commitments will put the private, Catholic University near the banks of the Mississippi at the forefront of a new model for higher education, one built for a new generation of students. St. Ambrose’s innovative approach to teaching will focus on the students’ individualized manner of learning. Students will learn to center their future work around human-informed solutions, focusing on the experience of their customer, client or patient. Ultimately, those adaptive skills will make St. Ambrose graduates better employees and leaders in a changing work environment. This spring, Dr. Novak convened business and community leaders from across the Midwest for the first St. Ambrose University Innovation Summit: Building the Next-Generation Workforce, seeking input on how St. Ambrose best can prepare its students to meet business, industry and nonprofit needs in a new age of human work.

“We are entering a new age of work, an age when smart machines and artificial intelligence drive efficiency and production,” said Dr. Novak. “This means the value of future workforce employees will lie even more distinctly in the so-called “human skills” — those capacities to clearly communicate, work in teams, assess and analyze complex data, and, yes, to think critically and solve problems.” Those human skills are created from core curriculum programs such as English, Theology and Philosophy, and because the University’s general education menu has always been prioritized and robust, employers from across Iowa, the Midwest and the world seek out St. Ambrose graduates. At Modern Woodmen of America, a nationwide fraternal financial organization headquartered in Rock Island, Ill., Executive Vice President Jerry Lyphout said St. Ambrose graduates composed 20 percent of the organization’s 520-plus workforce precisely because they come well-versed in the human skills that make them great employees and future leaders. “I’m a true believer you get what you pay for, and I think any university can do a pretty good job of educating you in your

major field of study,” Lyphout said. “But I think it’s the extras you get at St. Ambrose that make the difference. They give their graduates perspectives, allow them to be a critical thinker, to think outside the box and to show compassion and believe in faith and social justice.” Speakingof thelatter,President Novak and the University will build more intentionally on the Catholic core values modeled by the University’s patron saint, Ambrose of Milan. Those values include helping students understand why working for social justice, service, diversity, inclusion, and fairness are essential human skills. Those values will serve as a foundation to a future built around innovative programming and creative thinking that will meet today’s learners where they are and adapt to how they learn. “As technology’s influence on learning grows, our University will need to adapt teaching methods and practices to serve a variety of learning styles and students with various learning backgrounds,” she said. Come to St. Ambrose and join us on the leading edge of a new age of higher education.

BELIEVE IN

Innovation

www.sau.edu/setupvisit Davenport, Iowa

| SPRING 2022

COLLEGE GUIDE

AVOID THESE MISTAKES ON YOUR COLLEGE ESSAY LEE SHULMAN BIERER

Tribune News Service

As I read student essay after student essay, I find I’m often asking myself, in not such a polite tone, “What were they thinking?” Grammar and usage mistakes are rampant, and many students are clueless when it comes to writing a non-academic paper. Here are some of the worst offenders:

Incorrect grammar

Please remember that people are referred to as who or whom; only things are “that.” I see a lot of “She was the teacher that meant the most to me.” It should be, “She was the teacher who meant the most to me.”

Weak words to avoid

These words don’t help advance your thoughts. My vote for the most overused word in college essays is “interesting” — unfortunately, it is not interesting at all. I consider the word “in-

teresting” to be the same as “um,” “like” and “you know” in conversation. They are meaningless fillers that don’t improve the writing or the conversation. Equally wasteful words include: “unique,” “truly,” “partake,” “in order to” and “really.” Words and phrases that should only be used sparingly include: “being that,” “that said,” “it,” “this,” “these” and “those.”

Passive voice

Here’s an example. It is much more pleasing (didn’t use the word interesting!) to read “Dr. Jeckyll mentored me” vs. “I was mentored by Dr. Jeckyll.” Non-active verbs, also known as boring verbs: Active verbs are your friends. Think creatively and use your senses when describing things. Think about how much more powerful is it to say “The line snaked around the corner” vs. “We waited in a long line forever.” Try to create some imagery with your writing and you’re likely to keep

your reader more engaged.

Predictable clichés

I find clichés to be the worst offender of all. Cliches are common phrases or idioms that are so overused they’ve become worthless and are indicative of a lazy writer. Please don’t use the following: “X college offers a plethora of opportunities,” “outside my comfort zone,” “broaden my horizons,” “every cloud has a silver lin-

ing,” “I’m a people person,” “I’m a jack-of-all-trades,” “thinking outside the box,” “at the end of the day,” “take it to the next level,” “bursting your bubble,” “in the nick of time,” “you win some, you lose some,” “good things come to those who wait.”

And the biggest offender in college essays would be... “I learned more from the people I met on my mission trip than they learned from me.” Please don’t write that. Lee Shulman Bierer is an independent college adviser based in Charlotte, N.C. Visit her website College Admissions Strategies.

The most affordable public, four-year university in Iowa. As Iowa’s only regional comprehensive university, UNI is designed to make your degree accessible and affordable. • $23.5+ million awarded in scholarships each year. • Our graduates have the second-lowest average debt of graduates from all other four-year colleges in Iowa. • 90+ affordable on-campus and online college degree options.

Take on tomorrow. // uni.edu/apply

BEGIN YOUR JOURNEY AT

WARTBURG COLLEGE Y

our journey toward success begins the moment you set foot on the Wartburg College campus. Through your coursework, involvement with on-campus organizations and experiences off-campus, like service trips, our Urban Studies Programs in Colorado and Des Moines, and internships, you will learn more about who you are and what you are meant to do.

with professors and student success professionals to find your passion and still graduate in four years.

Our 1,543 students hail from 36 states and 66 countries, including nearly 100 international students. U.S. News and World Report considers Wartburg a first-tier National Liberal Arts College, and the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching has included Wartburg on its list of exclusively baccalaureate colleges that foster experiential learning and community engagement.

GET INVOLVED. More than one-quarter of all students participate in one of the college’s 18 music ensembles, including the Wartburg Choir, Castle Singers and Wind Ensemble, which tour every year and alternate travel abroad on a rotating three-year schedule. More than 600 students are involved in our intercollegiate athletic program which consistently ranks in the top 25 in NCAA Division III and has won individual or team national titles for the past 27 years. In 2022, Wartburg will add women’s wrestling and esports to its competitive lineup. We also

At Wartburg, you can choose from more than 60 areas of study, including numerous pre-professional tracks and new programs in exercise science, public health, actuarial science and digital media and production. If you haven’t decided your path, you will work closely

INTERACT. Small colleges have big advantages, including personal access to your professors. No matter your academic path, you will benefit from a low faculty-to-student ratio and classes taught by a professor, not a graduate student.

have nearly 100 student-run organizations focusing on academics, media and publications, sports and recreation, performing arts, service and spiritual life, as well as other general interests. NETWORK. Because we are a residential campus with a vibrant living and learning community, students build a strong network of friends regardless of where they live or their major. While on campus students connect with alumni across the globe who help them build their network. Upon graduation, new Knights join the ranks of the alumni helping shepherd the next generation on to success. LEAD. Employers value a well-rounded employee. At Wartburg, students have the opportunity to lead in the classroom, on the field or stage, through a student organization or through service in the community.

SUCCEED. At Wartburg, 93 percent of our graduates complete their degree in four years or less. Our pre-health placement rates are more than double the national average, with students in pharmacy, nursing, medical/clinical laboratory sciences and veterinary medicine seeing 100 percent placement rates. In our daily work to educate young people, Wartburg College strives to live its distinctive mission in bold, new contexts. Our calling is to challenge and nurture students of tomorrow, who come to us from many places with many desires and aspirations. As a Wartburg College graduate you will leave campus with more than just a degree. During your four years, you also will have improved your critical thinking and communication skills, your cultural competence and ability to work well with others.

To learn more about why Wartburg College is worth it: • visit www.wartburg.edu • call 800-772-2085 • email admissions@wartburg.edu

Wartburg. Worth It.

YOU ARE

WORTH IT. • Discover the great value of a Wartburg education • Graduate in four years and enjoy small classes • Pursue leadership and service experiences • Benefit from high placement rates • Find direction and purpose for life after college • Academic scholarships up to $30,000 per year and music scholarships up to $5,000 per year for music and nonmusic majors