I will be traveling all in week in northern Indiana - from South Bend to Warsaw and everything in between. I have 2 college fairs Tuesday and Wednesday and a dozen high schools to visit. This is my last week of overnight travel. Fall travel season is exhausting and I am grateful to have a new travel territory this year that allows for less time on the road overnight. I am looking forward to being in the office to meet students and families who are visiting campus and reviewing all the applications coming in every day.
Seniors in my territory, you should begin hearing from me congratulating you on your admission to Valpo soon. Stay tuned and start planning your campus visit to Valpo! As I always say, the campus visit is key to making that final college decision, especially an overnight visit. Experience Valpo for yourself - see if it's the right fit for you.
Monday, October 5, 2009
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Valpo's first fall 2009 visit day
Last Saturday, Sept 19, was Valpo's first fall visit day for 2009-2010 academic year. We had a great turnout and wonderful families and perfect weather. We are already preparing for our next visit day, Oct 12. There's always ways to improve and make the next visit day even better. We appreciate all the positive feedback and suggestions from the families that visited last Saturday. Our Oct 12 visit day looks like it will be a full house with several registrations already. I look forward to meeting more of my students and their families. I will post a few pictures from our visit day when I return to the office this Friday.
Fall travels with my new best friend, Garmin....
Yesterday officially started my fall travel for the year. I am currently in western Michigan visiting high schools and attending college fairs. I have 14 high school visits and 3 college fairs stretching from Jenison to Midland and everything in between. Thank goodness for a GPS! I don't know how I did travel before without one. I know...I relied on good old Mapquest and Google maps. It's kind of difficult to drive, especially in the dark, trying to read paper directions. Luckily, one of my student ambassadors at Valpo (thanks Susan!) let me borrow and try out her Garmin. She knew I was terrified to use one, because of everything I've seen in movies - things going wrong with it. Ha ha! I officially feel tech savvy enough to use one without freaking out that it's going to lead me to the middle of the woods or something. I know it's only Tuesday, but (knock on wood), the Garmin and I are getting along great....so far so good.
The rest of this week's travel includes....
3 college fairs @ CMU, Big Rapids, and Northwood University and 7 high school visits. I can't believe it's only Tuesday! I will have a full report of this week's travels Friday. Stay tuned!
The rest of this week's travel includes....
3 college fairs @ CMU, Big Rapids, and Northwood University and 7 high school visits. I can't believe it's only Tuesday! I will have a full report of this week's travels Friday. Stay tuned!
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Why go to college?
For those of you who wonder, "why should I go to college?", think about why you're asking that question. Is it cost? job placement? Distance? Family?
Many students and parents are wondering how they will afford college...should they attend a 2 year or a 4 year college...how about just get a job after high school graduation? With the stress of today's economy in the U.S., families are thinking twice about college. As a college admission counselor, this worries me. I not only work for a university in admission, but I also work for every family and student out there looking for college guidance.
Education is my passion and helping students through the college process is what I enjoy doing. When I was in high school, I didn't have much guidance. My single mother and I slowly muddled through the admission and financial aid process on our own. At a big high school with few guidance counselors, students can often times feel lost and unsure about college. This is where I come in. I help students find their way...why they should go to college....why Valpo.
Things I always tell my students to think about when going through the college admission process...think about your "fit" and where you feel most comfortable (not simply settling, but where you feel you will succeed). Colleges and universities are very competitive with one another as far as statistics - placement rates, graduation rates, and retention. If you're looking at all small private schools, they will more than likely be very similar/competitive in ratings - it's the other little things that make them different. Check out a class, meet with a professor, hang out with the students, stay overnight in one of the residence halls, and try the food. These are very important things students sometimes forget to take into consideration when selecting a college. US News & World Report and other magazine/book rankings and statistics can only play a role to an extent. While they certainly are important, I believe students will find their "fit' when taking the whole picture into consideration. I always ask, "do you want to be a statistic or a student in college?"
Aside from the financial worries for families, a college education takes time. Many students think four years is forever. It's not. Four years will fly by and before you know it you will be graduating college, wondering where the time went. Many students are simply anxious to become an adult, have a job and their own place, that they rule out the option of college. I cannot tell you how many people I know from high school who are now going to college part time, working full time and supporting a family. It's very likely that it will take them even longer to finish their degree than it would have had they gone to college full time after high school. Because of the length of time it takes, some students will drop out.
With the concerns of time and money, several students are opting for a community college education. They believe this option will save them time and money lost in a four year college. You can't rush order a quality college education. While a community college can be a stepping stone to a bachelors degree, it's also one you have to choose carefully. My advice to students taking this route...be sure to take courses that will transfer to the college you plan to transfer to and be in constant communication with the Registrars Office at both institutions for a smooth and successful transition. This route may not shave off much time, but it could possibly save you money if you do your research.
Whether it is time, money or graduation rates causing you to rethink the college route, think about your future. While it would be nice and easy to be making money now, rather than in 4 years, think about what you truly want out of your life. A job or a career? College takes time and hard work, but in the end it will be worth it. Without college, it could cause you to have to work harder for longer. The best advice I can give students is to choose a college you can see yourself graduating from - not just one with the best rankings or where all your friends are going or the one that seems the "easiest". A successful college career will lead to graduation and graduation from college will lead to better and more career opportunities. I believe life is a gamble without a college education.
College is a big decision. It is best to choose a college where you fit best and will be successful. While four years seems forever away, think about where you want to be and what you want to achieve in that time. There is a light at the end of the tunnel, but in the mean time, take it one step at a time and enjoy the journey.
Many students and parents are wondering how they will afford college...should they attend a 2 year or a 4 year college...how about just get a job after high school graduation? With the stress of today's economy in the U.S., families are thinking twice about college. As a college admission counselor, this worries me. I not only work for a university in admission, but I also work for every family and student out there looking for college guidance.
Education is my passion and helping students through the college process is what I enjoy doing. When I was in high school, I didn't have much guidance. My single mother and I slowly muddled through the admission and financial aid process on our own. At a big high school with few guidance counselors, students can often times feel lost and unsure about college. This is where I come in. I help students find their way...why they should go to college....why Valpo.
Things I always tell my students to think about when going through the college admission process...think about your "fit" and where you feel most comfortable (not simply settling, but where you feel you will succeed). Colleges and universities are very competitive with one another as far as statistics - placement rates, graduation rates, and retention. If you're looking at all small private schools, they will more than likely be very similar/competitive in ratings - it's the other little things that make them different. Check out a class, meet with a professor, hang out with the students, stay overnight in one of the residence halls, and try the food. These are very important things students sometimes forget to take into consideration when selecting a college. US News & World Report and other magazine/book rankings and statistics can only play a role to an extent. While they certainly are important, I believe students will find their "fit' when taking the whole picture into consideration. I always ask, "do you want to be a statistic or a student in college?"
Aside from the financial worries for families, a college education takes time. Many students think four years is forever. It's not. Four years will fly by and before you know it you will be graduating college, wondering where the time went. Many students are simply anxious to become an adult, have a job and their own place, that they rule out the option of college. I cannot tell you how many people I know from high school who are now going to college part time, working full time and supporting a family. It's very likely that it will take them even longer to finish their degree than it would have had they gone to college full time after high school. Because of the length of time it takes, some students will drop out.
With the concerns of time and money, several students are opting for a community college education. They believe this option will save them time and money lost in a four year college. You can't rush order a quality college education. While a community college can be a stepping stone to a bachelors degree, it's also one you have to choose carefully. My advice to students taking this route...be sure to take courses that will transfer to the college you plan to transfer to and be in constant communication with the Registrars Office at both institutions for a smooth and successful transition. This route may not shave off much time, but it could possibly save you money if you do your research.
Whether it is time, money or graduation rates causing you to rethink the college route, think about your future. While it would be nice and easy to be making money now, rather than in 4 years, think about what you truly want out of your life. A job or a career? College takes time and hard work, but in the end it will be worth it. Without college, it could cause you to have to work harder for longer. The best advice I can give students is to choose a college you can see yourself graduating from - not just one with the best rankings or where all your friends are going or the one that seems the "easiest". A successful college career will lead to graduation and graduation from college will lead to better and more career opportunities. I believe life is a gamble without a college education.
College is a big decision. It is best to choose a college where you fit best and will be successful. While four years seems forever away, think about where you want to be and what you want to achieve in that time. There is a light at the end of the tunnel, but in the mean time, take it one step at a time and enjoy the journey.
Monday, September 14, 2009
Back to school!
Another school year brings another fall travel season for college admission counselors/reps. I will be hitting the road for my fall travel to high schools and college fairs September 21. Below is my fall travel schedule. Stop by my table at a college fair or visit me when I'm at your high school.
Sept 21, 2009:
Forest Hills Eastern H.S.
Forest Hills Central H.S.
East Grand Rapids H.S.
Forest Hills Northern H.S.
Sept 22, 2009:
Calvin Christian H.S.
Grand Rapids Christian H.S.
Northpointe Christian H.S.
Northview H.S. (drop off)
*College Night at Central Michigan University
Sept 23, 2009:
South Christian H.S.
Grandville H.S.
Jenison H.S. (drop off)
Sept 24, 2009:
Cedar Springs H.S. (drop off)
Rockford H.S.
Sparta H.S.
*College Night at Northwood University
Sept 29, 2009:
*College Night at Goshen high school
Sept 30, 2009:
MI Lutheran H.S.
St. Joseph H.S. (MI)
*Grand Rapids Area College Night
Oct 1, 2009:
Kalamazoo Christian H.S.
Holland Christian H.S.
*Holland Area College fair
Oct 6, 2009:
St. Joseph H.S. (IN)
Elkhart Memorial H.S.
Clay H.S.
*St. Joseph county college fair
Oct 7, 2009:
Elkhart Central H.S. (drop off)
Trinity School at Greenlawn
Penn H.S.
*Warsaw College Fair
Oct 8, 2009:
Marian H.S.
North Judson H.S.
Culver Academies
*Plymouth College Fair
Oct 12, 2009:
Kalamazoo Valley Community College Transfer Fair
Oct 13, 2009:
Mishawaka H.S.
Nov 2, 2009:
Kellogg Community College Transfer Fair & College Night
I'm looking forward to meeting many high school students and families and reading your applications.
Sept 21, 2009:
Forest Hills Eastern H.S.
Forest Hills Central H.S.
East Grand Rapids H.S.
Forest Hills Northern H.S.
Sept 22, 2009:
Calvin Christian H.S.
Grand Rapids Christian H.S.
Northpointe Christian H.S.
Northview H.S. (drop off)
*College Night at Central Michigan University
Sept 23, 2009:
South Christian H.S.
Grandville H.S.
Jenison H.S. (drop off)
Sept 24, 2009:
Cedar Springs H.S. (drop off)
Rockford H.S.
Sparta H.S.
*College Night at Northwood University
Sept 29, 2009:
*College Night at Goshen high school
Sept 30, 2009:
MI Lutheran H.S.
St. Joseph H.S. (MI)
*Grand Rapids Area College Night
Oct 1, 2009:
Kalamazoo Christian H.S.
Holland Christian H.S.
*Holland Area College fair
Oct 6, 2009:
St. Joseph H.S. (IN)
Elkhart Memorial H.S.
Clay H.S.
*St. Joseph county college fair
Oct 7, 2009:
Elkhart Central H.S. (drop off)
Trinity School at Greenlawn
Penn H.S.
*Warsaw College Fair
Oct 8, 2009:
Marian H.S.
North Judson H.S.
Culver Academies
*Plymouth College Fair
Oct 12, 2009:
Kalamazoo Valley Community College Transfer Fair
Oct 13, 2009:
Mishawaka H.S.
Nov 2, 2009:
Kellogg Community College Transfer Fair & College Night
I'm looking forward to meeting many high school students and families and reading your applications.
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Staying up-to-date with today's technology...
Text messages, emails, IMs, blogs, Zinch, Facebook, Myspace, Twitter, and more!
Wow! There are a lot of new social networks and technology out there. Every time I think I've caught onto the newest one, another one pops up. I remember when I was in high school...email was the newest form of communication, then AIM (AOL Instant Messager), and cell phones. Now there's Facebook, Myspace, blogs, and Twitter...not to mention all of the texting, rather than actual phone calls that occur. I can't imagine what's next.
Colleges & Universities: staying "with it"...
As technology changes, so does the interests of students around the world. Colleges and Universities have created University Facebook pages, blogs, and now even Twitter accounts just to keep up with today's youth. Students aren't simply learning about colleges by reading paper brochures or college fairs anymore...now they can read about them in mass texts, "Tweets", websites and blogs.
Are phone calls the thing of the past?
There are plenty of debates about calling students these days in college admission. To call or not to call? To text or not to text? Of the several hundreds of calls I make every year, I would say about 50% of the time I actually talk to a student. I tend to leave a lot of messages - who knows if the student ever actually receives them.
Sifting through emails...
I know many students now receive their emails on their cell phone. I am curious as to how many students actually read all of the college emails they get - if any at all. From college emails, to silly forwards, email subscriptions, and junk...who has time to sift through all of that?
Staying connected without actually speaking...
Today's pace is much faster than in years past. Everyone's on the go, living miles and miles away from each other and wants to be able to connect with friends and family with the click of a button. I can't help but wonder how this will effect college admission process. Will students refrain from actually visiting college campus' - relying only on virtual tours, blogs and Twitter to make their college decision? I sure hope not. To truly experience college, a person has to be there to experience it for themselves. No typed conversation online is going to give you the real experience.
Face-to-Face contact is still the best...
As all of you high school juniors and seniors begin your college search, I encourage you to yes read those blogs, the "tweets" and websites for updates and information, but I also highly recommend that you visit the colleges you're interested in. I truly believe in overnight visits. They allow you to experience that college as if you were a real _____ University student - not just a visiting high school senior with mom and dad tagging along on your campus tour asking a hundred questions.
Here's how you can keep up with me...
Facebook: Nicole at Valpo
Blog: valponicole.blogspot.com
AIM: ValpoNicole
Email: Nicole.Morris@valpo.edu
Phone: 888.GO.VALPO
Send me a message, email or call if you have any questions, but I hope to see many of you on campus for a visit as well.
As always, best of luck to all of you with your college search!
Wow! There are a lot of new social networks and technology out there. Every time I think I've caught onto the newest one, another one pops up. I remember when I was in high school...email was the newest form of communication, then AIM (AOL Instant Messager), and cell phones. Now there's Facebook, Myspace, blogs, and Twitter...not to mention all of the texting, rather than actual phone calls that occur. I can't imagine what's next.
Colleges & Universities: staying "with it"...
As technology changes, so does the interests of students around the world. Colleges and Universities have created University Facebook pages, blogs, and now even Twitter accounts just to keep up with today's youth. Students aren't simply learning about colleges by reading paper brochures or college fairs anymore...now they can read about them in mass texts, "Tweets", websites and blogs.
Are phone calls the thing of the past?
There are plenty of debates about calling students these days in college admission. To call or not to call? To text or not to text? Of the several hundreds of calls I make every year, I would say about 50% of the time I actually talk to a student. I tend to leave a lot of messages - who knows if the student ever actually receives them.
Sifting through emails...
I know many students now receive their emails on their cell phone. I am curious as to how many students actually read all of the college emails they get - if any at all. From college emails, to silly forwards, email subscriptions, and junk...who has time to sift through all of that?
Staying connected without actually speaking...
Today's pace is much faster than in years past. Everyone's on the go, living miles and miles away from each other and wants to be able to connect with friends and family with the click of a button. I can't help but wonder how this will effect college admission process. Will students refrain from actually visiting college campus' - relying only on virtual tours, blogs and Twitter to make their college decision? I sure hope not. To truly experience college, a person has to be there to experience it for themselves. No typed conversation online is going to give you the real experience.
Face-to-Face contact is still the best...
As all of you high school juniors and seniors begin your college search, I encourage you to yes read those blogs, the "tweets" and websites for updates and information, but I also highly recommend that you visit the colleges you're interested in. I truly believe in overnight visits. They allow you to experience that college as if you were a real _____ University student - not just a visiting high school senior with mom and dad tagging along on your campus tour asking a hundred questions.
Here's how you can keep up with me...
Facebook: Nicole at Valpo
Blog: valponicole.blogspot.com
AIM: ValpoNicole
Email: Nicole.Morris@valpo.edu
Phone: 888.GO.VALPO
Send me a message, email or call if you have any questions, but I hope to see many of you on campus for a visit as well.
As always, best of luck to all of you with your college search!
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Questions to ask colleges & universities...
I was a first generation college student in my family, so my parents didn't quite know what questions to ask when I was going through the college admission process. Many parents I've met with say that the college admission process is entirely different than what they experienced, so they don't even know where to begin. As a college Admission Counselor, I don't just inform students about Valparaiso University, I also try to help my families through the puzzling process that is college admission - filled with numerous deadlines, statistics and lingo all to comprehend and remember. To assist with this confusing and sometimes exhausting process, I've come up with a list of key questions for high school students and parents to ask while visiting or meeting with colleges and universities. Don't be afraid or embarassed to show up to a college/university with a legal pad of questions or spreadsheets to analyze your college research - this is a big step and a very important decision for your future.
1. What's unique about your school?
2. What is the academic profile of first-year students? (ACT, SAT and GPA)
3. What materials do you require for admission?
4. When is your application deadline? Is there an early action or early decision admission deadline?
5. How many applications do you get a year? How many are admitted?
6. What is the average incoming freshman class size?
7. Where do most of your students come from?
8. Why do students typically choose to attend your school?
9. What is the freshman to sophomore retention rate?
10. What is the placement rate within 6 months of graduation?
11. What are the most popular majors offered at your school? Why?
12. What is the average class size?
13. What is the student to faculty ratio?
14. What is the 4 year graduation rate?
15. What is the percentage of TAs (teaching assistants)?
16. What is the percentage of professors who have their highest terminal degree in their field?
17. What is the student to computer ratio on campus?
18. What is the percentage of students who get internships or co-op opportunities?
19. Do you require families to file the FAFSA?
20. What is the percentage of students who receive financial aid (scholarships, grants, loans)?
21. What is the average financial aid package for students?
22. What do students do for fun on the weekends?
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