Most universities require you to write an essay that counts towards your eligibilty for entrance in their schools. Generally, there are three types of questions.
a)the "YOU" Question
b)the "WHY US" Question
c)the "CREATIVE" Question
The "YOU" Question
Many colleges require you to tell them about yourself. This is referred to as your personal statement. You will introduce the school to who you are. It is best that you mention a little about why you would like to pursue a university education; your accomplishments thus far, your extra curricular activities; how they have helped developed you into the person you are today and your goals for the future.
Example:
"Please complete a one-page personal statement and submit it with your application." (James Madison University)
"How would you describe yourself as a human being? What quality do you like best in yourself and what do you like least? What quality would you most like to see flourish and which would you like to see wither?" (Bates College)
The "WHY US" Question
This speaks for itself. Simply, why would you like to attend that university. Now, I know many of you will apply to multiple universities so please ensure that each "WHY US" essay applies to that individual university. Take time out to alter each essay for that school. It is important to research any values or missions upheld by each school. You should probably incorporate the school's mission and values in your essay and what it means to you.
Example:
"Why is University of Vermont a good college choice for you?" (University of Vermont)
"Please tell us about your career goals and any plans you may have for graduate study." (Westfield State College)
The "CREATIVE" Question
Some colleges evaluate you through your choice of some tangential item: an international or national issue, a famous person, what you would put in a time capsule; what would you do if you have $1.7 million dollar to spend on your island. Here the school is looking at your creativity and the breadth of your knowledge and education.
Example:
"Do you believe there's a generation gap? Describe the differences between your generation and others." (Denison University)
"Indicate a person who has had a significant influence on you, and describe that influence." (Common Application)
Friday, June 27, 2008
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
The Application: The Initial Stages
You should begin looking at universities about 18 months before your intended start date. It gives you time to properly research schools and find those that interest you the most.
You should start with a list of ten universities that answer the WHAT and WHERE questions. The universities should offer WHAT you want to study and should be located in a place WHERE you would like to study. Carefully research the information available to you on the schools’ website especially relating to student life, your program choice, on and off campus housing, tuition costs, scholarships, extracurricular activities and the availability of a Caribbean Students’ Organization.
Also, be sure to request application forms and brochures from the school to be sent you via mail.
Sit down with your parents and review each school.
List your likes and dislikes of each.
Further cut down your list to FIVE and apply to all five of these schools and they should include: your top two dream schools; two "good match" schools (schools that match your interests) and your safety school (a school you are confident you can get into with ease).
Remember to click the banner above that says FREE CASH FOR COLLEGE. U will be able to research colleges and compare them side by side and all the information is readily available to you.
You should start with a list of ten universities that answer the WHAT and WHERE questions. The universities should offer WHAT you want to study and should be located in a place WHERE you would like to study. Carefully research the information available to you on the schools’ website especially relating to student life, your program choice, on and off campus housing, tuition costs, scholarships, extracurricular activities and the availability of a Caribbean Students’ Organization.
Also, be sure to request application forms and brochures from the school to be sent you via mail.
Sit down with your parents and review each school.
List your likes and dislikes of each.
Further cut down your list to FIVE and apply to all five of these schools and they should include: your top two dream schools; two "good match" schools (schools that match your interests) and your safety school (a school you are confident you can get into with ease).
Remember to click the banner above that says FREE CASH FOR COLLEGE. U will be able to research colleges and compare them side by side and all the information is readily available to you.
Friday, June 20, 2008
Scholarships for Caribbean Students
I've found a few scholarship opportunities that many of you should consider looking into. All of these scholarships are for specific universities.
George M. Alexis Memorial Scholarship
Annual award for recent imigrants from, or of Eastern Caribbean ancestry, who are entering freshman students at Brooklyn College-CUNY in New York planning to major in Public Services, Law, Psychology, or Social Sciences. Applicants must have demonstrated financial need and high academic standing in high school. Due date, number of awards and award amount varies.
Marcus Garvey Award
Annual awards for Caribbean or Bahamian undergraduate students enrolled full-time at Schiller International University. Selection is based on academic achievement, financial need, and nationality. Due date and award amount may vary. An essay must be included with application packet.
Ahora Scholarship
Annual awards for Latin American or Caribbean undergraduate or graduate students enrolled full-time at the University of Rochester. Students must demonstrate academic achievement. An interview is required. Number of awards may vary.
Kwame Nkrumah Class of '72 Scholarship
Annual award for African American, Caribbean, or African undergraduate students enrolled full-time at Lincoln University of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Students must exemplify leadership, school and class spirit, and participation in University activities.
Jack Devine Scholarship
Annual award for a Dominican Republic incoming freshman or sophomore student at Brooklyn College-CUNY in New York. Applicant must have demonstrated interest in the language and culture of the Caribbean. Due date and award amount varies.
George M. Alexis Memorial Scholarship
Annual award for recent imigrants from, or of Eastern Caribbean ancestry, who are entering freshman students at Brooklyn College-CUNY in New York planning to major in Public Services, Law, Psychology, or Social Sciences. Applicants must have demonstrated financial need and high academic standing in high school. Due date, number of awards and award amount varies.
Marcus Garvey Award
Annual awards for Caribbean or Bahamian undergraduate students enrolled full-time at Schiller International University. Selection is based on academic achievement, financial need, and nationality. Due date and award amount may vary. An essay must be included with application packet.
Ahora Scholarship
Annual awards for Latin American or Caribbean undergraduate or graduate students enrolled full-time at the University of Rochester. Students must demonstrate academic achievement. An interview is required. Number of awards may vary.
Kwame Nkrumah Class of '72 Scholarship
Annual award for African American, Caribbean, or African undergraduate students enrolled full-time at Lincoln University of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Students must exemplify leadership, school and class spirit, and participation in University activities.
Jack Devine Scholarship
Annual award for a Dominican Republic incoming freshman or sophomore student at Brooklyn College-CUNY in New York. Applicant must have demonstrated interest in the language and culture of the Caribbean. Due date and award amount varies.
Retired Professor Gary North: Alternative Tracks
Here is a very informative video where Professor North provides ways in which students can significantly reduce the costs of university/college by up to 90%. Even though this video is targeted at United States citizens, Caribbean students can benefit from most if not all of these alternative tracks. Feel free to utilize Professor North's advice at your own discretion.
A Look At Canada
I've presented a list of universities in the United States and the Caribbean and now I invite you to take a look at Canada. According to Macleans, here are the Top 10 Universities in Canada.
1. McGill University (Montreal, Quebec)
2. University of Toronto (Toronto, Ontario)
3. The University of Western Ontario (London, Ontario)
4. University of British Columbia (Vancouver, British Columbia)
5. Queen's University (Kingston, Ontario)
6. University of Alberta (Edmonton, Alberta)
7. University of Montréal (Montreal, Quebec)
8. Université Laval (Quebec City, Quebec)
9. Université de Sherbrooke (Quebec)
10. University of Saskatchewan (Saskatoon, Saskatchewan)
1. McGill University (Montreal, Quebec)
2. University of Toronto (Toronto, Ontario)
3. The University of Western Ontario (London, Ontario)
4. University of British Columbia (Vancouver, British Columbia)
5. Queen's University (Kingston, Ontario)
6. University of Alberta (Edmonton, Alberta)
7. University of Montréal (Montreal, Quebec)
8. Université Laval (Quebec City, Quebec)
9. Université de Sherbrooke (Quebec)
10. University of Saskatchewan (Saskatoon, Saskatchewan)
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
The FastWeb Phenomenan
Hey Caribbean Students!! Have you heard of FastWeb? It is the world's largest, most accurate and most frequently updated scholarship database online. I'm sure many of you think that FastWeb is only for United States Citizens but nothing is further from the truth. There are lots of scholarships on FastWeb that are available to students from all parts of the World. However, I must let you know that FastWeb is only available to those who intend on studying in the United States.
There are so many great things about FastWeb and you have to sign up today!!! Click the above banner and be sure to sign up before you leave the website. It is fast and easy!
I used FastWeb.com to find the university that I currently attend. I guess you're now wondering how I did that. At Fastweb.com, you can do a personalized search for universities based on your particular preference. You select the option of what states you would like to search for universities and colleges, the majors you want to search for within that state, whether you prefer a big city or small town; a public or private school and even the extra curricular activities at that school. As I stated, Fastweb is great because you get to personalize the search.
Not only can you search for colleges and universities, but you can also do a side by side comparison. This certainly helps and eliminate many obstacles that you face in your journey towards university.
Fastweb also provides information on numerous scholarships that may be available to you and it finds the best ones to suite your interests. If you're going to university, you will be trying to find ways to fund your education so this is where FastWeb is very useful
There are so many great things about FastWeb and you have to sign up today!!! Click the above banner and be sure to sign up before you leave the website. It is fast and easy!
I used FastWeb.com to find the university that I currently attend. I guess you're now wondering how I did that. At Fastweb.com, you can do a personalized search for universities based on your particular preference. You select the option of what states you would like to search for universities and colleges, the majors you want to search for within that state, whether you prefer a big city or small town; a public or private school and even the extra curricular activities at that school. As I stated, Fastweb is great because you get to personalize the search.
Not only can you search for colleges and universities, but you can also do a side by side comparison. This certainly helps and eliminate many obstacles that you face in your journey towards university.
Fastweb also provides information on numerous scholarships that may be available to you and it finds the best ones to suite your interests. If you're going to university, you will be trying to find ways to fund your education so this is where FastWeb is very useful
Financing Your Education: Loans for Caribbean Students Studying in the U.S.A
Every year many Caribbean students go abroad to study. However, leaving the Caribbean to pursue a university education is not always the cheapest venture one can undertake. Studying abroad often requires financial assistance for travel, housing, books and tuition. Some students are fortunate to get scholarships from their governments, sponsoring companies, contests or their university, but some have to find alternative ways to finance their education. InternationalStudent.com is a private loan program that is available for Caribbean students who are planning to study in the United States of America.
A co-signer is required for all Non- US Applicants and the co-signer MUST be a US citizen or permanent resident with good credit and income history, who has lived in the United States for the past two years.
Students can borrow annually up to $70,000 US Dollars for medical, dental and law school and up to $50,000 US Dollars annually to fund graduate and undergraduate study. It is also important that you check with the school of your choice to ensure that they are eligible to accept student loans from the International Student Loan Center.
A co-signer is required for all Non- US Applicants and the co-signer MUST be a US citizen or permanent resident with good credit and income history, who has lived in the United States for the past two years.
Students can borrow annually up to $70,000 US Dollars for medical, dental and law school and up to $50,000 US Dollars annually to fund graduate and undergraduate study. It is also important that you check with the school of your choice to ensure that they are eligible to accept student loans from the International Student Loan Center.
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
Caribbean Universities And Colleges
Many Caribbean student think that there are not much universities and colleges in the Caribbean and that is a huge misconception. Also, the universities and colleges located in the Caribbean are just as good as those overseas. I know many people who prefer not to travel abroad to pursue a university education and rather be closer to home and so here is a list of some of the universities and colleges located in the Caribbean region.
University of the Netherland Antilles (Curacao)
St. Martinus Universitty (Curacao)
University of the West Indies
University of Saint Eustatius- School of Medicine (St. Eustatius)
University of Puerto Rico (Puerto Rico)
Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico (Puerto Rico)
Caribbean University (Puerto Rico)
University of the Virgin Islands
St. George's University (Grenada)
College of the Bahamas (The Bahamas)
St. John's College (Belize)
University of Guyana (Guyana)
University of Technology (Jamaica)
Caribbean Martitime Institute (Jamaica)
Medical University of The Americas (Nevis)
Ross University School of Medicine ( Dominica)
Ross University School of Veterinary Science (St. Kitts)
University College of the Caribbean ( Jamaica)
University of Havana (Cuba)
University of Belize (Belize)
International College of the Cayman Islands ( Grand Cayman)
University of Granma (Cuba)
American University of Puerto Rico (Puerto Rico)
Central University of the Caribbean (Puerto Rico)
Atlantic College of Puerto Rico (Puerto Rico)
University of Trindad & Tobago ( Trindad & Tobago)
University of the Sacred Heart (Puerto Rico)
I tried to find links for most of the universities websites but there are a few without links but you can use the above Caribbean Student Search to find them. Enjoy!
University of the Netherland Antilles (Curacao)
St. Martinus Universitty (Curacao)
University of the West Indies
University of Saint Eustatius- School of Medicine (St. Eustatius)
University of Puerto Rico (Puerto Rico)
Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico (Puerto Rico)
Caribbean University (Puerto Rico)
University of the Virgin Islands
St. George's University (Grenada)
College of the Bahamas (The Bahamas)
St. John's College (Belize)
University of Guyana (Guyana)
University of Technology (Jamaica)
Caribbean Martitime Institute (Jamaica)
Medical University of The Americas (Nevis)
Ross University School of Medicine ( Dominica)
Ross University School of Veterinary Science (St. Kitts)
University College of the Caribbean ( Jamaica)
University of Havana (Cuba)
University of Belize (Belize)
International College of the Cayman Islands ( Grand Cayman)
University of Granma (Cuba)
American University of Puerto Rico (Puerto Rico)
Central University of the Caribbean (Puerto Rico)
Atlantic College of Puerto Rico (Puerto Rico)
University of Trindad & Tobago ( Trindad & Tobago)
University of the Sacred Heart (Puerto Rico)
I tried to find links for most of the universities websites but there are a few without links but you can use the above Caribbean Student Search to find them. Enjoy!
Saturday, June 7, 2008
Top 10 Most Unusual College Majors
Hey Caribbean Students!!! Be the first to pursue a particular major on your island. Do you have a genuine interest in whether aliens exist?? Why not pursue a degree in Astrobiology! According to Scholar Point Connect, these are the Top 10 Most Unusual College Majors:
1. Master Ranching – Showing up to college wearing spurs and riding a horse probably isn’t the best idea, unless you go to Texas A&M-Kingsville’s Institute for Ranch Management. The university is offering the first ever master degree program for ranchers. What was once a profession passed on from generation to generation is now getting sophisticated enough that it may actually require an MBA. Go figure. Graduates can expect salaries in the $50,000-$75,000 range.
2. Astrobiology – ET phone home. The University of Glamorgan in the United Kingdom offers a degree in Astrobiology, which is the search for life beyond earth. So if hunting for alien life is your thing consider a career in Astrobiology.
3. Retail Floristry – I bet you never thought working at your local flower shop required a college degree. Well, it probably doesn’t, but that doesn’t mean you can’t major in Retail Floristry anyway. Career opportunities are a step above working the cash register and include wholesaling, special event designing, and display gardening. This program is offered through Mississippi State University and graduates can expect a 90% job placement rate.
4. Professional Nanny – Sullivan University in Louisville Kentucky offers a professional nanny program, which prepares graduates to work in private residences, day care centers, children’s hospitals, and country clubs. This is a perfect career for those girls who grew up babysitting all the neighborhood kids that now want to make more than $2 per hour.
5. Sports Ministry – Graduates from this program are prepared for positions in non-profit organizations seeking to use sports as an avenue for teaching religion. This program is offered through Campbellsville University in Campbellsville Kentucky.
6. Adventure Recreation – Do you like scuba diving, jet skiing , or whitewater rafting? If you answered yes, perhaps you should consider doing what you love for a job and start by making it your college major. Green Mountain College in Vermont is offering major and minor programs in Adventure Recreation, which aims to place graduates in a variety of outdoor recreation careers such as those listed above.
7. Golf & Sports Turf Management – Just because you were never good at football doesn’t mean you can’t make it your job. Only you’ll be repairing the grass they tear apart every week. The course curriculum offered by Mississippi Sate University will prepare you for a career as a golf superintendent or a sports turf manager at city, school, and professional sports arenas. Graduates in this field also enjoy a 90% job placement rate.
8. Comedy: Writing and Performance – Here’s a degree program that actually requires “ a great sense of humor” as an admission requirement. Humber College in Canada offers this program to help naturally talented students hone their craft and learn the commercial side of the business. Students learn stand-up, improv, scriptwriting, and sketch comedy.
9. Organic Agriculture – Organic foods make up more than 2.5% of all food and drink sales nationwide and have been increasing by 20% per year since 1990. This makes organic farming an attractive career opportunity. This is the first organic agriculture major in the nation and is offered through Washington State University.
10. Fishing Sciences and Management – This masters program is offered by Colorado State University and focuses on fish populations for recreational and commercial fishing purposes to ensure adequate conservation and utilization. If nothing else the courses on fish psychology should at the very least help you catch more fish.
1. Master Ranching – Showing up to college wearing spurs and riding a horse probably isn’t the best idea, unless you go to Texas A&M-Kingsville’s Institute for Ranch Management. The university is offering the first ever master degree program for ranchers. What was once a profession passed on from generation to generation is now getting sophisticated enough that it may actually require an MBA. Go figure. Graduates can expect salaries in the $50,000-$75,000 range.
2. Astrobiology – ET phone home. The University of Glamorgan in the United Kingdom offers a degree in Astrobiology, which is the search for life beyond earth. So if hunting for alien life is your thing consider a career in Astrobiology.
3. Retail Floristry – I bet you never thought working at your local flower shop required a college degree. Well, it probably doesn’t, but that doesn’t mean you can’t major in Retail Floristry anyway. Career opportunities are a step above working the cash register and include wholesaling, special event designing, and display gardening. This program is offered through Mississippi State University and graduates can expect a 90% job placement rate.
4. Professional Nanny – Sullivan University in Louisville Kentucky offers a professional nanny program, which prepares graduates to work in private residences, day care centers, children’s hospitals, and country clubs. This is a perfect career for those girls who grew up babysitting all the neighborhood kids that now want to make more than $2 per hour.
5. Sports Ministry – Graduates from this program are prepared for positions in non-profit organizations seeking to use sports as an avenue for teaching religion. This program is offered through Campbellsville University in Campbellsville Kentucky.
6. Adventure Recreation – Do you like scuba diving, jet skiing , or whitewater rafting? If you answered yes, perhaps you should consider doing what you love for a job and start by making it your college major. Green Mountain College in Vermont is offering major and minor programs in Adventure Recreation, which aims to place graduates in a variety of outdoor recreation careers such as those listed above.
7. Golf & Sports Turf Management – Just because you were never good at football doesn’t mean you can’t make it your job. Only you’ll be repairing the grass they tear apart every week. The course curriculum offered by Mississippi Sate University will prepare you for a career as a golf superintendent or a sports turf manager at city, school, and professional sports arenas. Graduates in this field also enjoy a 90% job placement rate.
8. Comedy: Writing and Performance – Here’s a degree program that actually requires “ a great sense of humor” as an admission requirement. Humber College in Canada offers this program to help naturally talented students hone their craft and learn the commercial side of the business. Students learn stand-up, improv, scriptwriting, and sketch comedy.
9. Organic Agriculture – Organic foods make up more than 2.5% of all food and drink sales nationwide and have been increasing by 20% per year since 1990. This makes organic farming an attractive career opportunity. This is the first organic agriculture major in the nation and is offered through Washington State University.
10. Fishing Sciences and Management – This masters program is offered by Colorado State University and focuses on fish populations for recreational and commercial fishing purposes to ensure adequate conservation and utilization. If nothing else the courses on fish psychology should at the very least help you catch more fish.
Attending University Online
So maybe you would like to stay but still earn a degree. This is perfectly fine. 75% of universities now offer Associate's Bachelor's, Master's and even Ph.D degrees online. Just as there are benefits to physically going to university there are also numerous benefits to online learning.
1) You can "attend" class anytime, from anywhere.
Go to your virtual class while lying in bed, while eating breaking, sitting on the toilet (ewww),while at worl etc. I'm pretty sure you get the point.
2) The course material is accessible anytime, 24 hours per day, 7 days a week. Your class schedule is centered around your time.
3) Using the internet to attend class, research information and communication with other students teaches skills in using technologies that will be critical to workers in the 21st century business community that works with colleagues globally and across time zones.
4) Online instructors come with practical knowledge and may be from any location across the globe. This allows students to be exposed to knowledge that can't be learned in books and see how class concepts are applied in real business situations.
5) Learning is self-paced and gives students a chance to speed up or slow down as necessary
6) You won't have to worry about housing costs and so you can save some money.
1) You can "attend" class anytime, from anywhere.
Go to your virtual class while lying in bed, while eating breaking, sitting on the toilet (ewww),while at worl etc. I'm pretty sure you get the point.
2) The course material is accessible anytime, 24 hours per day, 7 days a week. Your class schedule is centered around your time.
3) Using the internet to attend class, research information and communication with other students teaches skills in using technologies that will be critical to workers in the 21st century business community that works with colleagues globally and across time zones.
4) Online instructors come with practical knowledge and may be from any location across the globe. This allows students to be exposed to knowledge that can't be learned in books and see how class concepts are applied in real business situations.
5) Learning is self-paced and gives students a chance to speed up or slow down as necessary
6) You won't have to worry about housing costs and so you can save some money.
Lame Excuses Not To Go To College
1) College is just too hard for me
Don't tell me you are thinking this too! Well if you are, please immediately erase that thought from your mind. Listen, if you have graduated high school then you should be fit to go to college. In high school, you just don't study but you also learn to study. These techniques will be enhanced once you enter university and you should be just fine. Oh yeah! Please remember Professors are there to help you and many universities and colleges have tutoring services available for students- free of costs.
2) I don't want to go to college. I just want a good paying job.
Remember college is not like high school. You will pick a major and this will most likely be in a field that you are passionate about. As for that good paying job, here's a gentle reminder- the best jobs and salaries go to university graduates and university graduates generally make 50% more than persons with just a high school diploma.
3) I can't go to college, it is way too expensive and I cannot afford it.
Remember I told you about this thing called "financial aid". It is available for you too. You see that banner at the top of the page. Click it and sign up TODAY. Also, if you intend to go to school in the Caribbean, contact the university's admissions office and negotiate scholarship opportunities. If you intend to go abroad to study, speak to the university's International Student Admissions Advisors, they will be able to show you numerous scholarship that may be available to you. Here's a little tip- if you are currently working for a firm that you know you will want to work for after college, talk to your boss- get the company to sponsorship your college education. Hey! It's worth a try.
4) I can't go to college, I don't know what to study.
Hello? You are not alone. Many freshmen students enter university undecided but the good thing is that college exposes you to all sorts of subjects that you've probably never heard before. Have you ever heard of a degree in Animation? Cartooning? Video Game Design? College is a great place to learn about careers that you will grow to love.
I'm not ready to leave the Caribbean.
Who said you had to leave the Caribbean. We have some very good universities right here in the Caribbean region. I will compile a list and present them to you. Also, in this technological world, it is possible to obtain your college degree in the comfort of your own home. I have explored online learning in another post so check it out! There are sooo many online education advertisements on the page so click away and find out more about pursuing your degree without even leaving your house or island.
Don't tell me you are thinking this too! Well if you are, please immediately erase that thought from your mind. Listen, if you have graduated high school then you should be fit to go to college. In high school, you just don't study but you also learn to study. These techniques will be enhanced once you enter university and you should be just fine. Oh yeah! Please remember Professors are there to help you and many universities and colleges have tutoring services available for students- free of costs.
2) I don't want to go to college. I just want a good paying job.
Remember college is not like high school. You will pick a major and this will most likely be in a field that you are passionate about. As for that good paying job, here's a gentle reminder- the best jobs and salaries go to university graduates and university graduates generally make 50% more than persons with just a high school diploma.
3) I can't go to college, it is way too expensive and I cannot afford it.
Remember I told you about this thing called "financial aid". It is available for you too. You see that banner at the top of the page. Click it and sign up TODAY. Also, if you intend to go to school in the Caribbean, contact the university's admissions office and negotiate scholarship opportunities. If you intend to go abroad to study, speak to the university's International Student Admissions Advisors, they will be able to show you numerous scholarship that may be available to you. Here's a little tip- if you are currently working for a firm that you know you will want to work for after college, talk to your boss- get the company to sponsorship your college education. Hey! It's worth a try.
4) I can't go to college, I don't know what to study.
Hello? You are not alone. Many freshmen students enter university undecided but the good thing is that college exposes you to all sorts of subjects that you've probably never heard before. Have you ever heard of a degree in Animation? Cartooning? Video Game Design? College is a great place to learn about careers that you will grow to love.
I'm not ready to leave the Caribbean.
Who said you had to leave the Caribbean. We have some very good universities right here in the Caribbean region. I will compile a list and present them to you. Also, in this technological world, it is possible to obtain your college degree in the comfort of your own home. I have explored online learning in another post so check it out! There are sooo many online education advertisements on the page so click away and find out more about pursuing your degree without even leaving your house or island.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)