Wednesday, September 3, 2008

Best American Schools for Caribbean Students

Midwestern State University- Witchita Falls, Texas
http://www.mwsu.edu/

Monroe College- New Rochelle, New York
www.monroecollege.edu

Cameron University- Lawton, Oklahoma
www.cameron.edu

Florida Memorial University- Miami Gardens, Florida
www.fmuniv.edu

Plattsburgh State University- Plattsburgh, New York
www.plattsburgh.edu

Baruch College New York City, New York
www.baruch.edu

Florida International University Miami, Florida
www.fiu.edu

Howard University Washington, DC
www.howard.edu

Friday, June 27, 2008

The Essay

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)

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.

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.

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)

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