Lynn Byrne's Blog
Posted by Lynn Byrne
Anyone surprised Princeton held the number one spot in the college rankings this year? We shouldn't be. They make a concerted effort to hit high on the college rankings list. They are, after all, one of the ivy-est of the "Ivy League" schools. But I wouldn't put Princeton at the top of my application list. I wouldn't fit in there. I'm much too liberal for their very conservative campus.
And that, my friends, is the point of today's blog. Don't choose your college based on its ranking. Choose your college based on its fit. If you elect to enroll in a number 1 school and don't fit in, it's just not going to work out for you. It's very likely that you'd transfer to another school at the end of year one. Is it worth it? Eh... I'd rather start out at a school that "fit" and stay there.
My two cents on the subject.
Until next time!
Lynn Byrne
Posted by Lynn Byrne
Why is it so important to be part of the "Ivy League?" Are we so focused on becoming an elitist society that we have just become desperate to have "name-brand" degrees? Is having a degree from one of these institutions really going to help you get a job? Not any more, or at least that's what the studies say.
The key is not in obtaining a name-brad credential, but in obtaining the credential from an accredited institution.
My two cents.
Until next time!
Lynn Byrne
Posted by Lynn Byrne
The summertime is the best time to sit down and really take a moment to work with your junior or senior. They (hopefully) have a bit of extra time and are more likely to lend an ear to what you're really saying to them (I'm ever optimistic).
As I work with students, I feel that its very important to stress to them how very like a job the whole college/financial aid search and application process is. It requires the student to devote time, attention and care to small details. Hours are spent doing research and writing, sending out letters/e-mails, sifting through websites. Students will have to use those writing and communication skills they've (hopefully) developed over the years to make phone or other contact with individuals that can help them through this process. And, most importantly, students are evaluated on the work they do--the staff at the institutions and organizations to which they're applying will really look carefully at the information the student submits and decide on their fate based on their performance.
It's truly a job. There's just no pay involved. Except the chance at earning admissions or a scholarship. Which makes the "job" well worth it in the long run.
Until next time!
Lynn Byrne
Posted by Lynn Byrne
The summertime is the best time to sit down and really take a moment to work with your junior or senior. They (hopefully) have a bit of extra time and are more likely to lend an ear to what you're really saying to them (I'm ever optimistic).
As I work with students, I feel that its very important to stress to them how very like a job the whole college/financial aid search and application process is. It requires the student to devote time, attention and care to small details. Hours are spent doing research and writing, sending out letters/e-mails, sifting through websites. Students will have to use those writing and communication skills they've (hopefully) developed over the years to make phone or other contact with individuals that can help them through this process. And, most importantly, students are evaluated on the work they do--the staff at the institutions and organizations to which they're applying will really look carefully at the information the student submits and decide on their fate based on their performance.
It's truly a job. There's just no pay involved. Except the chance at earning admissions or a scholarship. Which makes the "job" well worth it in the long run.
Until next time!
Lynn Byrne
Posted by Lynn Byrne
Had you thought about applying for private scholarships but given up on the idea because everyone said the process was too competitive and your likelihood of obtaining funding too slim? You might want to give it another thought. Yes, the process is very competitive. But studies show that an average of 7 percent of all undergraduates enrolling in U.S. institutions of higher education are bringing with them private scholarships averaging about $2,000 to help with costs. I don't know how students in other countries fare, but for some students, private scholarships are the primary means of supporting higher education. It never hurts to try, that's for certain! So, go find a private scholarship source and apply for a private scholarship now!
Until next time!
Lynn Byrne
Posted by Lynn Byrne
According to researchers at Shanghai Jiao Tong University in China, 8 of the world's "Top 10" universities are located in the U.S. This year's "Top 10" list, by rank order, consists of:
- Harvard University, Cambridge, Mass.
- University of Cambridge, England
- Stanford University, Stanford, Calif.
- University of California, Berkeley, Calif.
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Mass.
- California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, Calif.
- Columbia University, New York, N.Y.
- Princeton University, Princeton, N.J.
- University of Chicago, Chicago, Il. and
- University of Oxford, England .
Want to find out where your university is on this list? Check out the Academic Ranking of World Universities - 2005.
Until next time!
Posted by Lynn Byrne
It seems that U.S. high school counselors may be showing bias in the higher education recommendations they make for students of color and students from low-income households. Or, at least that's what a new study appears to indicate. (See The Link Between High School Reform and College Access for Low-Income and Minority Youth, 2005.)
According to this study, U.S. high school counselors direct minority and low-income students towards military service or vocational school/college enrollment at much higher rates than they do non-minorities and students from higher income households. Counselors, the researchers state, also direct these students away from university attendance--especially ivy league universities. It's disconcerting that some counselors--however few they may be--may still focus on a limited set of options for students they feel have social or economic "challenges." Every student, regardless of color or income, deserves the opportunity to hear about the full range of options available to him/her after high school. It's impossible for students to make informed decisions about their lives without first knowing all of their options!
Why do those who are supposedly trained to counsel and advise purposely place limits on the information they provide to students? I don't know. It certainly doesn't make sense to me. What I wonder is, does this same type of advising pattern hold true in other developed countries? It would be interesting to find out.
Until next time!
Lynn Byrne
Posted by Lynn Byrne
The latest studies from higher education agencies around the world show that about 20 percent of all students who complete a secondary school (high school) program (or an equivalent) are planning to enter a higher vocational/technical training program rather than a more traditional academic program. What does this mean? The majority of new higher education enrollments will be in vocational schools and colleges. Traditional universities are likely to see short-term declines in enrollments, with the majority of their student populations coming in as transfers from other institutions. How will this impact the world of work? The impact has yet to be determined.
Until next time!
Lynn Byrne
Thoughts, comments? Send an e-mail to collegeuniversity@suite101.com.
Copyright © 2006, Lynn Byrne and Suite 101. All rights reserved. Any unauthorized use will constitute an infringement of copyright.
Posted by Lynn Byrne
Where does higher education typically end for most students? In most countries, vocational/technical certificates and diplomas and associate degrees account for the majority of the post-secondary certificates, diplomas or degrees attained by adults aged 25-64. Typically, only 20-30 percent of the populatioin aged 25-64 hold university degrees (bachelor's or graduate/professional level degrees).
Source: OECD (2005). Education at a Glance: OECD indicators 2005. Paris, OECD.
Posted by Lynn Byrne
According to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), the top five countries with the highest enrollments in post-secondary ed. are (1) the Republic of Korea, (2) China, (3) Finland, (4) Greece and (5) the U.S.
The top five countries with the highest number of non-resident students are (1) the U.S., (2) the United Kingdom, (3) Germany, (4) France and (5) Australia.
The top five countries with the highest number of post-secondary ed. graduates are (1) the U.S., (2) the Russian Federation, (3) Japan, (4) Indonesia and (5) the Republic of Korea.
The only country to make all three top five lists is the U.S. Curious to find out where your country falls on the lists? Check out the UNESCO Education Reports.
Posted by Lynn Byrne
One of the most difficult conversations I have with parents involves the promotion of higher education awareness. I find many parents, specifically those raised in a predominantly Western culture, have determined that college is extremely valuable. However, they have a tendency to delay talking about college with their students until the student hits the 8th or 9th grade; frankly, that's too late for many students.
Parents need to stress the importance of education--of all kinds--as early as possible. Children as young as 2 or 3 should be exposed to education and career opportunities. Parents can visit their local colleges and simply walk the campus, visit the college library or attend functions on campus (music, art or dramatic presentations or sporting events). Children should be exposed to as many people with higher education as possible as they tend to live by example. Introduce them to teachers, lawyers, doctors, engineers, pharmacists, etc. and advise them regarding the education needed required to work in these fields (yes, keep it simple when they're little).
The earlier you start, the less likely you'll have opposition from your child on this topic later. The more you know, the better prepared you are (or your child will be) to make an informed and involved decision.
Until next time!
Lynn Byrne
Posted by Lynn Byrne
Many people would argue that your religious affiliation should impact the college you choose to attend (see my review of Thomas Shaw's College Bound). I'll grant you that religious affiliation can play a valuable part in your college choice, but it shouldn't be the only or primary determinant of college choice (unless theology, religious counseling, or religious studies is your intended major). Why? Because the purpose of higher education--beyond exposure to other cultures and ideas and expansion of your mind--is to expand your knowledge and skills in your chosen career field.
When I have students and parents come to me, determined to attend a religious institution no matter what, I encourage them to consider whether or not this institution actually offers the courses/major the student needs; whether the institution has a solid reputation in the field the student has chosen to study; and whether the institution has the extracurricular activities/support services the student needs to be an active, happy, healthy participant of that college community. If the answer to all of this is yes, terrific! But if it's not, then the parents and students really need to reconsider their choice.
Until next time!
Lynn Byrne
Thoughts, comments? Send an e-mail to collegeuniversity@suite101.com.
Copyright © 2006, Lynn Byrne and Suite 101. All rights reserved. Any unauthorized use will constitute an infringement of copyright.
Posted by Lynn Byrne
My mail-box has been drowning in gift-cards and checks from consumer loan companies. They're really attractive sort of mailings for students--$300 or more cash, just call us, no obligation! But are these offers "for real"?
No! It doesn't make good business sense to mail out large gifts of money to the masses--most of whom have no idea your business exists--for no reason. These companies want something from you--your student loans. Really. These are marketing ploys. The companies (and I won't name names, but I was one of the lucky hundreds that received a no-strings, $300 Master Card offer this last week) are consumer lenders whose business it is to purchase your student loans and consolidate them for profit. You'll only receive your "gift" if and when you (1) consolidate your loans with the business and (2) write a heart-warming testimonial for the business to post to their website.
So, consumer beware! Investigate before you ever attempt to cash that check or use the gift card.
Until next time!
Lynn Byrne
Posted by Lynn Byrne
Today, students have many options for furthering their education beyond high school. But I still find that most students are heavily focused on traditional university enrollment, or if the student isn't interested in this, then nothing. It takes a lot of conversation to help students understand that there really are other options.
Post-secondary education options include on-the-job training programs, vocational/technical or career schools, two-year colleges, four-year colleges, specialty institutions (health-related, religious training, etc.) and even homegrown workforce development training (such as a nurse training program within a hospital). What's important is that the student consider his/her interests, look at the options, and weigh his/her decision carefully. Four-year (and higher) degrees aren't the answer for everyone.
Thoughts, comments? Send an e-mail to collegeuniversity@suite101.com.
Copyright © 2006, Lynn Byrne and Suite 101. All rights reserved. Any unauthorized use will constitute an infringement of copyright.
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Posted by Lynn Byrne
The June 12, 2006 edition of the New York Times carried a warning for college students--the contents of your personal blog can be used against you in an employment decision. (See For Some, Online Persona Undermines a Resume by Alan Finder.)
The message here is college students beware! Take care in what you enter in your MySpace.com, Facebook.com or other web-log. If your friends can Google you and find you, potential employers can too!
What do you think? Start a discussion or send an e-mail to collegeuniversity@suite101.com. Share your views.
Until next time! Lynn Byrne
Copyright © 2006, Lynn Byrne and Suite 101. All rights reserved. Any unauthorized use will constitute an infringement of copyright.
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Posted by Lynn Byrne
Over the last couple of years, most colleges and universities have transitioned to an electronic learning environment or e-campus. Students have been able to access the web via the college/university network while in class, hanging out in halls, or virtually anywhere on campus.
While this wired, e-campus environment has been helpful for the student (immediate access to lecture notes, shared dialogue through IM, access to streaming video/audio of a lecture, etc.), many professors are beginning to voice concerns that use of these e-gadgets in the classroom and elsewhere on campus may be detrimental to the learning environment (i.e. inattention, cheating, etc.) and some have banned use of these gadgets in their classroom altogether.
Are e-gadgets good or bad? Well, I use them and so do most of the students I work with. I can't imagine attending class or working through all of the "stuff" related to class without them.
What do you think? Start a discussion or send an e-mail to collegeuniversity@suite101.com. Share your views.
Until next time! Lynn Byrne
Copyright © 2006, Lynn Byrne and Suite 101. All rights reserved. Any unauthorized use will constitute an infringement of copyright.
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Posted by Lynn Byrne
The number of countries providing students with a free ride for college/university is decreasing. Economics are such that the sate (meaning the national government) cannot affort to fully subsidize these costs for all students academically qualified to enter higher education. This means that students and parents are increasingly bearing the burden of their college/university education.
The issue of who should pay for a college/university education or who should bear the greater burden of these costs is sticky. What it boils down to in most cases is who benefits more: the state or the individual? The state benefits economically and socially from an educated population. Individuals also benefit economically and socially from higher education. Who benefits more? That's a toss-up.
What are your thoughts on the matter? Start a discussion or send an e-mail to collegeuniversity@suite101.com. Share your views.
Until next time! Lynn Byrne
Copyright © 2006, Lynn Byrne and Suite 101. All rights reserved. Any unauthorized use will constitute an infringement of copyright.
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Posted by Lynn Byrne
Did you apply to more than one college/university? Have you received financial aid awards from all of them? Do you have two that look really promising? Is the offer from your B school not quite as good as the offer from your A school? Then before you go any further, contact the financial aid office at your A school--the school you really want to attend--and see if they're open to negotiation.
Your financial aid award isn't final until you accept the offer formally, and even then, there may be some wiggle room. The point is, colleges/universities want to keep good students. The easiest way to do that is to make certain the student has the funds needed to enroll in their college. Therefore, it really benefits the college/university to at least consider negotiating an award package that is similar to or better than that offered by their competitor.
So,if you're looking at two letters from two different schools, are weighing whether to attend school A or B, and are basing your final decision on your ability to access financial aid funds to pay for your schooling, act now. Call up the financial aid office and try to negotiate an award package that will allow you to attend the school you want to attend.
Until next time! Lynn Byrne
Thoughts? Comments? Send an e-mail to collegeuniversity@suite101.com.
Copyright © 2006, Lynn Byrne and Suite 101. All rights reserved. Any unauthorized use will constitute an infringement of copyright.
Related items:
- Financial Aid Award Letters by Lynn Byrne
- Unplanned Expenses by Tamara Waters
- Save $100 in a Year by Tamara Waters
Posted by Lynn Byrne
The transition from high school to college can be very challenging for some students. One very good way to ease the transition is to encourage your student to seek out and enroll in summer institutes or pre-college programs.
Is participation in a summer institute or pre-college program required? Not usually. However, these short-term programs (usually a week or so) provide your student with the opportunity to meet and interact with other incoming freshmen, to explore the campus and gain a feel for the community, to acclimatize to the campus and facilities during a slower period when there's less pressure, and in some cases to earn a few hours of college credit.
If you think your student would benefit from a summer institute or pre-college program, contact the admissions office at the college or university your student will attend this fall and ask for a referral.
Until next time! Lynn Byrne
Thoughts? Comments? Send an e-mail to collegeuniversity@suite101.com.
Copyright © 2006, Lynn Byrne and Suite 101. All rights reserved. Any unauthorized use will constitute an infringement of copyright.
Related items:
- Check out Elizabeth Carol Morgan's A High School Student's Summer.
- Consider taking Linda Bily's free suite101.com e-course Getting Ready for College.
- Take a look at Christine Busk's free suite101.com e-course College Strategies.
Posted by Lynn Byrne
Can a child be too young for college? Well, that's not a question that can be answered with a hard yes or no. Though I do encourage parents, students, counselors and admissions officers to carefully weigh this issue if the child is under age 16.
If you are considering dual-enrollment (where you take college courses for both high school and college credit) or early enrollment (the courses you take count only towards college), you need to think about whether your child is academically prepared and emotionally/physically ready to handle what is generally considered an adult work-load. If both you and your student are comfortable with the decision to move forward, and the college has no qualms about the student's enrollment, then age has little to do with this activity.
Thoughts? Comments? Send an e-mail to collegeuniversity@suite101.com.
Until next time! Lynn Byrne
Copyright © 2006, Lynn Byrne and Suite 101. All rights reserved. Any unauthorized use will constitute an infringement of copyright.
Posted by Lynn Byrne
I often find myself having this internal conversation in my head about which students are "more deserving" of financial aid. I realize that both state and federal government are finding it increasingly difficult to come up with enough tax dollars to support student financial aid programs and there aren't enough dollars to go to those who need them. It makes sense, therefore, to limit eligibility for these limited dollars to those stuudents who really need them. I also know there are many wonderful, high performing, highly committed students out there that are finding it increasingly difficult to pay for college as they don't have enough financial need to qualify for state or federal financial aid.
Colleges want high performing students. High need students need dollars to access college. How do we balance the needs of one group against the needs of another? Should students with need also have to prove merit? Should students with merit also have to prove need? Which comes first, the chicken or the egg???
Thoughts? Comments? Send an e-mail to collegeuniversity@suite101.com.
Until next time! Lynn Byrne
Copyright © 2006, Lynn Byrne and Suite 101. All rights reserved. Any unauthorized use will constitute an infringement of copyright.
See the article that prompted this blog:
Aid for Grades by Lynn Byrne
Posted by Lynn Byrne
The traffic through my office has slowed down just a bit this week, but boy the phone calls haven't! So many students and parents--especially those who submitted their applications very early in the year--are still anxiously awaiting an acceptance letter. The waiting is agonizing!
"I applied so early!" they cry. "Why is it taking so long? Is something wrong???" Yes, you applied early. But you have to keep in mind that everyone else did too! It takes time for the admissions office to wade through the application, match up documents and test scores, and evaluate the applicant's qualities. Its doubtful that anything is "wrong" with the admissions application, especially considering how dilligent most students and parents are (or should be). But, if you are worried, the college won't hold it against you if you call and ask about the status of your application.
In the meantime, rest easy because most colleges will start mailing acceptance letters in May and you should know something soon.
Posted by Lynn Byrne
I'm constantly surprised at the number of 18+ year olds who look to Mom and Dad to make decisions for them. I'm even more surprised at the number of parents that still try to manage their offspring's lives at this stage. Personally, I think this "hovering" or "helicopter parent" phenomenon is probably some sort of pre-cursor to the "empty nest syndrome" we used to hear so much about. Parents just can't or won't let go of their offspring.
Parents should always reserve the right to express their opinions and give feedback on issues when asked. But, they also need to permit and encourage their offspring to go it alone. Friends, if your offspring--male or female--is old enough to serve in the military, old enough to vote, and old enough to drink (at least in some countries), then he/she is also old enough to make his/her own way through college/university.
Thoughts? Comments? Send an e-mail to collegeuniversity@suite101.com.
Copyright © 2006, Lynn Byrne and Suite 101. All rights reserved. Any unauthorized use will constitute an infringement of copyright.
Posted by Lynn Byrne
One of my most frequently asked questions is "How can I get into a top-ranked college?" My response is always, "Why would you want to?"
Sound odd? Not really. Choosing a college is a lot like choosing a good pair of shoes--if the fit isn't good, you'll certainly regret the choice by the end of the day.
Students really need to think about their educational and career objectives and goals carefully, make a list of the factors and variables that are important to them, and then individually rank colleges based on those variables. Choosing a college based on someone else's "ideal" rarely works out well in the end.
Thoughts? Comments? Send an e-mail to collegeuniversity@suite101.com.
Posted by Lynn Byrne
This week I've had a rush of parents come to me with concerns about their student's SAT scores. Were they one of the families impacted by the scoring snafu? What would happen if their student's score went up? What if, what if, what if...
Yes, the testing snafu was a biggie. But, the CollegeBoard is making efforts to rectify students' scores and generally fix things. Hopefully, testing will run a little smoother--and more accurately--in the months to come.
Admittedly, I have mixed views regarding standardized testing--I'm not a big supporter of these tests. However, the reality is that such testing is a part of the admissions process for most colleges and universities. So, for now, its business as usual on the testing front.
Maybe admissions offices will change their stance on testing and make it an optional process. But I wouldn't get my hopes up.
Posted by Lynn Byrne
Congress is finally making an attempt to update some really outdated legislation--the Higher Education Act. The changes proposed in the new legislation are of great concern to students and administrators for a number of reasons:
- 1. Congress proposes changes to financial aid programs that would benfit students greatly:
- New merit-based aid programs--a tremendous boon to middle-income families;
- Lower interest rates for student loan borrowers;
- Homeless youth could apply for financial aid as independent students--no longer would they have to track down an absent or uninterested parent to sign off on financial aid applications;
- Pell Grant expansion--this would allow a college/university to grant Pell for each semester of an academic year, including summer;
- Federally supported loan repayment options for public service employees in high need areas;
- Expanded federal grants for teachers; and
- Expansion of the Robert C. Byrd Honors Scholarship to permit homeschoolers to qualify.
- 2. Congress proposes that colleges/universities expand student services to develop specialized retention programs for pregnant and parenting students--this is a very welcome measure for many students as issues related to parenting and child-care are one of the primary reasons (other than cash-flow) for stopping-out (leaving school temporarily) and dropping out.
- 3. Congress proposes that colleges/universities adapt programs to enable special needs students to participate in higher education programs that further develop life-skills and increase the student's employability--this is a tremendous opportunity for parents of special needs children.
Of course, this legislation has to pass through both houses of Congress before it has a chance to become law. As of March 31, 2006, the legislation has passed the House; but, it still has to go to the Senate. We'll just have to wait and see how this plays out over the next month or so.
How do you feel about the proposed changes? Send your comments or questions to: collegeuniversity@suite101.com. Your input is always welcome!
Until next time! Lynn Byrne