Tag Archives: college research

2023-2024 College Admissions Options and Deadlines

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When it comes to college admissions, understanding the various application deadlines is essential. Three popular options that students often consider are Early Decision (ED), Early Action (EA), and Single Choice Early Action (SCEA). Each of these deadlines comes with its own set of advantages and considerations.

 

1. Early Decision (ED):

Early Decision is a binding commitment to attend a specific college or university if admitted. It typically has a deadline in November, with admission decisions released in December. ED is an excellent choice if you have a clear first-choice school and are certain about attending, as it can boost your chances of acceptance. However, it’s crucial to be aware that you must withdraw all other college applications if you are accepted through ED. This option may not be suitable if you wish to compare financial aid packages from different schools.

 

2. Early Action (EA):

Early Action is a non-binding option with a similar application deadline to ED in November, but it allows you to apply to multiple schools. You’ll receive your admissions decision in December or January, and you’re not obligated to attend the school if accepted. EA is an excellent choice for students who want to demonstrate their enthusiasm for a school and potentially receive early acceptance while keeping their options open. It also offers more time to compare financial aid offers.

 

3. Single Choice Early Action (SCEA):

SCEA, sometimes known as Restrictive Early Action, is a hybrid option. Like EA, it’s non-binding, but you can only apply to one school using SCEA. The application deadline and decision release dates are the same as EA. SCEA is ideal if you have a clear top choice, but you want to keep your options open at other institutions. It offers the best of both worlds, allowing you to apply early to your preferred school while maintaining flexibility.

 

When deciding which early admission option to pursue, consider your academic and personal preferences, your level of commitment to a particular school, and your financial situation. It’s also crucial to review the policies and requirements of each school, as they may vary. Keep in mind that not all colleges offer these early admission options, so research your chosen institutions carefully. Team Insight has compiled a short list of popular colleges and their admissions options and deadlines. This chart was last updated in September 2023.

Read more: Applying Early – Insights to Optimize Your College Admissions Strategy

 

 

In conclusion, understanding the differences between Early Decision, Early Action, and Single Choice Early Action can help you make an informed decision about your college application strategy. These options can provide a competitive advantage and potentially relieve some of the stress associated with the regular application process. Ultimately, the key is to choose the approach that aligns best with your goals and circumstances.

Insights into Honors College and Honors Program

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So, you have heard great things about honors colleges and college honors programs. Now what? In this blog post, Insight Senior College Admissions Counselor Meilin Obinata will guide you through various factors to help you figure out if one of these would be a good fit for you (or not).

 

What is an Honors College ?

insights into honors college program and benefitsUsually, an honors college is part of a larger school, such as a university system, but often has its own funding sources, residential buildings, and activities specifically designated for honors students to use, live in, and participate in. I tell my students that these big schools often want to offer honors students some of the warm and fuzzy feelings of a liberal arts college, which is dedicated to giving undergraduates more attention and care than a typical big research university would.

 

 

Some perks and requirements you may find within an honors college:

    • Separate application guidelines, with distinct prompts and specific restrictions about who can write your letters of recommendation
    • Small living communities with other honors students
    • Social / networking opportunities with other honors students, faculty, or professionals
    • Priority class registration
    • Smaller class sizes
    • Exclusive classes, events, and scholarship opportunities
    • Mandatory thesis /capstone projects
    • Access to internships or research opportunities designated for honors students
    • Additional required coursework or assignments

 

Honors colleges vary widely. So, it is important to dig deep to understand if their philosophy of learning and living is a match for you if you were to be accepted.

Read more: Why It Is Important to Find Your “Best Fit” College

From an admissions standpoint, an honors college will have an admit rate much, much lower than the school in general. For example, sometimes students do not realize that applying to Barrett Honors College at Arizona State University is very selective because they are thinking of the overall admit rate to ASU, which is very generous (as of today at least). This means you will need to take this into account when building your college list – an honors college may very well be a “dream” or “reach” choice when the college at large may occupy a different category of risk.

honors program insights to help you decide if you should apply to college

You may also want to research honors colleges with a very clear view of how these programs intersect with your life goals inside the college and beyond college. Schreyer’s Honors College students at Pennsylvania State University can apply to an Early Assurance Program for Penn State’s medical school, which could be very attractive if you wish to become a doctor one day, for example.

 

What is a college’s Honors Program ?

These are programs often requiring students to meet a variety of standards, such as keeping a certain grade point average or completing specific courses within a major or department. This is more like an academic lane. Students may need to complete additional assignments and/or projects in order to graduate “with honors.”

 

One of my students was interested in the University of Washington, and I encouraged her to consider the honors program because of the interdisciplinary nature of the subjects and activities that she pursued in high school. She applied – and that program turned out to be one of her acceptances. She ultimately decided to attend the University of Washington because of the opportunities related to that specific program.

 

What should you think about before applying?

    • Treat the application as an entirely separate entry on your college list, as in, it should “count” in your mind as a separate college, with its own category of risk.
    • Research honors programs and colleges deeply before deciding to apply – don’t underestimate the work involved with applying to one of these. You might ultimately decide to apply to another college instead of applying to an honors option due to your overall workload in the application process.
    • As wonderful as these might be, you might look at the requirements for being a student in an honors college or honors program and decide – hey, this is too restrictive for my needs!

 

We hope you learned more about honors options so that you are better prepared for your college research process. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to your Insight counselor. Cheers!

Not an Insight Counseling family yet? No problem! CONTACT US to schedule a 1-hour personalized college planning session with an experienced admissions counselor. 

Written by Meilin Obinata

This article is written by Insight Senior College Admissions Counselor Meilin Obinata.

Meilin Obinata is a Senior College Counselor who enjoys learning from her students. She believes education is a creative endeavor and creates a space that allows students to explore new ideas. As a Bay Area native who grew up in Santa Cruz, she is familiar with the local schools. Read her full bio here.

Admitted! Which College Offer Should I Accept?

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Congratulations! Around this time of the year, all of us at Team Insight have the privilege to share the joy of our students and families as they receive acceptance letters. Now comes the next big question: “which school should I go to?”

Didn’t get into your top-choice college? Check out our articles on Waitlist and Appeal.

Visiting the colleges you’ve been admitted to is a great opportunity to help inform you about what college is the best fit for you. Many colleges will have an admit visit day—where students across the country can come and visit the schools and programs they were admitted to before they decide which one to attend in the fall. These visits are extremely helpful and informative. For the student, this is your time to really experience the school and see if this is the place you will call home for the next four years.

 

As you go on your visits, it’s important to take into consideration a few things. Ask yourself a few questions—

 

location matters when you are deciding which college to go toLocation/Living experience:

Do you like the campus? What is the dorm situation like? Where do most freshmen live? What food choices do you have- dining halls, cafés, grocery options? Do most students live on campus all 4 years? What are the housing options around campus? What are the different transportation options on campus/ to and from campus?

 

 

 

Community/Extracurricular experience:

What activities are there offered for you as a new student to get plugged into the community? Do they have clubs and organizations you would want to join? When and what resources do they have for mental health/ health?

 

Major/Career experience:learn what support you will have for your potential major and future career

Who is your counselor for your major? How often do you meet with them? What help do you get on your graduation plan and registering for courses? How do you get connected to the tutoring center if you need help with coursework? What opportunities do they offer current students for career exploration/internships/resume help/job fairs? What opportunities do they offer to help with graduate school applications?

 

The next month is an exciting time as you are deciding on which community you will be investing in for the next 4+ years. Remember, this is the place where you will gain the skills you need for the next place of your journey and a place where you will choose to invest your time and resources as well. Pay attention to your own feelings around this choice and be sure to think about where you will be happy and thrive as you pursue your degree and step into your career!

Read more: Explaining “SIR” – Statement of Intent to Register

 

Written by Jenny Bloom

This article is written by Insight Senior Counselor Jenny Bloom.

Jenny has worked with a variety of students since 2012 to help them take the right steps to achieve their academic goals. Part of her philosophy is to guide students to consider how they will build and hone their skills and talents to make a difference in the world around them. Contact Insight Education today to schedule an initial consultation with Jenny. Read her full bio here.

What a Co-op University Offers and Why it is Appealing

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Do you know what’s a co-op university? What is unique about co-op? Can you name a few colleges that offer this? Let Insight share with you all about cooperative universities and why you may want to add a few of them to your college list! Continue reading →

How to Write the “Why Major” or “Why College” Essays?

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During the college admissions process, you may come across many supplement essays. The most challenging one is the “why” essay. Generally, these college essay prompt asks, “Why do you want to attend our school” or “why do you want to study this specific major?”

 

(Rather watch a video instead? Check out Senior College Admissions Counselor Zach’s video on How to Write the “Why Major” and “Why College” Essays!)

 

What Do College Admissions Officers Want to See in a “Why College” Essays?

It depends on the specific college or the specific program you are applying to. When you respond to the “why college” essay, you want to address the reasons that you’re drawn to that college. Essentially, you’d share what you find unique and different about that particular university.

 

Think of the “why college” essay like a love letter. There are thousands of colleges out there you can apply to, but what makes this college THE ONE? A good “why college” essay is based on in-depth research. You really have to do your homework! Don’t just jot down the first few things you see on the college’s website. Dig deep. What are some of the opportunities that this university offers that draw you in? How do you find yourself fitting perfectly into the campus culture? Why is this college the best fit for you academically or socially? What are some of your personal goals and values that can only be achieved at this school?

 

Just like any love letter, you want the reader to feel special. The why essay should not feel generic. The easiest way to check if your why essay is too general is to substitute the name. If you can replace “College A” with “College B” in your essay and it still reads fine, then you need to rewrite and be more specific.

 

What about a “Why Major” Essay?

The “why major” essay is specific to what you are hoping to accomplish or what career path you hope to be on in the future. Not every high school student knows exactly what they want to do. That’s perfectly normal. For those who are undecided or those who have several interests, be as clear as possible on what you are trying to achieve. What drives you to this set of majors? What do you hope to explore within this particular program?

 

For those who have a better idea of what they want to do, you’d want to research the resources that this major (or program) offers. What classes are available? Why do you find them intriguing? What research opportunities are offered? What facilities and labs will you be able to utilize? What professors would you study or research under? You want to demonstrate that you’ve really looked into this program, and only this major/program at this school can offer you the unique chance to achieve your goals.

 

How to Write a Good Why Essay?

Be specific! The more focused you are on expressing what attracts you, the better. The why essay is as much about you as it is about the school (or program or major). Don’t rely on samples or templates that are out there. You may want to talk to friends or alum who went to this college, but what they tell you to write might not make good content.

 

This really needs to be about you. Think about it from the admissions officer’s perspective. They are reviewing thousands and thousands of applications. You don’t want to sound like just any average joe. You don’t want your love letter to this school/program/major to sound generic. You want it to be unique. You want it to be authentic and specific. You want your own voice to come out. Most importantly, you want your why essay to supplement your personal statement.

 

A good why essay should provide another dimension to who you are. You shouldn’t repeat information that’s already in the activity section or your personal statement. Ultimately, a good why essay shares why this college is a good fit for you while allowing the college admissions officers to get to know more about you.

 

Sounds Great! How Do I Get Started?

One way to get started on your why essay is to ask – “What did you enjoy doing?” You want to reflect on what you’ve done thus far. Think back on your high school years and what you have accomplished so far. What are the ways you can continue excelling at the college level? How can this college help you grow?

 

For example, if you have been involved in certain charity work and you love it, look for opportunities on this college campus that will allow you to explore this. What are the ways this college or program will help you expand this experience? If you have started a particular research at the high school level, you will have access to more resources, better tools, and professors that can help you to further your research. It may lead to jobs and future career paths.

 

Another way is to visit the college. Check out research opportunities online. Walk around the campus. Join a virtual information session. Schedule informational interviews with alumni. Essentially, use all the possible resources to learn more about this college. This can help you convey why you are drawn to this school with detailed examples and reasons.

 

The key point to remember as you write your why essay: you want this college (or major) to do as much for you as you can for it.

Need professional guidance for your college essays? Schedule a personalized one-hour consultation with our College Admissions Counselor! 

Written by Zach Pava

This article is inspired by an interview by Insight Senior Counselor Zach Pava.

Zach has guided hundreds of students throughout the college admissions process. His extensive writing background includes essay contributions online and in print, a sports blog, screenplays, and film reviews. Contact Insight Education today to schedule an initial consultation with Zach. Read his full bio here.

College Facts Friday: Lehigh University

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It’s another #CollegeFactsFriday! This week, we are heading to Bethlehem, Pennsylvania to learn more about Lehigh University.

 

 

 1. Lehigh University’s Taylor Stadium was the third concrete stadium in the United States. It was built in 1914. The final game at the Taylor Stadium was on a frigid day where the temperature was in the mid-20s and the wind chill factor was somewhere between minus-10 and minus-20 degrees Fahrenheit.

 2. Their former mascot was the Engineers. Since 1995, Lehigh’s teams are officially known as the Mountain Hawks.

 3. The Rivalry between Lehigh University and Lafayette College went as far back as 1884.

 4. An interesting tradition until the 70s, freshmen wore “dinks,” which were small brown hats with their class years, from the beginning of fall to the first football game with Lafeyette.

 5. Hate taking the stairs? Thanks to Lehigh alumnus, Jesse W. Reno, we now have escalators. He was Class of 1883.

 6. For those of you from the Bay Area, the Golden Gate Bridge was constructed by two Lehigh alumni, Howard McClintic and Charles Marshall.

 7. The week before the first Lehigh-Lafeyette Rivalry game, Lehigh’s Marching 97 band would make a campus tour, called the Eco Flame. During Eco Flame, the marching band storms into different classrooms while playing its spirit tunes in drum cadence.

 8. One of the oldest traditions of Lehigh’s Spirit Week is their annual Turkey Trot. Students would dress up to join this 2.6-mile running and fun walk through campus.

 9. After the death of Lehigh’s founder, businessman Asa Packer, Founder’s Weekend has become an annual tradition. This weekend celebration includes a lawn party, tailgate, fun run, and more!

 10. Want to learn more about Lehigh University? Check out their social media (Twitter @LehighU, Instagram @LehighU, TikTok @lehighadmissions)

 

All You Need to Know about Demonstrated Interest

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As some of you embark on the college admissions journey, you may start to hear the term “demonstrated interest.” How does it play into the college admissions process? What can you do to use demonstrated interest to your advantage? In this article, we will share our insights on demonstrated interest and its benefits!

 

(More of an audio learner? Check out this video by Insight’s Head of College Admissions Counseling Purvi Mody!)

 

What is demonstrated interest?

how do colleges look at demonstrated interest

Starting around 2015, demonstrated interest has started to play a role in SOME colleges’ admissions decision-making process. For the colleges, demonstrated interest helps them understand which students will apply and attend their schools. These colleges want to know that when they send out acceptance letters, the students would likely attend.

 

How does this help you, the students?

When you are demonstrating interest, you send a message to the college: “I am interested! I may want to join your school.” Beyond that, you are learning if this school is the right fit for you. Whether through online information sessions, college fairs, email lists, or college visits, you can build a better idea of what your college years may look like.

 

Do all schools care about demonstrated interest?

Not at all. Previously, we emphasized that only SOME colleges look at demonstrated interest. Those are usually small private or small liberal arts schools. However, that doesn’t mean you should just stop your college research completely. If you need to write supplemental essays or a “Why College” essay, attending information sessions and talking to an admissions representative are great ways to gather ideas!

 

Read more: List of Colleges Where Demonstrated Interest May Benefit You

 

What are some ways to demonstrate interest?

There are so many ways for you to learn about your potential schools (and for them to get to know you too!). Here are some examples:

  • Go to college fairs and fill out your information
  • Sign up for email lists (and actually check out the content that interests you)
  • Campus visit – online or in-person
  • Early application
  • Supplemental essay showing how well you have researched the school and why those qualities are important to you
  • Speak to college admissions representatives
  • Informational interviews with alumni or students
  • Attend information sessions. If you join a virtual session, make sure you ask thoughtful questions that can help you learn more about the school beyond what’s on its website

 

Read more: The Art of Informational Interviews

 

How do I get the most out of a virtual information session?

how do colleges look at demonstrated interest

First, be engaged. It’s so easy to have three to five programs on your screen while you sit in a webinar. It is also tempting to chat with your friends on your phone. Don’t. Focus on the presentation, take detailed notes, and personalize your data. You want to take notes of things you care about or find interesting, so you can use them in a supplemental essay or help you make the final decision to attend.

 

Do some research before you attend the virtual info session, so the questions you ask are actually meaningful to you. Don’t ask questions that you can easily answer by searching on the college’s website.

 

What about online college tours?

While walking on the campus and visiting the city that the school is located in can be a great experience, online college tours can save you time and money and provide you plenty of information about the campus. It should not be used as the only tool for you to use. Join an information session. Follow the school’s social media. Talk to a couple of alumni or current students. We have a wonderful network of Insight students who are either now in college or have graduated. Our counselors connect them with current Insight students, so they can learn about major choices, career paths, and college experience!

 

Final thoughts:

Remember, you don’t want to do this for every school. The most important key is to build a meaningful, authentic relationship with colleges. And that takes time and effort. You need to figure out which schools you may want to know better and adjust your list along the way. The college admissions process is a self-discovery journey for you, and learning to prioritize what’s important to you is part of that growth.

 

Read more: Think it Through: Early Decision

 

Created by Purvi Mody

This article was a summary of the video interview with Insight’s Co-Founder and Head of Counseling Purvi Mody.

Since 1998, Purvi has dedicated her career to education and is exceedingly well versed in the college admissions process. Her philosophy centers around helping kids identify and apply to the schools that are the best fit for them and then develop applications that emphasize their unique attributes and talents.

College Facts Friday: Carleton College

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Happy Friday! For this week’s #CollegeFactsFriday we are visiting the state of 10,000 lakes. Carleton College, home of the Knights, is a private liberal arts college located in Northfield, Minnesota.

 

 1. The most popular majors at Carleton College include: Social Sciences, Physical Sciences,  Computer and Information Sciences and Support Services, Biological and Biomedical Sciences, and Mathematics and Statistics.

 

 2. From 2000 through 2016, students and alumni of the college included 122 National Science Foundation Graduate Fellows, 112 Fulbright Scholars, 22 Watson Fellows, 20 NCAA Postgraduate Scholars, 13 Goldwater Scholars, and 2 Rhodes Scholars.

 

 3. Carleton College’s school color is blue and maize.

 

 4. Carleton offers many fantastic study abroad programs that span the globe and is extremely generous with financial aid. As a result, a whopping 75% of students choose to go abroad while at Carleton.

 

 5. A relatively new tradition, the Silent Dance Party helps to relieve stress and take place immediately before final exams. Students meet in the library at 11 pm with headphones and the same dance music playlist. Students listen to the playlist in synchrony, dancing silently in the library before moving on to other locations on campus.

 

 6. Each Friday, students can choose to send flowers to each other’s campus mailboxes!

 

 7. Carleton marks the beginning and end of each year with special convocations in the chapel. Since 1970, seniors have lightened the somewhat formal mood by gathering in the balcony to blow bubbles over faculty members as they enter the chapel in full academic regalia.

 

 8. During the winter, Carleton sets up two hockey rinks on the Bald Spot (large grass area in the center of campus). The Rec Center rents out ice skates (for free) which is very popular among students. Additionally, many people play hockey and broomball, which is like hockey played in regular shoes while hitting an actual ball with a broomstick. Cross-country skiing in the Arb is always a fun activity, and many people go sledding down Bell Hill.

 

 9. Instead of the traditional cheerleaders, Carleton College has the Gender Neutral Cheerboys. These superfans support Carleton sports teams with silly chants and goofy antics, like doing pushups for points scored.

 

 10. Want to learn more about Carleton College? Follow them on Instagram and Twitter.

College Facts Friday: Boston University

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 1. The Boston University Bridge is one of three places in the world where a plane can fly over a car driving over a train traveling over a boat. This is also possible with the Steel Bridge across the Willamette River in Portland, Oregon, and the 25 de Abril Bridge in Lisbon, Portugal.

 2. The Judson B. Coit Observatory is open to the public on Wednesday nights so that people can observe the constellations and night sky. (Insight Counselor Ramya highly recommends this experience!)

 3. In 1947, Boston University became the first university in the United States to provide college degrees in public relations.

4. BU doesn’t have a campus in the traditional sense. BU is built along Commonwealth Avenue, which means everything can be reached by walking forward or backward. This gives the incoming freshmen a much easier time to familiarize the campus. 

5. Influential alumni include Dr Martin Luther King Jr, Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, and actress Julianne Moore. 

6. Boston University’s color is white and scarlet.

7. Boston University traces its roots as far back as 1839 during the establishment of the Newbury Biblical Institute in Newbury, VT. The Massachusetts Legislature chartered the school the name “Boston University” in 1869.

 8. Several buildings on BU campus have earned several historic preservation awards, such as the School of Law tower, the Alan & Sherry Leventhal Center, Myles Standish Hall, and the Dahod Family Alumni Center (formerly The Castle).

 9. The Boston University Castle (or BU Castle or simply “The Castle”) located on Bay State Road is a Tudor-Revival style mansion. BU typically uses it for receptions or concerts but also rents out The Castle for events.

10. Can’t get enough BU facts? Follow them on social media, such as Twitter (@BU_Tweets) or Facebook, for campus photos, student stories, and more!

College Fact Friday: USC

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 1. Their motto is “palmam qui meruit ferat, let he who merited the palm bear it,” meaning “achievement should be rewarded.”

 2. When the University of Southern California was founded in 1880, the University employed 10 faculty members and welcomed a class of 53 students. Tuition for the first year was only $15.00 per semester, and students were not allowed to leave town without the knowledge and consent of the university president. 

 3. The first USC valedictorian was a woman, Minnie C. Miltimore, for the class of 1884.

 4. The southwest corner of the Pueblo of Los Angeles is part of the original land grant given by the King of Spain in 1781. That can still be found today at the corner of Figueroa Street and Exposition Boulevard. 

 5. USC is the only university in the world to have a gold medal-winning athlete in every summer Olympiad since 1912. (Similar: USC has produced more Olympians, Olympic medalists, and Olympic gold medalists than any other U.S. university.)

 6. The Trojan Marching Band is the only collegiate marching band in the U.S. that has earned a platinum record — two actually.

 7. There has been some debate to which school claims the title as the real USC – University of South Carolina or University of Southern California

 8. USC is the oldest private research university in California.

 9. Although not located in tech-central Silicon Valley, USC was actually one of the earliest nodes on ARPANET and is the birthplace of the Domain Name System (DNS)

 10. To learn more about USC, follow them on social media such as Twitter, Instagram, or check out their Podcast