SAT University » Current Events

Scripps, Other Colleges Now Requiring Graded Papers

San — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 12:51:03 +0000

Here’s an interesting development: some colleges are requiring submission of a graded writing sample. According to the Scripps College website, all applicants must submit a 3-7 “analytical essay” with the teacher’s comment and grade written on the physical paper. By “analytical,” they mean a paper that “makes an argument or analyzes an issue or work of literature.” It specifically states the essay cannot be creative in nature.

In addition:

You can’t just print out a new copy from your computer; you need to submit the copy that the teacher graded. If you didn’t save it, Scripps advises you to submit a clean copy and indicate the grade you earned.
If you only have 1-2 page papers, you can submit two of them.
If you only have 8+ page papers, you can submit it, and Scripps will read enough of it to “evaluate your abilities.”

Scripps argues that the graded writing sample allows them to see what the grading standards at the student’s school is like.

This requirement only further complicates the college application process. True, it does not involve any additional work on the student’s part, provided he/she has saved past papers. However, it punishes students who are not so diligent with archiving schoolwork.

Personal statements cause enough stress for students. Let’s keep it simple, admissions officers!

via MyCollegeCalendar.org

pic from funnyexam.com

SAT Score Choice in a Nutshell

San — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 13:16:19 +0000

If you are confused about Score Choice on the SAT, check out this brief overview from CollegeTreasure.com. In a nutshell, Score Choice allows you to selectively send your highest SAT scores to colleges, protecting you from the dreaded “bombing.” The article suggests that you use Score Choice carefully, noting that some college admissions officers frown upon applicants who take the SAT too many times (although they don’t see scores you don’t submit, they do see how many times you’ve taken the SAT).

Don’t take the SAT over and over just to raise your score by a few points. If you think you truly underperformed, definitely take it again. If not, submit it with confidence!

Barack Obama Says: Be Careful with your Facebook Profile

San — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 14:09:09 +0000

Even President Obama knows how important it is to be careful your online presence! As Reuters reports, the president said this during a question and answer session with 14- and 15- year old students:

“Well, let me give you some very practical tips. First of all, I want everybody here to be careful about what you post on Facebook, because in the YouTube age, whatever you do, it will be pulled up again later somewhere in your life.

And when you’re young, you make mistakes and you do some stupid stuff. And I’ve been hearing a lot about young people who — you know, they’re posting stuff on Facebook, and then suddenly they go apply for a job and somebody has done a search.”

POTUS is absolutely right: you should be careful with your online presence. But while the president emphasized things you shouldn’t post, he did not mention the things you SHOULD post to your online profiles, such as your academic achievements or your passions/interests.

Colleges are going to look at your profiles. A blank profile is preferable to an obscene one, but why not create a impressive profile?

Read the following article on establishing a stellar online presence through Facebook, Myspace, blogs, Twitter, etc:

What is Your Online Presence? Making Your College Application Stand Out

Good luck!

2010 Rankings for Best Colleges – US News and World Report

San — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 13:53:37 +0000

US News and World Report has released its 2010 list of best colleges.

Check out the rankings for national universities and liberal arts colleges.

As we always say, use these kinds of lists as a rough guide when looking at schools. Follow Regan’s advice – research thoroughly, visit the campuses, and find right fit for you.

udta4bp6qv

Tips for succeeding in a bad economy (without suing anyone)

San — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 21:49:05 +0000

The Kept-Up Librarian recently reported on this fascinating story from the New York Post. Apparently, a recent grad has sued her alma mater for the tuition she spent, claiming its Career Advancement office did not do enough to help her find a job. The article paints a sad story: the grad had found herself with tons of students loans, and her single mom was struggling to support her. It points out the severity of the current economy, and shows to what lengths someone will go when facing a dire situation.

What I’d like to discuss is not the merits of this particular lawsuit (short and obvious answer: not much), but what we can learn from this example. So for all of you students either in college or planning to attend, here are some points to take away:

Be prepared. Work a part-time job during school and save up some emergency funds, or get an internship over summers to increase your chances of finding a job. If the subject of this story had laid this kind of groundwork, she might have found herself in a better situation.
Be resourceful. No matter how bad the economy is, there are jobs out there. Getting one is simply a matter of standing out and working your butt off. Polish that resume, practice your interview skills, and network, network, network!
Be flexible. If there are no opportunities in your preferred field, expand your search. Look at positions that pay less than your expected salary. You will gain useful skills at almost any job, and you can apply them to get your eventual dream gig. Life doesn’t always take the path we plan; sometimes the detours are just as rewarding.

By the way, here’s a bright side for you recent high school grads: the business cycle is in your favor. By the time you graduate from college, you will most likely find yourself in a boom, not a recession. (Don’t take this to the bank; this is just conjecture on my part based on historical business cycles.)

But regardless of the economic situation you find yourself in, you should always follow the rules above. If you do, you’ll be able to make things happen for yourself, rather than being at the mercy of your employer, your school, or in this case, the courts. Earning is much, much sweeter than receiving, as I hope the grad in this story will learn.