University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) · missed is the “Bruin” statue in central campus, which makes a great photo op. With an undergraduate enrollment of about 27,199,

3 Student Services Bulletin

University of California‐Los Angeles (UCLA)

UCLA has a huge campus. Having never actually stepped foot on their campus before, I was tak‐en aback by the vast campus itself; along with the laundry list of accolades, awards and recognitions this institution has piled up in its 95 year history. The campus consists of various university buildings, path‐ways and sprawling knolls and lawns. The main part of campus that leads down to Wilson Plaza (the campus quad) is lined with the original campus buildings that include the impressive Powell Library and the most famous or photographed building representing UCLA, Royce Hall. And of course not to be missed is the “Bruin” statue in central campus, which makes a great photo op. With an undergraduate enrollment of about 27,199, the campus itself is well equipped to provide both academics and ample so‐cial activities. From the students gathered outside the student union building to the many tours for fu‐ture students, the campus was bustling. It is clear from visiting why UCLA represents the quintessential college campus and college experience, for many.

UCLA is a “most selective” school in terms of admissions. With their strict admissions criteria, large campus and large student population, it is a school that can only be a good fit for a small number of students. Yet, as arguably one of the top public universities in the country, it obviously has a tremen‐dous amount to offer. It is foremost a research university with five undergraduate schools and a top en‐gineering program, among other programs. The university offers 125 undergraduate degree programs and boasts that many undergrads are directly involved in research. The faculty includes six Nobel Laure‐ates and over 300 Fulbright Scholarship winners. Not to be outdone, UCLA’s athletics program holds about 111 NCAA titles; the most of any university.

University of Southern California (USC)

Of course on a beautiful sunny day in Los Angeles, everything looks beautiful, including the USC campus. It was utterly impressive. After meeting up with a NHRHS 2015 graduate and current USC stu‐dent, I was given a behind the scene tour. The buildings were large and the campus was very well mani‐cured. As we walked through Queen Courtyard, the mighty “Trojan” statue was a main focal point. Hundreds of students were bustling throughout the campus between classes, on their way to lunch or heading to the gym. When USC first opened its doors to 53 students and ten teachers in 1880, the “city” still lacked paved streets, electric lights, telephones and a reliable fire alarm system. Currently, USC is home to more than 41,000 undergraduate and graduate students and is located in the heart of one of the biggest metropolises in the world. USC is a leading private research university and is home to the College of Letters, Arts and Sciences and 21 exceptional academic schools.

First year admission to USC is “highly competitive,” and the admission process takes into consid‐eration a variety of factors. It is expected that applicants will complete the most rigorous curriculum available in English, math, science, social studies, foreign language and the arts. The most successful ap‐plicants demonstrate careful preparation for an intended academic major, along with openness to new ideas and a willingness to explore subjects outside their comfort zones. Applicants who are undecided about their intended majors typically pursue a rigorous college preparatory curriculum across disciplines.

Ms. Peterfriend had the opportunity to visit a few California schools while attending the National Associa‐tion for College Admission Counseling's National Conference in October. The next few pages contain in‐formation about the six campuses.


Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising (FIDM)

FIDM is in the heart of LA located just steps from the fashion and entertainment districts. It is a specialized, private college dedicated to educating its 6,200 students for the Fashion, Graphics, Interior Design, and Entertainment Industries. Although the campus is small, the access to what the students need to succeed is within arm’s length. FIDM was founded in Los Angeles in 1969 by visionary Tonian Hohberg and was the first fashion college of its kind on the west coast. From the beginning, FIDM's mis‐sion was to build industry relationships in order to benefit both the industry and the students.

With 26 creative majors, offering four year Bachelor of Arts and four year Bachelor of Science De‐gree Programs, two year Associate of Arts Degrees and Associate of Arts Professional Designation & Ad‐vanced Study Degree Programs, students can go on to be the next Monique Lhuillier, whose gowns and ready‐to‐wear designs are often seen on the red carpet and in many magazine spreads.

Loyola Marymount University (LMU)

After a long flight out to LAX, driving up to this beautiful campus was a great sight. Completely sur‐rounded and enclosed, this campus was extremely pristine with one of the most amazing views. Before meeting up with a NHRHS 2015 graduate, I was able to explore the campus myself. While relaxing by a fountain in the center of campus, I was able to observe the students walking to and from class or their dorms. I sensed a very laid back yet academic vibe. The students were all talking about their classes and work, while sitting on the grass in the sun with their flip flops on. Founded in 1911, LMU is a top ranked Catholic university rooted in the Jesuit and Marymount traditions. They are committed to fostering a di‐verse academic community, rich in opportunities for intellectual engagement and real world experience.

LMU offers 60 major and 55 minor undergraduate degrees and programs. A “more selective” school, LMU does not require a minimum GPA or specific test score for admission. They truly take the ho‐listic approach and examine all aspects of the applicant. Once I met up with our alumni, I was able to get the behind the scene tour of the dorm rooms and sample the campus cuisine. On the academic front, with in‐depth majors in more than 50 fields of study, it is easy to find your passion, pursue your profession and broaden your horizons. LMU’s academic offerings are organized into six schools or colleges. Areas of study in each college are often related or even interdependent, creating a more focused learning environ‐ment.


University of California‐Irvine (UCI)

On my drive from Los Angeles to the conference in San Diego, I passed the beautiful ocean on my right. I then came upon UC Irvine about halfway through my journey in Orange County. With more than 29,000 undergraduate and graduate students, UCI is among the most dynamic campuses in the Universi‐ty of California system. When I arrived on campus, I expected to see a lot of students activity since it was lunchtime. Though there were students walking around, I did not feel the same excitement and “campus buzz,” compared to the northern schools I visited. The campus was, however, equally as pret‐ty.

High school students must receive a 3.4 GPA or higher in the required subjects during grades 10 and 11 in order to be eligible for the UC System. Applicants need to designate a major on their applica‐tion.

UCI teams have earned 28 national titles in nine sports, and 63 individual Anteaters have won na‐tional titles; 50 have competed in the Olympics. Who would not want to be an Anteater!

University of San Diego (USD)

Beautiful does not even come close to describing the campus of University of San Diego. The 180‐acre campus sits majestically on a hill with amazing views of the city below. It is no wonder Best Choice Schools ranked USD as the #1 "Most Beautiful" campus in the nation. USD is private, Catholic Institution. While dining in the on campus restaurant La Gran Terraza, the dean shared that ‘USD's environment pro‐vides students ‘real world’ learning platforms for broad‐based innovation and dynamic creativity, ad‐vanced intellectual skills and a keen sense of personal and social responsibility.” USD offers 43 degree programs, many with areas of specialization.

Community engagement was a big theme on campus. This was evident as we toured the campus since there were various postings about campus activities. With 17 NCAA Division I teams, 23 sports clubs, many recreation clubs and fitness classes and eight national fraternities and ten national sororities; there is something for everyone. If a student is interested in Fordham University, but would prefer to avoid the east coast winters, this is a great alternative.

Another positive that I found is that USD will work collaboratively with the community to help and support students achieve and maintain well being, as they strive to reach their personal and academ‐ic goals. The transition to college is a major change and USD fully supports all freshmen in this endeavor.


MANHATTANVILLE COLLEGE

Mr. Mike Stone recently had an opportunity to spend a day at Manhattanville Col-lege, a small, liberal arts college that is set on a quaint, scenic campus located in Pur-chase, New York. “Mville,” as the school is commonly called, is about a 40-minute ride from Northern Highlands. The college was chartered in 1917 and was originally located in Man-hattan. In 1952, the college moved to Purchase, New York and the school became fully co-educational in 1971. Manhattanville College’s gorgeous campus is a popular setting forthe filming of various movies and TV shows, with some noteworthy examples being the filmAdmission, the TV show The Following, and HBO’s Boardwalk Empire.

Manhattanville is home to 1,700 undergraduates. Housing is guaranteed for all four years and eighty percent of students live on campus. The school is a true global communi-ty, boasting students from 35 states and over 50 countries. The college offers more than 50 programs of study through the three main schools: Arts & Sciences, Business, and Educa-tion. In addition to its strength in the more traditional majors such as biology, psychology, business, and political science, Manhattanville is very strong in international studies. Addi-tionally, the college is a gem for students who are interested in dance & theatre, fine arts, film studies, creative writing, and digital media production. Similarly, the college offers im-pressive programs in music, music education, music business, and music technology.

The students love that Manhattanville offers the best of both worlds. The stunning Reid Castle overlooks a 100-acre picturesque campus of historic buildings and stately grounds located in a safe and scenic community in Westchester County. Plus, New York City is just 30 minutes away, providing students with terrific cultural experiences and intern-ship opportunities. All undergraduate students are required to attain at least one internship position during their four-year experience. The school has a strong Center for Career Devel-opment and securing an internship is quite easy considering that Manhattan, White Plains (NY), Greenwich (CT), and Stamford (CT) are minutes away from campus. Students can be found gaining fun and valuable career experience at companies such as ABC News, Co-lumbia Pictures, Madison Square Garden, MasterCard Worldwide, Morgan Stanley, MTV Networks, NBC Universal, Nickelodeon, PepsiCo, PGA Tour, Prada, and Rolling Stone Maga-zine.

The students that I met on campus seemed extremely pleased with their small classes and the close working relationship that they have with their professors. The average class size is 19 students and 90% of the faculty members have attained the highest degree in their field. Many professors live right on campus or in close proximity and often invite stu-dents to their homes for dinner and conversation. Students find easy membership in the 40 clubs and organizations and most undergrads take full advantage of the convenient ac-cess to the bustling surrounding areas. The Valiant Express runs seven daily shuttles from campus to the mall, stores, and train station located in nearby White Plains. Plus, free shut-tles run three times daily every Saturday and Sunday taking students directly to-and-from Grand Central Station in New York City.


Students are actively engaged throughout the year in community service projects and undergraduates can take advantage of over 100 various study abroad programs in countries such as England, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, and Spain. The school mascot is the Valiant and the athletic department sponsors 20 NCAA Division III teams. Manhattan-ville is a Common App member and some overlap schools include Fairfield, Fordham, Iona, Manhattan College, Marist, NYU, Pace, Sacred Heart, and Quinnipiac. Interested families can attend the Fall Open House on Saturday, November 21 and visiting the webpageWeA-reValiants.com will provide prospective students with a terrific overview of Manhattanville College.


Manhattan College

(Submitted by Mrs. Ferentz)

If you are interested in a small school feel with quality education and athletics, having easy access to all that

New York City has to offer, all within an hour from home, Manhattan College is a great option. While most students

are from the New York/New Jersey areas, there was a great sense of diversity on the campus. Manhattan College is a

Catholic school located in the Riverdale neighborhood of New York City. At this private institution, the 3,471 under-

graduates can choose from many majors within the schools of arts, business, engineering, science, and education and

health, and graduate students can earn master's degrees in fields such as education and engineering. Manhattan stu-

dents can participate in more than 80 campus clubs and have easy access to the 1 train to explore all the museums,

restaurants and concerts that New York City has to offer. Student athletes can get involved with sports at the intramu-

ral, club and varsity levels. The Manhattan College Jaspers, named after the school's baseball coach in the late 1800s,

compete in the NCAA Division I Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference. Fun fact: Manhattan is home to the largest indoor

track in New York City. Notable alumni include the former mayor of New York City, Rudy Giuliani.

Finally, the state-of-the-art Raymond W. Kelly Student Commons center opened in 2014. Named for alumnus

and former New York City Police Commissioner Raymond W. Kelly, the student commons is a beautifully designed

building which is the headquarters for student life and plays a crucial role in the development of well-rounded stu-

dents. The building opened in 2014 and features more than 65,000 square feet of space dedicated to extracurricular

involvement including: Center for Social Action and Service Learning: focusing on student volunteer and service-

oriented activities with an aim to promote civility, nurture character, and develop civic commitment in young people.

Multicultural Student Center: creating a home for the school’s diverse group of ethnic clubs while fostering awareness

and understanding of differing cultural and social issues. Wellness and Fitness Center: allowing students to develop

healthier lifestyles and establish lifelong habits of regular exercise and balanced nutrition and Student Clubs/

Organizations Headquarters: providing students with the opportunity to get involved in more than 60 groups ranging

from student government, to the economics and finance society, to jazz band.


Lehigh University

Lehigh is located in the historic town of Bethlehem near the beautiful Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania. Lehigh Uni-

versity has approximately 5,000 undergraduate students and is most noted for its programs in engineering, business

and computer science, and biology. Asa Packer Campus, the main campus, was founded in 1865 and is a combination

of beautiful Gothic stone buildings and modern brick and glass structures. This campus is home to the Office of Admis-

sions, most classrooms, all residence halls, dining facilities, and two libraries. Approximately one mile away, Mountain-

top Campus is located on South Mountain and contains major research facilities as well as the academic departments

of Chemical Engineering, Biological Sciences, and the College of Education. Located on the other side of South Moun-

tain in the Saucon Valley, Lehigh’s third campus, called the Murray H. Goodman Campus, is home to the university’s

athletic complex, including the Goodman football stadium, a tennis center, and Rauch Field House with indoor track,

tennis, squash, and other facilities. On the main Asa Packer Campus, the university is proud of its new global studies

facility that emphasizes studies in anthropology, sociology, world languages, and international relations. Bethlehem,

the city in which Lehigh is nestled, was listed as one of Business Journal’s top 100 best places for young adults to live in

2013. The Lehigh River divides Bethlehem into two downtowns – North and South Bethlehem. The Northside is home

to Main St. and “Restaurant Row,” while eclectic Southside features unique shops and galleries, restaurants, and cele-

brations of arts and culture. Lehigh accepts both the SAT and ACT, generally looking for between 610-700 on Critical

Reading; 660-750 on Math; or a score between 30-33 on the ACT.

In early November, Denise Talotta had the opportunity to visit Lehigh University and Lafayette College.

Lafayette College

About 30 minutes away from Lehigh, in Easton, PA, Lafayette College was founded in 1826 and is named for the

Marquis de Lafayette in honor of his services to the United States during the American Revolution. It is a small,

pretty liberal arts college with an undergraduate population of about 2,400 students. Its four academic divisions are

comprised of: humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and engineering. Lafayette believes the humanities are

at the core of a strong liberal arts education in which students develop critical thinking, ethical reasoning, and

communication skills that are essential for understanding the world and participating as an educated citizen in a

democratic society. The college’s most popular majors include psychology, economics, and its various fields of

engineering, including: chemical engineering, civil engineering, mechanical engineering, and electrical and computer

engineering. Like Lehigh University, it is highly competitive with the average Critical Reading SAT score between

610-710; the average Math SAT score between 640-740; and the average ACT Composite score between 29-33. The

college supports students taking interdisciplinary minors or working with professors to create their own majors.

Lafayette is located approximately 70 miles west of NYC, 60 miles north of Philadelphia and also enjoys being situat-

ed in the beautiful surroundings of the Lehigh Valley.


Brown University, Johnson & Wales University, & Wesleyan University

Brown University is the seventh oldest college in the United States. Located in historic Providence, Rhode

Island, Brown is a medium-sized, highly competitive Ivy League institution. With about 6,200 undergraduates, Brown’s

student body is diverse in many ways. Walking around the campus on a balmy autumn day, I was struck by how alive

the campus felt. Students from all backgrounds and walks of life proudly displayed their Brown apparel and happily

walked around the tree-lined campus. During the information session, there was a heavy emphasis on research and

study abroad. Regardless of the major, study abroad is encouraged for all students. If there is not a program abroad

that fits a student’s needs, students are allowed to petition for a program more aligned with their goals. In addition,

research is a large part of the curriculum at Brown. Whether a student is enrolled in engineering, science, math, or

the humanities, he/she is expected to explore new ideas and see them through to fruition. There are several dual

degree programs, all of which are extremely competitive. Cross registration as well as a combined degree is available

in conjunction with the Rhode Island School of Design, which is located right down the hill from Brown. Don’t be

deceived by the plain school colors. Brown offers a vibrant, diverse, and challenging academic and social environ-

ment.

Johnson & Wales is located in the heart of downtown Providence. Known for its hospitality and culinary

programs, JWU also offers degrees in engineering and design, business, and education. With a diverse student body

of about 10,000 undergraduate students, JWU follows an experiential education model. Students gain both the

academic and professional skills required for the work place. The university maintains relationships with around 1600

top companies like Facebook, MTV, and Disney, to name a few. Students show their Wildcats pride at any of the 24

Division III sports team events throughout the year. The campus itself has a small city feel with classrooms and dormi-

tories set within walking distance to great eateries and shops. Foodies are drawn to Providence for their fantastic

food options including food trucks hanging out around campus. Add Gracie’s Restaurant to your must-try list if you

are ever in the area.

On my drive home from Providence, I was fortunate enough to meet up with a recent Highlands graduate,

who is currently attending Wesleyan University. The beautiful campus was bustling with activity as it was Parents

Weekend so there were a lot of extra visitors. Set in a picturesque New England setting a mere 2 hours away, Wesley-

an is a small, private school with about 3,000 undergraduates. The campus felt like the perfect size. It was large

enough to feel as though there were a lot of spots to explore but small enough to walk from one end to the other in

about 10-15 minutes. Whenever I visit a college, I am particularly conscious of diversity on campus. After all, college

is about not just learning from a textbook but also from the different perspectives and people you meet while you’re

there. Wesleyan seemed incredibly diverse in both ethnic background and religion. According to my personal tour

guide, this year’s incoming class consisted of 22% international students, and my guide’s own roommate was from

Nigeria. Wesleyan is a selective college with its acceptance rate around 23%. As a liberal arts school, popular majors

include Economics, Psychology, English, and Political Science. Greek life is small but available to those students who

want it. Just from observing flyers posted around campus and from speaking with my student, there are endless op-

portunities for students to get involved, keep busy, and have fun! As a Division III school, there are also plenty of ath-

letic events for students to show off their school pride. I walked away from Wesleyan thoroughly impressed with their

vibrant student body, diverse academic and social offerings, and gorgeous campus. If you happen to be headed north

during your college visits, swing by Middletown, CT and check it out. You won’t regret it.

On November 5th and 6th, Ms. Kuo had the opportunity to visit Brown University, Johnson & Wales, and Wesleyan

University.


Babson College & Wellesley College

Located approximately thirty minutes outside of Boston is the beautiful town of Wellesley, Massachusetts.

Wellesley is home to Babson and Wellesley College, and has a beautiful downtown area with shops and restaurants

with several public transportation options.

Babson College is a perfect fit for students who are passionate about studying business, are looking for small-

er class sizes, hands on experiences, internships and study abroad opportunities. The freshman experience includes a

yearlong course that focuses on entrepreneurship. Students work in groups to plan their own startup, write a business

plan and pitch it to the class. At the end of the semester, one group is selected by the venture capitalist- also known as

their professor- as the winner. The following semester, all students are expected to bring their startup to life and actu-

ally implement their business with the assistance of school funding. In addition to business classes, students also split

their course load with valuable liberal arts classes. The majority of students take advantage of the vast study abroad

options, either choosing to study during the course of the semester or during shorter holiday and winter breaks.

Despite the proximity to Boston, many students remain on campus to socialize and unwind. Babson’s themed week-

ends, guest speakers, clubs and activities create a fun, welcoming environment for all students. Students easily find

different things to do and new people to meet; with a 25% international population, there is certainly a positive

diverse feel on campus.

On a sunny November afternoon, Wellesley College can be an ideal college campus setting for any movie

scene. With just under 2,500 students, the college offers a strong liberal arts education with an emphasis on an inter-

disciplinary approach. Students can select a number of majors that combine academic disciplines and their interests.

This past fall, Wellesley adopted a new grading system for first semester freshman, called “shadow grading.” During

the first semester, freshman will not receive official grades for their classes, but will instead receive a pass/fail mark on

their transcript. In the middle of the semester, they are given a letter grade that represents what they would receive,

known as the “shadow” grade. This new concept reflects the college’s emphasis on moving away from grade seeking

to encouraging students to focus on intellectual growth and desire to grow as a learner. Wellesley students also have

the opportunity to enroll in cross-registration programs with Babson College, Brandeis University, MIT and Olin College

of Engineering. This woman’s college has over 150-student run organizations and daily events, including this past

week’s pumpkin carving and apple cider tasting that took place outside the residential halls.

During the NJEA Convention, Ms. Vargo took a trip to the northeast to visit some schools.


Regis College

Down the street from Wellesley is Regis College, a small, Catholic school with the classic New England campus feel.

This test optional school has a number of majors and academic departments for students with a solid 3.0 grade point

average. Regis also has a cross registration option for students who would like to take courses at Babson College,

Bentley University and Boston College. On campus, Nursing is the most popular major, with 350 students enrolled in

the program. This is the only major that requires standardized test scores. Regis looks to prepare their students for

future success, assisting with internship placement and their fast track to a Master’s Degree. There are several oppor-

tunities for undergraduates to obtain a Bachelor’s and Master’s in just five years. The classical style brick buildings and

sprawling green lawns create an inviting and supportive environment for its students.

Providence College

At Providence College, students thrive in this private New England, Catholic school environment. With a 11:1 student-

to-faculty ratio, PC offers an academically challenging community with a focus on a liberal arts education and service.

PC students describe their campus experience as exciting and active, full of friendly faces that make it feel like a big

family. This close-knit community has over 100 clubs and organizations, 300 study abroad programs and a variety of

varsity and club sports. PC is the smallest school in the Big East, but with 10,000 screaming, energetic fans, it certainly

feels a lot bigger. Students connect with each other through their service activities, small class sizes and enjoy cheering

on their successful sports teams. Located just five minutes from downtown Providence, students have access to the

best that the state has to offer. Shops, restaurants, hiking and biking trails, music festivals, and some of the best beach-

es are just a short distance away. Perfect for internship opportunities, Boston and Hartford are just a couple of big city

options where students can travel for hands on, real world work experience.


Salve Regina University

If you ever thought that living in a mansion would be the ideal dorm location, then Salve Regina University is

the place to be. Located on the cliffs in Newport, Rhode Island, the landscape offers a beautiful, unique

atmosphere for a small, liberal learning environment. With an undergraduate enrollment of about 2,000

students, the core curriculum at Salve offers over 40 concentrations with close ties between faculty and

students with an emphasis on service and community engagement. Walking around the campus, there is a

historic feel mixed with modern additions, such as relaxing student centers, updated dining services and

beautiful dorms. Freshmen live in traditional dorms and move into the mansion’s on campus during their

sophomore year. With a long list of clubs and organizations on campus, students also get involved in intra-

mural and club sports. The majority of students take advantage of the study abroad programs and have the

option to take a full year, semester long or shorter vacation overseas. Salve is known for their strong nursing,

education and business programs. This Liberal Arts University has a dynamic, friendly staff of professors and

professionals who look to build strong students and prepare them for the next step after college. Their Office

of Career Services is committed to student success, with job assistance services fifteen years after gradua-

tion. Salve is a diverse community with 86% out of state students and is happy to accommodate all learning

styles and backgrounds.

SUNY New Paltz and Vassar College

(Submitted by Mrs. Ferentz)

Driving about a 50 minutes north of Allendale, I visited SUNY New Paltz, located in a beautiful region of New

York’s Ulster Country, surrounded by mountains and apple orchards. Just outside of campus is the village of

New Paltz which boasts an eclectic downtown area lined with bistros, coffee shops, music stores and book

shops. Voted as one of the nation’s ‘Best Value’ universities by the Princeton Review (out of state tuition,

room and board is about $29,000 per year), students can explore over 105 undergraduate degree programs

within the five schools on campus. Most students who attend are from New York State; about 92% of under-

graduates are from New York. Others are from 28 states, 48 foreign countries and Canada. Student athletes

participated in Division III athletics, and there are over 400 study abroad opportunities available.


SUNY New Paltz wants students to experience education outside of the classroom. Aside from study

abroad experiences, the location of New Paltz lends itself to incredible internship opportunities. Some

students have interned at the Mohonk Mountain Preserve, ABC, and the Jimmy Fallon Show. Research

opportunities with professors on campus are available as well. A recent New Paltz graduate helped work on

a project which would translate sign language into text messages. Academic programs that stand out: a 7

year medical program, a 7 year optometry program, and an undergraduate Speech Therapy program con-

tribute to the excellent opportunities available.

Driving 20 minutes east from New Paltz brought me to Vassar College located in the scenic Hudson

Valley in the city of Poughkeepsie, New York. Location, Opportunity and Acceptance are three factors that

set Vassar apart from other colleges. The private, Liberal Arts College is highly selective and is consistently

ranked one of the top colleges in the country. Vassar offers an open curriculum, and for this reason, admis-

sions representatives urge high school students not to ‘specialize’ in high school, but rather have a well-

rounded education. This will ensure each student has the proper foundation to explore focused interests

once on campus. Beautiful campus, an exceptionally ornate library and grounds aside, the main street off

campus is walking distance and provides restaurants, a bookstore, and coffee shops that students have easy

access to. The main selling point is Vassar’s location. There are many selective, private liberal arts schools,

but Vassar is so close to Albany and New York City that internships and job opportunities are abundant.


Centenary College

(Submitted by Mr. Jochum)

Do you like to Tweet? Are you a Facebook fanatic or a Snapchat junkie? Then Centenary College could be the school for you. Centenary College offers a unique opportunity to earn a B.S. in Business Administration with a Social Media Marketing concentration. Students can also combine a Social Media Marketing minor with other majors such as Visual Arts or Communications.

According to LinkedIn, job postings requiring social media skills have increased 1357% in the past three years. With New York and Philadelphia ranking in the top ten cities for social media jobs, businesses are looking for employees who have the latest skills in today’s technology-based world. As social medial sites control the field, employees are seeking to hire the next generation of employees who can help to bring their products into the twenty-first century.

Centenary College, a small liberal arts college in Hackettstown, New Jersey, began offering classes in Social Media Marketing in 2012. Students learn from industry leaders in the classroom by collaborating on real world problems and how social media impacts business. The new technology center called #theVIBE provides students with the access to today’s latest social media tools through a fun hands-on approach. Centenary College is the only college in the tri-state area to offer this opportunity to its students.

Centenary College is also known for the support it provides to students with disabilities. The Disability Service Depart-ment works closely with eligible students to arrange accommodations which allows students the opportunity to partic-ipate in all Centenary College programs. The Disability Service Department offers two programs called STEP Ahead (Summer Transition and Enrichment Program) and Project ABLE (Academic Bridges to Learning Effectiveness) which are designed to support students with mild emotional and learning disabilities.

STEP is a four-week intensive pre-college summer program designed to enhance a student's self advocacy, independ-ence, intrapersonal, and academic skills. The main goal of STEP is to prepare the student for college-level work. Upon completion of the program students will have earned credits towards graduation. Participation in the program may be a contingency for admission.

Project ABLE is a comprehensive learning program designed for students with psychological, learning, and neurological impairment. The purpose of the program is to provide a “bridge” between the modified curriculum of high school and the self-directed college environment. Although Centenary College does not modify curriculum for students, Project ABLE creates a potential for a successful transition for students. Student are given the opportunity to continue in the program each semester.

In addition to the aforementioned, Centenary College offers 49 degree programs designed to prepare student for their specific career. Some of the most popular majors offered are Sports Management, Equine Studies, Education, Fashion Design and Merchandising, and Theatre Arts.

With a career center that works closely with students from day one, Centenary College is able to boast a 82% rate of employment within nine months of graduation.


Ms. Kuo visited UC- Santa Barbara, Pepperdine, and UC- Irvine in February 2016.

Let’s face it. It would be an understatement to say that California is pretty. The sun is always shining, the people are

laid back and perpetually tan, and there are mountains and beaches galore. Of the schools I visited, two were part of

the UC system. It is important to note that the UC system operates a little bit differently than other schools around the

country. Some general admissions facts to be aware of for all UC schools:

There is one UC application for all UC schools. Student chooses which campuses they would like to apply to on the ap-

plication.

Student self-reports grades. No transcripts accepted.

Recalculate GPA to include only 10th and 11th grade courses in “a-g” courses.

Non-residents must have a 3.4 GPA or higher (from 10th-11th grade only).

In calculating an out-of-state student's GPA, UC will grant honors weight for AP courses only, but not for school-

designated honors courses. The weight is given to letter grades of A, B, or C.

No super scoring for SAT/ACT.

Subject tests recommended for certain majors.

No letters of recommendation or interviews.

Application is open from August-November. No late deadlines.

University of California-Santa Barbara My first stop was UC- Santa Barbara, which in terms of California beauty delivered in every way. The fast facts about

UC- Santa Barbara: Top 10 public university in the country, 20,000 undergraduate students, strong focus on research ,

popular majors- Computer Science, Engineering (5 year BS/MS program available), 90% of freshmen live on campus.

Housing guaranteed for all 4 years., admissions does a comprehensive review of application- 50% academics and 50%

extracurriculars, and last year, there were 70,000 applications reviewed, 23,000 accepted, and 4,500 enrolled. About

7% of those accepted were out of state. In other words, it is a tough school to be accepted to!

The first thing I noticed is the bike trail that meanders throughout the campus. UC- Santa Barbara is ranked as one of

the most bike friendly campuses with about 7 miles of bike paths. Everyone is on either a bike or a skateboard, and

much like crossing a busy road, you have to look both ways before crossing. My second observation is that the stu-

dent body is very diverse. Walking around the campus, I heard conversations in Spanish, Chinese, and Korean. The

student body consists of 27% Asian and 26% Latino. On the other hand, diversity in terms of home state is not as ap-

parent. The best example comes from a conversation I overheard between two students, who were, of course, riding

their bikes. One asked, “Where is she from?” The other responded, “I don’t know. Somewhere else in America.” “Oh

so she’s not from California?!?!” Although the majority of students are from California, this doesn’t mean everyone

goes home on the weekends. On the contrary, this school was bustling with activity. With over 500 student organiza-

tions, 20 Division I athletic teams, and their own beachfront property, why would anyone want to go home? With a

“work hard, play hard” mentality, UC- Santa Barbara students take their academics seriously. Research across all disci-

plines is highly encouraged, and study abroad opportunities abound. There are currently 6 professors who are Nobel

Prize Laureates. In summary, UC- Santa Barbara is a must-see if you are willing to be a plane ride away from home.

Pack your sunglasses and flip-flops, and get ready to see why people visit California and never come back!

Three California Colleges


Pepperdine University My next stop was a quick 60-minute drive down the coast to Pepperdine University in gorgeous Malibu. Nestled in the

hills of the Santa Monica Mountains, you will need to bring some sturdy walking shoes to tour this campus. You are

literally walking up a mountain here, but on the positive side, you are treated to stunning views of the Pacific Ocean no

matter where you turn. Pepperdine is a private, Christian university with approximately 3,500 students. About 50% of

these students are from California. Popular majors include business, psychology, communications, marketing, sports

medicine, and political science. The average class size is about 20 students. There are 17 Division I athletic teams, and

over 60 student clubs and organizations. There is a strong emphasis on community service and spiritual growth. Many

students take advantage of the popular study abroad programs offered all over the world. Pepperdine’s location offers

students a wide variety of options for fun. Located about 30 minutes from Los Angeles, students can head into the city

for anything from professional sporting events to shopping and museums. In addition, Malibu boasts serene beaches

and breathtaking mountains for students to enjoy right in their own backyard. Despite arriving in the pouring rain and

fighting off a nasty cold, the beauty of Pepperdine University was absolutely undeniable during my visit.

University of California-Irvine My trip concluded further down the coast at UC- Irvine. As stated earlier, UCI follows the same admissions standards of

other UC school, which is outlined above. Located about 40 miles from Los Angeles, Irvine boasts a picturesque setting

including a 21-acre park right in the center of campus. Walking paths wind through wide open green spaces that create

an oasis for students to study, relax, and travel to their classes. UCI has one of the most diverse student bodies I have

ever seen. Of the 23,000 undergraduates, approximately 40% of the students are Asian and 25% Latino/Hispanic. There

is a Cross-Cultural Center designed to allow these diverse opinions to meet, discuss, and celebrate issues such as race,

religion, and social justice. Similar to other UC schools, a large portion of the incoming class are California residents.

Some of the recent titles UCI has been awarded include “Top 10 Coolest School” (environmentally speaking), “3rd Best

Public School in the Nation,” and “7th in the world among the best universities under 50 years old.” With the only hos-

pital in Orange County, UC Irvine Medical Center, programs in the biological and physical sciences are among some of

the popular majors. In addition, the creative writing program as well as majors in business, public health, biomedical,

and technology are strong. Irvine is not only considered one of the safest cities in the US, but it is also a hub for re-

search and technology. UCI has a strong focus on preserving the environment and making future technology more sus-

tainable and eco-friendly. Beyond academics, UCI has 18 Division I sports teams, and Anteater pride is apparent all over

campus. During my visit, the campus was busy with activity at every turn with student groups enthusiastically selling

food and advertising upcoming events. There seemed to be something for everyone to get involved in. With 72 aca-

demic counselors and a fully staffed CARE office, there was a definite emphasis on student wellness and mental health.

At the very young age of 50, UCI is one of the lesser known schools in the UC system. But with a stellar location, out-

standing academics, and a passionate student body, this school is one to watch as it continues to grow in popularity

each year.


High Point University (submitted by Mrs. Ferentz)

High Point University located in High Point, North Carolina, is an immaculate campus replete with foun-

tains, heated pools, strategically placed fire pits, and top of the line living, dining and academic facilities. With

“campus enhancement” working around the clock, the grounds are truly spotless. Classical music is played

throughout campus speakers daily until eight o’clock PM. None of these details are unintentional; the concept is

designed by President Dr. Nido Qubein. As a highly prolific, educated motivational speaker, his goal is to ensure

each student lives to his or her fullest potential and achieves, “the meaning of life, happiness”. Believing every

student should "Choose to be Extraordinary", his philosophy is rooted in the notion that if surrounded by a pris-

tine, beautiful environment, students will aspire to work hard and be successful in life.

Dr. Nido Qubein teaches two classes on campus, and every semester students pack the elegant theater

he presents in to hear him speak on various topics. For first-year students, he educates them on: How to devel-

op positive self-esteem, the fundamentals of leadership, effective communication skills, the importance of

health and wellness, and the fundamentals of fiscal literacy. During his senior seminar, the course enhances per-

sonal, academic, and professional development by encouraging seniors to: study the transition from life in col-

lege to life after college, examine the fundamentals of professionalism, prepare for work opportunities, and to

study the value of stewardship and community engagement. Notable academic programs include but are not

limited to: Physician Assistant, Sports Medicine, Interior Design, Business and Education.

HPU’s First Year Seminar includes the “Common Experience” which is designed to create a sense of com-

munity. Each First-Year Seminar is a small, interactive course taught by a faculty member who has ongoing re-

search interests in the topic or theme. Also, each dormitory hallway shares at least one class together, and all

first year students have a common reading to engage in. This year, students are reading, “American Way of

Eating”, and the author will visit campus in the fall to discuss the book with students.

High Point University fields 16 Division I teams and competes in the Big South Conference. Intramural

sports such as water polo, racquetball and table tennis are also popular. Students even have the chance to play

beach volleyball right on campus.


UNC Greensboro

(submitted by Mrs. Ferentz)

You may be familiar with UNC Chapel Hill, but The University of North Carolina educational system actually

boasts 16 campuses which enroll more than 220,000 students. At the University of North Carolina, Greensboro, a

student with an application not quite as competitive as a Chapel Hill applicant can find a wonderful university well

known for its strong Bryan School of Business and Economics, as well as seven other schools including a School of

Nursing, Education and an Honors College.

Just a short drive from the Greensboro airport, UNCG was established in 1891 and has grown to educate

over 19,000 students, has 30 residence halls, and 30 academic buildings sprawled across 210 acres. The campus

buildings are surrounded by recreational areas and two beautiful parks, and downtown Greensboro is just a short

distance from campus. There is no shortage of fine dining, cafes, antique shops and independent galleries down-

town. Students are actively involved on campus as UNCG offers a range of activities and creative outlets from ath-

letics to Greek Life, volunteer clubs and social activities. There are over 200 student run groups spanning social,

athletic, religious, and service opportunities.


Ms. Vargo had the opportunity to visit a few Delaware & Maryland schools while visiting family during spring break . The next few pages contain information about those campuses.

University of Delaware

Applications at the University of Delaware went up for NH students this year, and it’s easy to see why. The beautiful brick buildings, small classroom sizes, school spirit and proximity to home and Washington DC make this school a must see. U Del is home to 18,000 students who are involved in various clubs and activities, cheer on their Division I teams, study abroad and take full advantage of their academic opportunities. Education and engineering are two of the most popular programs at the school. An exciting finding at U Del is the Delaware Innovation Fellows Program. This program offers students an inclusive four year enrichment opportunity to design and develop new solutions to important societal, environmental and business problems. Students begin by networking their professional path, design the problem solution with a $500 grant, receive peer mentoring through an internship experience, and end with opportunities to launch the startup. So what major must the student have to be considered for this program? Any! Innovation students must simply demonstrate passion, creativity, leadership and an entrepreneurial mindset. Go Blue Hens!

Towson University

Located less than ten miles from downtown Baltimore, students at Towson University enjoy the benefits of a beautiful green college campus and bustling small city environment. There are new and exciting opportunities for Towson students, including new programs, academic buildings and a new gym, which will include the American Ninja Warrior course design. The new academic programs include a cyber security track under computer sciences, entrepreneurial studies, technical writing and actuary studies. Students at Towson are encouraged to focus on hands on learning: internships, study abroad opportunities and experiential learning. About 80% of students have an internship experience across all major programs. Towson attracts students to their education and business programs with the emphasis on proactive learning and community engagement.

Loyola University, MD

Loyola University puts a great emphasis on the student life experience. This is apparent in what they have to offer for students on an academic, social and personal level. The Princeton Review ranks Loyola in their top five for campus housing. Having the incoming freshmen feel comfortable, safe and happy in their new living space is an important factor to the school. Loyola University, with 4,000 students, provides a strong community, support system. On a social level, students receive an email every Thursday night that lists all of the activities and programs that will be happening that weekend. Another highlight at Loyola is the flexibility in creating and changing majors. Each student has the opportunity to create a major or interdisciplinary focus during their freshman year as they meet with their academic advisor. Students are able to enter into any program and do not have to reapply to change majors. Two-thirds of Loyola students choose to study more than one major; many will double major or pick up several minor studies. With a 79% four year graduation rate, students at Loyola appear to feel happy, confident and receive a high level of support.


George Washington University

What an exciting time to be a student living in Washington DC! GW’s 10,000 undergraduate students are located on two main campuses within the city. For a city campus, GW students are able to get to their academic buildings, dorms and student facilities in one central area. Students can easily get from one end of campus to the next by foot. Buses are only necessary to go from Foggy Bottom to the Mount Vernon campus. Walking around Foggy Bottom, you can see students waving across the street to one another, GW flags and banners and many signs of student life. GW students have the advantage of a bustling, exciting city and the feel of a college environment. Many students will opt to stick around after their spring semester to continue taking courses on campus, online or to find an internship. Students at GW can expect a diverse campus, with 28% multicultural and 10% international students making up the most recent freshman class. For a medium sized city school, GW has seven different schools that range from 200 to 4,700 students. GW can offer “the right fit” for a range of students and their academic and social interests.

American University

Located just four miles from the White House, American University is a dynamic college community. With fewer than 8,000 students, AU offers a sense of community in an ideal location for students to experience a traditional college campus with a city located down the street. AU offers more than 40 majors with the option for students to pursue a combined 5-year bachelors/Master’s program. In addition to AU’s impressive academic offerings, students are able to build strong networking and internship opportunities with the help of professors and career services. About 90% of students land an internship and have the advantage of extending their work experiences over the summer. With 135 study abroad options, AU students have many opportunities for academic, social and career explora-tions.

Documents

University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) · missed is the “Bruin” statue in central campus, which makes a great photo op. With an undergraduate enrollment of about 27,199,