The purpose of this worksheet/assignment is to assist in making your day at the National College Fair as productive as possible. Your journey of exploring post-secondary educational programs and career options will be a life-long one, but it is critically important at this time. Please complete each section below.
We suggest that you use the following questions as an interview guide, but certainly ask whatever questions you like:
§ What is the average class size for freshman classes, as well as upper division?
§ How would they describe the relationship between students and instructors at their college?
§ Does their university place a greater emphasis on research or on teaching?
§ What are their policies and procedures relative to financial aide, Scholarships, work-study, etc.?
§ What internship, cooperative-education, and foreign study opportunities are available to undergraduate students?
§ What major is their college best known for?
§ What are the transfer policies and admissions standards for their college, including college testing such as SAT and/or ACT?
§ How would they describe student life on their campus and in the local community?
1) To gain a broad perspective relative to the different types of colleges, campuses, and programs, provide the name and a brief description of the following:
A public college: University of Washington- The student faculty ratio is 12:1. This university is not far from my home so traveling wouldn’t be a problem. At this point I am interested in majoring in psychology, and at this school, psychology is one of the most popular majors. The average high school GPA is 3.7, which at this point I would be able to apply if this is the university I plan on going.
A private college: Northwest University- It is a regionally accredited, Christian coeducational institution awarding associate, baccalaureate, and master’s degrees. I like that their mission is to provide, in a distinctly evangelical Christian environment, quality education to prepare students for service and leadership. They provide on campus living where a student gets their own room, with some furniture provided.
A rural college: Reed College- Provides one of the nation’s most intellectually rigorous undergraduate experiences, with a highly structured academic program balancing broad distribution requirements and in-depth study in a chosen academic discipline. Student faculty ratio is 10. I like that they offer a conference-style interactive teaching method with small classes (average of 15 students).
A traditional large university: Stanford University- Located in California not to far from Washington. Stanford is recognized as one of the world's leading universities. Stanford offers graduate and professional degrees in more than 65 departments and programs. They have dining outlets, so you don’t even have to leave the campus to go and eat somewhere.
A small alternative college: Everest College- Everest College designs their curricula to emphasize the practical skills, knowledge, and hands-on training that employers are looking for in today's competitive job market. They have many medical programs. I like that their class schedules are flexible and take into account the needs of working adults with day and evening classes.
2) Select a college major that you might be interested in pursuing. (_psychology ) Find three colleges that are known to offer quality programs in that major. You may choose only one of the three colleges from within the state of
Northwest University (Kirkland, WA)
It is a regionally accredited, Christian coeducational institution awarding associate, baccalaureate, and master’s degrees. I like that their mission is to provide, in a distinctly evangelical Christian environment, quality education to prepare students for service and leadership. They provide on campus living where a student gets their own room, with some furniture provided. I like the idea where you don’t have to share a room. They provide many great programs such as, children’s ministry, psychology, biblical studies, and many others.
Chapman University (Orange, CA)
The mission of Chapman University is to provide personalized education of distinction that leads to inquiring, ethical and productive lives as global citizens. They have on campus living. Their top five undergraduate fields of study are: business administration, film and television, psychology (what I’m in interested in), liberal studies, and public relations and advertising.
Trinity University (San Antonio, TX)
This school provides 37 majors and 49 minors, as well as special advising tracks for pre-law and the health professions, including pre-med. The average class size is 21 students. Trinity was ranked 3rd in the nation for attention from faculty. They have on campus living and their community is active, vibrant, and international.
** Out of these three universities that provide the major I’m currently interested I, would choose Northwest University in Kirkland over Chapman and Trinity. My education would differ if I choose Northwest University because it’s closer to my house. I don’t like being far from my family and this university is perfect for that. Not only being close to my family, but the information that I looked up and was told at the College Fair got me really interested in the great programs they have to offer. Yes, they are all private schools, but Northwest University seems to offer a lot more interesting programs especially ones that are religious based. When I was thinking of going to a college or university I wanted to make sure it was a private school because I would be able to grow spiritually and meet other Christians like myself. This school really impressed me and I would love to attend it when I am through with high school. **
3) Attend at least one of the workshops during your time at the Fair. Briefly describe the content of the workshop and evaluate the information received.
I attended the “Importance of the College Essay” workshop. The speaker, Jennifer, did a wonderful job on giving providing us with very useful information and advice. She explained what a bad personal statement looks like and what a good personal statement looks like. I like how she actually acted out how a bad essay and a good essay look like. She really looked like she knew what she was saying. I also liked, how she interacted with the whole room instead of just staying behind the podium and talking. She made the workshop a lot more interesting. She talked about four important things that make a good essay; 1) Follow directions!, 2) Brainstorm, 3) Just Write! and lastly 4) Proof read. This information was very helpful and it made me think about how I can change how I write not just for the personal statement, but for every piece of writing that I will be doing. Jennifer also mentioned that in a personal statement it is important to brag about you and to stay on topic. Moreover, she said it’s very important that we be ourselves in writing the essay and not try to add smart words to make the paper sound intelligent. Overall, the information that was given at the workshop was great! I really enjoyed listening to her.
4) Write a personal evaluation of your experience of attending the National College Fair. Share whatever thoughts you have, but be sure to include a discussion of the following:
§ What information was the most useful?
§ What questions are still unanswered?
§ What should now be included in the next phase of your educational and career planning process?
The most useful information that I received from the National College Fair was the information that was provided at the workshop. The woman provided us with really great advice and tips on how to make a really good personal statement.
I didn’t really have any questions before I went to the College Fair because I still am not sure what I really want to do. So I just browsed through the aisles. I did go up to one university from Kirkland and I really liked it, except I wasn’t sure what steps I needed to take after I finish there, but that is only because I haven’t researched about it before. I really was happy to stop by that table because since then, I am looking forward to going to that university. Now, I need to focus on SAT. First, I have to take the PSAT and study hard so I get good scores each time I take it, so when it comes to taking my SAT I will be ready and hopefully I will get a good score to enter a university that I would like to be in. Second, I remember the lady mentioned that the personal statement has to be all about you. So I want to enjoy my life to the fullest so I can have something interesting to write about in my personal statement.
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