First Fall contest!

I've been mentioning to alot of you that I've met during high school visits and fairs that I will be holding contests within the coming months. Throughout the coming weeks we will have an on-going contest to see who can guess "Where on Campus is the Crusader..." details for that to come in a few days. My first contest is not so much a contest, but a general wonderment. I want to know what you are doing at your school or community to help bring a positive impact. This can be something large or not so large. Keep in mind that every positive action is worthwhile. So let me know! Send me a 30 second video clip, email, wall post or call me about what cool and exciting things you're doing in your community or school. Contest will end mid-october and the winner will be notified and receive a most excellent prize. Remember, be legendary in your own way!

Valpo's first fall 2009 visit day

Last Saturday, Sept 19, was Valpo's first fall visit day for 2009-2010 academic year. We had a great turnout and wonderful families and perfect weather. We are already preparing for our next visit day, Oct 12. There's always ways to improve and make the next visit day even better. We appreciate all the positive feedback and suggestions from the families that visited last Saturday. Our Oct 12 visit day looks like it will be a full house with several registrations already. I look forward to meeting more of my students and their families. I will post a few pictures from our visit day when I return to the office this Friday.

Fall travels with my new best friend, Garmin....

Yesterday officially started my fall travel for the year. I am currently in western Michigan visiting high schools and attending college fairs. I have 14 high school visits and 3 college fairs stretching from Jenison to Midland and everything in between. Thank goodness for a GPS! I don't know how I did travel before without one. I know...I relied on good old Mapquest and Google maps. It's kind of difficult to drive, especially in the dark, trying to read paper directions. Luckily, one of my student ambassadors at Valpo (thanks Susan!) let me borrow and try out her Garmin. She knew I was terrified to use one, because of everything I've seen in movies - things going wrong with it. Ha ha! I officially feel tech savvy enough to use one without freaking out that it's going to lead me to the middle of the woods or something. I know it's only Tuesday, but (knock on wood), the Garmin and I are getting along great....so far so good.

The rest of this week's travel includes....

3 college fairs @ CMU, Big Rapids, and Northwood University and 7 high school visits. I can't believe it's only Tuesday! I will have a full report of this week's travels Friday. Stay tuned!

Scholarship opportunity for my hispanic students & update

In honor of National Hispanic Heritage month PepsiCo has partnered with the Hispanic College Fund (HFC) to promote higher education among Hispanic Students. **The following is directly from a letter I received from PepsiCo**

The 2009 Pepsi Hispanic Heritage Month program offers information and resources to help parents and students through the college application process on a bilingual website: http://buildurdestiny.com or http://www.construyetudestino.com.

Students can also use the website to apply for special, merit-based scholarships. PepsiCo is offering 30 scholarships to assist with undergraduate and graduate studies, including 5 scholarships worth $4,000 each, and 25 scholarships worth $500 each. Recipients will be selected by the HCF.

The website launches on September 14, 2009 and applicants must submit paperwork by March 1, 2010 for consideration. Evaluation, selection, notification and student acknowledgement of award will take place from March 2 to April 30. All scholarships will be awarded in September 2010.

The website also features a daily trivia question about Hispanic heritage from September 14 to October 18, 2009. Participants will be entered in daily and weekly sweepstakes for fantastic prizes, including notebook laptops.

*************

On a different note Fall Travel is off to a smashing start. I have met with some rockstar students at high school visits as well as at fairs. I am impressed by this years class so far-- keep up the hard work! This week I will be at the Jones College Prep fair as well as making stops at Elk Grove High School and Rauner College Prep. Make sure you stop by for some Valpo info! Also, if you haven't yet started your application, now is the time. We do have rolling admission, but I encourage you to get it in sooner than later. The first admission decisions are going out this week... so if you have applied and submitted all of the required materials (app, transcript, test scores, counselor evaluation and essay), you will be hearing within the next few weeks!

If any questions arise, do not hesitate to email me: Megan.Marrs@valpo.edu or look me up on facebook: Megan At Valpo, or call the office.

Have a wonderful Monday and remember, be legendary in your own way!

Why go to college?

For those of you who wonder, "why should I go to college?", think about why you're asking that question. Is it cost? job placement? Distance? Family?

Many students and parents are wondering how they will afford college...should they attend a 2 year or a 4 year college...how about just get a job after high school graduation? With the stress of today's economy in the U.S., families are thinking twice about college. As a college admission counselor, this worries me. I not only work for a university in admission, but I also work for every family and student out there looking for college guidance.

Education is my passion and helping students through the college process is what I enjoy doing. When I was in high school, I didn't have much guidance. My single mother and I slowly muddled through the admission and financial aid process on our own. At a big high school with few guidance counselors, students can often times feel lost and unsure about college. This is where I come in. I help students find their way...why they should go to college....why Valpo.

Things I always tell my students to think about when going through the college admission process...think about your "fit" and where you feel most comfortable (not simply settling, but where you feel you will succeed). Colleges and universities are very competitive with one another as far as statistics - placement rates, graduation rates, and retention. If you're looking at all small private schools, they will more than likely be very similar/competitive in ratings - it's the other little things that make them different. Check out a class, meet with a professor, hang out with the students, stay overnight in one of the residence halls, and try the food. These are very important things students sometimes forget to take into consideration when selecting a college. US News & World Report and other magazine/book rankings and statistics can only play a role to an extent. While they certainly are important, I believe students will find their "fit' when taking the whole picture into consideration. I always ask, "do you want to be a statistic or a student in college?"

Aside from the financial worries for families, a college education takes time. Many students think four years is forever. It's not. Four years will fly by and before you know it you will be graduating college, wondering where the time went. Many students are simply anxious to become an adult, have a job and their own place, that they rule out the option of college. I cannot tell you how many people I know from high school who are now going to college part time, working full time and supporting a family. It's very likely that it will take them even longer to finish their degree than it would have had they gone to college full time after high school. Because of the length of time it takes, some students will drop out.

With the concerns of time and money, several students are opting for a community college education. They believe this option will save them time and money lost in a four year college. You can't rush order a quality college education. While a community college can be a stepping stone to a bachelors degree, it's also one you have to choose carefully. My advice to students taking this route...be sure to take courses that will transfer to the college you plan to transfer to and be in constant communication with the Registrars Office at both institutions for a smooth and successful transition. This route may not shave off much time, but it could possibly save you money if you do your research.

Whether it is time, money or graduation rates causing you to rethink the college route, think about your future. While it would be nice and easy to be making money now, rather than in 4 years, think about what you truly want out of your life. A job or a career? College takes time and hard work, but in the end it will be worth it. Without college, it could cause you to have to work harder for longer. The best advice I can give students is to choose a college you can see yourself graduating from - not just one with the best rankings or where all your friends are going or the one that seems the "easiest". A successful college career will lead to graduation and graduation from college will lead to better and more career opportunities. I believe life is a gamble without a college education.

College is a big decision. It is best to choose a college where you fit best and will be successful. While four years seems forever away, think about where you want to be and what you want to achieve in that time. There is a light at the end of the tunnel, but in the mean time, take it one step at a time and enjoy the journey.

Back to school!

Another school year brings another fall travel season for college admission counselors/reps. I will be hitting the road for my fall travel to high schools and college fairs September 21. Below is my fall travel schedule. Stop by my table at a college fair or visit me when I'm at your high school.

Sept 21, 2009:
Forest Hills Eastern H.S.
Forest Hills Central H.S.
East Grand Rapids H.S.
Forest Hills Northern H.S.

Sept 22, 2009:
Calvin Christian H.S.
Grand Rapids Christian H.S.
Northpointe Christian H.S.
Northview H.S. (drop off)

*College Night at Central Michigan University

Sept 23, 2009:
South Christian H.S.
Grandville H.S.
Jenison H.S. (drop off)

Sept 24, 2009:
Cedar Springs H.S. (drop off)
Rockford H.S.
Sparta H.S.

*College Night at Northwood University

Sept 29, 2009:
*College Night at Goshen high school

Sept 30, 2009:
MI Lutheran H.S.
St. Joseph H.S. (MI)

*Grand Rapids Area College Night

Oct 1, 2009:
Kalamazoo Christian H.S.
Holland Christian H.S.

*Holland Area College fair

Oct 6, 2009:
St. Joseph H.S. (IN)
Elkhart Memorial H.S.
Clay H.S.

*St. Joseph county college fair

Oct 7, 2009:
Elkhart Central H.S. (drop off)
Trinity School at Greenlawn
Penn H.S.

*Warsaw College Fair


Oct 8, 2009:
Marian H.S.
North Judson H.S.
Culver Academies

*Plymouth College Fair

Oct 12, 2009:
Kalamazoo Valley Community College Transfer Fair

Oct 13, 2009:
Mishawaka H.S.

Nov 2, 2009:
Kellogg Community College Transfer Fair & College Night

I'm looking forward to meeting many high school students and families and reading your applications.

Question:How many colleges do you recommend applying to, and how should it be broken down by in terms of “Reach,” “Likely” and “Safety”?

Answer: College application numbers are up nationwide for many reasons, but the ease of applying online is definitely a factor. Deciding how many colleges go on your final list is a balancing act.

Consider how to balance your time to ensure that each and every application you send out reflects the very best writing you have ever done. Strong applications to six colleges from a well-chosen list are far more likely to result in fat acceptance letters in your mailbox in April than weak or sloppy applications to 20 colleges.

I recommend applying to at least two “very probable” colleges, two to four “probable” colleges, and four to six “reach” colleges. Eight to 12 college applications should be sufficient; however, each student’s goals and admissions qualifications are unique; please take these numbers as guidelines only.

Make sure that you have researched your list carefully, that each college fits your preferences as tightly as possible and that you write passionately about why you would like to attend each one.

By The New York Times

Forget high tuition bills; just deciding on a college can empty out a parent's wallet

by Candice Choi/Associated Press

Thursday September 10, 2009, 7:00 AM

CAROLYN KASTER/ASSOCIATED PRESSStudent guide Coreyn Kosik, center, points out campus sites to prospective students and their parents during a tour of Juniata College in Huntingdon, Pa. Traveling to check out college campuses can get expensive fast.

Before worrying about college tuition, there's the small matter of getting your child into a school.

It's a process that can sap you of thousands of dollars, especially if you're booking hotel rooms and plane tickets to visit faraway campuses. Application fees alone can be $60 or more a pop.

"It's costing a fortune. I'm afraid to even keep track," said Elaine Dickinson, a resident of suburban Albany, N.Y., who visited several schools in the Northeast this summer with her 17-year-old daughter, Kate.

Like other parents, however, Dickinson considers the costs necessary to securing the best future for her child. With so much at stake, she admits it's easier to surrender any attempt at budgeting. Yet at a time when anxieties are high, mindful spending can help focus your goals.

As you ramp up the college application process in coming months, here's how you can tackle three major costs.

TEST FEES

The National School Lunch Program provided free or low-cost lunches to more than 30 million children last year. If your child was among them, your family could also be eligible for an SAT fee waiver. School guidance counselors can tell you about additional eligibility guidelines. Standard registration for the SAT costs $45.

Otherwise, knowing the test schedules and deadlines will help you avoid paying extra.

With the SAT, for example, there's a $23 fee for late registration and a $22 fee to change when or where you take the test. That's on top of the standard registration cost. The ACT test has comparable fees.

To stay on top of deadlines, visit collegeboard.com and actstudent.org.

A little planning can also help prevent the need to have scores rushed to a school. The option costs $27 plus $9.50 for each SAT report. It can add up, so don't opt for a rush out of fear.

"That's an area where anxieties may be causing them to spend more money than they need to," said Doris Davis, associate provost for admissions and enrollment at Cornell University.

Davis suggests calling the school to ask if a rush is necessary. For instance, students applying for early admission at Cornell don't need to have SAT scores rushed, even if they take the test a few days after the Nov. 1 application deadline.

Early admission applications are read well into December at Cornell, so it's OK if scores come in a week or two after the deadline.

"But no matter how much we reassure students, we always get rushed scores," Davis said.

Policies will differ from school to school, of course, so call the admissions office to check for guidance.

APPLICATIONS

It typically costs around $60 to apply to a college. So if your child applies to 10 schools, that's $600 off the bat.

To save some time and money, carefully weigh the chances that your child will end up at a particular university.

"The biggest way families can save is to research and be realistic," said Peter Mazareas, vice chairman of the College Savings Foundation, an advocacy group in Washington, D.C.

Often, he said, students apply to schools they wouldn't attend even if accepted or have little chance of getting into.

That said, your child should apply to at least one or two "reach" schools, as well as a couple fallback and safety schools. All told, six or seven schools should cover the bases, Mazareas said.

Once you've tightened the list of schools to target, look into whether you can get application fees waived. You're eligible for up to four requests to waive college application fees if you qualify for the SAT fee waiver.

Colleges may also accept letters from your guidance counselor stating that the fee would pose a hardship.

You might be also bypass the fee if the college is courting your child for academic or athletic reasons. Some schools have a "VIP application" for students they're trying to entice, said Dean Skarlis, a college admissions consultant in Albany, N.Y. But it's likely the school would have to reach out to your child for such privilege.

Of course, you could save a lot of money and heartache by applying for an early decision if your child is set on a particular school. If your child is accepted, you can use the money you're saving on other applications to celebrate.

CAMPUS VISITS

Traveling to check out campuses can get expensive fast. To narrow down the list of schools to visit, start by taking virtual tours.

Sites like YOUniversityTV.com, CampusTours.com and eCampusTours.com offer free guides on hundreds of universities. While they can't replace in-person visits, they might help rule out options your child is on the fence about.

While you're online, be sure to check out the academic and student life pages of official university websites. You might learn something that helps decide whether the school is worth a trip.

"I've had students apply to schools without realizing they don't offer the major they're interested in," said Skarlis, the college admissions consultant.

Of course, you'll want to visit schools in person if there's a good chance your child could end up there. But even then, there are ways to save.

Local alumni groups often sponsor bus trips and overnight stays for prospective students. You can find about such programs by calling or e-mailing the school's admissions office, or asking your child's guidance counselor.

Otherwise, try to make campus visits part of a family trip on a weekend or during winter break. For instance, Dickinson and her daughter set aside time to tour the University of Maryland while visiting family in the area this summer. Even better -- they made it a point to visit other nearby schools, too.

Quick Update...

My next blog will be much lengthier... but here's a quick look at my weeks travel:

Tuesday Sept 8:
St. Scholastica Fair

Wednesday Sept 9:
Deerfield High school visit
Maine South High School visit
Resurrection High School fair

Thursday, Sept 10:
Gordon Tech High School Fair

Friday, Sept 11:
De La Salle Institute Fair

I'll keep you up to date on my travels this week, local hot spots I hit up, funny stories, campus happenings, etc. As always email me at: megan.marrs@valpo.edu or Facebook me at Megan At Valpo!

I hope to see you out in CHI!

In the meantime.... be legendary in your way...