What do colleges prefer? ACT or SAT?

Which do colleges care about more? The ACT or the SAT?

Many students question whether colleges prefer one test over the other but in reality colleges accept BOTH the ACT and the SAT. What matters the most, is what you think is more comfortable taking for colleges. Try and take both practice test of the SAT and ACT to help you decide which you would prefer.  Both offer a unique different testing style, and many students prefer one over the other. 

 1. Is college really worth it?
      -Yes college is worth it, this can mean the difference between being financially stable or not. It doesn't mean that if you don't go to college you wont be able to be but according to the census, households with someone holding a master’s degree earned approximately $77, 935 and the median household income for those having a bachelor’s degrees was $65, 922  there is a definite financial advantage going to college.

 2. How do I know what college to attend?
      -First of all you would need to know what is something that you have passion for and would like thrive in as a career. Next research what is the best college that specializes in that major. Find out deadlines, requirements, tuition, and all the info you need to make the best choice.

What’s better On-campus or Off-Campus housing?

      When going into depth with this question I realize that is depends on the type of  person you are. If you’re the type of person that wants the full college experience, and wants “easy living” then the on campus life is for you. The pros about on campus living is that you’re away from your parents, you get to make connections, and everything you’ll every need is literally available on campus. The only negative affect of this is that you’re in a compacted space, and you’re constantly interacting with people. If this doesn’t sound like something you’ll like, then you will fit perfectly with off-campus housing. The pros to this is you get privacy,independence, you’ll be close to your family, and also you get to select your space. The cons about off-campus living is that you’ll be isolated from your school and friends, everything will not be accessible, and most likely you’ll have have more than 3 roommates. So decide what’s better for you as a person, but remember also to test your boundaries.

2) Should I get a job while attending college?

     To be honest I believe that everyone that is taking out a loans to attend college, should most definitely get one.Since you don’t want to spend the rest the rest of your life paying off those loans.

UC v. CSU? & SCHOLARSHIPS?!

1. Which is better? UCs or Cal States?

    The difference between the two (academic wise) is that UCs are research institutions and the curriculum tends to be more theoretical, with more research opportunities. Also, they're preferably better for graduate school. While, CSU are more towards practical skills and hands-on experience. BUT keep in mind neither is better than the other, they are both great. It can all depend on your major, career goals, and preference.

2. SCHOLARSHIPS!!
    College can be expensive, but there are so many opportunities to help with the cost, for example scholarships. Apply! Apply! Apply! It is never to late to apply for scholarships. Any amount of money little or big, can help.  All you have to do is take the time to research scholarships.
Here are a few secure resources:

• Take advantage of Naviance! 

https://connection.naviance.com/family-connection/auth/login/?hsid=mayfairhigh

1. Log in with your school username and password
2. Under the "colleges" category, scroll down to the bottom where it says "scholarships".
3. you can then click on the "national scholarship search"

• Also, take advantage of College Board. 

https://www.collegeboard.org

1. Sign into your account
2. Scroll down to "access" & click on "scholarship search" or visit: https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/scholarship-search#!welcome

• Scholarships. made simple. https://www.scholarships.com
• Fast Web  https://www.fastweb.com

• Cappex   https://www.cappex.com

Should students go to school full time and work?

- Going to school full time and working a part time job. Many may say it is a distraction. However, going to school and having a job can have good benefits. It can help you avoid debt by reducing the amount of money you borrow for tuition and books. Due to student loans taking years to pay for. Working while in college can teach you time management skills. It can help you overall to balance your school, studies and job. While still getting enough sleep and having fun. Lastly, working in college provides employee benefits which means you could qualify for health insurance and tuition benefits. It can also give you a sense of independence.

How often do students change there major?

- when going to college many have already decided what their major is. However, 50-70% change majors at least once while in college . While others in college will change there majors as many as 3 times before they graduate. When choosing a major it can be a stressful process. So many go in undecided intill they figure out what their major will be. There are many reasons people change majors from not understanding the material to finding something that is more beneficial to their life and financial stability. Personally I don't know what I'm majoring in. I'm hoping with some research and time I will figure it out so I won't have to switch majors all throughout college.

College Questions: Study Abroad

1. Can I study abroad as an incoming freshman?

* It is becoming more common for first year college freshman to spend their first semester or year studying aboard.  Studying abroad as a freshman can help you develop valuable skills that can be helpful in any course of study and can equip you for future and career success. Studying in another country also means experiencing new ways of life and developing a greater understanding of people and different cultures.  As a freshman, learning more about the world around you can greatly expand your way of thinking and help you analyze problems, which can be beneficial throughout the rest of your college career.

2. What if my college or university doesn’t offer a study aboard program?

* Don’t worry if the college you are planning to attend doesn’t have a study aboard program, because there are ways to be able to do it. You can always talk to neighboring colleges or universities to see if you can be part of their programs to still receive credit for your institution. It is recommended that every student looks around for the best study abroad program that fits your academic needs and desires.

Why is Going to Community College a Shame to Students?

Why is Going to Community College a Shame to Students?

       - Some students see no problem with going to a community college. In fact, there isn't anything wrong with it. But in most situations, however, I feel like when one is surrounded by a group of people who are bound to go to a university, it only makes them feel like if they take the community college route, they feel inferior to their peers. Some people also can't afford to go to a university, which is also fine. Personally, I plan on attending a Cal State school, but my parents remind me that the first year of community college is free, which will benefit many students and their families.

What are the Top Five Cheap(er) UCs in the U.S?

Out of all of the common UC schools we hear of, these are the five, less expensive (off campus):

1. UCLA
2. UC Irvine
3. UC Merced
4. UC Riverside
5. UC San Diego

Community College and Medical School

1. Will I be accepted into Medical School if I attended a community college and transferred to a UC?
A study has shown that usually students who entered a medical school have not usually attended a community college and have mostly attended UC's. However, it is not a lost cause. Although it is more difficult to attend a medical school through community college, medical schools look at the whole picture of the student rather than what schools they attend. They will look at your school activity and most importantly, your grades. So make sure to keep on track!

2. Prerequisites to take when applying to medical school.
Although medical schools look at the whole picture of the student, they will also notice the timeline of each prerequisite taken. It is recommended to save all the important prerequisites (biology, organic chemistry and chemistry) of med school until entering the 4 year university. If you so happen to take the prerequisites during community college years, they might think that you're just looking for the easier route to pass your classes. In the end, however, grades are the most important when applying for a med school.

Let's Talk About Forensic Science

What's the difference between a career in crime scene investigation vs. forensic science?

Crime Scene Investigators, or CSIs, mainly focus on the investigative parts of the job and work mostly in the field, while forensic scientists mainly work out of their labs. The two often work together, with CSIs bringing evidence back to the lab for the scientists to analyze. However, both jobs carry out the same objective of helping establish justice by gathering and analyzing evidence to come to a clear conclusion of the truth and taking action.


What are some statistics about the forensic science field?

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the typical entry-level education required is at least a Bachelor's degree. The average pay in 2016 was around $56,750 a year, which equals approximately $27.29 per hour. In 2016, the Bureau's overview states that there were 15,400 forensic science jobs and from 2016-2026, there is a predicted 17% rate of employment growth, which is much faster than the average 7% rate.

College Questions

For the UC schools, is it best to select an alternate major in the same field or something different?

- It is recommended that you select an alternate major in a different field because normally any majors in the same field get filled up quickly, especially the engineering and medical fields. Case example: UC Santa Barbara. Their college of engineering gets filled up fast so if you do select your major in engineering they require you to select an alternate major in their college of arts and sciences.


If the UC of my choice accepts me but not for the major I want but another UC accepts me for the major I want, where should I go? My first UC choice or the second?

- This is a more personal opinion kind of question but I think it is better to go where you are comfortable. A lot of majors overlap and often times take the same classes so while your focus won't be the first major you intended it would be similar and you would be in a welcoming environment.

College Questions

1)  What are some of the top schools for mechanical engineering in California?
-  Some of the top engineering schools in California are Stanford University, UCLA, and the California Institute of Technology.  However, these colleges are extremely selective in who they admit, and therefore, it is a good idea to apply to schools like UCI, Cal Poly San Luis Abispo, Cal Poly Pomona, and others as well since they are also very strong choices.  In any case, it is possible to get a great education out of any of these schools and possibly numerous other I have not listed.  Just a small summary of what I found.

2)  Is it a good idea to double major? 
I asked myself this question because of my desire to pursue music as well as mechanical engineering, so here are my findings. 
     Although many people believe that it is a good idea to double major because it can give students a wider area of expertise that could be beneficial in starting a career, studies show that this is not the case.  A recent paper published in the Journal of Cost-Benefit analysis shows that double majoring does not help people earn a higher salary.  This is possibly because the lack of diversity of skills involved with some double majors, and on the other end of the spectrum, skills that are so  unrelated that they are not useful to the development of one another.

Interested In Attending Medical School?

What undergraduate major should I choose that would best prepare me for medical school?

Majors do not affect your chances at getting into medical school because they are based on your Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) score and your college GPA.  Although majors do not have an affect on your admission into medical school, there are still majors that will make it easier for you when attending medical school.  Majors in biological sciences are very popular among students looking to get into medical school because it has already been incorporated into medical school prerequisites.

What are the top 5 medical schools in the U.S?

1. Harvard University
2. Standard University
3. John Hopkins University
4. University of California San Francisco
5. University of Pennsylvania

Danger Noodles

1.) What is FERPA in the Common App? Should I waive it or not?

To clarify, FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act) is a federal law that protects the privacy of student education records. Waiving it will prevent you from being able to read Letters of Recommendation written for you. This will show that you have nothing to hide as a person. Waiving FERPA should only be done if you trust the writers of your Letters of Recommendation. Conversely, deciding not to waive the act will allow you to see the letters written for you. Doing so may hinder your chances and you may be asked in an interview as to why you chose to read your Letter of Recommendation. Some reasons as to why would include: correcting factual mistakes, relieving stress, and learning the feedback it provides.

2.) What is Double Majoring? Should I do it?

Double Majoring, especially in difficult courses, is a suicidal task that can reap plenty of benefits post-graduation. The term "Double Major" refers to the commitment to two majors as an undergraduate. Doing so will add one or more years before acquiring your bachelor's degree due to the sheer number of classes you will need to take in college. It is a very difficult task indeed, but it will provide high ground once you graduate. Take, for example, a double major in Aerospace Engineering and Physics. Companies will be much more willing to take in a double major of said courses over a graduate with a single major under their belt. In short, it will increase the chances of landing a job immediately after acquiring your bachelor's degree. Alternatively, you can take a single major over the course of four years, acquire a smaller job, and then attempt to get a master's degree in order to get a higher-end job.

College Questions

How do I do letters of recommendation from the Common App?

First, complete a brag sheet and ask your teacher to write a letter of recommendation for you. If they say yes, you must create an account through the common app at commonapp.org.  Then, you must add the college to your colleges list.  From your My colleges list, choose the school that needs the letter of recommendation. On the left-hand side, select Recommenders and FERPA. From there, you must either waive or not waive your right to FERPA Release Authorization. Then, you can click "Invite and Manage Recommenders". Just fill in the necessary information from there and your recommender should receive an email. Make sure to invite a counselor to complete the rest of your information as well.

What is the most expensive college in the US?

The most expensive college in the US is Harvey Mudd, coming at the ticket price of $67,255 a year. The price is split up with a cost of $50,749 for tuition and fees and $16,506 for room and board. Just to note, Harvey Mudd requires all freshman to live on campus the first year, so even though the college is close and commuting is possible, commuting is not possible the first year, driving the expense to $67,255. Second place goes to Columbia University with an MSRP of $66,383 including tuition and room and board. Third place goes to New York University, retailing at $65,860. If any of you guys plan on going to one of these, be prepared to hit the student loans or scholarships.

Why study architecture?

Architecture encompasses the art and science of how buildings are structured and designed. Architects have a range of jobs varying from planning houses, designing rooms, constructing bridges, and so on.  It is a way to make an impact on society through innovation and creativity.

What are the top universities that offer architecture in California?

Top five schools in California include:

1. University of Southern California, 4-year private university 
2. University of California, Berkeley, 4-year public university 
3. University of California, Los Angeles, 4-year public university 
4. Southern California Institute of Architecture, 4-year private university
5. California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, 4-year public university  

College Questions: Marine Biology

What happens during a day of a marine biologist's life? 

Marine biology is the perfect career choice for budding underwater explorers—those who are fascinated by ocean creatures like sharks, crabs, fish, and coral. Marine biologists during tha day study saltwater organisms and their relationships to their environments. The specific subject areas that marine biologists focus on are almost limitless. Some might research the migration of ocean seals in the morning, while others might investigate the interaction between sea anemones and coral in the afternoon, in a certain area. They also look at the complex chemical makeup of marine toxins, both natural (in poisonous sea creatures) and man-made. Many marine biologists work at large aquariums throughout the day, caring for the creatures that live there. Others study the population fluctuations in different species of fish.

Would it be a good idea to seek out internships?

Internships are an ideal way to get introduced to marine biology research. Internships are a great idea for yourself to get more involved and your hands dirty whith what you want to pursue. So they are there to give an opportunity to learn and to be there if you would like to do that profession. Many marine laboratories have internships for college students. Internships for high school students are less common. One of the most successful systems is the Research Experiences for Undergraduate Programs, run by the National Science Foundation.

1) What campus jobs pay the best?
     - Obviously it depends on the school but two of the most paid jobs are writing tutors and tour guides. Writing tutors get paid up to $30 an hour and tour guides get paid up to $20 an hour. Other jobs such as IT Technician, administrative assistant, and athletic department assistant also pay very well.

2) How to make sure that your credits transfer if you start at a community college?
     - Some public colleges make arrangements with 4 year universities and these arrangements help students to automatically transfer their credits, so make sure to ask about that. Another thing that you have to be aware of is the courses that you take. Make sure that you know exactly what university you want to go to so you know which courses are transferable and which ones are not. 

Financial Needs

Would college students find themselves in a better financial state living at home or living in dorms?

Without a doubt college student will find themselves using more money living in a dorm. They will be required to provide themselves with their own household necessitates such as furniture, kitchen utensils, laundry supplies, and body care. More importantly they will need money to provided meals for themselves. However, if they were living at home all these necessitates will be provided by their legal guardians.

Is having a low income a good excuse to not attend college?

Their are so many financial assistance provided to college students that a low income is not a valid excuse to miss the opportunity to attend college. FAFSA is a great example of student aid available to college students with a low income. Also, there are many scholarship opportunities to students of all academic levels and backgrounds. The only financial barrier college students will encounter will be their failure to take advantage of the financial help available to them.

Questions For College

1. What colleges can someone apply to for majoring in Engineering? Colleges that are available currently to apply for Engineering are Texas A & M University, University of Central Florida, Arizona State University  and so much more! Just remember that these are just a few as there are over 100 Colleges that offer engineering programs across the U.S.
2.What are the benefits of studying Engineering? The benefits of Studying Engineering is that you will develop the mentality of an engineer, in other words, you will gain the skills of analyzing and critical thinking to the point where you can overcome many difficult tasks. You will also be able to figure out the problem to something without having to stress about it. This will help you grow as a person and become better at Engineering. Engineering pays about ''$60,000 to $180,000'' per year.

college questions

1.) Is it better to study in the morning and have college classes at night or to have college classes in the morning and study at night?

  It's better to study in the morning and have college classes as night so if you have a test on that day you could study in the morning and the afternoon then have the test after a day of studying rather than studying in the night and forgetting everything in the morning and then taking the test. Just my logic that answers this question for ya'll.

2.) Can you eat in a college class? hmmmm

  You can do anything at this point, you are the adult, and from my expertise I've heard that you can even bring a blanket if you are cold in class or do anything just don't disrupt the class and learn. Just what I've heard that answers this question for ya'll.

How to know which college is for you?
When it comes down to deciding which college is right for you, it can be hard for some of you. Some things that can help you choose the right college is figuring out which aspects you're looking for. For example, consider size, location, available majors and classes, housing options, campus atmosphere, and price, etc. 


What career paths can a criminal justice major open?
With a criminal justice degree, you can become a detective, police officer, lawyer, judge, diplomatic security agent, and so much more. 

Considering Community College?

1. Why choose community college over a 4-year university?
- Most people who go to community college instead of a 4-year university are sensitive about money, and are well aware of the debt they can easily accumulate at a university.
- CCs are also very flexible, especially if you are unsure what career you want to pursue.
- CCs are especially helpful for full-time students who want to work on the side.

2. Are community college courses easier than ones at a university?
No. If anything, the difficulty of the class depends on the professor, not the school.

Nursing 101

1) What does it take to be accepted into a nursing program?
-In California, many of the universities and colleges are very impacted. It is very competitive to be accepted as a nursing major, so it is important to have high grades and test scores right away. Many schools will not allow you to switch to a nursing major once accepted into the college. However, it is very easy for transfer students to be accepted as a nursing major depending on the classes/ units they have taken.

2) What are the types of pre-licensure for a nursing?
- There is an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) which takes 2-3 years. This is offered at many community colleges. This degree will prepare you to provide registered nursing care in numerous settings.
- There is a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) This takes 4 years. It is also referred to as Baccalaureate degree. Many California State Universities and some private colleges offer this major. BSN in nursing prepares you to provide registered nursing care in numerous settings and to move to administrative and leadership positions.

College Questions

1)  What are some requirements to join the military force?

• Take the ASVAB, be in good health, and be a least 17.

2)  What are the best colleges to apply to if you're majoring in nursing? (Either in California or an out-of-state college)

• A good college in California for nursing is UCLA and for an out of state college, Duke University in Durham, North Carolina is a good choice.

Lailah McCullough- College Question

1.Why should I go to college if I haven't decide what to do as a career?

It is good to go to college anyway because it will open new opportunities

2.  Should I study in-state or out-of-state for a nursing degree.
  Staying in state for a nursing degree is the best opinion because the exam in California  is hard here and it apply to all the states 

College Questions

1. Is it best to go out of state for your college education or stay home ?

I think it depends on the students interest. I personally want to go out of state to experience different things.

2. Does your colleges that you're applying to require a personal statement?

Only two colleges out of the nine I have applied to, require the statement. However, I still sent it to all nine.

What is Your Why?

My Why is to bring joy to people and to do something my family has never done before. BOOM. wasgood with it doe

Should I Go to College if I Don’t Know What Career to Pursue? 

"Don’t fret too much about choosing a major before you go to college. Most colleges and universities have programs for undecided students. If you don’t declare a major as a freshman, you can take general education classes for your first few semesters so that you’ll have more time to think about what you want to do with your life. You can also take this time to take a few courses in subjects that interest you. By taking a wide variety of courses during your first year, you may find a new passion or rekindle an old one. Talking to your advisor and making wise choices about the courses you take should enable you to graduate in four years as long as you make a decision in your second or third semester and don’t declare more than one major or decide to major in something that requires a specific sequence of courses."

What are Some Good Time Management Strategies to Employ at College?

"Kelci Lynn Lucier of U.S. News and World Report recommends scheduling some personal time throughout the day as well. As hard as you work, you deserve some time to play. When making your schedule, write down events you want to attend and things you want to do with your friends. This helps you see when you need to study and gives you a reward for your hard work. If your friends want to hit a frat party on Friday night, you’ll know that you need to work a few hours earlier in the day to get that time off."

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[KC]: Peter Elbow Reflection Instructions

Remember, you have ONE week after your video presentation to get me this one page reflection.