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.
1) That is very important information to know especially if you do not know too much about the common app. Waiving it can be a bit concerning however, a way to eliminate that feeling would to give it to a reasonable source you can relay on.
ReplyDelete2) Without a doubt double majoring is a difficult task. It requires serious commitment. However, double majoring will put you in a higher competitive position in the work force.For instance it will be difficult for someone with one major to compete against you.
I find this interesting as I was also somewhat considering double majoring. However, the main problem with double majoring is the time management skills required. Pursuing on major alone is difficult, so imagine trying to earn multiple degrees at once. If you pick the right type of double major, such as engineering and physics like you mentioned, it may be helpful. However, if you pick two unrelated majors, it won't be very useful. Put simply: be careful.
ReplyDeleteDouble majors are no joke, especially the combination you chose for your example. Although double majors does add a title under you it is time consuming and so for some majors that time could be spent else where and more usefully. Jumping off your aerospace/physics example, if you did one of those two majors you could possibly find an internship or job program while in college and it could lead to landing a job sooner than someone with a double major. Just a thought and another path for anyone who wants to do more outside of just earning one degree.
ReplyDeleteThank you for clarifying the FERPA I was a little confused on what to do.
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