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Applying to colleges can be a daunting task — for students and their parents. Seeking guidance, we consulted local college admissions counselors and enrollment experts. Study up on their valuable advice. By Rachel Jones

s a student, preparing for the future can be an overwhelming the family car,” Linzer says. “There are many great colleges, not just the decision. But with the right tools and mindset, it can be an ones that roll off the tip of your tongue.” Aempowering process. Dr. Helane Linzer, founder of IvyMaven If students have a college they’re considering, they should do as much and member of the Higher Education Consultants Association, works research as they can and schedule a campus visit. Linzer says this gets individually with gifted students who are applying to colleges. “I start a film going in the student’s head of what it might be like to attend that working with students at whatever point families realize applying is college. If they can see themselves starring in that film, this is a school complicated and best accomplished with a plan,” Linzer says. “It often to apply to. It may be intimidating, but talking to current students and seems too early, until it’s too late.” professors can also provide more insight. As a parent, it might be hard to take a step back and not get Once a collection of colleges has made it to the favorites category, it’s too involved at such a crucial moment. “This process is the first time to work on that application. Essays can be tricky, as teens negotiate important life decision for many students,” Linzer says. “The best how to best convey their leadership qualities, talents, work ethic, etc. way for parents to help is to be supportive and encouraging in the “Students are afraid that what they want to say will sound cliche, but background, but increasingly let the teen take ownership. Trust your we all learn the same life lessons,” Linzer says. “We learn them different child to be able to do this.” ways, though, so be specific and tell a story only you can tell.” Hint: Before researching colleges, students need to look at who they are to pretending to be the application officer who will read the essay is a get a sense of what schools and study area will be the best fit. Linzer great way to make sure all of the bases are covered. “Even the ‘big name says teens need to consider their interests and talents; participating in schools’ love seeing students who had an authentic teenage experience activities in those areas will help. But pinpointing an interest you can and can communicate that well,” Linzer adds. “They don’t necessarily commit to is not an easy thing to do. “Students are afraid if they don’t want someone who spent high school as a mini-adult.” know their major by 17,” Linzer says. “Apply to schools that will give a We know it seems like applying and getting into colleges is the solid education, and you will discover an area that’s right for you.” biggest thing on the table, but the true goal is to find a future that With nearly 2,400 four-year colleges in the U.S., the options can fits with the students’ aspirations. “I really think it’s important to feel overwhelming. Just remember that schools should be chosen not see beyond the psychological horizon of the name of the school and solely because the student can get in, but because it represents a good getting in,” Linzer says. “It helps to envision your future beyond fit overall. “Don’t worry too much about the decal going on the back of acceptance.” IvyMaven, 412.421.1208. ivymaven.com.

whirlmagazine.com n Whirl Photograph from Seton Hill University. 71 Apply Now When exploring the La Roche College Carlow University plethora of school options students: 1,465 Students: 2,310 available, check out these majors offered: More than 50 Majors offered: 36 undergraduate majors, 15 undergraduate and graduate majors master’s programs, and two doctoral programs outstanding local options. campus Size: 43 acres Campus size: 15 acres in Oakland, branch Average tuition: $24,028 per year campuses in Greensburg and Cranberry popular majors: Criminal justice, Average tuition: $25,416 per year psychology, accounting, graphic and Popular major: Nursing communication design, interior design, Upcoming event: Graduate Open House on management, and education September 19, Undergraduate Saturday Tour Upcoming events: Open House on on September 28 November 9 Carlow University, 3333 Fifth Ave., Oakland. Also: Campus visits are offered daily 800.333.2275. carlow.edu. at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., and on select Saturdays each month La Roche College, 9000 Babcock Blvd., McCandless. 412.367.9300. laroche.edu.

Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine (LECOM) students: 3,599 Seton Hill University majors offered: Doctor of Osteopathic students: 2,600 Medicine (D.O.), Doctor of Dental Medicine (D.M.D.), Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D), M.S. majors offered: More than 80 in medical education, M.S. in biomedical undergraduate programs, 16 graduate science, and health science post baccalaureate programs, and many advanced certifications Campuses: Lake Erie College of Robert Morris campus Size: 200-acre main hilltop campus, Osteopathic Medicine in Erie, Pa., LECOM plus adjacent downtown Greensburg, Pa., at Seton Hill in Greensburg, Pa., and University campus LECOM Bradenton in Bradenton, Fla. students: 5,500 Average tuition: $15,150 per semester (undergraduate) Average tuition: $30,750 for D.O., $24,500 majors offered: 60 undergraduate for Pharm.D, $48,000 for D.M.D programs of study and 20 graduate popular majors: Biology, business, Upcoming event: Open House for programs of study education Prospective Students on November 8 at Erie campus Size: 230 acres Upcoming event: Fall Open House on and Seton Hill campuses October 20 Average tuition: $25,095 per year Also: LECOM has one of the lowest tuition Also: Through the FastForward Bachelor’s Upcoming events: Freshmen Open rates for medical schools in the U.S. and to Master’s Program, students can earn their House on October 12 and November 9 offers $3 million in scholarships each year. undergraduate degree and their master’s in Also: Within one year of graduation, LECOM, 1858 W. Grandview Blvd., Erie. only five years. Plus, every full-time student 93 percent of students are working or 814.866.6641. LECOM at Seton Hill, 20 Seton receives an iPad mini, and every full-time attending graduate school. Hill Drive, Greensburg. 724.552.2880. LECOM freshman is provided a MacBook air laptop! Bradenton, 5000 Lakewood Ranch Blvd., Robert Morris University, 6001 University Seton Hill University, 1 Seton Hill Drive, Bradenton, Fla. 941.756.0690. LECOM.edu. Blvd., Moon. 800.762.0097. rmu.edu. Greensburg. 800.826.6234. setonhill.edu.

Photographs from La Roche, Carlow University, LECOM, Whirl n September 2013 72 Robert Morris University, and Seton Hill University. Expert Tips

Stephanie A. Demalon, assistant director of admissions at Carlow University, says: “Gather as much information as possible, and begin paring down the schools as quickly as possible, so the student does not feel overwhelmed. Make the decision early, if possible, then begin to focus on making a smooth transition to the post-secondary institution.”

Sue Winstel, director of admissions at Carlow University, says: “Students need to consider several factors: the class size they feel most comfortable with, the location, the academic programs offered, and the cost. Many private colleges and universities have more scholarship and institutional grant opportunities available.”

Brady Butler, director of marketing and media relations at La Roche College, says: “Visit several campuses to decide which is the right one for your needs. While visiting, be sure to take a tour, shadow a class, and meet with a professor in your major of interest.”

“Although the deadline for FASFA [the Free Application for Federal Student Aid] is May 1, complete it early in February. Take the SAT or ACT in your junior year, in case you need to take it again your senior year.”

Kathy Zboyovski, admissions recruiter at LECOM, says: “Students should meet with their school guidance counselor to discuss career opportunities.”

“Students who are interested in becoming physicians, pharmacists, or dentists should be taking math and science courses, especially bioscience. They should participate in leadership and community service opportunities in the health and social services fields, and shadow health care professionals.”

Kellie Laurenzi, dean of admissions at Robert Morris University, says: “Use the many resources available to you to find schools that match your academic, career, and social interests. Create a ‘shopping list’ of items you want or need to have in your college experience.”

“Continue to take a challenging academic course load, work hard in school, and prepare for college entrance exams. This will give you the best chance for success in gaining admission to your top schools and for scholarship consideration.”

Michael Poll, vice president of enrollment management at Seton Hill University, says: “Do your research, and go with your instincts. There is so much information and misinformation available. Don’t get overwhelmed, stick to the fundamentals, and make a well- informed decision.”

Ashley Josay, director of undergraduate admissions at Seton Hill University, says: “Make sure to share as much information as possible on your application. It’s important to provide details about all of the clubs and activities you participate in because there may be opportunities to secure special scholarships related to leadership and community service.”

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