College Spotlight: University of Utah

Next in our lineup of college spotlights is the U.  Be aware:  the deadline for the Honors Program just around the corner...the earliest deadline of any program in the state.  I know that most of our students are somewhat familiar with the University, so this post just includes the information that is new or has changed.

• The Honors Program is a great way to have smaller classes (25-30 students, which is small at the U) while still enjoying the diversity and perks of being on an expansive University Campus.  Once accepted to the Honors Program, students can also apply for the esteemed Eccles Scholarship.  

• Deadlines:
• Honors Program, November 1st
• General Admission, December 1st
• Financial Aid (FAFSA & the Financial Need Application specific to the U), February 1st 

• The U has just completed the Lassonde Studios, which is already the center of innovation at the  U for undergrads.  Students can live at the Lassonde Studios (400 spaces), or simply engage in projects with other students.  Like the Honors Program, the Lassonde Studios helps to engage students from many different fields, and creates a small-college feel while simultaneously using the vast resources of the University.  It is a space for students to work collaboratively and work as entrepreneurs.    

• The U has repacked & renamed scholarships.  Be familiar with what YOU can apply for...because it is different than past years.  U of U Scholarship Page  Be sure to use the link for Freshman Scholarships as well as the link for Scholarship Database, which lists all scholarships on campus (department, major, special categories).  Be sure to have your XCel Spreadsheet ready to add in scholarships specific to you (see Blog Post: How to Organize Scholarship Applications )

• Admissions Officers advise all students to fully utilize the application!  Take advantage of short answers.  Fill in the awards section.  They really do review each application, and they want to know more information.
• If you had a bad semester explain it!
• If you don't have 2 years of a foreign language (which the U recommends), explain it!
• Take time to actually fill in the fields. 
• Be sure to read the question and answer it.  Too many students see part of the question and write an essay...be sure to take time and answer the question asked.  

• If a student is on free or reduced lunch, the U will offer an application fee waiver.  

College Spotlight: Salt Lake Community College

Next on our lineup of college spotlights is Salt Lake Community College, or "SLCC", usually pronounced "slick".  I feel like this option gets overlooked by our students, simply because it is a community college and doesn't have a big name.  Don't make the mistake of equating only a big name with success, because the goal is to go to college, and if you're holding out for a big name, but lack the grades and money, this is an option that can make your college goals a reality, while still giving you an amazing college experience!  Take some time and read on:

• SLCC is the only community college in the state of Utah, though it is rather a blend between a tech college, a junior college and a 4-year college.  Students will have a degree to move to a job, or continue at a 4-year college for a GREAT PRICE and a GREAT EXPERIENCE.  
• Tuition and fees for the YEAR = $3,688  (12 - 18 credits / semester)
• The Tech Program is now a part of SLCC.  Any tech programs are becoming competency based, so that when students show mastery of the technique, they can move forward and finish the program faster.  
• SLCC does a good job of mirroring what Salt Lake City is. There is no "typical class", because it takes in a HUGE spectrum of individual students.  The largest population does include students ages 18 - 22, but they also have a lot of non-traditional students.
• SLCC helps students transferring to a 4-year college.  50% of students transfer to U; the other 50% transfer to other 4-year colleges throughout Utah.  They have a transfer program to help students prepare for this, and regularly host Program Directors to make sure students are on track.
• There are 10 different campuses throughout the Salt Lake Valley.  Even though the main campus is at Redwood—there are opportunities at EVERY campus.  Each campus houses a different program.  
• Dozens of clubs and activities to be involved in, including service-learning.  If a student completes a certain number of service hours with their college work, they can graduate with a certificate of service-learning.  (This is a new push with all colleges & universities)
• Scholarship Deadline is February 1!  When students complete their application, it sets up a student profile, and matches them to every possible scholarship.  This application will be available by the end of November.  
• Financial Help!  Any student that is pell-eligible (full OR PARTIAL AMOUNT!), degree seeking, and taking 12 credits/semester can receive extra financial help.  SLCC will pay the gap between the amount given through financial aid the total amount owed for tuition and fees.  Their goal:  to help student's dreams become a reality.  This is HUGE!!!
• Some of their programs:  2 year nursing degree, dental hygiene, radiology tech, arts & media program (sound / video / animation / fashion institute / interior design).  Many, many more available.  Check out the dozens of programs and certificates SLCC offers.
• SLCC has a lot of adjunct faculty, which can really benefit students.  Most of the professors come directly from the industry:  they may not have their Ph.D., but they have the expertise in their industry and can help w/ internships & job placement.  There are some benefits to adjunct professors:  they are up-to-date with industry standards and best business practices.  
• Class size at SLCC is capped at 25.  At a big university, you need to be in an Honors College to have general education classes this small.  It's an ideal place for first-generation students, because the professors will know your name and reach out to help you.  
• Open Enrollment--any student can attend.

College Spotlight: Snow College

If I could go back to High School, I would take 5 minutes and check out Snow College.  Because if I were to give it just 5 minutes, I'd probably give the next 30 minutes, and then seriously considered attending.  It is the only junior college in the state of Utah, is residential--so you really get the "college experience", and it's a steal:  total cost of tuition, fees, board and room are approximately $5,600 - $7,500 (depending on your choice of dorm and eating plan).  But there's no need to pay more than $5,600--it's all-inclusive.  It is absolutely the best-kept secret in the state!  And not only is it affordable, it's a great experience!  Many students say it's like having all the benefits of studying at a small-liberal arts college, because you get so much attention from professors and great opportunities to study and be involved on campus. 

Still worried that it is out of your budget?  At Snow College, you can "stack scholarships", which means you can stack an academic scholarship on top of a leadership scholarship on top of a talent scholarship--you could get everything paid for and have them write YOU a check!  If you're eligible for a pell-grant, you could get that, too!  That's not just a good deal, it's the best deal in the state, definitely in the West.  That's such a good deal you should be checking out their website right now.

Okay, if you need some more convincing, here's a list of cool things (again, in no specific order)

• Open-Enrollment.  It's the mission of Snow College:  You Can Go to College!  
• Everyone there is between 18-22 years old, which is great because you can rise to leadership roles quickly, as everyone is either a freshman or sophomore.  
• It's NOT a commuter campus.  You don't need a car, because you'll eat, drink, and sleep @ Snow College.  As a residential junior college, you'll be able to totally immerse yourself in college without any distractions.  
• Most kids say "it feels like a small liberal arts experience"...minus the price tag
• There are two campuses:  Ephraim, Utah (which houses the traditional programs), and Richfield (which houses the applied technology programs).  If you want to go through the ATC, but want an experience away from home, check out the Richfield Campus.  
• As a junior college, it grants Associate's Degree, and helps students transfer to a 4-year college to complete a Bachelor's Degree. 
• This is a great fit for students that know they want a 4-year degree, but don't want to be swallowed up in general education classes that are taught by grad students, or number 50+ students.  Incidentally, the only class with 50 students is choir, and it stands alone:  most number 10-15 students; a class of 20 is a "big class"
•  They have adjunct professors--which can be a very good thing.  They are there to teach.  It's a teaching college--not a research university (they're both good--it just depends what YOU need and want)
• An Advising Staff will help students prepare to transfer to a University at the completion of their Associate Degree.
• The Bachelor Degree in Music with a Commercial Music Emphasis is the one exception.  Don't discount it:  the professors have links to professionals on East & West Coast, and help students with summer internships. 
• Good Diversity:  many first-generation students, multicultural students.  As a small college, they are ready to help students navigate the college system. 
• Opportunities are open for freshman and sophomore, and you don't have to "major" in something to be involved.  Studying pre-med, but want to be in the play?  Great!  That's absolutely okay and encouraged at Snow! 
• Application Deadline:  March 1, 2017

My advice to every student is to look at all sorts of college options, apply to several schools that could fit your goals (and finances and academic level), and see what happens with scholarships and pell-grants.  At this point in time, you don't have to decide where you are going to college:  you simply have to apply so that you have the option.  And Snow College is one great option to have on your list.

Shopping Around at a College Fair

This, my friends, is a college fair.  Tons of booths (close to 100!), with College Admission Reps from around the country.

And these are some of the awesome students that gave up an 6 hours on a Saturday to come to the RMACAC College Fair.  But really, when you think about it, you're going to spend 2-4 years at college.  It's smart to spend time finding a few places you would really be successful and happy.  

I felt SO proud of our students.  They attended the workshops, asked great questions, and visited the booths on their own.  I made the crazy goal to get through at least half of the booths--my awesome parent chaperone, Stacey Whitford--took the other half.  At every table, I would introduce myself as the College Prep Advisor for DaVinci Academy.  The response was always, "Oh, I've already met some of your students!"  I was so happy that our students not only took time out of their busy lives to go to a college trip, but once they were there, they used all the time they could to gather as much information about possible colleges they could attend.

These students saw what I hope all students see--that there are hundreds, literally thousands--of colleges throughout the country.  There are so many options that a student should never feel like they can't find a good fit.  In fact, after attending a college fair, a student usually is overcome with the sheer number of possibilities!  There are multiple "good fits" for each student--based on a number of factors, including academic preparedness, college programs, social and athletic involvement, surrounding area of the college,  financial cost, etc.  So yes, shop around.  Take time to attend college fairs, read brochures, scan through university websites, and figure out your own multiple "best fits"!  

Some cool things that happen at college fairs:

• You might discover a college you have never heard of--go to tables that may not be on your "list", and explore the possibilities
• A College Fair includes all types of colleges:  4-year universities, liberal-arts colleges, tech-schools, community colleges, junior colleges, Culinary Arts Institutes, Art Schools, and other options to check out  
• You grab information not only about the college as a whole, but about individual programs or about things that are unique to that college, that you wouldn't find out any other way
• They expect you to hit multiple colleges--so don't be nervous as you are talking to a representative from Utah State that you are holding a brochure from Dixie State.  They applaud a student that is shopping around, comparing all the aspects of the college to be sure that when they arrive at college--they are there for all 4 years.

Next time there is a college fair, jump on the bus and join us!