An area of increasingly interest to high school students in recent years has become Summer Pre-College Programs.  They run from the gamut from 1-2 week academic experiences to full blown 7 week programs where students take a couple of college level courses comparable to normal programs at the university.  Whatever program you choose, they offer three potential benefits.

1. Understanding College and Building Confidence

The first year of college is an exhilarating but also concerning experience for students.  Their image of college has largely been formed by TV or movies.  For many young adults, this is their first exposure to real independence.  High school is the most structured experience in many people’s lives (outside of the military).  Course periods are planned to the minute, while papers, homework and quizzes are scheduled with precision.  By contrast, college is less ordered.  Papers and exams are often bunched at the middle to end of the semester.  Classes often have no attendance.  It is up to students to show up, plan ahead, and spread out their work.  Getting exposed to the rhythms of college ahead of time can be really useful.  Students also get a vibe for campus life – do they prefer a campus close to a large city or do they want a large, leafy campus hidden away?  It will also give you a better sense of what to look for when you tour campuses during the college search.

2. Finding a Major

Many students struggle to find the right major. They often erroneously think they have found their dream major without ever having been exposed to the coursework that it entails.  (Or, they may come to college very unsure of what major to pursue.)  Since the first year of college often involves taking university requirements, students may find themselves dropping a major after taking their first course or wandering around from major to major for the first few years.  By senior year, they are struggling to graduate on time.

Summer programs allow them to experience the nitty gritty of individual majors.  Thinking biology, what is lab work really like?  Accounting or finance?  Find out if its really your passion.  Experiencing coursework and having a strong sense of the right major can really simplify and focus the college search.  Finding out in advance that a major is not right for you is just as useful.

3. Lighting the Fire, Getting Ready To Apply

During the daily grind of high school, college can seem far away and grades hard to focus on.  Getting a taste for college and understanding that work now will pay off later can help many students stay focused.  If a student is unsure they are ready for college, this can help answer that question as well.

Relatedly, the application process is also somewhat alien for many students.  What is writing a college essay like?  Are you ready for the SAT/ACT?  Many summer programs also incorporate courses in college prep, essay writing or studying for standardized exams.

Some General Advice

Do not worry too much about the college, but focus on the program (and what you can comfortably afford).  If a program is run out of a school, do not assume that it will give you a leg up in admissions to it.  Think instead how the program and your experiences make you a more interesting candidate for a range of schools you are interested in attending.

By Amelia Mezrahi, New York, NY

By Amelia Mezrahi, New York, NY

Each year, about 300,000 students at U.S. universities study abroad.  The advantages are clear.  Professionally, as the world becomes more globalized and U.S. firms ever more linked to and dependent on foreign markets, students gain valuable insight and experiences abroad.  Personally, it is also a chance for maturation and exploration as students learn independence and take advantage of a study abroad location as a springboard for travel to neighboring cities and countries.  And where study abroad once meant separation from family and friends but for the occasional long distance phone call or postcard, in today’s interconnected world students are in constant touch with friends and family via email, Skype, Facebook, Whatsapp, and other services.

Traditionally, students might do a semester abroad at a satellite campus to their own university or another such school.  This allowed for a simple transfer of grades and records, a ready group of classmates for friendship and travel.  Students who are seeking a more immersive experience might enroll in a foreign university directly, often on an exchange program.

However, such programs do not work for every student.  Some students find their schedules too tight to take a semester abroad.  They may have very specific major requirements and technical courses that are not offered abroad.  They may have transferred recently to their new school and need or want to stay on campus.  Or they may prefer a foreign experience that is outside their normal college programs.

There are also more alternative study abroad options than ever.  Programs run for all lengths and all times of the year, including those during student breaks.

Three options warrant particular consideration. 

First, students should consider a gap year between high school and college.  Long an option among students is in Europe as well as countries like Australia and New Zealand. Gap years have grown in popularity in the U.S. as well.  Travel during gap years allow for true independence as students explore the globe, but it can also be combined with the other options discussed below.

Second, students can look at placed internships in study abroad programs.  There are several direct advantages of such programs.  Students gain some business/office experience.  More and more programs are specific to fields, like medicine, or sciences.  They not only have something to show on a resume and tout in interviews, but to demonstrate for potential employer they are responsible and independent as well as possess an understanding of basic office etiquette.  More advanced students interested in graduate school can also look at placement at foreign schools and institutes as research assistants.

Third, student might consider international service learning (e.g. volunteering) programs.  This can be done before, during or after college, but allows for intense personal development, exposure to real world challenges and tougher working environments (especially given the increasing luxury of some universities).  Programs vary greatly in location, duration and cost in order to maximize student flexibility as well.

This also brings us to the selection of a location.  When selecting study abroad locations, the world is your oyster.  Over half of students study in Europe, where linguistic barriers are low (or students may wish to brush up on languages studied in the U.S.) at the same time infrastructure and communications are excellent and safety and convenience are high.  For many students, Europe will always be the go to location.  However, students should not overlook other locations.  Given that Asia will be responsible for over half of world GDP in coming decades, it should definitely be on student’s radar.  Asian languages are more difficult if a student wants to pick up fluency, but the market attractiveness of them is also high.  (If language skills are a motivation, students should definitely try to start before leaving and leverage those initial courses when there.)  Countries like China, Japan, Korea, Hong Kong, Taiwan or Singapore have fascinating cultures and exciting economies.  Latin America offers great opportunities for American students to develop their Spanish and numerous volunteer opportunities.   Africa similarly has many programs with a strong development angle and opportunity for some American students to reconnect with their roots.

For any program you are looking at, be sure to carefully read reviews, exam written commitments and details about lodging, costs and experiences.  Whenever possible ask to speak to the alumni of the programs, not just for their reviews, but also tips to make the most of your time abroad.  Foreign health emergencies and trip insurance are typical in most programs, but should be checked as well.

For students not looking to pursue a traditional 4-year degree, one popular route is a trade or vocational program. There are a staggering range of choices and careers as varied as web design, dental hygiene, paralegal, electrician, and aircraft maintenance. But all of the best vocational programs offer comprehensive training, along with strong placement prospects and career support. There are three key considerations in selecting a trade school.

First, look carefully at the career you want pursue. The differences in lifestyle, career demand, and potential pay are significant. For example, health-related fields often have some of the best job placement rates, along with competitive salaries and benefits. Commercial pilots continue to be sought after in the market. However, traditional secretarial or paralegal jobs face uncertain demand in the coming decades. In general, the most attractive fields require more training and longer programs (often in coordination with some college credits). This means a bigger investment. But on the upside, remember the more difficult it is to get certified for a position, the better the salary and job security are likely to be. There are also some less “sexy” fields that may never cross your mind without research. For example, elevator installers often have relatively high salaries and are not really subject to future automation or outsourcing.

Second, you will also want to research the specific job market in your area. Demand for electricians, welders or commercial divers can vary enormously by city or state. Also, if the job you are looking at requires a state license or certification, it is a good idea to check and see if it is transferrable to other states, in case you ever choose to relocate.

Third, you need to research individual programs very carefully. The strength and reputation of schools are highly variable. Virtually all programs will claim to offer help with job placement. The key question is what actual hard data can schools supply about job placement rates (in their field) and expected salary after graduation. Other questions to ask are: What is the graduation rate from the program? How much debt will you need to take on in the program? And what support do they currently offer to their students?

In summary, you can consider many trade professions and programs as an alternative to a 4-year college degree that could result in a meaningful and stable career. But, it is best to do so after careful research and with an eye to your talents and long-term goals.

Top 10 highest paying jobs (based on Median Salary)

1. Commercial Pilot (Non-Airline) Median pay—$76,150 Top pay—$147,890 or mo
2. Dental Hygienist Median pay—$72,330 Top pay—$98,440 or more
3. Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Median pay—$68,970 Top pay—$97,390 or more
4. Registered Nurse Median pay—$67,490 Top pay—$101,630 or more
5. Web Developer Median pay—$64,970 Top pay—$116,620 or more
6. Police Officer Median pay—$58,320 Top pay—$96,110 or more
7. Respiratory Therapist Median pay—$57,790 Top pay—$80,440 or more
8. Electrician Median pay—$51,880 Top pay—$88,130 or more
9. Plumber Median pay—$50,620 Top pay—$89,720 or more
10. Commercial Diver Median pay—$50,470 Top pay—$88,470 or more

Sources are:

* Trade-schools.net

* 2012 American Community Survey, U.S. Census Bureau, website last visited on April 20, 2016.

** Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Employment Statistics, website last visited on April 7, 2016.

*** Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2016-17 Edition, website last accessed on February 17, 2016.

For students not looking to pursue a traditional 4-year degree, one popular route is a trade or vocational program. There are a staggering range of choices and careers as varied as web design, dental hygiene, paralegal, electrician, and aircraft maintenance. But all of the best vocational programs offer comprehensive training, along with strong placement prospects and career support. There are three key considerations in selecting a trade school.

First, look carefully at the career you want pursue. The differences in lifestyle, career demand, and potential pay are significant. For example, health-related fields often have some of the best job placement rates, along with competitive salaries and benefits. Commercial pilots continue to be sought after in the market. However, traditional secretarial or paralegal jobs face uncertain demand in the coming decades. In general, the most attractive fields require more training and longer programs (often in coordination with some college credits). This means a bigger investment. But on the upside, remember the more difficult it is to get certified for a position, the better the salary and job security are likely to be. There are also some less “sexy” fields that may never cross your mind without research. For example, elevator installers often have relatively high salaries and are not really subject to future automation or outsourcing.

Second, you will also want to research the specific job market in your area. Demand for electricians, welders or commercial divers can vary enormously by city or state. Also, if the job you are looking at requires a state license or certification, it is a good idea to check and see if it is transferrable to other states, in case you ever choose to relocate.

Third, you need to research individual programs very carefully. The strength and reputation of schools are highly variable. Virtually all programs will claim to offer help with job placement. The key question is what actual hard data can schools supply about job placement rates (in their field) and expected salary after graduation. Other questions to ask are: What is the graduation rate from the program? How much debt will you need to take on in the program? And what support do they currently offer to their students?

In summary, you can consider many trade professions and programs as an alternative to a 4-year college degree that could result in a meaningful and stable career. But, it is best to do so after careful research and with an eye to your talents and long-term goals.

Top 10 highest paying jobs (based on Median Salary)

1. Commercial Pilot (Non-Airline) Median pay—$76,150 Top pay—$147,890 or mo
2. Dental Hygienist Median pay—$72,330 Top pay—$98,440 or more
3. Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Median pay—$68,970 Top pay—$97,390 or more
4. Registered Nurse Median pay—$67,490 Top pay—$101,630 or more
5. Web Developer Median pay—$64,970 Top pay—$116,620 or more
6. Police Officer Median pay—$58,320 Top pay—$96,110 or more
7. Respiratory Therapist Median pay—$57,790 Top pay—$80,440 or more
8. Electrician Median pay—$51,880 Top pay—$88,130 or more
9. Plumber Median pay—$50,620 Top pay—$89,720 or more
10. Commercial Diver Median pay—$50,470 Top pay—$88,470 or more

Sources are:

* Trade-schools.net

* 2012 American Community Survey, U.S. Census Bureau, website last visited on April 20, 2016.

** Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Employment Statistics, website last visited on April 7, 2016.

*** Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2016-17 Edition, website last accessed on February 17, 2016.

It’s a list most of us know – the things high school seniors should collect, complete, turn in and recall as they work through the college application process.
Admissions officers who review applications expect good recommendations, good grades, a memorable essay, and, in most cases, and good standardized test scores. A track record being well-rounded outside of the classroom helps, too.

But what else do those folks look for when they are wading through applications to find the best candidates for their campus? How do you stand out in the admissions office of your favorite college choice?

Well, if we give it some thought, some of it may be obvious.  They want a student who will succeed, who will benefit from their academic program and, who will both appreciate and enhance their campus.  Sometimes, experts say, students and parents need to step back from the spin of the college search and application process, breathe, and just think logically about what will appeal to a school.

 According to Steve Smith, director of undergraduate admissions at D’Youville College in Buffalo, that starts with simply processing the required application material correctly and on time.

“I’d have to say that the biggest mistake is simply not being aware of the requirements. Deadlines go overlooked and supplemental requirements are missed all the time,” he says.  He and other experts recommend students have a planner or excel spreadsheet where they keep track of all required paperwork and note upcoming deadlines.

Beryl Jeffers, a director of enrollment services for the State University of New York, says she worries about what might seem to be obvious mistakes – spelling and grammatical errors or even fabrications.

And Stephanie Tengelsen, associate director of admissions at University of Denver, says not only should applicants double-check that they have included all material, they should add one thing: a one-page resume sheet. It should highlight all their accomplishments and quickly summarize their record.

Another seemingly obvious tip about the process – get yourself known in the school’s admissions office. The officials there have a name for that: demonstrated interest.

“This means that a student has toured a campus, attended an event, contacted the admissions counselor and shown they are serious about attending,” says Bryn Campbell, associate director of admissions at St. Joseph’s College in Philadelphia. “Reaching out to your admissions counselor with appropriate questions or follow-up after an event is a great and easy way to show interest.”

“I highly recommend that students interested in the University of Kentucky reach out to our admissions staff,” says Cara Franke, associate director of admissions at the school.  She also notes that signs of such contact is important to the admissions office, too. “We want to get to know students and their families. This interest in the school is important to us.”

Colleges now have sophisticated programs to track ways that you have been in touch and shown serious interest.

Related to that, Jennifer Hess Rosenberg, an associate dean for admissions at the State University of New York, says students should do their homework when it comes to college choice and career direction. “Find out details about each college, and how they’ll fit,” she says.

“Start early, ask questions, and keep an open mind,” she says, when discussing both the exploration of colleges and fields of study. “Talk to friends, family, and neighbors.” She notes that ideas about careers, no matter how preliminary, are an important consideration in college choice.

An understanding of interests and skills is important to us, but “choosing a major is just indicating an area of interest and will not restrict long-term career options,” notes Matthew Ogawa, associate director of admissions at Oregon State University.

So, besides those obvious (but sometimes overlooked tips), what other things do college admissions officials look for that might not be obvious. Here are 10:

1) Beyond the classroom. “Activities and experiences count, but make them genuine,” says Jeffers. “We look for growth in leadership. For example, being a cub reporter for the school newspaper as a freshman and by 12th grade becoming an editor – not belonging to 30 clubs where you quit after a semester,” she explains. “We are looking for someone who stays with it, showing commitment both in school activities and in outside endeavors.”

2) Test Stress. “Don’t overdo it with standardized tests, repeating them excessively.” Smith notes that often scores don’t significantly change with retakes. While results are important, lower scores sometimes won’t rule a student out of consideration. Also, an increasing number of schools are now test-optional.

3) But grades are still key. While colleges look for a well-rounded student, academic success is still a key priority. And schools look at senior year – even grades after a student has been accepted.

4) Hard work is important. “Grit” a popular word now in education – and in the application process. Show you’ve challenged yourself with advanced and AP classes – even a course at a local college. In your application, show you work hard and persevere. “Overcoming an obstacle in one’s life rather than giving up is key,” notes Jeffers.

5) And so is the essay. Several admissions officials point out that they pay close attention to the message in the essay and how it is written. “The essay can seem like a formality and some students brush it off, but, especially for scholarship consideration and top programs, the essay can make all the difference for an applicant,” says Franke.  And Tengelsten says it should be restricted to covering the assigned topic. “Students shouldn’t use their essay to address their noteworthy achievements, for example. One moment or story is acceptable – but don’t name all the clubs and organizations or volunteer time.”

6) Choose references carefully. Think about a mix of people who can describe you well and spell out why you are a good applicant. “Note that a principal’s recommendation isn’t always the best, says Jeffers. “Choose people who really know you and can give good detail and examples in their explanation of you.” Build relationships that will allow for good recommendations. Also, give those doing recommendations clear instructions and plenty of time – and help them out with information about you that they would like to include.

7) Keep good records. As they explore schools, potential applicants should write down information about each school they explore, keeping track of the same information for each so they can do accurate comparisons. This will avoid, for instance, being swayed by one superficial attribute from a tour. It also makes students an expert about colleges generally, which helps them sound smart about a school in their communications with school officials.

8) Use judgment in queries. Students should be persistent and show an interest in the school, but avoid being a pest. They should do their own research and be patient with responses from busy admissions offices. Officials say they love to communicate with interested students, but not unnecessarily.

9) Make yourself human. From the submitted material, an admissions counselor should get a picture of the student as a person. “Genuine experiences and a student’s own voice are typically well received and add value,” says Hess Rosenberg. “Being anecdotal and rich in content in explaining experiences – in essays, interviews, supplemental applications, letters of recommendation, etc. helps colleges and universities better know an applicant.” Campbell also says students often understate their accomplishments or good qualities. Instead, Campbell recommends they aim high with how they describe themselves and ask for another person’s opinion about if they are being accurate. “What can you offer a college?” asks Jeffers.

10) Online care, of course. Nearly every admissions counselor says the same thing regarding online social media platforms. Don’t put anything online that you wouldn’t want them to see and judge you by.

Jim Paterson is a writer living in Lewes, DE

It’s a list most of us know – the things high school seniors should collect, complete, turn in and recall as they work through the college application process.
Admissions officers who review applications expect good recommendations, good grades, a memorable essay, and, in most cases, and good standardized test scores. A track record being well-rounded outside of the classroom helps, too.

But what else do those folks look for when they are wading through applications to find the best candidates for their campus? How do you stand out in the admissions office of your favorite college choice?

Well, if we give it some thought, some of it may be obvious.  They want a student who will succeed, who will benefit from their academic program and, who will both appreciate and enhance their campus.  Sometimes, experts say, students and parents need to step back from the spin of the college search and application process, breathe, and just think logically about what will appeal to a school.

 According to Steve Smith, director of undergraduate admissions at D’Youville College in Buffalo, that starts with simply processing the required application material correctly and on time.

“I’d have to say that the biggest mistake is simply not being aware of the requirements. Deadlines go overlooked and supplemental requirements are missed all the time,” he says.  He and other experts recommend students have a planner or excel spreadsheet where they keep track of all required paperwork and note upcoming deadlines.

Beryl Jeffers, a director of enrollment services for the State University of New York, says she worries about what might seem to be obvious mistakes – spelling and grammatical errors or even fabrications.

And Stephanie Tengelsen, associate director of admissions at University of Denver, says not only should applicants double-check that they have included all material, they should add one thing: a one-page resume sheet. It should highlight all their accomplishments and quickly summarize their record.

Another seemingly obvious tip about the process – get yourself known in the school’s admissions office. The officials there have a name for that: demonstrated interest.

“This means that a student has toured a campus, attended an event, contacted the admissions counselor and shown they are serious about attending,” says Bryn Campbell, associate director of admissions at St. Joseph’s College in Philadelphia. “Reaching out to your admissions counselor with appropriate questions or follow-up after an event is a great and easy way to show interest.”

“I highly recommend that students interested in the University of Kentucky reach out to our admissions staff,” says Cara Franke, associate director of admissions at the school.  She also notes that signs of such contact is important to the admissions office, too. “We want to get to know students and their families. This interest in the school is important to us.”

Colleges now have sophisticated programs to track ways that you have been in touch and shown serious interest.

Related to that, Jennifer Hess Rosenberg, an associate dean for admissions at the State University of New York, says students should do their homework when it comes to college choice and career direction. “Find out details about each college, and how they’ll fit,” she says.

“Start early, ask questions, and keep an open mind,” she says, when discussing both the exploration of colleges and fields of study. “Talk to friends, family, and neighbors.” She notes that ideas about careers, no matter how preliminary, are an important consideration in college choice.

An understanding of interests and skills is important to us, but “choosing a major is just indicating an area of interest and will not restrict long-term career options,” notes Matthew Ogawa, associate director of admissions at Oregon State University.

So, besides those obvious (but sometimes overlooked tips), what other things do college admissions officials look for that might not be obvious. Here are 10:

1) Beyond the classroom. “Activities and experiences count, but make them genuine,” says Jeffers. “We look for growth in leadership. For example, being a cub reporter for the school newspaper as a freshman and by 12th grade becoming an editor – not belonging to 30 clubs where you quit after a semester,” she explains. “We are looking for someone who stays with it, showing commitment both in school activities and in outside endeavors.”

2) Test Stress. “Don’t overdo it with standardized tests, repeating them excessively.” Smith notes that often scores don’t significantly change with retakes. While results are important, lower scores sometimes won’t rule a student out of consideration. Also, an increasing number of schools are now test-optional.

3) But grades are still key. While colleges look for a well-rounded student, academic success is still a key priority. And schools look at senior year – even grades after a student has been accepted.

4) Hard work is important. “Grit” a popular word now in education – and in the application process. Show you’ve challenged yourself with advanced and AP classes – even a course at a local college. In your application, show you work hard and persevere. “Overcoming an obstacle in one’s life rather than giving up is key,” notes Jeffers.

5) And so is the essay. Several admissions officials point out that they pay close attention to the message in the essay and how it is written. “The essay can seem like a formality and some students brush it off, but, especially for scholarship consideration and top programs, the essay can make all the difference for an applicant,” says Franke.  And Tengelsten says it should be restricted to covering the assigned topic. “Students shouldn’t use their essay to address their noteworthy achievements, for example. One moment or story is acceptable – but don’t name all the clubs and organizations or volunteer time.”

6) Choose references carefully. Think about a mix of people who can describe you well and spell out why you are a good applicant. “Note that a principal’s recommendation isn’t always the best, says Jeffers. “Choose people who really know you and can give good detail and examples in their explanation of you.” Build relationships that will allow for good recommendations. Also, give those doing recommendations clear instructions and plenty of time – and help them out with information about you that they would like to include.

7) Keep good records. As they explore schools, potential applicants should write down information about each school they explore, keeping track of the same information for each so they can do accurate comparisons. This will avoid, for instance, being swayed by one superficial attribute from a tour. It also makes students an expert about colleges generally, which helps them sound smart about a school in their communications with school officials.

8) Use judgment in queries. Students should be persistent and show an interest in the school, but avoid being a pest. They should do their own research and be patient with responses from busy admissions offices. Officials say they love to communicate with interested students, but not unnecessarily.

9) Make yourself human. From the submitted material, an admissions counselor should get a picture of the student as a person. “Genuine experiences and a student’s own voice are typically well received and add value,” says Hess Rosenberg. “Being anecdotal and rich in content in explaining experiences – in essays, interviews, supplemental applications, letters of recommendation, etc. helps colleges and universities better know an applicant.” Campbell also says students often understate their accomplishments or good qualities. Instead, Campbell recommends they aim high with how they describe themselves and ask for another person’s opinion about if they are being accurate. “What can you offer a college?” asks Jeffers.

10) Online care, of course. Nearly every admissions counselor says the same thing regarding online social media platforms. Don’t put anything online that you wouldn’t want them to see and judge you by.

Jim Paterson is a writer living in Lewes, DE