sophomore - Great College Advice

Best Colleges to Retain Sophomores

Jared Hobson — Wed, 05 Oct 2011 17:17:06 +0000

For a number of years, college administrators have discussed the dilemma presented by the sophomore class on campus.
Colleges spend a lot of time and energy welcoming first year students to campus through orientation programs, residence hall activities, and convocations. However, for many sophomores students, when they return to campus, they are often in somewhat of an undefined “slump.” They are no longer being doted on like the incoming class. Their peers in the junior class may be heading off on study abroad programs and the seniors on campus are focused on their senior thesis, their job search and enjoying the last year of their college experience.
Many colleges are starting to realize that maybe they need to offer something special to help identify the sophomore class unity. A number of colleges have spent the last few years implementing successful sophomore initiatives and programming. Now, according to a recent NY Times article colleges are taking even more action on behalf of sophomores. Colleges like Duke, Yale, and University of Denver are holding their own “kick offs” to the sophomore year. These strategies are often used for purposes of student retention and to re-energize the class.
So, during your next campus visit, maybe you should ask the admissions office what their campus does for sophomore students – not just for incoming students.

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Dartmouth College Distinctive D-Plan

Jared Hobson — Wed, 20 Jul 2011 13:56:27 +0000

Senior Consultant, Cara Ray, visits Dartmouth College and learns more about their unique “D-plan.”

Watch the video to see more or read the transcription below.

TRANSCRIPT

During a recent visit to Dartmouth College I spent a little time learning about Dartmouth’s unique “D-plan.” At Dartmouth, the campus operates on a quarter system where students have the opportunity to decide which terms they are on campus and which terms they do an off campus program. During their off-terms students may participate in a study abroad program, internship or any number of valuable educational experiences.

However, one of the interesting parts of this structure is that all students are required to have an on campus term during their sophomore summer. So, even though some students across the country may think that summer school sounds like a drag. Students at Dartmouth actually love the chance to be in Hanover, NH in the summer. There are such a wide variety of outdoor opportunities in the Upper Valley during the summer months.

Students go hiking, swimming in the Connecticut River, visit local farmer’s markets and much more. In addition, with all the sophomores together in summer it gives their class a wonderful chance to bond together. A wide variety of classes are offered to students in the summer, many specifically targeted toward sophomores. So Dartmouth students can make sure they are fulfilling specific prerequisite courses and getting to know their professors well in small classes and in a more relaxed atmosphere.

So, the next time you are thinking that summer classes may not sound like a lot of fun. Think again, and maybe even as you are considering what college to apply to it would be worth looking to see if the college offers classes in the summer.

Cara Ray
Educational Consultant

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College Acceptance Etiquette

Jared Hobson — Sat, 23 Apr 2011 14:00:41 +0000

College acceptances are like really cool party invitations. And getting a bunch of acceptances is like having multiple party invites…. for the same day!
I heard a Pacific Palisades college counselor say there is an etiquette for college acceptances. I would agree with that statement and encourage you to follow these rules:

1. First and foremost, you must RSVP, as in “Yes, I’m coming!” – no later than May 1st. Just like any party host, the college has to know what kinds of numbers to expect so that they can have enough food.

2. Don’t RSVP to more than one college. Just like when you were a kid, you can’t say yes to two birthday parties that are happening at the same time. That’s just bad form.

3. Tell your other invites (ie, other college acceptances), that you respectfully decline their invite. Of course you should be nice about it. Just in case you decide to transfer as a sophomore or junior. And always say thank you!

4. And finally, what to do about those pesky wait list invites? Those can be trickier. After all, they are only inviting you if a bunch of other kids rsvp no. This is where you need to be honest with yourself. Do you really want to go to that party in the freezing cold of Maine? Or are you just waiting to see if they’ll send you an invite? My advice: only hold onto the wait list for the colleges at which you would definitely attend. Otherwise, respectfully decline those as well.

Good luck. I hope you enjoy the party!

Great College Advice

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