Great College Advice guides students attending selective private and public high schools in college selection, college admission, and college applications.
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Choosing a High School or School District To Boost College Admission Chances
Should you move to a different town or state to give your kids a better chance at a selective university? Maybe yes, but probably no.
Continue readingA Chinese Woman Majors in Accounting at the University of Wyoming
During my recent visit to the University of Wyoming, I met a woman from Suzhou, China, chattering away in Mandarin with a friend. I had learned that there were significant numbers of international students on the campus. In fact, my tour guide that day was from Zimbabwe.
But I wanted to learn a bit more about how this woman made her decision to attend the University of Wyoming. Below she explains.
I was impressed by two points she makes. First, accounting is accounting is accounting: it doesn’t really matter all that much where you study accounting, as long as you learn the principles of accounting and are able to use those skills. So this woman chose her university based more on location, the price, and the general safety of the campus-factors that were most important to her and her family.
Second, this emphasis on price is especially important for international students, who may be unable to apply for financial aid. So international students often are keenly aware of the value of their education. The University of Wyoming offers an outstanding value in this respect, as another Wyoming student pointed out to me in an interview.
Mark Montgomery
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What’s a Nice Girl Like You Doing In WYOMING?
During my recent visit to the University of Wyoming, I came across two women chattering away in Mandarin Chinese. While one was Chinese, the other was from Saipan, a small island in the South Pacific that is within the US Commonwealth (like Puerto Rico or Guam). Her name is Jennifer “J.J.” Jang, and she’s a senior majoring in international studies and education.
I asked this poised young woman how on earth she landed in Laramie. She turned down offers from New York University and the University of Florida in favor of the fresh air, outdoor activities, and laid back environment of the University of Wyoming.
Listen to how she made her college choice and what she thinks of her decision.
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University of Wyoming–The Benefits of Attending A Wealthy State College
Often when I visit a college campus, I sit down with students to discuss their experiences. Such discussions initially unnerve the students (“Who are you, and what do you want?”). But when they realize that I’m genuinely interested in learning about their college, they usually open up and share the good with the bad.
The young woman in this video, Allie Coit, is a third year student at the University of Wyoming. She had recently transfered to the university from Northwestern Community College. She was delighted with her decision to continue her studies in Laramie, and she had some good things to say about the advantages of a larger universities (great facilities, for example). She also admitted that the large size also caused her problems in navigating the bloated bureaucracy and advocating for herself.
Have a look at what she had to say about being a Wyoming student.
Note that this young woman transfered from one of Wyoming’s community colleges. In what may turn out to be a trend in higher education, students are turning to their local community colleges to get their general education requirements out of the way, and then turning to the state flagship university to complete their major and obtain their degree.
Such a trajectory can save a family loads of money and still provide a student with an excellent education.
Mark Montgomery
College Counseling
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Three Reasons to Attend the University of Wyoming
I recently visited the University of Wyoming. Situated in Laramie, the university is the only four-year college in the entire state. As such, the entire population is focused on providing Wyoming students with the best in higher education. I met with Brooke Spicer, an Admissions Representative, and asked her what would make for a great college fit. She offered up three solid reasons that students anywhere should consider the University of Wyoming.
Here is her response. In a nutshell, her three reasons were as follows:
First, Wyoming is a big state with a big spirit, and because the University has no competition for the hearts and minds of its people, students benefit from the support of the entire population. As she says, football fans travel seven hours–each way–and even if the team is losing–to see a Cowboys game. This spirit engenders a sense of pride in being a student in Laramie.
Second, the outdoor opportunities at the University of Wyoming are unparalleled. Hiking, biking, skiing, camping, sledding, spelunking–it’s all here. Anyone who likes the out-of-doors should consider trekking to Laramie for the sunshine and the access to unspoiled wilderness.
Finally, Wyoming is a relatively wealthy state in proportion to its population. With recent tax windfalls from surging oil and gas prices, the state’s legislators have decided to pour hundreds of millions of dollars into the University. The result is a construction boom–new library, a new business school, a new student union, technology investments and upgrades. And at the same time, tuition costs have been kept quite reasonable. So in terms of value, the University of Wyoming is a place where you get plenty of bang for your buck.
Thanks to the folks in the admissions office who welcomed me with open arms. I had a great day exploring the University of Wyoming.
Mark Montgomery
College Admissions Counselor
