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How are Ohio State University and Indiana University Bloomington different?

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Indiana vs. Ohio State

Today’s reader question comes from Paulo in Los Angeles, California:

Question: I’m sick of living in LA and am determined to have a college experience in the midwest because I want the classic American college experience and I want to live with people who are friendly and down to earth in an environment that’s calmer and cleaner than what I’ve experienced growing up. I’m down to Ohio State and Indiana, both of which I got into in December. What would you say are the biggest differences between Ohio State University and Indiana University Bloomington from the perspective of an undergraduate student?

Answer: Ohio State University (OSU) and Indiana University Bloomington (IU) are both large, well-respected public universities, but they offer distinct experiences for undergraduate students.

Ohio State University is located in Columbus, Ohio, and is known for its large and diverse student body, as well as its strong academic programs in a variety of fields. OSU has a vast range of clubs, organizations, and activities for students to get involved in, and the campus is home to a vibrant student life, including Greek life and recreational opportunities. One of the key benefits of attending OSU is its size, as the university offers a huge range of academic programs and resources, which can allow students to explore different areas of study and find their passions.

Indiana University Bloomington, on the other hand, is located in the charming college town of Bloomington, Indiana. IU is known for its strong programs in the arts and humanities, and is particularly well-regarded for its music, theater, and creative writing programs. The campus is beautiful, with a mix of historic and modern buildings, and there are plenty of opportunities for students to get involved in campus life and make new friends. Additionally, the smaller size of IU’s student body compared to OSU can provide a close-knit community feel, where students have more opportunities to form close relationships with their peers and professors.

One of the biggest differences between Ohio State University and Indiana University Bloomington is the focus of each university. OSU is a large research university, which provides students with extensive research opportunities and access to cutting-edge facilities and resources. On the other hand, IU is more focused on the arts and humanities, providing students with a more well-rounded liberal arts education that emphasizes creativity and critical thinking.

In terms of student life, both OSU and IU offer a variety of activities, clubs, and organizations, but the atmosphere and feel of each campus can be quite different. OSU has a large, bustling campus, with a vibrant student life, including Greek life and recreational opportunities, while IU has a smaller, more close-knit feel, with a focus on the arts and humanities.

Ultimately, both Ohio State University and Indiana University Bloomington offer excellent educational opportunities for undergraduate students, but the choice between the two will come down to individual preferences and priorities – including your choice of major. If you are interested in a large, research-focused university with a wide range of academic programs and a vibrant student life, Ohio State University may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you are interested in a somewhat smaller, liberal arts-focused university with a strong emphasis on the arts and humanities, but which still has school spirit, Indiana University Bloomington may be the right choice.

What are the pros and cons of UF vs. FSU?

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FSU vs. UF

Today’s reader question comes from Jasmine in Miami:

Question: Even though I’m a life-long resident of the state, I am scrambling the differences between University of Florida and Florida State University in my head. Can you give me a summary of differences/pros and cons of attending University of Florida vs. Florida State University?

Answer: The University of Florida and Florida State University are both well-respected public universities in the state of Florida. Each university has its own unique strengths and weaknesses, and the choice between the two may come down to personal preferences and individual needs. They have both become more popular since the COVID-19 pandemic, as more Americans are interested in moving to and living in Florida than ever before.

Pros of the University of Florida:

  • Large and diverse campus: UF has a large student body and a diverse range of academic programs, providing students with a variety of options and opportunities.
  • Strong academics: UF is known for its strong programs in a variety of fields, including the sciences, engineering, business, and liberal arts.
  • Extensive research opportunities: UF is a leading research university, and students have access to a variety of research opportunities both within and outside of their academic programs.
  • Location: UF is located in Gainesville, a college town with a vibrant cultural scene and plenty of opportunities for recreation and entertainment.

Cons of the University of Florida:

  • Large size can be overwhelming: With such a large student body, UF can feel impersonal or overwhelming for some students.
  • Crowdedness: The size of UF also means that classes and campus facilities can become crowded, especially during peak times.

Pros of Florida State University:

  • Strong sense of community: FSU has a strong sense of community and student life, with a variety of clubs, organizations, and events for students to get involved in.
  • Excellent programs in specific areas: FSU is known for its strong programs in certain areas, such as music, theater, and criminology.
  • Beautiful campus: FSU has a beautiful and well-maintained campus, with a variety of recreational facilities and green spaces for students to enjoy.

Cons of Florida State University:

  • Limited academic options: FSU is a smaller university, which means that students may have limited options in terms of academic programs and course offerings.
  • Less diverse student body: FSU may not be as diverse as other universities, both in terms of its student body and its academic programs.

Ultimately, both the University of Florida and Florida State University are excellent institutions, and the choice between the two may come down to personal preferences and individual needs. It’s important to consider factors such as academic programs, campus culture, location, and available resources when making a decision between the two universities. I strongly recommend that you speak at length with your school’s college counselor or a college admissions consultant to better gauge whether both, one, or neither of these universities is a good fit for you.

When it comes to admissions, do note that both UF and FSU are considered competitive universities, and getting admitted to either one can be challenging for many high school seniors. The admission process takes into account a number of factors, such as academic performance, test scores, extracurricular activities, and essays.

How does Rice University compare to Stanford University?

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Stanford

Today’s reader question comes from Alex in Sarasota, Florida.

Question: I have the opportunity to attend Stanford or Rice, and at either school I will be playing a sport that I love and have devoted my life to. In your opinion, How does Rice University compare to Stanford University? I’ve spoken at length to the coaches at both colleges but I haven’t visited either. Both seem pretty prestigious, but Stanford is better known, right? I’ve got to decide pretty soon.

Answer: Rice University and Stanford University are both highly regarded universities with strong academic programs and reputations. Yet, there are some differences between the two institutions that may make one more appealing to certain students.

Stanford is a larger university with a more extensive range of programs and resources, and is known internationally for its strong undergraduate and graduate programs in a variety of fields, including the natural sciences, engineering, business, and humanities. The university is located in the heart of Silicon Valley, which provides students with access to a thriving tech industry and a wealth of internship and career opportunities.

Rice University, in Houston, Texas, while smaller, is known for its strong programs in the natural sciences, engineering, and humanities, as well as its highly selective and rigorous academic programs. Rice is also known for its close-knit and collaborative community, and for its strong focus on undergraduate education. The part of Texas where Houston is located is also a completely different climate than the climate experienced in Northern California’s Silicon Valley region.

Ultimately, the choice between Rice and Stanford may come down to personal preferences and academic interests. Both universities offer a high-quality education and a supportive community for students, but each has its own unique strengths and culture that can appeal to different types of students. It’s also worth considering factors such as location, campus size and resources, and program offerings when making a decision between the two universities. I strongly suggest you visit both before making your final choice. If you can’t get there in person, please engage in at least a virtual tour and/or information session with both colleges. Think about where you would be happiest and most successful environmentally, academically, socially, and ultimately professionally.

Regarding prestige, Both Rice University and Stanford University are highly selective institutions, and admissions to both universities is extremely competitive. Admissions criteria for both universities typically consider factors such as academic performance, extracurricular activities, test scores, essays, and letters of recommendation. In recent years, Rice has had an admission rate of around 11%, while Stanford’s admission rate has been around 4%. Do note, however, admission rates can vary from year to year and are influenced by a number of factors, such as the number of applicants and the strength of the applicant pool. Being admitted to either university is a significant achievement, so congratulations! Smart people know of both colleges very well, but you are right to say that Stanford is much better known among the masses. If you know what you want to major in, are you happy with the offerings available at both colleges? That could be a very important deciding factor for you to consider. And, if you get injured, which hopefully won’t happen, would you be happier at one of these colleges than the other? Both universities are committed to enrolling students who are not only academically talented, but also have demonstrated a passion for learning and a commitment to making a positive impact in their communities.  At the end of the day, though, you need to think about your goals and your future and not worry as much about generic thoughts on prestige, etc. Where do you feel happier? Where do you feel you will more likely be able to achieve your goals?

Rice

What’s the difference between students at UCLA and UC Santa Barbara?

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Today’s reader question is from Lulu in Reno, Nevada:

Question: I’m a junior interested in going to college in California. So far my two top choices are University of California Los Angeles and University of California Santa Barbara. In your opinion, what’s the most notable differences between students at UCLA and UC Santa Barbara?

Answer: UCLA and UC Santa Barbara are both part of the University of California system, but they have distinct differences in terms of their academic programs, campus culture, and student body.

UCLA, being one of the largest universities in the country and located in a major metropolitan area, tends to attract a diverse and cosmopolitan student body from all over the world, though the majority are still from California. It is known for its strong programs in a variety of fields, including the arts, sciences, humanities, and social sciences. UCLA also has a strong tradition of research and is home to many world-renowned researchers and scholars. LA is a world unto itself and many UCLA students like to take advantage of all that the second largest city in the US has to offer.

UC Santa Barbara, while smaller than UCLA, is also located in a more scenic coastal setting and is known for its strong programs in the natural sciences, engineering, and environmental studies. The campus culture tends to be more laid-back and centered around student life, and the university is known for its strong sense of community and student involvement in extracurricular activities. I’d argue that it’s also quite a bit safer than UCLA, though UCLA is still in a relatively safe part of LA (everything is relative).

I find UC Santa Barbara students more “chill” than UCLA students and also more into the outdoors and slightly less pre-professionally competitive. Yet, these are both still large enough universities to be home to students representing the full spectrum of identities, backgrounds, and interests; therefore, it’s important not to stereotype too much. Ultimately, the choice between UCLA and UC Santa Barbara may come down to personal preferences, academic interests, and the intangible feeling you get while being on one campus or the other. Both universities offer a high-quality education and a supportive community for students, but each has its own unique strengths and culture that appeal to different types of students. I strongly suggest visiting both colleges before applying to get a sense for yourself of the vibe on each campus.

Is it worth applying to Harvard if I have a 3.0 GPA?

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Today’s reader question is from Jake in Grand Rapids, Michigan:

Question: Is it worth applying to Harvard if I have a 3.0 GPA?

Answer: Harvard is one of the most selective universities in the world, and a 3.0 GPA is typically below the average GPA of admitted students. Yet, grades are just one of many factors that Harvard considers in its admission process. The university also takes into account other elements of a student’s application, such as the student’s rigor of curriculum, ACT or SAT scores, extracurricular activities, essays, letters of recommendation, and more.

It’s worth noting that a 3.0 GPA does not automatically disqualify you from consideration for admission to Harvard, and there have been students with lower GPAs who have been admitted in the past. With that said, it will likely be more challenging for you to be admitted, and you will need to have other aspects of your application that demonstrate your potential for success at Harvard and beyond to overcome what is essentially a B average. If you are being realistic, unless you have an extremely unique talent, backstory, or connection, Harvard is likely not in your future if you are a B student.

In general, if you have a 3.0 GPA as a high school junior or later and you’re interested in applying to Harvard, focus on other aspects of your application that can demonstrate your strengths and help you stand out as a candidate. If you are still an underclassmen in high school, focus on getting your GPA up as soon as possible. Additionally, it may be a good idea to speak with a college counselor or an admissions consultant to get a better sense of your chances of being admitted to Harvard and to understand what you can do to increase your chances of success in its admissions process and at similarly selective institutions.

What 2023 Might Bring, But Probably Won’t

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January is the time of year when all kinds of people make predictions about the year to come, and the world of college admissions is no exception.  As a variation to that theme, here’s my list of responses to current issues in admissions that I know stands no chance whatsoever of happening—but if the start of the year isn’t the time to dream a little and create a little whimsy, when is?

Colleges Return to Testing  After a three year, COVID-driven experiment with test optional admissions, 125 colleges announced a return to using the ACT or SAT as part of their admissions process.  “We finally got around to creating an algorithm based on admissions trends with and without COVID that also combined our institutional priorities” said a spokesperson for this new consortium. “We spent months churching data through all kinds of models, and finally hit on one that best represents what our school stands for.  It just so happens that testing is a small factor of that mix, so it’s coming back.” Test optional advocates were stunned by the announcement, in part because most of them had no data to suggest the algorithms were wrong.  This represents the first time a change of this proportion was data driven.

Admissions Essays Monitored Online  In response to the anticipated increased use of artificial intelligence to help craft college admissions essays, Southern Michigan University announced the debut of a portal where students are required to craft their personal statement online.  Once signed into the portal, students will not be able to view another screen on their computer, or use another device to seek assistance through an AI tool.  “If corporations can develop software measuring keystrokes of their employers” said SMU’s president, “we figured there was a way to lock a student into a web site”.  Realizing the online essays may not be the same quality as those students devoted hours to in the past, SMU urges students to make comments at the end of the essay, indicating how they might improve the essay if they had more than the 90 minutes the portal allows. SMU has created a companion site for students needing accommodations for the time-based essay.

Innovative Approach Announced to Match Birth Decline  Citing the upcoming steep decline in the number of high school graduates in 2025, Bernard Cologne announced the sale of his social media platform today, planning to use the profits from the sale to provide a free college education to every student in the United States who wants one.  “I clearly wasn’t cut out to run online platforms” Cologne confessed.  “Here’s hoping the funds will encourage more students to think about college, so they can take social media to the next level, along with everything else.”

Green State Revamps Admissions Process  Green State Vice President for Enrollment Management Bill Smith has long argued every facet of the admissions process is biased towards the privileged—and now he’s about to prove it.  GSU announced it is jettisoning its entire admissions process, opting to admit all students based on one previously unused criteria—the ability to bake a cake.  “Students will log into a portal where they’ll get the recipe, and they’ll have 90 minutes to make it happen under the glare of an online camera” said Smith, a longtime fan of The Great British Baking Show.  “From our perspective, there’s no way the wealthy can game this new system.”  Smith’s hopes were almost immediately dashed when Betty Crocker announced the creation of its College Cake Baking Prep program less than an hour after GSU’s announcement.  CCBP, which has a student price tag of $15,000, will be spearheaded by British master chef Graham Rambo, who will be running a similar program for the UCAS colleges next year, where the outcome will not be a cake, but scones.  “Any teen who can do something interesting with scones doesn’t deserve to go to college” said Rambo, “they deserve to run one.”

How to prepare for the IELTS exam in a short time

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IELTS is an international standardized test of English language proficiency for non-native speakers. IELTS can be used for a variety of purposes, such as study or work where English is a communication language.

IELTS consists of four parts: listening, reading, writing, and speaking. All three listening, reading, and writing sections are done in one day with no breaks in between. The speaking section can be completed up to a week before or after other sections, depending on the test center. Each section is scored on a 1-9 scale, with 9 being the highest score. The overall score is an average of four sections.

The test is available in two formats, IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training. The IELTS Academic test is for those who want to study at undergraduate or postgraduate levels, and for professionals such as doctors and nurses who want to study or practice in an English-speaking country. The IELTS General Training test is for those who want to migrate to an English-speaking country, or for those who want to study a vocational or training program.

Importance of the exam for those looking to study or work abroad

The IELTS exam is important for those looking to study or work abroad because it is widely accepted as a measure of English language proficiency by universities, colleges, and employers around the world. Many English-speaking countries, including the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Australia, use the IELTS exam as a requirement for admission to universities or as part of the application process for work visas.

For international students, the IELTS exam is often a required component of the application process for undergraduate or graduate programs at universities in English-speaking countries. The exam scores are used by universities to determine a student’s language proficiency and to assess their readiness for academic study in English.

Challenges of preparing for the exam in a short time

Preparing for the IELTS exam in a short time can be challenging for several reasons:

Time constraints: With limited time, candidates may not have enough time to fully prepare for all four sections of the test, which can make it difficult to achieve their desired scores.

Language proficiency: To achieve a high score on the IELTS exam, candidates need a high level of English language proficiency. For those who have limited time to prepare, it can be difficult to improve their language skills in a short period of time.

Test format and question types: The IELTS exam has a specific format and question types, which can be challenging for candidates to understand and prepare for in a short period of time.

Stress and pressure: Preparing for the IELTS exam in a short period of time can be stressful, and the pressure to perform well can make it difficult for candidates to focus and perform to their full potential.

Limited resources: Candidates may not have access to all the resources they need to prepare for the test in a short time, such as IELTS preparation courses or official IELTS materials.

Assessment of your current level of English

Assessing your current level of English is an important step in preparing for the IELTS exam in a short time. This can help you identify your strengths and weaknesses and set realistic goals for improvement. There are several ways to assess your current level of English, including:

  1. Self-assessment: You can take an online English proficiency test or use a self-assessment guide to evaluate your language skills. This can help you identify your current level of proficiency and determine which areas you need to focus on.
  2. Practicing with sample tests: You can take practice tests or sample questions from the IELTS exam to get an idea of your current level of proficiency. This can also help you familiarize yourself with the format and question types of the test.
  3. Talking to a tutor: You can talk to an English tutor or teacher to get an assessment of your language skills. They can give you specific feedback on your strengths and weaknesses, and help you set goals for improvement.
  4. Identifying the areas of weakness: The IELTS exam is divided into 4 sections: Reading, Writing, Listening and Speaking. Identifying the areas of weakness can be helpful in focusing on the specific areas where you need to improve.

By assessing your current level of English, you can determine which areas you need to focus on and create a study plan that addresses your specific needs. This will help you make the most of the time you have to prepare for the IELTS exam.

Study and Test-taking Strategies

Effective study and test-taking strategies are crucial for preparing for the IELTS exam in a short time. Some strategies that can help include:

Time management techniques for efficient studying

Create a study schedule that maximizes your time and allows you to focus on the areas where you need the most improvement. Use a timer to help you stay on track and make sure you are using your time effectively.

Tips for improving listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills

Tips for improving your listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills for the IELTS exam:

  1. Listening:
  • Practice active listening by listening to English-language news, podcasts, and songs
  • Try to understand the main idea and key details in spoken passages
  • Take practice listening tests and focus on improving your understanding of different accents and speaking speeds
  1. Speaking:
  • Speak with native speakers as much as possible to improve your fluency pronunciation and confidence
  • Practice speaking on a variety of topics to improve your vocabulary and grammar
  • Use a mirror or record yourself while speaking to evaluate your pronunciation and fluency
  • Seek feedback from your tutor or native speakers to improve your speaking skills
  1. Reading:
  • Read English-language newspapers, books, and magazines to improve your reading comprehension
  • Practice skimming and scanning techniques to quickly find information in reading passages
  • Learn and practice high-frequency vocabulary words to improve your reading speed and comprehension
  1. Writing:
  • Practice writing on a variety of topics to improve your vocabulary and grammar
  • Learn and practice different types of writing, such as argumentative, descriptive, and narrative writing
  • Seek feedback from your tutor or native speakers to improve your writing skills
  • Keep a notebook or diary to practice writing daily

Practice exercises and sample test questions

Practicing IELTS exam exercises and sample test questions is an essential part of effective preparation for the IELTS exam. It helps to familiarize oneself with the format and timing of the exam, as well as the types of questions that are likely to be asked. Through practice, it is also possible to identify weaker areas and focus on them in order to improve performance. Additionally, practicing these exercises can help boost confidence and ensure that test-takers feel prepared for the real IELTS exam. Therefore, by taking advantage of available practice materials, test-takers can significantly increase their chances of success in the IELTS exam.

Conclusion

In this blog post, we discussed the importance of the IELTS exam for those looking to study or work abroad and the challenges of preparing for the exam in a short time. We also covered strategies for assessing your current level of English, study and test-taking strategies to aid in preparation.

Some final tips for preparing for the IELTS exam in a short time include:

  • Use official IELTS materials and past papers for the most accurate representation of the test
  • Focus on high-frequency words
  • Speak with native speakers as much as possible
  • Seek feedback from a tutor or teacher to improve your language skills
  • Stay calm and focused on the day of the test

Preparing for the IELTS exam in a short time can be challenging, but with a well-planned study schedule, the right resources, and a positive attitude, you can achieve your desired scores. Stay motivated and focused, and remember that every effort you put into preparing for the test will be worth it in the end.

Five Reasons to Choose to Study for a Higher National Diploma

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Beyond the age of 18, continuing in education becomes entirely voluntary. There are good reasons for and against. For many people, all they want to do when they leave school or college is get a job and gain the independence of earning for themselves. And besides, continuing your studies can be expensive.

On the other hand, higher education can give your career prospects a significant boost. The time and money you invest now can lead directly to higher earning potential further down the line. And depending on what you want to do for a career, you might have to gain further qualifications, anyway.

Deciding to carry on or return to education isn’t something to be done on a whim. You should be clear about the benefits. For many people, that means asking directly – how is this going to help me in terms of getting a job and progressing my career? In a very literal sense, what will the pay off be?

That’s why higher national diplomas (HNDs) are such a popular choice among people who  don’t see degree-level study as quite right for them (or at least, not right at that particular time). Rated as a Level 5 qualification on the UK’s Regulated Qualification Framework (RQF), a HND is only a step down from a bachelor’s degree (Level 6). Far from being a ‘soft’ option, a HND is an advanced and highly regarded qualification.

Just as importantly, a HND provides a genuine alternative to academic-focused degrees. Built around practical, hands-on learning and assessment, HNDs are not just ‘vocational’ in the sense that their subject matter links directly to a particular industry or career. Their entire purpose is to develop skills and aptitudes that are transferred directly to the workplace.

Here are five reasons why a HND might be the right choice for you.

Boost your chances of employment

If you’re a school or college leaver, a HND will significantly increase your chances of finding work. While there is nothing wrong with having A-Levels (or equivalent qualifications) on your CV, especially if you get good grades, higher qualifications make you stand out from the crowd. And with a vocational qualification like a HND, employers will know you already have skills they are looking for, and that you have developed them in practical, real-world scenarios, including through work experience.

Develop skills that will boost your opportunities in a chosen career

As well as giving you a head start in finding work, HNDs also help you make rapid progress in your chosen career. Again, it comes down to the fact that HNDs offer programmes of study that are directly linked to particular career paths and industries. The focus on practical skills and real-world application means you hit the ground running when you enter the workplace, allowing you to make a positive contribution from the off. Plus, you’re already primed to learn and develop in that particular environment, which helps you make rapid progress and show you are ready to take on more and more responsibilities.

Study as you work

You don’t have to take an HND before you enter a particular job role or profession for it to make a difference to your career prospects. HNDs are popular with people who are already in work and see a return to education as a means of helping them take the next step. As well as being vocationally relevant, skills-focused and hands-on, HND courses are also highly flexible. If you are working, you can easily study part time. Plus, you can use your experiences in your current role as part of the learning and assessment process, building a portfolio of achievement to help demonstrate your progress through the course.

Get a high level qualification even if you don’t feel a degree is right for you

It’s easy to get drawn into believing that bachelor’s degrees are the be all and end all of higher education. They certainly get the lion’s share of attention. But the idea that, if a degree isn’t right for you then higher education isn’t right for you, is more than inaccurate. It excludes tens of thousands of people from bettering themselves through continued study.

A HND is a rigorous, very well respected qualification. They suit people more than degrees for all sorts of reasons. We’ve already talked about the focus on practical learning and hands-on, work-related application. If your ambitions for taking a higher education are closely tied to a particular career path or preparing yourself for work, then a HND may well be a better option. Also, HND’s don’t have as strict entry requirements as degrees, providing an option for higher study even if you didn’t get the grades to get on a degree course.

Open the door to further study

Finally, choosing a HND keeps your options open. It’s great preparation for the world of work or for getting ahead in a particular career. But if you do want to continue in education beyond that, for example by completing a degree, you can do so. A HND counts as ‘two-thirds’ of a degree, and you have the option to complete that final third with a one-year ‘top-up’ course. 

Again, if you didn’t get the A-Level grades to jump straight onto a degree course, this means you still have a route available.

The Birthrate Crisis, and How Colleges Should Respond

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The biggest stumbling block in education research is its lack of replicability.  In science, the same amount of vinegar plus the same amount of baking soda gives you the same result—and the same-sized result—no matter who does the experiment.  But take someone else’s methods and teaching materials, implement them the exact same way the first experimenter did, and you will likely get nothing even close to the same result.

A happy exception to this “it’s never the same” rule occurred in the 90s, when a number of studies showed, time after time, there was a way to significantly improve student learning—and it had nothing to do with changing curriculum, retraining teachers, or extending the school day.  This swath of studies showed, beyond a reasonable doubt, that the best way to improve student learning—especially in grades K-3—is to follow the magic recipe of 15 students or less with one teacher in one classroom.  Do that, and great things happen.

What has happened to this rare pillar of education reform?  Well, not much.  Once the magic recipe was discovered, administrators scoffed at the idea of dropping class size that low.  For that matter, so did taxpayers, who didn’t take long to realize that lower class size meant more classrooms and more teachers—and both cost more money.  As a result, education has largely turned its back on this piece of magic, except for some not-so-clever administrators who believe they can keep 30 kids in one classroom with a teacher and an aide and still maintain the ratio.

Since all three parts must be honored, this would be like doubling the baking soda and eggs in a cookie recipe without increasing the amount of flour.  You get something different, but you don’t get better cookies.  The magic recipe failed on its promise to deliver because the people in charge of schools—administrators and taxpayers—decided the change wasn’t worth the cost, offering instead some sleight of hand with ratios that satisfied most everyone, largely because Americans really don’t understand mathematics.

The leaders of our higher education systems are on the verge of making a similar error, with far more serious consequences.  It’s no secret that the birthrate in the US declined about 20 years ago, and is headed for a serious nose dive of the number of high school graduates in about 2025.  Since this isn’t exactly new news, one would think colleges would be looking at these numbers and saying something like “Fewer high school graduates means fewer college freshmen.  What should we do about it?”

Like the K-12 class size issue, the answer here is pretty easy.  No every high school senior goes to college right after high school, so there’s plenty of room to increase the number of college-bound seniors, and still maintain strong college enrollments.  The trick here lies in talking to students who don’t see college as part of their futures, and getting them to change their minds. If every high school student already went straight to college, this couldn’t be done; but that just isn’t the case.

As is often the case with answers that appear easy, this one has at least one major snag.  A very close read of most college recruiting literature shows it’s based on one big assumption; the student or family reading the literature is already convinced a four-year college is the answer for them, and they now simply need to sort out which ones they’ll consider.  They know about testing and application essays and degree requirements and different application deadlines, so it isn’t a question of “If College”.  It’s a question of “What College”.

Any student unsure about the benefits of four-year colleges would look at this admissions information and feel like they’ve walked into the middle of a three-hour movie; they know they have some catching up to do, but no one seems to want to help them, since they’re too busy watching the movie themselves. Given that mindset, you’d think most colleges—especially those that experienced freshman enrollment declines of up to 40 percent during COVID—would move heaven and earth to make sure they don’t end up as losers in the birthrate lottery.  A few new pamphlets, a different kind of open house, a new video or two, and a little admissions training, and you’re all set.

To date, that has not been the response of the higher education community.  Senior admissions officials tell me the general overall response has been to double down on an admissions strategy that includes making their institution the best choice, a strategy that turns what could be a bona fide effort at expanding college access into a zero-sum game.  This approach seems to glean support from the national papers who have always covered college admissions like there are only 25 colleges in the country.  The more “Ivies Report Record Application” stories they print, the more they feed the attitude that asks the question “Enrollment problem?  What enrollment problem?”

The real irony here is that the creation of a “Why College?” campaign for students new to the idea is fairly affordable and relatively easy.  Colleges that have like-minded missions and student bodies tend to be in the same athletic league.  Imagine what could happen if all colleges in one league pitched in a couple of admissions officers and a modest amount of cash to create, for example, The Big Ten Guide to the Benefits of College.  Since the goal of the campaign is informational, this wouldn’t constitute monopoly-building, and could even be overseen by the US Department of Education, which has a vested interest in making sure the college market doesn’t shrink.

The magic recipe of 15 students didn’t generate the results it was capable of for one reason—in the end, most people didn’t really care about fixing the problem.  The difference with the birthrate decline is that a lack of students means more than a few colleges will wither, or even die.  That would be a shame, but the only way to get something different is to do something different.  Are colleges wise enough to realize this, and innovate?

Tulane Early Decision Applicants Notified of Decisions on December 1

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Exciting news just in from Tulane.

The Tulane admissions team is a bit ahead of schedule with reviewing applications and as a result Tulane Early Decision 1 notifications will go out tomorrow, December 1, at 4:00 p.m. Central (New Orleans) Time. Updates will be posted to students’ Green Wave Portal, and physical letters are also on their way.

There is also a bit of a change in what type of decisions students may receive: some ED applicants will be deferred and released from their ED Agreement. In recent years Tulane has focused on simply accepting or rejecting ED applicants. Deferred applicants will be read again in the regular round before getting a final decision in Spring 2023. Such students can also be considered for Tulane’s Spring Scholar cohort. There will be a form on the Green Wave Portal on which a deferred ED student can indicate an interest in the Spring Scholar program.

In past years, Tulane would admit the vast majority of its Spring Scholars at this time. This year, Tulane is admitting a smaller group for now and will reassess when it sees the pool of deferred ED and EA students in the spring. Deferred ED students cannot switch to Tulane’s ED 2 plan.

Meanwhile, Early Action applicants will hear back from Tulane no later than January 15, but Tulane is trying to notify these students of their decisions earlier than scheduled as well.