Posts by Sonja Buckmeier
Insider Tips for the week of April 6, 2024
Additional college expenses you should plan for – Most families are prepared for the basics of tuition, room, board, books and “fees”. In fact, this basic list is what college websites use to publish their Cost of Attendance. But there are other expenses you need to know about and plan for. Pre-health undergrad options for students – Many incoming college students…
Read MoreWhy Student Engagement Matters, and Why College Is WAY More Than Your Classes and Major
Heather V McCowen, PhD College Consultant College Inside Track March 2024 What is Student Engagement? Why is it important? Student engagement is a multifaceted concept strongly associated with student learning, persistence, and attainment. Research has shown that student engagement can positively impact student learning communities, influencing student grades and course completion rates. For example, a…
Read MoreList Building for LGBTQ+ Students: Living-Learning Communities, with CIT Consultant Stephanie George
To create an especially comfortable, safe, and hospitable environment for LGBTQ+ students, some colleges have created LGBTQ+ living-learning communities. I’ve written about the strong beneficial qualities of living-learning communities (LLCs) in other posts, but here I want to offer five great LGBTQ+ examples that offer particularly inclusive, gender-neutral environments with compelling academic and social opportunities. …
Read MoreA Haven for Underserved Students: Guilford College
Written by CIT Consultant Lessa Scherrer Guilford College in North Carolina is a historic campus focused on lifting up students of color and first-generation students (the first in their families to attend college). Once a stop on the Underground Railroad, Guilford has continued their focus on the underserved: most of their students are Pell eligible,…
Read MoreInsider Tips for the week of March 16, 2024
Expert tips on getting the most scholarships – Suzy Fallon from College Inside Track shares the secret sauce for how families can maximize scholarship dollars. Key takeaway: Each college has its own financial aid philosophy and you want to find those that match with your student’s profile. Take a few minutes to read this valuable…
Read MoreWhat is ABET accreditation and does it matter?
Written by CIT Consultant Marit Lunstad I’m thinking about declaring engineering as my college major. . What is ABET accreditation, and why do I care? To what extent should accreditation factor into my decision making, as I construct my college list? Let’s begin with the question of what accreditation is. Accreditation is, essentially, a seal…
Read MoreEngineering Programs for B Students
Written by CIT Consultant Suzy Fallon Contrary to popular belief, not every future engineer has a 4.0 and a perfect ACT or SAT score! We know plenty of college students currently studying engineering who were solid B students in high school. As a whole, engineering is a competitive major regardless of your high school credentials. …
Read MoreLiberal Arts Colleges with Engineering Programs: Six to Consider
Written by CIT Consultant Tiffany Eggers Once a student has decided to become an engineer, the next significant choice is where to study. Course lists and major requirements are only part of what students should consider. Students are happiest with their decisions if they have carefully pondered the types of teaching and living environments in…
Read MoreEngineering Activities for High School Students
Written by CIT Consultant Paige Feldman Calling All Future Engineers! Hey everyone! I’m super excited to talk about something that’s close to my heart – the thrilling and ever-expanding world of engineering! Did you know engineering is not just about solving puzzles; it’s about paving the way to our future with innovation, creativity, and, of…
Read MoreFactoring Direct Entry vs. Pre-Engineering Into List Building for the Engineering Disciplines
Written by CIT Consultant Suzy Fallon Direct entry engineering, also known as direct-admit engineering, allows students to be admitted directly into an engineering program as a freshman. This means students don’t need to apply separately to an engineering program after completing general education requirements or prerequisites. Direct entry programs tend to be highly competitive and…
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