Evaluate a global university from afar
November 7th, 2016In the midst of application season, it’s easy to be so task-focused that we lose excitement for what the next step is all about. Yet college is exciting! It is, above all, a place where you will build your future and expand your worldview. Most of our students choose a college away from home so they can be challenged by different experiences; some students choose to be even more adventurous and attend a school outside of their home country.
Although contemplating a school outside of the country may be an excellent choice, there are some factors to take into consideration. It may be difficult to visit all of the international universities that you would like to, or you may not be able to travel abroad at all before making your final decision. According to Anayat Durrani, author of the article we’ve linked to today, there are some great ways to assess colleges overseas without visiting in person. We might add that as is so often the case, the advice in Durrani’s article is also highly relevant to families considering boarding schools outside of their home countries.
Article below published October 25, 2016
Written by: Anayat Durrani
When Singaporean-French student Claire Deplanck and her parents began researching potential universities abroad, they used all available resources – and did so from their home in the Philippines.
Not all prospective international students have the luxury of visiting university campuses abroad. They have visa issues to contend with, as well as time constraints and travel costs. But there are other ways to adequately assess a university without visiting.
Read more at US News >>
Tagged: Applications, Campus visits, College, Travel
Soft Skills Crucial to Career Success
October 31st, 2016The presidential election is right around the corner, and for many months we have been hearing politicians voice their opinions about a large number of topics. One topic being debated is how higher education can help students and employers bridge the skills gap in the workforce.
Some say it is most beneficial to focus on specific workforce training. However, a new book, Beyond the Skills Gap: Preparing Students for Life and Work, posits that there are many more aspects to consider.
As the article we’re linking to today details, the authors of this book discuss “soft skills” that many employers say are missing from their young employees. Such skills include work ethic, communication and teamwork. They also suggest that employers can play an important part in training young employees to be effective in their work.
For those who doubt the value of the liberal arts in developing effective workplace contributors, this article – indeed, this book – will provide interesting food for thought.
Article below published October 26, 2016
Written by: Scott Jaschik
Politicians (and plenty of educators) talk about the “skills gap” and suggest ways that higher education can do a better job of preparing students for careers. The authors of a new book very much want students to go on to successful careers. But their research in Wisconsin suggests that both employers and students need more from higher education. Their findings are based on in-depth interviews with employers and observation of classrooms that mix skills training specific to careers with the soft skills that many fear are being ignored in the current environment.
Beyond the Skills Gap: Preparing College Students for Life and Work (Harvard Education Press) is the result of this research. The book is by Matthew T. Hora, assistant professor in adult teaching and learning at the University of Wisconsin at Madison, with Ross J. Benbow, an associate researcher with the Wisconsin Center for Education Research at the University of Wisconsin at Madison, and Amanda K. Oleson, an education scholar focused on workforce pathways. Hora and Benbow responded to questions via email. Their responses have been condensed slightly for space.
Read more at Inside Higher Ed >>Tagged: Career, Liberal arts
College applications: coming down the home stretch
October 24th, 2016In last week’s blog we shared tips to help you motivate yourself if you’re having a bit of a mid-semester slump. Some students feel overwhelmed at this time of the year when it comes to completing quality work on time, and seniors have the added overlay of college applications.
In order to finish your applications with excellence it is very important to work well ahead of published deadlines, allowing ample time to proofread and make sure your work is at its highest level. In previous years we’ve heard reports of technical glitches happening on the due date for many colleges; by submitting applications ahead of deadlines, this can be avoided. Thank goodness, we’ve never had a Shrop Ed student caught at the final hour in this way. However, some seniors are still working on finishing applications due November 1, and other deadlines will come up quickly!
The article posted below, published by US News, gives great tips for avoiding application mistakes, so we wanted to share this excellent set of recommendations as you come into the final stretch.
Article below published September 11, 2013
Written by: Courtney Rubin
Colleges are sure to find your international baccalaureate degree impressive – but not if you call it an “international bachelorette” on your application. That’s a spell-check-induced gaffe cited by deans of admission at more than a couple schools.
What are some other mistakes that drive college admissions staffers crazy – and sometimes send the applicant straight to the rejection pile? U.S. News asked pros from around the country to weigh in on what they’d strongly rather you not do. Here are some of the highlights.
Read more at US News >>Tagged: Applications, College
How can I stay motivated?
October 18th, 2016October seems to be the month for fall slump, doesn’t it? The school year that seemed so shiny and new in August and September has somehow become routine and maybe even overwhelming at times. Some students are showing signs of motivation flagging, so we thought the suggestions in today’s article link might be helpful and timely. Onward and upward!
Article below published August 30, 2013
Written by: Thorin Klosowski
Dear Lifehacker,
Recently, I’ve been too bored or unmotivated to do my school assignments. No matter how hard I try to actually focus on it, after a half hour, my mind tells me, “No more! Let’s take a break!” I’m not sure why these productivity techniques aren’t working for me. Is there a way to actually get past this “not wanting to work” mentality?
Sincerely,
Fun Motivated
Dear FM,
A lack of motivation to finish school work (or just work in general) is a tough nut to crack, and there are all kinds of possible reasons why you might struggle with staying motivated after you start. A lot of different things can kill your motivation, so let’s take a look at a few possible ways to diagnose and fix the problem.
Tagged: Choices, High school, Personal characteristics
