Rural America: underrepresented in college classrooms
February 6th, 2017For many, college is the equal-opportunity stepping stone to the middle class. However, the opportunity might not come as readily as we’d think to those living in rural America. Students in rural areas are often living in poverty, and in many cases may be the first within their family to go to college. This can leave families feeling uneasy as they chart into unknown territory.
Because I live in Kentucky, the article posted below hits very close to home. Luckily, many colleges have started to notice this underrepresented community and are strengthening efforts to reach and enroll rural students. Journalists like Laura Pappano play an important role in heightening the profile of this issue.
We’re proud to note that a very talented Shrop Ed student was quoted in this NY Times article. She is a leader of a student education advocacy group, and has a wealth of knowledge on this topic. Also a great read is this set of companion profiles, Voices From Rural America on Why (or Why Not) to Go to College, which features another very talented Shrop Ed student now in her first year at Wellesley. Both of these young women are outstanding role models for others and drive home the importance of encouraging all students, regardless of background, to pursue their dreams.
Article below published January 31, 2017
Written by: Laura Pappano
On a late-autumn Sunday, a bus pulled out of El Paso at 3 a.m. carrying 52 sleepy students and parents from western Texas and New Mexico. A few had already driven several hours to get to El Paso. The bus arrived at Texas A&M 12 hours later, in time for a walking tour and dinner. After “Aggieland” information sessions, including a student panel and classroom visits, a stop at the Bonfire Memorial and an all-night drive, they arrived back in El Paso at 8 a.m. Tuesday.
“People don’t realize that Texas is a huge state,” said Scott McDonald, director of admissions at Texas A&M who came up with the idea of bus trips upon realizing that students from remote areas would not visit on their own. “Sometimes colleges say, ‘We don’t get many of those students; it’s not worth our time.’ ” He disagrees. Rural students bring “a unique perspective” to campus, he said. “In terms of diversity, geography is just as important as racial and ethnic.”
Read more at NY Times >>Tagged: College, Local happenings
Freshman Files: First year at an Ivy League university
January 23rd, 2017In our second installment of “Freshman Files” for 2017, Abigail L. reports in from the University of Pennsylvania, a renowned private research university located in a very lively section of Philadelphia. We were delighted to hear about Abigail’s academic, social, and even political experiences and appreciate her willingness to share so much with the Shrop Ed community.
“Penn has been fantastic so far. I couldn’t really ask for anything more. … Although the classes were pretty demanding, I was happy to find the work load easier than expected. I was left with more free time than I was used to and was able to join … Social Planning and Events Committee, and Penn Dance Marathon. SPEC develops marketing campaigns for student events on Penn’s campus and helps to plan the logistics and marketing for Spring Fling: a multi-day festival event occurring across several venues. Dance Marathon is a club that partners with Children’s Hospital of PA for a fund raising event to support childhood cancer research. These two clubs have kept me pretty busy. In addition to these clubs, I plan to rush this semester and am excited to see what opportunities arise from being a part of Greek life.
I would say that the most challenging thing was getting used to how college professors grade. I was used to my high school teachers not really expecting a lot from their students and not really grading us to our full potential. At Penn, however, the professors really hold you to a higher standard and expect a lot from you. I was a tad frustrated at first for I felt I was giving my all, but my professors helped me realize the mistakes I was making and helped me grow as a student and as a learner overall.
You could definitely say that my world view is changing thanks to Penn. For example, there were many events that occurred on campus after Trump was elected (protests, cancelled classes, the creation of “safe spaces,” etc.) and it opened my eyes to how people react in different ways to unexpected events. Although something I’m not used to, I’m very glad to be on a campus where I am exposed to these types of reactions.
I would have to say that my favorite class was my Spanish class. The main reason was because my professor was incredible. I have never had a professor who exuded so much passion. I could tell he loved teaching and watching us learn, and he was incredibly helpful whenever I had questions. … I also enjoyed the class because of its size. It was an intimate class with only 12 students! This allowed me to participate in class regularly and get to know my fellow classmates on a personal level.”
Best of luck, Abigail, as you continue your studies, your service and your social engagement. We are always delighted when students are so well matched!
Tagged: College, Freshman files, Ivy league
You’ve submitted your college applications, now what?
January 16th, 2017At this time of year, high school seniors are often feeling anxious while awaiting admission decisions. The time between submitting applications and receiving a decision can feel like the world’s longest game of waiting. Students often think they have done all they can do, and that it may be a time to lay back and wait. We are here to say that the steps you take now could still help you get to the end goal of acceptance.
An essential part to this process is for students to continue reflecting and learning about the colleges to which they’ve applied. When admission decisions finally roll in, we want you to feel confident and ready to commit to the school of your choice.
Seniors must continue to monitor the progress of their application status. Midyear grades will need to be reviewed by most universities, so make sure to remind (and thank!) your school counselor. No one wants this more than you, so keep that in mind when working towards your goal of being accepted to the school you want.
Seniors should also keep up their meaningful interactions with the schools to which they’ve applied. Most universities find this an important aspect of the application status. Of course there are some exceptions, and writer Zach Miners expands on this topic in the US News article linked below. Please take the time to read it. Although not new, it’s every bit as useful today as when originally published.
Article published on January 11. 2010
Written by: Zach Miners
For most students applying on regular deadlines, the college application season has ended. But just because your applications are sent out, that doesn’t necessarily mean your work trying to get accepted at your favorite school is over. Counselors and admissions officers at schools across the country say there are still some things you can do to get an edge, as long as you don’t go overboard.”Most students feel that once the application is submitted, that’s it,” says Eric Greenberg, founder and director of the advising and tutoring firm Greenberg Educational Group. “But the reality is that colleges are often very receptive to getting additional information later on.”
One remaining task, which many students are already aware of, is to follow up with senior grades and additional test scores. In turn, it’s important to be in regular contact with your high school guidance counselor and not to assume that he or she will send out the scores on your behalf, say officials at St. Michael’s College, a Catholic liberal arts school in Vermont. “If the college you are hoping to get into wants to see your progress, it is your responsibility to show them,” says admission director Jacqueline Murphy.
Read more at US News >>Tagged: Admission decision, Applications, College
One Scholarship, Two Degrees: Academic Fast Track
January 2nd, 2017Competition for athletic scholarships is fierce. Coaches often seek high-achievers in both sports and academics. If you’re among the lucky few, why not maximize the benefits of this reward? Fordham women’s basketball coach Stephanie Gaitley encourages her athletes to do just that. While providing a premier basketball program, she also wants her players to succeed in other areas. To find out how Coach Gaitley’s women’s basketball team is being inspired to receive more than one degree while playing, read this interesting article we linked below, posted in the New York Times.
Crucial takeaway: this article has broader implications for all students seeking to maximize their college years, not just college athletes!
Article below published on December 17, 2016
Written by: Juliet Macur
When Coach Stephanie Gaitley is out recruiting for her Fordham women’s basketball team and sitting in the living rooms of potential players and their parents, she gives an unconventional spiel.
Gaitley tries to sell the teenagers on taking extra classes when they arrive on campus, to go beyond the workload of even above-average college students. Classes, classes and more classes. In basketball season and out. In summer, when their peers had gone home. Even at times that might interfere with working out.
Read more at New York Times >>Tagged: College, Scholarship
