College search via March Madness

The 2012 men's NCAA basketball tournament bracket has been announced and it again serves as a prime opportunity for students to take notice of a wide variety of colleges and universities from across the country, many of which they may never have heard of before.

Especially for students in the beginning stages of the college search process, March Madness serves as an excellent means by which to begin exploring potential campuses while the national spotlight is shined upon the schools.

Of course, several Missouri and Kansas universities are represented. Multiple Jesuit institutions, in the same scholastic family as Kansas City's Rockhurst University, are also included in this year's seeding.*

Will a power house team win it all? Who will be the "cinderella" team(s) that makes it further than anyone expects? 

• Baylor University (Waco, TX)
• Belmont University (Nashville, TN)
• Brigham Young University (Provo, UT)
• California State University (Long Beach, CA)
• Colorado State University (Colorado Springs, CO)
• Creighton University* (Omaha, NE)
• Davidson University (Davidson, NC)
• Duke University (Durham, NC)
• Florida State University (Tallahassee, FL)
• Georgetown University* (Washington, DC)
• Gonzaga University* (Spokane, WA)
• Harvard University (Cambridge, MA)
• Indiana University (Bloomington, IN)
• Iona College (New Rochelle, NY)
• Iowa State University (Ames, IA)
• Kansas State University (Manhattan, KS)
• Lamar University (Beaumont, TX)
• Lehigh University (Bethlehem, PA)
• Long Island University (Brookville, NY)
• Loyola University Maryland* (Baltimore, MD)
• Marquette University* (Milwaukee, WI)
• Michigan State University (East Lansing, MI)
• Mississippi Valley State University (Itta Bena, MS)
• Murray State University (Murray, KY)
• New Mexico State University (Las Cruces, NM)
• Norfolk State University (Norfolk, VA)
• North Carolina State University (Raleigh, NC)
• Ohio State University (Columbus, OH)
• Purdue University (West Lafayette, IN)
• Saint Louis University* (Saint Louis, MO)
• Saint Mary's College (Maroga, CA)
• San Diego State University (San Diego, CA)
• South Dakota State University (Brookings, SD)
• St. Bonaventure University (St. Bonaventure, NY)
• Syracuse University (Syracuse, NY)
• Temple University (Philadelphia, PA)
• University of Alabama (Tuscaloosa, AL)
• University of California (Berkeley, CA)
• University of Cincinnati (Cincinnati, OH)
• University of Colorado (Boulder, CO)
• University of Connecticut (Storrs, CT)
• University of Detroit Mercy* (Detroit, MI)
• University of Florida (Gainesville, FL)
• University of Kansas (Lawrence, KS)
• University of Kentucky (Lexington, KY)
• University of Louisville (Louisville, KY)
• University of Memphis (Memphis, TN)
• University of Michigan (Ann Arbor, MI)
• University of Missouri (Columbia, MO)
• University of Montana (Missoula, MT)
• University of Nevada (Las Vegas, NV)
• University of New Mexico (Albuquerque, NM)
• University of North Carolina (Ashville, NC)
• University of North Carolina (Chapel Hill, NC)
• University of Notre Dame (Notre Dame, IN)
• University of Ohio (Athens, OH)
• University of South Florida (Tampa, FL)
• University of Southern Mississippi (Hattiesburg, MS)
• University of Texas (Austin, TX)
• University of Vermont (Burlington, VT)
• University of Virginia (Charlottesville, VA)
• University of Wisconsin (Madison, WI)
• Vanderbilt University (Nashville, TN)
• Virginia Commonwealth University (Richmond, VA)
• Western Kentucky University (Bowling Green, KY)
• West Virginia University (Morgantown, WV)
• Wichita State University (Wichita, KS)
• Xavier University* (Cincinnati, OH)

NCAA March Madness on Facebook

NCAA March Madness on Twitter

2012-2013 Common Application essay prompts

As March approaches and spring break season nears, many high school juniors across the Kansas City metro area have not only begun their college search process, but will be traveling to visit collegiate campuses over the next few weeks and throughout the summer months.

And many juniors are already busy brainstorming college application essay topic ideas! For these students, there is good news for those intending to apply for admission to one or more of the 456 colleges and universities that utilize the Common Application. 

The Common App essay prompts for the 2012-2013 academic year/application season will remain the same:

• Evaluate a significant experience, achievement, risk you have taken, or ethical dilemma you have faced and its impact on you.
• Discuss some issue of personal, local, national, or international concern and its importance to you.
• Indicate a person who has had a significant influence on you, and describe that influence.
• Describe a character in fiction, a historical figure, or a creative work (as in art, music, science, etc.) that has had an influence on you, and explain that influence.
• A range of academic interests, personal perspectives, and life experiences adds much to the educational mix. Given your personal background, describe an experience that illustrates what you would bring to the diversity in a college community or an encounter that demonstrated the importance of diversity to you.
• Topic of your choice.

Current juniors are invited to not only begin preparing their application essay, but to explore the Common App website. However, students should note that although they may create a username and password while investigating the site options, all accounts will be cleared on July 15, 2012. Applicants will then need to create a new user account for the 2012-2013 application cycle.

Common Application on Facebook

Common Application on Twitter

Common Application on You Tube

Colleges & universities prove pride via Pinterest

(originally published to KC Examiner.com on February 7, 2012)

It's a phenomenon for sure!

Millions are utilizing Pinterest to create visual dream boards for weddings (even if not already engaged), for children's nurseries and clothing (even when not yet pregnant), dream vacations to exotic destinations (they'll likely never afford to take), fashion (their body types may not support), recipes, home design, and more.  Users describe the site as "addictive" and for many, "pinning" dreams has taken their interest away from daily Facebook use.

Kansas City's 41 Action News anchor, Christa Dubill, is an admitted Pinterest addict and often shows her completed projects on both her personal and professional Facebook pages. She openly invites viewers to follow her Pinterest boards and, on several occasions, has held drawings to give away items she has made (key chains and tissue packet covers so far) to her Facebook friends.

Like many business entities across the globe, college and university staff often includes a social media professional. Most schools have a multitude of Facebook pages and Twitter accounts to share information about almost every facet of the campus and to engage their constituents in dialogue. And some of those schools that have historically been highly active in social media are quick to involve themselves in the Pinterest obsession.The corporate and small business communities have also begun to cash in on the Pinterest craze. The Kansas City Business Journal even recently featured an article about Pinterest and business. Etsy, with nearly 50,000 followers on Pinterest, is a classic and natural example of how a brand can capitalize on this social medium's usership. Locally, Gail Keller, aKansas City area solopreneuer (Gail's Scoop and Macaroni Kid JoCo) is on Pinterest with boards that include saving money on children's clothing, family friendly healthy meals, and Valentine's crafts for kids. 

Here are a few colleges and universities that are utilizing Pinterest, as well as samples of the boards they are posting to connect with their followers: 

Drake University on Pinterest

• "Adorbs Bulldogs"
• "Explore Des Moines"
• "Wear Blue"

Marquette University on Pinterest

• "Famous Marquette Alumni"
• "Milwaukee"
• "Vintage Marquette"

Oberlin College

• "Co-Operative Friendly"
• "Oberenthusiasm"
• "Obie Creations"
• "Our Town"

St. Norbert University

• "Campus Beauty"

Texas A&M University

• "Aggie Traditions"
• "Maroon Your Room"
• "Our Campus"
• "Tailgating"

 Sororities have also found their place on Pinterest. Here are some examples:

• Alpha Gamma Delta
• Alpha Sigma Alpha
• Alpha Sigma Tau
• Phi Mu
• Pi Beta Phi
• Sigma Sigma Sigma

Pinterest; one more way for colleges and universities to interact with prospective applicants, current students, alumni, athletic fans, and donor supporters!

Information session for students pursuing a service academy appointment

(originally published to KC Examiner.com on February 3, 2012)

Receiving an appointment to a military academy is a lengthy journey that begins well prior to the student's senior year...and requires a Congressional nomination. Although the process can be intimidating, students receiving appointments earn scholarships valued in excess of $250,000, including all tuition, room, and board at the government-sponsored military academies. Upon graduation, students must fulfill their active duty military commitment.

Lee’s Summit High School annually hosts US Service Academy Night, an informational evening for students interested in the military academies, and will do so again this year.

• Tuesday, February 28
• 7pm to 9:30pm
• Lee's Summit High School (400 SE Blue Parkway)
• Lecture Hall (west side of building, next to fieldhouse)

Academy Night is for open to all 8th through 11th grade students and their parents from across the Kansas City metro area. Guidance counselors and other educators are also invited to attend. 

Families will hear presentations, as well as be able to speak individually with representatives both before and after the meeting: 

• New Mexico Military Institute
• United States Air Force Academy
• United States Coast Guard
• United States Merchant Marine Academy
• United States Military Academy at West Point
• United States Naval Academy
• Virginia Military Institute

A special session with a focus on the application process will be held for interested juniors and their parents.

For further information, call Lee's Summit High School at (816) 986-2000.

College Championship on Jeopardy!

(originally published to KC Examiner.com on January 31, 2012)

February 1 not only welcomes a new month, one in which we gain a day for Leap Year, but tomorrow is also the beginning of the 24th College Championship on the Jeopardy! game show.

This is one of many fun ways for college-bound students, especially those who are younger or who are in the early stages of their college search, to learn about campuses that may not receive as much media coverage, athletic accolades, local exposure, or name recognition.

More than 12,000 undergraduates began the competition, but only fifteen students from colleges and universities across the country have earned the chance to win the $100,000 grand prize. 

Three of the campuses are being represented on Jeopardy! for the first time: Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, Eastern Illinois University, and Goucher College. Appearing for the 14th time, Harvard has been in the competition more often than any other college or university. 

While no campuses or students from Kansas City will be represented, there are current students and alumni in the metro area from many of those schools that will be featured in the tournament. Here is a list of the competitor institutions:

• California Polytechnic State University (San Luis Obispo, CA)
• College of William & Mary (Williamsburg, VA)
• Columbia University (New York, NY)
• Duke University (Durham, NC)
• Eastern Illinois University (Charleston, IL)
• George Washington University (Washington, DC)
• Goucher College (Baltimore, MD)
• Harvard University (Cambridge, MA)
• Indiana University (Bloomington, IN)
• Loyola University Chicago (Chicago, IL)
• Massachusetts Institute of Technology (Cambridge, MA)
• Stanford University (Stanford, CA)
• University of Michigan (Ann Arbor, MI)
• University of North Texas (Denton, TX)
• Vanderbilt University (Nashville, TN)

Jeopardy! airs weekdays at 4pm on KSHB. 

Junior visit days at the University of Kansas

(originally published to KC Examiner.com on January 31, 2012)

The campus visit is a critical component of any college planning process. Second semester of junior year is an ideal time for college-bound students (and their families) to spend time on the college and university campuses that match their interests. Many institutions, including the University of Kansas in Lawrence, KS, will host special day-long visit programs designed to meet the needs of students in this phase of their search.

A more focused or academically tailored follow-up visit during senior year is advisable for those, who after visiting a first time, determine they will apply for admission in the fall.

SPRING 2012 KU JUNIOR VISIT DAYS

• Monday, February 20 - full; registration closed
• Friday, March 2
• Monday, March 12
• Friday, March 16 - full; registration closed
• Monday, March 26
• Friday, April 6
• Monday, April 9
• Monday, April 23
• Friday, April 27

KU JUNIOR VISIT DAY SCHEDULE (subject to change)

• 9am - Check-in and Academic Fair
• 9:55am - Welcome
• 10:20am - Admission Overview
• 11am - Athletics, Residence Hall, Dining Hall, & Classroom Experiences
• 2:30pm - Campus Tour
• 3:30pm - Optional Bonus Session and/or Tours

There is a $15 per person fee, which includes on-campus parking, a light breakfast, lunch, and a t-shirt for visiting students.

To register, click here (must pay fee online at time of registration). Or, to register and pay by phone, call (785) 864-3911.

University of Kansas on Facebook

University of Kansas on Twitter

University of Kansas on You Tube

Summer Pre-College ArtLab at Kansas City Art Institute

(originally published to KC Examiner.com on January 26, 2012)

The Kansas City Art Institute's School for Continuing and Professional Studies is offering Pre-College ArtLab (PCAL) this summer. The three-week studio residency for high school students will be offered from Sunday, July 8 through Friday, July 27. Through the program, designed to help students discover exactly what it takes to be an artist, approximately 65 students from across the country will create art...five days a week, nine hours a day for three weeks. 

PCAL faculty artists will both inspire and motivate participants to achieve their artistic goals by providing curriculum that will expose them to numerous new techniques and media, using well-equipped studios with specialized equipment.

The program schedule will keep the budding artists busy with six hours of studio major work, three hours of life drawing, 15 hours of liberal arts studies, field trips, workshops, planned weekend activities, and some free time for participants to use as they wish. Students will have the opportunity to focus on one studio major, with options including animation, kiln-fired glass, photography, printmaking, or painting. Click here to view full descriptions of these studio choices.

Admitted students must pay a $2699 course fee, as well as a $300 non-refundable deposit. That cost includes tuition, room and board (in the Student Living Center on the KCAI campus), three college credits, art supplies, as well as excursions and weekend activities throughout Kansas City.

In addition, participants will also receive a portfolio review, the opportunity to show their work in a final public exhibition, a CD of life drawing and major studio work, and extensive professional practice and critique. For those who may later enroll full-time at KCAI, a one semester Living Center grant will also be provided.

Competitive scholarships are available for select applicants, based upon artistic merit, academic achievement, and demonstrated financial need. 

The PCAL application deadline is Friday, March 23. Required components include a brief essay expressing the student's desire to participate in PCAL, a CD with six images of original art work, a letter of recommendation regarding artistic talent and aspiration, official high school transcripts, and most recent IRS tax return (if applying for a scholarship). Click here to apply online.

For additional information, contact Ruth Kartman at (816) 802-3505 or by email. 

Kansas City Art Institute on Facebook

Kansas City Art Institute on Twitter

Kansas City Art Institute on You Tube

KCAI School of Continuing and Professional Studies on Facebook

Enjoy campus communities by staying at bed & breakfasts

(originally published to KC Examiner.com on January 25, 2012)

Most college-bound students recognize that there is more to a college or university than simply the acreage upon which the school sits. The community surrounding a campus can have great impact on a prospective student's view of the institution, as well as the experience of enrolled students.

Inn keepers often have a devotion to the community and its history and, in smaller locales, the college is typically an integral aspect of the town's past. Discovering the impressions of a school from an "outsider" who is still "in the know" can prove invaluable in learning about an institution's relationship and impact on its surroundings over time. 

Many bed and breakfast homes offer the charm of their historical pasts with the conveniences of modern life, especially those inns that cater to the business traveler. This might include in-room wireless internet access, flat screen televisions with DVD hook-up and cable channels, and even jacuzzi bathtubs.

Rates are typically in line with those of chain hotels, and sometimes, may be more affordable. Home cooked dinners and/or breakfasts, coffee on the porch, and cozy fireplaces are perks often found at bed and breakfasts that are more difficult to enjoy at traditional motel or hotel locations.

Tiffany Miller, the Inn Keeper at Parkville's Main Street Inn, provides guests with an additional queen sized inflatable mattress, making it even more economical for families traveling together to visit Park University or other area campuses. 

SAMPLING OF BED & BREAKFAST INNS NEAR KANSAS CITY AREA CAMPUSES

Baker University (Baldwin City, KS)

• Three Sisters Inn

Park University (Parkville, MO)

• Main Street Inn

Rockhurst University and University of Missouri Kansas City (Kansas City, MO)

• Southmoreland on the Plaza

University of Central Missouri (Warrensburg, MO)

• Cottage on the Knoll at Cedarcroft Farm
• Gelbach Manor

William Jewell College (Liberty, MO)

• Stone-Yancey House
• Terrace Avenue Inn

When planning your next campus visit, no matter where in the country, consider staying at a bed and breakfast within the local community.

And parents, once your child has selected a collegiate abode, choose a bed and breakfast to take advantage of pampering away from home each time you visit for Parent's Weekend or other special occasions with your college student.

Bed & Breakfast Inns of Missouri

Kansas Bed & Breakfast Association

Colleges & high school counselors gather for 2011 MOACAC Cube Conference

(originally published to KC Examiner.com on September 3, 2011)

On Friday, high school counselors and independent college consultants from across the Kansas City metro area spent the day with college admission representatives hearing updates from fifty colleges and universities. Most of the participating campuses are in Missouri, but not all.

Hosted by the Missouri Association for College Admission Counseling (MOACAC), the event was held on the campus of Avila University in south Kansas City, Missouri. The annual event, which began at 7:30am and continued until 2pm, included individual school updates during three sessions, lunch on campus, then concluded with a college fair so that materials could be distributed to the counselors and consultants in attendance. 

In alphabetical order with location notes and as links to each institution's website, is the list of colleges and universities who presented at the 2011 MOACAC Kansas City Cube Conference:

Avila University (Kansas City, MO)

Baker University (Baldwin City, KS)

Benedictine College (Atchison, KS)

Bethel College (North Newton, KS)

Central Methodist University (Fayette, MO)

Columbia College (Columbia, MO) 

Drake University (Des Moines, IA)

Drury University (Springfield, MO)

Hannibal - LaGrange University (Hannibal, MO)

Illinois College (Jacksonville, IL)

Johnson County Community College (Overland Park, KC)

Lindenwood University (St. Charles, MO)

Linn State Technical College (Linn, MO)

Maryville University (St. Louis, MO)

McKendree University (Lebanon, IL)

Metropolitain Community Colleges (5 locations in Kansas City, MO area)

Millikin University (Decatur, IL)

Missouri Baptist University (St. Louis, MO)

Missouri Southern State University (Joplin, MO)

Missouri State University (Springfield, MO)

Missouri University of Science and Technology (Rolla, MO)

Missouri Western State University (St. Joseph, MO)

North Central Missouri College (Trenton, MO)

Northwest Missouri State University (Maryville, MO)

Park University (Parkville, MO)

Pittsburg State University (Pittsburg, KS)

Ranken Technical College (St. Louis, MO)

Robert Morris University (Chicago, IL)

Rockhurst University (Kansas City, MO)

Saint Louis University (St. Louis, MO)

Southeast Missouri State University (Cape Girardeau, MO)

Southern Illinois University Carbondale (Carbondale, IL)

St. Louis College of Pharmacy (St. Louis, MO)

Stephens College (Columbia, MO)

Truman State University (Kirksville, MO)

University of Alabama (Tuscaloosa, AL)

University of Arkansas (Fayetteville, AR)

University of Central Missouri (Warrensburg, MO)

University of Kansas (Lawrence, KS)

University of Minnesota (Minneapolis, MN)

University of Missouri (Columbia, MO)

University of Missouri Kansas City (Kansas City, MO)

University of Missouri St. Louis (St. Louis, MO)

University of Tulsa (Tulsa, OK)

Washburn University (Topeka, KS)

Webster University (Webster Groves, MO)

Wentworth Military Academy & Junior College (Lexington, MO)

Westminster College (Fulton, MO)

William Jewell College (Liberty, MO)

William Woods University (Fulton, MO)

Not Too Late for Class of 2011 Seniors to Apply for Admission

The National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC) has published its 24th annual list of colleges and universities that are still accepting applications for admission. Referred to as the "Space Availability Survey," the information is submitted to NACAC directly from the campuses for release to the public the first week of May each year.

Announced this morning, the current list includes 281 four-year colleges and universities, all of which indicate that both financial aid and housing options are available for freshman and/or transfer applicants planning to enroll for Fall 2011.

The searchable chart shows the listing of:

• campuses by name
• school locations
• whether the campus has enrollment space for freshmen, transfers, or both
• if the school is a public or a private institution
• approximate enrollment totals for each campus
• whether or not financial aid is still available for applicants
• if on-campus housing is an option for incoming students
• link to contact the school regarding application for admission, financial aid, and housing 

KANSAS COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES ON THE LIST (as of May 4)

• none

MISSOURI COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES ON THE LIST (as of May 4)

• Avila University
• Maryville University
• Missouri State University
• Northwest Missouri State University
• Park University
• Stephens College
• Truman State University
• Westminster College

This list is available online to the public through July 1. Colleges and universities often update their listings with NACAC as space availability adjusts, so students and parents are encouraged to check the list regularly for up to date information about which schools are still accepting applications for Fall 2011.To view the complete list, click here.