I am a nurse and so excited that your daughter wants to become a nurse. It may not be an impossible dream. Check www.nursingworld.org. This is the American Nurses Association. Once you reach the site, click on constituent member associations. This will lead you to the State Nurses Associations. Check the one for your state and or the state in which your potential college is located. Most state nurses associations list scholarships available. Check civic association such as Rotary, Kiwanis. These organizations frequently offer a scholarship. Go on one of the search engines and type in scholarships nursing and some more information should be available. Also enter minority scholarships, scholarships for children of low income families, first generation college scholarships and some more information should be available. The Congress has also passed a Nurse Reinvestment Act. Your guidance counselor and/or school librarian should be able to help you find information about money available. You can also contact your legislators' local office for follow-up on the nurse reinvestment act and any state programs that exist where you live. If you have a particular college in mind, check with them about general scholarships as well as nursing scholarships that may be available. Although it takes some "digging" it is worth it. Sadly, a significant percentage of many scholarship funds goes unused every year. Good luck in your quest and don't give up!

Ms.Susan Fraley
Executive Director
Foundation of New York State Nurses Association, Inc.
518-456-7858 x29
sfraley@foundationnysnurses.org

Financial Aid information should be obtained from the college or university the student is applying to for specific information. In the State of Colorado in-state student status and financial aid are not awarded to students who are not citizens. If a student is residing in Colorado and has a green card they may be given in-state student status but would not be eligible for financial aid. Currently, there is legislation going forward that could change financial aid policy in Colorado for undocumented or immigrant students. Searching for private scholarships is recommended. Private scholarships may award students without regard to citizenship or immigrant status.

Erica Burnside
Admission Counselor for Multicultural Recruitment
Fort Lewis College
Durango, CO
970-247-7203
burnside_e@fortlewis.edu

The parents are not US citizens and therefore would not be eligible for Federal Financial Aid Assistance. Parents would have to demonstrate proof of US citizenship and also been tax paying citizens to be eligible for federal assistance. However, if the daughter meets the academic requirements and is awarded accordingly by the Office of Student Financial Aid than she could potentially be awarded a merit based scholarship by The Ohio State University.

The family would also be responsible for the out-of-state surcharge and cost. Please see sfa-finaid@osu.edu for further information or questions.

Eric V. Hilton, Ph.D.
Senior Assistant Director
Undergraduate Admissions and First Year Experience
The Ohio State University
110 E. Enarson Hall
154 W. 12th Avenue
Columbus, Ohio 43210
hilton.39@osu.edu
(W) 614.688.5768
(Fax) 614.292.3240

Unless it is noted on your high school transcripts, admissions counselors would have no way of knowing if your grade has been boosted due to your score on the AP Exam. As far as the grade being changed, that will be up to your high school.

Kristen Lippencott, M.B.A.
Transfer Counselor
Admissions Office
Seton Hill University
724.838.4231
Fax: 724-830-1294
lippencott@setonhill.edu

The Naval Academy is a highly selective four year institution. We do not accept AP credits to validate courses. We will allow those who acheive a 4 or 5 on an AP exam the opportunity to test out of a class. For example, a 5 on AP Chemistry would give a student the opportunity to test out of Freshman Chemistry I and II. We suggest all applicants to the Naval Academy take AP courses throughout High School. Taking AP Math and Science courses looks especially good when we review an application.

Ensign Ian J. Flint, USN
United States Naval Academy
Office Of Admissions
Leahy Hall
117 Decatur Road
Annapolis, MD 21412
Office: 410-293-1802
Fax: 410-293-1815
flint@usna.edu
www.usna.edu/admissions

Most universities want to see your "official" high school transcript. If your grade in an AP course has been changed and that changed is reflected on your transcript it should be accepted. Most universities do not make determinations of high school grades and typically do not know if grades are modified. If you expect a higher grade in an AP than what your transcript states, have your counselor call the institution to help verify the correct grade.

Jahi Sauk Simbai
Associate Director
Colorado School of Mines
Minority Engineering Program
1112 18th St
Golden, CO 80401
(303) 273-3608 or (800) 446-9488
(303) 273-3760 fax
jahi.simbai@is.mines.edu
www.mines.edu/Stu_life/mep

The high school transcript will reflect the change in the AP class grade. Colleges will review transcripts when sent to complete applications for admission and they will review the final high school transcript after the student has graduated. Scores reported from National testing will be accepted when considering AP scores for college credit. The score on the official AP score report will be what the college or university will consider for college credit.

Erica Burnside
Admission Counselor for Multicultural Recruitment
Fort Lewis College
Durango, CO
970-247-7203
burnside_e@fortlewis.edu

Generally, Ohio State University will be notified by College Board of your final AP score. Your AP score(s) must be sent directly to Office of Testing, 820 Lincoln Tower, 1800 Cannon Drive, Columbus, Ohio 43210. Individual academic departments at Ohio State University are responsible for determining the amount of college credit to be awarded for subjects taught within their particular areas.Students who score 4 or 5 on AP examination are generally accepted as college level coursework.To find out more about AP and other types of college course placement option that are available to students please log-in on at http://www.ureg.ohio-state.edu/ourweb/Tests/TestsContent/CurrentEM.pdf An ongoing policy review by departments takes place annually, and therefore the amount of credit to be awarded is subject to change.

Eric V. Hilton, Ph.D.
Senior Assistant Director
Undergraduate Admissions and First Year Experience
The Ohio State University
110 E. Enarson Hall
154 W. 12th Avenue
Columbus, Ohio 43210
hilton.39@osu.edu
(W) 614.688.5768
(Fax) 614.292.3240

The overt use of profanity in your essay has the potential to reflect poorly on your character, if misused. You probably would only want to use vulgar language if you are quoting an author, speaker, etc. There are certainly plenty of examples where it can help add clarity to your essay, which is always a plus. I personally suggest that you refrain from spelling out the actual word, and use dashes after the first letter. This would give the appearance that you're at least moderately concerned about how it may be received by an admissions officer (although I've seen essays where some students clearly weren't concerned at all!)

Frank Esson
Assisant Director of Admissions
Syracuse University- Syracuse, New York
fnesson@syr.edu
315-443-3846

I would tend to stay away from using profanity in a college essay. If you have a particular quote in mind and it's crucial to the theme of your essay I would suggest using an edited version of the word or words, like d**n. Overall college representatives are interested in the way you present ideas. I think the creativity you show in working around inserting profanity will go further than using profane words.

Jahi Sauk Simbai
Associate Director
Colorado School of Mines
Minority Engineering Program
1112 18th St
Golden, CO 80401
(303) 273-3608 or (800) 446-9488
(303) 273-3760 fax
jahi.simbai@is.mines.edu
www.mines.edu/Stu_life/mep

This is a touchy subject. Here at Seton Hill University we read each student's essay and value those that are unique to the individual. Using quotes that inspire you are important, but I would watch the profanity, how it is used and to what extent. It can definitely affect the entire feel of the essay, in either a positive or negative manner. It is a fine line, I would suggest having a guidance counselor or teacher preview the essay and give you feedback.

Kristen Lippencott, M.B.A.
Transfer Counselor
Admissions Office
Seton Hill University
724.838.4231
Fax: 724-830-1294
lippencott@setonhill.edu

College is an arena where the observations and experiences of the real world are to be examined. If use of profanity as a quote or otherwise is important to conveying the message of a paper or an essay its use is justifiable. It is important that the essay show the intended audience the importance of its inclusion.

Erica Burnside
Admission Counselor for Multicultural Recruitment
Fort Lewis College
Durango, CO
970-247-7203
burnside_e@fortlewis.edu

Many colleges and universities across the country use the essays that students write to help them understand and evaluate students better. We want students to take their time and write essays that truly reflect who they are. That said, I would caution students to pay close attention to the language that is used. Admission's committees are comprised of people who represent a diverse group of individuals. Therefore, they represent diverse interests and tastes. Using slang and profanity may go over well with some committee members, but not others and unfortunately, you don't know who will be reading your application. Thus, I would advise you to first write an essay that truly reflects who you are and what you feel. Second, I would recommend that you check your essay for grammatical errors and spelling mistakes. Thirdly, I would recommend that you avoid profanity if at all possible. However, if you are using a wellknown quote or quoting someone who is essential to the essay then by all means use a direct quote and do not change the language. The bottom line is, you should write an essay that is lively, insightful, well structured, and tells the committee something that it cannot get from any other part of the application.

Deborah L. Basket
Associate Dean of Admission
College of William and Mary
Williamsburg, VA 23188
757-221-1837
dlbask@wm.edu

Medical schools across the country will be looking for students who have taken several mathematics and science courses in college, so these you will need to take while a college student. These courses include calculus, organic chemistry, and biology. But in order for you to be able to take those courses, you will need to prepare now. Next year, I would recommend that you take Chemistry or Physics, Algebra II or the next mathematics course, Spanish 3, and any other honors courses that you can. If your school offers AP courses or IB courses, I would strongly recommend that you look into taking those as well. It is essential that your science and mathematics background is as strong as possible when you enroll in college so you will be able to continue to excel in your science and mathematics courses. It is not, however, essential that you major biology or chemistry or some other science discipline. What you also need to do is to contact your college's premedical advisor as soon as possible after you enroll. This individual will be instrumental in assisting in your preparation for medical school by helping you to select your courses, find research
opportunities, and/or internships.

I know that you are interested in becoming a pediatrician, but first you need to prepare for medical school. Only after you have been admitted to medical school will you need to focus on your medical specialty (i.e. pediatrics). You might also look now for summer opportunities where you can be exposed to medicine. For example, are there opportunities to intern in a local hospital or do research at a local college or university. I would recommend that you ask your high school guidance counselor for assistance.

Deborah L. Basket
Associate Dean of Admission
College of William and Mary
Williamsburg, VA 23188
757-221-1837
dlbask@wm.edu

Experience is a valuable piece of one's education. If you are strongly interested in entering the health or medical fields I would recommend that you begin to look for health career intro programs offered to high school juniors at a college or university. For example MedStart is a College of Medicine (University of Arizona) program open to high school juniors who have a strong interest in the health care professions. Students live in a dorm for a week in the summer, explore health careers and attend classes such as chemistry, English and health sciences presentations.

It is important to look into the requirements Schools of Medicine have so that you can tailor your high school classes for entrance into these programs. When you have entered a college program you can work with an advisor for health careers to prepare for your study to be a pediatrician.

Erica Burnside
Admission Counselor for Multicultural Recruitment
Fort Lewis College
Durango, CO
970-247-7203
burnside_e@fortlewis.edu

Traditionally, students pursue a medical degree (Pediatrician) after completion of the bachelor's degree. The Undergraduate Admissions department at Ohio State University recommends completing the most challenging college preparatory curriculum the high school has to offer students. Honors, Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate courses are recommended as well as Chemistry, Biology, Physics, Geometry, and Calculus.

The undergraduate preparation for medicine (Pediatrician) will include a solid science foundation. At Ohio State your first year curriculum will include one full year of each:
· Biology
· General chemistry with laboratory
· Organic chemistry with laboratory
· Physics with laboratory
· Biochemistry (strongly recommended)

Eric V. Hilton, Ph.D.
Senior Assistant Director
Undergraduate Admissions and First Year Experience
The Ohio State University
110 E. Enarson Hall
154 W. 12th Avenue
Columbus, Ohio 43210
hilton.39@osu.edu
(W) 614.688.5768
(Fax) 614.292.3240

It sounds like you are already off to a great start! Taking as many science and math courses as you can will be most helpful as you apply to college. A high school transcript that shows a strong college preparatory program with honors and AP courses will show colleges that you are ready to take on a pre-med program.

Over the next two years, I would recommend taking as many science and math course as your high school offers. The stronger your background in these areas, the better your likely to do in college course, on the MCAT (Medical school Admission Test) and ultimately in med-school.

Also keep in mind that medical schools are looking for well rounded students so allow yourself time to pursue other interests. Diverse experiences inside and outside of the classroom will prepare you for college and for the challenges that will be presented in medical school. Continue to take a foreign language and take courses that force you to think critically. If you haven’t already done so, try volunteering at an area hospital and touch base with pediatricians. There is nothing like real world experience.

In your first year of college you will most likely focus on a core curriculum, taking courses in English and social sciences. You should also plan to take a math course, biology, and even chemistry if scheduling allows. An ideal goal would be to complete the pre-med program (Biology, Inorganic Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, and Physics) by your junior year so you have time to finish degree requirements and study for the MCAT.

In the meantime, keep the goal of becoming a pediatrician in view but enjoy your time in high school. Your experiences between now and college will help affirm your interests and passions.

Do well in high school, keep your mind challenged and most of all, enjoy the journey!

All the best,

Stephanie Frost
Admission Counselor
MCLA- Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts
www.mcla.edu
sfrost@mcla.edu
1-800-969-MCLA

There is no need to narrow down your interests as a junior in high school! Keep your mind open to each of your ideas. To help you think about what major to choose when you begin to apply to colleges, visit those colleges and ask questions about the different academic departments. Ask what classes you'll be taking and then think about if you'd like those classes. See if you can talk to upper-class students in those classes and ask them questions. Maybe there is a way to tie in all of your ideas (or at least most of them). If you were to build a doggie spa and day care business you'll definitely need a website and some interesting promotional materials (graphic design)! Perhaps you can double-major in business and web design. Ask if the college of your dream can provide you that.

Jahi Sauk Simbai
Associate Director
Colorado School of Mines
Minority Engineering Program
1112 18th St
Golden, CO 80401
(303) 273-3608 or (800) 446-9488
(303) 273-3760 fax
jahi.simbai@is.mines.edu
www.mines.edu/Stu_life/mep

At the Naval Academy we do not allow Freshmen to select a major until after their first year. This is to ensure that they have gotten a good taste of what we have to offer to our students. We do not want a freshman to select a major they may know nothing about until they have taken classes in that field or a similar field. We make certain that each freshman is introduced to each different major we offer here.

Ensign Ian J. Flint, USN
United States Naval Academy
Office Of Admissions
Leahy Hall
117 Decatur Road
Annapolis, MD 21412
Office: 410-293-1802
Fax: 410-293-1815
flint@usna.edu
www.usna.edu/admissions

A suggestion is to consider obtaining a degree with a major in business and a minor in Information Technology. The knowldege gained in these two areas will go a long way toward helping you set up your own business, while giving you a greater period of time to decide on the type of business.

Ms.Susan Fraley
Executive Director
Foundation of New York State Nurses Association, Inc.
518-456-7858 x29
sfraley@foundationnysnurses.org

Some students know exactly what they want to do and exactly what they want to major in. Not all students are like this. This is ok. Being Undecided about your major or career is not a terrible thing. As you enter your college or university you will have a chance to take introductory classes in your areas of interest. This will give you experience in your interest areas and help you to decide if you want to pursue particular areas of study. During your Freshman and Sophomore years this kind of experimenting is part of your general studies. If you can decide on your major by the end of your sophomore year you have a good chance of finishing your degree in four years.

You can also take advantage of your college's career center which may offer aptitude tests that signal your strengths and probability of success in particular majors or careers.

Erica Burnside
Admission Counselor for Multicultural Recruitment
Fort Lewis College
Durango, CO
970-247-7203
burnside_e@fortlewis.edu

It is common for high school age students to have a wide range of interests and career objectives. Most universities and colleges have a Career Service and Planning Office. The purpose of this service is to assist students with identifying their strengths, weaknesses, and interests and matching these characteristic with occupations that may be a good fit for them. Moreover, most colleges and universities provide opportunities for Cooperative Education, Internships, Study abroad for the purpose of students applying what they have learned in the classroom and applying in a practical work environment.

We also encourage high school students to become involved in volunteer and civic organizations that are of interest to them. An example, for students who are interested in becoming a Pediatrician, it would be advantageous for them to volunteer at a local hospital to enhance their learning experience. Equally important is to read and research about employment trends that are associated with student interests.

Eric V. Hilton, Ph.D.
Senior Assistant Director
Undergraduate Admissions and First Year Experience
The Ohio State University
110 E. Enarson Hall
154 W. 12th Avenue
Columbus, Ohio 43210
hilton.39@osu.edu
(W) 614.688.5768
(Fax) 614.292.3240

The United States Naval Academy gives out similar advice to all applicants when they inquire whether it is better to have a very high GPA and no extra curricular activities or a decent GPA and quite a few extra curricular activities (ECAs). We caution our applicants against getting into the idea that there is one thing that will get them into the Naval Academy. We look at the whole person when we view candidates for admission. The Admissions Office suggests that candidates have high GPAs and be involved in depth in a few ECAs. This means we would like to see students involved in one or two ECAs and be the President, Vice-President, Secretary of Treasurer of them, rather than have their name on a roster for 15 ECAs and do next to nothing for any of them. We are truly looking to see involvement, dedication and leadership in our applicants.

Ensign Ian J. Flint, USN
United States Naval Academy
Office Of Admissions
Leahy Hall
117 Decatur Road
Annapolis, MD 21412
Office: 410-293-1802
Fax: 410-293-1815
flint@usna.edu
www.usna.edu/admissions

All colleges are a little different when it comes to accepting students. However, most colleges do want that combination of high GPA and extracurricular activities. When you have both it speaks to your leadership and your versatility. Colleges want well-rounded students. Try not to worry about what other students are doing, just continue to do well in your classes and push yourself to always improve. With that formula you will increase your chances of getting into the college of your choice.

Jahi Sauk Simbai
Associate Director
Colorado School of Mines
Minority Engineering Program
1112 18th St
Golden, CO 80401
(303) 273-3608 or (800) 446-9488
(303) 273-3760 fax
jahi.simbai@is.mines.edu
www.mines.edu/Stu_life/mep

The short answer to this question is that it depends on the institution, and more specifically, the selectivity of the college/program to which you are applying. All colleges are looking for well-rounded students. What many institutions don't always explicitly state is that factors other than your transcript become more important as a college becomes more selective. The first thing that all institutions will consider is your transcript. The more rigorous your courseload the better. The same goes for your grades. Many students can gain admission to a selective university by excelling in these areas alone. The most selective institutions and academic programs are forced to search for aptitude and potential in a number of other ways, including, but not limited to extracurricular activities. It's also worth mentioning that many admissions officers can easily spot students who stockpile activities to make their resume look impressive. Being involved with 10 clubs for 1 year doesn't say very much about you as a person. At Syracuse, we're interested in knowing not just how many extracurricular activities you've been a part of, but how long you've been a part of them, you're reasons for joining, and what you've accomplished or learned through your activities. Having one or two meaningful activities to which your truly committed is often more impressive than minimally participating in seven or eight organizations.

Frank Esson
Assisant Director of Admissions
Syracuse University- Syracuse, New York
fnesson@syr.edu
315-443-3846

A student with challenging schedules, high GPA and demonstrated involvement in their school and community is more likely to be considered the better candidate as opposed to a student that only demonstrates a high GPA. Schools are starting to recognize the importance of student involvement in their school and community because it is an indicator of the involvement that student will have on their campus. The schools considering applicants for admission are looking for students that not only bring high standards to their school but who will also contribute to their campus community.

Erica Burnside
Admission Counselor for Multicultural Recruitment
Fort Lewis College
Durango, CO
970-247-7203
burnside_e@fortlewis.edu

This is a question that I get often. The short answer is colleges and universities across the country would much rather see applications from students with a solid GPA (B+ and above) who have challenged themselves in high school with demanding courses (i.e. AP courses, Honors courses, IB courses) rather than students who have super GPA's but have not taken a demanding curriculum. Colleges such as William and Mary have designed their curriculums to be demanding and know that students who have taken demanding courses in high school are better prepared for our curriculum than students who have not taken those courses. And we love students who are involved in extracurricular activities while taking demanding courses. These are the students who stand the best chance of being accepted into colleges across the country. So you have heard wrong.

My advice to you, continue to take those demanding courses and continue to be active in extracurricular activities. Moreover, if you have opportunities to take on leadership roles, please take advantage of that. Finally, don't worry about your chances of acceptance. If your application
is as strong as you say, you will have a number of acceptances from which to choose.

Deborah L. Basket
Associate Dean of Admission
College of William and Mary
Williamsburg, VA 23188
757-221-1837
dlbask@wm.edu

That is a wonderful question. Stony Brook University offers both of these degree programs. Yes, you can do this but its a little tricky. At Stony Brook we offer bachelor's degrees in both subjects. (Some schools offer associate's in nursing which leads to the LPN, the program here leads to the RN). What a student can do is major in biology therefore completing the requirements for that major and at the same time complete the requirements to qualify for admission into the nursing department. Please keep in mind that you cannot take the biology and nursing classes at the same time since the nursing degree requirements consistent of the students doing practical (which are hands on experience with patients). What you should be doing at this point is looking for schools that offer both of these programs and ask them. Also please note that Stony Brook has a Master's degree program in Nursing which has no undergraduate major restriction.

Jenise Reyes
Senior Admissions Advisor
Office of Undergraduate Admissions
118 Administration Bldg.
Stony Brook University
Stony Brook, N.Y. 11794-1901
(631)632-6868
jenise.reyes@stonybrook.edu

It is not impossible but quite challenging. Most colleges of nursing include biology courses within the curricula. I would suggest considering a major in nursing and a minor in biology. I am not familiar with pre-nursing programs.

Ms.Susan Fraley
Executive Director
Foundation of New York State Nurses Association, Inc.
518-456-7858 x29
sfraley@foundationnysnurses.org

It is possible to do a double major in many areas of study. The important piece of a double major is working and communicating with your advisor. The advising center and your faculty advisor on your campus will work with you to complete the major requirements for your double major. They will help you to create your schedules and they will help you plan the completion of your double major in the least amount of time needed. If the majors are related areas of study like Biology and Nursing the time to complete the double major may also be shortened because they may have similar required classes.

Erica Burnside
Admission Counselor for Multicultural Recruitment
Fort Lewis College
Durango, CO
970-247-7203
burnside_e@fortlewis.edu

Ohio State University offers a College of Nursing. Students may also double major in biology and nursing, however, it is possible that by double majoring may extend your time to complete the requirements for each major. Students interested in majoring in nursing should have a strong math and science background.

Eric V. Hilton, Ph.D.
Senior Assistant Director
Undergraduate Admissions and First Year Experience
The Ohio State University
110 E. Enarson Hall
154 W. 12th Avenue
Columbus, Ohio 43210
hilton.39@osu.edu
(W) 614.688.5768
(Fax) 614.292.3240

The school that offers the area of your interest and meets your needs and preferences is the best school for you to attend. If you want to look for a program that will offer you both the undergraduate and graduate degree programs together you may want to look into larger universities. If you want to look for a smaller school to do your undergraduate work and move on to a larger university to complete your graduate work you can also do that. You have the opportunity of meeting new challenges and contributing different things to each college community. The best school for you will depend on what you are looking for in the school that will contribute to your success. Start your research! :-)

Erica Burnside
Admission Counselor for Multicultural Recruitment
Fort Lewis College
Durango, CO
970-247-7203
burnside_e@fortlewis.edu

The Ventures Scholars Program Web site lists member colleges with biochemistry programs. Go to http://www.venturescholar.org/hs/majors/biochem.html. To speak with representatives from these institutions, please go to http://www.venturescholar.org/hs/undergradcontact.html.

Ventures Scholars Program
Ventures Scholars Program
212-566-2522 x103
webmaster@ventures.org

The main difference between an undergraduate and graduate school lies with the degrees offered. An undergraduate school offers students the opportunity to earn a bachelor's degree. This is usually the school students with a high school degree enroll. Once students have earned a bachelor's degree, then they might look to graduate school to earn a master's degree or a doctorate degree. There are also professional schools that students might enroll to earn a medical or law degree.

Now to confuse you a bit more, universities and colleges differ also by what degrees they offer. Colleges are usually institutions that offer only the bachelor's degree. While universities offer a number of degrees including the bachelor's degree, the master's degree, and professional degrees. For example the College of William and Mary offers the bachelor's degree, master's degrees, doctorate degrees, and professional degrees. So while we are a university, we have maintained our name as The College of William and Mary to honor our history. I hope this helps.

Deborah L. Basket
Associate Dean of Admission
College of William and Mary
Williamsburg, VA 23188
757-221-1837
dlbask@wm.edu

Generally, undergraduate education is comprise of general education core courses in humanities, social sciences, science and mathematics. This core represent generally speaking approximately 1/3 of your undergraduate education. The remainder 2/3 consist of courses in your major and/or minor including electives. Generally, undergraduate education degree lead to a Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts.

Graduate education typically focuses on major and/or minor in a particular discipline. It also provides electives in a variety of interdisciplinary academic programs. An example, a graduate education student may also have the opportunity to take a business related course. Graduate education tends to be more practical and relative to the students interest. Graduate education leads to the Master degree.

Eric V. Hilton, Ph.D.
Senior Assistant Director
Undergraduate Admissions and First Year Experience
The Ohio State University
110 E. Enarson Hall
154 W. 12th Avenue
Columbus, Ohio 43210
hilton.39@osu.edu
(W) 614.688.5768
(Fax) 614.292.3240

There are a series of steps in your educational ladder. The first step is graduating from high school and earning a diploma. The second is entering a college or university and earning a bachelors degree.* This degree completed after high school usually takes four years to complete and it is considered your undergraduate degree. The third step is entering a graduate program at a college or university and earning a masters degree. This degree completed after your undergraduate study usually takes two years to complete and is considered to be your graduate degree. The fourth step is continuing your graduate study and entering a doctorate program to earn your doctoral degree. This degree is completed after the masters degree is earned and is a terminal degree-it is the highest level of study in any field.

*A certificate or associates degree may be earned before a student receives a bachelors degree; an associates degree is part of undergraduate study.

Depending on the requirements of your career interest you may pursue some or all of these degrees.

Colleges and universities offer many of these programs. The difference between a college and university is related to the size of the school and the number of degrees and areas of study offered.

Erica Burnside
Admission Counselor for Multicultural Recruitment
Fort Lewis College
Durango, CO
970-247-7203
burnside_e@fortlewis.edu

An undergraduate degree is a four-year degree-usually a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science-from an accredited college or university. This degree prepares students for entry into the career of their choice or-if their career choice requires-further study in graduate school. Many students see their undergraduate education as a means to a career. You can also view your undergraduate education as a chance to explore both areas of academic interest and career choices.

Students can begin their undergraduate education in a variety of ways. Some students start at a community college where they receive an Associates degree (2years). Associates degrees can usually be transferred into four-year colleges or universities for a complete undergraduate degree.

Students must already have their undergraduate degree in order to enroll in graduate school and are generally pursuing a very specific topic of interest in their graduate years. It depends on your area of study and career goals how long you will spend in graduate school. Most Masters degree programs generally take one to two years to complete; Ph D programs often take four to six years.

Undergrads can either go to college or university as they choose. Colleges tend to be smaller, and have more of an emphasis on undergraduate work while universities tend to be larger with a stronger emphasis on graduate studies. They also tend to have larger facilities with a wider variety of specialization because of the graduate work happening at their facilities. At a College you are more likely to be in classes of less than 30 and sometimes less than 20 classmates, whereas at universities you are more likely to have large lecture hall style classes with sometimes hundreds of students in a classroom.

If you want to finish a career in a certain subject, the first thing to do is to complete your undergraduate education at a four year school, and go on to graduate school to get your Masters or PhD in your area of interest. Supplementing your degrees with work experience is also a good idea. For example, you might be interested in being a doctor, and you might get your undergraduate in pre-med and then go on to medical (graduate) school. Along the way, it will be to your benefit to do internships, volunteer in your local community, get experiences abroad, and help people in any way possible. That way, when you exit graduate school, you will have some life experiences under your belt as well as an education. The same rule goes for any career, including engineering, political activism, teaching, business, art or writing. Some undergraduate and graduate schools offer you opportunities for this kind of outreach, community service and life experience through their programs. For example, at Bennington College students are required to work for six weeks of every year at an internship in their area of interest. Students are allowed to pick any internship that suits them. It gives the student a taste of what it is like to work in their field as well as work experience on their resume.

Althea Bryant
Admissions Counselor
Bennington College
1 College Drive
Bennington VT 05201
abryant@bennington.edu
(800) 833-6845