Author: Lori Greene

Why join a Learning Community?

Why join a Learning Community?

Here we are, it’s almost spring, and you’re admitted to some great schools.

One of the next steps will be to submit your enrollment deposit and then sign up for housing. And, like many next steps, questions abound: Who will my roommate be? To which residence hall will I be assigned? How do I weigh the options? This is a major factor for any student preparing to start college in the fall.

One of the pieces of the puzzle that you may not be fully aware of yet is the role of Learning Communities. What is a Learning Community? Why would you want to be a part of one? Do you have to? How many other students sign up to be a part of one? How do you apply?

Learning communities have been around for awhile now. Some universities have actual ‘houses’ or entire residence halls dedicated to a learning community. At Loyola, learning communities inhabit separate floors in several on-campus residence halls. The goal is to present students with an opportunity to live in community with other students who share a common interest. This doesn’t mean that you all necessarily share the same major or come from the same hometown. You do however live in relatively close proximity and share a few classes, specifically geared around your area of interest. Members of learning communities also have the chance to build friendships with classmates in a unique way as well as with the faculty.

You don’t have to be a freshman student to live in a learning community. We have transfer and second-year students involved as well. Learning communities at Loyola range in topic and theme. Is leadership your thing? What about a care for the environment and sustainability? Do you have a unique global perspective or are you interested in meeting other students who think along international lines? Check out the options.

The classes you take will count toward the Loyola Core Curriculum, which are courses required of all students in any degree program. You take two classes together in the fall and one in the spring so you have plenty of time to schedule any other courses of choice. You’ll also have increased interaction with faculty—with trips to museums, programs on exploring majors, or even dinner in a faculty member’s home! Parents…you will be excited to hear that research shows that in general, students who are involved in a learning community have higher GPAs, have a better sense of community, and feel a better connection to their university.

Paying for College Part II: 5 Scholarship Tips

Paying for College Part II: 5 Scholarship Tips

I previously shared some helpful hints about the FAFSA and the financial aid process in general. Now it’s time to address the part of paying for college that so many students and parents really wonder about…SCHOLARSHIPS.

Let’s talk about the money you don’t have to pay back. Let’s talk about your chance to be recognized for your hard work.

By now, high school seniors know that each college or university has a different application process with different deadlines. Likewise, each school has a different scholarship process with new deadlines. Seniors should take some time and think about which schools are beginning to round out some of the “top choices” on their list. Look at the schools where you know your admission status. If you are admitted, you want to be sure you are doing all you can to put yourself in the best position for any scholarship consideration.

Here are some scholarship tips:

Tip #1: Each year, we hear and see the figures about scholarship money that is available but goes unclaimed. This is true. You must first know “it” (scholarship money) exists but you must also be proactive about seeking out opportunities that fit your qualifications.

Please note that my opinion varies from those who tell you to apply for everything. I don’t know that frequency necessarily always helps to reach the goal. I suggest doing your research and aiming to complete applications for scholarships that are really applicable to you as an individual. For example, if your dad’s company has a scholarship supporting students who will pursue an engineering degree at College XYZ and you only want to study English at College ABC, I don’t recommend it. Certainly your father can inquire further about these parameters, but they are not likely to change.

Tip #2: Many colleges and universities, Loyola included, award merit scholarships at the time of admission or shortly thereafter. Merit scholarships are based on your academic achievement i.e.: some combination of your standardized test scores, GPA, and/or class rank.

People often ask, “What if I didn’t receive a scholarship?” If you didn’t receive a scholarship, you likely do not qualify for merit-based funds at that particular school (or the school doesn’t offer merit scholarships). Remember, each school has different admission criteria and they also have different merit criteria. And, don’t forget you can always look at other options for earning scholarship dollars.

Hint: Make sure that the schools you applied to have your most up-to-date academic transcript on file as well as any new test score information for consideration.

Tip #3: When you begin gathering your acceptance letters and scholarship offers, take a moment and be proud of your achievements. These letters acknowledge your hard work in the form of admission to a particular college or university and in some cases, in the form of a scholarship.

Students and parents often forget that not every student who applied was granted admission to a particular school and certainly not every student admitted was granted a scholarship.

Tip #4: You were admitted. You were awarded scholarships. You are now comparing the offers. STOP, or at least, PAUSE. Before you do this, take a few minutes and think back to when you started the college selection process. What was important to you? What was non-negotiable?

Keep these things in mind as you begin to compare scholarship awards and likewise, the colleges or universities you are considering. In other words, the bottom line, while very important, needs to be looked at relative to the right choice for you. The goal is not to get in the door the first semester but rather to do well and graduate in four years having an experience that prepares you for your “next step.”

Besides, you likely don’t have all of the financial information yet anyway. Until you file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), you won’t know if you qualified for any additional funds (some may include additional grants or scholarships). Be sure to compare your complete aid package within the context of the total cost of attendance as well.

But, for now, you are back to comparing scholarship offers. Students often ask about the chance of increasing a scholarship. Please realize that schools put their best offer on the table up-front. An award is given in recognition according to that school’s academic standards, not as a step toward negotiation. Also note, it is a challenge for any college or university to work with limited funding (state, federal and institutional) to support all the students looking to enroll for a particular term.

Tip #5: There are opportunities to earn scholarships throughout your undergraduate career. You may or may not have been awarded a scholarship at the school where you plan on attending, but that doesn’t mean that it can’t change in the future. Many colleges and universities work to save funds that can assist continuing students who might have additional need and/or have excelled within their academic program. There are also outside scholarships available only to students in their sophomore or junior years for example.

Paying for College Part I: 5 Financial Aid Tips

Paying for College Part I: 5 Financial Aid Tips

I posted the following comments previously but this information is important to share with this year’s high school seniors and their parents.

It is that time of year when newly admitted students search for more information about scholarships and other available funding to make their college choice a reality for this coming fall. Understandably, families are faced with the difficult discussions about how to finance a son or daughter’s college education, and in many cases, multiple children.

Here are the “Quick Five” tips to consider when you hear the acronym “FAFSA” and reasons to submit it.

Tip #1: For families less familiar with the college admission process, FAFSA stands for Free Application for Federal Student Aid, and the key word is FREE. It costs nothing but your time. You should never pay anyone to fill this out for you and certainly financial aid offices at any college or university are happy to provide individual guidance. This is your opportunity to see if you qualify for additional scholarships, grants, loans, or a work-study job on campus.

Tip #2: Keep in mind that the results from the FAFSA are linked to a specific student, and much like a Social Security Number, these results follow the student from school to school, whether in-state or out-of-state, and regardless of whether the institutions are public or private. Each institution reviews the results to see what that college or university is able to offer. The results are made available via the Student Aid Report (SAR) and can be sent to any number of institutions a student is considering by simply using the school’s code. At Loyola, the code is 001710.

Tip #3: Ensure you do your best to meet the priority deadline for filing. At most institutions like Loyola, you will see that the date is generally around March 1. Filing by March 1 gives our Financial Aid Office the chance to ensure you have your results (a financial aid package) for review by the May 1 National Candidate’s Reply Date.

Tip #4: Don’t assume you won’t be eligible. Every year, I hear from families who assume they won’t qualify or explain that they went through this with an older child and they didn’t qualify before; it is a different year with different circumstances. The real answer is you don’t know what you might be eligible for until you apply. This fall, Loyola welcomed over 2000 freshman students, with 96% of them receiving some form of financial aid. We also award more than $105 million in scholarships and grants each year.

A few things to remember: first, at Loyola we award merit scholarships to eligible admitted students, but we also have additional scholarships. Second, many students filing the FAFSA demonstrate need, which may serve as a way for a university to award some additional scholarships or grants that have a need component. Third, if you are reviewing college options and determine that there is still a need for more funding but you never filed the FAFSA, this puts you at a disadvantage. Admission and Financial Aid Offices can’t assist with a “want” but are happy to assist families to discuss options, and there are many more options if the college or university actually has a FAFSA on file for you. Sometimes there are even special circumstances which may be reviewed.

Tip #5: Perhaps the most important reason to file the FAFSA is to trigger a conversation about college financing between parents and the student. I am amazed at the number of students who go through the college admission process and never have the “talk” with their parents about what the family can contribute, what he or she is expected to contribute, and ultimately that college is an investment. College-bound seniors often don’t know the truth about the family circumstances when it comes to money, and at times those discussions happen too late.

The FAFSA provides a mechanism to promote a discussion about finances. Students often wish they knew more, but out of respect for their parents it is unusual that they will ask or start the discussion. Keep in mind that a student is much more apt to maintain a high level of commitment to his or her degree program when they know what sacrifices are being made.

Fine and Performing Arts Events

Fine and Performing Arts Events

With first semester courses coming to a close, the Loyola community is gearing up for finals week and all the commotion that comes along with it. Faculty are busy grading, students are busy finishing up projects and studying, and everyone wants to de-stress!

Outside of the mid-week study day and finals breakfast, I think that one of the best ways to take a break—right here on campus—is to attend one of the programs offered by Loyola’s Department of Fine and Performing Arts.

Check out what’s on tap for this week. From an international poster competition to the Winter Dance Informance, you’re sure to find something that interests you.

Good luck to everyone on their upcoming exams.

And if you’re considering Loyola and planning a visit, cap off your trip to campus with a Department of Fine and Performing Arts event.

1 day to go!

1 day to go!

It’s that time. It sneaks up on you doesn’t it?

If you remember, I reminded you about 3 weeks ago that this day would come. It’s here. The priority deadline for submitting your application to Loyola is just 1 day away on Saturday, December 1.

Here is my previous post to guide you.

Saturday, December 1 is Loyola’s priority deadline for admission. This means that you receive your best opportunity for admission and scholarship consideration when you apply by this date. The application for admission serves as your scholarship application as well—no additional forms or questions!

So, if you started your application already, remember to finalize and click “Submit.” We will then check for the rest of your credentials to complete your file and give you a decision in 4–6 weeks. If you have been putting off filling out the application, it is time to get it done.
The application is easy, FREE, and takes about 10–15 minutes of your time.

Remember to make sure you also have these:

  • Counselor or Teacher Recommendation Letter
  • Official High School Transcript
  • Official ACT or SAT test scores
  • Personal Essay (In 500 words or less, provide us a sample of your writing or share a little more about yourself and your achievements.)

Think about it. You’ve done all the hard work already. Now, it’s time to let your efforts show in your application.

We are glad that you are considering becoming a part of Loyola’s Class of 2017!

Thanksgiving…Love it!

Thanksgiving…Love it!

Great food. Free time. Football…lots of football. The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is on. My dad and I still discuss which float we like best or which Broadway singer’s lip-syncing doesn’t seem on target. We also love the marching bands. The holiday shopping season is about to commence, and houses will soon don festive lights and decorations.

Hopefully, you take a moment to give thanks for what is important to you. Certainly, I am thankful for good health, friends, family, great colleagues, and just the chance to do what I do every day. I think there is a saying that if you love what you do, it really isn’t work. How true.

Have a great Thanksgiving holiday and best wishes to you and your family!

19 days to go!

19 days to go!

You keep hearing about deadlines. Deadlines. Deadlines. Deadlines. Well, here is one more reminder for high school seniors thinking about Loyola.

Don’t forget! Make sure you APPLY to Loyola.

Saturday, December 1 is Loyola’s priority deadline for admission. This means that you receive your best opportunity for admission and scholarship consideration when you apply by this date. The application for admission serves as your scholarship application as well—no additional forms or questions!

So, if you started your application already, remember to finalize and click “Submit.” We will then check for the rest of your credentials to complete your file and give you a decision in 4–6 weeks. If you have been putting off filling out the application, it is time to get it done.

The application is easy, FREE, and takes about 10–15 minutes of your time.

Wondering what else we require for admission consideration? In addition to your application, make sure you also have these:

  • Counselor or Teacher Recommendation Letter
  • Official High School Transcript
  • Official ACT or SAT test scores
  • Personal Essay (In 500 words or less, provide us a sample of your writing or share a little more about yourself and your achievements.)

Think about it. You have a head start. The hard part—all the time you put in during high school volunteering, participating, studying, competing, etc.—is already done. Now, it’s time to let your efforts speak for themselves in your application.

We are glad that you are considering becoming a part of Loyola’s Class of 2017!

Alternative Break Immersions: Immerse Yourself in Something New

Alternative Break Immersions: Immerse Yourself in Something New

You don’t have to go far to experience something new, meet new people, and gain an awareness of diverse communities and cultures. Alternative Break Immersions (ABIs) are a part of Loyola’s Campus Ministry Faith Programs, where students get the opportunity to connect and engage with each other and those in other communities.

Loyola students began applying for ABIs early this fall. What are you interested in? Is it something local where you can help at a church or focus on urban issues at a community center? How about an alternative spring break trip or a summer immersion that might cross state lines into KY, WV, MI, MD, D.C., SD, or LA?

Perhaps the bigger reach is planning for an ABI at the end of the second semester and traveling to an international location in countries like El Salvador or Guatemala.

No matter what your pursuits and passions, Loyola’s immersion programs offer you an opportunity to experience life from someone else’s point of view. You’ll share your time and talents through service work and cultural immersion while taking back an experience that you’ll remember for a long time.

P.S. Take a look at what the month of November brings to the Loyola campus as Ignatian Heritage Month events are celebrated with all in mind.

Top Ten Reasons to Attend Loyola’s Fall Open House (part #2)

Top Ten Reasons to Attend Loyola’s Fall Open House (part #2)

Last week, I outlined some of the top 10 reasons to attend a Loyola (or any) open house. Here are the remaining 5 reasons.

5. You have questions about admission deadlines.
Every school has different deadlines and a different process. Attend a Loyola admission presentation specifically for high school juniors or high school seniors or transfer students to see what deadlines are important for you. You can also talk personally with an admission counselor and learn how to APPLY.

4. You want to know about scholarship availability.
YES, we offer scholarships! The best part is that your APPLICATION FOR ADMISSION IS YOUR SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION. Our admission presentation reviews all the possibilities.

3. You want to talk with current students about social life and student activities.
Look at the schedule. You have the opportunity to go on a student-led campus tour. Ask questions. You have the chance to sit in on a session about first generation and/or multicultural students. Ask the students on the panel what resources are available and why they chose Loyola. If you have an interest in the arts, check out the Fine Arts Annex or the new Newhart Family Theatre.

2. You have questions specific to your academic record.
Our entire admission staff is on hand to assist both days. Ask away!

1. Loyola is a TOP CHOICE but you want to know if it is a real “FIT.”
We want you to make the choice that best suits you and helps you attain your goals. But if you haven’t visited campus, you will never know if Loyola is the right choice for you. Walk the campus. What do you think? Can you see yourself here? Talk with students you see walking by who aren’t a part of the formal program. What do they like about Loyola? Do we offer what you are interested in studying? Are you thinking about studying abroad? We have many options and a global presence.

It doesn’t matter what your questions or concerns may be. These two days are set aside to assist you in your college selection process. So, pardon our construction—we are making progress—with a new student union and new residence halls. Come check out what the Loyola Experience might hold for you!

Join us!

Top Ten Reasons to Attend Loyola’s Fall Open House

Top Ten Reasons to Attend Loyola’s Fall Open House

Every college or university hosts campus visit days and/or open houses where you and your family can check out the campus and experience that particular college for yourself. Loyola‘s fall open houses are right around the corner on Saturday, October 20 and Saturday, November 17. If you’re a high school junior or senior, or if you’re thinking about transferring to a new school, you’re invited to sample the Loyola Experience.

There are lots of good reasons to make a campus visit, but here are the Top Ten Reasons to mark your calendar and plan on spending about half a day with us at Loyola’s Lake Shore Campus.

10. You don’t know where to begin in the college selection process.
An open house offers answers to many questions in a period of short time. In a matter of hours, you will learn a lot about a particular university, like Loyola. You’ll also find out about other things that will help in your overall college selection process.

You will learn what questions to ask. You’ll also realize that being on a college campus helps you to get a ‘feel’ about whether or not it may be the right fit for you. You’ll find out how the financial aid process works. And, you’ll get to see how big a dorm room really is.

9. You’re not sure exactly where the campus is located.
You have heard about Loyola and maybe you walked by a portion of the campus, but you just don’t know what that means for you as a potential undergraduate student. Loyola has 4 campuses actually. Our traditional undergraduate experience is hosted at the Lake Shore Campus which has some 45 acres right on Lake Michigan and it’s only a few miles from our Water Tower Campus, located off of N. Michigan Avenue, where students can also take classes (or live). Where are the other two? One is our Maywood Campus where Stritch School of Medicine is located and one is the John Felice Rome Center in Rome, Italy.

8. Visiting during the week is a challenge given your schedule.
We offer regularly scheduled visits any Monday through Saturday. Attend a group presentation and go on a student-led campus tour. But I want to let you know that the Saturday Open House programs are really geared toward helping you in the college selection process—by putting them on a weekend and making sure everyone is on hand to answer your questions.

7. Your Mom and Dad have questions too.
Great! This is exactly why we have so many faculty, staff, and students on hand to make sure that all the details are addressed. Saturdays may work better for your family too!

6. Everyone seems to know their major but you.
First, you don’t have to know your major. Roughly 20% of any incoming freshman class is undecided and many more will change their minds once if not multiple times. Why not take advantage of Loyola’s large department fair where each College/School and their different academic departments are available with current students and top faculty to answer your questions? This happens only twice in the fall!

Want to know more? Sign up for one of Loyola’s upcoming open houses! I’ll be back next week with the remaining top ten reasons to attend an open house.