 |
|
 |
||||||||||||||||||||
So far, I’ve been accepted to the University of Minnesota, University of Saint Thomas, Montana State University, and University of the Pacific. Each college offered me some sort of renewable scholarship, with the University of Saint Thomas and University of the Pacific offering the most. I’m still waiting on a few more colleges, but I think I’ve pretty much made my choice. And here come’s the big decision we’ve all been waiting for… I’m 99.997% sure that I will be confirming my enrollment at the University of Minnesota within the next week. AHHHH, exciting! But let’s be honest, we all saw this coming. For the past year, everybody has told me that I’ll end up going to the U, and I always said they were “probably right.” I certainly don’t regret keeping my options open and applying to some out-of-state colleges; it’s always good to have various choices and opportunities, and you never know what kind of scholarship they might offer you. If you get rejected, then hey, at least you don’t regret not going there because you know that you weren’t accepted in the first place. The universe is probably telling you something, and it was that you’re better off not going there. So look at it as a positive thing! 
You might ask, “Why the U?” Oh boy… I could talk for hours on end about this school! For now I’ll just have to highlight some very significant reasons. First of all, it’s the best financial option for me. Although the U gave me the smallest scholarship, each of the 7 other colleges I applied to would end up being double, triple, or yes, even quadruple the tuition. By staying at the U, I’ll be saving tens of thousands of dollars, which can be put toward other opportunities. Plus, I will keep ALL of my credits, and will be completely done with my general requirements. I won’t have to deal with trying to transfer some of my credits, and trying to count them as general requirements at another college instead of just electives. While it would be very nice to go out-of-state and experience a completely different atmosphere, I’m totally fine with staying in my home state for another few years, especially knowing the price difference!
The U has pretty much EVERYTHING. Knowing a lot about the opportunities before entering my official freshman year really gives me an advantage because I’ll know in the fall which kind of student groups I’ll get involved with, and what kind of academic programs they have. As described in previous blogs, I’m primarily interested in environmental science and journalism, which are both offered. If I was to suddenly change my mind, the U would have me covered; they offer 180 undergraduate major programs, with 142 minors. The U is a very respected school in general, and has just every opportunity I could want, from student-produced media, to the many film and sustainability student groups, to the undergraduate research programs and internships. I also plan to take advantage of their learning/working/volunteering abroad programs, and by saving money, I’ll have the opportunity to go more than once!
There’s an undeniable Gopher pride atmosphere at the U; it’s a BIG TEN university, after all. I’ll have the opportunity to go to many sporting events such as basketball, football, baseball, swimming, hockey, etcetera, and each one will have a huge crowd. It’s definitely a lot of fun to be a part of something like that. I attended the Gopher basketball game against Indiana last month, and the energy from the student section was AMAZING! They ended up beating the number 1 team in the country for the first time since 1989! I’m telling you, it was because of the Gopher pride in The Barn (Williams Arena) that night. Attending a smaller university might not have this type of atmosphere, especially if sports aren’t as prominent or well-known. I wouldn’t like that at all; I want to attend a college that’s united in their student spirit!
Being a university with 3 campuses (East, West, and Saint Paul) and having the population of a small city, there are always plenty of people to meet. I already know many people there (which is another plus!), but it’s a rare occasion to bump into one of them unless we plan to meet up. The size might be looked at as a downside, but the way I see it, there will always be new people to meet and connect with. It’s also pretty much impossible to be a “cliquey” school. There’s just about every type of person you would want to meet. The campus may seem huge, but it’s very easy to get around on foot, bike, car, and public transportation. That being said, there are plenty of places to study, hang out, get food, see a movie, etcetera. There’s also the option to go shopping at the Mall of America or Rosedale Mall (even closer!). The U is conveniently located miles away from doing just about anything you would want to, whether it’s see the Minnesota Twins play, go to a concert at the Target Center, Xcel, or Fine Line Music Cafe, or check out some tasty restaurants.
The only thing I have to complain about the U is that it’s cold during the winters (although that’s not a very good complaint; I’ve lived in Minnesota my whole life!) and the fact that it’s not somewhere new and different (which again, I can’t really complain about). Yeah, walking to classes can be freezing in the winter, but I’d much rather wear a sweatshirt and long pants than shorts and a T-shirt, and hot drinks and a fireplace are definitely a plus! It may not be Chapel Hill, North Carolina; Bozeman, Montana; or Berkeley, California; but it’s still a fantastic university that I know I’d be happy at, and that’s what really matters. I have no idea if I’d be happy at the out-of-state colleges I applied to, because I never got the chance to visit. As much as I’d want to try out somewhere new, the U will always be home to me, and I’d like to stay close to home for at least a few more years.
Before entering my junior year as a PSEO student, I wasn’t even going to apply to the University of Minnesota. After taking courses there and actually experiencing what the campus life is like, I couldn’t believe how much I enjoyed it. When I visited other Minnesota colleges, I knew right away whether or not I could see myself there; it’s crazy how much an in-person college visit can do for you. This just goes to show; consider ALL of your options! If you’re still undecided, or waiting until May 1st to make your official decision, I definitely recommend doing another college visit and if possible, an overnight stay. If you’re not a senior yet and you’re starting to make a list of potential colleges, don’t judge a university JUST based off of its ranking or location. I used to think of the U as just another “okay” Minnesota college; until I actually learned about and experienced it. Best of luck to any seniors still making their decisions, and to anybody else who is thinking about the college application process!
-Anna
Following high school graduation, heading off to college is often the first major (and exciting) milestone in your life, but we’d be foolish to pretend it’s not also one of the most financially stressful experiences you’ll go through.
Given that your surname probably isn’t Kardashian, we’ll go ahead and assume you’re in the majority of students to whom money is an everyday concern. As such, you’re probably weighing up the pros and cons of picking up some part-time work around your already-busy study schedule.
Here’s the low down on the considerations you’ll need to consider on working while studying.
Paying Taxes While Working
Do you have to pay taxes on any income you earn while studying? If so, how much?
In reality, trying to answer these questions in full would result in a 50,000 word article which would probably look better as a hard copy, bound in leather.
The reason that we can’t cover everything in this overview article is that the rules governing income tax, eligibility and possible tax credits are famously complex and depend largely on which state you’re studying in (as well as how much you plan to work, where you’re working, what schemes operate in your area/company, your tuition fee and funding situation and a myriad other factors).
The best advice to contact your local IRS office directly to talk about your situation in real time, but the IRS website itself may be worth a look. They have a dedicated Student section here.
Taxes for International Students Studying in the U.S.
Things get a little more complex if you’re working in the US as a nonresident while you’re studying. This page serves as a good overview and is the best starting point for wrapping your head around nonresident tax, but as you’ll see, it’s mind-bogglingly complicated at times.
The key points to take away from it are:
1) You’ll need a Social Security Number if you plan on earning income in the U.S., which you can get at the nearest Social Security Office.
2) Despite the necessity for the SSN, you don’t have to pay Social Security or Medicare in all but the rarest of circumstances.
3) You’ll need to file an 8843 form in order to establish your status as a nonresident whether or not you’re planning on working. If you do start working, the employer will have you fill out a W-4 form which is fairly self-explanatory and sets you up for paying taxes to the US on any money earned while there.
However, as with resident taxation, there are a few variations on the rules depending on which state you’re studying in.
The Practicalities of Juggling Work/Study Life
Needless to say, you don’t want to have your part-time job impact on your studies in a way which affects your grades. After all, working your butt of to pay for your tuition only to flunk at the end of the course!
Being realistic, most “student jobs”’ aren’t particularly well paid so the temptation to put in more than part-time hours in order to rake in a substantial amount of cash at the end of the month is easy to fall foul to.
However, with proper budgeting and carefully working out exactly what tax breaks you’re entitled to, you should be able to easily work out exactly how much income you need in order to get by. Try to stick to this amount when picking up hours waiting tables or serving drinks, even if it means you have to forego some of the more pricey luxuries. A little bit of sacrifice now will pay dividends after college.
Home-based Work
If you get the opportunity to work from home (or from your dorm!) grab it with both hands. Such work is beneficial as it’s easy to slot it around your studies and can be lucrative if it’s within your specialty (as above).
Craigslist is a good source for this, particularly the local sub-sites, but do beware of scams. This cannot be understated; since working from home is as desirable as it sounds, plenty of cons abound but the good news is that they’re easy to spot from a mile away. There is genuine work out there (contrary to popular conception) but be prepared to sift through the dirt with a keen eye for the odd gem.
Putting Specialties to Work
Retail and service work are time-honored traditions for students and there’s nothing wrong with a bit of elbow grease. However, depending on what field you’re studying, it may be possible to gain work which is higher paid.
Let’s say you study at the New York Film Academy (NYFA), one of the top schools for cinematography professions. If you’re studying something technical such as video editing, which is largely coursework based (and therefore affords a more flexible schedule), you’ll have knowledge of a technical skill which can not only pay well but counts greatly on your resume. Naturally it can be slightly trickier to get work in your specialist field, but the rewards are more than worth it.
Best of luck, and happy studies!
*Note that the advice presented in this article is not intended to be taken as financial or tax advice. Seek professional assistance on specific matters before making financial decisions.
About New York Film Academy:
Hello, MyMajors viewers!
I hope everyone has gotten a heap load of acceptance letters, because that’s what I’ll be talking about. So far (I’m still waiting), I’ve gotten nine acceptances (and two waitlists)… they are as follows:
• San Jose State University
• San Francisco State University
• CSU Long Beach
• Arizona State University
• Cal Poly San Luis Obispo
• University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
• UC Riverside
• University of Oregon
• DePaul University
Most of these were my safeties, so I wasn’t thoroughly excited about the acceptances. As of right now, I’m considering Cal Poly SLO and DePaul University. I really wanted to go out of state and DePaul’s perfect for what I want to do (Chicago is a great location to dig up internships)! In a way, it has become my dream school. Plus, I’m not too worried about the price because of my scholarship In the end, undergraduate school isn’t hugely important for me because law school admissions are strongly based on grades and LSAT scores.
As for the waitlists, they’re both from good schools (one of which I REALLY did not want to attend, but my folks made me so you can imagine how my essay sounded…hehe) but I’m not going to be on my knees begging to get in.
I was waitlisted by UC Davis, and I have to say I was surprised. Many people who seemed overly-qualified were rejected, whereas others that hit below the average were admitted. I noticed this for a lot of schools, not just those within the UC system. For any of those distraught or confused with their admission decision, don’t fret. Colleges have a strange way of picking students, and you really can’t tell where you will get in. One of my safeties rejected me (UC Santa Cruz), so that just goes to show that these decisions do not reflect your abilities as a student. You might not fit the student profile this college has in mind, and that’s completely okay! You’ll go to the university that was meant for YOU. If you really aren’t content with your options, there is always the transfer route via community college. Know that your life isn’t “over,” and you’ll be in the place you want to be as long as you work hard. I understand that it feels as if 4 years were wasted in the effort to get accepted by Dream University. But if you remember your worth and smile at the colleges that DID accept you, it’ll all turn out fine. Even though most of my safeties accepted me, I’m still happy about Cal Poly, DePaul, and UIUC, too! They are great schools (check out the alumni!) so I know I’ll succeed (and even if I suck at life, I know my family and family friends literally have my back). Seriously, take a look at the list of alumni from the schools that accepted you. I’m sure there are several famous, successful people! And what does that tell you? It’s not the university that makes you, but you that makes the university. Make the school you matriculate at MORE prestigious because of what you do later in life. Inspire future high school students to check out your alma mater because YOU went there! You don’t need a pricey and pretentious university to make you a successful person. Sure, it can help open doors for you, but it won’t run the rest of the race! Remember that, and you’ll do well no matter where you attend.
To those that were accepted by their dream/matches, congratulations! I wish you the best of luck in your academic endeavors.
And enjoy the rest of your senior year, lovelies! High school is nearly OVER!
All the best,
Nikki
Guest Entry By: Bellerbys College, UK | Submit A Guest Blog Entry
No matter how excited you may be about your new life as an international student, there’s always a certain level of home sickness that will cause students some distress. There are the friends back home, the family, the familiar places, the food… While we know this already, what the students don’t know is that they have the chance of experimenting something others just dream of. Any experience out of the comfort zone has the great advantage of making those who undergo it wiser and more mature.
It may sound strange, but to many, food can be a real cause of concern. So here’s a list of British dishes and foods that are explained so that anyone knows what “bangers” and “mince pie” is.
The Classic British breakfast
Photo courtesy: http://www.essentially-england.com/traditional-english-recipes-breakfast.html
Marmite
If you haven’t tried it already, you’ll either love or hate it. It’s as simple as that. This is a dark brown sticky food paste made of yeast extract; it has a powerful aroma, and is a bit salty. It is usually spread thinly on toast or eaten in combination with butter. It has a high concentration of folic acid, thiamine, riboflavin and B12 – so that’s quite healthy.
Bangers & Mash
Translated, that’s sausages, mashed potatoes and gravy.
The Sunday Roast
That’s roast beef, roast potatoes, vegetables and Yorkshire pudding – made of batter.
Mince Pies
photo courtesy http://www.mincepieclub.co.uk/
Fish and Chips
No longer a surprise, yet a must have!
While these belong to the traditional menu, the variety of foods that can be found in the UK is really amazing. After all, London is known to be one of the most cosmopolitan European capitals, so if you happen to study here or pass by, you may want to try Brick Lane Market, a place where home sickness has no meaning. There are so many interesting people to be met and so many unusual, delicious foods from around the world to be tasted, that the familiar lunch from back home becomes a “weak” memory. On top, the prices are really affordable.
And should food not be a problem, but you might need some help with the peculiar British vocabulary, here’s a list of common words you might want to learn in advance:
• Bespoke – custom made
• Dodgy – suspicious
• Wicked – cool
• Whinge –whine
• Tenner – £10
• Fiver – £5
• Tad – little bit
• Bee’s Knees – awesome
• Chuffed – proud
• Knackered – tired
Studying in a different country can sometimes be tough. There’s a different culture you have to get accustomed with, a different style, a different language, but at the end of the day people are just people, and what matters most is the opportunity of combining college or university studies with those that “life” teaches. And it’s quite comforting to know that there are plenty resources dedicated to offering students useful advice and guidance.
About Bellerbys College:I was one of those really proactive kids when it came time to apply for college. I’m usually a pretty laid back, get it done when I get it done, day before the deadline kind of person (which probably isn’t good but I tend to be nonetheless). Anyway, I looked at what seemed like hundreds of colleges and started narrowing down around the end of my JUNIOR year. Yep, junior year, not senior year. By October I had it narrowed down to the “Big Twelve.” I ended up sending applications to eight of these schools by the end of October. I received all eight of my acceptance letters and scholarship offers by the start of the spring semester of my senior year. I think the main thing I was looking for was if I could really see myself at these schools. I looked at the big picture rather than the details of if they had a certain program or club or sport. With my track record I knew God would change whatever I thought I was supposed to do anyway. So I instead looked at the quality of the education, quantity of cost and the overall atmosphere, and then let Him do the rest. While I was deciding where to apply, I took the MyMajors test to see what majors it would suggest because I had no clue what I wanted to do, but didn’t’ want to pick a school if I was undecided. I ended up choosing to be a communications major and picked my top five colleges based on that. John Brown University, Hardin-Simmons University, Howard Payne University, Sterling College, and Houston Baptist University were the ones I had chosen. I also applied to Baptist Bible College in Springfield, MO, Boston Bible College, and Liberty University. But by the end of the day, Howard Payne University was definitely the best fit for me on paper. So I visited in May and by graduation my course was set; destination: Howard Payne University. And funny story, after I started school, I was a communications major for about a week and a half then changed to Psychology. And lucky for me, HPU has an awesome Psychology department!
When picking a school I would tell students to not let temporary things influence your decision. You can easily change your major the first year you are there, you can easily lose interest in a sport or get injured, and your friends will still be your friends if you don’t go to the same college. I would also tell high school students not wait until the last minute! Start super soon. The sooner you start, the better because your last semester in high school is stressful. It’s a whole lot more fun to have it done first semester, have a ton of options, then just sit back and pick a school before you graduate. And when your first day on campus finally comes, you can drive your Jeep Cherokee up to your dorm with confidence knowing you’re in for an awesome year. ☺
Good luck picking a school! And don’t forget to have fun doing it!
Sting ‘Em! Rachel Ellington
2012 Creative Contest Stats:
In the second year of the Creative Outlook Cover Contest, student artwork and engagement on the site has exponentially increased!
Students go to www.creative-outlook.com to submit their artwork to the Creative Cover Contest and Performance Contest. The winner is featured in the Creative Outlook Magazine, nationally published and distributed to art teachers and high schools in the U.S.
Accredited art programs are included on the website and in the featured publication for students wishing to continue their art education after high school.
Key Stats:
We want to thank all of our students for your entries and our partner colleges and universities that help provide this one of a kind resources for high school and college students who are continuing their education in the arts!
The 2013 Contest will be starting soon to students, now is the time to feature your school or organization to students! Contact us to feature your students and participate with the Creative Contest and Art Student Program: matchme@mymajors.com (816) 361-0616
To see all the 2012 entries visit the contest page:
www.mymajors.com/blog/creativeoutlook/2012-cover-contest/
Sitting here I can’t believe that I am half-way through my second semester of college. It felt like yesterday that I was researching and planning what colleges I was going to apply to. Looking back, I played it safe when applying to college. In reality, the time when you apply to colleges should be one of the times in your life when you don’t play it safe. During this time you are giving an opportunity to go practically anywhere, and because of this, you should definitely apply to multiple reach colleges.
I applied to quite a few schools, and the five that were at the top of the list, for a variety of reasons were; Rutgers University, Widener University, St. Joseph’s University, Drexel University, and Stockton College. I analyzed each of these schools an insane amount of times, and honestly stressed a lot about which was the best place for me to go. I believe that the best way to grow our own opinions is to listen to and dissect other people’s opinions; Because of this belief I am going to go through each college/university in my Top 5 list and state a couple of reasons why I liked or disliked them. The first university that I am going to discuss is St. Joe’s. For those of you who don’t. St. Joe’s is located in the Philadelphia area. Despite the common misconception about Philadelphia the area that St. Joe’s was located in was very safe. The thing that I liked about the university was the evident camaraderie among the students and faculty. Both groups were extremely welcoming and insisted on you feeling at home while on the campus. Additionally, the abundance of student facilities shattered across the campus was reassuring that the school contained everything a student needed to succeed. On the negative side, because St. Joe’s is on the smaller side it is extremely important that you feel and see yourself on the campus, and instinctively look forward to returning. Sadly, these feelings did not resonate with me.
Widener is the second university that I am going to discuss and also lies in the Philadelphia area. This university was very popular with me. From the moment I got my acceptance letter I felt welcome. Out of all the acceptances that I received, Widener University definitely seemed the most excited about each individual person admitted. When I visited the campus on accepted student day, the genuine welcome continued. The campus was very nice, however if you go over one wrong bridge you will find yourself in a tough neighborhood. The facilities were plentiful and up-to-date and the faculty was nice, knowledgeable and friendly. To this day I can’t think of anything majorly wrong with Widener, they offer very generous financial aid (based on my experience) and they offer a solid and exciting environment to build your professional career.
To wrap up our Philadelphia trio, Drexel University is another university I visited and really liked. Unlike the previous two, Drexel is huge university. During the application process I think Drexel was my first choice. Concerning what Drexel has to offer, there are no negatives. Drexel University has tons of dining, recreational and academic offerings for their students. Besides the superb academics that are offered at Drexel the thing that attracted me the most to the school was the, more or less mandatory, co-op program. Drexel is a leading participant in employing co-ops. Through these programs students are able to get hands on experience, as well as make good money along the way. No matter what school you choose to attend I urge you to look into co-op opportunities, internships, and study abroad. All three can provide life changing, life directing lessons that can help you become the person you are destined to become. There are two facts about Drexel that I feel are important to address. First, Drexel is very expensive, and prospective students need to weigh whether they are willing to make such an investment. If you are looking to get a degree further then undergrad, it is important to take into account two bills that can be very expensive. Second, all though not necessarily a deal-breaker Drexel does run on a trimester system in which the days and breaks are off-set compared to most colleges. The implications of this are purely social, as you may not be on break when your friends who are attending different colleges are.
The final two colleges I am going to discuss are both in New Jersey. The first one is Rutgers University in New Brunswick. It is my believe that my visit to Rutgers was the first college visit that showed me what type of college I couldn’t see myself in. These types of visits are important too, they help solidify what you are looking for in an ideal college and give you prospective on the variety of academic offerings. I am positive had I chosen to attend Rutgers I would do extremely well, however I could not see myself there. The main reason why is because the university is an extremely large university. It is spread across multiple campuses, which are connected by a shuttle system. Overall, I don’t have many opinions on the school. It is an obvious point that it is a great school. It is known and reputable and has the potential to provide every student a unique and exciting experience. During your application and acceptance process pay close attention to the size of the school and whether or not you are the type of person who enjoys that many people.
The final school on my Top 5 list is Richard Stockton College. This is the college I am currently attending; therefore it is obvious that it would be on my Top 5. Off the top of my head, Stockton is the smallest of the five schools I strongly considered, but to me it is the best. From the moment I step on the campus I felt at home. The faculty and students were both extremely friendly and encouraging. They answered every question we had, and even went above and beyond to make sure we were comfortable and taken care of. Stockton is a college that is growing continuously and is offering new and exciting opportunities and recognition for the school itself and also its students. Initially, I was worried that such a small school would limit the possibilities I had. This was quickly shown as a fallacy. Ever college has the facilities and staff who work each day to improve the lives and future of the students that pass-by. Don’t be put off by reputation. The performance you do in your classes and the activities you do in the spare time trump any hiccup a reputation problem would cause.
In conclusion, enjoy the application and investigation step of college. It is an exciting and special time and everyone’s life. By taking time and weighing what you are looking for in a college, as well as, what colleges offer the major that you are planning to study, you will make the final decision a thousand times easier.
On a side note, I commute to Stockton each day and drive a 1998 Chevy Cavalier. She’s not the newest and fastest car, but she is reliable.
Guest Entry By: Danielle Maples | Submit A Guest Blog Entry
As a college student you’re constantly seeking out ways to save money. You check deals, clip coupons, and take advantage of free samples whenever possible; right? Yet, there are additional ways to save money that you probably haven’t considered. Read on for several exciting tips financially savvy college students implement to save money.
Enter Contests (On & Off Campus)
Entering contests is a great way to earn extra money between classes. You can enter daily sweepstakes online, participate by completing surveys, and enter classroom writing into professional competitions, such as the RewardIt blogger contest.
Additionally, college students have the unique opportunity to enter contents around their campus. Check billboards and college newspapers for offerings, and be aware that each major might offer specific contents for its upper-classmen. For example, at Utah Valley University in Orem, UT the Communications Department offers a newspaper-writing contest each semester that awards a full semester grant.
Image Via Columbia Cougars
Snag Free Online Offers
If you see a new product available at the store, chances are it’s available as a sample somewhere. There are websites you can sign up with to learn about great new samples that are becoming available on the market so that you can try a product before buying it.
Why not put your savvy social media skills to use? College students who sign up with Klout are frequently offered free samples, depending upon their online presence rating. For students who are addicted to Facebook and Twitter, this is a huge win.
Image Via Flickr by Slgckgc
Utilize Budget Apps Like an Algebra Calculator
Being a financially savvy student, you probably already follow a very strict budget. But you can always improve your budget, and how you track it, by using budget apps on your smartphone or tablet. Pageonce allows you to see all of your bank account, bill, credit card, loan, and other accounts all in one place. For students who visit Starbucks a few times a week, this sort of app will illustrate with pie charts how much of your monthly budget is wasted on lattes! And don’t forget to do it all using affordable cell phone plans.
Image Via Flickr by Rhodes
Socialize Like an Extreme Couponing King
What could be cooler than showing up to Physics 101 looking like a rockabilly diva? Shopping yard sales allows students to score excellent, unique items at rock-bottom prices. Also, yard sales train college students on the fine art of price haggling; a skill useful for the rest of your life. Yard Sale Search allows you to find sales one to 20 miles away in any U.S. city.
Image Via Flickr by Usedtobelost
Image Via Flickr by Kevin Dooley
Get Everything Cheaper Than Your Friends Do
Few things feel better than the schadenfreude experienced when a friend admits he or she paid twice as much for your smartphone or kicks. Using apps like RedLaser, college students can quickly scan barcodes and learn which nearby stores are selling an item for less. Why pay top dollar for an iPhone when you can get it cheaper two miles down the road?
Image Via Flickr by David Berkowitz
These tips can be added to your financial toolbox to help with your budget and save you money on a daily basis. Use them in conjunction with the steps you’re already taking to save money, and you’ll be a financially savvy student who rocks the freshest looks for less cash than anyone else.
About Danielle Maples:
Well, now. This has been a busy month, to say the least: rehearsals every night, moving preparations, a full load of coursework, and dealing with the pre-traumatic and post-traumatic stress disorder of the Oscars. I am pooped.
I am currently enrolled in a university, and I will be attending a university in England next year, so I will not be applying for any other schools, BUT I can certainly tell you what I would apply to, should the opportunity be presented… and the time/space continuum disrupted:
Drumroll please… Da da da da da da daaa!
GRACE’S POSSIBLE TOP FIVE SCHOOLS IF SHE WAS APPLYING MAYBE:
(But in all seriousness, I absolutely would apply were I an incoming freshman)
1. USC
2. UCLA
3. Yale
4. NYU
5. Cambridge of Oxford (literally impossible but a girl can dream)
Overall, a stunningly predictable list of schools. USC is almost too obvious for me, as I am a theatre major/film enthusiast living in the L.A. area. UCLA is also obvious, because, again, I am in the L.A. area and it is an incredible school. Yale even more so as a theatre major, as their theatrical program is unparalleled and… IT’S YALE. I am a firm believer in living without regrets for lost opportunities, but there are moments where I wish I committed to the possibility of Yale in high school. But hey! Life will be what it will be, and we must excel with what we have. It’s like what Dumbledore always said, “It does not do well to dwell on dreams, and forget to live.” I know. I threw you a curve-ball. Usually, it’s Lord of the Rings and today it is Harry Potter. What is happening, the world is chaos. NYU is somewhat of a long shot. I love New York City, and I certainly would not mind attending a university there, but their focus is directly linked to the city itself, producing actors that can function in New York, L.A., and the general America. My goal is a school in London, so it would feel a little bit like a digression. But it looks pretty darn good on one’s resume, does it not?
Now, Cambridge and Oxford? That I could do. If I was randomly sitting in my kitchen, eating a sandwich or something of that culinary nature, and all the sudden the Education Genie randomly appeared, his arms fool of books and the typical apparel of a stereotypical nineteenth-century professor, and said to me, “Grace! Hello! I am the Education Genie and I can grant you any three educational needs of your choosing, what would they be?” my response would be self-assured. After I calmed myself from the shock of a somewhat precariously dressed magical being in my kitchen, I would response politely, “Cambridge, please, followed by the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London. If you could throw in a mentor or two, that would be great. Michael Gambon or Emma Thompson will do, please and thank you.”
Stop it, Grace. Remember what Dumbledore said about dwelling on dreams, remember what Dumbledore said about dwelling on dreams (although, it really does not help that Michael Gambon played Dumbledore in the later films).
Excuse me, I was just being an absolute dork. I tend to do that. Speaking of dorks, would you like to know what kind of car I drive? Yes, you would. I drive a white Honda Accord. It is my mother’s. I call it “Moby Dick” because it is big and white and cumbersome and it provokes obsessive behavior in me, monomania, as well as the assumption of anthropomorphism. Call me Ishmael. Ah, literary allusions, how you give me a falsely earned sense of superiority to my collegiate peers. I leave you with one of my favorite quotes from the singularly wise and personally cherished Vincent van Gogh,
Love many things, for therein lies the true strength, and whosoever loves much performs much, and can accomplish much, and what is done in love is done well.
I wish this for all of you, and I hope this coming year provides opportunities to love and be loved, to create life and to defeat death in your artistic endeavors, and to live with hope and excellence in a world that is worth fighting for, and a humanity that is worth preserving.
Grace
For Students
Major Quiz
Find a School
Research Majors
Student Blog
Magazines
Mobile App
Financial Aid Advice
Scholarships/Grants
For Counselors
What is MyMajors?
Free Resources
Counselor Blogs
Scholarships/Grants
Publications
Major Quiz
For Parents
Is MyMajors Safe?
Financial Aid Advice
Scholarships/Grants
Parent Resources
University Parent
Expert Advice
College Toolbox
Find a Major
Find a School
Financial Aid Advice
Scholarships/Grants
