A gap year is exactly what it sounds like: a year, or extended period of time, where someone presses “pause” on a trajectory that can, at times, feel automatic and predictable, but might not be the best one for a person, depending on their circumstances. 

There are many reasons why people decide to take a gap year. It’s an excellent opportunity to gain work experience and make money to save up for future academic or career plans. 

Let’s say you didn’t find your passion until late in high school or college – a gap year can create time and space to experiment with that new passion and decide your next course of action.

Most gap year programs include a travel or cultural component. Sometimes getting out of one’s own country – especially if they’ve never traveled outside of it – can provide illuminating perspective. 

Many gap year programs also include an element of philanthropic service, and many more contain an adventurous aspect. For example, some gap year attendees may complete their program with several certifications or trainings to prepare them to be outdoor guides.

Whether you want to learn a language, transition to a new country, or simply live your life to the fullest, a gap year will connect you with like-minded people and valuable resources. 

We have compiled a list of 10 of the best gap year programs in the United States. Generally, these programs are open to participants ages 17-22, meaning those considering a gap year after high school or college can apply. 

EF Gap Year (Multiple International Locations)

EF Gap Years are built on different program modules and launch recent graduates worldwide. 

The organization’s 25-week gap year is undoubtedly one of the lengthiest on this list, bringing participants through three global destinations where they’ll immerse themselves in language learning, acts of service, and internship work.

The EF Gap Year runs from September 25 to May 3. Following orientation in Boston, gap year participants travel to iconic cities like Barcelona, Paris, Seoul, or Tokyo to participate in language learning. 

A four-week service and sustainability element prompts participants to make a positive impact at the community level – usually somewhere in Peru, Thailand, or the Dominican Republic.

After spending winter break back home, gap year participants jet off to Australia and New Zealand for guided exploration before engaging in an eight-week business initiative in Stockholm, Sweden. 

The experience culminates in a seven-day London leadership academy, where participants consider where they will take their newfound skills and aptitudes.

Where There Be Dragons (Colorado River Basin, USA)

Where There Be Dragons offers a variety of study abroad and gap year programs for people ages 17-22. One of their most exciting offerings takes place back home in the United States via the Colorado River Basin Semester: Sustainability & Resilience in the Western US.

The Colorado River Basin Semester is a gap year program that lasts just over ten weeks. Recent graduates can apply for the fall or spring, with both cohorts including 12 students and three guides. 

Courses are for college credit and include topics like colonization and western influences, principles of economics, and leadership across borders.

Activities revolve around permaculture and sustainability on local farms. Participants will hike, travel by train, and float down the Colorado River to experience diverse ecosystems in the western part of the country. 

After the end of the program, gap year attendees will emerge with a passion for engaging with food justice movements and a deeper understanding of how climate change will compel major US industries to evolve.

Irish Gap Adventure & Leadership Program (Ireland)

A gap year is not only an excellent time to learn new skills – it can also provide a great opportunity to experience a new country. 

While many of the gap year programs on this list take participants through multiple international locations, the Irish Gap Adventure & Leadership Program is ideal for someone who prefers to immerse themselves deeper into a community while learning valuable life skills.

Designed for graduates seeking to forge outdoor careers, the Irish Gap Year lasts 75 days and is open for spring or fall dates. 

In addition to touring some of Ireland’s neatest cities, gap year participants will complete a three-day wilderness expedition and 80 hours of volunteer service.

What does a typical day look like? After getting ready, participants might take a surf lesson at Tullan Strand in Bundoran before engaging in a post-lunch leadership workshop with team challenges. 

At some point during the session, students are charged with what is considered the “capstone” of the experience: organizing a five-day road trip from any point in Ireland. 

CityGAP at The Living City Project (New York City, USA)

Arguably the most exciting gap year program in New York City, CityGAP turns the Big Apple into a studio/classroom. 

Participants in The Living City Project seek a social, intimate, and outdoor experience with similar thinkers and adventure-seekers ages 17-22. 

Each semester lasts 14 weeks, starting with an orientation of NYC’s social landscape, neighborhoods, and institutions. 

There are five Living City lenses that scholars take on throughout the program duration. In The Form of the City, participants investigate how cities are designed and how compatible urban architecture is with our fast-evolving technology. 

The City of Memory lens is equally interesting, challenging participants to consider how cities build and rebuild their identities throughout time. 

During a 10-12 week project cycle, individuals and small teams start with a question or challenge, move into the research and inquiry phase supplemented by exploration and expeditions, and then analyze their findings. 

From there, they will design and exhibit a podcast, documentary, public art project, policy proposal, or other artifact representing a solution to their original question or challenge. Prior questions have included, “How will Broadway reopen in response to the COVID-19 shutdown?” and “How does zoning drive development in NYC and what are the alternatives?”

Gapforce Trekforce Expedition Leader Training (Multiple International Locations)

The Trekforce Expedition Leader Training is like the “Inception” of gap year programs. Definitely not a relaxing holiday option, Gapforce engages participants in a rigorous adventure travel and outdoor training curriculum to essentially prepare them to lead gap year programs themselves. 

The GapForce journey starts in the Welsh mountains before progressing to Costa Rican and Panamanian jungles. In Wales, participants will complete introductory navigation coursework and obtain their First Aid certificate while working as a team. 

In Central America, expect to learn how to build fires, wield machetes, and navigate through the rainforest – alone! The three-day solo survival trek is a threshold for all Gapforce expedition guides.

Completers of the gap year program will leave with proficiency in kayaking, snorkeling, and cycling, as well as managing medical incidents in the wilderness. 

Ongoing feedback will help participants understand their strengths and areas of needed improvement. Many who finish the course become employed with Gapforce leading other groups around the world!

Sea|Mester Study Abroad at Sea (Multiple International Locations)

Take part in one of the few gap year programs set aboard a working sailboat! Gap-year programs with Sea|Mester run from 20- to 90-day voyages all over the world, especially in the Caribbean islands. 

The immersion provides the chance to earn certifications in SCUBA, sailing, and other navigational skills. Most participants have just graduated high school or are in their sophomore or junior years of college, with an average age range of 17-22.

Days at sea change like the tides! The program structure can generally be categorized into “passage days” and “shore days.” On passage days, student crew members operate the ship as it moves to new ports or locales. Participants may attend classes, complete jobs, or watch for navigational challenges.

During shore days, gap year participants are docked, engaging in thrilling activities like diving, spelunking, sightseeing, or trekking. 

Suppose you want to pursue a one-of-a-kind career on the water. In that case, you can obtain your rescue diver, divemaster, emergency first response, and other certifications during the Sea|Mester gap year.

Raleigh International (Costa Rica, Tanzania, Nepal)

Raleigh International stands out from other gap year programs on this list in that it is most heavily steeped in volunteer service. 

Catering to 17-24-year-olds, a Raleigh International experience merges sustainable travel and philanthropy in Tanzania, Nepal, and Costa Rica. 

Participants reside in more remote communities not frequently visited by tourists and work on meaningful projects that can enhance the well-being of locals.

What kind of specific projects might gap year attendees collaborate on? 

In Costa Rica, they facilitate bringing clean water to rural villages, while in Tanzania, they might build sanitary toilets for school building use. Philanthropic work is juxtaposed with cultural immersion, outdoor adventure, and language learning.

The most popular gap year program runs for ten weeks, engaging participants in topics like natural resource management, water sanitation, and community development. Since the program’s inception, nearly 50,000 participants from over 90 countries have served with Raleigh International.

High Mountain Institute Adventure (North American West; South American Patagonia Region)

Unsurprisingly, outdoor skill-building is at the center of a High Mountain Institute Adventure! Gap-year participants will advance in rock climbing, whitewater rafting, and other activities frequently found in outdoor adventure curricula. 

Students will learn to travel comfortably for extended periods, navigate challenging domestic and international terrain, and assess hazards native to their current landscape.

An environmental studies and service component challenges participants to consider certain essential questions, like “Can we restore the landscape to its natural condition?” and “How do we reconcile competing values within natural resource management?” 

Leadership focus drives personal growth as attendees participate in “evening circles,” where they discuss their insights and findings. 

The flagship program is the HMI Gap semester, wherein participants travel for 80 days alongside a small group of peers and guides, all while learning outdoor adventure skills, conservation principles, and leadership attributes. Several gap year program options occur in the American West and Patagonia (South America).

Gap Year at The School of The New York Times (New York City, USA)

Another excellent option in one of the greatest cities in the world – the Gap Year at The School of the NY Times is open to participants ages 18-21 who are either deferring college or taking time away from school to consider their next steps. 

Programs run for six or 12 weeks and prompt attendees to strengthen transferable skills in critical thinking, collaboration, and cultural humility.

The 12-week option runs from September 10 to December 8, and two six-week terms are housed within that same time frame. 

Each week, the curriculum focuses on a specific section of the NY Times to compel further inquiry into an important global or social topic. 

A service learning component is typically paired with each investigation, such as volunteering to coach youth athletes in different skill areas or volunteering at an art museum.

The modules in the gap year program include lectures, readings, guest speakers, round-table discussions, and a culminating project. Completers walk away from their gap year program with a more inclusive worldview and advanced management skills in coordinating complex projects.

Carpe Diem Education Innovative Gap Year Programs (Multiple International Locations)

Don’t just seize the day at Carpe Diem Education – seize the year through one of the organization’s Innovative Gap Year Programs across five continents! 

This gap year option is ideal for graduates yearning for cultural immersion. 

At the same time, students can earn college credit, if needed, while participating in a gap semester program.

Available placements differ yearly, and the 2023-2024 list looks exciting! Take on a program in India, Italy/Greece, or Hawai’i, for example. 

The Semester in Spain & Morocco challenges participants to investigate human migration patterns and cultural preservation efforts in one of the world’s most beautiful areas.

Regardless of your chosen location, all gap year attendees receive a focused volunteer placement (FVP). 

Prior examples include promoting health initiatives for preventing HIV in South Africa, rehabilitating manatee populations along the Belize coast, and many more opportunities. 

The group semester runs from September 20 to November 29 before a winter break; afterward, participants complete their independent FVP semester from January through April.

The post Best Gap Year Programs for Students After High School appeared first on collegegazette.com.

Many students find themselves extremely relieved once they receive their first acceptance letter and know this process is over.

After paying your enrollment deposit at your school of choice, you probably thought you were all done with the college admissions process and all the stresses that come along with it. 

If you find that you are unhappy at the college you selected, however, all that time, research, and effort you put into applying to colleges might feel like a waste.

If this is the position you are in, do not give up hope just yet — it may be frustrating, but you have options for how to proceed with your pursuit of higher education. Rest assured that you do not need to spend your college years unhappy, dissatisfied, and full of regret. 

Transferring colleges is a great decision for students who feel that they do not fit in well at their first college. 

On top of that, you are certainly not alone if you do decide to transfer: studies have shown that as many as 38% of college students transfer schools at some point before graduation.

There is an application process associated with transferring to a different college, but on the bright side, it is very different from the first-year application process.

Here, we have compiled all the information you will need to get started with the transfer process, including a step-by-step guide to transferring, what to do if you have a low GPA, what you should consider when deciding if you want to transfer, and more. 

How to Transfer Colleges Step-By-Step

First, ask yourself if transferring is really the best decision for you. 

If your reasons for wanting to leave your current school include insufficient resources, poor options for major programs, or location, for example, then it is pretty certain that all of those issues will be resolved at a new school.

On the other hand, if you are unhappy at your current school because of social issues, difficulty adjusting to campus living, or any problems that very well may exist at any college or university, then you might consider sticking it out and seeing if things change over the course of your freshman year. 

Of course, it is ultimately your decision to make, and transferring as soon as you know that you are unhappy minimizes the amount of time you will spend at a less-than-ideal school.

Once you are absolutely certain that transferring is the best decision for you, decide what college you would like to transfer to. 

It will be helpful to do a bit of research about each school you are considering transferring to, especially with regard to admission statistics and requirements. 

The next step is to see how many of your credits will or will not transfer to your new school of choice. 

Although other schools are under no obligation to accept credits you completed at your previous university, many colleges will accept some number of transfer credits, especially for general education courses. 

Since most colleges will require that transfer applicants submit at least one letter of recommendation, you can get ahead in the transfer process by getting two letters of recommendation from current professors.

At some early point in the process, you should speak with an advisor for assistance and guidance throughout the transfer application process. After applying to schools, you should prepare to make a decision as soon as you hear back regarding your acceptance. 

Is Transferring After One Year Different from Two Years?

The right time to transfer depends on many factors, but in essence, the transfer process after one year is no different from the process after two years. 

If you decide to transfer after your first year, then your high school transcript, extracurriculars, and other academic experiences during that time will carry more weight in the admissions process than your college grades.

Another important consideration for deciding when to transfer is how many of your credits will transfer. If you have taken a lot of lower-level, general education courses, then you might find that many credits will transfer to your new school, allowing you to transfer seamlessly even after two years of study elsewhere. 

On the other hand, if you have taken fewer general courses, or if your next college will not accept many credits, you might find that transferring after two years will force you to retake intro-level courses. 

This could result in you taking longer than four years to graduate as you play catch-up. There’s nothing wrong with needing more time to earn your degree, but because of the high cost of tuition, you should only do so if there is no better alternative for you.

How to Transfer Colleges With a Low GPA

If your GPA at your current school is low, you might be concerned that you will not be accepted as a transfer student at any other school. Fortunately, there are several relatively simple steps you can take to improve your chances of being admitted to another college. 

For one, you should do your best to explain why your GPA is low in your transfer application essay. 

Suppose you have experienced any personal hardships that have contributed to your poor academic performance. In that case, informing universities of these struggles shows that your current grades do not accurately reflect your full academic potential. 

Be honest, and do not be afraid to include whatever details and information you feel might give the office of admissions at your desired school a better sense of who you are, not just as a student, but also as a unique, capable individual who had loads of great qualities and will positively contribute to their campus community. 

Your low GPA should also factor into your decision about where to apply. Your chances of being admitted to a highly selective school with a low GPA are slim to none, but there are many excellent schools out there that have much more flexible admissions requirements.

Additionally, you can make an effort to make the parts of your application that reflect more positively on your academic capabilities stand out. 

For example, past leadership roles in extracurricular activities, a strong portfolio showcasing your ability, and killer recommendation letters from past professors who really know you can make all the difference for students whose grades are not the best.

How to Transfer Colleges As an Athlete

If you are a student-athlete looking to transfer to a different school, you will first need to have a conversation with your coach and/or administrator. 

Set up a meeting to inform them that you have decided to transfer schools, and that you would like to continue to play your sport at your next college.

You may submit applications to the colleges you are interested in transferring to even before you notify the athletic department at the current school of your intent to transfer. 

When searching for the right school to transfer to as a student athlete, it is crucial that you look into each college’s athletic division, conferences, and admissions policies relating to transfer student-athletes. 

Each has different rules and requirements for transfer athletes, and it is important to keep these guidelines in mind when selecting a school to ensure you can continue to play your sport. 

Once you decide on a school and are accepted, you can then ask your current school for a permission-to-contact letter, which you will need to register your NCAA eligibility as a transfer student-athlete. After this, you will be eligible to play your sport at your new school. 

Depending on the specific rules at your new college, however, you may not be eligible to compete for up to a year after transferring. 

Some colleges have policies requiring that you attend their school for a certain amount of time before you can play on their sports teams, although some may choose to offer exemptions.

Should You Transfer Colleges? Making a Big Decision for Your Future

Whether or not transferring to a different college is the best decision for you depends on a large number of factors, and there is no definitive guide to knowing if you will be happier at a new school, let alone which one. 

Transferring colleges is a big decision that will significantly impact the rest of your undergraduate experience.  

One big thing to consider is the possibility that you will lose credits. According to a 2014 study, about 39% of transfer students receive no credit for courses taken before they transferred. On top of that, the average transfer student gives up 27 credits in making a move to their new school.  

Because of transfer credits not being accepted, many transfer students eventually find that they need more time to graduate. 

On average, it takes about three months longer for students who have transferred schools to earn their degree, compared to those who did not transfer.

You should also be aware that taking more time to graduate most likely means spending more money on tuition.  

These additional tuition costs can lead to the need to take out more student loans. 

This, along with the delay in earning a salary while you finish school, could be a significant drawback to transferring, depending on your financial situation. 

On the other hand, the four years it typically takes to earn a bachelor’s degree is a considerable portion of your young adult life. 

Although it may seem insignificant, especially once you subtract the time you have already spent at your first college, these years constitute an affirmative, transitional era of life for many people. 

At the end of the day, the most important thing is choosing a path through your higher education that you feel is valuable, enriching, and meaningful. If you have good reason to believe that you will be happier at a different school, then transferring will be well worth the cost.

The post How to Transfer Colleges – 2022 Guide appeared first on collegegazette.com.

Because of all of the excitement and anxiety surrounding the college admissions process, it can be pretty disheartening to hear that you have been placed on a college’s waitlist, especially if that college is a school you were hoping to attend.

If you find yourself in this position, do not throw in the towel and accept defeat just yet — being placed on the waitlist does not mean all hope of receiving an admission offer is gone.  

In recent years, some colleges have increased their use of the waitlist as an option in the admissions process. 

As such, if you learn that you have been waitlisted by a college, you are far from alone. 

Here, we will discuss what it means to be placed on a waitlist, how to get off of one, some statistics about college waitlists, and more helpful information to guide you through the ins and outs of being waitlisted.

What Exactly Does It Mean to be Waitlisted?

Getting placed on a college’s waitlist means that upon reviewing the student’s application, the admissions department determined that they had all the necessary qualifications to attend their school, but that they are unable to offer admission at that time. 

Thus, the waitlist is something between acceptance and rejection. 

Being waitlisted is no reason to give up hope entirely — there is still a chance that students who are placed on the waitlist will eventually be offered admission. 

On the other hand, it is also a possibility that after being placed on the waitlist, students will later find that they have been denied admission.

There are two main reasons a college may decide to place a student on their waitlist. 

For one, it may be the case that the university has a low number of open seats in their incoming class, compared to the number of applications they receive. 

Placing students who quite nearly or just barely meet the college’s admissions standards on the waitlist allows colleges more time to determine how many accepted students will ultimately enroll at their school before they start to accept second-tier applicants. 

The second common reason that colleges waitlist students is to allow more time to consider whether or not they want to accept applicants whose credentials, such as extracurricular activities, standardized test scores, and grades, do not quite meet their bar for admission. 

In this case, waitlisted applicants may be admitted after submitting any final grades, standardized test scores, or additional academic records that were not available at the initial time of applying and that reflect positively on their ability.

How to Get off the Waitlist – Strategies for Admission

The first step to getting off of a college’s waitlist is to accept your spot on it. 

Most colleges that use a waitlist typically allow students the option to accept or reject the waitlist offer, and accepting the offer is required in order to be considered for admission.

After accepting the waitlist offer, students should contact the college’s admissions office to express their continued interest in attending their school. 

Some schools may allow or even require that waitlisted students submit additional information as an update regarding their application, while others may refuse to accept supplemental materials. 

Contacting the admissions department is also an excellent opportunity to find out what a particular school’s approach to their waitlist is since this information may be crucial to the applicant’s chance of being accepted.

At this point in the process, it is wise to submit a deposit at a different college. Because the college enrollment deadline is generally May 1 every year, students must accept an offer for admission at a college before that date. 

By doing so, students can ensure a seat in at least one college’s incoming class rather than banking on the possibility of being admitted from the waitlist at their desired school. 

While waiting to hear back from the school at which they have been waitlisted, students should prepare themselves to make a final decision promptly after being notified of their acceptance or rejection.

Many colleges that use a waitlist prefer to hear back as quickly as possible from waitlisted students.

This is because if students on the waitlist end up denying an offer for admission, then the college will need to send the next student on the list an admission offer to fill seats in the class.

College Waitlist Statistics

In a report from NACAC (National Association for College Admissions Counseling), in the 2018-2019 academic year, 10% of students who apply to colleges that have a waitlist will be placed on the waitlist. 

The same report also notes that students placed on a waitlist have an about 20% chance of being accepted to the school later.

The NACAC report also found that 43% of postsecondary institutions had a waitlist in the same year. This statistic, however, varies considerably between different types of schools. 

Nearly half, or 48%, of private colleges used a waitlist in the 2018-2019 academic year. On the other hand, a mere 34% of public schools used a waitlist that year.

The use of a waitlist is most common among highly selective colleges, with 82% of top-ranked schools opting to use a waitlist in their admissions process. 

Of course, as this group of schools is most selective, a smaller percentage of students — just 7%, in fact — who are waitlisted at prestigious schools eventually earn offers for admission. 

In a survey of 100 private and public colleges and universities, CollegeKickstart found that the chance of being admitted to a school after being placed on their waitlist has increased in recent years. 

A 2020 study found that 43,867 students who were waitlisted at surveyed schools were eventually accepted. This is a 97% increase compared to the previous year, during which only 22,223 waitlisted students were lucky enough to get off of the waitlist.

Should I Accept an Offer On a Waitlist?

If you are offered admission after being placed on a college’s waitlist, you may wonder whether you should accept the offer. 

This may be especially true for those who decided to submit a deposit for enrollment at a different school since, the majority of the time, enrollment deposits are non-refundable. 

Whether you should choose to accept or decline an offer on a waitlist depends on a number of different factors. 

One factor that may influence this decision is how the school at which you were waitlisted compares to the other schools you have been accepted to. 

If you receive an offer for admission from the school of your dreams’ waitlist, then it makes sense for you to accept the offer.

On the other hand, if you have been accepted at other colleges, you might find that you have started to accept or even look forward to the idea of attending a different school. If that is the case, it may be wise to reconsider how much you really want to attend the school that placed you on their waitlist. 

The cost is another factor to consider when debating if you should accept an admission offer from a waitlist. 

For some colleges, financial aid is merit-based, meaning it is awarded according to the strength of your academic profile as reflected in your application. 

The most selective colleges receive an excess of applications to begin with, and if you were placed on their waitlist, then it is more likely than not that you are near the bottom of the applicant pool in terms of test scores, GPA, grades, and so on.

As a result, you will probably not be offered a very good merit-based financial aid package.

On the other hand, financial aid offers are also sometimes need-based, meaning that the amount you will receive in aid is determined based on your family’s income. 

In this case, being placed on the waitlist has little to do with the likelihood that you will receive a handsome financial aid package. 

In this case, attending the school that had placed you on the waitlist may prove to be as affordable, or even more affordable, than attending whatever other schools you have been accepted to. 

Remember: you are free to accept or decline an offer for admission from the waitlist after the May 1 deadline, even if you have already paid an enrollment deposit at a different college.

What To Do If You Are Not Accepted Off a Waitlist

Before you even begin applying to schools, it is best to have an idea of what your reach schools are, what your safety schools are, and what your first choice school is. 

You should apply to at least a small handful of different colleges in order to ensure that you have an attractive array of options for where to enroll, just in case. 

No matter how badly you may want to attend one particular school, if you are placed on their waitlist, you will be glad if you have already prepared a solid backup plan. 

In the event that you are not offered admission from your desired college’s waitlist, you will have a few different options for how to move forward from there. 

If you are not accepted off of a waitlist, then you can cross that school off of your list of possibilities. This may hurt, but it is not the end of the world. 

Then, it is time to reconsider your other options. You will probably have already done some amount of research about each school you have applied to, but it might be helpful to start fresh, compile a new list of pros and cons, and use the knowledge you gained from getting rejected to make a more informed evaluation of how well you think you will fit into the campus community at whatever given school. 

If you did not prepare adequately for being rejected from the waitlist by applying to a variety of other colleges, then you can still apply to any school with rolling admissions. 

Colleges with closed admission require that applications are submitted by a specific deadline so that their admissions office can evaluate all applications for a given cycle at the same time. 

In contrast, colleges with rolling admissions consider applications as they receive them, meaning that you can submit an application until all of the seats in their incoming class are filled.

This gives you another opportunity to secure yourself a spot at a college without the pressure of a hard deadline.

The post What Does It Mean to Be Waitlisted for Colleges? appeared first on collegegazette.com.

Some children might not have a school in their area which provides the specific educational subjects a parent might want their child to study. 

For others, parents decided that a child with special needs would be best served by a curriculum specifically designed by that pupil’s family. 

In part because homeschooling might be the right choice for a student is so vast—frequent family relocation, flexibility regarding the shape of instruction, more time spent with one’s child, and more—the number of homeschool students drastically increases in the U.S. from year-to-year. 

On top of this, homeschooling has a long legacy of positively impacting the lives of many of society’s most influential and successful people, from Margaret Atwood to Albert Einstein.

As such, this list will break down the 10 best states for homeschooling based on where each state ranks according to a report from myelearningworld.com, which analyzed Google trends data as well as other publicly available information to assess interest in homeschooling throughout the last year.

Because education is one area of public life that varies drastically from state to state, it is important to consider the full range of factors that might influence how the homeschooling experience might differ from one state when compared to another so that homeschoolers can better understand the state of at-home education where they live. 

As well, this information may provide useful information to parents for whom the quality of homeschooling in a state is a significant factor in deciding one’s home state.

1. Alaska

The Alaska Homeschool allotment, the amount of money parents receive from the state government to support their child’s education, ranges from $500-4000 a year depending on a variety of factors.  Dozens of homeschool programs and curriculums qualify for this allotment, with the oldest and largest allotment-qualifying homeschool program being IDEA Homeschool. 

IDEA homeschool was founded in 1997 by teachers and parents in the Galena County School district in response to Alaska only offering one state-wide, government-designed homeschool curriculum prior to IDEA’s inception. 

Once it was introduced, in just two years, IDEA had enrolled over 4000 students across the state. 

Alongside the plethora of local homeschooling organizations, Alaska is home to the state-wide Christian organization, Alaska Private and Home Educators Association. 

With a yearly, state-wide convention for homeschool educators, this organization seeks to provide resources and community for the state’s Christian homeschool students and parents. 

2. Idaho

Idaho’s homeschool laws allow parents to enroll their child in homeschool education with relatively little interaction with school boards, the Idaho Department of Education, or other regulatory bodies. 

As such, for those wanting to homeschool in Idaho, standardized tests, curriculum approval, letters of intent, and otherwise are not required of a pupil’s guardian. 

The largest homeschooling organization in Idaho is a consortium of Christian homeschool educators called the Christian Homeschoolers of Idaho State, or CHOIS. 

Importantly, unlike other states on this list, all costs associated with homeschooling are the responsibility of parents, and there is no government allotment.  However, this is the case because Idaho does not regulate or monitor homeschool education in any capacity.

Because of this leeway, there is not one educational program that is significantly more popular than others. The only requirements are language arts and communication, mathematics, science, and social studies courses.

3. Vermont

Although Vermont does not provide allotments for parents homeschooling their children, the state government still does give a set criteria for the shape of homeschooling education. As opposed to being restrictive, these stipulations are meant to guide homeschool educators in the challenging task of providing one’s child with the highest quality education possible. 

Some of the guidelines meant to assure homeschooling is conducted as thoroughly as possible in Vermont are end-of-the-year assessments submitted to the state annually alongside an end-of-year report from the parent. 

With Vermont Christian Educators being the largest homeschooling organization in the state, both homeschoolers within this group and outside of it organize to create sports leagues and provide homeschool children the opportunity to take field trips with one another to the wide array of parks in Vermont.

4. South Dakota

Although one must notify one’s local school district about the decision to homeschool, South Dakota has some of the least restrictive homeschooling laws in the country. 

That being said, robust record-keeping is advised, as the state of South Dakota does check in with home school educators to track the progress of their pupil’s learning.

There are a vast array of homeschool associations throughout South Dakota, with the largest of these being the South Dakota Christian Home Educators. 

These organizations hold a variety of field trips to historic sites throughout the state, with one Sioux Falls group, Our Way of Learning, hosting events such as visits to the local star lab or weekly swim classes.

Finally, in South Dakota there is a list of state-mandated subjects students must be instructed in.

5. Arkansas

The Arkansas Department of Education provides homeschool educators with a vast array of useful resources. 

Among these resources, homeschoolers will find a list of online curriculums, resources such as PBS Learning courses, and an office to contact to assure the state’s homeschooling requirements are being met and ask for any potential assistance. 

Furthermore, the state offers mental health and trauma-response services through Arkansas’s TRIS program, which serves schools alongside homeschools specifically. 

One of the largest homeschooling organizations in Arkansas is the Central Arkansas Homeschoolers Group. This group started as a collective of just five moms and has grown in size to include hundreds of families.

Alongside providing field trips, sports events, and help with standardized testing, this group also fosters ties between parents through events such as Mom’s Night Out. 

Tied-6. Delaware

Tied for this list’s first place is Delaware, which offers three homeschooling options for its state’s educators. 

Homeschool students can either be educated in a single-family household, a multi-family household in which multiple families hold classes in one location together, or in collaboration with the school district, where the same curriculum as the public school district is used, but homeschoolers have the freedom to undergo classes at home.

With roughly 5,000 homeschool students across the state, an array of organizations exist to support homeschool educators. Because of the prevalence of the multi-family model of homeschool instruction in Delaware, certain organizations, such as First State Academy, are exclusively designed to support homeschool educators using the unique multi-family option.

The largest group, however, is First State Homeschool. This secular, all-inclusive homeschool organization provides support to families trying to answer the question of how best to provide homeschool education.

Tied-6. Kansas

Homeschoolers in Kansas only have to notify their school district regarding the decision to transition to at-home schooling a single time, when the student begins homeschooling. This is different from many states that require letters of homeschooling intent each year. 

Unlike states which have specific legal statutes that permit homeschooling education as its own category, homeschools in Kansas are considered non-accredited private schools, and thus operate under the same set of stipulations a private school would operate under. 

Although this might seem to complicate the process, once a household registers their house as a non-accredited school, homeschoolers actually experience a unique degree of freedom intermixed with the structure of being considered a part of the Kansas private school system. 

One of the largest homeschool organizations in Kansas is the Midwest Parent Educators group, which hosts an annual conference, a curriculum sale, a Women’s Encouragement Day, home education workshops, and more.

Tied-6. New Mexico

New Mexico does require some teacher qualifications in order to teach homeschool, in the form of a high school diploma on the part of the educator, or an equivalent. 

New Mexico also mandates that students undergo instruction in specific subject areas that public school students take classes in, and homeschool students must achieve the same immunizations as non-homeschool students.

An important aspect of New Mexico homeschool education is that homeschool students can participate in the same athletic, extra-curricular, and club-based activities as public school students. Parents can choose to enroll their child in their local public school district’s extra-curriculars. 

As well, for parents who wish to transition their child back into public education, New Mexico provides resources to make this transition more seamless through a unique “Family School” program, which enrolls students in 80% public education and 20% at-home education as a transitional period. 

Tied-6. Montana

Montana’s homeschool system is incredibly robust, with around 8% of all K-12 students in Montana being homeschooled. 

With such a high percentage of Montana students being homeschooled, this has led to a variety of home education organizations that are unique to Montana and provide services one might not be able to find elsewhere. 

For example, the EMBER Educational Co-op in the Flathead Valley brings together homeschool students once a week to participate in enrichment classes to experience a traditional classroom atmosphere without sacrificing their at-home education. 

Another group, the Montana Coalition of Home Educators, provides the full range of helpful homeschool services statewide: educational resources, support groups, relevant news, and even legislative liaisons. 

With homeschool enrollment increasing at about a rate of 25% each year in Montana, the number of organizations dedicated to supporting homeschool education is sure only to grow.

Tied-6. West Virginia

There are two options for homeschooling in West Virginia. 

The first involves gaining approval from the local school board, and then teaching the same curriculum offered by the local school board in collaboration with them. 

The second involves a parent sending the school board a letter of intent and the student then becoming exempt from compulsory public school attendance. From there, students must take an annual assessment to track the pupil’s progress. 

Organizations like the West Virginia Home Educators Association provide homeschoolers in West Virginia with test prep specifically for these annual tests. 

In 2016, West Virginia passed a Homeschool Modernization Bill which replaced annual letters of intent to homeschool with a one-time letter and the annual tests, though still required, now only need to be submitted to the state in grades 3, 5, 8, and 11. As such, West Virginia is on track to continue evolving its homeschooling system.

The post The 10 Best Homeschooling States in the US appeared first on collegegazette.com.

But it can be difficult for a lot of students to imagine pulling that off without such a process requiring months of laborious application crafting. 

Why? So many schools require their applicants to write pages upon pages of supplemental application materials. 

On top of this, many students won’t know what college they want to go to until they hear back from several schools regarding different scholarships and opportunities available to them. 

With some estimates showing that up to 55% of high school students feel unprepared for college, and up to 50% of college freshmen are undecided about their major, uncertainty is widespread during the college application process. 

It is only natural, then, that such a big decision would be made easier if students were able to compare and contrast many options after casting a wide net.

In trying to cast that wide net, some might think that the best schools must have the longest applications. But that isn’t always the case. 

This article breaks down 10 amazing schools that don’t require that students spend extra hours crafting an unnecessarily large number of supplemental essays. The following schools may require personal statements, but nothing beyond that. 

In laying out this list, this article shows that it’s a misconception that good schools must have time-consuming applications. 

As students begin to create their wide nets, any one of these schools would be fantastic additions that require little extra time spent on application-crafting.

University of Minnesota (Minneapolis, MN)

The University of Minnesota is the flagship institution of the Minnesota university system. Ranked 24th in academic and research excellence in the 2021 Shanghai Ranking, this campus, nestled within the twin cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul, has produced 26 Nobel Prize-winning alumni, 3 Pulitzer Prizes, 25 Rhodes scholars, and about 130 Fulbright recipients. 

The University of Minnesota has an especially impressive Ecology department, ranked second globally, alongside the world’s 10th best Management department, and the 11th best Biotechnology department. 

The University of Minnesota is also home to institutes specifically designed for the study of Law and the Environment, Cognitive Sciences, Translational Neuroscience, Environmental study, Population studies, and more, assuring that students interested in these fields of study have a home on campus.

University of Denver (Denver, CO)

The University of Denver is a private research university in Denver, Colorado with incredibly strong Creative Writing, Astronomy, and Study Abroad departments. 

Denver is home to one of the nation’s oldest Creative Writing programs, founded by renowned novelist John Edward Williams in 1966. 

Their English department is also home to one of the most respected college literary magazines in the country, The Denver Quarterly. 

For students hoping to study abroad, Denver has one of the most robust study abroad programs in the world, with some classes having up to 71% of their students being offered the chance to study abroad. 

Finally, students interested in studying the heavens will have an unparalleled experience at Denver, as they have the 11th highest telescope in the world in terms of altitude at the Meyer-Womble Observatory. 

Furman University (Greenville, SC)

Furman University is the oldest university in South Carolina, and is frequently ranked as one of the top universities in the Southern United States. 

Students hoping to work towards a more sustainable future will find a home at Furman University. Furman University, lead by the Shi Institute for Sustainability, has won several awards for its sustainability initiatives, including Furman being ranked by the AASHE’s Sustainable Campus Index as being the 10th most sustainable campus for all baccalaureate institutions. Furman also received the AASHE’s National Campus Sustainability Achievement Award in 2016.

For those looking to experience the serenity and beauty that a college campus can often provide to best enhance the overall student experience, Furman is consistently ranked as one of the most beautiful college campuses in the world, with USA Today ranking Furman as 4th in the nation in 2016.

Juniata College (Huntingdon, PA)

Juniata College offers its students a truly one of a kind experience by having its student not declare a major, but instead, a “Program of Emphasis,” through which students have the opportunity to create their own, self-designed major. 

Students may choose from a set of pre-planned Programs of Emphasis or create their own. 

In this way, Juniata gives students unique opportunities for academic exploration due to its more flexible curriculum requirements. 

Nearly forty-five percent of Juniata students design their own program of emphasis.

Furthermore, Juniata has truly unique college-wide events which give the school a charming feeling of community. 

The Madrigal Dinner, for example, features up to 700 students tenting outside Ellis Hall for up to a week for the chance at being the first in line for a massive, campus-wide feast. 

Juniata has several unique celebrations of this sort, and a wonderful community atmosphere.

Skidmore College (Saratoga Springs, NY)

Skidmore College is considered one of the nation’s “New Ivies.” Ranked as the 38th best liberal arts college in the United States, Skidmore College earns its reputation as one of the most prestigious in the nation. 

Skidmore has one of the most robust Student Media infrastructures in the country. With the Salmagundi, a literary journal that has published the likes of Christopher Hitchens and Seamus Heaney, The Skidmore News, The Skidmo’ Daily, SkidTV, and more, those hoping to get hands-on experience with media production will have all the tools available to them to succeed at Skidmore. 

With a focus on promoting creative thought, Skidmore provides its students state of the art artistic facilities via multi-million dollar theaters, music halls, and art galleries, so that those interested in honing their creative abilities can experience some of the absolute highest quality artistic institutions in the country.

Northeastern University (Boston, MA)

Northeastern University is a private research university in Boston, Massachusetts, which is second to none in enhancing their students’ education via internships, academics-related jobs, and career services.

Regularly ranked #1 in the country for Best Co-Ops/Internships by U.S. News and World Report and the Princeton Review, and ranked as having the best career services department in the nation by the Princeton review, those hoping to kick-start their career with on-the-ground employment/experience will be in wonderful hands at Northeastern.

Northeastern has one of the world’s largest and oldest co-op programs. In a co-op, students alternate between a semester of study and a semester of relevant work/internship experience, which is typically paid. 

While working, students do not pay tuition, and thus many students at Northeastern stay five years so that they can graduate with several years of work and academic experience under their belt.

Connecticut College (New London, CT)

Connecticut College has maintained a truly distinctive tradition for over eighty years. All students, faculty, and staff at Connecticut College operate under an Honor Code, a promise all college members make to uphold a standard of mutual respect, excellence, and communal values. 

The Honor Code is taken so seriously that the college has an Honor Council, which litigates violations. 

As such, it is no wonder, with a strict code of mutual respect that fosters community and cooperation among college members, that Connecticut College is ranked 25th among all liberal arts colleges for its contribution to the public good, as measured through the degree of social mobility a school provides, the service it does for the nation, and the good an institution’s research does.

With award-winning library systems, rigorous academics, and a slew of notable alumni, this college promises its students the chance to achieve both academically and as upstanding citizens. 

Seton Hall University (South Orange, NJ)

Seton Hall is a private, Catholic research university in South Orange, New Jersey. As one of the nation’s largest religious universities, Seton Hall is ranked as the #29 Catholic university in the nation by Niche. 

Seton Hall produces the Journal of Diplomacy and International Relations, one of the largest diplomatic journals in the country, which promises students the chance to experience the forefront of international relations and diplomatic thought while studying at Seton. 

Related to this, undergraduate students produce the Diplomatic Envoy, a weekly newspaper regarding foreign relations, further demonstrating the kinds of projects students interested in international relations can engage in while at Seton. 

Furthermore, as an NCAA Division I, Big East Conference member, Seton Hall promises its students the full range of wonderful college athletics experiences to its students. 

Colby College (Waterville, ME)

Colby College is another “Little Ivy” school, and is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as the 17th best liberal arts college in the nation, and the 5th Best Value school. Colby received an A+ from Niche in terms of academics and value, and an A for diversity.

Colby College is a model for sustainable institutions globally, as Colby is the largest college to have net zero carbon emissions, and is ranked as the most sustainable college in the country by Second Nature. 

Colby is ideal for students wanting to pursue research or major projects, as Colby follows a 4-1-4 course schedule, where students take 4 classes in the Fall and Spring, and then take a single, intensive, “Jan-plan” class in the winter.

In this way, Colby allows students to dedicate themselves to one project, area of research, or specialization in the winter—a truly unique educational opportunity.

Case Western Reserve University (Cleveland, OH)

Case Western Reserve University, a private research university in Cleveland, Ohio, is truly one of the nation’s best.

Ranked as the #42 best university in the country by U.S. News and World Report, this university has it all, from the 18th best Theatre program in the world according to The Hollywood Reporter, to the world-renowned Electrochemistry and Electroengineering departments which recently received a grant of $10.75 million dollars from the U.S. Department of energy.

With over a hundred “centers” dedicated to the investigation of subjects ranging from Growth Studies to Nonprofit Organizing, any student in just about any discipline will find a center on campus specially designed for their area of study.

The post 10 Amazing Colleges Without Supplemental Essays appeared first on collegegazette.com.

Depending on your goals, your real-world experience, your academic history, and many other factors, that GPA might open – or close – important doors. But in some cases, it could be a side issue altogether, easily overlooked or overcome.

Having a good college GPA surely doesn’t hurt you. 

But when it’s hard to know exactly how important a college GPA can be in the world after college, it’s a real trick to determine what a “good” GPA would be. 

The type of program, whether a student is full- or part-time, whether or not the student is working while going to school, even the geographic location of the college: all of these factors provide context for a GPA. 

What might be a good GPA in one program might be below average in another.

A “good enough” GPA for some students means one that leads to graduation in four years. 

For somebody else, that GPA needs to stay high enough to maintain scholarship money, to belong to clubs or Honors societies, or to meet the minimum requirements for applications to graduate school. 

It’s all about where the student is heading; short- and long-term goals have to be defined before any benchmarks make sense.

Then there’s the recent topic of grade inflation. 

Not long ago, news that Harvard University defaults most often to A grades for all students spurred widespread concern about student work ethic and the legitimacy of college grading systems. 

Concern was strong enough to cause Harvard to make some changes in its grading scale.

Considering that research shows a long-term shift to higher grades across all branches of education, especially in elite schools, what constitutes a baseline “good” GPA is a moving target. 

But there are some generally accepted standards and useful guidelines to consider when evaluating student GPAs.

What is a Good GPA in College?

Some basic metrics can define a good college GPA. 

In order to achieve cum laude status (the Latin phrase indicating the first level of honor for a college graduate) at most U.S. institutions, a student’s GPA must be at least 3.5 – 3.7. 

For high or highest honors, GPAs would need to be 3.7-3.9 (magna cum laude) or 3.9+ (summa cum laude). 

These GPAs qualify in a very official way as “good,” but depending on a student’s goals for the future, they may or may not be helpful designations.

For a student who dreams of editing the Harvard Law Review, a 3.0 won’t be enough to join the program, even with an honors degree. 

But a 3.0 GPA will meet the minimum benchmark for many graduate programs, and it’s a respectable achievement for a student going straight into the job search or for a student coming from a particularly rigorous college or program, like Engineering.

Conventionfal wisdom for resume writing says to leave off a GPA lower than 3.5, or to provide the GPA from the major only, if it’s higher. The minimum GPA to maintain need-based scholarships or grants, however, is a much more manageable 2.0.

There’s an argument that a very high GPA indicates conformity and a lack of real-world priorities. 

Students who graduate at the top of their classes aren’t usually people willing to disrupt the system they’ve mastered. 

It’s hard to learn resilience if you’ve never made a B. Bill Gates didn’t go to class; Steve Jobs made B’s and C’s in high school and left college. 

Some interviewers admit they hesitate to hire applicants with high GPAs, assuming they may work only a few years and then leave for graduate school.

What is the Average GPA in College?

But GPAs aren’t what they used to be. A 3.0 today doesn’t make the same impression as it would have in 1960. It’s a little below the average of 3.15, or a B+.

Longitudinal research shows that college grade distribution rose 28% over the last 70 years, with A’s now making up nearly half of all grades, while D’s and F’s account for less than 10%. 

The C+ grade still denotes “above average work” on many college grading scales, but professors who give C’s now find themselves facing classrooms full of empty seats. 

Researchers like Louis Goldman and Stuart Rojstaczer have argued that the slow rise of average GPAs will devalue the grading process in general, leaving GPAs relatively meaningless.

Places like MIT, Caltech, and Princeton have instituted policies to counter the widespread inflation of grades seen at universities across the country, seeing an essential need to maintain a sense of rigor and accountability. 

Other schools like Bennington, Sarah Lawrence, and even Yale Law School have moved away from GPA altogether in favor of narrative evaluations and other nontraditional grading formats. 

The idea of the student as a consumer, the shift to holistic grading in some schools, and an overall shift in ideas about authority and equal access to education all contribute to the way instructors evaluate student work.

What Is a Good GPA in Grad School?

Most graduate students still have to think about GPAs, at least for as long as they are still in graduate school. 

Graduate programs require a minimum GPA or progress toward a degree to remain enrolled, and most students maintain higher GPAs in graduate school than they did while undergraduates.

But scholarly research and academic publication generally mean more than grades do in graduate school. 

It’s even possible that too high a GPA in the absence of compelling professional activity would send the message that a student pays too much attention to classwork and not enough to longer-range goals.

The good news: most students in a graduate program work closely with advisors who support and guide them to make the best choices for their field. 

Most programs have scaffolding in place to make sure their students earn grades to sustain their enrollment and their funding, while keeping degree candidates on track with their thesis requirements, their research, and the professional publications necessary to secure a post-doctoral fellowship or to start a career.

If the graduate program is a professional track like Law or Medicine, or if it’s in a largely corporate field like Engineering or Architecture, those GPAs will be important factors when applying for or being placed in internships. 

Some medical residency programs are based only on interviews and recommendations, but those recommendations may be harder to acquire if your GPA is low. 

Human Resources departments of prominent architecture and engineering firms sometimes won’t process an application with a GPA under 3.0.

It’s worth considering that some graduate and professional schools have done away with GPAs completely, considering classes to be high pass, pass, or fail only. 

Often if a student fails a class once, they can retake it. These programs rely on interaction with faculty advisors and evidence of scholarly work to determine whether or not a student is making adequate progress toward a degree, and the focus is on professional academic practice rather than on classroom grades.

What Is a Good GPA and GED Score to Get Into College?

Evaluating high school GPAs brings up yet another set of conditions to consider. 

Selective colleges and universities look for a 3.5 – 4.0 high school GPA range in an unweighted grading scale. 

Smaller schools and community colleges accept students with GPAs as low as 2.0, but even need-based scholarships can have GPA minimums starting around 3.0.

But high schools across the country have adopted weighted scales topping out at as much as 12 points. 

College admissions departments then must adjust these grades back to an unweighted, 4-point scale in order to evaluate students effectively and fairly. 

Every admissions department manages this process differently, but the GPA associated with each student during the admissions process is not necessarily the one on file at their high school guidance office. 

Many schools review a student’s transcript and reassign a GPA based on the school’s own priorities.

Colleges welcome students with GEDs, and there are specific standards there as well. 

While the GED classifies a score of 165-174 as “college-ready,” the higher the score, the better the indication to the admissions department that the student is ready for college-level work. Scores above 175 can even earn college credit at some schools.

Admissions departments would rather see students attempting the highest level coursework offered, wherever and however they attend school. Evidence of consistent interest in a particular area of study can hold more weight with admissions, for instance, than an exceptional GPA.

How Much Does College GPA Matter for Jobs?

There’s also debate as to whether or not GPA matters in the job search. 

GPA might matter, at least for the first job in a graduate’s career. 

A solid GPA can stand in for absent work experience, but it’s not considered to be the best indicator of professional success. 

Many HR departments interpret a strong GPA as evidence of a good work ethic and a sign that a candidate is a fast learner. 

Others see a high GPA and assume the candidate focuses on the short-term picture and may not know how to make critical decisions in practical contexts.

A novice job candidate’s best bet is to foreground meaningful aspects of their resumé or CV: inspirational coursework or academic successes of any kind, relevant practical experience, personal philosophy, or work ethic. 

If special circumstances surround a less-than-stellar academic history, those narratives can make for a stronger application than data ever could. 

Human Resources departments are looking for indicators of critical thinking skills, the ability to work under pressure, and the maturity to work well with a team. GPA can’t tell that story.

There isn’t a gold standard for GPA scores, not in any level of education or in the world after school ends. There is a spectrum of standards, and the measure of excellence lies in each student’s plans, strengths, and ingenuity. Numbers matter, but people matter more.

The post What is a Good GPA in College? appeared first on collegegazette.com.

According to Best Colleges, over 42% of Americans have a college degree. This category includes all degree holders, including associates, masters, and PhD. 

According to the same source, Colorado, Massachusetts, and the District of Columbia boast the highest percentage of college-degree holders. Attesting to the power of these credentials is the fact that these places also boast some of the highest employment rates in the country.

A college education, specifically a bachelor’s degree, has become a milestone baked into our culture. 

The pressure to pursue a college education feels so ubiquitous and overwhelming that we overlook a couple of questions: what exactly is a bachelor’s degree, and is it worth it? 

We will demystify the bachelor’s degree and decide whether it is worth pursuing in the first place.

Most colleges and universities offer bachelor’s degree programs in a variety of fields. There are many advantages to completing one and many ways to go about earning one. 

What, exactly, is a bachelor’s degree? We discuss this in more detail.

Definition of a Bachelor’s Degree

The most basic definition of a bachelor’s degree is the degree that a college or university grants after four years of study. 

There are different types of bachelor’s degrees and it is referred to by various names. The Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) and Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degrees are the most common degrees offered.

Many schools also offer more specialized degrees, such as the Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A) and the Bachelor of Applied Science (B.A.S.) – for students who want to pursue professional education and training for a career in the visual and performing arts or in the applied sciences.

Other specialized bachelor’s degrees include the Bachelor of Library Science, Bachelor of Business Administration, and the Bachelor of Health Science. The Bachelor of Arts provides students the most flexibility and room to dabble in subjects outside of their major.

There is more to a bachelor’s degree than four years of study. For one, it is not unheard of for someone to take more than four years to complete their degree, and some people finish in less time than that. 

In fact, some schools offer 3-year bachelor’s degree programs for select majors.

A bachelor’s degree is synonymous with “college education.” Most institutions offer 4-year degrees, at a minimum. The bachelor’s degree is a ticket to entry-level positions for professional jobs. Most college curricula are designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in a profession.

At most schools, students are required to take classes in writing, humanities, the sciences, and sundry general education requirements. 

General education requirements usually consist of half of the requirements for a bachelor’s degree. The idea underlying this program is to give students a well-rounded education beyond specialized education and training in their intended or declared major.

How Many Years Is a Bachelor’s Degree?

Most bachelor programs are designed with a typical, full-time student in mind. Many students complete their degree within four years, give or take a few months. A bachelor’s degree can take anywhere between 3 to 6 years.

A part-time course load may take longer to complete since the total number of credits taken each semester is lower than that of a full-time course load. If a degree program, for example, requires 120 credits to graduate, a student taking 12-16 credits per semester is more likely to complete this track within four years, assuming that they pass all of their courses.

According to Study.com, more than 60% of students take more than four years to complete their degree. There are various factors at play here. First, not all students are registered full-time. Whether it is because of finances or other circumstances, not all students take on a full-time course-load.

Second, more and more students each year fall under the “nontraditional” category; they are students who balance full-time jobs with their studies, are supporting families, or are older students returning to school after a hiatus. Undergraduate education is no longer only for students aged 18 – 22.

Students who switch their majors in their junior year may take longer to finish their bachelor’s degree. This is especially the case if they are changing from liberal arts to a STEM degree. Typically, Bachelor of Science degrees require more courses and more credits to graduate and require specialized training.

In contrast, a student who comes in with some college credits under their belt from an associate’s degree program or credits from another bachelor’s degree program may finish in 4 years or less.

Other circumstances may prolong the bachelor’s degree timeline, which we have not captured here. While there is nothing inherently wrong with taking longer to finish the degree, more time also means more money in terms of costs and may affect continued financial aid eligibility.

How Many Credits Is a Bachelor’s Degree?

Students pursuing a bachelor’s degree can expect to take around 40 courses over four years or about 120 credits worth of classes. We present this as an estimation because the actual number of credits and courses required differ across programs and schools. 

It helps to glance at various programs at different schools to see what is required for a bachelor’s degree. The examples below are typical for credit requirements for standard, 4-year bachelor programs.

At Stanford University, degree candidates must have completed 180 credits of coursework, comprising credits that fulfill the school’s general education requirements, major requirements. Dual-degree candidates are required to complete a minimum of 225 credits.

Smith College requires degree candidates to complete 128 credits at minimum, 64 of which must be credits of coursework from outside of the declared major. In contrast with Stanford, Smith has an open curriculum that allows students greater flexibility in structuring their bachelor’s degree.

Some schools, such as Binghamton University, offer accelerated/4+1 programs, allowing students to complete bachelor’s degree coursework within the first three years, segueing into master’s level coursework in the 4^th and 5^th years. The requisite undergraduate credits for these hybrid programs can range from 80 to 100 credits.

For a standard, 4-year bachelor’s program, candidates are required to take anywhere from 120 to as many 180 credits – and over well over 200 credits for dual degree applicants. The number of credits for transfer students is typically lower since they have already earned some credits towards a college degree. 

Because the number of credits required for a bachelor’s degree is so varied, we advise anyone looking to apply or transfer to a bachelor’s program to review the school’s specific requirements carefully.

What Are the Best Bachelor’s Degrees?

Some bachelor’s degrees are “best” when it comes to career options and earning potential. 

Others are “best” in terms of versatility or prospects in careers that are rewarding and satisfying.

Strictly in terms of earning potential, STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) degrees are the best bachelor’s degrees to pursue. Engineers of various stripes, accountants, and mathematicians win out on this one. According to PayScale, the top-earning bachelor’s degrees are:

·         Petroleum Engineering

·         Electrical Engineering & Computer Science

·         Applied Economics & Management

·         Operations Research

·         Public Accounting

The entry-level pay for these degrees ranges from $60k to $182k, with a mid-career salary as high as $138k or more. According to GetEducated, there are more STEM jobs than there are skilled professionals to fill in these spots. 

In other words, the demand for STEM professionals is high, making a bachelor’s degree in these fields a promising and lucrative choice.

The list of most popular bachelor’s degrees is more eclectic. The list includes Business, Health Professions, Social Sciences, History, and some of the STEM programs not mentioned above. 

Entry-level and mid-level careers for these degrees have grown at least 5% over the last ten years, and most have and will continue to grow.

The payoff of a Bachelor of Arts degree, particularly in the arts and humanities, is not reducible to earning potential. Rather than condemning graduates to unemployment or working menial jobs, a bachelor’s of arts degree can lead to meaningful careers as technical writers, educators, public relations specialists, and editors.

According to College Ranker, some of the top-earning bachelors of arts degree jobs are economist, public relations specialist, and writers. The earning potential for these occupations and others is increased when graduate degrees are added to the mix.

Bachelor’s Vs. Master’s – What Is the Difference?

There are several key differences between a bachelor’s and master’s degree. A bachelor’s degree is often a prequel to a master’s degree; most master’s programs require applicants to have a bachelor’s degree in a relevant or comparable field. 

Master’s degrees are awarded upon completing higher-level studies in a specific field and usually take 2-3 years to complete.

In the US, the most common master’s degrees are the Master of Arts (M.A.), the Master of Science (M.S.), Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.), and the Master of Fine Arts (M.F.A). 

One master’s degree that is on the rise is the Master of Public Health, which offers many career paths, in addition to the ones that we have covered here.

Master’s degrees offer more in-depth, specialized study and training in a chosen field. A master’s degree candidate in Political Science, for example, will take classes in sub-fields within political science. 

On the other hand, a bachelor’s degree is typically more general and eclectic.

A typical master’s program consists of 30 to 40 credits of coursework. Don’t be fooled by this number; while it is a fraction of the average number of credits required for a bachelor’s degree, graduate coursework is demanding. 

The material covered in a master’s course is advanced; there are more readings, more assignments, more work, and more preparation overall.

The master’s degree can either serve as preparation for doctoral studies and research or as a ticket to advancement in a professional career track. On average, master’s degree holders have better employment prospects and are paid more than someone with only a bachelor’s degree.

For some professions, a bachelor’s degree is not enough. According to US News & World Report, occupations that require a master’s degree include mental health counseling, library science, social work, and urban and regional planning.

In sum, a master’s degree is a level up from a bachelor’s degree.

What Is a Bachelor of Science Degree?

We have already indicated some of the differences between a Bachelor of Arts degree and a Bachelor of Science degree. 

One of the key differences between these degrees is that a Bachelor of Science Course of study tends to be more specialized. B.S. courses are centered on mathematical skills, analytical reasoning, know-how, and problem-solving.

A B.S. curriculum means fewer electives and more courses that count towards the successful completion of a major. The curriculum tends to be math-heavy, and lab work is often a co-requisite with lecture courses. 

The most popular majors that are offered under the Bachelor of Science degree are Chemistry, Physics, Psychology, Biochemistry, Computer Science, Statistics. 

There are as many career options available to Bachelor of Science candidates as there are majors. The degree prepares students for entry-level positions in a wide variety of fields, from health education and environmental policy analysis to astronomy and space sciences. 

According to ZipRecruiter, the median salary for the Bachelor of Science degree is $67,256/year, with an annual salary as high as $154k.

The Bachelor of Science degree is ideal for students who are intensely interested in acquiring practical knowledge and skills in science, technology, and mathematics. The B.S. is also ideal for anyone who wants to apply to med school or do advanced research in the sciences. But, as with its B.A. counterpart, there is no one-size-fits-all approach to the B.S. degree.

Is a Bachelor’s Degree Better Than An Associate’s?

An associate’s degree is awarded as an Associate of Arts (A.A)., Associate of Science (A.S.), or an Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) 

As much as we like a direct and clear-cut answer to the question of whether a bachelor’s degree is better than an associate’s degree, the best answer is: it depends. 

But before we delve into this, we want to review the advantages of pursuing a bachelor’s degree over an associate’s degree.

Upfront, an associate’s degree generally costs less than a bachelor’s degree and takes less time to complete. This is assuming an expected timeframe of 2 years, which is the average amount of time it takes to complete an A.S. The longer it takes, the more it will cost. 

A distinct and frequently cited advantage of pursuing a B.A. or B.S over an associate’s is earning potential. 

For one, bachelor’s degree holders have more career opportunities that are likely to pay well. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, they earn more and are less likely to be unemployed. 

The difference can be anywhere from several hundred dollars to $1k a week, depending on the course of study and other factors.

These stats do not suggest that an associate’s degree is not worth it or that a bachelor’s degree is inherently superior. 

An associate’s degree is an optimal choice for anyone looking to get into the technical and vocational trades. 

While a Bachelor’s degree confers many advantages, there is nothing wrong with deciding to pursue an associate’s degree. It all comes down to educational goals and feasibility.

Can You Go From a Bachelor’s to a PhD?

An undergraduate education, usually a bachelor’s degree, is a necessary foundation for graduate coursework. A master’s degree is often an essential foundation for a PhD program. However, it is possible to apply and enroll in a PhD program fresh out of college.

In the U.S., a master’s degree is often not required for a PhD program. In some PhD programs, a student can earn a Master’s en route to earning the PhD, with the option of pursuing a terminal master’s. 

In many cases, candidates earn a master’s degree from one institution and subsequently apply to a PhD program at another.

There are several advantages to completing master’s level coursework prior to taking on a PhD, especially when coming fresh out of undergrad. 

While the workload of a master’s program is demanding and challenging, the master’s route is an excellent way to ease into the more high-level and intensive work involved in a PhD program. 

Additionally, a master’s offers an opportunity to delve into different topics and areas of specialization within a field before committing to one narrow area of specialization. Master’s degrees are specialized; PhD courses of study are even more so.

Another vital factor to consider is the highly competitive nature of PhD admissions and PhD programs in general. The top doctorate-granting programs in any field are incredibly selective. Not only are applicants vying for a few spots, but they are also competing for funding packages and the opportunity to work with top-notch scholars in their chosen field.

An applicant with only a bachelor’s degree may not be as competitive as an applicant who has garnered some experience in the field via their master’s program. 

Therefore, a master’s degree is a good way to build up a competitive curriculum vitae, which serves as evidence to academic and professional credentials.

Is a Bachelor’s Degree Worth It?

If a bachelor’s degree aligns with desired skills, career goals, and lifestyle, the answer is yes. Overall, bachelor’s degree holders fare better in the job market than associate’s degree holders and certainly better than those with only a high school diploma. But this is only a general picture and does not apply in every case.

There are people with only a high school diploma who do well for themselves. According to a CNBC profile, commercial pilots, air traffic controllers, nuclear technicians, and first-line firefighters can earn as much as $75k a year – without an undergraduate degree. The bonus of a non-college route is no student loans!

Another attractive alternative is the entrepreneurial path. 

Starting a business does not require a bachelor’s degree, even though a few finance and business management courses would help. 

While there are many successful business owners without one, there are many benefits to undergraduate education. A robust social and alumni network is as much an important ingredient for a successful business as money. Thus, another distinct advantage of a bachelor’s degree is social capital.

Overall, the stats paint a favorable picture for a bachelor’s degree. There are other benefits of acquiring a college degree, such as creativity and strong problem-solving skills.

At the end of the day, the worth of a bachelor’s degree depends on desired goals, financial viability, and other highly subjective and individual factors.

The post What Is a Bachelor’s Degree? appeared first on collegegazette.com.

But by the time you reach middle school, things aren’t so simple. If you’re good in English, you might ace Mrs. Johnson’s Language Arts course, earning an easy A while you read The Scarlet Letter. But Coach Thompson’s Algebra class is giving you fits. 

It gets even more complicated once you get to high school. You might earn an A in a standard history course, but your AP psychology course requires three times the work, and you only pulled a B+. That B+ feels a lot more important than your A. 

To help compensate for the difficulty in classes, many schools have instituted a weighted GPA. Simply put, weighted GPA scales give more credit to difficult courses. 

While that might feel good when you’re taking one of those classes, it can be really confusing for people who need to make sense of their GPA. 

It becomes even more vexing when colleges start asking for your grades, and they have requirements for minimum GPAs. When they say you must have a 3.0 GPA, is that weighted or unweighted? And how do you even figure it out? 

As confusing as the process might be, we’re here to help. With this guide, you’ll be able to understand the difference between weighted and unweighted grades. Plus, we’ll tell you how to calculate them yourself, so you can apply to colleges with confidence. 

What is the Difference Between Weighted and Unweighted GPA?

So what are weighted and unweighted GPAs? Here are the main differences between the two.

You might consider calling an unweighted GPA the “raw” or “unchanged” GPA. In other words, it’s a straightforward grade, with no other elements considered. 

If you earn a 3.0 in your math class, a 3.5 in your English class, and a 2.5 in your history class, your unweighted GPA will be the average of the three. You have a GPA of 3.0, with no extra information or elements added. 

Unweighted grades are not considered with the difficulty or value of the class. If you’re in an honors class that has a higher research requirement, it doesn’t count any more than a standard college class. 

Even early college classes, in which high school students take actual freshman college courses in association with a university, have no more value in an unweighted GPA. 

Weighted GPAs exist to give credit to those harder courses. If a course is challenging, then it’s worth more than standard courses. This isn’t to say that those classes aren’t hard; it’s just that honor’s courses or advanced placement courses require more work than your usual college class. 

In most cases, the weighted GPA is measured on a 0 to 5.0, with harder classes earning the higher designation. An A in a standard course earns you a 4.0 grade, while an A in an advanced course gives you a 5.0. 

Do Colleges Look at Weighted or Unweighted GPAs?

While it can certainly feel good to get your report card back and see your GPA is a 4.5, especially when your classmates have a GPA of 4.0 or lower. But it would be even better if colleges take weighted GPAs into account. 

The bad news is that while a weighted GPA might impress your friends, colleges know that grades can go higher than 4.0. More importantly, they know that not every school offers weighted grades and that even really difficult courses are graded the same. 

To keep everything on a level playing field (or, to be more accurate, to decide which students should be accepted and which should not), most schools do not take weighted grades into account. 

In fact, many will even require that students or schools recalculate the grades to be unweighted. Some will also look at other aspects, such as a student’s placement within their class or the actual quality of the courses they studied. 

That sounds a little confusing, so let’s clarify. 

Let’s say two students are applying to the same school. Student A has a weighted grade of 4.5 and Student B has an unweighted grade of 4.0.

While Student A seems more impressive, the college looks at the student’s placement in their grade. Student B is the top student in their grade, while Student A is the 10^th placed student in their class. 

When you look at it this way, it’s clear that Student B has the more impressive credentials, even if their GPA is lower. 

That’s the sort of thing that colleges look at when making admissions decisions. 

How to Calculate Unweighted GPA

Now that we know the difference between unweighted and weighted GPAs, and we know how colleges approach these types of grades, we need to figure out how they’re calculated.

Fortunately, it’s pretty easy to figure out your unweighted GPA, even if you’re an English major. 

The standard 4.0 grading scale connects every 1/10^th of a decimal in your grade to a specific numerical average. To help visualize this, take a look at the way a 3.0 to 4.0 grade is calculated: 

95 – 100 = 4.0 GPA

94 = 3.9

93 = 3.8

92 = 3.7

91 = 3.6

90 = 3.5

89 = 3.4

88 = 3.3

87 = 3.2

86 = 3.1

85 = 3.0

If your grade is a 60 average, it’s assigned a 0.5. If it goes lower than 60, the grade is 0.0. 

So how do we put this into a cumulative unweighted GPA? 

Let’s say you take three classes, and you earn the following grades: 91%, 94%, and 86%. Those translate into the following grades on a 4.0 scale: 3.6, 3.9, and 3.1. 

Add those three together, and you get 10.6. Because you took three classes, that number is divided by three. 

Your weighted GPA then is 3.53.

How to Calculate Weighted GPA

After reading how to calculate unweighted grades, you might assume a weighted GPA is determined with the same method. 

For the most part, that’s true. But there are a few tricks to keep in mind. Namely, individual schools have their own weighting systems, and that system may differ from the one you’re about to see.

It’s important to always check with your school and figure out the formula they’re using before you try to calculate a weighted grade. 

For this example, we’re going to use a general formula. According to this formula, an honors class is worth .5 more and an AP course is worth 1.0 more. 

With that in mind, here’s how an honors scale breaks down: 

95 – 100 = 4.5 GPA

94 = 4.4

93 = 4.3

92 = 4.2

91 = 4.1

90 = 4.0

89 = 3.9

88 = 3.8

87 = 3.7

86 = 3.6

85 = 3.5

And this is the breakdown for the AP scale:

95 – 100 = 5.0 GPA

94 = 4.9

93 = 4.8

92 = 4.7

91 = 4.6

90 = 4.5

89 = 4.4

88 = 4.3

87 = 4.2

86 = 4.1

85 = 4.0

To figure the total grade, we’ll go back to an example of three classes. In this case, you have a standard class in which you earned a 91%, an honors class in which you earned an 85%, and an AP course in which you earned a 92%. 

On the standard scale, your 91% converts to a 3.6. On the honors scale, your 85% is a 3.5. On the AP scale, your 92% is a 4.7. 

Now, you add those three grades together and divide them by three. The total weighted GPA for those three courses is 3.93

What Is Considered a Good Unweighted GPA?

As we’ve seen, unweighted and weighted GPAs can look vastly different. Straight As in an unweighted scale can get you a 4.0 GPA, but you can get that same grade with all Bs (or lower) on a weighted scale. 

How do you know what a good unweighted GPA is?

As that example indicated, the very best GPA on an unweighted scale is 4.0. That means that you’ve earned a 95% or higher in all of your courses. In other words, it’s straight As. 

But straight As are relatively uncommon, and they are not the only good GPA available. 

The best way to decide upon the quality of your GPA is to look at the requirements at schools you want to attend. 

At Harvard, the average unweighted GPA of students entering was 3.94. That means that students earned an A in nearly every class they took, with only one or two instances of an A- or maybe a B+. 

Without question, that’s a good grade. But we all know that Harvard is one of the most demanding schools in the world, so maybe we shouldn’t shoot so high. 

For the University of California, California residents need an unweighted GPA of 3.0 and non-residents need a 3.5. The average GPA may be higher, especially in the higher-end schools in the system, but this gives you an idea of what to expect. 

Simply put, a good unweighted GPA is usually around 3.5 or higher. 

What Is Considered a Good Weighted GPA?

As we’ve already indicated, weighted GPAs are far more complicated. Different schools have their own scales, which makes it difficult to compare grades across institutions. 

That said, there are some standards that one can find by using a general weighted scale like the one listed above. 

Once again, we get our best idea of figuring out a good grade by looking at requirements at various institutions. 

In the North Carolina university system, you must have a weighted grade of 2.5 or more. With that grade, you can apply to a top-level school such as UNC-Chapel Hill. 

But while the average grade at that school is 4.39, a weighted grade of 3.0 or even 2.5 will help get you into smaller UNC schools, such as their branches in Wilmington or Charlotte. 

At the University of Colorado – Boulder, the average weighted GPA of incoming students is between 3.53 and 4.0. 

In other words, the higher your GPA is, the better your application will look. That’s just as true with weighted scales as it is with unweighted scales. 

But in most cases, a weighted grade of 3.5 is considered good, and will at least allow you to apply to most major universities. A weighted grade of 4.0 or higher is very good and will be an impressive part of any application. 

Does GPA Even Matter?

Short answer, yes. Your GPA matters. 

There’s a reason that expected GPAs and minimum GPAs are a standard part of university admissions guidelines. But how much it matters differs according to the school.

In many cases, schools do not list a required GPA. They may insist that you hold a particular ranking in your class or that you have passed certain courses, but they do not have a minimum grade point average. 

In other cases, the GPA requirements can be very different. Take, for example, Johns Hopkins University, one of the top schools in the world. There, you must have at least a 3.0 on an unweighted, 4.0 scale to even be considered for admission. 

Over at a respectable state school like Colorado State University, the requirements are different. For that school, you must earn a 2.8 average GPA on a 4.0 to be considered. 

In both of these cases, the GPA requirement gives applicants an idea of what to expect. 

Ultimately, that’s the best way to look at GPA requirements. As you might guess, you might be able to apply to Johns Hopkins with a 3.0 and to CSU with a 2.8, but most of the students accepted have much higher grades. 

That’s because your GPA is a good indicator of your commitment as a student. Having good grades shows schools that you take your studies seriously, and you know how to work hard. 

If your GPA is lower than the average at a particular college, that doesn’t tell admissions counselors that you aren’t smart. But it does suggest that the workload at the school may be more than you can bear. 

Your GPA matters to schools because it helps them see the student you’ve been, which will relate to the student you’ll become at their institution.

The post Weighted vs. Unweighted GPA – What is the Difference? appeared first on collegegazette.com.

You may have heard of the three Latin honors: cum laude, magna cum laude, and summa cum laude. 

Mainly awarded at colleges and universities, these distinctions are mostly used in the U.S. and a few other institutions around the world.

These certainly aren’t the only form of honors you can earn with your degree. Some schools confer other honors at graduation, such as the Dean’s List, academic distinction, and valedictorian. 

Whichever honors your school uses, they all recognize students with the highest academic performance in their class.

This article will explain summa cum laude: the required GPA, what it means in Latin, and whether it matters in the grand scheme of things. You’ll learn the differences between summa cum laude, magna cum laude, and cum laude. We’ll put all this information in context so that you know exactly what it means to graduate with this honor.

This Is the GPA for Summa Cum Laude

Summa cum laude is the highest Latin honor, given to students with the highest cumulative GPA: 3.9-4.0 or the top 5% of the class. 

There isn’t a national standard for GPAs considered for this honor, so it will depend on the specific stats of your school. 

For high schoolers, earning the summa cum laude could mean earning a cumulative GPA above 4.0. This is possible through acing multiple AP, IB, and weighted honors classes.

Earning Latin honors usually hinges on your GPA, but some schools may also require the successful completion of an honors thesis.

If you’re at the top of your class but don’t get the summa cum laude distinction, that could be because the highest honor at your school is different. 

Sometimes it’s the magna cum laude instead, or sometimes it is simply known as “highest honors.” Sometimes the cutoff for receiving the summa cum laude is as high as the top 1-2% of your class. Every school will do things a bit differently.

Frequently, summa cum laude recipients at universities are chosen based on their performance in their particular college or department. 

For example, engineering students in the top 5% of the College of Engineering can receive the summa cum laude even though their GPA is lower than that of the top 5% of students in the College of Fine Arts. This ensures that students in more academically strenuous disciplines have a fair shot at earning high honors.

Most colleges and high schools that confer these honors host honors convocations, ceremonies where faculty administrators and students give speeches and award special graduation regalia. These can include cords, stoles, medallions, and/or certificates. 

Students in attendance wear their cap and gown and, afterward, take pictures and celebrate with peers, family, and faculty. 

Think of the honors convocation as a smaller, more intimate pre-graduation ceremony among other high achievers in your class.

Meaning of Summa Cum Laude

In the U.S., Latin honors are usually used only for bachelor’s degrees and the Juris Doctor (JD) law degree. They’re generally not conferred for master’s degrees, PhDs, or MD degrees.

Summa cum laude translates from Latin to “with highest honors” or “with highest praise.” 

Harvard College, the undergraduate college of Harvard University, began awarding cum laude and summa cum laude to its graduates in 1869. Starting in 1880, the college introduced magna cum laude. 

Harvard was the first college ever to award Latin honors, and today students must earn at least a 3.956 to be eligible for summa cum laude.

Universities around the world use different honors systems to recognize outstanding undergraduates. 

For example, UK universities often award First-Class Honours to the top 30%, then Upper Second-Class Honours to the next 10% below, and so on. 

Countries once part of the British Commonwealth — including Australia, Hong Kong, Ireland, Jamaica, Pakistan, Nigeria, Singapore, and South Africa — tend to use the British undergraduate degree classification.

Latin honors are primarily used in the U.S., although some institutions in other countries have followed suit. These nations include Israel, Indonesia, the Dominican Republic, the Philippines, and Canada.

There are slight variations in honors systems and naming across a single country and even more variation from country to country. Not every American university uses Latin honors, so expect the same variability when looking across country lines.

Difference Between Magna Cum Laude and Summa Cum Laude

Compared to magna cum laude, summa cum laude is the higher honor. In fact, it’s often the highest. The order for the three Latin honors is generally as follows: 

• cum laude: “with honors” (or “with praise”). GPA requirements range from 3.5-3.7, or even starting as low as 3.0. These graduates are in the top 20-30% of their class, depending on their institution.
• magna cum laude: “with high honors” (also “with great honors” or “with great praise”). GPA requirements range from 3.7-3.9, or even starting as low as 3.4. These graduates are in the top 10-15% of their class, depending on their institution.
• summa cum laude: “with highest honors” (also “with greatest honors” or “with greatest praise”). GPA requirements range from 3.9-4.0. For high schools that award Latin honors, this range can be even higher than 4.0. These graduates are in the top 1-5% of their class, depending on the institution.

As we’ve mentioned, not every school will award all three Latin honors. Some will only recognize cum laude and magna cum laude, while others only magna cum laude and summa cum laude. Some institutions only award the summa cum laude in exceptional cases, such as for the absolute top student of the entire class.

Plus, instead of only setting aside the top students overall, large universities often take the top students from each individual college or department. This enables a more equitable chance at earning the school’s top distinctions at graduation.

As far as the differences between magna cum laude and summa cum laude go, they’re relatively minuscule. 

Both types of recipients are exceptional academic achievers. These students are likely to have also earned special recognition from their major department or faculty within that department. 

However, it’s important to note that academic or disciplinary violations can disqualify you from receiving Latin honors, regardless of your final GPA.

Does Summa Cum Laude Matter?

And now, the moment of truth: does summa cum laude really matter?

Considering that more and more highly qualified students have graduated with Latin honors in recent years — sometimes more than those who didn’t graduate with honors — the answer seems to be maybe.

For example, more than half of the 2018 graduating class of Middlebury College graduated with Latin honors, since the GPA eligibility requirement was at least 3.4. 

It’s never a bad thing for students to be doing so well, but the phenomenon has caused officials at colleges and universities nationwide to rethink their eligibility criteria so that the honor isn’t diluted.

That said, it’s true that summa cum laude earners make up the tiniest fraction of Latin honors recipients. It’s the most selective of the three tiers, and it represents the very best that the school has educated.

Latin honors are most helpful in helping students get placements in competitive fields of employment or top-tier graduate schools. 

All the said, magna cum laude and summa cum laude, in particular, are helpful for job candidates in finance, management, consulting, and engineering. These fields tend to require the most technical knowledge, so if you demonstrate how well you’ve learned them in college, you’ll be a stronger candidate to employers.

Latin honors are also helpful in terms of landing an entry-level position straight out of college, but afterward, work experience tends to take precedence. This is because, in the long run, real-world experience is more valuable than academic performance.

So to conclude: yes, summa cum laude matters, but only in certain circumstances. If these circumstances don’t apply to you (you’re not going into finance or applying to grad school), it’s nice to have a Latin honor, but you shouldn’t stress if you don’t get one.

Bottom line: people are rarely rejected for a specific opportunity solely based on the type of Latin honor they received upon graduation. Ultimately, your holistic knowledge and experience matter more, so be sure to emphasize the skills you can bring to the table rather than the Latin honors you don’t have.

The post What is the GPA for Summa Cum Laude? appeared first on collegegazette.com.

Because life is complex and unpredictable, some people simply cannot go down the conventional route to a bachelor’s degree in one shot. 

For these reasons and many more, we believe that community college is a compelling option for anyone who wants to continue or expand their education beyond high school without going broke, giving up gainful employment, or diving headfirst into higher education.

We are here to shine the spotlight on community colleges, for once. Community colleges seldom get the attention they deserve, even though they help millions of Americans achieve their educational and career goals. 

According to the Department of Education, there are more than 1,400 community colleges across the country. More than 1,000 are public institutions offering two-year degrees in the liberal arts, sciences, general studies, health professions, and many more. In 2019 alone, well over 800,000 associate degrees were awarded by community colleges. According to Community College Review, more and more high school graduates are choosing community colleges over four-year institutions. This trend will likely continue because of the state of the economy.

With all of that said, opting for community college is a sensible choice, and you will not be the odd-one-out among your peers for doing so. Here, we give you an overview of community college and what it has to offer.

Definition of a Community College

Let us clarify what makes a community college a community college.

Community colleges, also known as junior colleges in the United States, are two-year institutions of postsecondary education. They are primarily public degree-granting institutions that serve as a bridge between high school and traditional, four-year colleges. Many people, specifically those in the 18-24 age cohort, enroll in a junior college with the intention of transferring to a four-year college or university upon completing a two-year program.

However, let us disabuse you of the notion that community colleges are solely “pipelines” to four-year institutions. Many junior colleges offer GED programs and other forms of remedial education for those who have been out of school and in the workforce for some time. Some community colleges offer high school diplomas, technical degrees, and various other certifications that help polish your resume and boost your employment profile. For this reason, community colleges tend to draw a high percentage of nontraditional students, which include retirees, working adults, and older adults.

Community colleges pride themselves in their greater flexibility and ability to accommodate the needs of the average student. Most community college students are 18 to 24 years of age, who make up roughly 40% of the student body. According to one source, retirees and working adults make up a sizable percentage of students enrolled at community colleges. There is no pressure to follow the conventional and seemingly clear-cut path to education beyond high school. And it is never too late to start or expand your education!

The associate’s degree is the most common diploma offered by community colleges, although a small handful do offer four-year degrees. Many community colleges have open enrollment policies, meaning that, in most cases, you will be admitted as long you have a high school diploma or a GED and fulfill other basic requirements. A community college will not likely turn you away if you have less than stellar grades in high school!  

In sum, community colleges can serve as pathways to a four-year educational program. They are also a means for buffing up one’s resume and credentials without having to leave the workforce. Community colleges are an affordable and flexible choice for anyone who wants to expand their opportunities and horizons, without breaking the bank or throwing off your work-life balance.

Are Community Colleges Free?

Most community colleges are not free.

However, tuition and fees at a junior college are less likely to induce sticker-shock than say your typical four-year institution of higher education. But community colleges are not free, for the most part, just more affordable. 

However, there has been some ongoing discussion about making community college free nationwide. So far, this has not come to full fruition. That said, there are a handful of states that have made community college free in various ways.

These “tuition-free” programs that are available vary widely and many come with stipulations and specific eligibility requirements. For example, New York offers a tuition-free program, the Excelsior Scholarship, which is available to students from families making less than $125k a year. It is applicable to both two-year and four-year programs, provided that the school of choice is part of the CUNY or SUNY system. 

Another example is the Arkansas Future Grant, which is available to students enrolled in a STEM program and available on a first come, first serve basis to students who graduated from a public high school in Arkansas. You would not be eligible for this grant if your heart is set on a humanities degree.

Another program, the Hawaii Promise Scholarship, is only applicable to eligible Hawaii Community College students who have demonstrated financial need and have exhausted all other forms of financial aid. This is an example of a “last dollar” program. As we said, community colleges are generous in the financial aid they offer to prospective students, but the formula varies greatly.

Our advice is that you should research financial aid and scholarship options available to you in your state and at your local community colleges. You may want to ask your high school guidance counselor, your community college advisor, go to your local library, or community college bursar office to help steer you in the right direction. It is essential to read the fine print since many “free-tuition” programs have eligibility requirements and stipulations, as shown in the examples above.

Ranking of Community Colleges

Another question that may be swirling around in your mind is what makes a great community college and what are some of the best community colleges out there?

Some of the selection criteria for great community colleges are not entirely different from those for four-year colleges. Factors such as post-graduation outcomes, degree completion, and return on investment are just as important. One respect in which junior college is unique is its ability to allow students a path to a four-year degree. The quality of a community college can be evaluated in terms of how many of their graduates successfully transfer to a four-year degree granting institution. Flexibility in scheduling options may be a factor that is more relevant for gauging the quality of a community college versus that of a typical college.

Let’s take a look at some quality community colleges and what makes them stand out.

According to WalletHub, the State Technical College of Missouri, also known as State Tech for short, is the highest-ranking community college in the US based on a blend of career outcomes, educational outcomes, and cost-financing options. State Tech boasts a 99% job placement rate and a 73% graduation rate, and some of their graduates even out-earn their bachelor’s degree-holding counterparts. In 2018, it was recognized by Forbes as the nation’s “3^rd-best 2 year college.” 

Likewise, Santa Barbara City College was also listed among top 10 community colleges with stellar transfer and graduation rates. The junior college was praised for expanding its already broad number of options to include another 25 programs online. These fully online degrees and certificate programs include everything from medical coding to marketing. Additionally, the college is recognized for making social mobility possible for students from disadvantaged background.

Benefits of Community College

Two of the benefits of attending community college have already been mentioned: low cost and flexibility in terms of the enrollment-to-degree-completion timeline. Some of the additional benefits of junior colleges include smaller class sizes and individualized attention. If you are concerned cost and affordability, financial aid is as accessible for community college students as it is for students at more traditional, four-year institutions.

Part of the academic flexibility offered by community colleges is the work-life balance that is desired and needed by many working adults. If you are juggling work, family life, and studies, earning a degree at your pace is a viable option. You can take classes part-time or during the evening. According to the US News & World Report, more than 50% of community college students attend school part-time.

We have emphasized that most students enroll at community college intending to transfer to a four-year institution. Another advantage offered by many community colleges is transfer agreements with local and regional, four-year universities and colleges. For example, SUNY Broome Community College in upstate New York offers the Binghamton Advantage Program (BAP), which is a two-year, joint program between the community college and Binghamton University that allows students to live on the BU campus while completing coursework at the community college. After a year or two, students can transfer to Binghamton University full time.

Another benefit of attending community college is that these schools have a finger on the pulse of the latest economic and technological trends in the labor market, providing professional degree programs and certificates in STEM fields and other rapidly growing industries. An increasing number of community colleges partner with businesses and organizations to train and keep the workforce apace with the latest economic and technological trends.

Requirements for Community College

We have also mentioned at the beginning that many, if not all, community colleges have open admissions policies. We will explain what this means and how it ties into the general admissions requirements for community colleges.

Open admissions means that the minimum requirement for admission is a high school diploma or a GED. Besides this requirement, the admission into the school is non-competitive. Prospective students need to complete and submit and apply and prove a GED or high school diploma.

While community colleges generally have open admissions policies, there are programs within a school that may require extra steps or additional criteria for admission. The Nursing program at Tompkins Cortland Community College, for example, has a selective admissions process since there are more applicants than spots available. To be considered for admission, applicants need to submit personal statements and references, along with their GPA and grades in Science and Math courses. The process may also require an interview or entrance exam. The average GPA for enrolled students is 3.4, making admissions into the nursing program way more competitive than admission into the general community college.

Other requirements may apply. Contrary to popular belief, some community colleges may require SAT or ACT scores. Additional admission requirements include evidence of a VISA or green card for international students. 

In some cases, students transferring from a four-year college with a GPA of less than 2.0 may not find the admissions process as smooth since the 2.0 is below the minimum transfer GPA needed for being admitted into many community colleges. For a variety of reasons, a certain college may experience a surge in the number of applicants for a given year. In this case, the junior college may decide to tighten the admissions process because the finite number of spots means that not every applicant can be admitted.

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For many students, attending community college is the logical next step in attaining an ideal education. With generally friendlier requirements than traditional universities, lower tuitions, and excellent job outcomes, community colleges may very well be the future of education.

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